CHAPTER 15

"Then, I will personally guide you in the training of Armament Haki and Observation Haki."

Hearing Ayr's response, Rocks D. Xebec grinned in satisfaction.

After all, Rocks had already mastered the pinnacle of both Armament Haki and Observation Haki. His understanding of these two abilities far surpassed that of most others.

However, there was one thing he wouldn't teach Ayr.

Conqueror's Haki.

Not because he was unwilling, but because Conqueror's Haki cannot be trained.

It is a power that stems from an individual's will and dominance, something that only evolves through growth, ambition, and sheer force of personality. Only those with an overwhelming presence and spiritual power can refine it further.

"You should already know that Armament Haki comes from an invisible force—an armor that reinforces the body and attacks. To deepen your mastery, you must…"

"Observation Haki, on the other hand, heightens your five senses. It allows you to predict movements, sense presences, and even see into the hearts of others. If you wish to advance further, you must…"

Ayr listened attentively.

Time passed quickly.

Hours slipped away as Rocks continued his instruction. However, this training was not purely about combat—it was also a battle of will and ideology.

During the process, Rocks subtly attempted to manipulate Ayr's mindset, trying to shape his beliefs and loyalty toward himself.

But just as Ayr was absorbing everything, a familiar sound echoed in his mind.

Ding!

"Congratulations, Host! Armament Haki has reached mid-tier!"

"Congratulations, Host! Observation Haki has reached mid-tier!"

"Promotion achieved!"

Ayr's lips curled into a slight smile.

For an entire year, he had fought countless battles at sea, tirelessly refining his Haki, slowly inching toward improvement.

Yet, under Rocks' personal guidance, he experienced an epiphany, and his Haki broke through in an instant!

Rocks truly lived up to his legend.

If it weren't for Rocks' direct instruction, Ayr would have taken much longer to push his Armament and Observation Haki to the second stage.

Accepting Rocks' offer was one of the best decisions he had made.

Ayr's mood soared, and in the next moment, a dense layer of jet-black Armament Haki wrapped around his arm, exuding immense power.

This… this was the second stage of Armament Haki!

Compared to before, its hardness, durability, and offensive strength had skyrocketed!

His mastery over both Observation and Armament Haki had grown significantly, pushing him one step closer to true power.

Rocks raised an eyebrow, eyes narrowing slightly as he observed Ayr's transformation.

"Huh? This kid… His talent is even more terrifying than I thought."

Despite his vast experience, Rocks found himself surprised.

Many pirates spend their entire lives failing to even touch Armament Haki. Some manage to awaken it but remain stagnant, unable to push beyond the basics.

But Ayr?

Under a few hours of training, he had already leaped forward—directly breaking into the second stage.

Even Rocks, with all his might and experience, couldn't help but acknowledge the frightening potential before him.

"Captain Rocks, I should be the one thanking you." Ayr smirked. "Without your guidance, it would've taken me much longer to refine my Haki."

Rocks blinked.

"Wait… Even your Observation Haki advanced?"

Even with his calm and composed demeanor, Rocks was momentarily taken aback.

First, Ayr had a breakthrough in Armament Haki, which was already a shock.

But now, even Observation Haki had jumped in power?!

The young man before him was becoming more unpredictable by the second.

A strange thought entered Rocks' mind.

"If you and I were born in the same era, Ayr… you would be my greatest obstacle."

For the first time in years, Rocks felt something unfamiliar—uncertainty.

He had always seen himself as the strongest among his generation, surpassing Whitebeard, Golden Lion, Charlotte Linlin, and Kaido.

But Ayr?

This boy made him… hesitate.

Of course, such concerns were for the distant future. Right now, he still stood at the pinnacle of this era.

Regardless of how much potential Ayr possessed, he was still far too weak to challenge him.

But if Ayr continued to grow…

Perhaps one day, he would become the defining force of the next generation.

"Hah, I was just joking, Captain Rocks." Ayr chuckled.

He wasn't worried in the slightest.

If he and Rocks had started at the same time, Ayr had no doubt he would eventually surpass him.

After all—

Could Rocks' strength compare to the power of his system?

Not a chance.

"That's enough training for today," Rocks finally said. "If you ever need further guidance, come find me."

"Understood."

Having tasted the benefits of Rocks' instruction, Ayr had no intention of stopping.

If he ever encountered a bottleneck, he would definitely return to sharpen his skills under Rocks' guidance.

After all—who would refuse to be trained by the strongest pirate of this era?

"In the future, don't disappoint me, Ayr." Rocks patted him on the shoulder before walking away, leaving behind a cryptic remark.

Ayr smirked.

"Such little trust in me, huh?"

Watching Rocks' departing figure, he couldn't help but feel amused.

But Rocks had every reason to be cautious.

After all—the entire crew was filled with individuals with their own ambitions.

Ayr didn't dwell on it. He turned toward his cabin, preparing to rest.

However, just as he neared his door, a tall shadow loomed under the moonlight.

A familiar figure stood in front of his room.

Ayr narrowed his eyes.

"Huh? Edward Newgate?"

That's right—standing before his doorway was none other than the man who would one day be known as the strongest man in the world—Whitebeard!

Ayr had just joined the Rocks Pirates, and the two had never even exchanged a single word.

Yet, here Whitebeard was, waiting for him.

Why?

Ayr's mind raced.

What business did Whitebeard have with him?

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