A calm state of mind...
Is my heart really not pure enough?
Hearing Redfield's words, Daren froze for a moment, then sank into deep thought.
The other criminals eavesdropping within Eternal Hell also tried to make sense of it. Most of them, however, didn't understand a thing. They scratched their heads and tugged at their ears in frustration, their faces turning red as they tried to grasp the meaning behind Redfield's words.
"Red the Aloof" Redfield, on the other hand, didn't rush to speak further. He simply sat there quietly, tending to his wounds. Though he was inwardly shaken by the sheer power of Daren's attacks, he couldn't help cursing silently to himself.
This insane brat beats me half to death, and now I'm the one giving him advice on how to train...
The corner of his mouth twitched.
Still, he didn't pay too much attention to his injuries. After all, a man who had roamed the seas for decades was long accustomed to pain and bloodshed. For those at their level, exchanging fierce blows or having a good brawl upon meeting was practically a casual form of greeting.
He just hadn't expected this brat to be so monstrously strong—and instead of greeting Daren, he'd ended up on the receiving end.
Recalling Daren's earlier words—"Only by growing stronger can one survive"—Redfield couldn't help but feel a trace of emotion.
'The young ones these days are even crazier than we were back then...'
...
While everyone else was lost in their own thoughts, Daren's mind was racing.
He had to admit—the old man's analysis made perfect sense.
The foundation of Observation Haki truly was a calm and steady state of mind.
When emotions flared or reason was lost, Observation Haki couldn't function.
Unfortunately for Daren, whenever he entered his Magnetic Field Rotation state, the overwhelming pain and pressure placed on his body would unleash a power that even he couldn't fully control. That power pushed him into a savage, almost berserk state.
In that frenzy, a destructive urge would flood his mind. His killing intent and fighting spirit would soar, which in turn would amplify both his Armament Haki and Conqueror's Haki.
But his Observation Haki—remained dead still.
Yet within that "Magnetic Field Rotation" state, Daren's physical prowess became so overwhelming that even without Observation Haki, he could exert power beyond imagination.
He didn't need to dodge or block.
With the defense granted by his "Indestructible Body," coupled with the enhanced muscle activation and neural reflexes of his "Lightning Armor," Daren could simply ignore most attacks outright, pouring every ounce of energy into pure, explosive offense.
No Observation Haki?
It didn't matter.
Relying on Observation Haki for passive defense and waiting for a counterattack was never Daren's style.
He charged straight in—attack first, break everything in his path.
That was his way.
It was a tactic of mutual destruction—either his opponent died, or he did. And among all the fighters across these seas, only a handful could endure such a frenzied approach.
But even so, such reckless methods couldn't last forever.
As his opponents grew stronger, the pressure he faced would only increase.
In one-on-one combat, Daren could rely on his sheer durability to withstand surprise attacks. But in coordinated battles, Observation Haki became essential.
Especially if he could refine it to its peak—unlocking the advanced ability to "see into the future." If he managed to maintain that state even while using Magnetic Field Rotation, his combat power would surge to an entirely new level.
The question was—how does one truly grasp this "power of the heart"?
At that thought, Daren's eyes flickered slightly as he asked carefully,
"So, do you have a solution?"
Redfield replied calmly,
"Maintaining the purity of the heart isn't something that can be taught."
"You must quiet your mind and comprehend it on your own... Cast aside your five senses, and feel the world through your heart."
Daren frowned.
This kind of vague, mystical talk was exactly the sort of thing he had no patience for.
Purity of heart... Was this supposed to make him some kind of idiot?
Too much trouble.
"Can't we just fight instead?"
He suddenly asked,
"I've heard of people who sparred against someone capable of foreseeing the future through Observation Haki—and after that fight, they awakened it themselves."
Redfield gave him a flat look.
"Who?"
His tone was irritated.
"Impossible! If it were that simple, then every person I've ever defeated would already be able to see the future!"
Daren thought to himself, Yeah, I don't really believe it either... but there are people who actually managed it.
And not just with future-sight. Some even awakened Ryuo and Conqueror's Haki coating—just by fighting.
But then again, that was the legendary Sun God we're talking about. No comparison to ordinary people.
"Then how did you train your Observation Haki to such a level?"
Daren asked again.
Redfield gave him a faint smile.
"I'm different. My Observation Haki... was innate."
Daren: "..."
"Maybe we should just fight it out instead," Daren said flatly, clenching his fists as faint arcs of electricity danced across his skin.
"—Actually, there is another way you could try."
Redfield's expression turned serious as his tone deepened.
"That violent, frenzied state you enter—it's one of the side effects of your Devil Fruit awakening."
"So, I suggest you start from there."
Daren narrowed his eyes.
"What do I need to do?"
Redfield spoke in a low, steady voice.
"Suppress your Devil Fruit ability."
"Seal off your awakened power, and under that restriction, train your Observation Haki through disciplined practice."
"Temper your mind and will. Let your thoughts become clear and pure. Once your Observation Haki breaks through to the level of seeing the future, then you can remove the seal."
"In that state, with your Observation Haki already evolved, you'll be able to maintain clarity and composure even while fully awakened."
Daren furrowed his brows.
"Suppress my Devil Fruit ability... what do you mean?"
"Red the Aloof" smiled faintly.
"Exactly this."
He extended a hand and picked up the cold, heavy shackles lying on the ground.
"You'll need to put these on... and here, in this place—receive my guidance."