Finally broke through 90 points!
Predict the future!
"Seeing" the "data" of his own physical condition and abilities, even Daren—usually so composed and calm—couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion welling up inside him.
He couldn't even remember how long his Observation Haki had been stuck at this bottleneck.
Ever since he started his training, refining his innate "perception" abilities to strengthen himself, mastering Observation Haki had proven to be the most challenging aspect.
Part of the difficulty, as Redfield the old codger had said, was that advancing Observation Haki heavily relied on mental discipline. Maintaining a calm and rational state was essential to progress.
However, Daren's fighting style inherited the bold, uncompromising "brute force" traditions of the older Marine generation, like Garp and Zephyr, mixed with the frenzied, "do or die" madness of fighters like Shiki and Bullet. After awakening his Devil Fruit powers, he had fully embraced the chaotic nature of his magnetic abilities… With so many conflicting factors, it was incredibly difficult for him to maintain the "cool and rational" mindset required.
On top of that, his powerful physique granted him a higher tolerance for error than most, especially in life-or-death combat. This had cultivated a fighting habit where he preferred trading blows rather than dodging.
The combination of these habits caused his Observation Haki training to stagnate, and he had been stuck, unable to break through the 90-point barrier.
But now, with Redfield's guidance, he had finally succeeded.
Daren exhaled a long, heavy breath, and a smile involuntarily curled on his lips. After adjusting his breathing, the light in his eyes gradually gathered and focused, plunging him into a state of deep, serene immersion.
A strange crimson glow flickered in his pupils. Even in the pitch-black, gloomy environment, everything around him became crystal clear in his mind.
Prisoners in the cells stared at him nervously, holding their breath, afraid of drawing his attention.
Magellan stood by the exit gate, obediently watching with curiosity.
At the deepest part of the prison, "Red the Aloof" Redfield leaned against the wall, eyes closed in quiet meditation. But suddenly, as though sensing something, he opened his eyes slightly, glanced at Daren, then closed them again, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
Daren's Observation Haki continued to expand outward…
Fifth Underground Level: The Frozen Hell. Prisoners, frozen stiff like mummies, shivered uncontrollably in the ice and snow.
Fourth Underground Level: The Burning Hell. Warden Borgus snored loudly in his private office, a bubble inflating and deflating on his nose.
Third Underground Level: Hunger Hell. Starved prisoners, their skin stretched taut over their bones, wailed weakly.
Second Underground Level: Beast Hell. The floor's leader, Sphinx, strode proudly with his minions, chasing a group of prisoners until they were flushed and gasping for breath…
As Daren's Observation Haki expanded, every detail within the entire Impel Down was laid bare before his eyes.
But the most astonishing thing was this: whenever he fully focused his mind, entering a state of calm detachment, he could even "see" scenes that didn't actually exist.
If the world had a river of time, then the "scenes" Daren "saw" were fragments pulled from its future.
He "saw" Warden Borgus's snot bubble suddenly burst, and a few seconds later, it did indeed burst.
He "saw" a prisoner being chased by beastly guards suddenly stumble and fall, and sure enough, seconds later, the prisoner fell.
…
Similar scenes flashed through Daren's mind like a whirlwind. An indescribable sense of control and pride instantly filled his heart. Everything he saw, and the perspective from which he "saw" it, made him feel as if he had become an omnipotent deity. From a lofty vantage point, he "watched" everything within his perception.
This was…
"Foreseeing the future."
Daren exhaled sharply, his pupils rapidly focusing as he snapped out of that detached, rational state.
"It really is amazing..."
He shook his head, savoring the sensation from moments ago, unable to suppress a quiet chuckle. The sheer thrill and sense of superiority from this godlike perspective was undeniably overwhelming. If one frequently used this ability to observe every change around them, it could even foster an illusion of omnipotence.
"So... this is why that brat Katakuri has always been so cocky?"
Daren couldn't help but think of Katakuri. Through his innate talent and relentless training, Katakuri had pushed his Observation Haki to the point of predicting the future. The pride that must burn within him was easy to imagine.
But…
Daren massaged his temples, easing the tension in his nerves.
"Seems like it puts quite a strain on the brain and nerves too."
After this small test, Daren had gained a preliminary grasp of the wonder and uniqueness of this "future-seeing" ability, while also getting a sense of the physical energy it consumed when activated. However, this was largely because he had only just mastered it and wasn't yet proficient in its use. Once he grew more accustomed to it and mastered it thoroughly, he was confident he'd adapt soon enough. The energy drain was secondary. For Daren, the real challenge of the Observation Haki lay in maintaining a calm and rational mental state.
"But I just feel this itch to use it..."
Daren muttered softly, lifting his head and instinctively glancing toward the surrounding cells.
Swish! Swish! Swish!
The curious figures peering out from the cells immediately retracted, facing the corners and practically burying their heads against the walls.
Daren: "..."
Alright, looks like that opportunity's gone. He shrugged and grinned.
"Well then, thank you all for looking after me these past few days."
Daren's words immediately drew a flurry of quick replies.
"Not at all, not at all."
"It's only right, it's only right."
"No problem!"
"It's what we should do!"
"..."
Daren smiled, turning toward the gate.
"Well then, farewell. If I get the chance, I'll come back to visit you all."
In unison, the prisoners silently thought:
'Please don't come back...'
"Daren, what are you up to?"
At that moment, Redfield, deep within the prison, suddenly opened his eyes and asked with a piercing gaze.
Daren paused, turned back, and smiled.
"A soldier who gets a brand-new gun—how could he not test it out?"
Redfield froze.
"You... you're going to Mary Geoise!?"