Smoker took the manual from Bai Yu with a puzzled expression.
He opened it and flipped through the pages.
Soon, Smoker's face was filled with shock.
"This is... Haki training methods and application techniques?!"
He exclaimed, his voice rising nearly an octave in disbelief.
Because written within the manual were detailed methods for training Busoshoku Haki (Armament Haki) and Kenbunshoku Haki (Observation Haki)—along with ways to effectively apply them.
And not just that—every section was written in a highly accessible and intuitive manner, meticulously explained in detail.
This was something Smoker had never had access to before!
"Exactly," Bai Yu smiled and nodded.
"You're different from Maya and the others. Your foundation is stronger than theirs."
"You don't need to start from zero."
"The fastest way for you to improve right now is to master Haki."
Bai Yu explained calmly.
Before handing the system-generated manual to Smoker, Bai Yu had already reviewed it carefully.
The manual's training paths were broadly split into two categories.
One: Haki.
Although Smoker couldn't cultivate all three types of Haki, he did have latent potential for Kenbunshoku and Busoshoku.
Especially the latter—Armament Haki. It was vital if he ever faced another Logia-type user. With Armament Haki, he wouldn't have to rely on external tools like Kairoseki (Seastone) weapons to counter intangibility.
What's more, any opponent who could wield Haki would require Smoker to answer in kind. Otherwise, he'd be overwhelmed.
The second focus: Advanced Devil Fruit Development.
Every Devil Fruit user gains a set ability, but their true power depends on how far they develop it. These developments are often split into basic and advanced stages.
Take Donquixote Doflamingo for instance—his String-String Fruit (Ito Ito no Mi) reached the level of Awakening, a higher-level transformation that only a few can achieve.
Each type of fruit awakens differently.
Zoan-types grant a massive boost to physical power and regeneration upon awakening—though the price of failure brings serious side effects.
Paramecia-types, once awakened, allow the user to affect their surroundings—turning the environment into an extension of their ability.
The system's reward for Smoker included a unique development path—guidance for awakening the Smoke-Smoke Fruit (Moku Moku no Mi).
This was the first time Bai Yu had encountered such content. (Since it hasn't been officially revealed in canon, the following is speculative.)
It is hypothesized that awakening a Logia fruit involves altering the environment on a large scale—possibly even permanently. (As hinted by the climatic devastation of Punk Hazard, where Aokiji and Akainu's battle froze and scorched the island for good.)
If Smoker reached this state, his power would take a massive leap forward.
That said, Bai Yu deliberately withheld the Awakening section of the manual for now.
The current priority: mastering Haki.
---
Time passed swiftly. Two days went by.
During this time, Bai Yu didn't pursue any new mission rewards related to swordsmanship.
Instead, he focused on adapting to the dual-sword style.
Whenever he had spare time, Bai Yu personally coached the four trainees—especially Smoker.
Under the slightly relaxed atmosphere, the Navy warship they were aboard finally returned to the central route of the Grand Line.
They arrived at Marineford, the Navy Headquarters.
"Bai Yu!!"
As soon as they disembarked, a loud voice boomed from afar.
Garp strode toward them with his signature booming laugh.
"Gahahaha! You've grown, brat! Really promising!"
Whoosh!
Before anyone could react, Garp suddenly vanished from sight—
—and reappeared in front of Bai Yu at near-instant speed.
Without warning, he threw a punch straight at Bai Yu's face.
"Tch. Old man, can't you ever change your greeting?"
Bai Yu seemed well-prepared.
With a strange sliding motion, he leaned back, braced his palm, and drew his scabbard across his body—blocking the punch with the sheath of his cherrywood blade.
CLANG!
BOOM!
Though the two seemed to be chatting casually, the impact of Garp's fist shook the ground beneath Bai Yu, leaving a deep crater where he stood!
"…Wha—?!"
Maya and the others stared in disbelief, their jaws dropping.
They couldn't believe the sheer force Garp had casually unleashed—and that Bai Yu had blocked it without injury.
"Not bad," Garp grinned.
"You've gotten a lot sharper since last time."
He retracted his fist calmly.
"Come. I'll take you to see Sengoku."
Garp said, motioning with his hand.
"What about Caesar?" Bai Yu asked, glancing at Smoker.
Understanding the cue, Smoker dragged Caesar Clown off the ship.
"This guy? Just hand him off to someone else. It's not like he's gonna escape here."
Garp gestured to a squad of nearby officers.
Moments later, several Headquarters Brigadiers and soldiers approached.
They nodded to Bai Yu and Smoker, then took Caesar into custody and escorted him toward the internal holding cells.
"You all wait here. I'll be right back."
Bai Yu said to Maya and the others.
Then, he followed Garp into the Headquarters' main building.
---
Soon, Garp and Bai Yu arrived at the office of Fleet Admiral Sengoku.
At this moment, all three Admirals—Akainu, Aokiji, and Kizaru—were also present.
"So, you're Bai Yu."
"Please, have a seat."
Sengoku said warmly the moment Garp entered with Bai Yu.
Bai Yu nodded politely and sat beside Garp.
"Let's discuss the Doflamingo matter in more detail."
"Especially the SMILE artificial Devil Fruits, and the giantification experiments you mentioned in your report."
After Bai Yu had taken down Doflamingo, he had already submitted a preliminary report to Marineford.
However, given the limitations of long-distance communication, many details were unclear.
Now, Sengoku and the Admirals wanted to hear the full story directly from him.
"I stumbled upon Doflamingo's crimes by chance," Bai Yu began.
He recounted how he first captured Caesar and lured Doflamingo into action.
He glossed over a few parts—fabricating a plausible cover to avoid sensitive revelations.
"You also killed Sasaki?"
Garp suddenly blurted out in surprise.
Bai Yu's report had focused primarily on Doflamingo. He hadn't mentioned that Sasaki, one of Kaido's Tobi Roppo, had also been involved—and killed.
"Yeah." Bai Yu nodded plainly.
The expressions of those in the room grew grim.
"Is something wrong?" Bai Yu asked, noticing their reactions.
"Wrong? That's a huge problem," Garp muttered.
"Kaido treats his inner circle like family."
"Killing Sasaki? That's personal. Kaido won't let this slide."
Kindly subscribe to my Patreon for as low as $5. Currently at Chapter 205 on Patreon.
Five new chapters are uploaded on Patreon every two days.
One new chapter is uploaded every two days on webnovel.
For more benefits, use Patreon.
patreon.com/FrancisMW
Other options are available depending on your tier ($10,$15 and $20)
Enjoy new chapters.