"Then I'll personally guide you in the training of Armament and Observation Haki."
Hearing Ayr's answer, Rocks grinned with approval. He had long since mastered both Armament and Observation Haki to their peak. His understanding of these two Haki was unmatched, even among the monsters of the New World.
He didn't mention Conqueror's Haki, not because he was hiding it, but because there was no real way to teach it. That power couldn't be trained in the conventional sense, it was something that could only grow as the wielder's spirit and aura matured.
"I'm sure you already understand," Rocks said slowly, "Armament Haki comes from an invisible force. Like armor, it draws power from your body's core. To master it, you must learn to control that force down to the smallest motion."
"And Observation Haki," he continued, "is a power of the five senses. You must awaken the instincts buried in your body, sharpen your perception, and stretch your awareness beyond what sight alone can offer."
Ayr nodded, listening intently as Rocks laid out his philosophy. Hours passed as the two remained there, Ayr training, Rocks instructing.
But behind the words, there was something more, Rocks wasn't just teaching him Haki, he was planting ideas, trying to water the seed loyalty.
A familiar voice echoed in Ayr's mind.
[Congratulations, Host. Armament Haki has reached Intermediate Level.]
[Congratulations, Host. Observation Haki has reached Intermediate Level.]
"Promoted…?" Ayr muttered, a surprised smile forming on his lips.
He'd spent an entire year fighting pirates on the sea just to push both Haki to the threshold of progress. And now, in a single day under Rocks' guidance, it was like everything had clicked. His understanding had broken through.
He held up his arm, a thick, solid coat of Armament Haki wrapped tightly around it. The sensation around it was heavier, denser, sharper than before.
This was the second stage of Armament Haki.
Compared to the crude, unrefined form he had before, this was like hardened steel next to scrap metal. From his defense to his striking power, everything had leveled up.
His strength had grown again.
From the side, Rocks narrowed his eyes.
"…Your talent is more terrifying than I expected."
Even for someone like him, it was rare to see someone jump to the second stage so fast. Armament Haki was one of the most practical, but also most difficult, powers in this world. Many could never touch it and even fewer could refine it. Some spent their whole lives clawing for progress and died with nothing.
But Ayr, with a few hours of instruction, had taken leaps forward
It shook even Rocks.
"Thanks, Captain ," Ayr said calmly, a glint in his eye. "Without your help, I'd probably still be stuck. That guidance really pushed me over the edge."
Rocks blinked. "…You even broke through in Observation?"
He laughed under his breath. "That's impressive. Damn impressive."
Rocks couldn't help but smile.
"If you were born in the same era as me… I think you might've been my greatest rival."
The idea lingered in his head for a moment Ayr, standing across from him as an equal. It was a dangerous thought. Whitebeard, Shiki, Big Mom he respected their strength, but none of them truly threatened his reign.
Rocks wasn't so sure he'd be able to keep Ayr in check forever anymore.
Still… the world wasn't built on talent alone. Rocks was already on top. Ayr, for all his potential, was still far too weak. He'd need time, years of training and bloody fights.
And that worked just fine for him.
Because if Ayr survived and kept growing, then the Rocks Pirates would gain a new monster, a future admiral among pirates.
"You must be joking captain" Ayr chuckled.
But inside, his confidence burned, if they had been born in the same era, Ayr had no doubt he would've surpassed him.
After all, Rocks was strong.But he didn't have a cheat system.
"This ends today's training," Rocks said, stepping back. "If you need guidance again, come find me."
"I will."
Ayr had tasted the results. If he ever hit a wall again, he'd return without hesitation. Getting personal guidance from the strongest man of this era, who would turn that down?
"Don't let me down," Rocks said, clapping a heavy hand on his shoulder before walking away.
"How mistrustful of me…" Ayr smiled as he watched him go.
But he understood.
This ship was full of dangerous men, each one with their own ambition. Rocks had every reason to be cautious, and so did Ayr.
As he turned and made his way back to his quarters, something caught his eye. A shadow stood quietly at his door, lit by the moonlight.
"…Huh? What's this?"
Ayr narrowed his eyes.
Standing in front of him, arms crossed and expression unreadable, was Edward Newgate.
Whitebeard himself.
They hadn't spoken once since Ayr joined the crew. They were strangers. So why was the strongest man of the future waiting outside his door?