Shanks looked at the pork leg in his hand, then glanced at Lucifer, who had already started eating the grilled meat.
He frowned slightly but took a bite.
After chewing a few times and swallowing, due to his strong body mastery from martial arts, Shanks was surprised to find that this seemingly simple piece of meat actually restored some of his stamina.
This astonishing discovery made Shanks look at Lucifer in amazement.
At this moment, Lucifer noticed Shanks' reaction, grinning widely as he said,
"The wild boars on our island are formidable. All these years, it's been because of such boars that I've been able to persevere in my training."
"...They're really impressive!"
Shanks nodded after hearing Lucifer's words.
Actually, the current Shanks was not the true Shanks.
Anyone familiar with the original story knew Shanks' attitude towards things was that as long as no one hurt his friends or people he respected, everything else was negotiable.
Shanks himself was cheerful and easy-going, so the silent and taciturn Shanks now was definitely not his usual self.
As for why, Lucifer, who had been secretly observing Shanks, knew the reason.
In the end, the path Roger chose had a considerable impact on Shanks.
However, because of this, Lucifer found no chance to quickly build a close relationship with Shanks and thus couldn't get Haki training methods from him.
For some time, the two silently ate the grilled meat—Lucifer couldn't find an opening for conversation, and Shanks was lost in his own world.
Until they finished eating, Lucifer finally decided to take the initiative.
"Shanks, you're strong, right?"
Lucifer casually asked while sitting on the deck.
"Oh? How do you know?"
As expected, Shanks, who loved a good fight, was attracted by Lucifer's question.
"Well, I have a naturally keen sense.
Two years ago, it felt like this sense evolved, and what used to be blurry became clear.
For example, I could clearly feel your movements on the ship and how many people were there..."
Lucifer's words were half-truth, half-taunt.
"And you gave me the feeling that you're very strong!"
Upon hearing this, Shanks was suddenly stunned.
He stared wide-eyed at this relatively tall but young "freeloader."
With his insight, he knew the "feeling" Lucifer was describing was Observation Haki.
"Two years ago? You were nine..."
Shanks suppressed his shock and began carefully examining the boy before him from head to toe.
Shanks had previously noticed some of Lucifer's details—his gait, breathing, and the famous sword Star Sea hanging from his waist like a staff.
"Don't you know what that feeling is?"
Shanks asked.
"Not really.
Buna Island is small and cheap.
I've never seen pirates here in eleven years.
I'm the strongest on the island, so I'm taking this chance to go to sea!"
Lucifer answered truthfully.
"Well, that feeling is a very advanced power.
In the Grand Line, it's called 'Haki.'
There are many types, and the one that lets you sense many things is 'Observation Haki!'"
As a great admirer of talent, Shanks couldn't help but explain Haki to Lucifer.
"Ha? Haki?"
Lucifer's face was exaggeratedly shocked but inside he was laughing hysterically.
"Yes... Haki isn't too complicated.
It requires high innate talent.
You have keen senses, so you're very suitable for Observation Haki.
The Observation Haki you develop will also be stronger than others'!"
Shanks explained in detail.
Not only did he tell Lucifer what Observation Haki was, but he also gradually introduced Haki's concepts.
Eventually, he guided Lucifer toward Armament Haki.
Lucifer listened attentively.
After all, that was his goal.
Seeing Lucifer's focus, Shanks poured out what he knew—the lessons learned from the seniors of the Roger Pirate Crew.
At the most enthusiastic moment, Shanks even demonstrated his Armament Haki himself.
The black fist wrapped in gold light mesmerized Lucifer.
Since the door of fate had opened, whether it would open fully depended on Lucifer's fortune.
---To be continued---
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T/N:
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