"Conqueror's…"
Zoro's pupils tightened slightly as he repeated the word under his breath.
"What an overbearing name."
Seeing the hunger for knowledge in their eyes, Ronan began explaining in a calm, steady voice.
"Among the three types of Haki, the first two—Observation and Armament—are latent abilities that most people can potentially awaken through rigorous training."
"Let's start with Observation Haki. That's the ability I used when fighting Kuro and the Cat Brothers."
"It's a power that allows you to strongly sense the presence of living beings around you. Once activated, you don't need your eyes—you can directly 'see' enemies in your mind: their positions, their numbers, and even the intent behind their next move."
"Predicting movements?"
Usopp's jaw dropped in shock, the chicken leg in his hand falling back onto his plate.
"That's insane! No wonder that guy Sam couldn't touch you no matter what— it was like you had eyes on the back of your head!"
Ronan smiled.
"That's right. When Observation Haki is trained to a high level, it doesn't just detect attacks—it can also sense emotions and strength."
"And according to legend…"
He paused and glanced at Luffy.
"Those who master it completely can even glimpse the future—if only for a moment."
"See the future?!"
Those four words slammed into everyone's minds like a hammer.
Nami shook her head in disbelief.
"That's… something humans can really do?"
"The sea is full of monsters," Ronan said meaningfully.
"Then what about Armament Haki?" Zoro pressed. As a swordsman, he was especially sensitive to matters of offense and defense.
Ronan clenched his fist. Though he couldn't yet manifest Armament Haki himself, he understood it well enough to explain.
"If Observation Haki is the power to 'listen,' then Armament Haki is the power to 'use.'"
"You can think of it as an invisible suit of armor. When you coat your body or weapons with it, your defense and attack power increase dramatically."
At this point, Ronan deliberately looked at Luffy, a hint of amusement in his eyes.
"For example—Luffy."
"Huh?"
Luffy snapped out of his focus and pointed at himself. "Me?"
"You're a Rubber Devil Fruit user," Ronan explained.
"Your body behaves like rubber."
"So normal blunt attacks—fists, clubs, even bullets or cannonballs—bounce off you and are basically ineffective. Right?"
Luffy grinned proudly and tugged at his cheek.
"Shishishi! That's right! I'm rubber—I don't feel that stuff!"
"But…"
Ronan's tone shifted.
"If an enemy coats their fists with Armament Haki, that changes everything."
"Armament Haki negates a Devil Fruit user's 'physical protection.'"
"In other words, in front of Armament Haki, your rubber body won't save you. You'll be hit just like a normal person—bones breaking, flesh tearing, pain and all."
"Even Logia users who can turn into elements can only be touched through Armament Haki."
Luffy froze.
Suddenly, a long-buried childhood memory resurfaced and struck him like lightning.
He clutched his head, face turning pale as terror flooded his expression.
"My grandpa!!"
Luffy shouted in horror.
"When my grandpa used to beat me up, I was already rubber—but it still hurt like hell every time!"
"I always thought it was because it was a 'fist of love'… so that's why?!"
"And the last one?"
Nami finally asked. She wasn't a fighter, but this knowledge was priceless.
"That one called… Conqueror's?"
At that name, Ronan's expression grew noticeably serious.
Even the sea breeze seemed heavier.
"Conqueror's Haki."
He spoke the words slowly, his gaze sweeping over everyone before finally settling on Luffy's clear, unwavering eyes.
"This power is completely different from the other two."
"Observation and Armament can be obtained through training."
"But Conqueror's Haki—cannot."
"What?!"
Usopp yelped. "You can't train it at all?!"
"Correct," Ronan said firmly.
"It's an inborn trait—a king's disposition you're born with."
"Across the vast seas, among millions of people, only one might possess it."
"It's the qualification of a king—someone destined to stand above all others."
Ronan's voice carried the weight of legend.
"Those with Conqueror's Haki don't need to lift a finger. Simply by releasing their will, they can overwhelm enemies with sheer spiritual pressure."
"Against weak-willed opponents—ordinary soldiers or fodder pirates—this pressure alone is enough to knock them unconscious, foaming at the mouth."
"Tens of thousands can be taken out in an instant."
"S-Seconds thousands?!"
Usopp nearly dropped his cup. "That's not human—that's a monster!"
"And that's not all," Ronan continued.
"Powerful Conqueror's Haki can even create physical shockwaves—shattering ships, cracking the earth, even altering the weather."
"Only those with this power are qualified to stand at the very peak of the world."
Silence.
Absolute silence blanketed the deck of the Going Merry.
Even Luffy, usually carefree, stared wide-eyed, meat forgotten in his mouth.
"So cool…"
His eyes sparkled. "Only one in millions?"
Ronan smiled inwardly.
Idiot… you're one of them.
And so is that green-haired swordsman beside you.
But he said nothing.
Some things must be awakened through blood and battle.
Zoro exhaled slowly, drained the rest of his drink, and his eyes sharpened like drawn blades.
"Looks like the road ahead is going to be long."
He stood at the railing, staring into the dark sea.
"Observation. Armament. Conqueror's… If I can't master these, I'll never even reach the doorstep of 'World's Greatest Swordsman.'"
Ronan joined him and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Don't rush it. Haki exists for extreme situations."
"It only awakens—and grows—at the edge of death, when wills collide at their limits."
"We've already stepped onto that path."
He turned to face the rest of the crew.
Nami looked nervous, but her eyes were firm.
Usopp trembled, already imagining future bragging rights.
Luffy was practically vibrating, itching to fight someone strong.
"All right," Ronan said, raising his cup again.
"Class dismissed."
"To our new ship. To the adventures ahead. And to the power we'll one day claim—"
"Cheers!"
"Cheers!!"
Five cups clashed beneath the stars.
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