Pirate: I have a Hollow living inside me!

Kuina has been trying to master Conqueror's Haki for the past two days, and Rocks is curious about her progress.

Kuina flicked a strand of her golden hair and slowly said, "I can control it myself, but I can't limit its range yet. The Conqueror's Haki you mentioned is still a long way off..."

Because of her foundation in Haki training, Kuina is already able to control the release of Conqueror's Haki.

If we divide it into phases, this is the first phase.

Robin exclaimed in surprise, "You've managed to control it in less than three days? Your talent is truly remarkable!"

Kuina's talent may not be as great as Lox's, but she is definitely among the best in this world.

In addition, Kuina is truly hardworking; she's the queen of training on the Black Demon, and even when injured, she doesn't let it interfere with her daily training...

Kuina glanced at Lox: "Not as good as a certain monster..."

She knew that Rocks possessed Conqueror's Haki since childhood, and that he could use it freely.

Now, he can even turn Armament Haki into an attack.

"Being told that by my companion made me feel quite embarrassed..."

Rocks chuckled awkwardly: "Although I've been able to control Conqueror's Haki for a long time, I only gradually mastered it after going to sea."

"In terms of speed alone, you are probably better than me."

“You figured it out on your own, but I have your guidance, which is different.”

Kuina shook her head: "In terms of domineering presence, I am still far inferior to you."

In terms of mastery of the three types of Haki, she is still far from Rocks' level, and it won't be easy for her to catch up in the short term...

Speaking of Armament Haki, she's currently only at the "hardening" stage.

The mystery of outward flow and internal destruction has not yet been grasped.

If we're talking about something that can catch up with Rocks, it's only Observation Haki...

At least in terms of Observation Haki, Rocks is not far behind her.

"Haha, don't underestimate yourself. After all, I was born with Observation Haki and Conqueror's Haki, and my Armament Haki is also aided by my being a Zoan-type Devil Fruit user."

Rocks chuckled: "However, because of the 'Great Demon' within me, my Observation Haki hasn't progressed as fast as yours..."

Rocks has mastered advanced applications of Armament Haki and Conqueror's Haki, two of the three types of Haki.

However, there has been no sign of him ever mastering advanced Observation Haki.

Lox also had some guesses about the reasons.

It is very likely related to the Black Winged Great Demon Hollow, whose Observation Haki evolved from the Great Demon's "spiritual pressure detection circuit".

It has similarities to Observation Haki, but also has differences.

The "spiritual pressure detection circuit" definitely does not have the ability to "predict the future"...

The Conqueror's Haki evolved from "spiritual pressure burst" may also have different aspects, but in the original Bleach manga, spiritual pressure can also be transformed into an attack.

Therefore, it was only natural that Rocks mastered the Conqueror's Haki that allowed him to entangle himself with it, while Observation Haki differed and was less likely to be used for "precognition"...

of course.

Lox had another guess.

When he uses the intangible state, the energy and the power of the Great Demon's origin will subtly influence Locus's psychology and emotions.

Entering a mild "berserk" state.

The use of Observation Haki requires a calm mind to ensure its effectiveness.

When one is emotionally agitated or loses their rationality, it can interfere with the use of Observation Haki.

This is also why Conqueror's Haki that is powerful enough can render Observation Haki ineffective.

Entering a slightly "rampant" state, it becomes much more difficult for Rocks to master the advanced application of "precognition"...

"My father taught me the Isshin-ryu swordsmanship, which mentions the concept of 'the breath of all things.' The reason I was able to reach the level of cutting through iron is because I realized this..."

Kuina pondered and said, "The breath of all things... it sounds somewhat related to Observation Haki and also to one's state of mind, which is why my Observation Haki has progressed so rapidly."

"You've also studied Isshin-ryu swordsmanship, I think you could try something in that direction..."

However, in the end, Guina didn't continue.

She acknowledged that Rocks's kendo was very strong.

However, Isshin-ryu swordsmanship is a technique-based style, while Rocks in this regard...

There's practically no skill involved; it's all about stats in battle!

"is it?"

Rocks, completely oblivious to his own limitations, nodded: "If this helps with Observation Haki, it seems I'll have to seriously relearn the Isshin-ryu swordsmanship..."

Is it related to one's state of mind?

That is indeed related to Observation Haki.

How about we start practicing Isshin-ryu swordsmanship again?

Since I haven't found a good method yet, I might as well try it in my daily practice.

Perhaps we'll gain something from it.

"Um... Good luck..."

Kuina turned her head away: "I believe you can do it..."

In her previous limited experience, she might have thought that Rocks's swordsmanship, which resembled wielding a fire poker, was unique.

She doesn't think that way anymore.

Rocks simply couldn't do it!

At least in terms of skill, Rocks was not even as good as an apprentice who had studied for a few months...

Why are you turning your head away?

Rocks smirked: "While I'm not good at technical swordsmanship, my skill level has improved to this point, so even if I'm not good at it, I won't be too bad, okay!"

"..."

Kuina chuckled as she recalled the scene of Rocks practicing his sword.

However, she quickly composed herself and nodded seriously, "Oh, yes... I believe you!"

Locus: "..."

Girl, you've successfully ignited my competitive spirit.

After I have relearned the Isshin-ryu swordsmanship, I will challenge you to a duel using the Isshin-ryu swordsmanship.

We'll beat you so badly you won't know which way is up!

Don't cry!

Rocks never felt that he was incapable of mastering technical swordsmanship.

However, compared to skillful swordsmanship, he was more adept at wide-ranging and sweeping swordsmanship.

That doesn't mean he can't!

Robin tilted her head, asking curiously, "Was Rocks... really bad at swordsmanship in terms of technique?"

"Anyway, I can't give a proper evaluation."

Kuina suppressed a laugh: "Since he plans to start practicing Isshin-ryu swordsmanship again, you'll see..."

Robin looked suspicious, but didn't say anything.

Lox's face darkened: "Very well, Kuina, you're very good. Once I've relearned the Isshin-ryu swordsmanship, I'll challenge you to a duel. I don't believe that with my swordsmanship talent, I can't beat you!"

Kuina tossed her head, her ponytail swaying slightly with the movement: "Just with Isshin-ryu swordsmanship? Are you sure?"

Locus gritted his teeth: "Confirmed!"

"Then I'll take it!"

Kuina laughed: "I hope you won't regret it!"

She was no match for Locus in previous sparring matches because Locus's stats far surpassed hers.

In a purely technical swordsmanship sparring match, she didn't think she would lose to Rocks.

She has grown up and is no longer the novice kendo student who had just graduated!

"Anyone who dares to provoke me will come to a bad end, Miss First Mate!"

“Talking tough won’t work, Captain.”

The two locked eyes, sparks flying between them, their gazes blazing with fighting spirit...

"Hey, hey, hey, do you want to have a swordsmanship spar?"

Nami, who had just returned after adjusting the course of the Black Demon, overheard their conversation.

Seeing the two of them in such a tense standoff, she immediately became interested.

Nami exclaimed excitedly, "Captain vs. First Mate, that's going to be really interesting! When are you two going to start sparring? I want to see it!"

She cried out in her heart: Fight! Fight now!

Nami's words also attracted the attention of others.

what?

The captain and first mate are about to have a swordsmanship match.

This is quite rare!

Curiosity is human nature, as is the desire to join in the fun!

"The captain and the first mate are going to have a sword sparring session? I'd be quite interested."

Yixiao, who was helping to steer the ship, also came over here.

With his eyes tightly closed, he revealed an interested smile: "Please allow me to watch the battle!"

Moria also joined in the fun: "Hehehe, it would be a huge loss not to witness the swordsmanship sparring between two top swordsmen!"