Phantom Blade Zephyr: One Piece

"Wouldn't that be unfair? If we fought right now, that is." Zoro asked, his dedication to fairness and honor clear in his tone.

I thought about it for a second. "You're right. If we fought in the dark, in the middle of the forest, I'd have a natural advantage."

Usopp looked dubious. "I don't think that's what he meant…"

"No, that's exactly what I meant," Zoro replied. "When I first met him, I couldn't sense him at all. He clearly specializes in stealth. And after three years on this island, he probably knows every inch of it."

Zoro's battle instincts were sharp; I'd give him that. Meanwhile, Luffy was bouncing with excitement, clearly itching for the fight. Sanji looked skeptical, and Nami was quietly calculating the risks. I was an unknown factor to her. But she believed in the strength of their crew. After all, they have crushed the Arlong Pirates before even entering the Grand Line. But this world is vast, and there are powerful people beyond their imaginations. It would be better for them if they got this reality check. At least Princess Vivi is not underastimating me.

Hmm, let's clear out the rules first.

"All right, let's lay down some ground rules. We'll start the fight 15 minutes after sunrise, in the clearing where Dorry and Broggy duel. Those two can be the judges, as they're fair when it comes to these kinds of things. And let's try not to kill each other," I added, throwing a glance at the giants. "If things get lethal, feel free to step in. Any other questions?"

Nami spoke up, "Do we have to attack one by one, or can we go all at once?"

"Whatever works for you. I said I'd face all of you—even that oversized duck," I added, gesturing to Karoo.

"Sounds good. See you at sunrise," Nami agreed. She was as sharp as ever, and I wondered if she'd be smart enough to act as a true strategist. She needs to use her shrewd personality more often.

Two hours later, everyone gathered in the clearing. Naturally, I wouldn't be using haki. The Straw Hats were just beginning their journey, only on their second or third island in the Grand Line. If I used haki, then it wouldn't even be fun. Plus, it's not like I can actually teach them haki directly.

But while I'd keep things basic, there were still some interesting insights into haki I'd picked up on my own.

Every fighter more or less possesses some level of observation haki, or what we could also call instinct. Proper observation haki can discern intent. If I properly concentrate, then I can detect any killing intent towards me within a 2-mile radius. Which also means that if someone shoots a bullet even from a hundred miles away, when that bullet will enter my sphere, I can easily detect it. After all, intent is not only restricted within living beings. Even objects have intent. If I'm right in my theory, then this must be the basis of Future sight. But its still just an assumption.

Now comes the second type of haki, armament haki. The giants weren't exactly the best teachers, and by the end of each duel, they were too exhausted to demonstrate properly. So, I spent my first year watching every one of their duels, trying to grasp the essence of what manifestation of will really meant. Then I came to a conclusion and also discovered something that has been bugging me for quite some time.

If every human can use haki, then why are there so few people who actually use it? Even in the navy, the compulsory part of learning haki comes only when you are trying to get promoted to Vice Admiral. Even Rear-Admirals aren't required to learn haki. If learning haki could be possible by using just a trainer, then why can't everyone in New World use haki? Is there some sort of barrier?

Then I remembered what Dorry said to me about Haki. 'A manifestation of will, a manifestation of the warrior's spirit.' After some exhausting research, I found out the answer. Manifestation of will sounds so simple, yet why do so few people possess it? The answer was also simple. It's because their will isn't strong enough.

Will is something that is intangible. Something that is not present in the physical world. And when something intangible wants to be manifested, then that intangible aspect must have to be strong. That is exactly why most people can't use haki. Someone's will or mental capacity increases by the obstacles and hardships they have faced. Without proper experience, your will is just something that is vague, not something you can use to fight.

But even if your will is strong enough, then comes the matter of the body. If your body is not strong enough to hold your willpower, then how can you even imagine manifesting it? It will be like trying to pour a bucket of water inside a small glass. It's simply not possible.

So, I developed a specific regimen to train myself. I knew my will was strong enough since I'd already unlocked Conqueror's Haki, which is directly linked to ambition and drive. What I needed was a stronger body and further mastery of my sword techniques. It took nearly two years before I could even create a small layer of armament on my sword while maintaining a full-sword technique. I had improved a lot, but the rate of improvement is really slow. Well, it's not like I actually had a dedicated teacher who actually trained me. I was more or less self-taught. If I could get just a few months of formal training, I was sure I could learn advanced techniques, like ryou. 

As for Conqueror's Haki, I'd keep that hidden for now. No need to paint a target on my back before I'm ready. The suppression technique had come to me, but I can't properly control it yet. I can however direct it at certain points with a burst of haki. But controlling and infusing properly cannot be done without proper training from someone who actually uses Conqueror's Haki. I already have the perfect person in my mind to teach me.

My thoughts were interrupted by Luffy's enthusiastic shout.

"Hey, Zeph-guy! Let's fight!"

Hearing my new nickname, I sighed. I'd started this for my own amusement, but now I saw an opportunity to teach the Straw Hats something they sorely needed—teamwork. Maybe this could also help them defeat some of their future opponents faster. I need to be their 'reality check sensei.' Yes, I'm totally doing this for their benefit. Not because I desperately needed some entertainment after staying on this island for three years.

"So impatient!" I started with a sage-mode voice, "As you senior, let me show you some of your glaring flaws."

In an instant, I vanished from their sight. Their faces filled with confusion as I reappeared right next to Usopp.

"Lesson one," I announced, grinning (from the inside, of course, don't want to mess up the sage mode) as I knocked Usopp out with the back of my sword. "Never leave your sniper unguarded."

'This is going to be fun.'