An Incomparable Sense of Mission
Lati Island.
A certain mountain.
More than a dozen deep craters marred the ground, each a testament to the sheer force of repeated blows.
Xia Luo's fists continued to strike, the rhythmic impact sending shockwaves through the earth. A euphoric sensation spread through his body, a feeling of exhilaration unlike anything before.
Power surged within him, unrestrained and overwhelming.
With a slight bend of his knees, he launched himself skyward. His fist, now clenched with intent, swung forward.
At that moment, an aura erupted from his core—his fist turned jet black, coated in a deep, glossy sheen of Busoshoku Haki (Armament Haki).
BOOM!
A deafening explosion rang through the air. The peak of the mountain trembled as visible cracks snaked through its structure. Rocks crumbled, trees splintered, and the summit itself seemed to cave under the sheer force.
This was the power of Armament Haki.
It was Xia Luo's first true manifestation of it, and his heart pounded with excitement.
He hadn't expected it to feel so natural.
Taking a deep breath, he steadied himself. Remember this feeling. This was the key to control—he had to imprint this power into his very being.
For hours, he continued refining his technique, adapting to the sensation of hardening his fists, striking, and releasing. Each repetition brought greater precision, greater ease.
"Busoshoku Haki—Full Body Coating!"
A roar burst from his throat.
Darkness spread across his skin, a polished black aura engulfing half his body. This time, the strength of his Haki surged far beyond before.
The mountain groaned in protest as another powerful strike sent debris cascading down its slopes. Old trees, rooted in place for centuries, shuddered and snapped.
Xia Luo exhaled sharply, retracting his Haki. The mountain finally settled, but its scarred surface stood as undeniable proof of his awakening.
His eyes burned with determination.
This was just the beginning.
His next goal was clear—full-body Armament Haki, like armor.
And beyond that…
Integration.
He had to merge Busoshoku Haki with Kenbunshoku Haki (Observation Haki) and his swordsmanship, refining them into a seamless whole.
He swung his blade. A flying slash burst forth, cutting through the air with deadly precision. With Busoshoku Haki, its reach extended further, sharper than ever.
A triumphant smile crossed his face.
There was still much to master.
But for now, it was enough.
---
Treasure and Ambition
"Boss, the treasure inventory is complete!"
A crew member stood before Xia Luo, excitement barely concealed.
"We have 3.5 billion Berries in cash. The estimated value of various treasures is around 4 billion. Additionally, there's ten tons of pure gold."
Xia Luo's eyes gleamed. He had expected a fortune, but this…
This was beyond expectations.
A plan, long brewing in his mind, now seemed within reach.
His fortress project—a stronghold capable of withstanding the world's greatest threats—was no longer just a vision.
"Boss, I think we should set some of those treasures aside."
Xia Luo turned toward Ivan, one of his most trusted subordinates, his brows furrowing.
"Why?"
Ivan adjusted his collar, his expression unusually solemn.
"Some treasures have value beyond money. Their true worth lies in their history."
"…???"
Xia Luo stared blankly.
Wasn't treasure just meant to be sold for money?
Seeing Xia Luo's skeptical look, Ivan elaborated.
"Boss, some of these artifacts come from civilizations that no longer exist. Their homelands have been wiped from the map. These are the last remnants of lost cultures."
Xia Luo's expression shifted slightly.
"You're saying some of these treasures represent the continuation of a lost kingdom's legacy?"
Ivan's eyes lit up. "Exactly, Boss! That's why I think we should preserve them."
Xia Luo tilted his head.
He still didn't fully get it.
But he was patient enough to listen.
"So, what exactly do you propose?"
Ivan took a deep breath, his voice filled with conviction.
"We should build an exhibition hall to house these artifacts. A place to showcase the Heberfil family's profound cultural heritage."
"…???"
Xia Luo blinked.
A museum?
From a pirate crew?
He stared at Ivan, bewildered.
A gangster caring about historical preservation?
Do I have a fundamental misunderstanding of piracy?
Still, he quickly dismissed the idea.
"Ivan, we need funds for our fortress. Every last Berry counts. This is pointless if we don't have the power to protect it."
But Ivan's expression remained unwavering.
"Boss, don't you think it's a brilliant idea?"
"…Brilliant my—" Xia Luo caught himself, sighing.
Ivan was too passionate. If he outright rejected this, it could crush the man's morale.
A compromise, then.
"Fine. You can handle that project—but only after the fortress construction is underway. All other treasures must be converted into Berries. We have bigger things to accomplish."
Ivan grinned. "Thank you, Boss Xia Luo! I knew you'd see the bigger picture!"
Xia Luo sighed.
He still didn't see the bigger picture.
But if it made Ivan happy, fine.
"Alright, what's next on the agenda?"
Ivan's expression turned serious.
"Boss, what's the next step for the fortress project?"
Xia Luo's eyes darkened as he outlined his vision.
Ivan listened, wide-eyed.
The sheer scale of the plan left him breathless.
But soon, excitement overtook his shock.
If this fortress became a reality, it would shake the world.
The Heberfil family would rise to new heights, carving its name into history.
For Ivan, it wasn't just about power—it was about legacy.
A profound sense of duty surged through him.
This was a cause worth dedicating his life to.
"Boss, we'll need a world-class architect for this."
"I know. That's your next mission—find one. Someone with true vision."
Ivan nodded firmly. "Leave it to me!"
Xia Luo smirked. Reliable as ever.
"By the way, how's the search for the Devil Fruit encyclopedia and the Navy's Six Styles techniques?"
Ivan grinned.
"Already taken care of, Boss. The documents are on your desk."
Xia Luo's gaze sharpened. "Perfect. Get to work, then."
Ivan bowed and left, his heart pounding with excitement.
A new era was about to begin.