Seeing Daren standing there with that "nothing-to-lose" look, Zephyr's mouth twitched.
Dealing with normal people most of the time, he sometimes forgot just how absurd this brat's physique and durability really were.
But soon, another thought crossed his mind.
"Still, something doesn't add up… With your strength, you should've awakened Observation Haki naturally by now."
He rubbed his slightly scruffy chin, a flicker of doubt in his eyes.
Daren just shrugged helplessly.
Observation Haki awakens differently from Armament Haki. It's more of a "listening" ability—an internal sense.
It allows the user to perceive the "presence" of others. As it develops, one can sense enemies outside their field of vision, their numbers, positions, and even predict what they'll do next.
Its core functions include sensing attacks, predicting movements, gauging someone's strength, reading their emotions or thoughts, and even perceiving the location and quantity of things out of sight. The range and precision of these abilities vary by person.
Some gifted individuals are even born with Observation Haki.
And among them, a few special cases have developed truly incredible applications beyond the standard abilities.
For example, as Daren recalled from the original story, Princess Otohime of Ryugu Palace on Fish-Man Island could use her Observation Haki to help her influence people's emotions and thoughts.
Then there was the legendary pirate "Red the Aloof," Patrick Redfield, who stood toe-to-toe with both Roger and Whitebeard. His unique Observation Haki let him read not just thoughts—but memories.
It was exactly because of its power that Daren had long desired to awaken Observation Haki.
Sure, his Devil Fruit's magnetic field sensing could substitute in some ways, but it just wasn't the same.
Not to mention that true masters of Observation Haki could even glimpse brief flashes of the future.
"Zephyr-sensei, I really don't know why. It's not like I haven't tried. I've trained, but nothing ever came of it."
Daren frowned slightly, trying to put his feelings into words.
"If Armament Haki came to me naturally, like water flowing through a channel—smooth and effortless—then Observation Haki is the opposite."
"It's like… when I look up at the sky, and there's this massive curtain blocking everything. I can't see a thing, no light at all. It's like..."
"...being blind," Zephyr cut in suddenly.
Daren froze for a second, then his eyes lit up.
He nodded quickly, a little excited.
"Zephyr-sensei, you've seen this kind of thing before!?"
Zephyr gave a proud grin.
"I've been teaching at the training camp for years. I've trained more outstanding students than I can count. Your case is rare, sure—but not unheard of."
Hearing that confidence, Daren couldn't help but smile and offer a bit of praise.
"Zephyr-sensei really is the Marines' chief instructor… Your insight and knowledge are leagues above the rest."
The flattery landed perfectly. Zephyr practically beamed, hands on his hips as he laughed.
"Now you see how amazing I am, huh? If you'd gone to Garp, that bastard would probably just say, 'You're overdue for a beating,' and leave it at that."
"Then what do you think, Zephyr-sensei?" Daren asked quickly.
He couldn't wait any longer—his eyes filled with anticipation.
Combat benefits aside, what mattered most was that he never wanted to go through that kind of embarrassment again.
"In your opinion, what's the real reason I haven't been able to awaken Observation Haki?"
Meeting Daren's hopeful gaze, Zephyr just smiled...
He said proudly, "You really are asking for a beating."
Daren: "…"
Are you seriously enjoying messing with me, you old geezer...?
"Hahaha..."
Zephyr raised his hand and patted Daren, who looked completely speechless, laughing as he said,
"The core of the issue is pretty much the same. That bastard Garp may be reckless and crude in his teaching, but with his experience and vision, his overall judgment is usually on point."
A gleam flashed in his deep-set eyes.
"Daren, the reason you haven't awakened Observation Haki is actually quite simple—it's just that you, being the one experiencing it, haven't noticed."
"To some extent, the awakening of Observation Haki is similar to Conqueror's Haki. Both are stress-induced responses that the body develops naturally under intense emotional stimulation."
Once he switched into teaching mode, Zephyr spoke fluidly and clearly. There was no denying he was an exceptional instructor—his explanations were both insightful and patient.
"When people face danger, as long as they've had proper training, the chances of awakening Observation Haki aren't low."
"But you've trained your body to such a ridiculous level that, in a way, you've dulled your sensitivity to danger..."
"And on top of that, your Devil Fruit ability partially replaces the function of Observation Haki. All of that combined is why you still haven't awakened it."
"Use it or lose it. That's not just a law of nature—it applies to us humans too. Now do you understand?"
Daren fell silent for a moment, clearly deep in thought.
"So that's how it is…"
He frowned slightly and asked,
"Then, Zephyr-sensei, how do I fix it?"
Zephyr smiled.
"Wait here a second."
As he spoke, he used Soru and disappeared in a flash.
Less than ten seconds later, Zephyr returned, reappearing right in front of Daren.
In his hand was a pair of dark blue-black shackles.
"What's that...?"
Daren blinked.
"These are Seastone shackles. The Seastone inside can suppress or even completely nullify a Devil Fruit user's powers, stopping you from using your magnetic field sensing ability."
Zephyr grinned confidently.
"With this, we can suppress your powers and weaken your body. Once you're under pressure and can't rely on your magnetic perception, your body will be forced to draw on its hidden potential. That'll seriously boost your chances of awakening Observation Haki."
"But Zephyr-sensei... these Seastone shackles, they actually—"
Daren tried to say something, but Zephyr waved him off.
"Alright, enough with the chatter. Put them on already."
"...Okay." Daren took the shackles and fastened them on himself.
"Hmm, you probably can't even stand up now, right? Hahaha! Come on! Hit me with a punch—let me see what your condition's like!"
Zephyr laughed loudly, completely at ease.
"Zephyr-sensei, are you sure? I mean, I actually…"
Daren hesitated again.
"Stop whining, you brat!!"
Zephyr snapped impatiently.
"Just hit me already—eh!?"
Bang!
A heavy punch slammed into Zephyr's abdomen like a hammer.
His expression froze instantly.
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
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