"It doesn't matter."
"Rosen still hasn't learned how to use Conqueror's Haki Infusion."
"I can still teach him about domination."
After realizing Rosen's Conqueror's Haki had already reached intermediate mastery, Sengoku comforted himself inwardly.
Conqueror's Haki Infusion.
This was the technique that truly let the king's Haki show its terrifying power.
Without the Conqueror's Infusion, even if you had strong Haki, you could only clear out weaklings.
It was simply impossible to bring out its true might in actual combat.
"You'd better stop dreaming!"
"Sengoku, you know very well."
"One of the prerequisites for mastering Conqueror's Infusion is having intermediate Conqueror's Haki."
"That kid Rosen has already crossed this threshold."
Garp seemed to see through Sengoku's thoughts and directly shattered his remaining hope:
"Once that kid knows that Conqueror's Haki can be used just like Armament Haki to wrap around limbs or weapons, then, judging by his Haki talent so far— he'll figure it out on his own."
"Do you get it now? Even as Fleet Admiral, the most you can do now is give him a lesson."
"Nothing more."
These words instantly planted a sense of urgency in Sengoku's heart.
In any world, the favor of guidance and mentorship carried enormous weight.
Especially in the pirate world, where all strength was concentrated in individuals — that favor was even more significant.
After hearing Zephyr's report on Rosen, Sengoku had already decided to use the chance to mentor him, to deepen Rosen's identification with and sense of belonging to the Navy.
Normally, students — even in Zephyr's class — spent at least a year in the academy.
That was enough time to cultivate loyalty.
But Rosen was different.
He progressed too fast.
At this pace, half a year? No. Three months? Still too long. One month? Even that might be excessive.
In just one month, Rosen could graduate.
He had to graduate.
Because by then — from the Admirals down to Sengoku himself — no one would be able to teach him anything more.
Whether it was Haki, physical techniques, or fruit abilities.
"No!"
"I must get ahead of Rosen and teach him Conqueror's Infusion before he figures it out on his own!"
Thinking of this, Sengoku immediately activated his Devil Fruit ability.
Swoosh!
A golden light shot straight up into the sky — he transformed into the giant Buddha.
Then, stepping heavily on Moonwalk, he rushed forward at full speed.
"Why did Sengoku transform?"
"Is the Navy HQ under attack?"
"Could it be the escaped Golden Lion?"
"Or Kaido?"
Kuzan, who had just arrived late, saw Sengoku's massive golden figure shooting off, and immediately dropped into a defensive stance.
"Relax."
"It's nothing, Kuzan."
"You've missed a good show."
Garp slapped Kuzan on the shoulder, signaling him to follow.
He knew — seeing it in person was a hundred times better than hearing it secondhand.
On the other hand,
Rosen had already completely pulled back his Conqueror's Haki that had spread across the Naval Academy.
"Sure enough."
"I do have Conqueror's Haki."
"And Ultra Instinct doesn't just work on Armament Haki — it also works on Conqueror's Haki."
While Zephyr had gone to report to Sengoku, Rosen had nothing to do.
So he used Ultra Instinct, injected his consciousness into another ball of light in his body.
He thought it was Observation Haki — but unexpectedly, it was Conqueror's Haki.
As soon as his consciousness touched it, the Haki roared to life.
Like a volcano that had been sealed for countless years, suddenly erupting with terrifying force.
If Armament Haki was flowing water, then Conqueror's Haki was lightning.
Extremely wild, extremely difficult to control.
Even Rosen, with his talent, took a full five minutes to finally master and restrain this violent power.
Once he could control it like Armament Haki — he naturally stepped past the beginner stage and entered intermediate mastery.
"I have Armament Haki, and even invented a fifth technique."
"I can freely control Conqueror's Haki now."
"In that case… I can try Conqueror's Infusion."
Rosen's eyes burned with excitement.
The best teacher in pirates, Kaido, had said so himself:
Conqueror's Infusion — only the very top few strong ones could master it.
Having the Conqueror's Haki meant having the qualifications to be king.
But mastering Infusion meant you already stood among kings.
No — it was proof of becoming a top king.
Since he had Conqueror's Haki, he had to master Conqueror's Infusion!
Boom!
Just as Rosen was about to pour his consciousness into his Conqueror's Haki and try wrapping it around his hind leg like Armament Haki —
The tightly shut door suddenly exploded open.
A violent gust rushed in.
Before he could react, a dazzling golden light pierced his eyes.
"You… who are you?"
Rosen froze as he saw the giant golden Buddha smash open the door, then punch through the ceiling and stand towering before him.
Had he only practiced Conqueror's Haki for a little while?
Was it necessary for the Fleet Admiral to come personally?
"Nice to meet you. I'm Sengoku."
"Fleet Admiral of the Navy Headquarters."
"But… you can call me Sengoku-sensei."
Sengoku introduced himself with a friendly face — then, without giving Rosen any chance to speak, forced the "teacher-student" relationship directly.
"Sengoku-sensei?"
Three big question marks popped up in Rosen's mind.
Wasn't Sengoku supposed to be busy as Fleet Admiral?
Now he was moonlighting as a teacher at the Naval Academy?
And what was with smashing doors, tearing through ceilings, transforming into a Buddha to come here?
Honestly.
If he hadn't felt zero killing intent, and if Sengoku hadn't immediately dispelled his form afterward, Rosen would have thought he was about to be made an example of — "the tallest tree gets the most wind."
Was he so monstrous that Sengoku came to "correct" him personally?
"Listen."
"Zephyr just reported your situation to me."
"I guessed you had Conqueror's Haki, so I came here to teach you how to use it correctly."
"Although Zephyr is an excellent instructor, he doesn't know Conqueror's Haki himself."
Sengoku spoke seriously.
"Yes, your Conqueror's Haki has already reached the intermediate level."
"You've surely noticed — this power is fierce and violent, but scattered, unable to fully unleash its potential."
"That's because you lack the key to open the true gate of Conqueror's Haki's power."
He looked stern.
"Um, Admiral Sengoku—"
"Hmm?"
"Teacher Sengoku, actually I—"
"Enough. No need to say more. Just follow me."
Before Rosen could finish, Sengoku's eyes suddenly flashed red.
His expression changed.
Without waiting another second, he transformed into the giant Buddha form again, grabbed Rosen with his huge palm, and soared straight out through the shattered roof.
...
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