Surprise filled Cyrus's eyes.
Because a new ability had appeared on his data panel.
[Observation Haki (Initially Mastered): You have a preliminary perception of the energy of all things in the world.]
He mastered it just like that?
It was so easy that Cyrus found it a little hard to believe, hence his surprise.
"Energy?"
Cyrus keenly noted the data panel's explanation of Observation Haki.
"Energy? That's a good way to put it."
Hearing Cyrus's soft words, Shimotsuki Koshiro was taken aback.
After a moment of silence, he said with a smile, "That is your own description of what you perceive. Whether it's 'breath' or 'energy,' it represents what you yourself understand. It seems you have truly grasped it."
As Shimotsuki Koshiro spoke, his tone was filled with emotion.
In his previous conversation with his father, they had both vaguely sensed that Cyrus had already awakened Observation Haki.
But Cyrus's performance now clearly showed that he had become aware of this ability.
The speed at which he mastered it was humbling.
Even he himself had first approached it through Swordsmanship, slowly perceiving the breath of all things before finally mastering Observation Haki.
"Thank you." Cyrus closed his eyes again.
When that strange feeling reappeared, he opened his eyes and expressed his thanks.
"Since you've mastered Observation Haki, then Armament Haki probably won't be difficult for you."
Shimotsuki Koshiro didn't waste any time and was actually planning to explain Armament Haki next.
"In my homeland, Armament Haki is called 'Ryuo.' It is a power born from within one's own body. If one's physique is not strong enough, it is very difficult to use this power. It is a force that can be made to flow and be commanded. Once mastered, not only can you gain powerful defensive and offensive capabilities, you can even counter certain powerful fruit users."
As Shimotsuki Koshiro said this, he gave Cyrus a meaningful look.
A scorching heat would occasionally emanate from Cyrus's room.
Having mastered Observation Haki, Shimotsuki Koshiro could feel it clearly.
"So, if Observation Haki is the sensing of the energy of things outside oneself, then Armament Haki is actually the use of a certain energy within one's own body?"
Cyrus was starting to get it.
The description for Observation Haki mentioned energy.
So, according to Koshiro's explanation, it was probably the same for this.
If it was hard to grasp, reframing it as a more easily understood "internal energy" would make it clearer for Cyrus.
Of course, there might be some differences, but that was probably the general idea.
"Hmm... perhaps so."
Shimotsuki Koshiro fell silent for a moment, considered Cyrus's words, and then nodded.
"My own strength is limited, so I can only explain it to you based on my own understanding. There are many people on these seas who are stronger than me. Perhaps what I'm saying about Observation and Armament Haki isn't correct."
Shimotsuki Koshiro reminded him.
"You're too humble, Master. You are very strong." Cyrus shook his head slightly.
Although in the original story, Luffy met many powerful opponents on his journey, the vast majority of whom could push Luffy into a difficult fight, those strong individuals were actually only a small fraction of the powerful people on the seas.
And a top-tier Master Swordsman was already a top-tier expert on the seas.
"Everyone has their own strengths. My own aptitude is limited, and I can see the limits of my aptitude. But you, Cyrus, I cannot see your future clearly."
"Is that a compliment?" Cyrus smiled.
"No, I am merely stating a fact. This world is not very peaceful. I know you may be very knowledgeable about this world, so you should also know what this world is like."
As Cyrus listened, he gradually felt that something was off and immediately raised his hand.
"I heard that Armament Haki is a power that is guided out, by imagining an invisible suit of armor on your body?"
He bluntly changed the subject.
Shimotsuki Koshiro naturally noticed.
He also knew that he had said a bit too much just now.
He had a feeling that Cyrus might become a major, influential figure on these seas in the future.
And such a person, no matter what they did, could potentially affect the entire world.
"You're right!" Shimotsuki Koshiro said, raising his arm and holding it horizontally in front of him.
Cyrus's eyes narrowed.
In his Observation Haki's perception, Shimotsuki Koshiro's arm was covered by a layer of something.
"This is the most basic use of Armament Haki. When the amount of your Armament Haki is sufficient, it will look like this."
As Shimotsuki Koshiro spoke, his arm looked as if it were truly covered in a layer of dark purple armor.
"And like this!" Koshiro raised his hand and picked up the cup on the table in front of him.
The dark purple color covered the cup.
"Imbuing 'Ryuo,' these are all applications of Armament Haki."
Cyrus nodded lightly upon hearing this.
"I understand."
"If you understand, you can try to guide your own Armament Haki later. But this is not an easy task. Many people are unable to guide out this energy in their entire lifetime. Of course, for you, it shouldn't be difficult."
Cyrus looked down at his hand and tried for a moment, but he didn't succeed.
It seemed he would need to put in more effort.
"There is one thing I need to remind you of. The amount of Haki is finite; it is not endless. If you consume too much Haki, you will need time to recover it. This time varies from person to person, and the amount of Haki also varies from person to person. All of this is related to one's physique."
"I know. I'll remember that." Cyrus nodded.
"In that case, you can go back for now. You can try it out on your own. Starting tomorrow, I will spar with you personally. If you want to quickly understand how to use your sword and Haki, combat is the best way."
Shimotsuki Koshiro said with a gentle smile.
However, there was a hint of ill intent in his tone.
Of course, Cyrus wasn't afraid.
After bidding farewell, Cyrus left.
Once outside, Cyrus took out a silk cloth and blindfolded himself, then activated his still-unskilled Observation Haki.
No matter what, using it more was always the right thing to do.
If consuming too much Haki would negatively affect his body, Cyrus could completely ignore such drawbacks.
Kuina was swinging her sword alone in the dojo, while in the woods behind, Zoro was swinging a bamboo sword with a stone tied to it.
Meanwhile, Cyrus returned to his room and began trying to guide his Armament Haki.
...
At dusk.
A rather inconspicuous merchant ship slowly approached Shimotsuki Village and then docked at the pier.
The people who disembarked were all wearing gray cloaks that hid their faces.
However, one of them had a head that was somewhat exaggerated in shape.
"Hurry up. We'll leave as soon as we've collected the food. Our identities are a bit sensitive."
A deep voice rang out, and the others all nodded in unison.
The group traveled silently and soon arrived before the Isshin Dojo, where Shimotsuki Koshiro was already waiting.
"The food is all ready."
Shimotsuki Koshiro's tone was as slow and unhurried as ever, his expression calm, clearly indicating he had a prior arrangement with these people.