Finally, after studying the report again and again with stubborn persistence, Zoro's pupils constricted. He had found the message Luffy wanted to convey.
In the photograph broadcast to the entire world, Straw Hat Luffy held his hat against his chest, eyes closed in silent prayer amidst a bed of flowers. It was a historic shot, captured perfectly by the reporter to show a moment of mourning for all those lost in the war.
But it was on Luffy's right arm in that very photo that Zoro saw the truth: 3D2Y.
Not three days, but two years!
After everything they had endured, they all understood. Even if they reunited now, they would only be able to run when faced with the true powerhouses of this world. In the New World, where countless pirates vied for supremacy, unpredictable dangers and unimaginable monsters were waiting for them.
The despair at the Sabaody Archipelago still haunted the Straw Hats' hearts—a tragedy they would never forget. It was painful for them, but it was even more so for their captain. Blindly rushing forward would only lead to history repeating itself. They needed to stop and gather their strength!
Having realized this, Zoro's gaze grew even more determined. Clutching his three swords, he limped toward the only castle on the island, despite his battered and blood-soaked body. His physical pain no longer mattered; he had to become stronger!
Inside the castle, Zoro dropped to his knees, head bowed in a plea: "Please... teach me the way of the sword!"
The blood seeping through his bandages was a testament to his grit. He had defeated the humandrills, yet here he was, discarding his pride without a second thought. He was the crew's top combatant; if he couldn't provide the strongest support for Luffy in two years' time, he was unworthy of being a swordsman!
He needed power—the kind of power that could push Luffy onto the throne of the Pirate King. If he could grow stronger, if he could offer his captain more help in two years, what did a moment of humiliation matter?
Across the world, every member of the Straw Hat Pirates was working toward their own goals with unyielding resolve. Their captain was the man who would become the Pirate King! They had to endure these two years. When they finally reunited, the Straw Hat Pirates would storm the peak of the world.
Rusukaina, a deserted island near Amazon Lily.
"Luffy, this is the place I've chosen for your training. They say this island has forty-eight seasons a year," Rayleigh explained as he led Luffy deep into the jungle. "The seasons change every week. It's an island with incredibly harsh natural conditions, which makes it perfect for training."
Rayleigh pointed toward a giant, radish-like tree. "Do you see that? For various reasons, the creatures of this island won't go near that tree. It's the safest spot here. That will be our base for resting and eating."
In a small clearing, Rayleigh and Luffy stood facing each other. "Over the next two years, I will teach you a power called Haki. It is a power latent in all human beings—it is presence, spirit, and intimidation. Everyone is born with it, but most people never notice it, let alone harness it."
Suddenly, a massive elephant charged out of the brush toward Rayleigh.
"Watch out!" Luffy instantly dropped into Gear Second to intercept, but he was swatted away by the elephant's trunk.
"Common Haki is divided into two types," Rayleigh continued calmly, as if the giant beast wasn't there. "One allows you to sense things outside your field of vision—their location, number, and their next intended move."
"On Sky Island, they call it Mantra. Its true name is Observation Haki." With his eyes closed, Rayleigh spoke casually while effortlessly dodging the elephant's rampaging attacks. Luffy watched in awe, focusing every ounce of attention on the lesson.
"The second type is Armament Haki. It is like wearing an invisible suit of armor, but it can also be used offensively." Rayleigh reached out and caught the elephant's massive descending hoof with a single palm. To Luffy's shock, he sent the beast flying with a simple shove.
BOOM!
"The most terrifying part of this ability is that it can bypass the defenses of Devil Fruit users. Even Logia types can be touched and harmed in their physical forms."
Rayleigh then walked over to Luffy and flicked him lightly on the forehead.
Snap!
"Ow! That hurts!" Luffy tumbled backward, but then the realization hit him. He remembered what Drake and Sabo had told him at Marineford. This was the power to strike the "truth" behind the fruit.
Suddenly, the elephant charged again from behind Rayleigh, enraged.
"POPS, LOOK OUT!" Luffy screamed.
Rayleigh didn't even turn around. He simply held up a third finger. "Besides those two common types, there is a third that only a few possess: Conqueror's Haki!"
Rayleigh's eyes narrowed slightly. A wave of invisible pressure erupted from him, sweeping over the elephant. The beast's charge slowed to a crawl; it began to tremble, sweat pouring from its hide, until it collapsed unconscious on the ground.
Thud!
Luffy stood frozen, his mouth hanging wide open.
"However, Conqueror's Haki cannot be strengthened through training alone; it is determined by the user's own willpower and spirit. You have already awakened it, but you cannot control it yet. Your job over the next two years is to master all three."
"Time is short. Let's begin."
"Right!" Luffy shouted. "Rayleigh! Wait for me a second."
Luffy ran to the giant radish tree. He slowly took off his straw hat and placed inside it the Vivre Card that represented the collective will of his crew.
"Straw Hat Luffy is taking a break for a while..."
"Luffy, hurry up! Training starts now!"
"Coming!"
And so, the Super Rookie and his crew entered a long period of silence to gather their strength. When they set sail again, what kind of surprises will they bring to the world?
The snow fell softly over the island, the sounds of nature echoing in the air. The "Pause" button had been pressed for the Straw Hats, but the gears of the world continued to turn. Where will this era lead?
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