The next day.
Reid, Shanks, and Buggy followed Rayleigh to a densely forested area on the island.
Surveying their surroundings, Reid thought to himself, "There are so many huge trees here. I wonder if we'll encounter any wild beasts."
He recalled Luffy's two-year training period, where gigantic creatures would frequently appear out of nowhere.
The memory sent an involuntary shiver down his spine. "Please don't let there be anything too insane... I'm just starting to learn Haki..."
"Rayleigh, are we training here?" Shanks asked, looking around while securing his straw hat behind his back.
"Mmm~ Find yourselves a spot to sit. I'll explain Haki first—it's not something you can master so easily."
Rayleigh raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth quirking up to reveal gleaming white teeth.
Once the trio had settled, Rayleigh's expression turned serious.
"There are three types of Haki: Armament Haki (Busoshoku), Observation Haki (Kenbunshoku), and Conqueror's Haki (Haoshoku)."
"I know this! Armament Haki strengthens defense and enhances attacks!" Shanks blurted out, raising his hand eagerly.
"Tch, Shanks, everyone knows that. No need to show off," Buggy retorted, crossing his arms with a disdainful smirk.
"Correct. Most Roger Pirates members—except Buggy, who accidentally ate a Devil Fruit—don't rely on Devil Fruit abilities."
At Rayleigh's words, Buggy's face flushed with rage.
"SHANKS!! This is all your fault! If it weren't for you, I never would've eaten that damned Devil Fruit!"
Buggy exploded in anger, his teeth grinding at the memory.
"How is this my fault? You were the one sneaking around! And don't blame me—if I hadn't stayed behind to look after you, I could've left the crew earlier!" Shanks shot back.
"I never asked you to stay! How is that my fault?!" Buggy snarled.
"If you two keep interrupting, I'll send you both away."
Rayleigh's voice was calm, his gaze steady and unreadable.
Reid watched as Shanks and Buggy immediately fell silent, amused. "Rayleigh's authority is absolute. A single word from him, and these two don't dare make a sound."
With peace restored, Rayleigh continued.
"Beyond offense and defense, Armament Haki allows you to touch the true form of Logia-type Devil Fruit users. This is our primary means of countering Devil Fruit abilities in the Roger Pirates."
Rayleigh extended a hand.
"Like this—Iron Body
His palm instantly hardened with Armament Haki.
"Incredible..." Reid marveled. He'd seen Yamato and other Marines use Armament Haki before, but he'd never paid close attention.
"This is the most basic form—Hardening (Koka). Beyond this, there are advanced applications: Imbuing (Ryou) and Emission (Haki Release)."
"So that's how it works. Seeing Rayleigh demonstrate it up close is completely different."
Reid's heart raced with excitement, his eyes shining.
"Imbuing enhances Hardening further, wrapping Haki around your body or weapons—any weapon. For example, Vice Admiral Garp throws cannonballs imbued with Haki to amplify their power. We've been on the receiving end of those more times than I'd like."
Rayleigh chuckled at the memory.
"The third form is Emission—projecting Haki outward as a tangible force for attack or defense. This level is typically seen in those with Conqueror's Haki. Ordinary fighters rarely reach it."
A crimson aura flickered around Rayleigh's palm. With a casual flick of his wrist, a distant tree exploded into splinters.
"Amazing..." Shanks murmured, entranced.
"So cool..." Buggy's eyes widened.
"This is the power of Haki..."
Reid's pulse quickened. The display was nothing short of awe-inspiring.
"See that? That's Armament Emission. Observation and Conqueror's Haki follow similar principles—I'll explain them briefly later. It should be straightforward."
"Understood, Rayleigh." Reid nodded.
"Me too."
"Same."
Shanks and Buggy echoed.
"Good. One more thing—basic Armament is static, simple hardening like iron. But for masters, Haki flows dynamically, making combat unpredictable and allowing for more versatile offense and defense."
As Rayleigh spoke, his hardened palm began to ripple with energy, waves of aura swirling around it.
"This is Ryuo..." Reid couldn't help but mutter.
"Reid, you know about Ryuo?" Rayleigh seemed genuinely surprised. For someone just beginning to learn Haki, this was advanced knowledge.
Moreover, the term "Ryuou" (Flowing Sakura) originated in Wano Country, and since Wano is a closed-off nation, even fewer people know about it.
"Uh... I know some things about the future, learned from Oden."
Reid blushed slightly as he explained.
"I see. Brother Reid, your ability is truly extraordinary," Rayleigh couldn't help but praise, his pupils narrowing slightly.
"So strong, Reid! I really admire you," Shanks said excitedly, his eyes filled with admiration and longing.
"Foreseeing the future..." Buggy's gaze flickered, deeply envious of Reid's power.
"Well, that's essentially how Armament Haki works. Its strength depends on how you develop and apply it. It's relatively common in the world—even minor pirates and ordinary Marines can use it."
"Understood. Rayleigh, next, tell us about Observation Haki and Conqueror's Haki," Reid said.
"Alright. These two are much rarer. To possess Observation Haki or Conqueror's Haki, one must have unwavering conviction and indomitable willpower—nothing can shake their resolve."
Reid and the other two nodded, showing they understood.