"Hmm, Reid's mindset is noticeably better than Shanks and Buggy's."
Rayleigh nodded inwardly. The differences in their attitudes were obvious to him.
"Alright, let's continue."
He swung the stick again.
"Agh—! Damn it, I need to adapt… find the rhythm."
"Tch… ow… it hurts so much…"
"Heh, even Reid can't avoid getting hit. That makes me feel better."
Buggy grinned slightly, a hint of schadenfreude in his voice.
"If someone as strong as Reid can't counter Rayleigh's attacks, how long will it take me to reach his level?… Feel with the heart, huh?"
Shanks had also heard Rayleigh's earlier words to Reid. The memory stirred something in him.
"Roger… I don't want you to go."
"Shanks, you must stay strong. Always keep smiling. You can be a 'D,' anyone can be a 'D'—everyone can. Remember, Haki stands above all Devil Fruits. You can inherit my will—the will of freedom. The future of this paradise rests on your shoulders."
"Roger… Haki stands above all Fruits… No matter what, I have to master it."
Shanks clenched his fists, his eyes locked onto Reid as he endured the strikes. His resolve hardened.
"Ugh… this hurts. My head must be covered in lumps by now, and my body's probably bruised all over. The pain is so real… everything about this is real."
Even as he was struck, Reid kept his eyes on Rayleigh's movements, inhaling the faint scent carried by the air currents.
"Every time Rayleigh swings, I sense a slight breeze… a trace of his presence. Is that his scent? Or… his heartbeat? His breathing? But how could I possibly sense something like that? That doesn't make sense."
His mind raced with confusion. He had no foundation for this—everything was just guesswork.
"Did the system help me? No… I never asked it to. Not even subconsciously."
"Ack—!" Another strike landed as he pondered.
"Alright, you three—come here." Rayleigh finally stopped.
The three gathered before him, battered and bruised, a sorry sight.
"Hah, how do you feel?"
"Mr. Rayleigh, you went way too hard! Look at my handsome face—it's ruined now!"
Buggy sniffled, gingerly touching his swollen cheeks.
(Huh? Shanks isn't mocking Buggy this time.)
Reid glanced at Shanks, who stood silently, deep in thought.
Rayleigh smirked. "Buggy, if this were a real enemy, they wouldn't stop at just beating you up. Remember—your Devil Fruit isn't invincible. A true powerhouse could kill you without breaking a sweat."
"Mr. Rayleigh… you're talking about Haki, right?"
Shanks suddenly spoke up.
"Ah—exactly. Too many Devil Fruit users in this world grow dependent on their powers and neglect Haki training."
(Shanks is changing… Good.)
Rayleigh's smile deepened with approval.
"Mr. Rayleigh… please train me strictly!"
Shanks dropped to his knees, pressing his forehead to the ground in a deep bow.
"Shanks, what the hell are you doing?!"
Buggy stared, baffled by the sudden display.
"Shanks, you…"
Reid was equally surprised.
"Shanks… I believe in you. Since you've asked for it, don't blame me for what comes next. The next few months won't be kind."
Rayleigh grinned—a mix of pride and merciless promise.
"Thank you, Mr. Rayleigh! Break me as much as you need to!"
Tears spilled from Shanks' eyes as he lifted his head.
"Shanks…"
Buggy's usual mischief faded, replaced by rare seriousness. Despite their constant bickering, he understood Shanks better than anyone.
Rayleigh nodded, then turned to Reid.
"Reid, could you heal these two?"
"Oh, right."
He touched Shanks and Buggy lightly. Their injuries vanished instantly, though bloodstains and dirt remained.
With a thought, his own wounds healed as well.
"Whoa… the pain's gone. Even the lumps disappeared."
Shanks touched his head in awe.
"Hahaha! I'm back in action!"
Buggy bounced around, his usual cheer restored.
Rayleigh's eyes widened slightly.
"Reid… you barely touched them. I didn't even see what you did. And your own injuries… they're gone too?"
"Brother Rayleigh, this is my ability. As long as I touch someone, no matter how severe their injuries are, I can instantly heal them—as long as they're still breathing."
Reid couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. The attention was exhilarating.
"That's all it takes?"
Rayleigh's jaw practically hit the ground, his expression one of utter disbelief.
"Such an exaggerated reaction…"
Reid blinked, then glanced at Shanks and Buggy—both of whom looked just as stunned.
(Well, I guess I should be used to this by now.)
He rubbed his forehead.
"Uh… yeah, that's my medical ability. It really is that simple."
Buggy suddenly rushed over and started patting Reid all over.
"Buggy, what are you doing?"
Reid sighed.
"Hehehe, I'm absorbing your healing aura! The more I touch you, the healthier I'll be!"
"Buggy… I don't think that's how it works…"
Reid grimaced as Buggy continued groping him with an unsettling grin.
"Alright, Buggy, enough. Time to resume training."
"WHAT?! Mr. Rayleigh, already? Can't we take a break?!"
"Hmph. If you slack off now—"