"[Ding. Triggered choice:]
A: Use Haki to severely discipline Luffy and Ace again.
Reward: Intermediate Armament Haki ×1, Basic Conqueror's Haki ×1, Intermediate Martial Arts ×1, 2,000 senzu beans, Logia Devil Fruit ×1.
B: Teach Luffy and Ace Haki and become their master.
Reward: Basic Conqueror's Haki Card ×1, Intermediate Rokushiki Card ×1, 10 million berries, Intermediate Martial Arts Card ×1, System Space expanded to 9×9, Basic Skybreaker Pirate Ship ×1, one box of Super Spicy Ghost Pepper Noodles.
C: Pretend not to hear Ace.
Reward: One song album, one box of Spicy Prince noodles.]
Hearing the system's prompt echo in his mind, Rolan smirked faintly. Option A offered better rewards, but his instincts leaned toward B. He was curious to see just how far these two brats could go if given a proper foundation.
'I choose B.'
"Of course you can learn it," Rolan said calmly. "Observation Haki and Armament Haki are powers anyone can awaken."
Ace's eyes lit up instantly. "Then… can you teach us?"
"Sure," Rolan replied, scratching his chin. "But I can't promise I'll be a great teacher."
He genuinely wasn't sure how to instruct them, but recalling how Rayleigh trained Luffy in the future and relying on his own experience, Rolan figured the two had enough talent to learn quickly.
Ace nodded firmly without hesitation, while Luffy's face was set with determination.
"Alright," Rolan said, cracking his knuckles with a faint grin. "But be warned — you might actually die during training."
Ace and Luffy exchanged glances, then nodded resolutely.
"If we can't endure this," Ace said, "we'll never be worthy of the Pirate King's throne."
"I'm gonna be the Pirate King!" Luffy shouted, his eyes blazing.
"Good," Rolan said, smiling. "Since you've both shown some backbone, I'll reluctantly take you on."
He turned toward the leftover rhinoceros carcass, placed his palm on it, and murmured, "Electromagnetic Catapult."
The massive body instantly vanished in a burst of light, hurtling deep into the jungle faster than the naked eye could track.
Both boys stared, mouths agape.
"Luffy," Ace whispered, "you sure this guy's not some kind of ancient monster? He doesn't look that old, but…"
"I heard that," Rolan said, suddenly appearing in front of Luffy and flicking his forehead.
"Armament Haki – Forehead Flick."
Bang!
Luffy was sent flying backward, tumbling through the dirt before curling up on the ground.
"Ahhh! It hurts, it hurts!" he cried, clutching his forehead. "Why does it hurt so much?!"
Rolan ignored the whining and clasped his hands behind his back. "Luffy, you're made of rubber, right? Normal attacks shouldn't hurt you."
"Y-yeah," Luffy whimpered. "But your hit felt like Grandpa's Iron Fist of Love!"
"This is Armament Haki," Rolan explained coolly.
Ace nodded, beginning to understand.
"This power," Rolan continued, pacing with his hands behind his back, "allows you to strike Devil Fruit users and even bypass natural defenses. It's essential for fighting true monsters on the seas."
"Ahhh, no wonder gramps hits so hard," Luffy muttered, realization dawning.
Without further words, Rolan conjured a black handkerchief out of thin air and tied it around his eyes.
"Huh? What's that for?" Luffy asked, tilting his head.
"Come at me," Rolan said simply.
Ace blinked in confusion. "Are you serious?"
"Just attack me with everything you've got," Rolan said calmly. He activated his Observation Haki, the world around him instantly becoming clear through intent and motion alone.
Luffy cracked his knuckles. "Okay! I'm gonna hit your head! Gum-Gum Pistol!"
Rolan tilted his head slightly, the attack passing harmlessly by.
"I'm gonna aim for your chest!"
Another miss. Rolan sighed. "You don't need to shout what you're doing, you know. Just attack me seriously. If either of you can land a hit, I'll grill meat for you every day for a month."
"Really?!"
Luffy's eyes turned into shining plates of grilled meat, saliva dripping as he unleashed a barrage of punches, though noticeably weaker from excitement.
Ace, on the other hand, remained still, arms crossed. He figured with Rolan blindfolded, Luffy should at least stand a chance — though he doubted it.
"Strange," Luffy panted after several missed attacks. "Are you peeking under that blindfold or something? How do you know where I'm going to hit?"
Ace's jaw dropped too, unable to believe what he was seeing.
Rolan untied the handkerchief, tossing it aside. "This is Observation Haki. Even with your eyes closed, you can sense everything around you — movements, intent, even killing will. Some of the strongest people in the world are blind and still unmatched."
Luffy's eyes sparkled. "S-s-sugoi!"
Ace clenched his fists, eyes gleaming. "So this is Observation Haki…"
"You've seen Armament and Observation," Ace said eagerly, "what about Conqueror's Haki?"
Rolan paused for a moment, then said evenly, "I can't control mine yet — if I use it, I might hurt you both."
He'd never admit he hadn't awakened it yet. A teacher had to keep some dignity, after all.
"Alright," Rolan said finally. "Enough talk. Time for training."
---
Bang!
"Ow!"
"It hurts!"
Thud!
"Damn it!"
"Can this really awaken Haki?"
"Damn you, Rolan! You're just bullying us!"
"Shut up! If you want Observation Haki, getting beaten is part of the process!"
"W-wait, time out!"
"That's it? You're giving up already?"
"N-no way! I can handle it!"
After two grueling hours of non-stop beatings, both Ace and Luffy were lying flat on the ground, covered in bruises.
"Hiss! That hurts like crazy. Rolan, you don't even know what 'gentle' means!" Luffy complained, rubbing his swollen head.
Ace wasn't faring any better, breathing heavily, his face scratched and dirtied.
"Alright, that's enough for today," Rolan said, dusting off his hands. "We'll continue tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?! You've gotta be kidding!" Luffy wailed.
Rolan stood tall, arms behind his back, not even breaking a sweat. "This is the fastest way to awaken Haki. Endure it."
"Ugh… fine. But can we have some grilled—"
Before Luffy could finish, Rolan's foot connected with his side, sending him flying into the jungle.
"If you want grilled meat," Rolan said flatly, "go hunt it yourself."
"Owww! You jerk, Rolan! Did you use Haki in that kick?!" Luffy's voice echoed from deep within the forest.
Rolan sighed, glancing at Ace, who was holding in laughter. "He'll be fine."
Ace smirked. "He always is."
Rolan gave a small smile, watching the treeline sway from Luffy's crash. "Good. Because training's only going to get tougher from here."
_____
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