Mastering Conqueror's Haki
No wonder Luffy had been in such bad shape—Kaido's club was truly devastating!
Even when Carl had faced Shiki the Golden Lion, he hadn't felt such overwhelming power. Kaido's club carried more weight than three islands combined!
However, enduring that blow hadn't been in vain.
Carl could clearly sense the distinct energy of Conqueror's Haki coating, and understanding began to crystallize in his mind. With enough time to analyze it or additional combat experience against Kaido, he could definitely master this technique.
Kaido wasn't faring well either at this point.
Despite his tremendous physical strength, he had suffered Carl's powerful attack at point-blank range. The electromagnetic railgun technique had pierced straight through his right chest, leaving him bleeding heavily.
Yet this monster's recovery abilities were extraordinary—the blood flow already seemed to be slowing.
What an absolute beast!
"WORORORORO! Little guy, Laozi appreciates your strength more and more," Kaido laughed. "Are you absolutely sure you won't join my Beast Pirates?"
Kaido still hadn't abandoned his recruitment efforts, leaving Carl speechless.
It didn't matter. When Kaido ultimately faced defeat, he would realize what a mistake it had been to show mercy at the beginning.
Back on the Going Merry, Luffy had finished replenishing his energy.
"Mr. Carl is holding his own against Kaido!" Usopp announced excitedly. "He took a direct hit from Kaido's club, but he also managed to punch through Kaido's chest. They're evenly matched!"
Hearing this, everyone couldn't help but smile with relief.
It seemed their mentor Carl was indeed incredibly powerful if he could seriously wound an Emperor. Although Carl had taken damage from Kaido as well, they were confident he wouldn't fall so easily—not with his remarkable strength.
Luffy had eaten his fill, and his physical strength was rapidly recovering. However, his spirit was still somewhat depleted.
He grabbed Robin's hand eagerly. "Robin, hurry! Help me with your powers!"
Robin was startled for a moment, then quickly understood. She took out her palette and pens, rapidly painting patterns across Luffy's skin.
"Color Trap: Warrior's Purple!"
With a flash, Luffy's entire body was covered with vibrant purple markings.
"As long as these purple markings remain on your body, you'll charge forward like a fearless warrior without feeling any fatigue!" Robin explained.
As soon as she finished speaking, Luffy roared with excitement.
He used Geppo to launch himself back toward the battlefield.
Watching this, everyone on the ship broke into applause. Robin's abilities were truly perfect for someone as single-minded as Luffy.
"Mr. Carl, I'm back!" Luffy shouted.
Without further delay, he activated Gear Fourth and confronted Kaido with a Kong Gun attack.
Carl had no choice but to retreat to a safe distance. He split his black blade into smaller swords, ready to provide aerial support for Luffy at any moment. Fighting at sea was indeed troublesome, especially when islands were so easily destroyed.
Noticing the purple markings on Luffy's body, Carl immediately understood the situation.
Luffy was using a clever trick—he had asked Robin to boost his stamina with her Color Trap ability. Otherwise, he would probably still be lying down exhausted.
"What a reckless apprentice I've taken on," Carl thought to himself while positioning himself as backup. "But it's fine. We'll take a proper rest after dealing with Kaido. Opportunities to learn advanced Conqueror's Haki are rare, so I need to make the most of this encounter."
As Luffy charged in, Kaido responded with Thunder Bagua again.
However, he had forgotten about the unhealed wound in his right chest. Still using his right arm, his strike lacked its previous power. Meanwhile, Luffy's Kong Gun came with newfound force.
BANG! The club was knocked backward, and Luffy's fist connected directly with Kaido's body.
Kaido was sent flying.
"What? Something's different about that punch!"
Kaido managed to halt his backward momentum, swinging his weapon overhead to deliver another Raimei Thunder Bagua.
Luffy showed no hesitation, meeting the attack with another Kong Gun. Before fist and club even made contact, the space between them exploded violently. Purple-black lightning surged outward, unleashing another apocalyptic display of power across the sea.
Kaido's expression changed completely. "How—how is this possible?! You're already learning to infuse Conqueror's Haki into your attacks!"
Luffy laughed heartily. "I should thank you for your excellent demonstration earlier, Teacher Kaido!"
Saying this, he unleashed his Conqueror's Haki, wrapping it around his fist as he continued to clash with Kaido's club. Though his technique was still unrefined, he had undoubtedly grasped the fundamentals.
With diligent practice, he would soon master this advanced application of Haki!
Kaido's expression darkened. He had inadvertently become a teacher to this rookie. Now he understood—this Straw Hat boy possessed an extraordinary talent for learning combat techniques. Either you defeated him completely with overwhelming force, or you didn't fight him at all. Otherwise, he might absorb your techniques right before your eyes.
What kind of monster had he encountered?!
BOOM! BOOM!
Their attacks hadn't even connected physically, yet the space between them was already distorting and exploding—a terrifying display of power.
Carl, watching from the sidelines with his hair blown wild by the shock waves, couldn't help but smile.
Luffy truly hadn't disappointed him. After nearly being knocked unconscious by Kaido's attack, he had turned misfortune into opportunity by directly grasping the essentials of Conqueror's Haki coating.
The D. bloodline was truly extraordinary.
Carl felt no envy, however. Having endured multiple Conqueror's Haki-infused attacks from Kaido, and now witnessing the clash between Luffy and Kaido with his own eyes, he too had grasped the technique. What kind of teacher would he be if he couldn't learn from such clear demonstrations?
Yes, he had mastered it as well!
Kaido was indeed an excellent instructor!
BANG! Luffy and Kaido repelled each other, and Carl quickly flew to Luffy's side.
"Well done, Luffy! You've learned the technique," Carl said with a smile. "How was Teacher Kaido's lesson?"
"Shishishi! It was fantastic! We should really thank Teacher Kaido!" Luffy couldn't stop grinning.
"Do you want to continue fighting him alone?" Carl asked.
"...No, let's take him on together. There's still a gap between me and Kaido—we shouldn't take unnecessary risks."
Carl felt relieved hearing those words.
It seemed Luffy wasn't always reckless. He recognized when an opponent was beyond his individual capabilities. He knew when to retreat and when to fight as a team. Earlier, his goal had been to learn Conqueror's coating.
Now that he had acquired the skill, it made perfect sense to face Kaido two-on-one!
"Since you've figured that out, let's quickly defeat Kaido and return for a feast!" Carl declared.
With that, he immediately launched himself toward Kaido, his Obsidian blade crackling with electricity and now—visibly—wrapped in the dark aura of Conqueror's Haki.
Kaido met the attack with another Thunder Bagua, but when the weapons clashed, he was startled to feel a distinctive collision of Conqueror's Haki between the club and the black sword.
This Carl had learned the technique too!
"Damn it!" Kaido growled. "I should have stayed home today. What rotten luck!"
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