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The importance of high-level combat power is self-evident.
Even though the Marines control most of the lower-tier forces across the four seas and even the world, in large-scale battles, the strength of individuals still determines victory or defeat.
So, what level of combat power can be considered the backbone of the Marines?
Officers of the rank of Captain generally master one or two techniques from the Six Powers or possess their specialized combat skills in martial arts or swordsmanship.
Their physical abilities have typically reached or are approaching superhuman levels.
As for officers of the rank of Commodore and above, they build upon this foundation by mastering either Observation Haki or Armament Haki, gaining extensive battle experience, or wielding a Devil Fruit ability.
To fully master both Observation and Armament Haki and awaken a Devil Fruit ability—such combat strength, in Sengoku's eyes, is already at the level of a potential Admiral.
Given enough time or the right circumstances, such individuals could become the next Admirals.
"If what you say is true and Rosinante and the others have already reached this power level..." Sengoku took a deep breath, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
"Then, the rank of Vice Admiral can naturally be granted!"
At the same time, he was deeply shocked by the sheer number of powerful individuals under Arashi's command.
This lineup was practically a miniature version of Marine Headquarters, Marineford itself.
In the past two decades, the military power of the West Blue has continued to grow to a level that even the world can no longer ignore.
Combined with this group of formidable individuals, it was enough to inspire fear.
"Furthermore!" Sengoku furrowed his brows and continued, "Regarding the upcoming Seven Warlords of the Sea meeting, do you have any recommendations for new candidates?"
With Crocodile stripped of his Warlord title, this was naturally a matter of great importance.
The position, created specifically to counter the Four Emperors of the New World, could not be left vacant. It was also a matter of the World Government's authority.
"The Seven Warlords of the Sea?" Arashi chuckled. "It's a system that will be abolished sooner or later."
"It benefits neither the world nor the Marines. As for new candidates, selecting one requires careful consideration of both strength and reputation. However, at the moment, I don't see anyone truly suitable."
Hearing this, Sengoku frowned in contemplation. It was indeed a difficult matter to resolve.
"If possible, why don't you leave the Warlord matter to me?" Arashi suggested.
"You?" Sengoku's eyes lit up. "That's a great idea." He had been overwhelmed with work recently, and reducing his burden in any way was a welcome relief.
Arashi's status, position, and strength made him more than qualified to oversee the Warlord meeting. Moreover, this could serve as a transitional phase for a shift in authority.
"Then, the upcoming Warlord meeting will be in your hands!" Sengoku smiled. "Additionally, I will make arrangements for the Vice Admiral promotions."
Arashi nodded, his face also showing a smile. Since he had returned to Marineford, it was only natural to fight for benefits for his people and simultaneously pave the way for himself.
After many years, their brief conversation had already finalized several key matters. As Arashi turned to leave, Sengoku watched him with a relaxed smile.
Talking with him was a completely different experience than dealing with the other three Admirals. From top to bottom, he felt a sense of relief and ease, a stark contrast to the stress he usually endured.
At the same time, Sengoku did not even have a shred of doubt regarding Arashi's abilities.
Having served as the Supreme Commander of the West Blue for years, Arashi had long gained the experience and skill required to be a top leader.
He could oversee the entire battlefield with a clear strategic vision.
A young female Marine officer quickly arranged accommodations for Arashi and his subordinates.
Unlike previous lodgings, he now had greater authority and status as an admiral, which naturally came with the best treatment Marineford had to offer.
His new residence was not just a massive villa but an entire area, nearly forming an independent district.
With training grounds, housing, and various facilities, it was more than just a place to live—it was practically a small town.
After inspecting the surroundings, Crocodile and the others quickly settled in. Arashi himself had no strict requirements for his living conditions.
He had no complaints as long as the space was wide, clean, and comfortable.
Additionally, Marineford's residential areas were generally built alongside training grounds, making it convenient for Marines to train and constantly improve their strength.
The day after settling in, CP9 and Baroque Works members began specialized training at the training grounds.
Arashi received word that the Seven Warlords meeting was still being prepared and would take another day or two. With time to spare, he decided to personally oversee their training.
CP9 and Baroque Works members already had solid foundational skills, unlike regular Marine cadets. Arashi's training approach was clear: ordinary Baroque Works members would be trained by others, while his main focus would be CP9's potential.
Daz Bones continued his swordsmanship training. Any minor questions he had, he would ask Kuina, meaning Arashi didn't need to intervene personally.
The advantage of having a strong force under his command was that many matters could be handled without his direct involvement.
"Armament Haki is the power of strong will."
"It enhances both offensive and defensive capabilities. It allows you to strike Logia users, amplifies the power of physical attacks, and provides a defensive barrier against incoming attacks."
"With the right training, you can master it. With your physical capabilities, you are already at the level where training can begin."
Arashi spoke with his arms crossed, smiling. CP9 members listened intently, their faces filled with excitement and anticipation.
Over the past few days, they had learned about Haki from others and understood its significance. Among the three types of Haki, Armament Haki was considered the most common, yet it was also one of the most practical.
"Starting today, I will teach you how to train in Armament Haki! At the same time, I will also instruct you in Observation Haki, which heightens your sensory perception."
"However, while Haki can be mastered with effort, it also requires a certain level of innate talent. Some people may take longer to awaken it."
As he said this, a flicker of unnaturalness crossed Arashi's face. He was among the minority who were exceptionally slow in developing Observation Haki.
It had taken him twenty long years to awaken it. But through sheer determination, he had finally mastered it, and that was the greatest reward.
"Then, Admiral Arashi, how should we train to acquire these two types of Haki?" Bruno asked with a puzzled expression.
"It's simple!" Arashi grinned. "My training is different from others. For some, it may seem harsh. But for you all, it should be just right!"
His gaze swept across the group, a faint smile on his lips. "Before we begin, remember one thing! Haki can only be truly mastered through relentless combat and hardship!"
"Which means…" A dangerous glint flashed in Arashi's eyes as he smirked. "Your next task will be...Survive my attacks with everything you've got!!"
Upon hearing this, Lucci and the others felt their pupils contract. "What?"
"Admiral Arashi is going to fight us?"
"That seems to be the case!"
"So Haki can only be awakened and understood through continuous battle?"
One voice after another rang out as the CP9 squad members grew increasingly tense.
"Well then! Let's begin!" Arashi swept his gaze over them, then grinned. The moment his words fell, his figure vanished instantly, leaving only a few specks of dust scattering from where he had stood.
"Was that Soru? But can Soru be trained to this level?" With an explosive opening, Arashi's mastery of the Rokushiki sent shockwaves through the minds of the CP9 members.
"Swoosh!"
In nearly an instant, Arashi appeared behind Lucci, his towering figure casting a massive shadow and whipping up a fierce gust of wind.
He did not try to conceal his presence or use his full strength. After all, this battle aimed to force his opponents to grow under pressure.
Raising his right leg sharply, he held it in place briefly.
"Feel it for yourselves during battle, the power of Haki! All of you!" As he spoke, an inexplicable aura coiled around his right leg. Then, with a sudden force, his leg came crashing down.
Lucci turned swiftly, lifting his leg to block the attack. However, the moment their strikes collided, his expression changed drastically.
"Boom!"
A violent, razor-sharp force erupted instantly, sending him flying like a cannonball.
He tumbled across the ground for sixty-eight meters before barely stabilising himself, crouching and gasping for breath. As he lifted his head, he stared in shock at the towering figure before him.
"How is this possible?! The same level of power, the same speed, yet the difference in destructive force is this vast?"
The moment of impact had made him realize something. He had initially believed Arashi would crush him instantly with sheer overwhelming strength.
Yet, the power he had felt was identical to his own. This meant that Admiral Arashi had deliberately adjusted his speed and strength to match theirs.
"Nothing is impossible, Lucci! This is Armament Haki! Your task is to sense it in battle, comprehend it, and master it."
Arashi spoke with a calm smile. Lucci's heart trembled as he finally understood.
The pressure of battle could push a person's potential to its limits, allowing them to experience and grasp an unfamiliar power.
Arashi deliberately restrained himself, fully exposing the essence of Haki so that they could perceive it more easily.
The next moment, his figure moved again, launching attacks on the others. No one could withstand his strikes, yet they could feel that invisible, cutting force.
"So this is Armament Haki?" Kaku murmured. Adjusting their strategy, CP9 launched a coordinated attack against Arashi. However, what happened next left them utterly shaken.
"We can't land a single hit! It's as if he's using an advanced version of Kami-e! His eyes...It's like he can see through all of our movements! How do we even fight against this?"
Lucci was equally shocked, recalling his battle with Buggy. That opponent also seemed to possess this ability.
"Observation Haki allows one to strongly perceive the presence of everything around them. It reads an opponent's thoughts and can foresee the near future!"
Arashi explained with a faint smile. His arms were crossed, yet he effortlessly dodged every attack aimed at him, even without moving.
This absolutely suppressed combat skill as if he existed on an entirely different plane. The CP9 squad finally realized how vast the gap was between themselves and this admiral.
Despite using the same strength and speed, his combat experience and both forms of Haki resulted in a complete and overwhelming domination.
Moreover, Arashi controlled the intensity of the battle with precision—sufficiently oppressive to create immense pressure, yet not to the point where they couldn't fight back at all.
The battle was fierce, the rhythm incredibly fast. The CP9 members felt even more pressure than they had during the Enies Lobby incident.
For an entire day, they cycled between attacking and getting injured. But in that time, their progress was visibly astonishing, even surprising themselves.
"Haki... the strong sensation of one's presence and that of the outside world! During the battle, my perception of it grows clearer!"
Despite his battered and bruised body, Kaku was filled with excitement. Slowly lifting his head, he looked toward Lucci, who was seated cross-legged, resting. His heart trembled.
"Lucci's talent surpasses mine. His understanding is likely even deeper. I have to admit, Admiral Arashi's combat-focused training method truly accelerates growth!"
"The only downside is..."
Kaku turned to look behind him at the group of teammates lying sprawled on the ground, groaning in pain.
"Those who can't endure this intense damage and pressure might not last long."
The training lasted nearly an entire day and concluded only at dusk. By then, the CP9 squad was utterly exhausted.
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