"Twenty-eight beauties have—"
Kuzan mumbled in his sleep, only to jolt awake with a start. He'd been dreaming that Gion was chasing him through Marineford, swinging her sword at his head for calling her big-busted lady again.
He rubbed his eyes, saw the time, and froze.
"Ah, crap… I'm late."
Throwing on his uniform, he sprinted out the door and made for the training grounds.
Instructor Zephyr was already there, warming up. Two massive dumbbells swung in rhythm with his breath — each one looked heavier than a small cannon. When he noticed Kuzan, he set them down with a heavy thud that shook the ground.
"You're late, Kuzan," Zephyr said, his voice calm but cold.
Kuzan straightened immediately. "Sorry, sir! Won't happen again!"
Zephyr crossed his arms. "You've come far, but tell me — where are you with Haki?"
Kuzan scratched his cheek. "Uh… I've started sensing things a little better lately. Observation Haki, I think. But as for Armament… nothing yet."
Zephyr nodded slightly. "At least you're honest. Most men brag until they're bleeding on the ground."
He gestured for Kuzan to step closer. "Do you understand how Haki develops?"
Kuzan shook his head. "Not really. I figured it just… happens after enough fighting."
"That's part of it," Zephyr said, pacing slowly. "Observation Haki comes from awareness. Fighting with your senses sharpens your instincts — you learn to feel killing intent, movement, and presence. But Armament…" His eyes hardened. "Armament Haki comes from resolve. The will to fight through pain and strike harder than your limit allows."
Kuzan listened carefully. Zephyr's words hit like cannonballs — heavy, direct, and absolute.
"Over time," Zephyr continued, "your body remembers battle. Every bruise, every impact — it builds resistance. That pressure, that pain, it becomes Haki. But don't think it's easy. You'll need to be pushed to your limit… again and again."
Kuzan nodded. "So basically, I have to get beaten up."
Zephyr smirked. "Exactly. Luckily for you, I'm very good at that."
Before Kuzan could react, Zephyr's fist slammed into his gut.
"Ghh—!" Kuzan's breath left his body as he flew back, skidding across the dirt.
"Rule one," Zephyr barked, "No Devil Fruit powers. You fight as a man, not an element!"
"Y-Yes, sir!" Kuzan gasped.
What followed was chaos.
"Bang!"
"Wham!"
"Thud!"
Each blow from Zephyr was like being hit by a cannon. Kuzan dodged what he could, but most of the time, he couldn't even see the punches coming.
By the time the sun began to set, his face was swollen, his uniform torn, and his pride dented beyond repair.
"You've got heart," Zephyr said at last, helping him up. "But heart alone doesn't make Haki. You'll learn to feel your own limits… and break them."
Kuzan, face puffed like a dumpling, saluted weakly. "Th-thanks… teacher…"
Later that evening, as Kuzan limped toward the mess hall, he spotted Gion waiting near the door.
She took one look at him — and burst out laughing.
"Pfft—! What happened to you?! Did a Sea King step on your face?"
Kuzan scowled, though it only made him look funnier. "I'll have you know this is a sign of dedication. Justice hurts, you know."
"Justice? You look like a panda!" she said, doubling over in laughter.
Kuzan pointed dramatically. "You lack compassion, woman! Can't you see I'm suffering for the future of the Marines?!"
"Sure, sure," she said, wiping her tears. "Why don't you suffer a bit quieter? People are staring."
Inside the cafeteria, Chef Parker had already set out Kuzan's meal — triple portions, as usual. Seeing Gion beside him, he added an extra plate.
Kuzan dug in despite the pain, chewing awkwardly through his swollen lips. Gion ate more gracefully, though the occasional smirk betrayed her amusement.
"You know," Kuzan mumbled, "Zephyr-sensei says pain builds strength. So technically, I'm getting stronger every second."
Gion rolled her eyes. "At this rate, you'll be Admiral by next week."
He gave her a thumbs-up with a grin. "Exactly my plan."
By the time they finished, the tension between them had softened. Gion leaned back, still smiling faintly.
"You're hopeless, Kuzan."
"Yeah," he said, stretching. "But at least I'm consistent."
That night, back in his quarters, Kuzan stared at the ceiling — sore, bruised, but oddly satisfied.
Every ache reminded him that he'd taken another step toward real strength.
As he drifted into sleep, his thoughts lingered on two things: Zephyr's lessons and Gion's laughter echoing in his ears.
And for once, the lazy Marine felt… content.
---
Support: patreon.com/Narrator_San