Anna got out of bed, washed up, tidied her hair, and slipped into her training clothes. Today, she was determined to practice swordsmanship.
"Ugh… just as I thought. Training inside a dream doesn't mean my body can keep up in reality," she sighed. "But it's fine. If I keep practicing, I'll catch up soon enough."
She tried to mimic the elegant sword moves she'd mastered in her dream, but her body refused to cooperate — every swing felt sluggish, heavy.
From upstairs, a familiar voice called out.
"Anna, you're up so early!"
Marco leaned out of the window, golden hair catching the morning sun. Down below, Anna was already practicing in the yard, her blade slicing through the air.
"Morning, Marco!" she called back with a grin. "Of course I'm up early. I decided to give it my all — no more half-measures!"
Marco chuckled softly. He vaulted gracefully out of the window and landed beside her, his movements light and effortless. Then, with a teasing kick, he tapped her sword aside.
"Your form's not bad," he said, "but your stamina needs work. Anyway, training on an empty stomach isn't good for you. Breakfast first."
Anna let out a small laugh.
"You're right. I'm starving anyway."
Together, they walked from the backyard toward the tavern, the crisp morning air carrying the scent of the sea.
As they strolled, Marco suddenly glanced at her.
"Hey, Anna… want to learn Haki?"
"Haki?"
Anna stopped mid-step. The word alone sent a spark through her mind — she knew that on the second half of the Grand Line, those without Haki were left hopelessly behind.
"Of course I want to learn!"
Marco smiled knowingly.
"Then you should ask Shanks. He's a master of Haki."
The moment he said it, the tavern door creaked open — and Shanks himself stepped inside.
"Anna wants to learn Haki?" Shanks said with a grin, clearly having overheard their talk from a distance. "It's not easy, you know."
"No matter how hard it is, I'll learn it!" Anna declared without hesitation.
Shanks folded his arms.
"Good. After breakfast, don't practice in the yard. Meet me at the back mountain instead. But keep in mind — I can only stay for a week. My crew can't linger on land too long."
"A week's enough," Anna said firmly. "I'll learn as much as I can."
She sat at the counter and began eating eagerly, shoveling spoonfuls of food as though the meal were a mere obstacle in the way of training.
"Slow down, you'll choke," Izo scolded gently, sliding her a glass of water. "We can teach you too, but Shanks is the best teacher you'll find."
Anna gulped down the water and stood up, determination blazing in her eyes.
"All done! Let's go!"
Shanks laughed.
"So impatient, huh? Fine then, let's not waste time."
The two made their way up the mountain path. Anna remembered how Rayleigh had trained Luffy's Haki for a full year — and she only had seven days. She'd have to absorb everything she could and continue practicing after Shanks left.
Shanks finally stopped at a small clearing surrounded by trees.
"Here's good enough. Nice and quiet."
"I'm ready," Anna said, tightening her grip on her sword.
Shanks smiled.
"Relax, don't be so tense. Just watch my demonstration."
He raised his arm — it darkened, turning pitch black like forged steel — and with a single punch, he shattered a tree trunk clean in half.
"This is Armament Haki," he explained. "Wherever it covers, both defense and attack power are enhanced. You build it through constant, rigorous training."
He pointed toward a pile of small stones.
"Now, throw a few at me."
Anna did as told, but every single one was effortlessly dodged.
"That's Observation Haki. It allows you to sense an opponent's intent and predict their attacks."
He paused, then smiled again.
"And finally, Conqueror's Haki — a power only a rare few are born with. It can't be learned through training, so we'll focus on Observation and Armament."
(The training went on for hours — countless exercises, much like Rayleigh's training with Luffy.)
When the sun began to dip toward the horizon, Shanks stretched.
"That's enough for today."
Before Anna could protest, he lifted her effortlessly, tucking her under one arm as he started down the mountain.
"Shanks… I'm exhausted. Aren't you tired too?" she murmured weakly.
"Haha, you're just not used to the grind yet," he said with a chuckle.
As he walked, Anna glanced at his missing left arm. Her body ached from bruises and scrapes, but she couldn't help wondering how much pain he'd endured when he lost it.
"Shanks," she asked softly, "does your arm still hurt?"
He laughed lightly.
"Not at all. Why so concerned about me today, Anna?"
He didn't show the slightest hint of sorrow — just that same carefree grin.
"Do you… ever regret it?" she asked. "Losing your arm, I mean?"
"Regret?" Shanks smiled, eyes glinting in the fading light. "Not a chance. I gave it up for the sake of the new era. Maybe someday you'll meet the boy I saved — and when you do, tell him I'm still waiting for him to return that straw hat."
Anna smiled softly.
"I will. I'm looking forward to meeting the man who made you risk your arm for him."
The setting sun bathed them both in a warm, amber glow, like the world itself had softened around their moment.
Back at the tavern, Sachi waved from the kitchen.
"Welcome back! I've been waiting — dinner's ready!"
"Ahh, I'm so hungry!" Anna's energy returned the instant she saw the food. She wriggled free from Shanks' arm and bolted to the table, devouring everything in sight.
"Didn't I tell you to eat slower? You'll choke again," Izo sighed, placing another cup of water beside her. "Honestly, this girl…"
Marco chuckled.
"So, how was her training?"
"She's got potential," Shanks replied before Anna could speak — her mouth too full to answer anyway. "I can guide her, but the rest is up to you. I can only stay for a week."
Marco nodded.
"That's fine. We just got word from Pops — several pirate ships are approaching the island. Looks like Anna will soon have plenty of sparring partners."
Shanks grinned.
"You've thought ahead, huh?"
Anna, oblivious to their talk, kept eating like she hadn't seen food in days. Her appetite seemed endless after the day's training — she'd eaten twice her usual share and still wanted more.
"Looks like little Anna really worked hard today," Sachi said, smiling as he handed her another bowl.
"Of course I did! And your cooking's amazing!" Anna beamed. "Another serving, please!"
Sachi laughed, shaking his head.
"All right, all right — but don't overdo it, okay? No matter how good it tastes, you'll regret it if you eat yourself sick."