Intermediate level—freely controlling it with one's own will.
Controlling it through intent, using it frequently, and gradually becoming familiar with it.
In the end, one would be able to master the timing, power, and range of Conqueror's Haki.
But at this stage, it was still a technique meant for clearing out small fry.
Advanced level—reaching this stage meant a qualitative transformation.
According to Dragon's description, the user had to at least reach a level where they were renowned across the sea before they could advance further.
Destroying opponents purely through coercive pressure, making them lose consciousness, scaring them to death, and even causing material destruction.
That description was divided into three minor stages: knocking enemies unconscious, frightening enemies to death, and manifesting Conqueror's Haki physically to destroy matter.
Only upon reaching the final stage of advanced mastery would there be any possibility of touching the technique of Conqueror's Haki Infusion.
As for Ren… well, better not mention it.
Still, once he recalled it again, a certain someone was more than happy to talk.
"It was all right, I guess. I thought it was just so-so. Since it wasn't that hard to learn, it felt pretty ordinary and boring.
"It took me a whole twenty-five days to master advanced Conqueror's Haki. Way too slow. Far too slow.
"Oh, right, Dragon, how long did it take you to master advanced Conqueror's Haki? Hahaha, it's fine if you don't want to say…"
Ren laughed openly for once. After all, being praised as a genius was a rare thing for him.
Most of the time, he was either looking at Zoro with envy or admiring Luffy from afar.
There had never been a time when someone else envied his talent.
But… bet you didn't see that coming, huh?
I'm a pay-to-win player!
The benefits of spending resources on aptitude had finally given Ren, after a long absence, the capital to brag about himself.
"About half a month… though I only mastered it after encountering certain circumstances that gave me an opportunity."
Faced with such a blatant humblebrag, Dragon smiled helplessly and played along.
Then his expression turned serious. "Speaking of which, regarding the final technique of Conqueror's Haki Infusion, have you already made up your mind?"
"Yes."
Ren shrugged. "As you said, Conqueror's Haki Infusion is the final stage of Conqueror's Haki.
"Its principle is to wrap the Conqueror's Haki that has already been physically manifested at the final stage of advanced mastery around a weapon.
"But over the last five days, no matter how many different ways you beat me half to death, I still couldn't break through that final barrier.
"All the other factors have already been ruled out. What's left is probably only one thing."
He gave his conclusion very seriously. "You won't actually kill me, and I can't actually die."
"A lack of deathmatches? Indeed, Haki itself is the awakening of one's life potential.
"The more brutal and dangerous the battle, the more one's Haki aptitude is compressed like a spring. Once one survives it… no, once one obtains the right opportunity, it will release tremendous power."
Dragon first affirmed Ren's conclusion, then said with grave seriousness, "The reason I didn't confirm it immediately is simple. This theory is extremely dangerous.
"A spring may be able to withstand pressure beyond imagination, but there is also the possibility that it will be crushed.
"When you train Haki in ordinary times, progress is like laying a foundation bit by bit, making that spring sturdier.
"That is why, during a dangerous battle, even when great pressure is applied, it can still rebound.
"But if that pressure exceeds the limit, there may never be another chance for it to rebound."
"You're afraid I'll go fight a life-or-death battle and get myself killed, right?"
"As a prophet, simply being alive is already the greatest benefit you can provide."
"Don't worry. I won't really go looking for death."
"I know you don't do things without preparation, but… Whitebeard's danger still exceeds your imagination.
"No matter how much preparation you have made before this, before the strongest man in the world, it will never be enough."
Dragon's expression was solemn. He even gave an example. "You've met Mihawk as well. Even he must bring out one hundred percent of his focus in front of Whitebeard.
"On the Marines' side, Whitebeard is regarded as having the power to destroy the world."
"I know. But I think this is something I must do.
"If I fear death, how can I stand at the top of the world?
"And besides, I have prophesied it. No matter what happens, I will return."
Ren's gaze was calm. After all, he still had a Totem of Undying in hand.
If he could trade one life for mastery of Conqueror's Haki Infusion and confirm Whitebeard's thoughts in the process, then there was nothing that wasn't worth it.
If he wanted to move the great tide of the world, he had to be prepared to pay a price!
"Since you've made your decision, I won't interfere."
Dragon looked deeply at Ren, then stood to take his leave. "Goodbye, then. I also have to go to Sabaody Archipelago to make preparations.
"Admirals are still very troublesome. The impact caused by him taking away Celestial Dragons… Tch. I hope both of us can reunite safely.
"Also, thank you. Luffy is my son. Mm, I'm sure you already know that."
"A prophet is everywhere."
Ren smiled like a mystic charlatan.
Dragon walked out of the house. In the open space outside, Kuma was standing quietly. The two looked at one another, smiled, and then parted ways.
Although they were still friends, some things were already different now.
After Dragon left, Ren also walked out of the house and looked at Kuma with a somewhat solemn expression.
"I'll leave Sabaody Archipelago to you. You must bring those two Celestial Dragons back.
"Don't worry about the influence or consequences. The Revolutionary Army will take responsibility for that. It is both their repayment and their contribution."
"I understand. Are you going to Kuja Island next?"
"Mm."
"Alone?"
"It should be said that there will be two of me. Wait a moment. I'll go prepare, and then you can begin using your ability."
Ren nodded. He went straight to find Nami, completed the final step, and then had Kuma send him—and him—flying toward Kuja.
This trip to Kuja Island, or rather, Amazon Lily, had three serious matters to handle.
"I told you! Snake Princess, take this seriously!"
On Kuja Island, a roar rang out from inside the palace.
The elderly old woman was throwing a temper. In the direction her finger pointed—
Behind layers upon layers of curtains, on a pink bed, there was a great python coiled into the shape of a seat.
On its head was a horned skull, and its white body was covered in vermilion markings.
"Elder Nyon, it's rare for me to make time to listen to your so-called urgent matter, and this is all you have to say? Such boring nonsense?"
And upon the throne formed by the coiled serpent's body—
The current Warlord of the Sea, Boa Hancock, glared at the old woman before her. "And with such a rude attitude, no less?
"Have you forgotten? I am the Emperor of Amazon Lily, while you are merely the emperor from three generations ago!
"Since you abandoned this nation and went to sea back then for your own selfish reasons, don't act now as if you care for the country and start pointing fingers at me!"
"Yes, you are not wrong…"
Elder Nyon shrank her neck, and a trace of guilt appeared on her face. But she immediately adjusted herself.
She glanced left and right, confirming that no one else was present before launching her counterattack.
"But do not forget, Snake Princess! I was the one who helped you return back then! Have you forgotten that time?!"
"Say that again!"
Almost the instant those words left her mouth, a terrifying pressure swept through the enormous bedroom.
Elder Nyon's entire body stiffened. She exhausted all her strength just to remain conscious under that pressure.
"Hancock…"
"You promised me you would never mention that matter again! And it is precisely because of that matter that you suffered no punishment for barging into the palace!"
The enraged Hancock's eyes were filled with chilling coldness. Her icy killing intent seemed ready to carve Elder Nyon apart like blades.
"…I am sorry, Hancock. I only wanted to emphasize the necessity of the matter."
Elder Nyon lowered her head at exactly the right moment, kneeling before the emperor in apology.
Her unhesitating action made Hancock press her lips together. As the Conqueror's Haki shockwave she had just released receded, she said coldly, "Lady."
"…Uh…"
"Lady!"
"My apologies, Lady Snake Princess."
Elder Nyon lowered her head, apologized again, and only then did Hancock's expression finally ease somewhat.
But Hancock did not intend to speak. Elder Nyon seemed to realize that this was her opportunity.
"In any case, please be sure to pay attention to those newly risen figures."
"There is no need to pay attention to such things. They are merely small fry who happened to make a name for themselves."
Hancock scoffed, completely dismissing Elder Nyon's words. "Whether it is those so-called Supernovas or that Ren, in my eyes, they are nothing but trash.
"Even Admirals are not worth my attention. What does a mere character capable of challenging a Yonko amount to?
"Let him truly become a Yonko first!"
"But…"
"That said, the fact that you would mention him like this has indeed made me feel…"
"Made you feel what? Do you mean you will take him seriously?"
Elder Nyon was overjoyed, thinking the Snake Princess had accepted her warning.
However…
"It made me feel annoyed!"
Hancock bit her thumb, her expression growing colder and colder. "If I ever have the chance to meet that fool, or if he appears before me, I will teach him a proper lesson!
"This is your fault. If you had not brought up these matters, I would not have felt annoyed!
"No… this is only natural!
"If you ask why, yes—it is because I am too beautiful!"
She stood up, her full figure revealed in the dim yellow sunlight shining through the window.
She had a tall figure of one hundred and ninety-one centimeters, and her posture and bearing were dignified and graceful.
Her slightly broad forehead was smooth and even, and beneath her ears hung a pair of golden serpent-shaped earrings.
The corners of her eyes were slender and elegant, and her dark blue eyes now revealed a hint of irritation and impatience.
Her nose bridge was high, her nose small and delicate, and her lips were so soft they seemed completely without wrinkles.
Beneath her cheongsam-style outfit was a beautiful figure.
Her jet-black hair, styled in a hime cut, fell down over her towering peaks, and the swelling hemispheres of north and south nearly stretched her collar to the point of bursting.
Then, Hancock struck an extremely contemptuous pose.
"Get out! Elder Nyon!"
As she spoke, Hancock flicked her head and bent her waist backward, her towering peaks taking the place where her head had been.
Above the highest point was a beautiful face gazing up toward the sky, and also… a contemptuous downward look.
If not for the fact that the other party's appearance and figure matched the pose so perfectly, making it seem not quite so unsightly, the first reaction of anyone who saw it would have been that they had encountered an Abnormal Titan!
"Snake Princess! You cannot be so willful and reckless…"
"And what if I am? Even if I caused this nation's downfall, I would still be forgiven!"
"But…"
"It seems you want to be thrown out! Guards! Guards!"
Hancock no longer wanted to listen to Elder Nyon's nonsense. Since she did not feel like taking action herself, she chose to call the guards and have them throw the old woman out.
(End of Chapter)