Hey everyone ! This is the second chapter of the Haki Training arc. This one digs a little more on the training aspect.

I also tried giving some screentime to Jinbei and Yamato (especially Yamato as I am sure that a lot of people were disappointed as she did not join the crew straight away).

Hope you'll like it !


Haki Training Part 2 : Jinbei and Yamato's training

After the discussion, the five trainers discussed among themselves to create the trainings. More than discussing, it was more like a bunch of suggestions that had to be approved by Jinbei because the other four kept throwing too dangerous and useless suggestions.

The Straw hats were now in an open area of the forest (away from the dangerous traps and beasts that were sent back to Tama). The area was bathe by the warm sunlight which managed to make the area quite bright as the trees were less numerous here. No beasts could be spotted and this peacefulness was supplemented by the abundance of plants and flowers. This area was perfect for training, resting and it was also close with a full view on the Thousand Sunny. This is where the most powerful Straw hats minus Jinbei were seen sa at a table (probably constructed by their cyborg given the quality of the wood table as well as the eccentric blue painting) eating, drinking and observing the training Jinbei had in store for the others. They all agreed to let Jinbei take care of the first part of the test, being the most experienced Haki user among them and probably the most capable to teach something to someone. That was also highly appreciated by the other members who did not want to suffer the harsh training from the other four monsters.

What was to be seen was a very quiet and calm scenery. The trainees were all sit on the grass, legs crossed and eyes closed in a meditation state. Jinbei was imitating them and they have stayed in this position for at least half an hour. The little noises from the birds and insects coupled with the warm feeling given by the rays of light indicated that Wano was in its summer season. Occasionally, the students moved a little to avoid having pins and needle in their legs, and discreetly opened one eye to see what the rest of them were doing.

"One of the secrets to learn Haki is to learn yourself better and to be able to feel every inch of your body, mind and soul. Once you will be able to feel all of that, you will be able to use powers that were unknown to you until now. But that requires dedication, repetition and diligence," Jinbei explained while still meditating. " I know that we are in a hurry but I believe that fundamentals are key. Especially to all of you who have been in very dangerous situations numerous times in the New World, maybe you just need the master the basics to go to the next level."

Jinbei then stood up and looked at them.

"You can open your eyes and stand up."

"Even if I don't have any eyes to open to begin with yohohoho," Brook said softly just so that the others could hear that.

"Now you will follow my movements. Try to feel the every movements from your body and the slightest sensation offered by the environment," Jinbei explained while turning his back on them and taking a karate stance. "Let's begin ! One two, one two" Jinbei said repetitively while giving a rhythm.

"Man, I am happy that Jinbei's training is conventional, but will we be able to learn Haki this way ?" Usopp said very softly so that only Nami and Franky who were next to him could heard.

"I don't know but I am relieved to train without risks like that !" Nami answered just as softly.

"I was expecting a SUPER hard training to be honest, but I trust Jinbei he must know what he's doing."

"Don't worry Usopp !" Jinbei answered without even looking. "And thank you for the trust Franky, I hope I will be able to answer your expectations."

"What ?! How did you manage to hear that ?" Usopp said shocked.

"Now that is something !" said Franky while still punching the air.

"How I learnt Haki was by clashing against different individuals but also by training like this. This is standard for Fishman Karate but I learnt this was also a good method to be more aware of my energy, senses and environment. As Haki is spiritual energy harnassed from one's willpower, this is one way to get the feel of it before developing it. For instance… Chopper I can tell that a lead just fell in front of you."

"This is awesome, how do you manage that Jinbei ?" Chopper asked stars in his eyes.

"This is Observation Haki or at least a form of it. You may have different versions of it but mostly it is about feeling the living beings and the objects around you. Once you develop that, you will be able to predict the course of the attacks, the number of allies and enemies and everything around you. Next is…"

Silence fell and all eyes were on the fishman and more particularly on his hands as he seemed to contract the muscles around them. Both hands were around the waist in the neutral position of the Fishman karate art. The air became heavy, full of anticipation of the fishman next move. While punching through the air with his left hand, a gust of wind was felt even by the students who stood behind him. He then repeated the process with his right hand creating a wind even stronger that managed to be felt by the strongest straw hats who stood far away from him. When Jinbei turned around towards his students, both of his hands were pitch black.

"This is Armament Haki. You must have witnessed it countless times on your allies and your enemies. It acts like an armor that increases your body both defensively and offensively. It is a great asset in battle and also the only way to be able to solidify the tangible body of devil fruits users, especially the logia ones who are pretty much invincible without Kairoseki or any component that allow to make them manifest."

Jinbei then put down his arms and turned towards the crew.

"Many people spend years trying to develop and master Haki with great difficulties. A lot of them only scratched the surface of this power or just develop the type they have the more affinity with. While having one's preferences and strong points can be good, abandoning the development of one type is a shame so you should aim towards the development of both types even unequally."

"Wooow, Jinbei you are sooo COOL !" Usopp and Chopper both said with stars and amazement in their eyes.

"Indeed, this class and the way you chose to convey it are very interesting Jinbei," Robin said with a smile, full of interest in this new power that seemed to have a lot of mysteries.

"Thank you Jinbei for making us stronger !" Nami said with her thumb up as a sign of approbation and recognition.

"Jinbei, you are a SUPER teacher !"

"Yohohoho, Jinbei-san I have yet to have seen someone as wise as you in my 90 years of living"

Jinbei smiled. To be honest, he was very happy to be useful to his new crew. While he was already familiar with them from the time they spent together in Fishman Island, Whole Cake Island and after the battle of Onigashima, he was unsure of whether or not he would fit nicely into the crew or not. Apart from Luffy, he did not know them very well except from the fact that they all their heart were in the right place and that they were all exceptional beings as Luffy picked them himself. To be able to fit and to be of use to such a crew is an honor for…

"Man, Jinbei is kinda cool and all but his training is boring !"

The harsh words spoken by the Straw-hat captain still eating nonchalantly reached the ears of everyone and especially the current instructor in question. A gust of wind could be heard, a result of the deadpan silence. The fishman stopped moving his powerful hands. The students, afraid of what the remark from their insensitive captain could have done to Jinbei tried to analyze the expression on his face.

"Jinbei, are you all right ? Don't mind the…" Robin was the first to react.

"I am… boring and uncool ?" Jinbei said with a shocked expression that could be the trademark face of any straw hat member by now.

"Jinbei don't listen to this idiot ! He does not know…" Nami began before being interrupted by a louder voice over the table.

"Don't be stupid Luffy. Meditation and routine is a great part of training. However, knowing Jinbei I am sure he has something awesome and worthy of someone of his caliber next," Zoro explained while drinking his beer and half-observing the current training.

"A wise man like him would know way better than you two shitheads, let the pros handle their training," Sanji said while dragging a piece of his cigarette also expecting more flashy things from Jinbei.

"I have heard from countless members of the Beast Pirates that the Shichibukai were very powerful and experienced beings ! Let's trust him, Luffy ! He must have something awesome up his sleeve," Yamato said as a final way to convince Luffy.

"Oh right, let's wait and see then. Sorry Jinbei, go on !"

"Boring and uncool…" Jinbei muttered again as if he had just lost his dignity.

After the harsh remarks from the Monster Trio and their new addition, the other members tried to inquire Jinbei state of mind. They all moved from their exercise spot and went towards the fishman. He seemed to be as shocked and in deep thoughts. They all tried to wave their hands or do some kinds of gesture to make him react, Robin even tried to slap him but it was no use as he did not even pay attention to them. It was as if everything he just told them about Observation Haki was utter crap.

A low mumble could be heard from his lips, the fishman being so deep in thoughts did not remark that he was thinking aloud.

"I did not have any other kind of exercise in mind… Maybe I should try to adapt myself ? To be as cool and fun as Luffy and the others ? But how can I manage that ?..."

Suddenly, the fishman seemed to regain his colors and previous composure as a genius idea seemed to have worked its way in his mind.

"Of course, this was not the only thing in this test training, what kind of Straw hat would I be otherwise, haha ?" said the fishman still sweating and smiling nervously. "Haki has different forms and levels as some people are able to imbue Armament Haki in their weapon, or have different range and sensitivity of Observation Haki. There are also exceptional beings that take these forms of Haki to higher levels. Luffy is a perfect example of that as he is able to see a bit in the future with his Observation Haki, or deal damage from the inside out with his Armament Haki. Maybe a demonstration would be better."

Fuck.

All the Straw hats had the same thought

"Jinbei, maybe we don't need…" Usopp began.

"Luffy ! Would you mind coming over to demonstrate something for me ? All of you can come actually !" Jinbei said loudly so that the other four could hear and come.

"Hum ? Okay, I don't mind," Luffy said by coming over with the others.

"Luffy, could you show us your mastery of Armament and Observation Haki to the others ? It should help to motivate them and visualize even better what Haki can do !"

"Oh finally a bit of fun, shishishi !"

"IDIOT, DON'T FORMULATE IT LIKE …" Usopp shouted before being interrupted by a black fist that came towards him at full speed.

"USOOOOOPP !" Chopper said after the Haki imbued punch from Luffy sent him flying in the air (before falling down several seconds later).

"Oi, Luffy if you knock them out in one punch, how are we supposed to have fun ?" Zoro said by unleashing his katanas.

"Oh, is it our turn already ? Sanji said by kicking the ground with his foot as if to prepare himself for a hunt. "Yamato-chan should we do our demonstration together?"

"I just wanted a demonstration, not for you to take…" Jinbei said before being interrupted.

"Forget about Usopp, Chopper ! RUN FOR YOUR LIFE !" Nami said already far away in the forest.

"Hey Nami, what are you doing, come back, the fun is just beginning !" Luffy said by chasing her, both arms coated in Armament and Conqueror's Haki.

She was soon followed by the other Straw Hats with the exception of Robin who just stood there unnoticed. Even Franky and Brook had a scare seeing the pitiful state of the sniper and fled in the forest. Carrot must have followed them while laughing thinking they were playing catch.

"Finally, a hunt after so long…"

"Nami swaaaan, Robin chwaaan, Carrot swaaaan wait for me !"

"I will teach you how the samurai taught me Haki !"

"Is this how it is to be fun and cool ?" Jinbei wondered by standing still, watching the others trainers joining the hunt.

Yes, his training was totally ruined.


"Hahahahaha, that was fun !"

"How can you say that when we are ALL covered in bruise ?" Nami shouted to her captain that was still laughing at the state of the students.

"Did you ALL REALLY HAVE to launch your strongest attack at us ?!" Chopper said by bandaging Robin who was still smiling although she had bandages covering her left eye and half of her face.

Indeed, Usopp, Nami, Chopper, Robin, Carrot, Franky and Brook were all covered in bruise (or a few broken bones in Brook's case) after being purchased for what seemed to be hours by the four monsters of the crew. Jinbei still torn between his duty sense and his wish to be considered as cool and fun by the other members stayed still while watching the massacre. From time to time, apart from the screamings of the Straw hats, some "Gomu Gomu no Elephant Gun" or "Santoryu : Rengoku Onigiri" could be heard through the forest.

"Don't blame me, I can't attack Nami-san and Robin-chan so you had to take some more hits."

"This was not even our strongest attacks if we did you would be in a way worse shape," Zoro said by half looking at the fury of the doctor.

"I am sorry, I failed as your teacher. I hope that the rest of the test will go better…" said Jinbei still ashamed of the chaos that just unfolded in front of him.

"Don't worry Jinbei, you were SUPER, you could not predict that these monsters would crash your training session."

"If everything is fine, can I go on with the rest of the training ?" Yamato asked by pointing herself, oblivious of the state of mind of the rest of the crew

"Huh, we are not done for the day ?" Carrot asked, beginning to feel tired for the first time of the day.

"We still have plenty of time ! Like the way of the samurai, if you have time then train !"

She then run off for a few minutes all excited. The members were rather apprehensive towards their new crewmates (even if the joining was put on leave). Indeed she seemed to get along well with the monster trio and especially Luffy. And she was a monster herself. And like Luffy, she seemed to lack the common sense that people usually have.

Yamato came back with three giant boulders , each the size of a tree, on her back and threw them in front of the crew.

"Wait you don't want us to break these giant rocks, do you ?" inquired Usopp skeptical about the whole thing.

"No no ! This will only be for later when you have developed sufficient Haki !"

"Great, so this is still in her plan…"

"But if we do manage to smash these boulders with our bare hands, we will become SUPER strong !"

"Exactly !" said Yamato happy that her training seemed to have peeked the interest of her new crew. "Once you master Armament Haki, you will be able to do things like that…"

She suddenly put her club on the ground and took a breath in front of the rocks. Then, her arms turned black the same way Jinbei's did and she smashed the rocks one by one without any difficulties.

"Splendid !" noted Brook unusually serious. "Not only does Yamato-san have monstrous strength but her very sturdy arms managed to pierce through the rock instead of just smashing it from the outside !"

"Yes this is the big advantage of Armament Haki ! Not only does it give you a boost in offensive power, it also gives you a boost in defensive armor as if you coat yourself in armor !"

"As for Observation Haki…"

She then threw four small rocks (formed by the smashing of the three giant rocks earlier) and threw them at great speed towards Luffy, Zoro, Sanji and Jinbei who all evaded by slightly shifting away sensing the attack coming.

"If you are able to master it, you will be able to sense people, objects and attacks around you like this."

"Hey Yamato warn us before you do something like that !" said Luffy a bit surprised because he was eating a piece of meat in one hand.

"Yamato-chan this did not hurt me at all !"

"I think a pebble this size would be able to knock a wimp like you though."

"What did you say Moss head ?!"

"Bring it on Love cook !"

While the swordsman and the cook began their fight for the hundredth time of the day, Yamato joined her hands together in a form of apology.

"Sorry, sorry but I thought it would be easier to demonstrate things like that !"

"I guess we witnessed this power all around the New World but never realized how awesome it actually was…" said Chopper while taking notes in a notebook.

"Yeah, some enemies like that Ulti girl were a pain to attack. Except if we deceived her with some traps or sneaky attacks."

"Yes, that's the important point for Observation Haki…"

She then took some pebbles and repeated the same action as previously except for the fact that she threw a lot more rocks and threw them to the group of four people. This time however, the throws did not seem to be particularly accurate as some of them were off targets, but the sheer number of them meant that some rocks were bound to touch their target.

And surprisingly, compared to before while Luffy and Jinbei dodged the pebbles, Zoro and Sanji reacted too late and while they evaded and blocked some of them, one managed to hit Zoro on the leg and Sanji on the stomach.

"Wouah incredible you hit them !"

"Yes, if you do not have a calm mind you won't be able to use Observation Haki efficiently. Luffy and Jinbei managed to react just fine but Zoro and Sanji who were busy fighting did not notice the rocks especially as they were not particularly aimed at them."

"Look at what you did Love cook !"

"Huh ? Don't blame me because your legs are weak Moss-head !"

"…Anyway… The training I have in mind is something that will train both your Haki and physical abilities ! Jinbei helped me think of this so it should be great work !"

"If Jinbei helped you, I have no doubt this will be effective," said Robin while smiling.

Yamato then picked up a lot of the pebbles, formed a heap and stood next to it.

"The principle is simple enough. You will all stand a few meters in front of me and I will throw these rocks at you. You can either evade them or try to destroy the rocks incoming."

Jinbei then approached the group and added.

"Evading and reading the trajectory will enable you to develop your Observation Haki and reflexes in general. Trying to smash or receiving the attack of the rocks will train your body and Armament Haki. I think this is a perfect implementation of the introduction I gave earlier."

(As expected of Jinbei.)

Not only did he think about his own training but also how it would complement the other ones.

"Let's get right to it !"

A few minutes had passed and the training was going pretty well. Yamato was actually holding back pretty nicely and threw rocks at decent speed towards the Straw Hat members. While all could not be evaded or smashed, the impact was certainly painful as it was thrown by someone with unbelievable strength, it was still tolerable.

"That's it, you are doing great !"

A few styles and differences have already began to emerge. While people with normal physical abilities and long distance fight style like Nami, Usopp or Robin tried to evade the rocks, melee fighters with great physical prowess like Franky, Brook, Chopper and Carrot tried to evade and smash rocks at the same time.

Some were better at this exercise. For instance, Carrot who already had great physical prowess coupled with animal reflexes, had a nice balance between determining which rocks to smash or evade and if she had to jump or simply shift her body to evade. On the other hand, people like Franky tried to smash all the incoming rocks with his arms and if he could not make it in time to smash it, he would try to evade it at the last second.

"This is surprisingly adequate," commented Nami while evading a few rocks. "I thought she would be more of a muscle head but I can keep up with this."

"Yeah, I think that this training might work !" replied Usopp.

"Keep em coming !" said Carrot while smashing and dodging some rocks in midair.

"Oh I see that you are already used to this speed ! Then I'll speed up even more !"

And then suddenly a rock flying just next to Brook's head and crash into a tree behind and obliterating it.

"Huh ?"

The whole group except for Carrot (even Robin) suddenly felt a shiver down their spine.

"Wait wait wait, if I get hit by that I'll die ! Even if I am already dead yohohoho !"

"This is no time to be joking !" said Chopper. " If she burns a hole through your body I won't be able to heal you !"

"Let's go !"

And suddenly the pace sped up as well as the impacts. Some loud crash could be heard either due to the screams of the ones being hit or because of the trees crashing down one by one."

"Let's get even wilder ! Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, Jinbei ! Come and help me throw these rocks !"

"WHAT ?!"

The quatuor was chilling on the table which now had sandwiches as well as an umbrella to protect them from the sun (probably constructed by the cyborg given the quality of the product.)

" What ? Mm'okay let me just finish my sandwich !"

"NOOOOOOO !"


And thus another training session turned into another chaos.

"I thought I was going to die…" said a melted and bruised Usopp on the ground.

"At least the training was worthwhile even if the latter part could have been avoided" said Robin looking unusually exhausted.

"Listen Yamato, you have monstrous strength yourself but if you drag these three in the mix or try to emulate them things will definitely go wrong !" said Usopp.

"Is that so ? I apologize, I guess I overdid it a little…" said Yamato with an embarrassed smile. "I might not dislike training now, but when Kaido would always force me to train even if I did not want to and if I refused he would just chain me up until I agree to fight. So I guess what is considered hard for me is a little different than other people." Yamato said by smiling a little ashamed to reveal this part of her past.

Silence fell and the air was filled with tension. All the members felt heartbroken for Yamato, nobody dared to say anything. Some tears were even falling down of Carrot's and Chopper's eyes, not accustomed to hear something that sad. Some people like Sanji or Robin could relate to her as they had also been chased and forced to fight or use their powers even if they did not want to. After saying that, what was supposed to be a depressing mood was broken by Carrot.

"Now, we can't let you down, can we ? We're gonna train so that nobody ever force you to do that again !" Carrot said by jumping, suddenly all fired up.

"Now that it came to that, we're just going to have to survive this, aren't we ?" Nami sighed by standing up once again. "Be it Luffy or anybody else, bring it on !"

"Let's become the strongest to keep Yamato safe !" Usopp, Chopper, Franky and Brook all said in unison.

"Sorry, did I say something wrong ?! I am very happy you feel that way but think about yourself first !" Yamato suddenly asked her face blushing.

"Don't worry about it, it just means that you are now a part of this crew so get used that this is simply the norm is this crew," Robin said to Yamato by smiling and tap on her shoulder by making an arm appear with her power.

"Get used to what ?" replied Yamato a bit confused.

"To have people who would defy the world for you and keep you safe."


That's it for this chapter ! Hope you enjoyed my take on the trainings and that the characters personalities are the same than in the manga.

Next chapter will begin the Monster's trio trainings !