Chapter 17 Haki

"BOOM!"

"BOOM!"

"BOOM!"

Attack after attack clashed between Hancock and Arch, each one stronger than the last. Hancock kicked Arch, while Arch punched back in response. It was clear who held the upper hand. Needless to say it was Hancock, after each clash Arch's fists looked as if they were bruised more and more but regardless they continued clashing.

Naturally this was so that Arch could train his Armament Haki. 'Back then I couldn't use this training method due to a few reasons. Firstly after "that" Arthur closed himself off, while my father was always occupied so he could never train me.' Arch thought his fist clashing with Hancock's leg once again.

"I must say your perseverance is almost acceptable." She remarked, without letting up. At least outwardly Hancock wasn't too impressed by Arch's performance but in reality she was amazed to say the least. 'Its clear that his fists have been in pain for at least the last 3 hours but he's still going at it.'

This comment didn't bother Arch anymore, after all he learnt this was just how she preferred to communicate. Besides that, Arch was seeing no progress in learning Haki, at first he felt as if he was moving closer and closer to a wall, but now he felt stuck behind that wall, because of this Arch decided to amp the training up a notch.

After their next clash, Arch was pushed back as a glint flashed in his eyes. Accelerating as fast as he could, his figure disappeared leaving behind an after image before reappearing behind Hancock his fist aimed at her back.

Hancock was shocked at this development but before Arch's fist could land, her leg twisted behind her now coated in Tier 2 Armament Haki her leg taking a black sheen. (this is gonna be some of my "head canon" or I guess my original-esque take on haki? It won't deviate too much from canon anyway so dw and frankly the rules regarding haki aren't too clear to begin with)

"KACHA!"

Arch's fist didn't fare too well on impact, his bones cracking slightly, but Arch was no push over either, swiping his foot at her leg planted on the ground.

"KACHA!"

This time his bones in his foot cracked as his foot once again made contact with Hancock's Haki. "I didn't realise you were going to take things up a notch, don't blame this Empress for using Tier 2 Armament Haki when you didn't give her any warning." Hancock chuckled, but Arch didn't take any notice, as he sent his left fist hurtling towards Hancock. In response Hancock punched back with her haki coating her fist as usual.

"KACHA!"

At this point, both of Arch's fists were severely damage, while one of his feet was likewise highly damaged but this didn't stop him, as he went for a headbutt as his last resort.

'ARMAMENT!' Arch willed as an invisible substance coated his forehead before it clashed with Hancock's fist.

"Boom."

A small impact was made the attacks having equaled in strength. Obviously Hancock had held back for this attack considering it was his head, but that didn't matter to Arch as he smiled from ear to ear.

"Thank you for your help." He muttered before falling to the ground. "That was really tiring, do you mind calling Alonso for me? I need some food." Arch asked, breathing out heavily while on the ground.

"That was, impressive." She replied before going to get Alonso. 'I think that was the first time she's ever complemented me.' Arch chuckled while gazing at his hands and foot. "She really didn't hold back." He muttered, before hearing some footsteps.

"What was that?" Hancock asked, as Arch felt someone grab his wrist. "Eh no- OW." Arch complained Hancock dragging him onto a chair. After sitting up on the chair Arch felt his stomach growl, it was a good thing Hancock had gone to get Alonso.

'With my zoan abilities I should heal after about a day. To be honest I am impressed with my stamina had I not injured myself as much I could have at least fought for a few more hours and we've already been training for 5.' Arch thought.

On the opposite end of the table Hancock was sitting down as she looked at him. Noticing her gaze Arch realised what she wanted. "Thanks for the help." Arch said honestly, true she did go a bit over board but in reality Arch had initiated it.

"Good that you know how to show some appreciation." Hancock replied her arrogant expression forming on her face once more. Soon after Alonso arrived with the food seeing the destruction in the courtyard.

'They were probably training.' Alonso assumed, noticing Arch's condition. 'Actually it looks more like she tortured him.' He thought shaking his head, before leaving the courtyard it wasn't his place to judge after all.

"How am I going to eat this." Arch muttered, he could barely use his hands at the moment. "Mhm, this Empress is wondering how you're going to do that." She replied with a mocking smile. "Maybe the one who injured me could take responsibility and feed me." Arch shot back jockingly.

'Like she'd ev-' As if the heavens themselves were trying to play a joke on him, Hancock's face turned red as she moved her chair next to Arch's. "F-Fine but only this once." Hancock said her face beat red.

'In the name of Joy Boy himself, WHAT THE FUCK! This must be a glitch in the matrix, impossible!' Arch couldn't believe what he was seeing. 'Could a heavenly calamity be approaching the world to end it as we know it!?'

As Hancock grabbed a spoon and brought some food up to Arch's lips he couldn't believe his eyes, he genuinely had a suspicion that Hancock had been possessed. "Are you going to open your mouth?" She asked seemingly annoyed.

"Ah so-" He tried to speak just for the spoon to be immediately shoved into his mouth. "This is the luckiest day of your life, I am sure all men and women in this world would rather take your place so you should appreciate this opportunity." Hancock declared arrogantly before scooping more food.

Needless to say, instead of Hancock feeding Arch it was more like she was testing the limits of Arch's chewing speed. Sadly Arch couldn't stop this so he just decided to go with it. 'Dear God, remind me to never let this woman do anything for me ever again.' His eyes began to tear up as he ate the food.

"You're crying tears of joy, I didn't realise you found me so attractive." Hancock proclaimed, Arch genuinely wanted to run away at this moment.