Chapter 97

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Abel was somewhat surprised, mainly because he didn't expect to learn so quickly. He had initially thought that he would only receive such instruction after entering the Grand Line. Now, it appeared his position as an executive had its advantages.

Otherwise, he wouldn't be the only one standing here today, with Law and Baby-5 nowhere in sight.

Seeing Abel's surprise, Doflamingo interpreted it as confusion, and thus, he began to explain directly: "Haki is a latent power that all humans inherently possess."

Abel already knew about this, but he still put on a show of listening attentively. Perhaps Abel's earnest listening prompted Doflamingo's desire to teach, causing his explanation to become more detailed.

"Haki is generally divided into three types: Observation Haki, Armament Haki, and the rare Conqueror's Haki."

"Observation Haki allows one to predict the target's next move and location, allowing for advanced response."

"Armament Haki increases one's own defense and attack power, and can contend with Devil Fruit users."

"Conqueror's Haki is a powerful force that only those with the 'qualities of a king' can awaken. But let's not talk about that for now."

"What you need to master now are Observation Haki and Armament Haki. I'll teach you how to stimulate these latent powers within you."

"Firstly…"

The two people in the training ground were serious—one was teaching sincerely, and the other was learning earnestly. Doflamingo did not hold back any secrets and taught Abel everything he knew.

In the end, he could only provide an entry method. Whether Abel could master it, and how long it would take, depended on his own talent and effort.

As for talent, Doflamingo was quite confident in Abel.

So, for the entire morning, Abel, with his eyes covered, continued to dodge rocks flying in from all directions.

"Use your heart, your thoughts to perceive, not your ears to hear or nose to smell."

At Doflamingo's reminder, Abel even blocked his ears and nose, plunging himself into absolute darkness.

Truthfully, the feeling was quite terrifying.

But to learn Observation Haki, he could only endure it.

After all, in a place like the New World, even an average grunt might be proficient in both Observation Haki and Armament Haki.

If Abel couldn't learn Haki, he could probably only remain in the Four Seas forever. However, this ability, akin to a sixth sense, was somewhat esoteric and mysterious.

After being battered all morning, Abel was still unable to find a knack for it. But this was to be expected; even Doflamingo had not anticipated him learning it in just a day.

"Take your time. There will always be a day of 'enlightenment,'" he said.

After lunch, Abel began his training in Armament Haki in the afternoon. The training method for Armament Haki was much simpler and more intuitive than the morning's.

It was mainly built upon physical training, undergoing a kind of variation. For example, continuously striking a massive solid steel column with fists and feet, exerting full force without fear of injury.

Pain and the body's self-protective instincts were used to stimulate the latent power within. More aggressive methods could even involve striking the body with weapons like iron rods, concurrently improving one's resilience to blows.

Besides, just like in the morning, Doflamingo personally demonstrated to Abel how to use Armament Haki. With such direct demonstrations and training methods, Abel was certain that he could master the use of Armament Haki first.

"For most people, the practice of Armament Haki is actually simpler than mastering Observation Haki," Doflamingo said. "Some people, once they've conditioned their bodies to a certain extent, can automatically stimulate this latent power without explicit training."

"So, for Armament Haki, physical strength is the fundamental basis. If Law hadn't told me that you've met the physical requirement, no one would teach you, even if you became an executive."

"For the following period, you need to allocate time every day for the practice of Observation and Armament Haki. This is of utmost importance, and there's absolutely no room for laziness or negligence."

"As for other areas of learning, you can arrange them yourself and choose to focus."

As the day's training was about to end, Doflamingo emphasized the importance of Haki once more before leaving leisurely. Abel discerned the implied meaning in Doflamingo's final words—after all, one's energy and time are limited, so choosing to specialize in an area of strength would prevent becoming mediocre.

In Doflamingo's view, Abel had previously been wasting time messing around with various things behind the junkyard. It hadn't been worth mentioning before, but now that Haki training was included, it was vital not to divert his focus.

Abel knew his own affairs. Indeed, Haki was crucial to master, but he couldn't afford to neglect proficiency in his skills!

Right now, he was walking on two legs; one was the power system of the pirate world, such as swordsmanship, physical skills, and Haki. The other leg was the rewards he got from his system "cheat code," such as gourmet cells, various talents, and all sorts of items that could increase his strength.

Abandoning either was unthinkable.

So the only way forward for Abel was to double down on his efforts! He didn't believe there was anything he couldn't learn with the tenfold learning efficiency his talents provided.

Worst case, he would only sleep three or four hours a day in the future!

With the regulation of gourmet cells, he wouldn't ruin his body. After all, having a cheat code wasn't terrifying; what was terrifying was having one and still overworking oneself!

In the shell of a tortoise, with full stomach status activated, Abel began another round of training, making the solid steel column in front of him resonate with pounding blows, the sound alone seemed painful.

Abel sat cross-legged in a corner of the training ground, shut off his senses, and silently chanted in his heart, "Perception, perception."

"The so-called perception should be extending mental power outwards to distinguish all the auras of the outside world and capture the trajectory of all actions."

"And the 'introspection' of Battle Boxing is also a kind of 'external release' of mental power. However, it is still confined to the body and cannot break through to the outside. But the method of practice must have common ground."

"Right, there's also Food Honor!"

"Food Honor is a technique that enhances a person's mental level, thus affecting the body from the mind. If we go one step further, can we achieve the external release of mental power?"

Abel recalled the 'introspection' effect of Battle Boxing while using 'Food Honor' to constantly refine his mental power, attempting to break through his current level.

It was challenging at first, as his mind was full of miscellaneous thoughts. Forget about multitasking; he couldn't even maintain the effect of 'meditation.'

But as he gradually progressed, the tenfold learning efficiency enhancement in the 'Full Stomach' state began to show its tremendous effect, helping him continually brainstorm, deepening his understanding of 'introspection' and 'Food Honor.'

Gradually, he seemed to faintly touch upon a speck of light.

The pure darkness was suddenly illuminated!

As Abel's mental power broke through a certain barrier, he started to 'see' again.

Every object in the world has its own unique aura, even a single flower or blade of grass.

And standing under this unique 'perspective,' what Abel could 'see' was entirely different from what he observed with his eyes on a regular basis.

Could the vibrant colors emanating from each person represent emotions?

Just as this thought surfaced, the light disappeared, his mental world plunged back into darkness, accompanied by an intense feeling of fatigue, akin to the exhaustion of staying awake for ten days and nights.

Abel understood this was the result of his overuse of this newfound power.

Once he adapted, mastered it proficiently, this issue would no longer occur.

"Law, did you need me for something?"

Law had barely approached Abel when he heard him suddenly speak.

Then Abel pulled off his blindfold, removing everything used to seal his senses.

"How did you know it was me?"

Law was somewhat surprised; sensing someone approaching was not a surprise, but Abel had sealed off his eyes, ears, nose, and all!

And yet, he could still detect someone's approach?

Moreover, he could even discern exactly who it was?

That was truly astonishing!

In response to Law's question, Abel merely smiled without answering.

Since Law was still too far from reaching the threshold of Haki training, knowing too early would be of no benefit to him and would only cause unnecessary worries.

This was also why Doflamingo only told Abel about the methods of Haki training.

It was not merely due to his status as an executive.

Additionally, even Abel himself didn't expect that what he would first learn was Observation Haki, which was initially elusive to him.

Moreover, it was not achieved through the training method Doflamingo had told him about.

Instead, by referencing the 'introspection' principle of Battle Boxing and the techniques of Food Honor, he had taken a detour, entering a sort of 'enlightened' state and directly awakening this latent power.

Of course, the talent to increase learning efficiency tenfold was also incredibly crucial.

Otherwise, he might have sat all day with little to gain. Even if inspiration struck in an instant, he might not be able to seize it.

Hence, all conditions were indispensable.

This was a success method that others simply couldn't replicate.

"Just in time for lunch, shall we grab something to eat together?" Abel deflected the conversation, extending an invitation.

Law seemed preoccupied with something else and didn't probe further. He simply nodded, "Alright, let's find a quiet place. I have some matters to discuss with you."

Subsequently, the two went straight back to Abel's room.

On the way, Abel had instructed the kitchen to prepare extra food and deliver it promptly.

Ever since becoming an executive, Abel could enjoy almost all the privileges of the Donquixote family. Having lunch prepared and delivered was barely a luxury.

If he desired, he could even have private meals prepared, dining better than anyone else.

Even if Doflamingo found out, he wouldn't say much.

It was simply unnecessary. After all, those who show excessive flamboyance often meet with a bitter end. There was no need to offend people over such matters.

"Nice, as expected of an executive, even the room you live in is so spacious and luxurious."

Upon entering, Law expressed his admiration outright.

It was unclear whether he admired Abel's status as an executive or the opulent room that came with the position.

Perhaps both, considering Law was the one who had declared on his first day in the family that he would defeat Diamante and become an executive.

However, that grand declaration had long become a topic of jest amongst the family members.

After all, considering his demonstrated growth rate, Law would need at least a decade or more to have the chance to become an executive.

"Lucky me, I almost died back then. If you like, you can move in. The bed is large enough," Abel offered.

Law glanced at the soft, plush bed he was sitting on. Although tempted, he declined.

And here lay the reason why he couldn't be jealous of Abel; Abel had earned his position through blood, sweat, and tears.

Just hearing about Abel's past struggles, Law could imagine how perilous it must have been.

Especially those wounds. If any of them had been mere inches off, they could have been fatal!

Law had to ask himself, could he have done what Abel did?

The answer was apparent.

"Forget it. One day, I too will earn my position as an executive and rightfully move into a room like this through my own abilities."

"Ambitious, the future is yours."

After a few moments of casual chatter, a plentiful spread of food arrived.

Once the staff left, they started feasting heartily.

Any conversation could wait until they had their fill.

Though Abel had managed to unlock the Observation Haki unexpectedly that morning, he had only just scratched the surface; mastery was still a long way off.

Moreover, in the afternoon, he needed to continue refining his body, practising the Armament Haki, which required him to consume a hefty meal beforehand.

So, when Law was already about to pass out from overeating, most of the remaining food found its way into Abel's stomach, leaving him craving for more.

Were it not for Law having something to discuss with him later, he could have polished off two more portions of the meal just now.

"Abel, I would like to perform another physical examination on you."

Abel, caught off guard by this proposal, looked at Law with slight confusion.

He wanted to ask Law, "Is this physical examination legitimate?"

Was it a literal examination, or was there something more he was overlooking?

However, he quickly heard Law explain, "I heard about you injecting toxins into your own body, Abel. That was extremely impulsive."

So that's what it was about.

Seeing the look of urgency and concern on Law's face, Abel felt a warm sensation in his heart.

After all, having a friend who always worries about you is a comforting thing, something that brings happiness.

However, for some reasons, he simply couldn't explain everything to Law.

So, he could only nod in agreement to Law's proposition.

"I'd like to know, which toxins have you injected?"

"Uh, let me think. There's the venom of the Glasses King Snake, and the Blue-ringed Octopus."

Abel listed a few toxins he'd acquired from this world and relayed them to Law.

Upon hearing this, Law's expression turned grave.

Clearly, Abel's recklessness had startled him.

"Using poison to fight poison is usually a highly risky method of treatment. It requires a prior detailed analysis of the integration and inhibition relationship between the toxins. Even a slight discrepancy in dosage could compound the toxicity."

"Honestly, after injecting such an array of toxins into your body, the fact that you didn't die on the spot is nothing short of a miracle!"

Abel could only nod in agreement. In truth, he had indeed walked the line between life and death.

Without the talent of the "Warrior's Soul," he might not even have had the courage to attempt it.

After conducting the examination, Law frowned, seemingly puzzled, "Oddly, the Amber Lead disease virus in your body has indeed undergone some kind of mutation. But rather than directly killing you, this horrifically potent toxin is predominantly dormant within your heart. Could it be that you've inadvertently found a cure for the incurable Amber Lead disease?"

"No, that's not it! Your physical condition doesn't show signs of improvement. Your remaining life span is..."

Law halted abruptly, his expression a blend of despair and remorse.

Abel, however, merely shrugged it off with a laugh. "As you said, the fact that I'm alive now is a miracle. So, isn't it possible for a few more miracles to happen? Perhaps one day I'll spontaneously recover."

At this, Law could only give a wry smile. If miracles were that easy to come by, they wouldn't be referred to as miracles.

However, Abel's whimsical approach did offer him a new perspective. Once he got back, he'd need to delve deeper. Who knows, there might be a breakthrough in treating Amber Lead disease.

Thinking about this brightened his mood somewhat.

Before leaving, he made Abel promise, "You absolutely cannot be reckless like this again. You were lucky before, but luck won't always be on your side."

"Yeah, yeah, got it, got it. Stop nagging."

After shooing Law out, Abel realized he had temporarily managed to deflect the issue.

In the future, he could simply continue to spin his tale around this excuse.

What puzzled him, however, was that his lifespan had genuinely increased by two years, yet Law failed to detect this. What could be the reason?

After some contemplation, Abel figured out a possibility.

Law had estimated his and Abel's remaining life span by assessing the stages of Amber Lead disease progression. In reality, this method was quite accurate!

But now that Abel's Amber Lead disease had transformed into a personal trait and mutated, any calculations based on the original disease progression naturally became inaccurate.

Upon understanding this, Abel no longer fretted.

"Time to eat, time to eat!"

Rubbing his belly and still feeling hungry, Abel headed straight for the kitchen to enjoy a 'buffet'.

For the following period, Abel pushed his potential every day, setting an almost demonic training regimen.

Doflamingo didn't disturb him, not assigning him any tasks even after he'd become an officer.

This provided Abel an excellent opportunity to break through his own limits in one fell swoop.

And this day arrived earlier than he had anticipated.

Thump, thump, thump!

With unwavering focus, Abel tirelessly pounded his fists against the solid steel column in front of him.

For a full day now, his fists were already bloody and mangled, staining the bandages wound around his hands red.

Nevertheless, he continued punching, his speed gradually decreasing.

If anyone were present at the time, they would notice that even though his punching speed was decreasing, the power behind each punch was increasingly formidable!

Several hours prior, Abel had felt as though there was a latent power in his body, ready to burst forth with each punch.

It seemed like just one more punch could shatter this barrier.

But hours later, it felt as if that was merely a figment of his imagination.

No, it was not an illusion!

Abel could clearly sense the surging power within, ready to explode!

Just one more punch, maybe just one more...

He clenched his teeth and persevered, throwing his right fist with relentless tenacity!

In an instant, a peculiar surge of energy spurted from every pore of his body, converging onto his right fist.

Boom!!!

Accompanied by a loud noise, the steel column violently trembled.

When Abel retracted his punch, a bloodied indentation was clearly visible on the steel column.

Upon stretching out his right hand, it seemed as though an invisible surge of energy was coursing over it.

This was the most basic entry stage of Armament Haki - Cloud Wrap!

Unable to suppress the joy welling within, Abel promptly fell back in an 'X' shape, lying on the ground and laughing heartily.

Though learning Observation Haki and Armament Haki were only the first steps on the path to becoming a powerhouse, crossing this threshold in such a short time, even amongst the numerous geniuses of the Grand Line, was an accomplishment worth boasting!

Behind the window of a room facing the training field, Doflamingo was sipping a glass of red wine, a smile on his face that was hard to decipher.

Despite his high regard for Abel's talent and his acknowledgment of the latter's extraordinary effort, to the point of self-torture, he hadn't anticipated Abel to master both types of Haki in such a short time.

Even though Abel was only at the beginner stage, it was still an accomplishment not everyone could achieve, not even Doflamingo himself.

"With such terrifying talent, one day, you will surely instill fear in others."

"I'm curious, when that time comes, what choice will you make?"