Lin Muxue's expression was grim, filled with deep regret. She had once believed that Ye Yu would become the strongest in the future, but now he had turned into a useless person.
Just as she was about to argue, a notification sound echoed in everyone's ears once again.
"Those with a talent level of five or above, but who have not contracted a Devil Fruit or a Contract Non-Ability User, can be granted cultivation knowledge, including teachings on Observation Haki and Armament Haki."
This left many people puzzled. What were Observation Haki and Armament Haki?
"I'm a Devil Fruit Ability User. Do I really need to learn this?"
"In the era of Devil Fruits, we should focus on developing and enhancing our Devil Fruits, not waste energy on improving our own physical strength."
"That makes sense. We should devote ourselves entirely to the Devil Fruit and not waste time on self-improvement, as it might hinder the fruit's development."
"I agree. Think about it, before the mutation, no matter how much you trained, how strong could you really get? Could anyone before the mutation defeat a hundred people? So, the upper limit of human strength is low. We should focus more on developing the fruit. We can't just rely on leveling up to inherit the strength developed by the owners in the Pirate King. We need to think about developing it ourselves."
"I know a bit about Observation Haki and Armament Haki, which I got from my Contract Non-Ability User. It seems quite practical, but I'm not sure how useful it is exactly. After all, I'm only level five and can't fully grasp the power of Observation Haki and Armament Haki yet."
"So, if your Contract Non-Ability User knows Observation Haki and Armament Haki, you don't need to learn it yourself."
"That's right."
...
Soon, many people received cultivation knowledge and clearly understood Observation Haki and Armament Haki, which they could now teach to themselves or others.
Among those with talent levels between five and seven who hadn't contracted anything, there were some. Given the large population of Dragon Country, there were two or three people in each city who possessed the knowledge to teach Observation Haki and Armament Haki.
In East Sea City, there was a person with a talent level of five who now knew about Observation Haki and Armament Haki.
Upon learning this, Lin Muxue commanded, "Bring that person in."
Soon, a man named Li Tian entered, visibly excited.
"I've learned about Observation Haki and Armament Haki! They're quite important. Even Devil Fruit Ability Users should definitely learn them!"
This surprised many people.
"Is it really necessary?"
"Won't it be a waste of time?"
"Shouldn't we focus entirely on developing our Devil Fruits?"
...
Li Tian spoke earnestly, "Of course, developing the Devil Fruit is important, but Observation Haki and Armament Haki are also worth learning. They can add to your strength. Observation Haki allows you to sense your opponent's attacks more easily, even expanding your range, enhancing your perception and reaction abilities. As for Armament Haki, its effects are even more pronounced. Once mastered, you can cover your body with a layer of Armament Haki, increasing your defense. You can also enhance your attacks by coating your fists or weapons with Armament Haki, boosting their power."
This astonished everyone, and soon the entire Dragon Country knew about it.
"It seems that Observation Haki and Armament Haki are indeed worth learning."
"My Contract Non-Ability User knows some, so I instinctively have a bit of it."
"That's great! For someone like me without abilities, this is good news. I can cultivate and improve myself."
"It's even better for those with abilities. Not only do they have their abilities, but they can also strengthen themselves. It's a powerful combination."
"Yes, those who can only cultivate Observation Haki and Armament Haki are definitely not as strong as those who have both Observation Haki, Armament Haki, and Devil Fruit abilities."
"Luckily, I didn't choose to be a Non-Ability User, because Observation Haki and Armament Haki can be learned."
...
Soon, someone who understood explained.
"Whether you can learn it and how far you can go with it varies from person to person. Those with high talent will learn it better."
At this moment, even the prodigies who possessed powerful Devil Fruits felt the need to learn it, as it could indeed add icing on the cake rather than being superfluous.
Li Tian was shaken and somewhat anxious, glancing at Lin Muxue.
"Regarding Armament Haki, there's another powerful ability."
Seeing him hesitate, Lin Muxue frowned and said, "What ability? Don't beat around the bush, just say it directly."
"It's that Armament Haki can attack the elementalization of Logia users."
This revelation was also being discussed in other cities, causing quite a stir.
"My goodness, Armament Haki is amazing! It can actually attack the elementalization of Logia users."
"I always thought Logia was the most powerful among Devil Fruits, but now it seems like it's been somewhat nerfed."
"It's also reasonable. If you can't hit them, no matter how strong you are, it's useless. Logia was too OP, but thankfully there's Armament Haki. We definitely have to learn it!"
"Damn it, I'm a Logia Sand-Sand Fruit user. I thought I'd be invincible, but now I'm countered a bit. Why does Armament Haki have to exist?"
"Let's learn it, and master both Observation Haki and Armament Haki to become even stronger."
...
At this point, Lin Muxue knew that Ye Yu would definitely have Observation Haki and Armament Haki, as he had contracted seven Non-Ability Users. However, she didn't hold Ye Yu in high regard because they would eventually learn it too, meaning Ye Yu had no real advantage.
If you don't know Observation Haki or Armament Haki, you can learn them, but without a Devil Fruit, there's no way to obtain one by any means.
Everyone still believed that Non-Ability Users were inferior to Artificial Devil Fruit Ability Users.
They thought that since Non-Ability Users could learn Armament Haki and Observation Haki, and Devil Fruit Ability Users could also learn them, it was obvious which was stronger.
Subsequently, those with knowledge of Observation Haki and Armament Haki were asked to serve as teachers in the school.
There were still thirty days before the real mutation would occur. During this time, powerful Sea Beasts, Ferocious Beasts, Sea Kings, and dangerous Mystic Realms would not appear. This was to give everyone time to develop and avoid encountering powerful Sea Beasts right after obtaining a strong Devil Fruit, which could lead to an early demise.
Therefore, everyone was preparing to make the most of these thirty days, studying Observation Haki and Armament Haki diligently, and planning to stay on campus.
Contracted Non-Ability Users who already knew Observation Haki and Armament Haki didn't need to learn them. As their levels increased, they would continuously master and inherit the strength, Observation Haki, and Armament Haki of the Non-Ability Users.
Zhang Tian mustered her courage and approached Ye Yu, keeping her head down, not daring to look directly at him, her face flushed as she softly encouraged him.
"Ye Yu, keep it up. Even though you didn't get a Devil Fruit, with your level 10 talent, work hard to level up and inherit the strength of the Non-Ability Users, as well as their Observation Haki and Armament Haki. If the people you contracted don't know them, we can learn together."
Ye Yu smiled slightly, "No need, the people I contracted already know them."
"That's good." After a brief struggle, Zhang Tian's heart raced as she asked.
"Ye Yu, will you create a Pirate Crew? If you do, I want to join, is that okay?"
Before Ye Yu could respond, the others burst into laughter.
Li Cang sneered, "Are you love-struck? He's no longer a prodigy. What face does he have to create a Pirate Crew? Who would join? Even if you join, that Pirate Crew will definitely only have the two of you."
"Hahaha, Brother Cang is right. Everyone is vying to join a Pirate Crew created by a prodigy. Who would join one with average strength? Going on adventures like that would be suicidal, wouldn't it?"
Lin Muxue chimed in, "Zhang Tian, it's better to join us. Following him would be suicidal, don't you think? Or do you like him? Want to be his nanny?"
Zhang Tian's face turned red, but she stood firm.
"I don't like you guys, and I won't join you. Besides, I believe Ye Yu isn't as bad as you say. Mastering powerful Observation Haki and Armament Haki might make him quite formidable."
"Hmph, formidable or not, he can't compare to an Ability User."
"Abilities plus Haki, how can just Haki compare?"
"Hmph, what he has, we have. What he doesn't have, we also have. How can he compare?"
...
This left Zhang Tian speechless, unable to retort.
Ye Yu said, "No need to argue with them. I don't have any plans to create a Pirate Crew right now. We'll talk about it later. I have things to do, bye."
"Okay, bye," Zhang Tian also headed home.
Lin Muxue watched Ye Yu's departing figure with disdain.
"Being close to you during this time has been my shame."
At that moment, a crew member responsible for shipbuilding approached and respectfully spoke.
"Sister Xue, we..."
"You should change how you address me."
"Captain!"
"Mm, go ahead, what is it?"
"Our ship is ready. We'll sail it to the shore tomorrow."
"Good, we'll go take a look then."
The crew member worried, "Captain, what if Ye Yu comes to cause trouble? After all, most of the money for the ship came from him."
Lin Muxue smirked, "Hmph, it's not his money. It was given to him by the authorities because he was the most talented, allowing him to have a good pirate ship. But now, he's just ordinary. The
ship has nothing to do with him. It's better if he doesn't come. If he dares to claim it's his and refuses to leave, I'll make him regret it!"
Li Cang agreed, sneering, "If he dares to come aboard, we'll kick him off the ship!"
(End of Chapter)