Previously, when Black acquired Bullet's Ghost Qi, a thought had occurred to him
From observing Zoro, Ghost Qi could also be infused into weapons, much like Conqueror's Haki.
In his past life, debate had raged over whether Zoro possessed Conqueror's Haki.
A Life Card release had once listed Conqueror's Haki among Zoro's abilities.
Strangely, three days later, that batch was recalled, reigniting speculation.
It wasn't until Jabra fell to the underworld and met Zoro that the matter was clarified: Zoro indeed had Conqueror's Haki.
Zoro himself had been surprised, even doubtful, implying he hadn't realized it before then.
Thus, during Onigashima, Zoro naturally infused Ghost Qi into his sword, breaking Kaido's defenses.
It followed that Ghost Qi, like Armament Haki and Haoshoku, could enhance attacks tremendously.
Black now possessed Armament Haki, Haoshoku, and Ghost Qi simultaneously.
If he could infuse all three together, how immense would his attacks become?
Even thinking about it, Black knew he shouldn't attempt it yet.
Conqueror's Haki Infusion was mastered, and integrating Armament Haki was straightforward. Ghost Qi's principle mirrored Haoshoku, so infusion wouldn't be difficult either.
Having barely survived a life-and-death clash, Black needed to relax his mind.
"Hmm… work-life balance!"
The sanctuary sailed peacefully on the vast sea, Black's life temporarily returning to calm.
Each day, besides teasing the little Slaves, he focused on strength cultivation.
After mastering Conqueror's Haki Infusion, Black had sequentially defeated the young Garp and young Roger.
He obtained Conqueror's Haki cards and Swordsmanship ability cards, improving his Haoshoku and swordsmanship, though no qualitative transformation occurred.
In Black's view, 'youth' in the Card Space referred not to age but potential.
These versions existed long before God Valley, far from peak strength.
Background pirates also yielded interesting Ability Cards: Animal-type Bird-Bird Devil Fruit, Peregrine Falcon Form; Animal-type Turtle-Turtle Devil Fruit, Giant Tortoise Form.
Black suspected the system hinted that he should acquire a Devil Fruit.
Throughout history, the top powerhouses gods of sun, earth, forest, demons without exception, were Devil Fruit users.
But there was no rush; he would wait for the right one.
Black had used Ability Cards on Mandy in recent days.
Within a year or two, Mandy would return to the Warburg Kondin Kingdom. Black planned to train her properly in the meantime.
No more uncontrolled chaos, like Koala's antics back then.
The deck, bathed in morning mist, gleamed; Mandy's rapier tip caught a wisp of cold light.
Her stance was poised, breath synchronized with the waves.
Black lounged on his golden chair; Stella placed refreshments beside him.
It was early; the little Slaves had yet to wake.
Only the sound of Mandy's sword slicing air and the sea breeze through sails filled the deck.
When Mandy paused, Black bit into a grape and complained,
"Five hundred swings, yet you only completed three hundred seventy-two! Have Celestial Dragon Slaves forgotten math?"
Mandy didn't stop; she walked to the tea table, sipped, and replied calmly,
"You miscounted."
Her tone was emotionless, but her movements revealed her own focus.
Black was unbothered, tossing a grape at her.
"Still daring to talk back!"
The grape fell into the teacup; Mandy easily avoided splashing water.
Black, bored, told Stella,
"Wake the sleepyheads; it's time to eat."
He turned to Mandy:
"Combat training this morning."
Observation Haki had tempered her, so Black decided not to prepare ability cards for Perona anymore.
Breakfast was simple compared to Mary Geoise, making Black nostalgic for Holy Land life.
After eating, Black tapped his spoon:
"Stella, watch over them today."
"Mandy, come with me to the training room."
The sanctuary was vast; its design accommodated nearly every conceivable function.
The training room, though not as luxurious as the manor, was excellently equipped.
Black led Mandy inside.
Dark golden light filtered through the carved dome, scattering on the Sea Stone floor.
Twelve crystal chandeliers swayed slightly, dust sparkling like fine snow.
"Your strength could match a Navy Vice Admiral. But you, like Koala, cannot yet fully wield it."
"Koala acted like a demolition crew; you act like a thief."
"Now, I will make you adapt to your current power."
Black extended a hand:
"Come, attack me."
Swish!
The sword light struck at lightning speed.
Black drew a jewel-encrusted dagger, deflecting the tip with a flick.
"Continue!"
By noon, blood had seeped from Mandy's tiger's mouth. Haki armor dissipated before fully forming.
Black leaned against the wall:
"Perceive the flow, don't just force it."
Mandy lunged! Her rapier pierced his afterimage; he was already behind her, arm around her waist.
His breath grazed her ear; his fingers traced her nape:
"Observation Haki isn't a toy to slash and chase with."
Mandy froze. Not just from his proximity, but from the surging Haki becoming docile under his guidance.
Black released her after her Haki stabilized, tossing a bottle of ointment:
"That's enough. Barely acceptable."
"Such beautiful hands… a shame if scarred."
Mandy took it, softly asking:
"Why?"
Black's wicked smile appeared:
"Because you are also my wing."
With that, he left the training room.
Mandy, holding the bottle, heard Black and Robin bickering outside, and for the first time, the sound of the waves seemed so loud.