Ron's relentless training brought his mastery of the Sun Breathing technique to an astonishing 99%. Each day was grueling, filled with unyielding determination and countless hours of practice.
In the next ten days, Ron's training took on an almost inhuman pace. In the day, he practiced his sword techniques under the sun, feeling every strike burn into his muscles like fire. His hands blistered from gripping his sword, and his breathing became sharper, more refined with every inhale. At night, he meditated in the stillness, visualizing the flow of the Sun Breathing patterns in his mind.
Finally, on the tenth night, as the moon hung high in the sky, Ron executed the final sequence of the Sun Breathing technique. His body moved like a fluid extension of the sun's radiant energy, each strike illuminated by a golden glow. The air around him seemed to shimmer, bending to the sheer intensity of his willpower.
And then it happened.
The system's voice echoed in his mind just as his blade came to a halt, perfectly still.
[Sun Breathing technique mastery at 100%. The host has acquired a special ability: Transparent World.]
In that moment, Ron's vision sharpened beyond what he thought possible. He could feel the energy coursing through his body, each pulse of his heart resonating with the world around him. It wasn't just the mastery of a technique—it was the culmination of his unwavering determination, countless sacrifices, and a spirit that refused to break.
An indescribably fascinating sensation surged through Ron's mind.
"So, this is the Transparent World…"
"It's somewhat similar to Observation Haki, but…different."
With Transparent World activated, Ron carefully felt the unique power within.
The world around him became crystal clear, unveiling countless details: the flow of air, floating dust particles, temperature, humidity, various scents, the blood flow of people passing by, even the distant breaths—they were all vividly perceptible.
The range extended to about ten meters around him.
"Let's see what happens when I add Observation Haki."
An invisible wave of Observation Haki spread out, instantly covering the ten-meter radius around him.
Transparent World and Observation Haki.
The two powers combined.
Instantly, Ron felt as if everything within the ten-meter radius slowed down. Countless details appeared as if from the pages of an open book, displayed vividly in front of him.
Ron opened his eyes, unable to contain his excitement.
The combination of Transparent World and Observation Haki wasn't just an addition—it was a substantial upgrade.
This ability to sense every detail would be invaluable in battle.
Right now, Ron's range was limited to about ten meters, not enough to counter large-area attacks.
"If I enhance my Observation Haki, my sensory range should expand, which would likely increase this zone as well," he thought as he opened his eyes.
Ron instinctively sensed someone's gaze on him.
He narrowed his eyes, withdrawing his Observation Haki, but kept the Transparent World active.
Focusing his mind, the area of Transparent World shifted from a circular zone around him to an elongated path stretching toward the source of the gaze.
Observation Haki might be detectable to skilled users, but Transparent World isn't.
As the extended field reached that point, a pleasant fragrance hit his senses.
A vivid image formed in his mind.
Inside a building a hundred meters away, a slender woman draped in a Marine Justice coat, with long, shapely legs and an air of cool elegance, stood at a third-floor window, gazing toward him with a faint smile. A long sword hung from her waist, adding to her striking presence.
Ron's mind filled with a name.
Gion—the Marine beauty swordswoman and a future Admiral candidate.
From the faint, controlled sword aura emanating from her, she was definitely on par with Momonga in the realm of swordsmanship.
But what puzzled Ron was…
Gion didn't exude any hostility towards him; instead, she seemed curious, even somewhat friendly.
Even though he didn't know her… why?
Ron scratched his head in confusion.
Unaware that Ron had detected her, Gion leaned against the railing, gazing at the small figure in the distance, her eyes filled with a gentle smile.
"What are you looking at?"
Vice Admiral Tsuru approached her, following her gaze.
She immediately spotted Ron, standing in an open area near the harbor, with a sword on his back.
"Mhm, he's interesting."
Gion rested her chin on her arms on the railing, smiling as she looked at Ron's distant figure. "Just like Hina said, he's like a fresh sprout of green on the dreary, serious Marine Headquarters."
"Watching him reminds me a little of my own early days…"
Her gaze softened with nostalgia.
Vice Admiral Tsuru glanced at her, arms crossed, and snorted, "You're hardly old yourself. And Hina—what's with all this 'celebrating youth'? Must be I'm not giving you enough work."
"Haha, maybe you're right."
Gion chuckled, then turned to Tsuru beside her. "He still hasn't decided to join the Marines?"
Vice Admiral Tsuru shook her head. "After the incident with Zephyr, I doubt he'll be keen on joining just yet."
"Think you'll convince him?"
Gion looked at her with a raised eyebrow.
With her Justice coat on and arms crossed, Tsuru gazed at Ron's small figure in the distance. "Judging from his actions and personality, I'd say he's unlikely to join the Marines. He might stick with his original path—neither joining the Marines nor becoming a pirate…"
Hearing this, Ron's eyes flickered slightly.
So that's Vice Admiral Tsuru…
Just from observing his personality and actions, she could almost predict his goals and decisions.
"Since you think he won't join the Marines, why keep him here?" Gion asked, puzzled.
Vice Admiral Tsuru looked at her with a smile. "That boy will grow powerful, whether he's here or not. Letting him stay around the Marines is better than him befriending pirates."
"Even if he never joins, just leaning our way in crucial moments could be a great help."
"Of course, that's only my view. Others have differing opinions, so whether he stays might not be decided until a couple more years pass."
Listening to Tsuru, Gion nodded slightly, still gazing at the distant figure.