Between Two Worlds: Nen and Haki

"How terrifying. Is this what a Marine Admiral is capable of? He's like a walking natural disaster."

"No kidding. Look, my back is soaked. I was just watching; if I'd actually stepped up, I'm afraid I would've been taken out instantly."

"Tch... So what if he's a Marine Admiral? He still lost to our Captain. If he hadn't run away fast enough, the Marines would've been down an Admiral today."

"Hahaha, you're right! Marine Admiral or not, our Captain is invincible!"

""

The relaxed Hunting Team immediately burst into heated discussion again.

Some were still shaken by the terrifying strength Kuzan had shown, but most were cheering excitedly.

Kuzan had vanished, and Zane had returned.

To the members of the Hunting Team, this contrast undoubtedly meant their Captain had won the previous battle, forcing a Marine Admiral to flee.

"Captain, you're amazing!"

Baby 5, her face flushed, ran over and leaped into Zane's arms, her slender arms wrapping tightly around his neck.

"Boss!"

"Captain!"

Manlong, Nico Robin, Wyper, and Bones also surrounded him immediately.

Zane raised his hands to hold Baby 5's waist and looked at the crowd.

He could see everyone's spirits were high, with excitement written all over their faces.

Moreover, the way they looked at him was even more reverent and admiring than before.

"So, you all saw the strength of a Marine Admiral just now, right? We'll be facing many more opponents like this in the future," Zane smiled at the group while holding Baby 5 at his side.

"Boss, although my current strength isn't enough to fight someone like that yet, I'll definitely train harder from now on. I won't let you down," Manlong took a deep breath and declared firmly.

"True, an opponent like that is scary to think about, but I'm not going to stay stagnant. Sooner or later, I'll have a match with a guy like that," the always-valiant Wyper showed no fear, making a hot-blooded declaration.

"Captain, rest assured. My Armament Haki is already at the threshold. Once I master it, I definitely won't fail the swordsmanship you taught me," Bones said in a low, steady voice.

Others followed suit with their declarations. It was clear that while Kuzan's appearance and strength had brought great pressure, it hadn't broken their will.

Seeing this, Zane was very satisfied.

He naturally didn't expect everyone in the Hunting Team to reach Kuzan's level.

All he wanted to see was their attitude.

As long as their will remained unbroken, they were subordinates worth cultivating.

Clearing the way with lightning.

The frozen New Riding the Wind and Waves and the escort ship quickly sailed out of the ice-covered area along the path, setting sail once again.

"Captain, I have something I'd like to discuss with you privately, if that's alright?"

Navigation returned to normal. Just as Zane was heading back to the cabin with Baby 5, planning to celebrate properly in their room, the previously quiet Nico Robin suddenly caught up.

"Sure, why not?"

Looking at Nico Robin's serious expression, Zane was surprised but didn't refuse.

Agreeing with a nod, he turned to Baby 5, who was already pouting and glaring unhappily at Nico Robin.

"Alright, you go take a bath first. I'll come find you in a bit!"

Zane patted her backside with a chuckle.

"...Fine!"

Wiggling her hips, Baby 5 reluctantly went to her room next door with a pout, comforted by Zane's words.

"Come in."

Opening the door and entering, Zane led the way while Nico Robin followed behind.

Click!

Once inside, Zane walked casually toward the sofa, but the sound behind him made him glance back in surprise.

Locking the door?

What was this about?

Seeing Zane look back at her after locking the door, Nico Robin explained with feigned composure, "What I want to discuss is quite important. I'm afraid of being interrupted."

Zane looked her up and down.

*Really?*

*I don't buy it.*

Despite his skepticism, Zane was willing to be a considerate Captain. He sat down on the sofa and waited to see what she would do next.

Seeing that Zane seemed to believe her, Nico Robin breathed a sigh of relief and walked over to sit on the opposite sofa.

"Captain, you probably know that I come from Ohara," Nico Robin began slowly after gathering her thoughts.

"Yes, I know," Zane nodded slightly.

"Ohara, my hometown... It was once a world-famous sacred ground for archaeology. The island held the library with the largest collection of books, called the Tree of Knowledge..."

Nico Robin began to describe the original sight of her home.

Initially, she just wanted to ease her nerves, but as she spoke, the sorrow she had hidden deep in her heart for so long began to surface uncontrollably.

Especially when she spoke of Ohara's destruction; her voice grew heavy, and tears began to well up in her eyes.

The destruction of Ohara was undoubtedly a nightmare Nico Robin could never forget.

Just like the battle between Zane and Kuzan earlier.

Among the members of the Hunting Team, Nico Robin appeared silent, but she was actually the most anxious.

Because Kuzan had been involved in the Buster Call that destroyed Ohara.

Even Saul had died by his hand.

Although for some reason, he had let her go in the end.

In her heart, Kuzan was definitely one of her nightmares.

"Captain, I'm really happy right now because you showed me that a Marine Admiral isn't actually invincible."

Finishing her story, Nico Robin wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes and gave Zane a tearful smile.

Though tear tracks remained, the smile Nico Robin wore was full of genuine joy.

The nightmare she once thought was insurmountable had been repelled by the Captain she recognized. To Nico Robin, this heartening feat felt like being in a dream.

It was precisely because she was so excited and happy that she couldn't help but seek out Zane.

"There's no such thing as 'invincible' in this world. A Marine Admiral is just someone a bit stronger than average. There's no need to be too afraid. Besides, your Captain isn't exactly a pushover. Just stay by my side from now on; I promise no one will be able to take you away." Zane sat with his legs crossed, leaning his arm casually on the armrest.

He hadn't forced Kuzan to stay, primarily because he knew that with his growth rate, surpassing him was only a matter of time.

At that time, he can handle the other party however he wishes.

""

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