Rocks Band: I have 48 Imperial Arms.

"You've succeeded. You've proven yourself to be a powerful warrior. Beyond that, you're a person of conviction and perseverance. I will become your mentor and guide you to become an even better person and warrior," said Rayleigh.

Locke was overjoyed; he had succeeded. After much effort and adventure, he had finally obtained what he desired. Now, he would become a respected warrior and the apprentice of a mentor.

He knew this was just the beginning. But he would do his best to meet the next challenge and strive tirelessly towards higher goals.

Locke followed Rayleigh, the King of the Underworld, on his journey to the Isle of Giants. He felt his energy surging, as if his entire being was bursting forth with a powerful force.

"Locke, is there anything you need to ask me?" Rayleigh asked.

Locke hesitated for a moment, but still spoke up: "I want to know, what is Haki? Why should I learn Haki?"

"Excellent question, Locke. Haki is a power that originates from the depths of one's heart; only when one truly realizes their own strength can it be unleashed. Learning Haki will make your power even greater, making it easier to achieve victory in future adventures," Rayleigh answered.

Locke nodded. "I understand. I will study hard."

Time passed slowly, and Locke followed Rayleigh to the Island of Giants. It was a wilderness, almost uninhabited, but teeming with giant beasts. This was a perfect place to learn Haki.

Rayleigh, the King of the Underworld, pointed to a huge beast and said to Locke, "It's a giant beast that's nearly six meters tall. Go and try to fight it and show your strength."

Locke looked at the giant beast and thought, "I'm not up to the task." However, he still walked over and began to fight the beast. After a fierce battle, he successfully defeated the beast and won the victory.

"You did very well, Locke. The perseverance and determination you showed are the essence of dominance," Rayleigh praised.

"Thank you for your guidance, Lord Hades," Locke said.

Under Rayleigh's guidance, Locke constantly battled giant beasts, honing his body and will. He also gradually began to grasp the true meaning of Haki. Haki is not just superficial power, but originates from within, unleashing one's true strength. Only when truly facing a powerful enemy can one unleash their inner power.

One day, Rayleigh, the King of the Underworld, introduced Locke to a special technique: it was the Overlord Spear, which used the ultimate power condensed from magic, capable of killing with a single blow.

Following Rayleigh's guidance, Locke began learning the Overlord Spear technique. At first, he had no clue what to do and was simply imitating Rayleigh's movements. Gradually, he felt energy surging within his body, and slowly, he completely mastered the skill.

Locke, now I'm going to have some real combat with you to practice your skills.

In the ensuing fights, Locke displayed his formidable strength. His mastery of the Overlord Spear technique was exceptional, each strike precise and accurate.

Chapter 316: The True Secret to Dominance!

Rayleigh took a deep breath, staring intently into Locke's eyes, and said, "Locke, you must understand that Haki isn't simply about displaying your strength; it's an inner courage, and more importantly, a release of power. Only when facing a powerful opponent can you unleash your inner Haki and reveal your true strength. You must feel it with your heart, comprehend it with your soul—that is true Haki."

Locke listened attentively to Rayleigh's teachings, knowing that he still had many shortcomings and needed to continuously learn and improve.

Rayleigh continued, "Now, I will teach you the true secret of Haki: face your fear head-on. Only by turning fear into motivation can we truly unleash our strength!"

Upon hearing this, Locke couldn't help but recall the fear he felt when facing that giant beast.

He knew that to become strong, one must have the courage to face fear; otherwise, one could not surpass oneself.

Rayleigh continued, "You need constant training and battles to continuously improve your strength. When facing an opponent, put aside your fear, seize the opportunity, and unleash your full power to attack! That's true Haki!"

Locke listened to Rayleigh's words, his heart filled with excitement. He had long heard of the Pirate King's Haki, but he was still filled with curiosity and anticipation. At this moment, he stared into Rayleigh's eyes, waiting quietly.

Rayleigh glanced calmly at Locke, then suddenly approached him and hugged him from behind. Locke was startled, but then relaxed. Rayleigh said, "Don't be afraid, Locke. Now I'm going to introduce the three types of Haki from One Piece."

"Armament Haki is the ability of an individual to control their entire body's energy, turning themselves into 'armor.' Similarly, this Haki can be transformed into weapons and other combat-enhancing effects."

Locke nodded, thinking to himself that this kind of domineering aura wasn't hard to understand.

Rayleigh continued, "Observation Haki refers to the ability to sense others and the air through special sensory means to obtain specific information. This ability can enable telepathic communication and long-distance communication, among other functions."

Locke found this domineering aura fascinating. He asked, "What special conditions are needed to activate this domineering aura?"

Rayleigh chuckled softly, “Everyone’s situation is different. Some people are exceptionally talented and have deep potential, making it easier for them to exhibit Haki. But most people need to gradually master it through long-term training. In actual combat, they can apply this ability more quickly.”

Locke listened silently, a hint of longing in his eyes. He thought to himself that the true path of a pirate must be filled with difficulties and challenges. He had to do his best and keep learning in order to win in the ever-changing battles.

After Rayleigh finished speaking, a moment of silence fell. Locke suddenly found himself becoming increasingly focused. He stared intently at Rayleigh, as if listening to some unparalleled heroic legend.

"Locke, there is another kind of Haki called Conqueror's Haki."

Locke listened, feeling a growing nervous. He knew this domineering aura possessed immense power, and once mastered, it would be his strongest weapon.

Chapter 317: Terrifying Conqueror's Haki!

Rayleigh paused, then continued, "Conqueror's Haki is an extremely rare and powerful ability. Through understanding everything around us, mastering these things, and thoroughly comprehending our own power training, we reach a unique realm. In this realm, we can achieve a status that surpasses that of ordinary people, a status that is a symbol, enough to make anyone retreat in battle."

Rayleigh looked at Locke standing before him, a hint of anticipation and curiosity in his eyes. He had complete confidence in Locke's potential and believed he could become the successor to the Pirate King.

"Locke, you are a very talented young man. I believe you will definitely be able to master Conqueror's Haki." Rayleigh's words were full of affirmation and encouragement.

Locke listened to Rayleigh's words, his heart filled with gratitude and a sense of responsibility. He knew that he needed to continuously grow and learn in this unfamiliar pirate world, and strive to master Conqueror's Haki to become a true Pirate King.

"Teacher Rayleigh, I will definitely study hard and master Conqueror's Haki as soon as possible." Locke's voice was full of determination and perseverance.

Rayleigh smiled and nodded, saying with satisfaction, "Very good, Locke. Now, let's try to master Conqueror's Haki." Rayleigh walked to the side, gesturing for Locke to come and try.

Locke stood there, filled with anticipation. He concentrated, trying to sense everything around him.

He felt the movement of the air, the rise and fall of the waves, and the swaying of the leaves. He seemed to have become one with the environment, feeling a connection between himself and everything around him.

In this state of enlightenment, he suddenly felt an extremely powerful force. This force made him feel as if he were standing atop a high mountain, overlooking the entire pirate world.

He roared at the sky like a ferocious beast, shouting out his name.

When Locke sensed the power, he immediately leaped up, exclaiming with ecstatic joy, "I felt it! I felt the power of Conqueror's Haki!"

(chag) Rayleigh felt that Locke's performance was very good, and he said confidently, "Very good, Locke. However, you should know that there is still a lot to learn about Conqueror's Haki. You must keep working hard and keep trying."

“Yes, Mr. Rayleigh,” Locke said excitedly. “I will definitely work hard to master this skill as soon as possible.”

Rayleigh smiled and nodded, then without saying much, began his demonstration. He stretched his arm into the air and closed his eyes. Locke stared intently at Rayleigh, searching for any changes in him.

Rayleigh's body trembled slightly, as if he were trying to unleash some kind of power. Then, he pointed forward with his left hand and released a burst of Conqueror's Haki.

The round, thick yellow energy shot forward with lightning speed, shaking the space in its path and creating a howling wind, like a golden bolt of lightning.

Locke's eyes lit up, and he exclaimed in shock, "That's incredible!"

“Locke, look closely. Where does the power of Conqueror’s Haki I’m demonstrating come from?” Rayleigh prompted.

Locke stared at Rayleigh, feeling a powerful pressure emanating from him, as if it could crush mountains and the earth.

Rayleigh smiled gently and said softly, "Actually, the key to Conqueror's Haki lies in the ability to sense and control the will dormant within all matter. This is the ability to change the environment according to one's own will."

Chapter 318: The Sea of ​​Death!

"Willpower?" Locke was a little puzzled.

"That's right, willpower is the key to Conqueror's Haki."

“I understand now,” Locke said, suddenly realizing. “Then, how do we measure the strength of willpower?”

"Everyone's will is unique, and you need to constantly feel and explore. The feeling and mastery of Conqueror's Haki requires time and effort."

“I will try my best,” Locke said.

“Alright, I have something that might help you. Take a look at this.” Rayleigh took a small bottle out of his pocket, containing a tiny drop of a special liquid.

"What is this?" Locke asked.

"This is the essence of Conqueror's Haki that I collected from a remote sea area. It can help you further explore and experience Conqueror's Haki," Rayleigh replied.

Locke took the bottle, which had the word "Conqueror's Haki" printed on it in a large letter. It was as if it had given him a boost. He felt a surge of excitement, as if he heard a voice guiding him, telling him that this was a crucial moment.

“Your abilities are proportional to your dreams,” Reilly said. “This bottle will connect the latter two. When you use it to explore new opportunities and challenges…”

Locke held the Conqueror's Haki essence Rayleigh had given him, his heart filled with anticipation and excitement. He knew his strength wasn't yet sufficient, but he believed that as long as he diligently explored and experienced the power of Conqueror's Haki, he would definitely become an excellent pirate.

So Locke left the sea town in the East China Sea and began his journey of trials. He sailed westward in his small boat, seeking more opportunities and challenges.

During his long voyage, he encountered many troubles and difficulties, but he persevered, constantly honing his will and strength. He fought fierce battles with some pirates and also met some friendly crew members with whom he shared many stories and experiences.

Finally, he arrived at the territory of a legendary pirate named "Fire Fist" Ace. Ace was an extremely powerful pirate, possessing terrifying abilities and boundless strength. Locke had heard of his name, but had never seen him in person.

Here, Locke encountered one of Ace's subordinates, a pirate named "Black Knife" Maki. Maki was Ace's right-hand man, possessing formidable strength and skill.

·· ······Requesting 0 flowers ······

Locke and his companions arrived at a desolate sea known as the "Sea of ​​Death," a place rumored to be frequented by pirates. Locke's goal was to find clues about Fire Fist Ace, but they never expected to encounter Ace's henchman, Black Knife Maki, here.

.... . . .

"Who are you? Why are you here?" Maki asked coldly, looking at Locke and his group.

“We are looking for clues about Fire Fist Ace,” Locke replied without fear.

"Fire Fist Ace?" Maki seemed somewhat surprised. "What do you want with him?"

“We have some personal matters to discuss with him,” Locke said.

"Heh, you guys really have guts," Maki sneered. "Ace is not someone to be trifled with; you'd better give up."

“We won’t give up,” Locke said. “We will keep searching until we find him.”

“You guys have some guts,” Maki said. “But I’m not someone to be trifled with. If you want to find Ace, you’ll have to get past me first.” (VI.)

Chapter 319: Ace's Test!

Undeterred, Locke brandished his sword and engaged Maki in combat. Maki's swordsmanship was incredibly sharp, and each attack posed a significant threat to Locke. However, he did not back down; instead, he launched even more courageous attacks.

"How can you mortals compare to Ace?" Maki sneered. "Are you here to die?"