In the early era of the Grand Line, devil fruits reigned supreme. Those who wielded powerful devil fruit abilities, especially Logia types, were seen as near-invincible. Natural element users like the admirals, or legends like Whitebeard with his Paramecia, stood at the top. However, as the Age of Pirates progressed, the understanding and application of Haki—particularly the mastery of Observation, Armament, and Conqueror's Haki—redefined combat. In the New World, devil fruit alone was no longer enough. Strength was now determined by one's mastery of Haki.
Vivi, or rather Princess Nefertari Vivi, had already awakened Conqueror's Haki—a rare and overwhelming force possessed by only one in millions. And now, she had gained the fundamentals of Armament Haki. She rummaged through the remnants of battle—bright, memory-like fragments scattered from the Golden Lion's fall. Unfortunately, her loyal duck Karoo didn't pick up any Observation Haki-associated fragments this time. The dream of mastering all three types of Haki—Busoshoku (Armament), Kenbunshoku (Observation), and Haoshoku (Conqueror)—would have to wait for another day.
She analyzed Shiki the Golden Lion's own mastery. Though his Fuwa Fuwa no Mi devil fruit was formidable, what had truly distinguished him in his prime was his dual-Haki mastery. Vivi noted that while Armament Haki required control and will, it wasn't overly taxing on physical strength—certainly not on the same level as the massive stamina drain of Shiki's technique Shishi Senjūkan (Lion: Thousand Cut Valley).
Vivi sat cross-legged, focused, and began to internalize the Busoshoku Haki in her body for the first time.
Haki exists in all living beings. Everyone's potential pool—if likened to a water tank—was different. Hers had already been activated due to Conqueror's Haki, which requires immense mental pressure and willpower. This meant she had skipped the foundational stage of awakening her inner Haki. Now, it was a matter of channeling and refining it.
For first-time users, detecting and projecting Haki is akin to reaching for invisible fire—it burns, resists, and recoils. But Vivi had an advantage: the inherited battle data from the Golden Lion's soul fragment gave her a framework. Her first attempt failed, the Armament Haki surging out like a wild horse. Even though more controllable than the storm-like Conqueror's aura, it still rebelled against her command. Still, she persisted.
On her seventh attempt, she finally felt it—tingling in her fingertips, the sensation of something coating her. A fine black sheen covered her fingers, palm, and a portion of her wrist. Her "Armament Haki Lv1" progressed from 3/10 to 4/10. It was a minor gain, but one earned entirely through her own effort, not memory absorption. The achievement filled her with pride.
"Wahahaha! Karoo, did you see that? I'm a natural at this!" Vivi shouted joyfully, her laughter echoing across the cliff.
Was she really a prodigy? Perhaps not. Her swordsmanship had improved at a snail's pace—despite rigorous training, she barely gained any ground. Compared to sweaty spars with Johnny, Joseph, or other bounty hunters, this meditative development of Haki suited her temperament far more.
She confidently guessed that with consistent effort, she could bring her Armament Haki to Lv2 within three days. Early skill levels in Haki improved fast—true mastery, of course, would take much longer.
...
While awaiting the arrival of reinforcements from Marine warships, Vivi and Karoo strolled through the wreckage-strewn remains of the floating island. Among a group of survivors, she managed to sell two "lucky rabbit feet", a rudimentary sea chart, a bundle of bandages, a rusty flintlock, and a pair of worn-out sabers. She earned 220,000 Berries in total. More importantly, she also gathered intel.
Apparently, Colonel Morgan—better known as "Axe-Hand Morgan"—had allowed fanciful rumors to flourish among his subordinates. Through sheer repetition and embellishment, word spread that he had personally defeated the Golden Lion and saved everyone aboard. A preposterous tale. Vivi exchanged glances with Karoo, too amused to correct it.
Captain Smoker, ever stoic, said nothing to contradict the tale. Vivi didn't bother explaining. Let the fool have his delusions.
Rumor also had it that Branch 153's sailors and civilians were raising funds to build a ten-meter-tall bronze statue of Morgan, enshrining him as the "Golden Lion Slayer."
When warships from the 153rd Branch finally arrived, Morgan swaggered aboard with all the pomp of a returning hero. Vivi watched in silent disbelief as he saluted like a conquering general. The man had clearly begun believing his own legend.
Other Marine warships soon followed. Some were tasked with transporting survivors. Others were ordered to inspect the wreckage of the floating island, retrieve the Golden Lion's experimental notes on genetically modified animals, and contain the surviving mutants. Rumor had it that these beasts were being sent to Zhenzhu Island for long-term study and controlled testing.
Meanwhile, Johnny and Joseph prepared to accompany Vivi into town to look for a girl named Xiuxiu. They bid an emotional farewell to an old woman survivor they had protected, bowing deeply. Vivi observed the exchange with a smile—the woman clearly regarded them as grandsons.
After some downtime, Vivi spotted Swordsmaster Tashigi—mistakenly referred to by some as Dusky—standing alone near the shoreline. Vivi approached quietly. Although Haki was a secretive matter, the questions burning in her mind compelled her to ask.
Tashigi had been among those struck by Vivi's uncontrolled burst of Conqueror's Haki during the clash with the Golden Lion. Though not entirely unconscious, Tashigi had been momentarily stunned and dazed. Even then, she fought to protect the civilians. Her willpower was admirable, yet insufficient to completely withstand the shockwave—only elite commanders and hardened pirates usually could.
"Hey, Tashigi, feeling any better?" Vivi asked softly.
Tashigi turned with a strange expression. The timid girl before her bore no resemblance to the awe-inspiring presence that had radiated raw kingly will a few days earlier. Could they really be the same person?
Vivi smoothly began to chat, mentioning the Golden Lion's last stand, Morgan's unexpected "heroics," and the pursuit of pirates by the Navy. She carefully probed Tashigi's reaction while offering subtle hints. Based on the swordwoman's responses, Vivi felt confident: as long as she didn't openly declare herself a pirate or enemy of justice, Tashigi would keep her secret.
As she walked away, Vivi analyzed the situation. Morgan had passed out during the incident, and Shiki had descended into madness before death. Tashigi didn't seem interested in reporting the event. That left only one real witness...
"Princess Nefertari Vivi..." a gravelly voice called from behind.
Vivi stiffened. Even before turning around, she sensed it—the thick presence of Jiki-jiki no Mi-infused smoke.
She slowly turned and came face-to-face with White Hunter Smoker, a Vice Admiral candidate and current Captain of the Marine Base in Loguetown. His trademark cigar smoldered in his mouth, and his eyes, always sharp, bore into her.
Vivi opened her mouth, but he beat her to it.
"So... Jaina of Kul Tiras, was it? The exiled princess of the Grand Line's cloud kingdom?"
She winced. That backstory—crafted so carefully—had clearly failed. Her brain raced. She had told the fabricated identity only to Duddy, Smoker's subordinate. Duddy wasn't the talkative type... so...
"You saw me in Alabasta, didn't you?" she whispered.
Smoker said nothing. He didn't need to. The answer was written in his silence.