บท 94: Shakky's Teachings
Jack's eyes remained fixed on her, absorbing her words. There was something about Shakky that intrigued him, a blend of naivety and wisdom that seemed oddly captivating. "Go on," he urged, his voice betraying no emotion.
Shakky's cheeks flushed slightly at his attention, and she looked away for a brief moment before continuing. "I'm still learning myself, but I understand that Armament Haki requires a deep connection to your inner strength. It's not something that can be forced. You must feel it, resonate with it." Her eyes met his, a sparkle of excitement mixed with uncertainty. "Would you like me to show you how I've been using it?"
Jack's eyebrow arched, a faint smirk playing at the corner of his mouth. "I'm listening."
Shakky took a deep breath, her slender hands moving gracefully as she extended her arm. The air around her seemed to shimmer, and a dark coating materialized around her limb. She looked at Jack, her eyes wide and bright. "This is the manifestation of my will, my desire to protect and defend. It's more than just a physical barrier; it's a part of me."
Jack's eyes narrowed, the calm blue deepening as he studied the phenomenon. He could sense the energy radiating from her, a force that was both gentle and firm. "You make it sound simple," he commented, his voice low.
"It is, and it isn't," Shakky replied, her voice trembling with both enthusiasm and nerves. "The concept is simple, but the execution requires a deep understanding of oneself. It's like falling in love." Her eyes darted away, and she added softly, "It's a feeling that you can't force, can't fake. It just... happens."
A silence fell between them, filled with the weight of Shakky's words and the unspoken emotions that lingered in the air. Jack's mind was a whirlpool of thoughts, processing the information, analyzing, connecting. Shakky's comparison to love was unexpected, yet it struck a chord within him.
Finally, he spoke, his voice steady but his eyes revealing a hint of vulnerability. "Teach me, then. Show me how to connect with that part of myself."
Shakky's heart skipped a beat, and she nodded, her smile shy but determined. "We'll start with meditation. You must find the core of your being, the essence that drives you. Close your eyes and focus on your breath, your heartbeat. Feel the energy within you, the passion, the desire. Let it flow through you, let it become you."
Hours passed as they worked together, Shakky guiding Jack through the intricacies of Armament Haki. They talked, laughed, and even shared moments of frustration, but throughout it all, a connection grew between them, a bond forged through shared experience and mutual respect.
Jack's progress was slow but steady, and Shakky's encouragement was a constant source of strength. Her excitement over the smallest improvement, her gentle corrections, her unwavering belief in him—all of it added a warmth to their training that went beyond mere physical exertion.
Slowly, days passed and weeks turned into months. Jack's family lived on Amazon Lily. Every day, Jack and Shakky would train, their relationship evolving with each session. The newfound emotions of love that stirred within Shakky added a layer of depth to their interactions. Her inexperience with love made her actions somewhat childlike, reminiscent of a girl falling for the first time.
One day, both were sparring in the backyard of the palace. Their fists were enveloped by the distinct dark sheen of Haki. Each punch, each movement carried an intent behind it, a dance of power and will.
Jack, moving fluidly, threw a punch at Shakky, his eyes the calm blue of a tranquil sea. She sidestepped, countering with a swift jab to his side. "You're holding back," she murmured, her voice tinged with amusement.
His smirk was his only response before he retaliated with a quick succession of punches. The rhythm of their spar was intense, with both pushing the other to their limits. The sound of their fists connecting, the brief moments of stillness, and the tension in the air made it clear that this was more than just a training session.
Shakky, breathing heavily, managed to land a punch squarely on Jack's chest. She looked up, her eyes searching his for any sign of pain or discomfort, but his face remained unreadable. "Why do you fight, Jack?" she asked suddenly, her voice soft and filled with genuine curiosity.
Jack's eyebrow quirked up, his calm eyes meeting hers. "The thrill," he said after a moment's pause. "And sometimes, to knock some sense into people."
She chuckled softly, twirling gracefully on the spot to avoid another of his punches. "Always so mysterious. But, what about your family? Don't they worry about you?"
"They know I can handle myself," Jack responded, throwing another punch which she narrowly dodged.
As they continued their dance of evasion and attack, Aria and Robin watched them from a distance. The six-year-old's face lit up with awe, her large eyes following her father's every move, while little Robin clapped her hands in delight, occasionally murmuring phrases like "Daddy strong" and "Shakky fast."
Jack glanced at them, and for a brief moment, his calm facade cracked, a genuine smile crossing his lips. "Time-out," he said, signaling for a break.
Shakky, panting slightly, walked over to a nearby bench, wiping the sweat from her brow. Jack approached Aria, ruffling her hair affectionately. "Princess," he greeted, his voice softening.
"Daddy, you're amazing," Aria replied with a grin, her eyes shining with pride.
Robin toddled over, hugging Jack's leg. "Daddy win?" she asked, her voice filled with innocent curiosity.
Jack chuckled, lifting Robin into his arms. "It's not about winning or losing, Little One," he said gently.
Shakky watched the scene, her heart swelling with emotions she was still learning to understand. The way Jack's demeanor changed around his children, the tenderness he displayed, it made her feel something deep within.
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