Haki user in Marvel

Chapter 8: Chapter 8: Expanding the Battlefield



The Stark Tower gym was alive with activity. The sleek, modern space hummed with energy as Tony and Pepper Potts stood side by side, facing Alexander, who was dressed in his usual practical combat attire. The air was heavy with anticipation.

"Alright," Tony said, rolling his shoulders, still sore from the previous day's session. "I'm guessing this isn't just another round of 'dodge the punch.' What's on the menu today, oh wise and mysterious teacher?"

Alexander smirked faintly, his sharp gray eyes locking onto Tony. "Today, we're taking things up a notch. You've proven you can handle basic combat. Now it's time to introduce some advanced techniques."

"Advanced?" Tony asked, raising an eyebrow. "Like what? Flying kicks? Karate chops?"

"Something like that," Alexander replied. He turned to Pepper, who looked slightly nervous but determined. "And you're joining us, Potts. If you're going to be part of this, you need to know how to protect yourself."

Pepper blinked. "Me? I'm an assistant, not a fighter."

"Not anymore," Alexander said firmly. "You're part of this team, whether you like it or not. If Tony's enemies figure out how important you are to him, you'll be a target. And I don't train targets."

Pepper hesitated, then nodded. "Alright. But if you throw me on the floor like you did Tony, we're going to have a problem."

Alexander chuckled. "We'll start slow. Let's get to work."

Introducing Haki

Alexander stepped into the center of the room, gesturing for Tony and Pepper to stand on either side of him.

"First," Alexander began, his tone serious, "we're going to focus on Haki. It's a technique that allows you to harness your willpower in combat. There are three types, and each has its own strengths."

Tony raised a hand like a student in a classroom. "Question. Why haven't you mentioned this until now?"

"Because you weren't ready," Alexander said bluntly. "Haki isn't just a skill; it's a mindset. It requires discipline, focus, and control—things you've only just started to develop."

Tony frowned but didn't argue.

"The first type is Observation Haki," Alexander continued. "It allows you to sense your surroundings, anticipate your opponent's moves, and even detect emotions and intentions."

He closed his eyes for a moment, and Tony and Pepper felt a faint shift in the air. When Alexander opened his eyes again, he pointed directly at Tony's chest.

"Your heart rate just spiked," he said. "You're anxious about whether you'll get this right."

Tony blinked. "That's... creepy. But okay, I'll bite. How do I learn it?"

Pepper hesitated, stepping forward. "Wait, so... we'll be able to feel emotions? Like, each other's emotions?"

Alexander nodded, his smirk fading. "Exactly. When Observation Haki is fully developed, you'll sense more than just movements. You'll feel the truth in someone's actions, their intentions, their level of strength, and yes even their emotions. But that level of awareness requires discipline."

Tony glanced at Pepper, an uncharacteristic seriousness in his expression. "So, we'll be able to... what? Know when someone's mad at us?"

Alexander's gaze flicked between them, sensing the unspoken tension. "You'll know much more than that. And if you're not careful, it can overwhelm you. Emotions aren't always clear, and understanding them takes as much practice as using the skill itself."

The room grew quiet, the weight of Alexander's words settling over them. For the first time, the implications of what they were learning felt deeply personal.

Introducing Observation Haki

Alexander stepped into the center of the gym, gesturing for Tony and Pepper to join him.

"Close your eyes," he instructed. "Forget what you see, and focus on what you feel. The room. Each other. Me. Clear your mind and try to sense my presence. Don't rely on your eyes—rely on your instincts."

Tony rolled his eyes but complied, closing them reluctantly. Pepper followed suit, her breathing steady as she concentrated.

For a moment, there was only silence. Then, Alexander began to move, his steps deliberately light but purposeful.

"Where am I now?" he asked.

Tony tilted his head slightly. "To my left?"

"Wrong," Alexander said sharply, his voice now behind Tony.

Pepper's brow furrowed as she focused harder. "You're... close to me. But not directly in front. A little to the side?"

"Better," Alexander said, his voice even. "Feel the flow. It's not about guessing—it's about sensing."

He moved again, circling them like a predator, his presence faint but deliberate. Slowly, Pepper began to pick up on it, her breathing quickening slightly as she felt his movements without seeing them.

Tony, however, struggled. His frustration bubbled over as he threw up his hands. "This is ridiculous. It's like trying to guess the number I'm thinking of!"

Alexander sighed, stepping in front of him. "Your problem is that you think too much, Stark. Observation Haki isn't about logic—it's about instinct. You rely on your brain for everything, but this requires something else."

Tony scowled, but Alexander's words struck a chord. He closed his eyes again, this time letting go of his usual overthinking. Slowly, he began to feel the faintest flicker of presence.

"There," Tony muttered. "You're behind me now."

Alexander smiled faintly. "Good. Now do it again."

Alexander smirked faintly. "Observation Haki isn't about reading minds. It's about sensing. Feeling the flow of energy around you, the intentions of others, and the rhythm of the environment. For someone like you, Stark—someone who thrives on reacting quickly and analyzing patterns—this should come naturally."

Pepper tilted her head. "And what about me?"

"You're already good at reading people," Alexander replied, his tone softer. "Observation Haki will amplify that. It will let you pick up on details others miss, feel shifts in emotions, and even predict movements. You'll be more aware of everything happening around you."

Six Powers Training

After an hour of Observation Haki practice, Alexander shifted the focus to the Six Powers.

"These techniques," Alexander explained, "are designed to push your body to its limits. They require speed, strength, and precision. Master even one, and you'll have a significant advantage in combat."

He demonstrated Soru, vanishing from sight and reappearing on the other side of the room in a blur. Then he showed Geppo, leaping into the air and staying suspended with rapid bursts of energy. Finally, he demonstrated Tekkai, hardening his body to withstand a powerful punch from a training dummy.

Tony's jaw dropped. "Alright, I officially hate you. Teach me how to do that.

Alexander smirked. "Patience, Stark. Start with Soru. It's about explosive speed—using pure force to propel yourself faster than the eye can follow."

He set up a series of targets across the room. "Your goal is to reach each target as quickly as possible. No thrusters. No gadgets. Just your legs."

Tony groaned but complied, sprinting clumsily from one target to the next.

Meanwhile, Alexander had Pepper practice Tekkai, teaching her to brace her body and channel her willpower into a defensive technique. Though she struggled at first, her progress was small but steady.

Alexander smiles "The reason you stark are leaning Soru and you potts are learning Tekkai is becauee of the diffirence in your roles tony you need a quick escape when your suit is not enough and you pepper, so that you can defend and hold out when needed. Make no mistake both can still be used offensively."

A New Awareness

By the end of the session, Tony and Pepper were both drenched in sweat, their bodies aching but their spirits strangely invigorated. Tony slumped into a chair, rubbing his legs, while Pepper leaned against a workbench, massaging her temples.

"That," Tony panted, "was... a lot."

Alexander leaned against the wall, his expression calm. "You're making progress. Both of you. But don't get cocky. This is just the beginning."

Pepper looked up at him, her brow furrowed. "How do you do it? Stay so calm, I mean. If you can sense all these emotions, doesn't it get overwhelming?"

Alexander's smirk faded, his gaze distant. "It can. But you learn to manage it. Focus on what's important and block out the rest. Otherwise, it'll break you."

"Improving," Tony panted. "But nowhere near your level. I mean, how do you just... feel what people are thinking?"

Alexander leaned against the wall. "It's not about knowing thoughts. It's about sensing feelings. Emotions can't lie, Stark. Observation Haki lets you feel the truth, even when words get in the way."

Pepper looked at him thoughtfully. "So, you've been able to sense... us?"

Alexander nodded. "That's part of it. Observation Haki lets you sense the intentions and emotions of others. It's why I know when you're about to crack a bad joke—or when Pepper's debating whether to yell at you."

Pepper blushed slightly, crossing her arms. "So, what—you've been reading us this whole time?"

Alexander nodded. "I know how you're feeling. Both of you. It's why I push you so hard—because I can feel how much you want this, even if you don't always admit it."

Tony glanced at Pepper, his expression softening. "So, you know..."

Pepper hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah. I guess we all do."

Alexander cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "It's something you'll get used to. But for now, let's keep working. But what you two have should not be taken for granted."

After a moment, Tony stood, his usual smirk returning. "Alright, Alex . Let's keep going. If we're going to save the world, we'd better be ready."

Alexander chuckled softly. "Now you're getting it."

As the trio returned to work, the bonds between them grew stronger, their shared determination shaping them into a team that was ready to face whatever came next.

Questions

The quiet hum of the workshop settled over them like a comforting blanket. The day's intense training had left Tony and Pepper physically exhausted but mentally buzzing with newfound awareness. Observation Haki had begun to click for both of them, and even though they had much to learn, the first steps felt monumental.

Alexander sat on a stool near the center of the room, his sharp gray eyes scanning the two. He had a faint smirk, one that betrayed both pride and calculation. Tony was perched on a workbench, absently fiddling with a screwdriver, while Pepper sat on a nearby chair, rubbing her temples.

"Alright," Tony said, breaking the silence, his tone laced with curiosity. "You've been dodging my questions for weeks now, Alex. I think I've earned some answers after today's torture session."

Alexander raised an eyebrow. "That depends on the questions, Stark. Some things I can tell you. Others... not so much."

Pepper leaned forward, her expression thoughtful. "Alright, let's start simple. You've mentioned your world before. What's it like?"

Alexander leaned back slightly, his smirk fading. "It's different. Oceans as far as the eye can see, dotted with islands where civilizations thrive—or crumble. It's a world built on power and survival. Strength rules the seas, but it's not just brute force; it's about resolve, ambition, and the will to protect or conquer."

Tony tilted his head. "And where exactly did you stand in that world? Don't tell me you were some random traveler."

A flicker of pride crossed Alexander's face. "I was an admiral of the Marines—one of the highest ranks in our military. My duty was to maintain order on the seas, protect civilians, and hunt down pirates who threatened peace. It wasn't an easy job, but it was one I believed in."

Pepper frowned slightly. "You believed in it? What does that mean?"

Alexander's gaze darkened. "The system wasn't perfect. The line between justice and corruption was thinner than most people realized. Sometimes we were the shield; other times, we were the sword for people who didn't deserve that power. I did my best to walk the line and protect those who couldn't protect themselves."

Did you ever question it?" she asked.

"All the time," Alexander admitted. "Especially as an admiral. The higher you climb, the more you see the cracks in the system. But questioning it didn't mean abandoning it. I chose to fight for the people who couldn't fight for themselves, even if the system wasn't perfect."

Tony leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "So, you were a big deal. How'd you end up here? This world doesn't exactly have magical pirate seas and haki-powered warriors running around."

Alexander's expression shifted, a hint of unease creeping into his calm exterior. "That's... complicated. I suspect I was brought here—not by accident, but by something far beyond my understanding."

Pepper exchanged a glance with Tony. "You mean... like a god?"

Something like that," Alexander said, his voice quieter. "There are forces in the universe that operate beyond our comprehension. I woke up here with all my abilities intact, and no apparent reason for why it happened. At first, I thought it was random. But now..."

"Now?" Tony prompted.

Alexander looked at him directly, his gaze piercing. "Now I think I was brought here for a purpose. To help you. As it is no accident that somebody like me who as seen what could happen just randomly lands where you were going to be tony."

Tony's Question

The room fell into silence for a moment before Tony leaned forward, his tone serious. "Alright, then tell me this. My parents—how did they die? Because I know it wasn't just some car accident."

Alexander's expression hardened, his smirk disappearing entirely. "You're right. It wasn't an accident."

Tony's jaw tightened, his voice sharp. "Then who did it? And why?"

Alexander held his gaze, his tone steady but firm. "That's not an answer you're ready for, Stark."

Tony stood, pacing now, his emotions bubbling beneath the surface. "Not ready? I think I have the right to know how my parents were murdered!"

You do," Alexander agreed, his voice calm but unyielding. "But knowing too soon can turn a good thing into a bad thing. You're just beginning to understand Haki, Tony. You've barely scratched the surface of controlling your emotions and your willpower. If I tell you now, you'll act on blind rage. And blind rage only gets people killed."

Tony stopped pacing, his fists clenched. "So, what? You're just going to keep it to yourself?"

Alexander exhaled slowly. "I didn't come to this conclusion lightly. When I suspected the truth, I asked Jarvis to dig into the circumstances of their deaths. He confirmed what I already believed, and the evidence left no doubt. But I also gave him a directive."

Tony frowned. "What kind of directive?"

Alexander looked at him evenly. "I told Jarvis to never reveal the information unless you were truly ready. That decision wasn't just mine—Jarvis agreed. He saw it as the best way to protect you."

Pepper's eyes widened. "Jarvis agreed?"

"Yes," Alexander said. "And I was never forced to forget or stop digging myself. If whatever brought me here wanted this truth buried forever, I believe I'd know. That's why I've decided to act when the time is right."

Tony's shoulders slumped slightly, his anger giving way to frustration. "So, what now? I just wait until you decide I'm ready?"

Alexander nodded. "You're already on the path, Stark. The more you train, the stronger your willpower becomes. Once you've mastered control over your emotions, I'll give you everything I know. And by then, you'll be equipped to handle it."

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