I Am In One Piece Summit

Chapter 3: 003 Bamboo forest, mice. · Chapter 3: 003. Bamboo Forest, Rats. · The human body is composed of cells, and cells require nutrients and oxygen to survive. · Inhalation brings fresh air from the natural world through the nasal cavity, trachea, and bronchi into the lungs. The lungs separate the oxygen from the air and send it to the heart, which then pumps the oxygen and nutrients through the arteries to every cell in the body. · Exhalation is the process where carbon dioxide and "waste gases" expelled by the cells are transported through the veins back to the heart and lungs, then out through the bronchi and trachea, finally exiting via the nose and mouth. · Compared to chest breathing, Abdominal Breathing is far more beneficial to the human body. · Abdominal Breathing has a specialized effect on various physiological systems. It significantly increases lung capacity, activates the alveoli, and provides excellent regulation for the stomach and intestines. · Through Abdominal Breathing, the body obtains sufficient oxygen, allowing the physiological and biochemical systems to be thoroughly awakened and transformed. This harmonizes the essence, energy, and spirit, allowing one to quickly enter a meditative state and satisfy the brain's demand for oxygen. · When brain function is fully enhanced and developed, a person can maintain abundant energy and strengthen their kidney function. · As he was carried home by Dr. Kureha, swaying with her steps, Messer recalled these words in his mind. There was no profound, incomprehensible mystery to it. · The human body is a treasure trove. · Even the most basic act of breathing—an instinctual utility brought from birth—possesses potential that can be deeply mined. · In my previous life, this special breathing method could be found anywhere. Even if mastered, it was merely a unique way to maintain health, Messer thought, letting his mind go blank. But in this world of extraordinary power... · A profound breathing technique is, in essence, a specialized form of meditation. · A translucent, crystal-blue light screen projected into his vision. He tapped the [Attributes] section: · [Physique]: Strength: F- → F | Endurance: F- → F | Agility: F- → F · [Soul]: Will: F- → F | Perception: F- → F+ | Spirit: F- → F · [Special. Mystery (Energy)]: F- → F (Observation Haki growth bonus active.) · [Special. Charisma]: C- (Devil’s Scion permanent bonus active.) · [Special. Luck]: C- (Devil’s Scion permanent bonus active.) · Regarding his own body, Messer knew he was perfectly healthy. · Over the past year, although he couldn't yet perform physical training, his steady growth was fueled by natural development, Dr. Kureha’s meticulous "modifications," and his conscious effort to turn Abdominal Breathing into an instinct. · Upon arriving home, Dr. Kureha casually tossed Messer onto a chair in front of the bookshelf. she walked over and pulled down a book on herbal pharmacology. · The Compendium of Herbs. · She picked Messer up and placed him in her lap, setting the book on the desk. Adjusting her posture, she flipped to a bookmarked page and pointed at the text and illustrations. · "Black-skinned bamboo, also known as Purple Bamboo. It is yang in nature, prefers warm and humid climates, but is cold-resistant with strong adaptability. Both the roots and stems can be used as medicine. Snow Lingzhi: the stem is about an inch high, flowers are white, blooming in the peak of winter..." · Messer’s early education consisted of the many pharmacological books on those shelves—or occasionally, old stacks of discarded newspapers. · Dr. Kureha’s explanations were simple and easy to understand. Combined with the realistic illustrations, Messer actually quite enjoyed this "children's literature." · Inside the warm room, Dr. Kureha’s voice sounded exceptionally gentle, her pronunciation clear and fluid. As she taught him knowledge, she taught him to read. Messer followed along, but he was still a child after all. Before long, he leaned into the crook of her arm and fell into a deep sleep. · At some point, Dr. Kureha had replaced the bookmark and closed the book. Her index fingers began rhythmically tapping the various nodes across Messer’s body, her eyes narrowed slightly. · She sensed Messer’s body meticulously, discovering the breathing pattern that had almost become instinctual. Her fingers acted like precision instruments, checking the internal changes triggered by his breath. · Scritch... scritch... · A black pen moved across a half-filled sheet of paper, sketching a precise anatomical diagram of the human interior, with thin lines and arrows leaping across the page. · As time passed, the chaotic arrows on the paper became integrated, forming a precise, closed-loop beauty. · "Breathing, deep perception, control, Life Return... the human body really is miraculous. This little guy truly is a treasure bestowed upon me by the heavens." · Dr. Kureha’s eyes burned with the passion of a true researcher. · In one corner of the room stood a large bed, and beside it was a small, low bed with railings. · Finished with her notes, she stripped Messer and tucked him in. Dr. Kureha stretched slowly and glanced at the sky outside. "In a while, I’ll take the little guy out to gather herbs and get some practice." · Days passed, and Messer’s knowledge grew increasingly "profound." As he learned more, he frequently inferred new principles from the old. · Dr. Kureha was both pleased and frustrated—pleased that he saved her trouble, yet frustrated that he saved her trouble. · Overall, she was satisfied. · During this time, she continued to take Messer to various towns and villages on the island to treat patients. The residents were surprised to see the "Witch" of the island suddenly carrying a child, but no one dared to pry. · After all, this was a woman who could kick through a stone wall. Eccentric as she was, her skills were undeniable. · Merit Points: [558] · Half a year flashed by. · On this day, Garp came in a hurry and left just as quickly. · However, he brought another shipment of supplies. He asked Dr. Kureha about Messer’s physical condition, and after she gave him a truthful report, Garp breathed a sigh of relief. · The sky had cleared for the first time in a while. The year-and-a-half-old Messer wore a snow-white furry hat and a pair of fitted polarized sunglasses. · The same style as Dr. Kureha’s. · Unlike Dr. Kureha, who wore her usual skimpy midriff-baring clothes, Messer was bundled up tightly. · Dr. Kureha carried a basket on her back, her left hand gripping Messer’s small, fair hand as they walked through a forest dusted with light snow. · "Doctor Auntie, where are we going?" Messer also carried a small basket on his back. "How much longer?" · "What, tired after less than half an hour?" Dr. Kureha’s lips curled. She took a swig from a bottle in her right hand and laughed. "We’re going toward Drum Mountain in the east. Don't worry, even if you're tired, I won't carry you. I have rope here; I'll just tie it to your suspenders and drag you along." · Messer’s eyes rolled behind his sunglasses. He deadpanned, "Since the day I can 'remember,' I don't think I've ever seen you carry me. Haven't you always just picked me up like a bag of trash?" · He looked down at his lower half. He was wearing padded cotton overalls with crossed straps on the back—specifically designed for easy lifting. · "Are you dissatisfied? Unhappy?" · Dr. Kureha chuckled. "Drum Island might not be huge, but the wilderness is still dangerous. Whether it’s Lapahns, reindeer, or various predators... only free hands can protect us properly." · It sounded like an explanation, but it was stated as a simple fact. · Dr. Kureha adjusted her hip. At the strap on her waist, one could see a flintlock pistol and a sharpened short-handled spade. · Though only two weapons were visible, Messer knew that inside her clothes, there were at least a dozen surgical blades hidden away. · And it wasn't just Dr. Kureha. Messer had a weapon in his basket too—a small hand-axe that Messer had "designed" verbally, which Dr. Kureha had sketched for a local blacksmith to forge. · A faint red light flickered deep in Messer’s eyes. The next second, before he could react, a hand-chop lightly rapped his forehead. · Her left hand, which had let go at some point, grabbed Messer by the back of his collar and pulled him up to eye level. Dr. Kureha pushed up her sunglasses and squinted at him. · "Little brat, don't just use Observation Haki to scan people's bodies. It’s fine if they don't know what it is, but to someone like me, that's a provocation. Do you hear me? I’ve told you more than once." · "Doctor Auntie, why can Observation Haki only be activated when you're calm and focused? Why can't I use it whenever and however I want? This is a power born within me; shouldn't it be as natural to use as my hands and feet?" · Dr. Kureha let out a cackling laugh. "Brat, how old are you? You just learned to walk and you're already trying to do parkour?" · "Listen, even hands and feet require grueling training to be used skillfully, let alone a sensory ability that has no physical form. If you want to use it at will, you're a hundred years too early." · Messer nodded solemnly and looked at her. "You're right, Doctor Auntie. That's exactly why I use it—to train the ability. And since it's just the two of us here, I can only use you to practice my Observation Haki." · Dr. Kureha’s mouth twitched. She watched him give this deadpan explanation, using her own logic to refute her. · Annoyed, she let go, letting Messer fall rump-first into the snow. · She kept walking. Messer pushed himself up with his hands and hurried to catch up. · "Use your Observation Haki to perceive yourself. 'Listen' to the unique sound your own body makes. Use Abdominal Breathing to adjust your state, calm your mind, enter meditation, empty yourself, and align with nature... perceive the 'stillness.' Start with that." · Dr. Kureha spoke without looking back. · Her words were concise yet carried a profound philosophy. · Messer followed behind her, deep in thought. He began to adjust his breathing, making it deeper. He stumbled along, struggling to pull in his radiating Observation Haki. · Every so often, he would trip because he was too focused, or walk straight into Dr. Kureha’s calf, or bash his head into a tree, causing a pile of snow to dump onto both their heads. · Dr. Kureha laughed in spite of herself. · Helpless, she grabbed his hand again. Soon, they arrived at a bamboo forest near the base of the pillar-like Drum Mountain. · It was a vast expanse of purple bamboo. The thickest stalks were as wide as a man's torso. The mature black-purple bamboo grew tall and straight, interspersed with tender green shoots. · Heavy snow was piled between the stalks, mixed with fallen green and yellow-brown leaves. The deep, sharp cries of wild animals could be heard faintly from within the forest. · Dr. Kureha stopped before a purple bamboo, let go of Messer’s hand, and knelt. She brushed away the snow to reveal a plump, fresh bamboo shoot. · "A long, long time ago, this island was an island of Spring and Summer. It was filled with springs, rich resources, and diverse life. But at some point, a massive tsunami submerged the island, destroying the magnetic climate control system. The ecology shifted into the Winter Island you see today." · "But life is tenacious. The Purple Bamboo, which should have lived in a humid climate, adapted and survived in this eternal cold. It even underwent a mutation—its medicinal properties didn't just remain, they improved." · Speaking as if telling a legend, Dr. Kureha shared this bit of history. "And thanks to those eight five-thousand-meter-high Drum Mountains surrounding us, some of the island's original animals miraculously survived as well." · "Like what?" Messer watched her dig for roots and shoots. "Something in this forest?" · Using a specialized technique to harvest the medicinal roots without damaging the main plant, Dr. Kureha smiled. "Quite the inquisitive brat, aren't you? Why don't you give it a try?" · Messer immediately began mimicking her technique. Dr. Kureha took a root, rubbed it clean in the snow, and popped it into her mouth, chewing slowly to taste its unique, pungent flavor. · The forest held more than just bamboo; there were many companion medicinal herbs. A vivid outdoor lesson began, and their baskets filled up as time passed. · At one point, while explaining a key point, Dr. Kureha’s right hand suddenly flicked out. A cold gleam flashed, followed by a pained squeal twenty meters away. · She pinched Messer’s cheek and grinned. "I'll make you bamboo-tube rabbit and purple shoot rice tonight. Happy?" · Messer’s face fell. "Doctor Auntie, your hand is cold. And there’s mud on it." · This wasn't an uncommon occurrence in Messer’s memory. Dr. Kureha often caught wild game to improve their meals. · Hearing his grumbling, Dr. Kureha grinned and delivered a swift, controlled kick to his backside. Messer cried out as he was sent flying toward the prey. · His chest hit a fist-thick purple bamboo with a "thud." He scrambled to hug the swaying stalk before sliding to the ground. · He turned back and glared at her with childish fury. "Are you trying to kill me?" · Dr. Kureha took a swig of wine. "Shut up and bag the rabbit, brat." · "Fine." Messer’s anger vanished instantly. "I'm on it," he chirped happily. · Messer wasn't surprised that he hadn't fooled her; she knew his physical limits better than anyone. · He walked forward. The prey was only five meters away. After three steps, he stopped and looked down curiously at a hairless rat—pink and tender, about the size of two of his palms combined. · It was buried under a pile of withered bamboo leaves. · No, not hairless. It had very fine white fuzz. · He reached down and poked it with a finger. · "Dead? No, not yet... but it’s close." · [END]