The human body is composed of cells, which require nutrients and oxygen to survive.
Inhalation is the process of drawing fresh air from the natural environment through the nasal cavity, trachea, and bronchi into the lungs. The lungs extract oxygen from the air and deliver it to the heart, which then distributes oxygen and nutrients to all cells via arteries.
Exhalation is the process by which carbon dioxide and other "waste gases" expelled by cells are transported through veins to the heart and lungs, then expelled through the bronchi, trachea, and finally the nasal or oral cavity.
Compared to chest breathing, diaphragmatic breathing offers greater benefits for the human body.
Diaphragmatic breathing has unique physiological effects on various bodily systems, significantly improving lung capacity, activating alveoli, and providing beneficial regulation for the stomach and intestines.
The practice of diaphragmatic breathing allows the body to obtain ample oxygen, thoroughly awakening and transforming the physiology and biochemistry of all systems. This harmonizes vital energy, facilitates rapid meditative focus, and meets the brain's oxygen demands.
When brain function is fully enhanced and developed, one can maintain abundant energy and strengthen kidney function.
As Kureha carried him home, swaying with each step, Moses recalled these words in his mind—nothing particularly profound or difficult to understand.
The human body is a treasure trove.
Even the most basic function like breathing, an instinct we're born with, holds potential for deeper exploration.
"In my previous life, this special breathing technique could be easily found and practiced, but at best, it was just a unique health regimen," Moses mused, his thoughts drifting. "But in this world of extraordinary power..."
Advanced breathing techniques might very well be a form of specialized meditation.
A translucent blue screen projected in his vision. He opened the [Attributes] tab:
[Physique]:
Strength: F-→F
Endurance: F-→F
Agility: F-→F
[Soul]:
Willpower: F-→F
Perception: F-→F+
Spirit: F-→F
[Special·Mystical (Energy)]: F-→F (Observation Haki growth bonus active.)
[Special·Charm]: C- (Permanent Devil Descendant ability bonus active.)
[Special·Luck]: C- (Permanent Devil Descendant ability bonus active.)
Moses knew his body was in excellent health.
Over the past year, though he still couldn't engage in physical training, his natural growth, Kureha's meticulous "modifications," and conscious practice of diaphragmatic breathing had ensured steady progress.
Upon arriving home, Kureha casually tossed Moses onto a chair in front of the bookshelf. She walked over, pulled out a book on herbal pharmacology, and brought it to the desk.
Compendium of Medicinal Herbs
She settled Moses in her lap, opened the book to the bookmarked page, and pointed at the text and illustrations:
"Black-skinned bamboo, also called purple bamboo, thrives in warm, humid climates but is cold-resistant and highly adaptable. Both roots and stems are medicinal. Snow lingzhi, with stems about an inch tall and white flowers, blooms in winter..."
Moses' early education consisted of the numerous pharmacology books lining the shelves.
Or sometimes, old discarded newspapers lying around.
Kureha's explanations were straightforward and easy to understand, coupled with illustrations on the pages. Moses quite enjoyed this "children's" reading material.
In the warm room,
Kureha's voice was especially gentle, her enunciation clear and fluent as she imparted knowledge while teaching literacy. Moses followed along, but being still young, he eventually dozed off in Kureha's arms without realizing it.
At some point, Kureha had already bookmarked and closed the book, her index fingers lightly pressing against various points on Moses' body, her eyes slightly narrowed.
She carefully sensed Moses' physique, observing his near-instinctive breathing. Her fingers moved like the most precise instruments, examining the internal changes in his body triggered by each breath.
Scratch, scratch, scratch.
A black pen scribbled across a half-filled sheet of paper, accompanied by a meticulously hand-drawn anatomical diagram. Delicate lines with arrows sprang to life on the page.
As time passed, the chaotic arrows gradually organized into an intricate, closed-loop pattern, exuding a sense of precision and beauty.
"Breathing, deep perception, control, Life Return... The human body truly is marvelous. This little one is a treasure bestowed upon me by the heavens."
Kureha's eyes burned with the passion of a researcher.
In one corner of the room stood a large bed, and beside it, a smaller, railed crib.
Once her notes were complete,
she stripped Moses bare, tossed him into the crib, and tucked him in. Stretching leisurely, she glanced outside. "In a while, I'll take this little one herb-gathering. Let's see how he handles it."
Days passed, and Moses' knowledge grew increasingly "profound." The more he learned, the more he could infer on his own.
Kureha was both pleased and exasperated—pleased that it saved her trouble, yet exasperated that it did save her trouble.
Still, overall, she was satisfied.
Occasionally, she still took Moses to towns and villages across the island to treat patients. The residents were surprised to see the "Witch" now accompanied by a child, but none dared comment.
After all, this was a woman who could kick down walls. Eccentric as she was, her skills were undeniable.
...
Merit Points: [558]
Half a year passed in a flash.
One day,
Garp came and left in a hurry.
Still, he brought another batch of supplies. During his visit, he asked Kureha about Moses' health. After hearing her honest assessment, Garp sighed in relief.
That day, the sky cleared for the first time in a while. One-and-a-half-year-old Moses wore a snow-white fluffy hat and a pair of fitting polarized sunglasses—
the same style as Kureha's.
Unlike Kureha, who dressed in thin, midriff-baring clothes, Moses was bundled up tightly.
Kureha carried a basket on her back, gripping Moses' small, pale hand as they walked through a forest dusted with sporadic snowflakes.
"Doctorine, where are we going?" Moses also had a small basket strapped to his back. "And how much longer?"
"What, tired already? It hasn't even been half an hour." Kureha smirked, taking a swig from a bottle in her free hand before chuckling.
"We're heading to Drum Mountain in the east. Don't worry—if you get tired, I won't carry you. I've got rope. I'll just tie you to the harness and drag you along."
Moses' eyes behind his sunglasses were utterly speechless as he muttered, "I don't remember you ever carrying me on your back since I could 'remember.' Weren't you always dragging me around like a sack of garbage?"
He glanced down at his lower body—still clad in overalls with two crossed straps on the back, clearly designed for lifting.
"Are you dissatisfied? Unhappy?"
Kureha chuckled lightly. "Though Drum Island isn't large, the wilderness is still dangerous—be it the Lapins, reindeer, or any number of carnivorous beasts. Only with both hands free can we better protect ourselves."
It sounded like an explanation, yet also like a simple statement of fact.
Kureha adjusted the straps around her waist, revealing a flintlock pistol and a sharpened short-handled shovel.
Though only two weapons were visible, Moses knew that hidden beneath her clothes were at least a dozen surgical blades.
And it wasn't just Kureha—even Moses' backpack held a weapon: a compact hand axe "designed" through his descriptions, sketched by Kureha, and forged by a local blacksmith.
A faint red glimmer flickered deep in his eyes, but before he could react, a swift chop landed lightly on his forehead.
With her suddenly freed left hand, Kureha lifted Moses by the collar and brought him face-to-face. Pushing up her sunglasses with her right hand, she narrowed her eyes and said:
"Little fool, don't just casually scan people with your Observation Haki. It's fine if you run into amateurs, but against someone like me? That's a provocation, understand?
I've told you more than once, haven't I?"
"Doctorine, why does Observation Haki only work when the mind is calm and the senses are focused? Why can't it be used freely anytime, anywhere?
If it's an ability born within me, shouldn't it be as natural to wield as my own hands and feet?"
Kureha giggled. "Silly boy, how old are you? You've just learned to walk, and now you want to try parkour?"
"Listen—even hands and feet require rigorous training to use skillfully, let alone an intangible sensory ability.
You're a century too early for 'using it freely.'"
Moses nodded solemnly, meeting Kureha's gaze. "You're right, Doctorine. That's exactly why I'm using it—to train this ability. And since it's just the two of us here, I have no choice but to practice my Observation Haki on you."
Kureha's eye twitched at his deadpan explanation, which even turned her own words against her.
With an exasperated sigh, she released her grip, letting Moses plop onto the snow.
Kureha strode ahead without looking back, while Moses pushed himself up from the snow and hurried after her.
"Use your Observation Haki to sense yourself—'listen' to that unique sound your body emits. Adjust your breathing with diaphragmatic techniques to calm your mind and body. Then meditate, empty yourself, and attune to nature's 'stillness.' Start with that."
Her words were concise yet carried profound wisdom.
Moses followed behind her, his eyes thoughtful as he began to regulate his breathing, making it deeper and more controlled. He stumbled along, struggling to rein in his scattered Observation Haki.
Every now and then, his excessive focus would cause him to misstep—either stepping into empty air, bumping into Kureha's calf, or smacking his head against a tree, sending a cascade of snow crashing onto both of them.
Kureha couldn't help but laugh in exasperation.
With no other choice, she took Moses' hand in hers once more. Before long, they arrived near the foot of the drum-shaped Drum Mountain, standing before a stretch of bamboo forest.
The two stopped here.
It was an endless expanse of purple bamboo. The thickest among them required a full armspan to encircle, their dark purple stalks standing tall and straight, interspersed with tender green shoots.
Thick snow piled between the bamboo clusters, mingled with jade-green and tawny bamboo leaves. From deep within the grove, the occasional deep, sharp roar could be heard.
At this moment, Kureha stopped before a purple bamboo stalk and released Moses' hand. She crouched down, brushing aside the snow layer, and beneath the thick frost, she unearthed a plump, freshly sprouted bamboo shoot.
"A long, long time ago, this island was a land of eternal spring and summer," she mused, almost as if speaking to herself. "It was rich with clear springs, abundant resources, and teeming life. But at some point, a massive tsunami submerged the island, destroying the magnetic system that regulated its climate. And so, its ecosystem became what it is now—a winter island."
"But life is tenacious. These purple bamboos, which should have thrived in humid climates, not only adapted to this eternal cold but also underwent a transformation. Their medicinal properties didn't diminish—instead, they improved."
As if moved by the moment, Kureha recounted this almost story-like history.
"Thanks to the eight towering Drum Mountains surrounding the island—each reaching five thousand meters—some of the island's original wildlife miraculously survived that catastrophe."
"Like what?" Moses asked, watching as Kureha dug through the soil, uprooting shoots and roots. "Something related to this bamboo forest?"
Using a specialized technique to harvest the medicinal roots without damaging the main plant, Kureha chuckled. "Sharp kid. Here, you try it too."
Immediately, Moses mimicked her method, carefully gathering the purple bamboo roots. Kureha picked up one root, rubbed it clean in the snow, and popped it into her mouth, chewing lightly to savor its unique, mildly pungent flavor.
The bamboo forest wasn't just home to bamboo—it also hosted a variety of companion herbs. A vivid, hands-on lesson began, and over time, the medicinal plants in their baskets grew more plentiful.
At one point, while explaining a key point, Kureha suddenly flicked her right hand. A cold glint flashed, followed by a pained cry from twenty meters away.
She pinched Moses' cheek and grinned. "How about bamboo-tube rabbit meat with purple bamboo shoot rice for dinner? Sound good?"
Moses sighed, his little face scrunching up. "Doctorine, your hands are freezing—and covered in mud too."
This kind of routine wasn't uncommon in Moses' memory. Kureha often supplemented their meals with game caught during their outings.
Hearing his grumbling, Kureha grinned wider. She lifted her right leg and kicked Moses squarely in the rear, using just enough force to send him yelping through the air toward the fallen prey.
With a heavy thud, his chest collided against a fist-thick purple bamboo. Moses quickly wrapped his arms around the swaying pole before sliding down to the ground.
Turning his head, he glared fiercely at Kureha and snapped, "Are you trying to kill me?"
Kureha took a swig of liquor and chuckled. "Quit whining, you brat. Hurry up and pack the rabbits."
"Oh, right!" Instantly, Moses' anger vanished, replaced by a cheerful grin. "Got it!"
He wasn't surprised that he hadn't fooled Kureha—after all, she knew exactly how tough his body was.
Walking forward, he spotted the prey just five meters ahead. But after three steps, Moses halted, curious about a hairless mouse at his feet. Pink and tender, it was about the size of both his palms combined.
Buried under a pile of withered bamboo leaves.
Wait—no, it did have fur.
Tiny white fuzz.
He crouched down and poked it with his finger.
"Dead? No, not yet—but it's close."
Seeking recommendations! Seeking follow-up reads! Seeking investments!
New author, new book—welcome all esteemed readers to critique!
[Basic Strength Ranking System]
Average normal adult: F- rank
Petty Officer / 100,000 Beri level: F rank
Lieutenant / 1,000,000 Beri level: E rank
Commander / 10,000,000 Beri level: D rank
Vice Admiral / Rookie / 100,000,000 Beri level: C rank
Elite Vice Admiral / Admiral Candidate / Yonko Commander / Warlord / 1,000,000,000 Beri level: B rank
Admiral / Yonko: 3,000,000,000↑: A rank
[Weapon Grades]
Supreme Grade Blades: A
Great Grade Blades: B
Skillful Grade Blades: C
Grade Blades: D
Refined Weapons: E
Ordinary Weapons: F
(End of Chapter)