Although seething with anger, Devroux still held the presence of mind necessary to carefully watch his opponent's actions. The two of them were still allies and even though Dev's anger was slowly reaching its peak, Noctis wasn't in the position to have that happen. The long-leg was able to remain calm and do what he thought was necessary to force out the haki that was desired, so in the moment that their exchange let up, he began signalling his next intent.

The mink could see the man's long leg coat with the sheen of Busoshoku Haki, but it was also then that he noticed the tapping of one of Noctis' signature techniques. The kick that he was about to throw was going to be the strongest yet, but he was blatantly prepping it so that Devroux was aware, as well as letting him know where it would come. Through the rage that had been built up, narcissism was still prevalent. He wanted to succeed in their common goal, as well as conquer the attack that was coming for his own personal superiority, but there was an obvious gap in their current abilities.

Devroux had worked with Noctis on plenty of occasions and knew just how fast he was capable of being. At his top speed, Kenbunshoku would only just barely let him react, if that. But what was more of a threat was the Busoshoku that coated his leg now. Electro was a valuable resource for a mink, and it was even greater knowing how it interacted with Noctis' Gas Gas Fruit; however, it did nothing against the Busoshoku that would make a kick that was already stronger than normal even stronger. He'd need his own armor for that, but he hadn't crafted any and his bracer had already been broken.

Noctis rushed forward with his Nagare faster than Dev could perceive, even with the help of Kenbunshoku. There was no time to counter the attack, he could only prepare to take the hit. Flexing his muscles, the Busoshoku hardened leg contacted his chest and he was thrown back another town block, his light frame still offering no resistance of its own. As he tumbled to a stop on the ground, the mink's chest throbbed in pain. With his clawed fingers he clutched at his chest trying to gain back the wind that had been knocked out of him. But as soon as that had happened, his mind understood.

The pain in his chest he was feeling now and the wind being knocked out of him were optimal results, as the kick that Noctis had delivered straight into his chest could have collapsed his torso entirely and killed him on the spot. Yet, on the moment of impact he had the armor that he had wished he'd crafted. His desire to take the kick and prove he could was only half of what was needed, but the mental image he had been given by Noctis wasn't the right one; rather, as a blacksmith, armor is what rang home to him. His chest was still throbbing, but a devilish smirk still made its way across his face.

If Kenbunshoku were about caressing the world with your wiillpower and feeling it as it moved, Busoshoku was about using your will to enact a barrier between you and the lesser creatures of the world. Armor to protect you from their attacks, and when attacking, to protect you from having to touch them with your bare hands.

As he laid on the ground, the mink held his fist over his face, inspecting it once again. With the new mental image in hand, he clenched tightly, watching a sheen cover it momentarily before dissipating.

WC: 629
Haki Stamina: 10/10

@Noctis

Equipment:

Doriki:

Nothing about what Noctis said rectified the situation; Devroux was still pissed that he went as far as he did and rightfully so. However, the olive branch was extended and for how useful the long-leg had been as an ally thus far, the best decision was to take it, regardless of current frustrations. Dev took Noctis' hand and got to his feet, making sure to dust himself off and check for anything that was broken before launching a response.

"The feeling is different from what you had said, but I'm fairly confident that I've gotten a decent understanding of it." The mink contemplated a little more on the feeling that had spurred the reaction, again studying his own hand as he opened and closed it. "Electro was acting as a shield, but Busoshoku acted as my armor. Going off of what you had said though, it'd be more accurately represented by calling it a sword, since it can be used to attack and defend." The thought brought up a secondary revelation, making Dev smile to himself. "I guess that's why they call it the Color of Arms."

The mink had had his wings tucked tightly against his back for the duration of their training, but at this point he brought them over his shoulders and draped them against his body as was normally comfortable. The only thing that wasn't covered by the cloak was his head and the lower half of his shins. But, being the manifestation of his confidence, Dev had to try coating them in Busoshoku while the feeling was fresh in his mind. Focusing on them, he imagined covering them both with a flexible armor that would protect them from the world.

The natural black of the wings didn't change, as that was already fairly close to the color that the Busoshoku would have coated them with, but the glossy sheen that came with the haki coverage signified that he had succeeded; a feat that was even easier than coating his hand with it. Although it was just in the early stages of succession, the idea of being able to wrap himself in Busoshoku wings sounded like an impressive, yet simple, defensive technique.

"And yes, you better pay for that window."


WC: 383
Haki Stamina: 10/10

@Noctis

Equipment:

Doriki: