[Chapter Size: 2075 Words.]
Third Person POV
Somewhere on Sea, Grandline.
…
…
So, the Black Pearl left behind the reverse mountain lighthouse and plunged into the waters of the Grand Line for the first time. Crocus, Laboon’s old friend and doctor, remained at the port, watching the ship drift away with an expression that blended melancholy and nostalgia.
“What an interesting group… It reminds me of the time when the captain and vice-captain first appeared at that lighthouse…” Crocus murmured, his gaze fixed on the distant silhouette of the Black Pearl. The memories of his days with Roger and Laboon echoed in his thoughts as he witnessed a new group of adventurers heading into the unknown.
“It seems I won’t need to take care of Laboon anymore, now that he has a rather interesting doctor on board.” Crocus commented to himself, smiling at the thought of the skilled woman with the Ope Ope no Mi who was part of the crew that took away his old friend. The idea of Laboon having new friends and protectors warmed the old doctor’s heart.
“Anyway, I hope that hat fits the boy well… Maybe he really is the one you were waiting for, isn’t he, Roger?” Crocus whispered, letting his memories intertwine with the sight of the straw hat swaying gently on the deck over the head of that boy. As the Black Pearl sailed away, Crocus lost himself for a moment in the stories of the past, in the promise of reunions, and in the destiny awaiting the new adventurers.
Meanwhile, the Black Pearl navigated the tumultuous waters of the Grand Line for the first time. A day passed, and the crew was immersed in intensive training once again.
“Come on, we’re mastering the second technique. Soon, we’ll be ready to develop the third!” exclaimed Luffy in the midst of aerial training with Zoro, both using the Geppo technique.
Little Laboon, already bonding with the group, joined the training room as well. Besides having the ability to breathe oxygen, Luffy had a bubble machine for him to wear around his waist, similar to Megalo. This way, Laboon could communicate with his new shark friend and participate in the training.
Luffy also instructed little Laboon to train; his head was already powerful due to years of hitting the rocks on the Red Line, so his training focused on Shigan to use his head, and Luffy would teach Tekkai soon after.
During a simulated battle, Luffy wielded a sword that Zoro had acquired in the Goa Kingdom. He now had all three original swords after obtaining two more in Loguetown, but he had taken one earlier from the Goa Kingdom’s vault – the Benihime, a beautiful sword that Luffy currently had in his hands, as the captain didn’t have a weapon.
Despite not having a specific grade, the blade was as powerful as high-grade swords. Luffy, with his keen insight, realized that in this vast world, some weapons were notable not just for their assigned grade but for their unquestionable strength.
The captain reflected on the renowned swords in the world, each with its own history and reputation. However, his knowledge was limited to the list he had discovered in his memories from the original work.
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**Supreme Grade Blades and Their Owners:**
– Yoru -> Dracule Mihawk
– Ace -> Gol D. Roger
– Murakumogiri -> Whitebeard
– Shodai Kitetsu -> Unknown
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**Great Grade Blades and Their Owners:**
– Enma -> Zoro
– Ame no Habakiri -> Kozuki Momonosuke
– Shusui -> Zoro
– Nidai Kitetsu -> Kozuki Sukiyaki
– Wado Ichimonji -> Zoro
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**Exceptionally Skilled Blades and Their Owners:**
– Yubashiri -> Zoro
– Kashu -> Tashigi
– Yamaoroshi -> Tashigi
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**Grade Blades and Their Owners:**
– Sandai Kitetsu -> Zoro
– Shigure -> Tashigi
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In the unclassified grade group, the weapons proved formidable as well. Notable examples included well-known weapons and their skilled users.
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**Unknown Grade Blades and Their Owners:**
– Gryphon -> Shanks
– Raiu -> Shiryu
– Warabide Sword -> Basil Hawkins
– Napoleon -> Charlotte Linlin
– Pretzel -> Charlotte Cracker
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Now, there were two swords escaping Luffy’s knowledge on the list: the Tensa Zangetsu, classified as a lost-grade hundreds of years ago, which Luffy had gifted to Kuina; and the Benihime, acquired by Zoro.
While training intensively on the Black Pearl, Luffy found himself in the midst of an agile aerial clash with Zoro, who wielded the three swords. Soru was used by both, providing an extremely fast and dynamic duel between the two. Each exchanged blow echoed in the air, demonstrating the intensity of the Straw Hat crew’s training.
In that frenetic duel, the metallic sound resonated incessantly, like a symphony of blades dancing in the air. Determined to enhance his sword skills, Luffy vigorously attacked Zoro. Although he recognized that his fencing style was still far from Zoro’s level, the agility and dexterity provided by the Mythical Zoan and Moa Moa no Mi compensated for this disadvantage.
Metallic Sound – Zoro delivered a precise horizontal strike, targeting Luffy’s head, but the Captain, with an agile and controlled movement, spun the sword to block the attack.
Metallic Sound – Luffy seized the opening left by Zoro and advanced with a swift motion, aiming to hit the swordsman’s right side. Zoro, in turn, spun at the last moment, narrowly avoiding the strike.
Metallic Sound – In response to Luffy’s attack, Zoro executed a series of fluid movements, using all three swords to create a defensive barrier. Luffy, in turn, used his Geppo to leap into the air, avoiding the sharp cuts.
Metallic Sound – Now in the air, Luffy descended in a fast and accurate motion, seeking to hit Zoro’s right shoulder. The swordsman skillfully wielded one of his swords to block the blow, but Luffy’s force made him retreat a few steps.
Metallic Sound – The fight reached a frenzied pace, with both pirates exchanging blows at high speed. Zoro, demonstrating his unparalleled skill, unleashed a series of consecutive attacks, while Luffy responded with bold and unpredictable movements.
Metallic Sound – In a moment of perfect synchrony, Luffy and Zoro clashed their swords with force, creating a luminous spark in the air. The momentary clash revealed the intensity of the battle, where both pirates sought to surpass their own limits.
Metallic Sound – The fight continued, each metallic sound echoing with the desire to become even stronger. The training field was filled with determination and energy, reflecting the commitment between the two to constant improvement.
Even with gravity increased twentyfold, the swift movements and steel flashes cutting through the air were like flashes in the midst of that controlled chaos. While absorbing each of Zoro’s movements, Luffy focused on perfecting his own sword technique. Each strike was a lesson, each defense an opportunity for learning.
The unique characteristics of his Mythical Zoan allowed Luffy to maintain a rapid pace in battle, surprising Zoro with his animal-like dexterity. The intense fight unfolded like a spectacle of skill and determination, with both pirates seeking to surpass their limits. The training field was full of energy, a chaotic scene witnessing not just the evolution of the two but of the others as well.
The training room was in constant frenzy, with each member of the Straw Hat crew dedicated to overcoming their own limits. Lami and Kuina shared quick and precise strikes, honing their close combat skills. Usopp, in the air, perfected his aim and agility with firearms, leaping and shooting at targets from the room’s machines.
Yamato, in a corner, concentrated intensely, seeking to improve their Haki, while Reiju and Nami engaged in intense Soru and Geppo training. The room resonated with the sound of blows, shots, and agile movements.
Other crew members focused on specific techniques, like Shirahoshi attempting to execute Soru with Geppo. Or techniques like Shigan and Tekkai being explored by the remaining members, pushing the limits of their abilities. The place was a true training ground, where each Straw Hat strived to evolve and adapt to the challenges of the Grand Line.
Feeling that it was time to conclude the training, Luffy intervened, announcing a break. Everyone stopped, catching their breath, while the captain emphasized the importance of being prepared for the unpredictable weather adversities of the Grand Line at this moment.
“Great, that’s it for today. Let’s stop here. We need some time to adapt to the strange weather of the Grand Line. The weather here is very unstable, and we might run into some problems. It’s good to have a bit of energy for that,” declared Luffy, and everyone nodded, recognizing the wisdom in his words. Nami, in particular, agreed, aware of the climatic challenges awaiting the crew.
Luffy’s prognosis about the climatic instability of the Grand Line proved true. Throughout the day, the atmosphere underwent extreme changes, starting with a sunny sky that quickly turned into stormy weather. Snow began to fall, followed by lightning and heavy rain. Moments later, the sun reappeared, only to be succeeded by another storm an hour later. The sequence of weather changes left the crew exhausted, forcing them to constantly adjust the ship’s course to avoid unwanted deviations.
In the navigation room, Nami closely monitored all eternal poses fixed on the board on a map of the first half of the Grand Line. However, she faced additional challenges dealing with a second eternal pose specific to Whisky Peak. The treacherous waters of this region tested her navigation skills, and she had to adapt quickly to keep the ship on course, avoiding frequent detours.
Meanwhile, three days had passed, and the group continued their rigorous training aboard the Black Pearl. They developed another technique of the Six Styles, further enhancing their skills repertoire. The group focused on Geppo and Soru began to incorporate attack and defense techniques, exploring new combat possibilities. Alvida, still learning Geppo, extended her knowledge in this area, while the rest of the group dedicated themselves to mobility techniques, refining their abilities to face the challenges that this sea held for them.
Luffy observed the 2 billion manual with curious eyes as he mentally reviewed his crew’s progress. Sitting in a corner of the room, immersed in his thoughts, he reflected on how the training in the East Blue had accelerated everyone’s adaptation to the techniques described there. The crew members were exceptionally well in assimilating the newly acquired skills and perfecting them.
“I think everyone is getting the hang of these techniques faster than I expected,” Luffy muttered to himself, a satisfied expression on his face. The initial training proved to be a solid foundation, and he could feel the growing confidence in each of them.
However, his thoughts turned to future challenges. “Training with Haki is approaching. Even though Crocodile and Enel don’t worry me much, Aokiji and Teach… these guys are a different problem with other Logias each. Teach, especially, may seem underestimated, but I must not ignore his strength. He’s an unknown, and we can’t afford to underestimate our future opponents.”
Luffy closed the manual and turned his attention to the woman in front of him.
“Finally, you put down that book…” Alvida was kneeling in front of him, performing oral sex; he was studying when he entered his cabin, and the bold woman began to take off his pants, teasing him in the last 2 minutes.
“Well, there’s a woman wanting my attention right now; it’s time to treat her as she deserves.” Luffy said, grabbing Alvida and throwing her on the table before undressing her.
2 hours later, Luffy was again out of his cabin with the call of his crew.
“We’re finally approaching Whisky Peak, Luffy!” Yamato announced, approaching the captain with evident enthusiasm in her eyes.
“Great. Bring the prisoners out!” Luffy ordered, addressing Zoro and Usopp, who promptly headed to the inner part of the ship in search of the two captives, whose chains echoed with each step.
As the Black Pearl approached the island, Luffy joined the crew on the deck, watching Whisky Peak emerge on the horizon. The island stood out with its peculiarity, divided by the sea as if cut like a thin river, while giant cacti adorned its landscape in all regions of the island.
“What are we going to do here, Luffy?” Alvida came to his side, asking her curious question, as Luffy had not answered why he came here among all possible places; he had all the eternal pose now.
“Hahaha. Soon you’ll know.” Luffy had a mischievous and mysterious smile, well aware of the turbulence he could cause in this place.
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Raccoon here:
“Stone Stone!”
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