The change in true Energy filled Rojen's heart with joy. Now, when facing Logia users, he was no longer helpless and forced into passive defense. The generation of astral energy allowed him to truly deal decisive, even lethal, blows to Logia Devil Fruit users.
Moreover, Rojen's overall attack power had increased considerably.
"If I can possess swordsmen who are even stronger, my attack power will definitely improve further," He thought, his eyes shining with anticipation.
From the beginning until now, the swords and swordsmen he had come across were mostly ordinary people or powerhouses from the Low Martial World within the Wuxia universe. Their moves and techniques were strong, but there was a limit to their power. In a pirate world where destruction could be catastrophic and widespread, it was clearly insufficient.
Rojen had plans regarding such figures.
"Sword heroes from the Xianxia World, the 2D World, or low-level powerhouses from the High Martial Fantasy World, all possess such power," He mused.
"Like Li Xiaoyao, Hawkeye, low-level Chen Nan, Xiao Yan, Qin Yu, and so on."
But the cost to acquire such figures would surely exceed Rojen's expectations.
So, there was another fact staring him in the face:
"I'm out of money again."
He gave a bitter smile, feeling helpless. Old man Yamamoto's single possession had completely drained his resources, an event that only happened because of a massive stroke of luck. It was easy to imagine that higher-level powerhouse figures would demand even more staggering prices.
"I must start saving up," he resolved.
Planning ahead to prepare for danger was always Rojen's style.
After thinking for a moment with a furrowed brow, he called Jason and the others over.
"You've been training for a month, how do you feel?"
"Captain, it's obvious! My strength has increased a lot. Now my peak power can be amplified 600 times!" Jason said confidently, arms crossed.
Rojen was a little speechless. This guy really was talented in training his body and external merits.
"Uh, Captain, I feel my strength has increased a lot too, and I'm stronger," Trens said, scratching his head with a smile.
Rojen nodded and looked at Crocodile.
"I've thoroughly researched the 'form' aspect, and I've started to integrate the 'characteristic' side as well."
"As for how strong I am now… I still don't know," Crocodile said in a low voice.
Hearing Crocodile's words, Rojen smiled with satisfaction.
Since the day of his suggestion, he had clearly seen this guy's progress.
"Very good. The three of you have improved greatly."
He looked at them and paused before continuing:
"Now, I'm going to teach you the new power I just tested, so you can advance further."
Though true qi's restraining effect on Logia was somewhat less than Haki - Domineering, it had obvious advantages in other respects.
With training, true qi's enhancement to the body was obvious and powerful, significantly boosting the fleshly body's responsiveness, speed, and strength.
"Really?" Jason said happily.
Crocodile's eyes also focused intently on Rojen. He hadn't expected such generosity. The ability to restrain Logia users was clearly precious, yet Rojen was willing to pass it on.
"Of course it's real!" Rojen laughed and scolded lightly. "Trens, you have the weakest physique, so after I teach you, you must train diligently."
"I know, Captain!" Trens said excitedly.
Then Rojen spent seven days teaching the three how to identify acupoints, and another three days instructing them in the Innate Merit method.
The three had different personalities and physical conditions, but the Innate Merit method, balanced, gentle, and with smooth Energyflow, was suitable for most people's training. As for the training method Rojen created himself, it only suited him and wouldn't work for others.
Most powerhouses in One Piece had heavy training burdens that long-term damaged their bodies. This merit training method also helped regulate and improve their physical health.
After teaching the merit method to the three, Rojen gathered them together again.
"Now, there's an important mission for you."
"What is it?" the three asked curiously.
"We're out of money. Starting today, you three need to go out and earn some funds."
Rojen said slowly, his eyes serious.
"Money?" The three exchanged glances, their expressions strange.
"Yes, the more the better. Besides no bad deeds, you're free to use any means you want."
Seeing they still looked puzzled but didn't move, Rojen continued.
"Want stronger skills, Jason? Want your fruit powers to improve, Crocodile? Want a cool sniper rifle, Trens?"
At these words, all three brightened.
"Then go! Whatever it takes, bring me a large sum of money!"
Rojen said loudly.
Jason and Trens blinked but said nothing, making money wasn't their strength.
Crocodile's eyes flickered; he took a drag from his cigar and said calmly,
"Captain, I don't mind playing black eats black. Taking down some wealthy folks."
"Robbery?" Jason and Trens looked at Crocodile oddly.
This guy really was a sea rogue, immediately thinking of that plan.
"I said whatever you do, just don't harm ordinary people!" Rojen said with a smile.
Crocodile got the message and shared the same idea, if you want to make money fast, obviously robbing rich bad guys was the most efficient way.
"Understood!" Crocodile nodded and turned to leave.
Jason and Trens caught on too, their eyes shining as they waved goodbye to Rojen and hurried after Crocodile.
"Heh heh! Now I don't need to act personally, these three are finally becoming capable!" Rojen laughed happily.
On this small patch of Alabasta land, he believed no one could stop these three combined.
"Where are Jason and the others?"
At that moment, Rouge waddled out, heavily pregnant, accompanied by Lordling.
Her belly was huge now, making her slow and unsteady; Rojen immediately went to support her.
"They're out on a job," he said.
"How do you feel?" he asked.
"Not many days left before this little one comes," Rouge said with a maternal glow and a smile.
"I've arranged for a midwife, ready at any time," Rojen nodded.
This period was critical, and Rojen was paying close attention.
"Thank you so much, Rojen," Rouge said gratefully.
"It's my duty," Rojen replied.
Then he brought out two chairs, sat with Rouge to watch the golden rapeseed flower fields before them, chatting about lighthearted things.
Rouge's due date was extremely close now; it could happen anytime, and Rojen was on high alert every moment.
(End Of This Chapter)
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