(A/N: Sorry for the confusion—day before yesterday's 'Chapter 72' upload was actually Chapter 73; the correct Chapter 72 has been uploaded today.)
Next, it was Erza's turn.
The moment she stepped into the sparring circle, there was a subtle shift in the air. A quiet respect passed between her and Shanks. Erza was different. Her strength had grown not only in technique but in spirit.
Her swordsmanship had evolved to a remarkable degree. The fluidity of her movements, the precision of her strikes, and the clarity in her footwork placed her skill on par with the likes of Juzo Biwa—one of the infamous Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist. While she lacked Juzo's raw battle experience and sheer S-Rank-level strength, her technique and adaptability were closing that gap fast. Her current level, firmly within the Special Jonin range, was already formidable.
But what impressed Shanks even more was her mastery over Requip magic.
Throughout their duel, Erza switched between several specialized armors, adapting seamlessly to different phases of the fight. One moment, she wore lightweight gear for speed; the next, she transitioned into heavy armor for defense and counterattacks. Each transformation was swift and purposeful.
Shanks paused mid-battle to offer rare, sincere praise. "Your control over Requip has matured. You're no longer reacting—you're anticipating. That's the mark of a true warrior."
Erza nodded, sweat glistening on her brow, her breathing measured. For her, these words meant more than any victory.
After a brief rest, it was Benimaru's turn to face Shanks.
Benimaru's raw physical strength had increased tremendously, and his swordsmanship—once wild and unrefined—had now gained structure and efficiency. Though he still relied heavily on power, his strikes were more deliberate, more strategic.
During their spar, Shanks gave him live guidance—adjusting his stance, redirecting his momentum, and testing the limits of his elemental control. Benimaru demonstrated the ability to conjure intense fireballs mid-combat and launch them with explosive force. He also coated his blade in flames, enhancing both offensive reach and cutting power.
"You're starting to understand the balance between sword and flame," Shanks said, blocking a fiery slash with Gryphon.
Benimaru grinned, fired up—both literally and figuratively.
Then came Todoroki.
His hand-to-hand combat was refined and highly effective, a graceful fusion of raw technique and precise movement. What truly set him apart, however, was his dual elemental affinity.
He wielded both ice and fire with expert control—freezing the ground beneath Shanks' feet one moment, then melting it with searing flames the next. The blend of opposing elements gave his style unpredictability and a tactical edge few opponents could match.
Shanks noted silently that Todoroki's greatest strength wasn't just the power of his elements—it was the composure with which he used them. Calm, centered, calculating.
"Your balance is exceptional," Shanks said after their bout ended.
Then was Guy's turn.
Guy had undergone a dramatic transformation over the past three years. Physically, he was an absolute powerhouse, his body honed through rigorous training to match sheer brute strength with incredible agility. But what surprised even Shanks was the variety of magic Guy could now command.
Earth, fire, water, wind—he had mastered all elemental nature transformations. On top of that, he can use teleportation ability, allowing him to vanish and reappear instantly in battle. His control over space and movement created openings that even Shanks found challenging to predict.
For the first time during the spars, Shanks had to exert real effort. Blocking and countering became a test of reflexes and Haki rather than casual dominance.
After the match, Shanks offered a rare admission: "If I were the man I was three years ago... I don't think I could have defeated you."
Guy blinked, caught off guard.
"You've become that strong," Shanks added with a grin.
Guy smiled back, proud but humble, and nodded in silent thanks.
Next, Shanks squared off against Gildarts.
Gildarts' fighting style was a devastating blend of raw power and destructive technique. His Crush Magic—capable of breaking down almost anything it touched—was incredibly lethal in close quarters. Despite still being classified at the Chunin level in terms of speed, stamina, and strategic versatility, his sheer offensive power was already lethal enough to kill a Jonin if they underestimated him.
What made him even more dangerous was his hand-to-hand combat prowess. Gildarts didn't just rely on magic; his strikes were precise, relentless, and bone-shattering. Shanks took the fight seriously, deflecting and dodging with precision, aware that a single clean hit could be disastrous. After several intense exchanges, Shanks nodded in silent approval. Gildarts was undeniably a threat in close combat.
After a brief pause, Antares stepped forward.
The moment he entered the fight, his body began to transform. Thick, gleaming crimson scales emerged across his skin, replacing flesh with armour. His right arm morphed into a claw. These claws were capable of rending through reinforced iron gates without resistance.
Shanks tested his Antares' defence directly. He slashed with Griffin at full speed—but held back, using only about 70% of his strength. The strike managed to cut through Antares' scaled shoulder, drawing blood—but barely. Had Shanks used lightning chakra to sharpen his blade, it would have taken less effort. But this was a test of raw resilience—and Antares had passed it.
What truly set Antares apart, however, was the destructive power of his fire magic. Compared to his fellow Uzumaki kin, his flames burned hotter, spread faster, and struck with brutal force. Watching the young shinobi unleash a roaring stream of fire, Shanks thought to himself:
"His flames… they carry the essence of a dragon's fury. No wonder they burn brighter than the others."
On top of that, Antares possessed a rare regenerative ability. The wound Shanks had inflicted during their duel sealed itself within minutes, scales knitting back into place before their eyes. It was a chilling reminder of how dangerous Antares could become in a drawn-out battle.
Next came Renji.
Renji's swordsmanship was swift, clean, and well-practiced. He had built his foundation through countless hours of training, and it showed in every movement of his blade. His strikes were fluid and disciplined, and although he lacked raw strength, his finesse made him a dangerous opponent.
Renji had also begun dabbling in Kido spells—techniques that resembled ninjutsu more than true soul-based spells. While not yet capable of invoking the deeper, spiritual attacks the art was known for, his current repertoire was more than effective on the battlefield. With proper timing and execution, they added a layer of tactical versatility to his fighting style.
Finally, it was Makima's turn.
Makima, quiet and composed as always, stepped into the sparring area without a word. Her base ability was control—a unique and terrifying power that allowed her to dominate others' wills. However, she made no attempt to use it on Shanks. She knew it wouldn't work.
The very foundation of her ability required one core condition: the target must either be inferior to her in her eyes, or they must view her as superior. With Shanks, neither condition was met. She saw him as her superior and respected him and knew instinctively that the power of control would be meaningless in this fight.
Instead, they engaged in hand-to-hand combat.
Makima was an exceptionally skilled close-range fighter, her movements calculated and refined. She had also amassed a variety of powerful summons, each bringing unique abilities to her arsenal. During their duel, she didn't use them directly but demonstrated her coordination and summoning control.
Most striking, however, was the appearance of Adamantine Chains—powerful, unbreakable bindings that extended from her back like living weapons. With razor precision, she directed them toward Shanks in sweeping arcs, forcing him on the defensive for several moments.
Shanks parried and dodged, his single arm and Observation Haki allowing him to keep pace. When the match concluded, he offered her a rare nod of recognition.
"You've grown a great deal," he said calmly. "Your control no longer depends solely on power. It's also in your restraint."
With that final spar, Shanks concluded his evaluation.
Later that evening, all ten of the young warriors gathered together once more. The quiet of the valley was broken only by the soft rustling of leaves and the crackling of a small campfire.
Standing before them, Shanks addressed the group.
"I last fought with all of you six or seven months ago," he said, his voice strong but warm. "And in that time… each one of you has grown immensely. You've improved not just in strength, but in discipline, in control, and in understanding."
His gaze moved slowly across their faces—each one marked with determination.
"The world outside this valley won't show you mercy. But with the strength you're building, and the unity you've shown, I believe the Uzumaki name will once again be known—not as a clan in hiding, but as a force to be reckoned with."
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