In the blink of an eye, two days passed.
It was noon, inside the training room.
A chilling cold permeated the air, with compressed snow over a meter thick covering the entire floor. This was a buffer layer Nojiko had intentionally created using her Snow-Snow Fruit ability.
This way, the Poneglyph could be better secured, preventing it from gradually shifting position under the relentless impact of Xiano's powerful physique. At the same time, it significantly reduced the vibrations transmitted to the ship's hull and dampened the noise, achieving multiple benefits at once.
"Phew—"
Xiano stood before the stone tablet, his eyes gleaming with intensity as he slowly exhaled a turbid breath.
After a brief rest, his fists clenched once more with a creak, and a dense, pitch-black Armament Haki surged over them like a tidal wave.
"Again!"
He growled, his right fist suddenly shooting forward!
Boom!!!
The moment his fist collided with the stone tablet, a terrifying shockwave erupted, sending countless snowflakes scattering in all directions. The air currents swept through the entire training room!
The Poneglyph remained unmoved, its surface as smooth as ever.
"Tsk, still not enough, huh…"
Xiano grinned wryly, shaking his numb fist as a faint stinging sensation spread through his knuckles.
Over the past few days, although the stone tablet remained unscathed, he could clearly feel his Armament Haki becoming more condensed and pure with each impact. It was as if steel, tempered through countless trials, was undergoing a gradual transformation under extreme pressure.
Keep going!
While adjusting his breathing rhythm, Xiano's movements didn't slow in the slightest. His fists rained down like a storm.
Boom!
Boom!
Boom, boom, boom—!!!
The dull thuds of impact were unceasing. He wasn't just training his fists; he constantly switched up his attacks—fists, elbows, knees, legs, waist, and even his head…
Every inch of his body's muscles had become a weapon, relentlessly striking the surface of the stone tablet!
This was a comprehensive, full-body tempering and enhancement!
"Not enough! Still not enough!!!"
Xiano's attacks grew increasingly ferocious. His eyes were red with excitement, his lips curled into an almost savage grin. Sweat barely had time to form before it was evaporated by the scorching heat, turning into a mist that enveloped his body.
His skin repeatedly split open under the recoil force, blood seeping out, only to quickly heal thanks to his powerful regenerative abilities.
This cycle repeated over and over!
Originally, starting from a few months ago, before he had even officially set sail, his physical strength and Armament Haki had already reached a certain threshold. The higher he went, the more difficult and slow the progress became.
But now, with this new "toy," he could finally experience that feeling of steady, tangible improvement once again.
Muscle fibers were reorganizing, and his Haki boiled like molten lava!
Every punch he threw slightly loosened the long-stagnant bottleneck, and his strength visibly climbed with each strike!
This constant, positive feedback was an intoxicating sensation!
Pain?
It was merely nourishment for his growth!
When he entered this state of self-inflicted, grueling training…
Pain ceased to exist entirely!
"Keep going! Keep going, damn it!!!"
Xiano laughed maniacally, his roars nearly drowning out the deafening impacts.
At this moment, it was as if he had returned to that small island in the East Blue, reverting to that nameless boy who, day after day, punched the mountainside before Arlong's arrival—
Pure.
Mad.
Tireless.
This was the most genuine form of him when he first embarked on the path of becoming a strong man!!!
...
On the deck.
Feeling the slight tremor from the wooden planks beneath his feet, Smoker couldn't help but glance back, his eyelids twitching.
"I'm really afraid that one punch might go awry and directly blow up the Sunset…"
He lit two cigars but didn't put them in his mouth for a long time, frowning in deep thought:
"It doesn't make sense. What could have stimulated the Captain to suddenly increase the intensity of his training so much?"
Previously, the Xiano he had seen on the ship always maintained a balanced distribution between training and leisure time.
He could say this, but it was influenced by the filter of a follower.
In reality, most of the time, the black-haired young man was lazily lying on a deck chair, enjoying the sea breeze and basking in the sun.
Occasionally, he would fight with Nami over an orange, and when he was really full and had nothing to do, he would kick Agin into the sea for fun.
In terms of the diligence of training.
Not to mention Kuina, who was immersed in swordsmanship all day, even Nojiko, who was eager to master Haki before, couldn't compare.
At most, he was only a bit better than Nami, who was always slacking off.
"It's been a long time since I've seen my brother like this, but you still don't understand him enough."
Nojiko walked over from behind, holding a glass of orange soda, and said with a smile, "Actually, for a very long time in the past, he was like this. A training maniac is his true nature."
She looked towards the training room, listening to the dull thuds coming from inside, her lips slightly curving upwards.
"Every time he feels a sense of crisis, feels that he's not strong enough, or finds a new way to train, he would go crazy and push himself to the limit."
Feeling that he's not strong enough?
Smoker was stunned, the corner of his eye twitching.
Listen, is this even human talk?
Where exactly is he not strong enough?
From the time he secretly boarded the ship in the East Blue, what kind of mind-blowing scenes had he witnessed along the way?
The veteran Warlord of the Sea, Crocodile, was casually crushed like a small fry;
The five hundred million bounty Hanafuda, the Tyrannosaurus, was beaten like a sandbag for two hours;
Even the Navy Admiral Akainu, going all out, couldn't keep him…
"And this is called not strong enough?"Smoker's temple veins bulged, finally unable to hold back his complaints, 'Then what about others?" Do they even get to live?"
Looking across the Grand Line…
No, looking across the entire world, who the hell has this kind of strength at eighteen?
"Heh."
Nojiko chuckled lightly, about to tease a few more words, when she suddenly noticed some messy design sketches scattered on the table in front of Smoker.
She bent down and picked up one.
She found it filled with complex mechanical structure diagrams, the lines crooked and twisted, as if they had been revised countless times.
On the edges of the sketch, there were notes like "Flame Thruster", "Flame-Flame Fruit Energy Conversion Rate", and so on.
"This is…"
Nojiko raised an eyebrow, "You want to modify the stern, add a row of magma blast ports, and use Nami's Flame-Flame Fruit ability to accelerate?"
Smoker, with a cigar in his mouth, scratched his head somewhat awkwardly:
"Ah, that's the idea. It was inspired by the cola-powered speedboat I saw when I was inspecting the lifeboats a few days ago."
"That one."
Nojiko laughed, "The one from Kuina's family, after Nami secretly took it out, it's been staying on the ship. According to my brother, it seems to be the work of the master shipbuilder Tom."
"Tom, the legendary craftsman who built ships for Roger..."
Smoker suddenly realized, "No wonder, it's indeed a masterpiece from a master."
He then pointed to the design on the table:
"Theoretically, according to the device I designed, if we can convert the flame energy of the Flame-Flame Fruit into propulsion, the speed of the Sunset could skyrocket more than twice."
"It might not be of much use normally, but in extreme situations, it could be a lifesaver, like dodging sudden storm vortices, or shaking off pursuing ships, even the Calm Belt... If Nami's stamina holds, we could even cross the Calm Belt in one go."
"That's a great thing!"
Nojiko's eyes lit up, "How's the progress, has it been built yet?"
"It just moved from paper to the experimental stage, here, this is the prototype I tinkered with yesterday."
Smoker pulled out a delicate and compact conversion device from under his seat, "But at this size, it's only suitable for motorcycles at best. I want to let Nami try it out first, then improve it step by step, and finally create a model that can be used on the Sunset."
"Then what are we waiting for, call Nami over and try it now!" Nojiko looked around, "Strange, where is Nami?"
"The newspaper just arrived today, where do you think she is?"
Smoker helplessly raised his eyes, "Wait, before she finishes reading the newspaper, who can move her except the Captain?"
"Got it."
Nojiko smiled and snapped her fingers.
She went straight to the very front of the ship, on the other side of the Silver Wolf Ram.
As expected.
At this moment, the orange-haired girl was crouching in the shadow by the railing, red-eyed, gritting her teeth, frantically flipping through the newly bought newspaper, wishing she could crush every line of text into her eyes.
"Alright, if you didn't see it on the front page, no need to keep looking, the bounty hasn't been updated yet?"
Nojiko handed over the orange soda.
"No, ugh!"
Nami finally couldn't take it anymore, tearing the newspaper into pieces in frustration, "It's already the third day, what is Morgans doing, why hasn't he reported it yet!"
"What is the Marine Headquarters doing, why haven't they updated the wanted posters yet!!!"
"..."
Nojiko shrugged, she was already desensitized to this scene.
This had become Nami's daily routine these days.
As soon as the News Bird arrived with the newspaper, she would buy it and read it first thing every day, earning her the nicknames "Newspaper King" and "Intelligence Gathering King" on the ship.
However.
Although she quite wanted to continue watching her sister's antics.
This time, the situation was indeed a bit strange.
"Four days and the bounty still hasn't been updated, could it be that the World Economic Journal is being pressured by the World Government again?"
Nojiko pinched her chin, pondering, "Like last time at Whiskey Peak?"
"No, it doesn't seem like it."
Smoker also walked over, shaking his head slightly at the words.
"Last time, the Marine Headquarters wanted to save face and quickly eliminate us, so they suppressed the news for half a month. But after the battle at Toll Island, the World Government should know that with the Captain's strength, it's not something they can do as they please."
The latest novel is first published on 69shuba!
Smoker exhaled a puff of smoke, his brows slightly furrowed. "Moreover, that day at the mouth of the Sandora River, merchant ships from all over had gathered. There were tens of thousands of eyewitnesses on the scene. The news of the Hanafuda Pirate Crew's downfall has probably already spread throughout the surrounding seas these past few days. It won't take more than ten days or half a month for it to reach the New World and the Four Seas. There's no way to suppress it."
"Then why…"
"Two possibilities."
Smoker narrowed his eyes. "The first is that the Marine Headquarters has mobilized a more substantial force than last time, deploying more than one Admiral, aiming to eradicate us completely with all their might."
"Considering the outbreak of the Enies Lobby incident, the Marine Headquarters is stretched thin. This possibility is very slim and can basically be ruled out."
"That's true," Nojiko nodded. "Then what's the second possibility?"
"I get it!"
Nami suddenly exclaimed, as if waking from a dream. She spread her left hand and smacked her palm with her fist:
"It must be that after witnessing my true strength, they find my bounty too difficult to determine! The Marine Headquarters is probably still in a meeting, debating whether to raise it to 200 million or 300 million! Wahahahaha!!!"
"…"
Nojiko and Smoker both fell silent for a second.
"Sorry, Nami."
Nojiko hugged her sister, guiltily patting her head. "I'll never tease you again, calling you the 'Newspaper Queen.'"
Look at how much this has affected the poor girl. She's started talking nonsense.
"Ahem."
Smoker also rubbed his temples, shaking his head helplessly. "Let me continue. The second possibility is that the Marine Headquarters… no, perhaps the World Government has bypassed the Marine Headquarters entirely and decided to recruit the Captain to fill the vacancy among the Warlords of the Sea."
He flicked the ash off his cigarette, squinting as he gazed at the distant sea. "If I'm not mistaken, the envoy sent by the World Government to negotiate is probably already on their way. Soon, they'll be trying their best to contact us."
Recruiting my brother to become a Warlord of the Sea?
Nojiko was stunned, tilting her head slightly as a thoughtful expression crossed her face.
That's indeed very possible. Once he becomes a Warlord, the bounty would be directly canceled. That would perfectly explain why the Marine Headquarters hasn't updated the bounty yet.
But…
Given my brother's personality, would he accept this invitation?
…
Meanwhile, on the open-air dojo on the second floor.
Robin leaned against the railing, her slender fingers gently resting on her chin. The sea breeze carried Smoker's discussion to her ears.
She smiled softly:
"Ara, Smoker-san, as expected of a former Marine. Your analysis is quite reasonable. Did you hear that?"
"I heard, Robin-nee."
The sea breeze swept past, lifting the strands of Kuina's black hair that had fallen over her face. She reclined in the wicker chair, her gaze focused and calm, her attention entirely on the sword manual of Yasso in her hands.
She didn't look up, merely speaking softly:
"In my opinion, the World Government should have done this long ago. With Xiano-sama's strength, if he were to join the Warlords of the Sea, it wouldn't be an honor for him, but an honor for the entire Warlord system."
"…" Robin was momentarily speechless.
If someone had told her when they first met.
That this cold and aloof swordswoman was actually the most fervent and loyal fan of Xiano on the entire ship.
She wouldn't have believed it.
But after spending these days together and observing him subtly, it seemed to be true.
"How's the comprehension going?"
Robin sat down opposite Kuina, "I see you've started flipping through it again. Have you finished reading it?"
This swordsmanship manual was something she had personally witnessed Xiano casually toss to Kuina during breakfast.
Because the action was so casual, everyone initially thought it wasn't anything important.
However, this sword maniac girl treated it as a treasure upon receiving it, devoting almost all her energy to it over the past few days, even forgetting to eat and sleep.
She had even sought Robin out several times, asking for help in interpreting some of the more obscure and profound parts.
"Yes, with your annotations, I've almost finished reading it and have practiced a few basic sword techniques."
Kuina rubbed her sore eyes and looked up:
"However, some of the techniques are still too difficult to master. I need to focus on practicing them as soon as possible to fully understand everything in it."
"Keep it up," Robin smiled gently, "If it's Kuina, I'm sure you'll manage."
"Mm."
Kuina nodded seriously, her gaze resolute.
"Then, I'll head to the library now."
Robin stood up and left. Currently, her favorite place on the ship was the library, with its serene and elegant environment, which suited her taste perfectly.
If she hadn't known that Xiano and she were strangers when the ship was being built, she would have thought it was designed specifically to her liking.
Kuina sat on the rattan chair, quietly watching Robin leave.
Once Robin's figure disappeared into the cabin, she lowered her head, closed the book, and gently stroked the cover of Yasso's swordsmanship manual, as if she could feel the lifelong dedication of the white-haired master swordsman through the paper.
The manual given by Lord Xiano is truly precious.
Even she, who had been taught by Koshiro since childhood and had high standards, couldn't help but be impressed by the profundity of this manual.
If it were to be auctioned at some major auction house, swordsmen from all over the world would probably fight over it, right?
And now.
Since it has come into her hands, she will definitely not disappoint Lord Xiano's expectations!
She must quickly, as quickly as possible, fully comprehend it!
And by then, even as a master swordsman, her swordsmanship skills will undoubtedly leap more than just one step forward!
Hum—!
Kuina took a deep breath, finally stood up slowly, drew her sword, and looked up at the target in front of her.
Today, she will start practicing the first technique, "Steel Flash"!
——————
Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
In a certain office, a plaque hung on the wall with the words "Absolute Justice."
"Have we determined the approximate sea area where the target is located? Good, continue the investigation. The person in charge of the negotiations will set off immediately."
Sengoku hung up the phone and looked up at the old man on the opposite sofa who was secretly eating his senbei.
"Garp, the Holy Land has decided that you will be in charge of the negotiations and signing of the Warlord of the Sea treaty this time."
"Pfft—"
On the opposite sofa, Garp spat out a mouthful of senbei crumbs, his eyes wide:
"Huh?! What kind of joke is this? I'm back here on vacation, and it's not even halfway over yet! Besides, matters like the Warlord of the Sea could usually be handled by just sending some rear admiral or commodore, right? Why go out of your way to bother me with this?"
Sengoku wiped the crumbs of senbei off his face expressionlessly, snatched the remaining senbei, and then slapped a document on the table:
"This is a decision personally issued by the Five Elders. No more nonsense, just get moving. The entire Mary Geoise is paying close attention to this matter. There's no time for you to waste here arguing with me. Go and have Xiano sign this agreement as soon as possible."
"Get lost! I'm not going to—"
Garp was furious but suddenly paused, his expression shifting. "Wait, who did you say I'm supposed to go see?"
"Xiano, your fellow East Blue native and your good disciple, Xiano."
Sengoku replied irritably, "Have you already forgotten? Weren't you the one who suggested recruiting him as a Warlord of the Sea last time? Now that it's actually your turn to go, what, you're not happy about it anymore?"
"Puhahaha, so it's him after all. Well, there's no helping it. This old man will make the trip."
Garp scratched his head and burst into laughter. "I've been saying it all along—that kid has a good character. Why keep chasing and giving him a hard time? Making him a Warlord of the Sea is clearly the best solution…"
So it was the Navy that had been harassing him?!
Sengoku was so furious he nearly yanked off his goatee. This old fool, does he even know what he's saying?
Killing two Navy Vice Admirals and two Warlords of the Sea—it was like trampling the dignity of Marine Headquarters underfoot.
If it weren't for the sudden resolution passed by Mary Geoise, directly issuing the order, he would never have compromised with that brat so quickly!
"Hey, Sengoku."
"What now?!"
"You're quite the decent guy, huh? No wonder those old geezers at the Holy Land insisted I go. So it was you who reported the strategy I came up with last time!"
That was a load of nonsense!!!
What is this guy thinking? How could it possibly be for that reason?
Sengoku's face turned ashen. Initially, the Holy Land had planned to send the CP department to negotiate. The reason it was changed to Garp in the end was entirely because of his strong recommendation!
That guy, Xiano, was no pushover.
Sending Garp, at least, given their old acquaintance, they wouldn't start fighting the moment they met. That would also increase the chances of a successful negotiation.
...
Half an hour later.
The dog-headed Warship sailed out of Crescent Moon Bay, cutting through the waves at full speed toward Alabasta.
Garp stood at the bow, tossing donuts into his mouth while laughing heartily. "Xiano, kid! It's been years. This old man is coming!!"
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