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During the past month, Aero had refined his Devil Fruit powers significantly, developing several techniques rooted in the fundamental strength of a Logia-type ability instantaneous elementalization.
First came offense.
Drawing on the foundation of a cyclone, Aero crafted his own move: the [Wind Blades].
By compressing the air currents around him, he sharpened stray winds into invisible blades. Swift, precise, and deadly, these razor winds could shred opponents to pieces in an instant.
The attack had a wide area of effect and devastating lethality but its energy toll was heavy. At full stamina, Aero could use it up to three times a day.
His affinity with the wind had deepened. Any stream of air he physically connected with became an extension of himself. Once he touched it, it was his to wield.
That was the essence of the Wind-Wind Fruit.
Another technique [Wind Bullets] involved compressing wind into high-density shots. By condensing and launching the wind he had touched, Aero could fire bursts that struck like cannon blasts.
Although his swordsmanship wasn't yet sharp enough to launch true slashes, he could use his Devil Fruit to replicate the effect. He shaped compressed air into [Mini Wind Blades], fast and cutting like a blade strike only faster, thanks to their aerodynamic composition.
For defense, his options were even broader.
In the East Blue, few even knew the word Haki, let alone how to use it. That meant Aero's ability to turn into wind rendered most attacks useless.
Even if he did face someone capable of using Armament Haki, Aero was confident. After all, Haki existed to counter Devil Fruit users but such warriors were rare outside the New World. Here, in the East Blue?
Aero was practically untouchable.
---
Back at the casino, Dylan had returned.
He went straight to Aero's quarters on the third floor, opened the locked chest, and took out a briefcase packed with five million Berries. Then he called Buggy up and handed him the cash.
"Buggy. The Captain's heading out soon. Use this to get a ship built. Make it fast. And be careful. Word is a Marine commander's been sent to East Blue. Don't leave a trail."
Buggy took the briefcase, visibly shocked but serious. "Got it."
He understood now Dylan wasn't someone to mess with anymore. A month ago, he might've laughed at the guy. Not now.
Dylan's strength had skyrocketed. He'd tried joining the training once… and quit within days.
The ones who stuck with it?
They were now leagues beyond him.
Still, Aero hadn't cast him aside. He'd entrusted Buggy with managing the casino an act of faith Buggy didn't take lightly. Even if the wealth wasn't his, strutting around as its keeper gave him purpose.
"…So, are you all leaving?" Buggy asked. "What about me?"
"I'll be at sea with the Captain. The ten others who trained will go, too," Dylan replied.
"But you you're staying here. The Captain wants you to guard this place. If things go wrong at sea, this island will be our fallback."
Dylan placed a hand on Buggy's shoulder.
"But let's be honest. You're not exactly strong. If Marines come sniffing around and link you to us… you might crack."
Buggy turned and met his gaze. This time, there was no panic.
"I get it," he said quietly. "I'm not cut out for all that pain and training… but I'll protect this place with my life. I'll protect our Captain's only retreat."
"Good," Dylan nodded. "Now go handle the ship."
As Buggy left, Dylan watched him with narrowed eyes.
He's still too soft… but it's fine. This is just one of our contingencies. Hopefully, we won't need it.
He glanced out the window.
I wonder how the others are doing… they should be able to each bring down a beast by now. They've come a long way.
With that, Dylan turned to head to his room. He was still in his heavy black training robe and honestly, he missed his sharp black suit.
Yeah… when I'm back, I'll have the crew bring those weighted suits in from the coast. It's time for the rest of the casino to toughen up, too.
---
Deep within the forest, Aero had launched himself into the sky.
His lower body dissolved into the wind, propelling him upward. Once he reached the right height, he reformed, balancing midair by placing his feet on compressed currents of wind. There was no need to fully elementize now. He could hover using pure control.
Spreading his power outward, he began absorbing the wind within the forest turning it into his weapon. It required time and energy, but it was manageable.
Each of his crew had residual traces of his power clinging to them. Through that, he could sense their movements.
Winds stirred by clashing beasts, birds flapping overhead, even the shifting air from the crew's battles all of it flowed to him.
No chaos. No panicked gusts.
That meant they were still in control.
Aero smiled.
By dawn, they'll all be official crewmates.
But then—
Something changed.
A shift in the wind.
A massive pulse.
Before he could fully process it, a monstrous gray serpent's head rose from the forest canopy towering, fanged, and hissing.
A giant snake. And it was staring directly at him.
Why have I never sensed something like this before?
The creature's crimson tongue flicked as it struck mouth wide.
Aero reacted instinctively. His body scattered into the wind.
The snake's jaws snapped shut on empty air.
It hissed again, confused, scanning the sky.
From above, Aero reformed, higher now, wind swirling at his feet.
His breath caught not in fear, but in thrall.
This was the first time he'd ever faced a beast this size.
Time to see what his power could really do.
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~Thank you for reading!