"Could it be related to these two?"
From behind her back, Kuina pulled out two issues of the World Economy News. Her eyes fell on the large portraits printed across the pages.
"The Shichibukai… Heavenly Yaksha Doflamingo, and the Knight of the Sea, Jinbe."
At her words, Zoro leaned closer, curiosity piqued as he stared at the reports.
"You think Don's connected to them somehow?" he asked, rubbing his chin.
"That wouldn't be good. Don's no match for either of them right now," Kuina muttered, scanning the evaluations written about the two pirates.
Both were notorious figures of the New World. Doflamingo, ruler of a kingdom, undoubtedly commanded formidable subordinates. And Jinbe, a fish-man—according to the paper, the physical strength of fish-men was, on average, over ten times greater than that of humans.
For the Marines to recruit them into the Shichibukai was proof enough of their might.
Worry flickered across Kuina's eyes.
"Impossible. Didn't Don say he won't be heading to the Grand Line anytime soon? Those two only move there," Zoro suddenly pointed out.
Despite his usual scatterbrained image, Zoro occasionally caught details others missed.
"You're right!" Kuina exclaimed, finally realizing her mistake. Don had indeed said so—she had simply been misled by the sight of him reading both papers earlier.
"Come on, then!"
She set the newspaper down and beckoned to Zoro.
"For what?"
Zoro blinked at her, confused.
"To the village. Did you forget? Father told us to buy ingredients. After their duel, we're preparing a feast to send Don off properly."
She explained patiently, already understanding Koushirou's intention.
Meanwhile
The small island where Don and Koushirou once sparred was no longer fit for battle. Or rather, not fit for this battle.
The island had never been large to begin with; sometimes, high tide submerged most of it. After nearly a year of being battered by their training, the exposed ground had shrunk further still.
On the boat headed for a more distant isle, Don leaned against the rail, gazing silently at the vast sea. He looked contemplative—at least, that's what Koushirou thought.
In truth, Don was examining his own data panel.
[Body Datafication: Vital points no longer exist; damage received converts directly into HP loss. Attributes shift in accordance with personal growth. You will not die until HP reaches zero.]
[Current Physical Age: 15]
[Constitution: 83 (Continuing transformation due to special influences)]
[Current HP: 100% (Regenerating; food accelerates recovery)]
[Innate Talent — Indomitable: When HP reaches zero, enter a temporary empowered state. All physical attributes increase tenfold; HP ceases to decrease; all negative statuses are cleared. Duration: 15 minutes. Cooldown: 24 hours.]
[Abilities]
[Mera Mera no Mi (Proficient): A powerful Logia-type fruit granting embodiment and control of fire. Strengthens the body continuously. Drawbacks removed (no weakness, no parasitic soul). You now possess clear understanding of advancing the fruit's abilities. Current Development: 46%]
[Swordsmanship (Proficient): Mastery of fundamental sword techniques and training methods. You have surpassed the threshold of a swordsman. You have comprehended the Flying Slash. You have found a style suited to yourself.]
[Kenbunshoku Haki (Basic Mastery): Clear perception of the energies of all things. Range has greatly expanded; can focus perception directionally for extended reach.]
[Busoshoku Haki (Basic Mastery): Proficient control over internal energy for offense and defense. You have grasped Armament Hardening and the technique of Infusion.]
[Flame (Black Blade in Progress): Under your Haki's influence, your sword Flame is evolving toward a Black Blade. Current Progress: 3%. Advanced Busoshoku and Haoshoku infusion accelerates evolution. Through many battles, weapon and wielder's wills will harmonize further, hastening transformation.]
His growth over the year was tremendous.
His constitution, for one, had surged again. At first, increases had been too subtle to notice—but now, the changes were undeniable. Each increment of his body's strength was a holistic improvement.
Where once a single point of constitution might equal the strength of another man, now even a fractional increase demanded monumental effort. His rapid metamorphosis had slowed, replaced by steady, continuous evolution.
And it wasn't only that
His swordsmanship and Haki had advanced leaps and bounds, and he hadn't neglected his Devil Fruit either.
In fact, training swordsmanship had naturally honed his control over the fruit as well. Among all his skills, mastery of fire stood highest.
At this point, techniques Ace once wielded were child's play to replicate. Not only that—he could even mimic some of the moves "Old Man Yamamoto" had once displayed.
Yet what thrilled him most was Flame's gradual evolution toward a Black Blade.
Though the progress bar was still low, any visible growth meant he had a goal.
Moreover, Koushirou's teachings had often spoken of the "breath" of all things.
Now, Don too could faintly sense the pulse—or the breath—of his sword.
It was a strange feeling, as though all things bore life.
Still, the sensation was vague. Likely, only by further advancing his Observation Haki could he grasp it clearly.
The panel had already shown him the path to forging a Black Blade.
No matter what, compared to the day he first arrived in this world a year ago, his strength had multiplied countless times.
Which was why, in this duel with Koushirou, he would finally gauge just how far he had truly come.
Don turned, meeting Koushirou's calm eyes.
"This time, I'll fight with my full strength. I no longer have the confidence to defeat you," Koushirou admitted.
"Good. That's what I want. I need to confirm that this year hasn't been wasted."
Don rose to his feet. His frame, just over two meters tall, was long and lean—not bulky, but not frail either.
"Wasted?"
Koushirou's expression turned strange.
For most people, not even ten years of training could yield growth like Don's in a single year. Such progress was a dream come true.
But Don compared himself to none other than Pirate King Luffy.
From a clueless rookie who knew nothing of Haki, Luffy had, in under three years, mastered advanced Conqueror's Haki infusion—and even awakened his Devil Fruit.
Against that standard, Don's progress still felt slow.
But at least, he reminded himself, Luffy had not yet set sail.
And Don's pace was already swift. In a few years, perhaps he too could stand atop this world.
The thought stirred briefly in his heart, but he quickly shook his head.
Strength was important—but then he remembered.
By this year, Nico Robin should only be in her early twenties, still hiding in the West Blue, hunted by Marines and the World Government.
The memory distracted him.
Meanwhile, Koushirou quietly guided the boat toward a more distant island. As they drew ashore, he anchored, then glanced at Don.
"Let's begin. Kuina and Zoro are likely already waiting."
Gripping Wadō Ichimonji, Koushirou vaulted off the boat and landed lightly on the island's sandy beach.