Thud. Thud. Thud.
A series of heavy, rhythmic impacts echoed from the Silver Dragon's training chamber. Inside, Big Pan was relentlessly swinging his massive iron staff, striking Krell's body with precision and brutal intensity.
Every blow landed squarely on a different part of Krell's torso, colliding fiercely against muscle and bone. A muffled groan escaped Krell's lips each time the staff connected. The pain surged through him in waves, yet he clenched his teeth and endured it. Determination blazed in his eyes as he forced himself to withstand each punishing strike.
He couldn't forget that battle in Little Garden. The frustration still burned in his chest. Even though he had fought with everything he had, his contribution had been insignificant. While his companions threw themselves into desperate combat, he had been powerless, merely watching from behind. That helpless feeling had cut deeper than any wound.
That was why he pushed himself this hard now. Why he accepted Big Pan's brutal special training without hesitation. Krell wanted to become strong enough to stand on his own. Strong enough to protect his friends. Strong enough to never again cower behind someone else.
Thud. Thud. Thud.
The blows continued without pause. It felt as though the bones across his entire body were about to shatter. His limbs trembled uncontrollably from the agony, yet he refused to give up. Sheer willpower kept him standing long past his physical limits.
At last, Big Pan noticed Krell's staggering posture and lowered his weapon. The moment the strikes stopped, the tension that had been holding Krell upright collapsed. His body gave out completely, and he fell heavily to the floor, gasping for breath. Sweat soaked through his clothes and dripped onto the cold ground beneath him.
Even so, he forced out a stubborn protest.
"Boss Pan… I can still keep going…"
Big Pan shook his head. His normally gentle features had turned serious, and his eyes held a firm authority.
"Krell, I know you're desperate to get stronger. But this isn't something you can rush. Haki training takes long-term accumulation and steady progress. If you push too hard, you'll only injure yourself and damage your future foundation. That would defeat the purpose entirely."
Krell wanted to argue, but he knew Big Pan was right. Strength gained through impatience always led to disaster. Reluctantly, he nodded.
Big Pan carefully lifted him into his arms and carried him toward Reiju's infirmary.
The infirmary had been specially built for Reiju back when their crew first gathered at Twin Cape. Ever since then, the crew relied on her medical skills for any injuries that weren't life-threatening.
When Big Pan pushed open the door, Reiju glanced up from her work. The moment she saw Krell's battered condition, her brows knit tightly.
"You've done it again," she said, sounding both annoyed and worried.
"Sss… Reiju, I asked for it myself! It's not Boss Pan's fault!" Krell sputtered, wincing as she cleaned his wounds. Her hands, however, did not go any gentler.
"I really don't understand you people," Reiju muttered. "Training is supposed to be gradual. Why torment yourselves like this?"
Big Pan quickly responded, "Reiju, this is the special method the captain taught us. Eli said that using Armament Haki to strike the body helps us sense the flow of our own Armament Haki. And Krell already mastered the Navy's Iron Body technique, so his physique meets the requirement. That's why Eli allowed us to use this method."
Krell nodded repeatedly, supporting Big Pan's explanation.
Reiju rolled her eyes. "Fine, fine, do whatever you want. But don't expect me to lecture you anymore." She returned to organizing her medical supplies.
Seeing that she was done with them, Big Pan carefully helped Krell out of the room. As soon as they were back in the hallway, Big Pan asked eagerly,
"So? How did it feel? Did you sense your Armament Haki this time?"
Krell let out a small sigh.
"I felt something… but I'm still a bit short from fully awakening it."
"That's fine. You're still young," Big Pan encouraged him. "You have plenty of time."
Krell nodded. His eyes were filled with determination. He would awaken Armament Haki. No force in the world would stop him.
Eli Winters had already noticed Krell's rapid growth. But he chose not to interfere. He understood Krell's desire for strength. And with so many companions watching over him, there was no real danger.
After the battle in Little Garden, the strength of Eli's crew had soared.
Big Pan, having undergone relentless training, finally solidified his power and stepped into the King-tier realm. If he faced the formidable Glen Gust again, he would no longer struggle the way he had before. Now, he had the strength to fight on equal footing.
Fiona's progress was even more astounding. In a moment of life-or-death desperation, she awakened Conqueror's Haki. An extremely rare and overwhelming power, found only in those destined to stand at the pinnacle.
Though her Conqueror's Haki was in its early stages, it boosted her strength dramatically. With its awakening, Fiona broke through her previous limits and ascended to the rank of Admiral-level strength.
Filina had perfected her signature attack, Thunder Kirin. The upgraded technique now possessed enough power to wound even an Admiral. Both her Observation Haki and Armament Haki reached intermediate level, placing her at a skill level equal to the Navy's top candidates.
Simon and Dort received tremendous benefits as well, awakening their Observation Haki during a chaotic group battle. Though not yet Admiral-level, they could easily defeat most Vice Admirals.
Chiyo's Devil Fruit held immense potential. With the awakening of her Armament Haki, both her offensive and defensive abilities rose sharply, putting her strength firmly in the Vice Admiral range.
Reiju had not yet awakened any Haki, but her modified bloodline had finally been fully activated. That genetic power was no weaker than Haki itself. In a full-power state, she could defeat an ordinary Vice Admiral, and with her deadly poison, she could even take down an Admiral in a surprise attack.
Though Eli's crew was small in number, every single one of them had become an elite. Young, powerful, and overflowing with potential. Eli believed that one day, without question, their names would shake the world.