Metal Bat—this future S-Class Hero—was currently nothing more than a fourteen-year-old delinquent.
Compared to his hero alias, his real name was relatively less known.
Bad.
"Oraaa!!!"
Shouting out a delinquent catchphrase, Metal Bat threw a punch at the power tester with zero technique but immense momentum!
The numbers on the screen flickered rapidly, finally settling on 332.
Before this, the average test data was around 200.
A small commotion broke out in the surrounding crowd; they couldn't believe a delinquent could be stronger than those of them who had undergone professional training.
"A style formed from long-term street fighting. No technique, but plenty of spirit," Bang commented.
Metal Bat clicked his tongue and turned to the staff member.
"I want to test again!"
According to the rules, every test had two attempts, with the best score taken as the result.
Aokiji asked, "Want to bet on his score this time?"
Bang became interested. "Do you think that wasn't his full power? I observed his force delivery; that number just now was pretty much his limit."
"I think the second time, he might exceed four hundred."
Observation Haki was released silently.
Aokiji carefully felt Metal Bat's steadily climbing Aura and gave his estimate.
An increase of nearly one-third in such a short time?
Bang chuckled. "What shall we use as a wager? This old man doesn't have much money."
Aokiji acted nonchalant, as if he didn't care much about the bet. "The loser treats the other to a meal."
In reality, proposing this bet was a way to create more interaction and build rapport, regardless of who won.
It would make it easier to ask Bang to teach him martial arts later.
Bang had the same intention.
He readily agreed.
Metal Bat stood his ground, his gaze sharp. He didn't even notice that his pompadour hairstyle was a bit messy.
The Aura on his body was like an invisible flame burning on the surface.
After a dozen seconds—
"Shine!!!"
This punch was even more reckless than the last!
His body lunged forward, completely disregarding balance. Accompanied by the roar common in street brawls, he fused his Aura into his fist and swung it out!!
A heavy, loud impact exploded!
Before the numbers even jumped out, Bang already exclaimed in admiration.
"Oh, it seems this old man's eyes have deceived him."
"There aren't many guys in this world who transcend common sense, but this guy is one of them." Aokiji then started ordering food, "Old man Bang, I want to eat barbecue."
"Hahaha, a bet's a bet. Come to my dojo later, I'll prepare a good feast."
The specific number finally jumped onto the screen of the punching power tester.
—438
If it were in a real battle, the ratio of Metal Bat's Aura boost would only be more exaggerated!
He just wasn't sure if there was an upper limit to this spirit enhancement, or if it had any commonalities with the Haki system.
Aokiji watched as the still somewhat dissatisfied Metal Bat walked away.
He could study the other's 'Aura' later.
With such a brilliant performance preceding them, no one went up to test for a while.
No one wanted to punch out a score lower than a teenage brat's under the watchful eyes of the crowd.
"Since the young people are being so modest, let these old bones of mine get some exercise."
Bang held his shoulder and swung his arm. His originally somewhat hunched back gradually straightened, and the 'momentum' of a martial artist and the 'Qi' of a powerhouse were instantly revealed.
Over the years, he had spent most of his time teaching disciples and passing on martial arts.
His fame in society wasn't as prominent as it was in his youth.
Only a few people present recognized his identity.
Most people looked at the scar-covered old man with skeptical eyes.
Aokiji egged him on from behind, shouting, "Old man, don't break the machine! There are still so many people waiting to test!"
As soon as he spoke, the discussions among the onlookers grew noisier.
"Break the machine? This old guy?!"
"The old man looks fit enough, but his hair and beard are all white. Is it really okay for someone that old to take the test?"
"He won't break his own bones with one punch, will he? Hahaha!"
"Show some respect! This is the creator of the Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist, a grandmaster of the martial arts world!"
"Water Stream Rock Smashing? I can smash a toilet with my pee!"
Hearing the commotion caused by Aokiji's single sentence, Bang shook his head helplessly.
Although they had only known each other for a short time, Bang already had a deep understanding of Aokiji's fun-seeking personality.
"Excuse me, what is the testing limit of this machine?"
Bang asked the staff member in a gentle tone.
"Limit? Uh, it's 5000."
The staff member's tone was hesitant; clearly, he didn't believe the old man before him had that kind of strength either.
Even a fully loaded truck crashing into it might not reach that number.
"5000..."
Bang spread his legs and lowered his stance.
Closing his eyes, he recalled the power of Bad's previous movements.
"About this level, I suppose."
In the next instant, Bang's right hand vanished.
Not even an afterimage was left in the air as a dull, low sound echoed from the punching power tester.
This was it!
Exquisite and perfected martial arts attainment!
Aokiji's Observation Haki was fully active, seriously feeling the 'technique' contained in this strike.
Physical techniques in the One Piece world were almost entirely based on brute force; all 'techniques' served the purpose of 'power.'
In the face of the pure martial arts Bang had spent a lifetime honing, they naturally seemed a bit crude.
The surrounding crowd, including the staff member, hadn't even reacted yet.
On the screen, a number appeared without the slightest deviation.
—5000!!
The noisy crowd instantly fell silent.
"No... way..." someone muttered.
When the average was three digits, an old man easily hit the machine's limit??
Snake, the successor of Snake Bite Fist who had spoken up for Bang earlier, stared wide-eyed for a while before coming to his senses and saying proudly:
"This is the weight of our martial arts! Can you people do that?!"
Bang stood up satisfied. "It seems this old man can stay active for a few more years."
After letting the stunned staff member record the data, Bang returned to the crowd with his hands behind his back, looking like a hunched old man again.
The previous skepticism vanished, and the crowd respectfully made way for him.
"True martial arts really are cool," Aokiji remarked.
Who hadn't fantasized about it as a kid? Peerless, invincible martial arts, casually defeating all enemies with an easy posture.
Bang felt a surge of joy in his heart.
It's good that he's interested in martial arts!
The only fear was that he wouldn't like it!
"Come to my dojo for a meal later. We can exchange some ideas while we're at it. After all, I can see that you, Aokiji, have a foundation in physical arts."
The current Bang still maintained the reserve of a martial arts grandmaster.
He didn't rush to beg Aokiji to be his disciple.
After all, he currently had a hall full of disciples, unlike the original plot three years later where only Charanko was left to sweep the floors.
Aokiji nodded in agreement and then walked toward the punching power tester.
Everyone was still immersed in the previous shock.
They were discussing with those around them whether they should go learn a martial art.
Hardly anyone noticed his actions.
Aokiji's body was relaxed. He didn't take any particular stance, simply raising his fist in front of the tester.
5000... about this much force?
BOOM—!!!
A thunderous roar that made the entire hall tremble erupted!