### Chapter 4: Training
Early the next morning, Gildarts began training Riku, starting with the most basic physical conditioning.
Riku discovered that he was completely different now. His body, which used to be weak from lack of exercise due to a busy work schedule, was now extremely robust.
The most obvious difference was doing push-ups. Originally, doing twenty in one go was considered decent, but now he could do a hundred without even feeling it.
Riku understood that eating the Goro Goro no Mi didn't just give him lightning abilities; his body's genes and cells had likely all undergone changes.
Looking at *One Piece*, one could see that some originally normal humans underwent massive changes in body size after eating a Devil Fruit.
Like Whitebeard and Kaido, who were giants standing six or seven meters tall.
Logia types were relatively more normal; the three Marine Admirals, Enel, Ace, and others were all of normal height.
"Riku, your physical fitness is amazing!"
Gildarts was a bit surprised to see Riku easily complete the basic physical training.
Although physical training is basic, it would drain the stamina of an ordinary person who hadn't exercised.
Riku said half-truthfully, "I didn't think so either. Maybe awakening my Magic Origin improved my constitution."
Gildarts nodded: "That should be the reason."
"Since your basic physical fitness meets the standard, we can proceed to the next training."
"Training?"
"Taijutsu training."
Riku's heart stirred upon hearing this. This was what he desired most. Although the Goro Goro no Mi was powerful, to truly unleash its full potential, high proficiency in Taijutsu was required.
One only had to look at the difference between Enel and the three Admirals of Marine Headquarters to know.
Both were users of top-tier Logia Devil Fruits, but the gap between them wasn't small.
A true top-tier powerhouse is top-tier in every aspect.
"Alright, come at me."
Gildarts curled his finger at Riku and said.
"???"
"Teacher, shouldn't we be learning Taijutsu?"
The corners of Gildarts' mouth curled into a smile: "Where is there a fixed Taijutsu? True Taijutsu is always about adapting to the situation. Perhaps there are some fixed combo techniques that can give you a certain advantage in a short battle, but if your opponent sees through them, you'll be more easily countered. Wouldn't you be passive then?"
"So, if you want to truly learn how to fight, you can only learn through constant fighting."
Hearing Gildarts' words, Riku nodded in agreement and then assumed a fighting stance.
"Teacher, here I come!"
Riku stomped his foot, his body rushing quickly toward Gildarts, his right fist aiming for Gildarts' face.
"Oh? Good speed! But too naive!"
Just as Riku rushed in front of Gildarts, he felt the world spin, and when he came to his senses, he was lying on the ground.
Gildarts said to Riku: "Get up, again!"
Riku immediately got up and attacked Gildarts again, only to be lying on the ground three seconds later.
"Again!"
Gildarts' voice rang out once more.
Riku gritted his teeth and attacked again, only to be thrown out the next second.
Once, twice, ten times, twenty times, thirty times...
Riku lost count of how many times he had been thrown; he hadn't even harmed a hair on Gildarts' head.
He was completely dazed. Only now did he understand just how huge the gap between him and Gildarts was.
Gildarts squatted in front of Riku: "Kid, how does it feel?"
Riku forced a bright smile on his face: "It feels... amazing!!"
"!!!"
Gildarts was instantly surprised. He expected Riku to say some discouraging words or even talk about giving up, but he didn't expect him to say it felt amazing.
"Why do you say that?"
"Because Teacher Gildarts is so strong! Now I also know how weak I am! I want to become as strong as Teacher Gildarts, or even stronger than Teacher Gildarts!"
"Good kid! To be able to say that after being beaten like this!"
This beating was meant to properly strike down Riku's pride. After all, having just awakened his Magic Origin and being able to release such powerful Magic, he would inevitably develop a sense of arrogance.
But he didn't expect that after being thrown down so many times, this kid wouldn't utter a word of complaint, only constantly attacking him and slowly learning from his attacks. Although his technique was slightly immature, he didn't waver in the slightest.
This reminded him of someone.
Natsu.
Just like that brat Natsu, always constantly challenging him. Even if he failed, he would continue, never giving up.
This kid!
His future is absolutely limitless!
"Alright, that's it for today. Tomorrow, the difficulty of physical training doubles!"
After speaking, Gildarts went to prepare dinner.
After Riku felt his body had rested enough, he began to cultivate his Devil Fruit ability.
Although Taijutsu was important, the most important thing was the power of the Devil Fruit. He needed to constantly develop the Devil Fruit ability until it awakened; only then could he truly become a top-tier powerhouse.