In one week, one couldn't learn anything too profound, but it was certainly enough to broaden one's horizons. Crocus's level was undoubtedly among the absolute top tier in this world. During the evenings, when resting, Bellamy tried to consult him about the "King Punch" manual and indeed benefited greatly. The knowledge regarding special parts of the human body wasn't particularly difficult in Crocus's eyes. In fact, in his analysis, the special organs recorded in the "King Punch" were not entirely complete.
"Calling these special organs 'Life Essence Apertures' is quite descriptive." Crocus gave some recognition to Bellamy's naming. "In my knowledge system, there should be at least seventy-seven Life Essence Apertures in the human body."
"These special organs cannot be found through dissection; they can only be located through the practitioner's own perception."
Crocus's understanding of Life Essence Apertures was limited to this. He pointed out the locations of about fifty such apertures for Bellamy but then specifically reminded him, "I have not personally experienced these miraculous organs. If you intend to practice according to the method in the King Punch, please be extremely cautious."
Even so, Bellamy was still very grateful for his guidance. Fifty Life Essence Apertures spread throughout the body, with some even located near the brain. If he had to find them himself, he would never have been able to.
"Senior, perhaps I have some news that might interest you." Since Crocus had been so generous, Bellamy naturally wouldn't be stingy. He directly told Crocus the news that the Rumbar Pirates had perished and that Brook was trapped in the Florian Triangle. Furthermore, he detailed how the Rumbar Pirates met their end and the existence of the Revive-Revive Fruit.
"So that's how it is. Brook is actually still alive." In truth, so many years had passed without any news of the Rumbar Pirates at sea; Crocus had already understood everything in his heart. He just hadn't expected that one person had survived. If Brook could be brought here, Laboon would surely be overjoyed!
"Could I possibly trouble you to…"
"No." Before Crocus could finish speaking, Bellamy decisively refused his request. Long ago, Bellamy had planned his own itinerary. After entering the Grand Line, he would advance towards his goals with unwavering determination. If it were merely along the way, bringing Brook back would naturally be fine, but Bellamy's chosen route did not pass through the Florian Triangle. Therefore, no. Telling Crocus this news was already the most he could do.
"Is that so." Crocus also sensed Bellamy's attitude from his tone. Though somewhat disappointed, he didn't insist.
"If you have the patience, perhaps I will make a trip to the Florian Triangle in two years." By then, the Summit War would already be over.
"Two years?" The timeframe Bellamy mentioned surprised Crocus somewhat. His original request was merely for Bellamy to try and find him. As for the timing, in his mind, it would take at least five or six years. How did it become such a particularly long time in Bellamy's mouth, these two years? Were all these young people's sense of time so rushed? Those two girls learning from him were the same, acting as if they couldn't wait to drain him dry.
"Actually, any news within five years would be fine."
"Five years?" This time it was Bellamy's turn to be surprised. In five years, he might even be challenging the Four Emperors; where would he find the time to bother about some Brook?
The two stared at each other for a long time. Finally, Bellamy relented. "Let's leave it at that then. I'll remember this matter."
"I'm counting on you."
After this exchange, the relationship between Bellamy and Crocus grew considerably closer. He also began to try and inquire about some information regarding Roger and the final island. In response, Crocus just smiled at him, saying little, and didn't ask Bellamy how he knew his identity. "Some things, I cannot say." Crocus pointed to his own head. "If I speak, this will immediately explode."
This method of death was somewhat familiar; Bellamy had encountered it once before. The king of the Lvneel Kingdom had said something he shouldn't have, and his head had immediately exploded. The remnants of the Roger Pirates indeed had a deal with the World Government.
"I understand." Actually, Bellamy had already guessed some truths; he just couldn't confirm them. He had gained a lot from this exchange with Crocus; pressing further wouldn't achieve anything meaningful. Since that was the case, Bellamy didn't plan to ask more. It was better to consult this old doctor about some medical knowledge instead.
Bellamy thought for a moment and then asked about some of his own doubts in medicine. After a brief exchange, he indeed found that Crocus had a very deep understanding of viruses and cells. Crocus even possessed considerable knowledge about human genes. For such a top-tier talent to be reading newspapers at Twin Cape every day was truly a waste. If Crocus weren't too old, Bellamy might have even been tempted to invite him onto his ship.
"Oh, right, Mr. Crocus, have you ever heard of Jiao Kuen?" Jiao Kuen was a very special fist style, or perhaps it could be called a Qigong art. The most formidable aspect of this fist style was that one grew stronger with age. This completely defied common sense about the human body. In the past, Bellamy would have dismissed it as a joke. But in this world, things that defied common sense were not rare. Reverse Mountain was right before their eyes; what was so strange about Jiao Kuen?
"I seem to have heard of it." Crocus had traveled far and wide with Roger, covering almost the entire world. He had indeed heard of Jiao Kuen a few times. "It seems to be a secret art passed down in an ancient country in the New World."
"This fist style is very rare. Do you use it?"
"Not exactly." Bellamy merely wanted to inquire about more detailed information regarding Jiao Kuen. If the information was accurate, this fist style was a must-learn for him. "I'm just curious about the rumor of growing stronger with age."
"If such a thing is real, then I believe it would be related to the Life Essence Apertures." Bellamy wasn't just guessing wildly; he had learned some medicine and had a sufficient understanding of the human body in this world. To grow stronger with age, apart from Devil Fruits, the only thing he could think of was these Life Essence Apertures.
"Indeed." Crocus also agreed with this speculation. "Life Essence Apertures are very mysterious human organs. If they can be fully developed, growing stronger with age is not impossible."
With Crocus's affirmation, Bellamy's determination grew even firmer in his heart.
"Jiao Kuen, I'm definitely getting it!"