Chapter 127: Frantic Training, Garp is Deployed
Two days passed in the blink of an eye.
At noon, in the training room, a cold mist filled the air. A layer of densely packed snow, over a meter thick, covered the entire floor.
This was a buffer layer that Nojiko had specially created with her Snow-Snow Fruit ability.
It helped to better secure the Poneglyph, preventing it from slowly shifting out of place under Shane's constant, powerful blows.
At the same time, it also greatly reduced the vibrations and noise, a win-win situation.
"Hah—"
Shane stood before the stone slab, a sharp glint in his eyes as he slowly exhaled.
After a brief rest, he clenched his fists again, and a thick, dark Haki instantly coated them like a tide.
"Again!"
With a low cry, he threw a right punch!
BOOM!!!
The moment his fist collided with the stone slab, a terrifying shockwave erupted. Countless snowflakes were sent flying, and a blast of air swept through the entire training room!
The Poneglyph stood unmoved, its surface as smooth as ever.
"Tsk, still not working…" Shane grinned, shaking his numb fist, a slight stinging sensation in his knuckles.
For the past few days, although the stone slab was still completely undamaged, he could clearly feel his Armament Haki becoming more and more solid and pure with each impact.
It was as if it were a piece of steel being forged a thousand times, slowly transforming under the extreme pressure.
Keep going!
As he regulated his breathing, Shane's hands did not slow down. A rain of blows poured out from him.
THUMP!
THUMP!
THUMP, THUMP, THUMP—!!!
The dull thuds were incessant. He wasn't just training his fists. He was constantly switching his attack methods: fists, elbows, knees, legs, torso, even his head…
Every inch of his body was now a weapon, relentlessly battering the surface of the stone slab!
This was a comprehensive tempering of his entire body!
"Not enough! It's still not enough!!!"
Shane's assault grew more and more violent. His eyes were red with exertion, his lips pulled back in an almost savage grin. Sweat beaded on his skin, only to be instantly vaporized by the intense heat, forming a white mist that swirled around him!
His skin was constantly breaking under the force of the rebound, blood seeping out, only to be quickly healed by his powerful regenerative ability.
A cycle, over and over again!
A few months ago, before he had even set sail, his physical and Armament Haki progression had already hit a plateau. Improvement was becoming more and more difficult.
But now, with this new toy, he could finally experience that feeling of steady numerical improvement again.
His muscle fibers were reorganizing, his Haki boiling like magma!
With every punch, the long-stagnant bottleneck loosened slightly, and his stats climbed at a visible rate!
The wonderful feeling of constant positive feedback was intoxicating!
Pain?
It's just fuel for my growth!
When he entered this masochistic state of training…
Pain… simply ceases to exist!
"KEEP GOING! KEEP GOING!!!"
Shane laughed wildly, his roars almost drowning out the sound of the impacts.
In that moment, it was as if he had returned to that small island in the East Blue, back to the nameless young man who had punched a mountain day after day, before Arlong's arrival—
Pure.
Frenzied.
Tireless.
This was his true nature, the way he had been when he first set out on the path of the strong!!!
...
On the deck, Smoker felt the slight tremor from the floorboards and couldn't help but look back, his eye twitching.
"I'm afraid he's going to miss one of those punches and blow The Curtain Call to smithereens…"
He lit two cigars but didn't put them in his mouth. He frowned, lost in thought.
"It doesn't make sense. Did something happen to the captain? Why has he suddenly ramped up his training intensity so much?"
From what he had seen of Shane, he had always had a good balance between training and leisure.
And that was with the rose-tinted glasses of a loyal follower.
In reality, most of the time, the black-haired young man was just lounging on a deck chair, enjoying the sea breeze and the sun.
Occasionally, he would fight with Nami over a tangerine, and when he was really bored, he would just kick Gin into the sea for fun.
In terms of training diligence, he was no match for Kuina, who was immersed in the way of the sword day and night, or even Nojiko, who had been desperately trying to master Haki.
At most, he was only slightly better than Nami, who was always slacking off.
"It's been a long time since I've seen my brother like this. But you just don't know him well enough," Nojiko said, coming up from behind with a glass of orange soda and a grin. "Actually, for a long, long time, he was always like this. A training maniac, that's his true nature."
She looked toward the training room, listening to the dull thuds from within, a small smile on her lips.
"Every time he feels a sense of crisis, feels that he's not strong enough, or finds a new way to train, he goes crazy and pushes himself to the absolute limit."
Feels that he's not strong enough?
Smoker was stunned, his eye twitching.
Is he serious?
How is he not strong enough?
Since he had snuck aboard in the East Blue, he had witnessed a series of reality-defying events.
The veteran Warlord, Crocodile, had been crushed like a small-fry.
The 500-million-Berry Tyrannosaurus Rex, Hanafuda, had been used as a punching bag for two hours.
Even a Marine Admiral, Akainu, had been unable to stop him…
"And he still thinks he's not strong enough?" Smoker's forehead throbbed. "Then what about everyone else?! Are we even supposed to be alive?"
In the entire Grand Line…
No, in the entire world, who the hell has that kind of strength at eighteen?!
"Heh," Nojiko chuckled. She was about to tease him when she noticed a few rough sketches scattered on the table in front of Smoker.
She bent down and picked one up.
It was filled with complex mechanical diagrams, the lines crooked and messy, as if it had been revised countless times.
In the margins were notes like "Flame Thruster" and "Flame-Flame Fruit Energy Conversion Rate."
"This is…"
Nojiko raised an eyebrow. "You want to modify the stern and add a row of flamethrowers, using Nami's Flame-Flame Fruit ability for acceleration?"
Smoker, a cigar between his teeth, scratched his head awkwardly.
"Ah, yeah, that's the idea. I got the inspiration a few days ago, when I was inspecting the lifeboats and saw that cola-powered speedboat."
"That one,"
Nojiko smiled. "It's from Kuina's family. Nami stole it, and it's been on the ship ever since. My brother said it was made by the master shipwright, Tom."
"Tom, the legendary craftsman who built Roger's ship…"
Smoker's eyes lit up. "So it's a masterpiece. No wonder."
He pointed to the design on the table.
"In theory, according to the device I've designed, if we can convert the flame energy of the Flame-Flame Fruit into propulsion, The Curtain Call's speed could be more than doubled."
"It might not be very useful in normal situations, but in extreme circumstances, it could be a game-changer. Like escaping a sudden storm or whirlpool, or shaking off a pursuing warship. Even the Calm Belt… if Nami's stamina holds out, we could cross it in one go."
"That's a great idea!"
Nojiko's eyes lit up. "How's the progress? Have you built it yet?"
"It's just moved from the drawing board to the experimental stage. Here, this is the prototype I made yesterday."
Smoker pulled out a small, exquisite conversion device from under his seat. "But this size is only good for a motorcycle at most. I want to have Nami test it out first, and then I'll gradually improve it and finally build a model that can be used on The Curtain Call."
"Then what are you waiting for?! Let's call Nami over and try it out now!" Nojiko looked around. "That's strange, where is Nami?"
"The newspaper just arrived. Where do you think she is?"
Smoker looked up, exasperated. "Just wait. Before she's done with the paper, no one but the captain can get her to move."
"Understood."
Nojiko snapped her fingers with a grin.
She went straight to the very front of the ship, to the other side of the silver wolf figurehead.
And sure enough, the orange-haired girl was crouching in the shadows by the railing, her eyes red, gritting her teeth and frantically flipping through the newly bought newspaper, as if trying to absorb every word.
"Alright, if you didn't see it on the front page, then you can stop looking. The bounties haven't been updated yet?"
Nojiko handed her an orange soda.
"They haven't! Waaah!"
Nami finally couldn't take it anymore and tore the newspaper to shreds in a fit of frustration. "It's been three days! What is Morgans doing?! Why hasn't he reported it yet?!"
"And what's with Marine Headquarters?! Why haven't they updated the wanted posters yet!!!"
"..."
Nojiko shrugged. She was used to this by now.
This was Nami's daily routine for the past few days.
The moment the News Coo arrived with the paper, she would be the first to buy it and the first to read it. Everyone on the crew had started calling her the "News King" and the "Intelligence Chief."
But, although she was enjoying her sister's antics, this time, the situation was indeed a little strange.
"The bounties haven't been updated in four days. Could it be that the World Economic Journal is under pressure from the World Government again?"
Nojiko stroked her chin thoughtfully. "Just like what happened on Whiskey Peak?"
"No, it's not like that,"
Smoker, who had followed her, said, shaking his head.
"Last time, it was because Marine Headquarters wanted to save face and capture us as quickly as possible, so they suppressed the news for half a month. But after the battle of Thor Island, the World Government should know that with the captain's strength, that's not something they can just do whenever they want."
Smoker blew a smoke ring, his brow furrowed. "And besides, the mouth of the Sandy River was packed with merchant ships from all over. There were tens of thousands of witnesses. The news of the Hanafuda Pirates' demise has probably already spread throughout the surrounding seas. It won't take long for it to reach the New World and the Four Blues. They can't possibly suppress it."
"Then why…"
"Two possibilities," Smoker said, narrowing his eyes. "First, Marine Headquarters has gathered an even larger force than last time, with more than one Admiral, and they're planning to go all out and completely annihilate us."
"Considering the outbreak of the Enies Lobby incident and the strain on Marine Headquarters' forces, that's highly unlikely. We can basically rule it out."
"That's true," Nojiko nodded. "So what's the second possibility?"
"I've got it!"
Nami suddenly cried out, as if she had just woken from a dream. She slapped her open palm with her fist. "They must have seen my true strength and are having a hard time deciding on my bounty! Marine Headquarters doesn't know whether to raise it to two hundred million or three hundred million, and they're still arguing about it in a meeting! Wagagagaga!!!"
"..."
Nojiko and Smoker were both silent for a moment.
"I'm sorry, Nami," Nojiko said, hugging her sister and stroking her head guiltily. "From now on, I'll never tease you and call you the 'News King' again."
Look what the blow has done to the poor kid. She's started talking nonsense.
"Cough."
Smoker also rubbed his temples and shook his head helplessly. "Let me continue. The second possibility is that Marine Headquarters… no, perhaps the World Government itself, has decided to bypass Marine Headquarters and recruit the captain to fill the vacant Warlord position."
He flicked the ash from his cigar and looked out at the sea, his eyes narrowed. "If I'm not mistaken, the people the World Government has sent to negotiate are probably already on their way. They should be trying to contact us soon."
They want to make my brother a Warlord?
Nojiko was taken aback, a thoughtful look on her face.
It's very possible. After becoming a Warlord, your bounty is frozen. That would explain why Marine Headquarters hasn't updated the bounties.
But… with my brother's personality, would he accept the invitation?
…
Meanwhile, on the second-floor open-air dojo.
Robin leaned against the railing, her slender fingers gently propping up her chin. The sea breeze carried Smoker's words to her ears.
She smiled faintly. "Ara, Mr. Smoker is a former Marine, after all. His analysis is quite sound. Did you hear that?"
"I heard, Robin-san,"
the wind rustled the black hair that fell around Kuina's face. She was reclining in a wicker chair, her gaze focused and calm, her attention completely absorbed in the Yasuo's swordsmanship manual in her hand.
She didn't look up, but she said softly, "If you ask me, the World Government should have done this a long time ago. With Lord Shane's strength, if he were to join the Seven Warlords, it wouldn't be an honor for him, but for the entire Warlord system."
"..." Robin was speechless.
If someone had told her, when she had first met her, that this cool, proud swordswoman was actually Shane's most ardent and loyal fan, she would have never believed it.
But after spending these past few days with her, and from her own subtle observations, it seemed to be true.
"How's it coming along?"
Robin sat down across from Kuina. "You've started from the beginning again. You must have finished reading it, right?"
She had seen with her own eyes as Shane had casually tossed the swordsmanship manual to Kuina while they were having breakfast.
Because of his casual manner, everyone had thought it wasn't anything important.
But the sword-obsessed girl had treated it like a precious treasure. She had been devouring it for the past few days, forgoing food and sleep, pouring all her energy into it.
She had even come to her several times, asking for help in deciphering some of the more obscure and profound parts.
"Mmm, with your notes, Robin-san, I've more or less finished it, and I've even learned a few of the more basic techniques,"
Kuina said, rubbing her sore eyes and looking up. "But some of the techniques are still too difficult to master. From now on, I have to practice with all my might and completely absorb everything in it as soon as possible."
"You can do it," Robin said with a smile. "If it's you, Kuina, I'm sure you'll have no problem."
"Mmm."
Kuina nodded seriously, her gaze firm.
"Then I'll be in the library,"
Robin said, standing up to leave. The library was her favorite place on the ship. It was quiet, rustic, and elegant, just to her taste.
If she hadn't known that she and Shane hadn't even met when this ship was being built, she would have thought that he had designed it specifically to her tastes.
Kuina sat in the wicker chair, silently watching Robin leave.
When Robin's figure had disappeared into the cabin, she lowered her head and closed the book, her fingertips gently caressing the cover of the Yasuo's swordsmanship manual, as if she could feel the life's work of the white-haired old sword master through the paper.
This manual that Lord Shane gave me is truly precious.
Even she, who had been taught by Koshiro since she was a child and had high standards, had to admit that she was in awe of the profundity of this manual.
If it were to be auctioned off at a major auction house, swordsmen from all over the world would probably fight to the death for it.
And now that it was in her hands, she would not disappoint Lord Shane's expectations!
I have to master it as quickly as possible!
And then, even as a Swordmaster, my swordsmanship will undoubtedly leap to a whole new level!
VWOOM—!
Kuina took a deep breath, finally stood up, and drew her sword. She looked up at the target in front of her.
Today, I'll start with the first ultimate technique, 'Steel Tempest'!
——————
Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
In an office, a plaque with the words "Justice Shall Reign Supreme" hung on the wall.
"Have you confirmed the target's general location? Mmm, good. Continue to investigate. The negotiators will be departing soon."
Sengoku hung up the phone and looked up at the old man across from him, who was secretly eating his senbei.
"Garp, the Holy Land has decided. You will be in charge of the negotiations and the signing of the Warlord agreement."
"Pfft—"
Garp spat out a mouthful of senbei crumbs, his eyes wide. "Huh?! Are you kidding me?! I'm on vacation! My vacation isn't even half over! And besides, for a Warlord thing, isn't it usually enough to just send a Rear Admiral or a Commodore? Do you really have to bother me?"
Sengoku emotionlessly wiped the senbei crumbs from his face, snatched the rest of the senbei from him, and slapped a file on the table. "This is a direct order from the Five Elders. No more talk. Get going now. The entire Mary Geoise is paying close attention to this matter. There's no time for you to argue with me. Get Shane to sign this agreement as soon as possible."
"Get lost! I'm not—"
Garp roared, but then he suddenly realized something and paused. "Wait, who did you say I'm going to see?"
"Shane. Your fellow East Blue native and your good student, Shane,"
Sengoku said, exasperated. "Have you forgotten already? Didn't you suggest that we recruit him as a Warlord last time? And now that I'm really sending you, you're not happy about it?"
"Puhahaha, so it's him! Well, I have no choice then. I'll go,"
Garp said, scratching his head and laughing loudly. "I told you, the kid is a good person. Why do you have to keep hassling him? Making him a Warlord is the best solution…"
So the Marines are the ones hassling him?!!
Sengoku was so angry he nearly tore off his goat-beard. Does this old fool even know what he's saying?
He's killed two Marine Vice Admirals and two Warlords! He's basically stomped on the dignity of Marine Headquarters!
If it weren't for the sudden decision from Mary Geoise, he would have never compromised with this brat so quickly!
"I'm telling you, Sengoku."
"What now?!"
"You're a pretty good guy, you know that? No wonder those old geezers in the Holy Land insisted on sending me. It was you who reported the plan I came up with last time, right?!"
That was a crappy plan!!!
What is this guy thinking?! How could that possibly be the reason?
Sengoku's face was ashen. The Holy Land had originally planned to send a CP unit to negotiate. The only reason Garp had been chosen in the end was because of his strong recommendation!
That Shane was no easy person to deal with.
If Garp went, then, seeing as they were old acquaintances, at least they wouldn't start fighting the moment they met. And that would increase the chances of a successful negotiation.
…
Half an hour later, the dog-headed warship sailed out of the crescent-shaped harbor and set off at full speed toward Alabasta.
Garp stood at the bow, popping donuts into his mouth and laughing loudly. "Shane, my boy! It's been a long time! I'm coming for you!!"
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