Chapter 18: Special Instruction
Rokushiki represents the pinnacle of various martial arts techniques—practical combat skills developed over hundreds of years by generations of powerful naval officers. These techniques are applicable to nearly anyone, whether they practice martial arts, swordsmanship, or possess Devil Fruit abilities.
This level of martial arts naturally requires an extremely high learning threshold. Not just anyone is qualified to practice it; at the very least, one must possess a near-superhuman physique to even begin training.
Among the newly recruited trainees, perhaps only two or three like Rez might qualify, and they likely won't be able to master the techniques completely.
The rest will probably need several months or even half a year of conditioning just to barely reach the required physical standards.
This was truly remarkable—these trainees would likely grow up to become capable of leading their own units.
"It seems these trainees recruited by headquarters are being groomed as future officer candidates."
"No wonder the minimum requirement is 200 Doriki. After three years of training, they'll likely possess strength approaching or even comparable to that of Revolutionary Army commanders."
This thought flashed through Rhodes' mind, and a sudden realization dawned on him.
It seemed that each of the four seas should have a sub-base similar to Baltigo, commanded by one of the four army commanders, responsible for training ordinary soldiers and forming the grassroots foundation of the Revolutionary Army.
"It's similar to the Marines."
But the Marines' reach was even more extensive. Naval branches and bases across the four seas, even in Paradise, trained new recruits. Those with sufficient talent were then transferred to the elite units at Marine Headquarters for advanced training.
This demonstrated that the Marines' foundation was truly formidable, making them one of the most powerful forces on the seas—perhaps even the absolute strongest.
However, the Revolutionary Army was considered a threat by the World Government, which had ruled the world for eight hundred years. Besides these conventional forces, they must also be hiding many deeper secrets.
"For the foreseeable future, you will practice Rokushiki."
Hack spoke solemnly. "It doesn't matter if you can't master them immediately. These are physical techniques that transcend human limitations and can accelerate your physical development. Be careful not to overexert yourselves—injuring your body would be counterproductive."
"Everyone, dismissed. Rhodes, you stay behind."
"Yes, sir!" everyone responded, rising to leave. Before departing, each cast an envious glance toward Rhodes.
This clearly indicated special treatment.
But there was no helping it. With Rhodes' first-place performance on the mission, even if somewhat exaggerated, his strength was undoubtedly far superior to theirs.
Rez sighed internally, feeling somewhat bitter. Previously, he'd believed he was the strongest among their class.
"I'll definitely catch up to you!"
He glanced at Rhodes' calm expression and vowed silently.
Rhodes had no idea what Rez was thinking, and wouldn't care even if he knew. With his training speed, once someone fell behind, it would be nearly impossible to catch up.
After everyone left, Hack slowly approached Rhodes and sat down. He smiled and said:
"With your talent, although I only explained briefly, I believe you should be able to understand the concepts. If there's anything unclear, you can ask now."
Seeing his attitude, Rhodes suddenly realized that this Rokushiki training was probably intended primarily for him alone. After all, for Rez and the others, learning Rokushiki was still quite a stretch.
After a moment's consideration, Rhodes asked several questions—all detailed inquiries, some about Soru and Geppo, others about daily practice routines.
Hack was a martial arts master who had been teaching for many years. He had a clear understanding of the challenges students would encounter during training. His answers were precise and logical, and with Rhodes' enhanced intelligence, he grasped them instantly, experiencing sudden clarity.
Previously, practicing alone, he had unknowingly taken many wrong paths. While these might not seem harmful initially, they could be detrimental to his health if continued long-term.
The human body was a delicate instrument—even the slightest error could have serious consequences.
With Hack's guidance, Rhodes felt he could not only correct these mistakes, but also improve his future training efficiency by 10% or 20%.
Don't underestimate such improvements—over time, even a 20% increase represented significant advancement.
After answering another question, Hack looked at Rhodes patiently, showing not even a hint of impatience.
"Any other questions?"
"No, thank you, Master Hack."
Rhodes expressed his gratitude sincerely.
"It's my responsibility to teach my students. No need for thanks."
Hack smiled warmly. "Your talent for swordsmanship is unlike anything I've seen. Work hard and don't let it go to waste."
"I'll definitely keep that in mind."
Seeing his attitude, Rhodes was slightly surprised, then realized that his lightning power had probably been mistaken for sword intent he had comprehended.
However, this was all within his expectations and not surprising.
Being low-key had its advantages, and being high-profile had its benefits too.
As long as what he revealed remained within understandable parameters, there wouldn't be excessive risk.
At this moment, Rhodes was at best a promising young man with extraordinary talent and unlimited potential.
Whether he could achieve greatness remained uncertain.
"Alright, go practice diligently."
"Yes, sir."
Rhodes nodded respectfully and stood to leave.
From behind, a bearded man in a long coat and cap, with a cigarette in his mouth, slowly approached.
"So? Is this young man truly so talented that you're giving him special training?"
"Ah, Kildeo! This kid is genuinely gifted. At only sixteen, he's already manifested his own sword intent."
The man was Terry Kildeo, the Revolutionary Army's intelligence chief. He held a position of considerable power and influence—one of the Revolutionary Army's senior commanders.
"Oh? Sixteen? That's quite impressive!"
Kildeo gasped, then quickly asked: "What type of sword intent?"
There were many varieties of sword intent. It could even be said that every swordsman could comprehend the most unique and suitable sword intent for themselves. There was no inherent hierarchy of strength—it all depended on the individual swordsman.
"Lightning elemental!"
Hack's lips curved slightly, his eyes filled with approval.
"Elemental type?"
Kildeo narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. "Although elemental sword intent surpasses physical techniques in destructive power, it seems to create barriers when advancing to the level of Dai-Kengo{Great Swordmaster}."
As the intelligence chief at Revolutionary Army headquarters, Kildeo was aware of the Dai-Kengo who stood at the ocean's pinnacle. Legend said that a Dai-Kengo mastered the true essence of the blade, possessing power to split mountains and sever seas with a single strike—power that truly transformed the impossible into reality.
Hack paused momentarily, then smiled and shook his head. "When he truly reaches that level, his strength will likely surpass both of ours. Why worry about such distant concerns?"
"You're right."
Kildeo chuckled. "Come on, let's head to my place. I'll treat you to a drink."
"Now you're talking! I've been eyeing that bottle of Northern Ice Wine you brought from North Blue for quite some time."
Hack's eyes lit up as he headed out first.
Seeing this, the forgotten Koala shook her head with amusement. She stretched languidly and slowly made her way toward her quarters.
Time for some well-deserved sleep.
(End of Chapter)
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