Because Eli had been training Kuina, he and his crew spent nearly eight years in Shimotsuki Village. By now, it was the year 1509 of the Sea Circle Calendar and Eli Winters had turned fourteen. His Armament Haki had finally reached the pinnacle level.
His current stats were as follows:
Age: 14
Strength: King-level
Speed: King-level
Spirit: King-level
Devil Fruit: Reworked Spatial Fruit
Spatial Mastery: 43%
Haki:
Observation Haki: Top-tier (basic future sight)
Armament Haki: Top-tier (Ryuo)
Conqueror's Haki: Top-tier (infusion mastery)
Haki Techniques: The Six Paths of Kings Dragon Path, Tiger Path, Bear Path, Whale Path, Bull Path, Eagle Path.
Fruit Abilities: Spatial Slash, Chaos Blades, Storage Space, Dual Kamui (Phasing, Warp, Transit, Distortion), Teleportation, Spatial Lockdown, Space Walk, Void Exile (banishes enemies into chaotic space turbulence that tears them apart), and Spatial Gate (creates large-scale transport portals unlike Kamui, which requires contact).
Spatial Arts: Radiant Cross of Light, Space Compression.
Swordsmanship: Great Swordsman Realm Breaking Point, Flying Slash, Phantom Sword Style, and Shattering Blade Style.
Combo Technique: Ultimate Hunting Judgment.
Overall Strength: King-level (In this world, "Emperor" is a title, not a true power rank. King-level denotes the pinnacle of combat might.)
Companion: Big Pan the Kung Fu Panda
Age: 8
Haki: Advanced Observation, Advanced Armament (Ryuo), Intermediate Conqueror's.
Skills: Eight Desolate Staff Techniques.
Secret Arts: Shockwave, Martial Break, Wave Stack, Spell Wheel, Shadow Staff, Dual Balance Staff.
Strength: Admiral-level.
Prosperity Points: 83,009.
Spatial Inventory: Paramecia Fruits (Float-Float, Glide-Glide, Bubble-Bubble), three Zoan Fruits, a modern speedboat, a disguise mask, two annihilation railguns, two purification serums, a mysterious map, a fine compass, a substitute puppet, and various treasures.
Special Item: Life Gourd (two drops).
Eli looked at his status panel with deep satisfaction. At his age, reaching the world's highest tier of Haki was extraordinary. He had no more weaknesses only potential waiting to be refined.
His gaze then shifted to a small wooden humanoid puppet within his spatial storage. It was a reward from the village's "sign-in" challenge along with the prosperity points. The puppet was a Substitute Doll a rare item that could take a fatal blow in someone's stead.
The moment he saw it, Eli knew it was meant for Kuina. In the original flow of fate, Kuina would meet her end at eleven. This time, he refused to let destiny repeat itself. She was ten now stronger than before thanks to his guidance but fate was a stubborn force.
The Substitute Doll required a drop of the target's blood to bind. Once linked, it would activate automatically to save its owner from certain death. Eli had already done that in secret. To ensure absolute safety, he also placed a Spatial Mark on Kuina an anchor that would trigger instant teleportation if her life were ever in danger.
He wouldn't take Kuina with him, though. First, she was still too young and inexperienced. Second, Kōshirō her father and master swordsman of Shimotsuki Village would never allow it. Kuina was his only daughter, and he would never risk her life at sea, no matter who her teacher was.
That evening, Eli gathered his crew. "We've stayed long enough," he announced with a calm smile. "It's time to sail again."
Everyone agreed without hesitation. Though life in Shimotsuki Village had been peaceful, they were adventurers by heart. The sea vast and unpredictable was their true home.
The next morning, Eli visited Kōshirō's house. The old swordsman had fully recovered from his injuries long ago but remained in the village while Eli trained Kuina.
Sitting across from each other, Eli said straightforwardly, "Master Kōshirō, I've come to bid farewell. My crew and I will set sail tomorrow to continue our journey."
Kōshirō's hand paused mid-tea sip. Though he had expected this day, the words still struck him with a quiet ache. Over the past months, he had grown fond of this calm yet extraordinary young man his daughter's teacher and savior.
"Leaving already?" he asked softly.
Eli smiled faintly. "My journey is far from over. There are seas yet uncharted, islands yet unseen. This village was never meant to be the end. And as for Kuina… she's grown so much. With her spirit, she'll one day surpass even me."
Kōshirō nodded slowly. "You've done more for her than I could ever repay. She's stronger, brighter, more confident now. Thank you. But out there be cautious. The sea is kind to no one."
Eli inclined his head in gratitude.
Later that night, as he was packing, Kuina ran in with red eyes. "Sensei, are you really leaving?"
Eli knelt and gently ruffled her hair. "Yes, Kuina. It's time. Keep training, and next time we meet, I expect to see a true swordswoman."
Tears welled in her eyes as she hugged him tightly. "Then promise you'll visit often!"
Eli chuckled. "I'm a Spatial user, remember? I can appear anytime. When I return, I'll test your progress myself."
Kuina wiped her tears and nodded hard. "I won't disappoint you, Sensei."
At dawn, the harbor was alive with farewells. Kōshirō stood with his dojo students, including a determined green-haired boy Zoro.
Eli had never formally taken Zoro as a disciple, but during Kuina's training, the boy often observed from the sidelines. Eli, amused by his persistence, even drafted a training regimen for him. Zoro's physical potential and grit had allowed him to progress faster than Kuina.
As the crew loaded supplies, Kuina threw herself at Eli again, crying openly.
Eli sighed and patted her head. "Enough tears. Didn't I promise I'd come back?"
"You better not forget!" she sniffled.
"I won't," he said with a smile.
Filina teased from the side, "Oh my, Kuina, you're making us jealous! Not even a goodbye for us?"
Chiyo laughed. "Right? You said my cooking was your favorite!"
Blushing bright red, Kuina stammered, "I-I'll miss you too, Filina-sis, Chiyo-sis!"
Everyone burst into laughter, lightening the heavy air of parting.
Eli turned to Kōshirō and bowed slightly. "Farewell, everyone."
"Take care," Kōshirō replied quietly.
Zoro clenched his fists. "One day, I'll defeat you!"
Eli grinned, pinching the boy's cheek. "Then train hard, Zoro. I'm not easy to beat."
"Quit pinching me, you jerk!" Zoro roared, face flushed.
The group erupted in laughter once more.
Just as Eli was about to board the Silver Dragon, Zoro shouted, "Eli-sensei! Stay alive out there!"
Eli smiled faintly. Without turning, he raised his hand and waved.
The sails unfurled, and the Silver Dragon glided gracefully from the dock. Eli stood at the bow, watching the shrinking outline of Shimotsuki Village.
Kuina… grow strong. And Zoro, I can't wait to see how far you'll go.
Turning his gaze to the horizon, Eli's eyes gleamed with anticipation. The next chapter of their journey awaited.
Their destination: Syrup Village the hometown of a certain sharpshooter named Usopp.
But on the way there, something unexpected happened.
As the Silver Dragon sliced through the waves like a gleaming serpent, the crew relaxed, enjoying the calm voyage. For them, sailing wasn't about rushing it was about savoring every adventure that came their way.
Then Simon's booming voice shattered the serenity. "Captain! A merchant ship's heading straight for us!"
Eli opened his eyes, curiosity flickering. "Any signs of hostility?"
"None yet," Simon replied. "Looks like a coincidence."
Eli nodded. "Then ignore it for now."
But moments later, Simon shouted again, voice tense. "Captain it's changing course! They're coming straight at us!"
Eli stood, eyes narrowing. Striding to the railing, he peered across the waves. The approaching vessel looked like a simple merchant ship but something felt… off.
As it drew closer, his gaze fixed on a lone figure standing at its bow.
His breath caught for a moment.
"That face…" Eli muttered, eyes widening. "What's he doing here?"
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