Chapter 11: Zephyr's Camp [II]
-------------------------------------------------------------
Vincent
-------------------------------------------------------------
Again!
With as much strength in my right leg, I attempt to deliver a blow that would at least move my opponent.
Unfortunately, it's pointless.
Commodore State is stronger than I am by a lot even while suffering from a debuff.
I'm not entirely sure what it is, but, it is clear that his strength even while weakened is greater than mine.
But, with each exchange, I can feel myself coming a bit closer and closer.
Still, while his strength stat wasn't double mine, I felt that he was definitely several times stronger.
On the other hand for me, while my strength wasn't double Smoker's, it was very close, but, even then, I was at most two times stronger than Smoker.
I'll have to note this. But, for now, I'm practising my kicks. A right kick that bends with movement, it's something that I've tried to make up, but I've had difficulty in doing so.
Normally, I would have just used my grandfather's techniques, but, I've been told that my body isn't developed enough yet, and I should try to create techniques that will adapt starting from my age now.
Also, there's apparently been something about a 'Youth Marine Event' that's going to be coming up. It sounds interesting, but, more surprisingly, it was something that wasn't in the canon...
I'll check up on it later...
-------------------------------------------------------------
Zephyr
-------------------------------------------------------------
Zephyr watched as Vincent and Commodore State sparred. He smirked at the scene, Vincent was simply too much like Garp.
This could also go both ways as either a compliment or an insult. Though, only Sengoku ever saw it as an insult, with everyone else seeing it as a compliment.
Regardless, Zephyr had been told by Sengoku that he should Vincent restraint. Something that Garp likely never bothered to teach.
The instructor had a long thought on what Sengoku had told him, but, decided not to follow the Fleet Admiral's orders.
Even if he didn't want to admit it, he knew that the Marines needed another Garp. They needed someone who would defy orders to help those that couldn't help themselves.
Garp was that sort of person. And, though Zephyr was also the type, he was to busy training the next generation.
Zephyr saw Garp within Vincent and that was enough.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Vincent
-------------------------------------------------------------
Seventeen losses. Or rather, seventeen ways to not win against a Marine Commodore.
Commodore State was on the defensive as Vincent unleashed a flurry of attacks, they were all of course blocked, and through the use of Tekkai.
It didn't matter whichever attack that Vincent attempted, in the end, it was too weak against the Commodore.
State, in truth, was also not using his full strength to defend. It was close, but, not the exact amount.
He had volunteered to spar with Vincent after noting that Rear Admiral Lana was becoming bored, and in his mind, it was dangerous when someone such as her became bored.
Rear Admiral Lana could be described as the reckless type. This probably came from the fact that there were very few pirates capable of challenging her.
If not for the fact that she never bothered to achieve proficiency in Observation Haki, then she would have long been a Vice Admiral, but for unknown reasons, she never went on to improve her Observation Haki.
The Commodore didn't know why she never did, but, he figured it wasn't any of his business. But, he did figure that it was his business to try and help Vincent with the sparring.
Though Commodore State was, by all means, weaker than Rear Admiral Lana, they both knew in fighting, while strength was, by all means, an important factor in fighting. It wasn't the absolute important or only factor.
Skill was another factor.
When two foes of nearly equal strength would battle, the one with greater skill or ability to use the strength would be the victor.
Commodore State was the best example of this.
He was a master of the Six Powers, more skilled in it than any other Marine. In terms of pure skill for the Six Powers, they only ones capable of defeating him would be the CP-0, as even the current generation of CP-9 would be insufficient against him.
For this, Commodore State was a superb teacher of the Six Powers. And, thus, most fit to teach Vincent, though he did mainly as he owed a debt to Garp than anything else.
-------------------------------------------------------------
One Month Later
-------------------------------------------------------------
Thirty-three losses. Or rather, another sixteen ways that Vincent has found to not win against Commodore State.
Their sparring continues as Zephyr continues to watch. Vincent's style hasn't changed too much, it's something that Zephyr refused to change.
Instead, he decides to watch. While Commodore State is nowhere as great as a teacher as Zephyr, his use of the Six Powers is beyond even the former Admiral.
Not that the former Admiral relies on the Six Powers. No, Zephyr has no need for the Six Powers. Though, it is clear that Vincent does.
Five months left until the Youth Marine Event.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Garp
-------------------------------------------------------------
It had been a few weeks since he had thrown Vincent to Marineford.
Garp was on his ship lying down on a chair and absorbing the sunlight, something that the Marine Hero would rarely do, but, figured today was an exception.
He just couldn't help but remember someone.
"Uwaahh!" Garp groaned as for some reason he began to remember a certain event a few years ago.
How odd.
-------------------------------------------------------------
One Month Later
-------------------------------------------------------------
A punch is thrown, and despite its strength, it's unable to even dent the body of Commodore State whose body is protected by Tekkai.
Vincent throws another punch, and again it is unable to even dent the body of the Commodore.
He keeps on trying, his punches become faster and faster, stronger as well, but still not enough.
Eventually, Vincent gives up from sheer exhaustion of simply trying to hurt the Commodore.
Four months left until the Youth Marine Event.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Fleet Admiral's Office
-------------------------------------------------------------
From the birth of Princess Nefertari Vivi, the disappearance of Prince Bellet, the escape from Mary Geoise and even to the extermination of the people of Flevance.
Fleet Admiral Sengoku stood tall with justice on both his wide shoulders as he observed the current events happening around the world.
There were very few events if any that could ever escape him, after all, it was his job to keep track of everything.
Still, he had a bad feeling about things.
It wasn't about the Youth Marine Event.
No, he just felt it.
Something about the artist depiction of the Fishman, it was the face of a desperate man.
And, it was desperate men, who were the most dangerous.
-------------------------------------------------------------
One Month Later
-------------------------------------------------------------
Within seconds, a Shigan is used and aimed at Vincent's chest, instantly knocking unconscious.
"Eleventh attempt," Commodore State noted down, Vincent's Tekkai was strangely not improving.
Additionally, it seemed that Vincent's Shigan and Kami-e were barely at a beginner level. Though he did also note that Vincent likely didn't need the latter due to learning Observation Haki at such an early age.
On the other hand, Vincent's Geppo, Rankyaku and Soru were quite impressive. Though not enough to join the CP-9, it was better than the children being trained, except, perhaps Rob Lucci, who was deemed to be better than even some of the current members of CP-9.
Commodore State was once asked to join the CP-9 when he was only a Captain, though he refused, not wanting to work under Chief Spandine, though he did hear that someone else was going to be soon taking over CP-9.
Three months left until the Youth Marine Event.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Vincent
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Your Tekkai hasn't improved at all. Even more so, your Shigan while strong, is meant to act as a pistol, fast and piercing. Your one is slow and you keep trying to make it like a punch," Commodore State says as he's teaching me.
As better as a teacher in the Six Powers than my grandfather is, he is just as boring the same way. Something about my Shigan not being piercing, which I don't know how to fix. Thankfully, he has however given me leeway on my Kami-e, saying that it's probably unnecessary due to my Haki.
Though, I kind of do want to learn Rokuogan after seeing State using it on a practice wall, yes there are practice walls, but, I don't think I'll be able to learn it since it does require already mastering the Six Powers.
Which, I will not be able to accomplish for quite some time. I currently can't even use Tekkai properly. Something about not thinking hard enough. Though, when I was taught it, it was just enough training makes my body become as hard as iron.
It doesn't sound to unreasonable right?
I mean I doubt that if someone shot a bullet to Garp that it would actually hurt him. His body is probably strong enough just normally without even getting ready to fight or using Haki.
But, still. Tekkai was shown as actually turning your body to be like iron by actively hardening the muscles. How do you harden your muscles? I mean, my muscles are strong because of intense training.
But, how would you do actively do it?
Uhh... Well, I've got to keep training, don't I?
-------------------------------------------------------------
Enies Lobby
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Chief Spandine, did you hear about the Youth Marine Event?" A middle-aged man with flowing grey hair and a small goatee of the same colour asked another man with black hair combed neatly, but also flowing at the back.
"Youth Marine Event, what kind of event is that Laskey?" Spandine answered, to which Laskey quickly replied, "Following the reveal of Vice-Admiral Garp's grandson, the Five Elder Stars have decided to host the first Marine Tournament."
"How does this concern us?" Spandine replied, uninterested.
"We have been sent an invitation from Fleet Admiral Sengoku to send our join members under the age of 24." Laskey continued, though Spandine still seemed uninterested, "Hmmm, it still doesn't concern us."
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku stated that he would ask Commander in Chief Kong to consider your request for---"
"What are waiting for, let's go!" Spandine interrupted, happy that the recently promoted Fleet Admiral was accepting enough to view his letter.
Laskey didn't reply, simply content and used to following his Chief.
Though, his Chief did know that the Youth Marine Event wasn't for another 3 months, right?
-------------------------------------------------------------
Notes: (Didn't fit in Author's Thought)
1. This probably better explains the point, I tried to make in the last chapter about the large differences of strength between people. Someone who's able to carry ten kilograms beats someone who's able to carry five. But, someone who's able to carry one hundred kilograms easily beats someone who's able to carry fifty kilograms. Same goes with the strength stats.
2. Also, in case you are confused. Rokushiki/Six Powers are not counted in stats. It's a martial art/skill.
3. Vincent Age: Fourteen and Four Months (I'm going to ignore his exact birthday here since it is easier to keep track of this way.)
4. I will be editing some chapters. You'll see if I do edit them since I will be adding a note after the chapter ends and what I did edit every time. [6/2/19 Edit --> Check Author's Note]
Bit short chapter as well.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Greenfield
Greenfield Apologies for being so late again.
I'll release another one tomorrow. This should've been released yesterday, unfortunately, I fell asleep when I was meant to be doing this.
So, there should be another chapter tomorrow, and except for next Monday, I should be able to release a chapter a day, until, I'm back to schedule.
EDIT: 6/2/19
Ok, the above part is unrealistic, and I really need to start recognising my limits.
I'll release a chapter whenever I can.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone