Chapter 29: Growth
[Main Building, Marineford]
"You did what!" shouted Sengoku, as his peaceful day had finally came to an end.
"Sengoku, it wasn't that serious, just a civil conversation" replied Ray casually, standing in front of Sengoku's desk.
"Civil conversation... with a god damn Yonko of the sea!" voiced out Sengoku in frustration before continuing.
"Not only that, you were by yourself... how the hell did Garp raise you"
Sengoku was thoroughly rubbing his temples, trying to reduce his building stress.
"Look at the end of the day, nothing happened" said Ray.
"Hah, you know what... forget it, just get out of my damn office"
"You'll be stationed here till further notice" concluded Sengoku as Ray walked out of the office.
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9 months later...
Lukas chased after Ray, whilst swinging his longsword wildly at him, he figured uncoordinated attacks were more effective against an opponent with such sharp perception.
Despite his best efforts, not a single one of Lukas's strikes had landed.
Ray suddenly launched a side kick, firmly landing onto Lukas's stomach, sending him tumbling across the training grounds.
"Hmm, not bad but not good either" commented Ray, Lukas had grown a lot, both physically and mentally.
He was still going through puberty so he was rapidly growing, especially under Ray's tutelage.
Lukas had nearly reached 6 feet and he wasn't even 14 yet, it seemed he might be quite a tall figure in the future.
"I think it's about time I teach you some tricks, get up kid" declared Ray, hearing his words, Lukas quickly got up and stood in front of Ray.
"Physically, you've developed to the point where you can learn some techniques but it'll take you a while"
"You're growing body is somewhat hindering you at the moment" pointed out Ray.
Then Ray began demonstrating the six techniques of Rokushiki, unlike Garp. Ray explained in detail as Lukas was his only student.
"I think I understand the basics of it, sir" voiced out Lukas.
"Understanding a technique is easy kid, actually utilising it effectively is another" replied Ray as Lukas nodded his head.
"Anyway, shift your focus onto the techniques, we're going out to sea to patrol" concluded Ray as he left.
It wasn't only Lukas that had grown, Ray had finally incorporated Fish-Man Karate into his own style.
The combination of Rokuogan, Fish-Man Karate and Advanced forms of Haki had lethal synergy, one that bolstered his physical strikes to another level.
However, that had highlighted another problem in his fighting style. His swordsmanship somewhat hampered his full combat prowess.
Previously, he'd just switch back and forth from utilising his katana but that would truly be a waste.
Ray figured he could develop a new style, one where he could use his fists as well as his swordsmanship.
If he were to estimate his own strength, he'd be just slightly weaker than a Yonko like Big Mom.
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Somewhere in the New World...
"Heh Heh Heh! Man the New World's much more exciting than Paradise" declared a certain captain on a certain pirate ship.
Currently, the entire crew was drinking on the ship, celebrating their journey into the New World.
"Aye, Paradise was too small for us" commented another before a pirate shouted in panic.
"CAP! T-there's a Marine ship approaching our way!"
Suddenly, their mood dwindled as they all drew their weapons.
"Is it an Admiral?" questioned the captain in concern.
"Unlikely cap, at most a Vice Admiral" replied the scout.
"We can handle a measly Vice Admiral, am I right boys?!?" announced the captain in enthusiasm.
"AYE!" shouted all the crewmates at once.
On the other side...
"Man, who's letting all these weaklings into the New World" voiced out Ray in annoyance.
Lukas stood next to him, calming himself for his first real battle as he tightly gripped the hilt of his sword.
"Boys! I'll let you have some fun, they're quite weak" declared Ray, with his Observation Haki he could feel that the pirates weren't up to the standards of the New World.
They were destined to be crushed by a Yonko even if they hadn't met Ray anyway.
Sensing the pirates were willing to fight, Ray let their ship get a little closer.
Moments later...
When both ships approached one another, the pirates fired off their cannons.
Unexpectedly, a single slash by Ray sliced the cannon balls in half.
"What the fuck!?" shouted the pirates opposite Ray.
Unwilling to let them escape, Ray directed his attention towards their sail.
Casually flicking his katana, an invisible slash cut through the pirates sail, leaving them stranded.
Unleashing a small wave of Conqueror's Haki, Ray knocked out those pirates operating the cannons, he was too lazy to constantly block them.
Shortly after, the Marines as well as Lukas boarded their ship, charging at the Pirates.
Unlike before, Sengoku forced Ray to have more men on his ship, it was a smart play by Sengoku.
This way, Ray would be more cautious patrolling the Grandline, he would endanger the lives of his men if he charged at every Yonko he saw.
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Shortly after, most of the pirates on board were quickly slaughtered by his subordinates apart from the captain.
Currently, the captain was humiliating Lukas who stubbornly rushed at the strongest member.
Ray simply sighed, the boy wanted to prove himself but he overestimated his strength, he was too reckless.
In Ray's perspective, the captain was weak, but so was every pirate except those in a Yonko's crew.
"Boy... just fucking give up will ya!" declared the pirate in anger as swung his saber at Lukas. Unable to dodge, Lukas decide to block but was sent flying back.
Lukas laid on the ground in utter despair, he had ultimately lost his first real battle.
He felt humiliated and blamed himself for his uselessness.
Figuring it was about time, Ray instantly flashed in front of the pirate, scaring him to near death.
Without hesitation, Ray plunged his right hand through the pirate's stomach.
Ripping out his guts, the pirate screamed in pain as he fell to his knees.
Throwing his guts across the deck, Ray commanded.
"Alright boys, job's done and treat those that are wounded!"
"Yes, Vice Admiral!" shouted all his subordinates.
The pirate was left on the deck of his own ship, spending his last moments alone as he bled out to death...
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Pzero
Pzero Sorry but I'm gonna take a break for a week or so folks, I'm busy with some private matters but I'll be back to my regular routine soon
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