Chapter 57: Grandline
With the supplies loaded and Carmen now officially part of the crew as their chef, the journey ahead was set in stone. Recruiting her had been surprisingly easy; Dave's promise of protection, combined with the opportunity to travel the seas and discover exotic ingredients, sealed the deal. Carmen, eager to explore and expand her culinary skills, was excited to join them, ready to bring her expertise and creativity to every meal.
Soon, they reached the towering Reverse Mountain, an awe-inspiring natural phenomenon where the water defied gravity, surging upward instead of flowing down. But unlike most who struggled to navigate this wonder, Tony simply activated the ship's flight mode. The vessel lifted effortlessly, soaring over the mountain rather than braving the chaotic, upward current.
As they glided past, Dave noticed a small lighthouse near the peak and decided to land. His purpose was clear—he wanted to seek out Crocus, the doctor of the Pirate King's crew. Dave was particularly interested in learning about Haki and was certain that someone of Crocus's experience would possess invaluable insights, especially having sailed alongside Gol D. Roger himself.
After landing near the lighthouse, Dave turned to his crew, "This won't take long. Just want to see what I can learn about Haki from an old legend." The crew nodded in understanding, with Tony and the others preparing to gather more supplies while Dave made his way toward the lighthouse, hoping to find the renowned doctor and unlock the secrets of Haki training.
As Dave floated over the sea, he soon spotted the enormous form of Laboon, the giant whale, known for his immense size and gentle nature. Seeing the iconic creature sparked a sense of awe, and he guided himself closer. Approaching carefully, he found the entrance to the hidden cavern within Laboon, where Crocus often resided.
With a graceful leap, he entered the whale's cavernous body, marveling at the vast interior. The walls echoed with the sound of water, and patches of greenery and calm pools added a surreal atmosphere. Dave moved further in, taking in the impressive sight, knowing that the legendary Crocus was likely somewhere inside.
He cleared his throat and called out, "Crocus! Doctor of the Pirate King's crew! I've come to learn from you." His voice echoed, hoping to draw out the famed doctor and perhaps unlock some of the secrets surrounding Haki.
Crocus, who was working on his medicine, raised his head in surprise as he heard someone addressing him.
"Who is he?" he thought as he stepped out of his shed and approached Dave. "Who are you?" he asked.
"I once met Roger, and if he has told me anything about you, it's that you know about Haki the most, as he took care of his health, which also involved the usage of Haki in a way that allowed him to extend his life," Dave said. Though it was a lie, he knew of it because he obtained this information from the system.
"So, he learned to use Haki efficiently from you," Dave said, looking at Crocus.
Crocus frowned as he looked at Dave. "What's your relationship with him?"
"He used to teach me when he returned after his adventures, so you could say I am his student," he said as he faced Crocus.
"Do you think I will believe you? Anyone can make up such a story," Crocus replied as he picked up his harp, which glowed with pitch-black Haki. "This is Haki, but if you don't give me a satisfactory answer, you will die by it rather than learn it," he said threateningly as Dave gauged his power.
He is powerful, Dave thought, which was normal, as everyone on Roger's ship was very powerful.
"Roger also has a son," Dave said, as Crocus narrowed his eyes, clearly not knowing about it. "His name is Portgas D. Ace. He took this name after his mother because he detests his father, who started the era of pirates," Dave stated.
"What of it?" Crocus asked.
"Whenever I asked how I can repay him, he always said, 'You can protect my child,' pointing at his pregnant wife," Dave revealed, causing Crocus to frown but lower his weapon.
Crocus narrowed his eyes as he looked at Dave. He is not lying, he thought, as his Observation Haki told him that.
It was the power of Dave's demonic energy that led to this intuition, leading to a dialogue of Observation Haki.
"And I want power to protect him, so teach me Haki," Dave said, looking at him.
"I won't," Crocus replied as he went back to his shed and soon returned, throwing three books at Dave. "I am not patient enough to teach anyone. Just take these books and learn yourself," he said, waving his hand dismissively.
Dave picked up the books and saw that two of the three were Haki training manuals. "Thank you," Dave said as he walked out of Laboon.
Crocus looked at Dave, wondering, "Is this why you surrendered? So that you can protect your child?" He observed Dave carefully.
"I wonder if your son, Ace, is living happily," Crocus murmured as he shook his head and went back to his shed.
Dave, on the other hand, looked at the three books in his hands. "It turned out better than I thought," he chuckled to himself, as the third book was about Roger's swordsmanship.
"Hehehehe, now my act as his apprentice will be much more acceptable," he thought as he went back to his ship and ordered Tony to move.
While he himself studied the Haki training manual, others also gathered around to look at it.
"Haki? What is it?" Emma asked.
"It is a powerful technique that can make your body stronger," Dave said, and everyone nodded, eager to try it too.
"How much are we talking about?" Tony asked as he looked at Dave.
"Hmm, enough to survive a missile," Dave replied.
Tony raised his brows. "Is that really that great?" he asked, and Dave nodded.
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