Bab 27: In Depths of Training
The dawn of a new day brought a cozy warmth to the shared quarters of Theo and Mavis. The couple stirred in their sleep, their bodies entwined comfortably in the large bed. Mavis was the first to awaken, her eyes fluttering open to see Theo's peaceful sleeping face. She smiled gently, running her fingers through his hair and planting a soft kiss on his forehead. Theo stirred at her touch, slowly opening his eyes to meet hers. The room was filled with a comfortable silence, the only sounds being their steady breathing and the faint humming of the ship.
Their shared intimacy was growing day by day, their relationship not just based on physical attraction but also deep understanding and trust. The couple would often share light kisses and exchange affectionate words before starting their day, their relationship becoming a source of strength and motivation for both.
As Theo padded his way to the training room, his mind started running through his daily training regime. He wondered what he should focus on today. Looking out of one of the portholes, he noticed the spectacular underwater scenery outside. An idea suddenly struck him.
Sea stone. He had a considerable amount of it looted from the Beast Pirates. It was known to be a substance that could nullify the powers of a Devil Fruit user, but he wondered if there was a way to resist or even overcome its effects. If he could manage to train under its influence, he could potentially turn a major weakness into a strength.
Theo carefully sectioned off a corner of the training room, intent on creating an isolated training environment for his seastone resistance training. With a touch of trepidation, he introduced the seastone, feeling a tangible change in the atmosphere as its energy-sapping effects started to manifest.
Gritting his teeth, he allowed the seastone to come into contact with his skin, instantly feeling as though a vital part of him had been snuffed out. His Devil Fruit powers were suppressed, leaving him feeling unnaturally weak and frail. He was operating at a mere fraction of his normal strength, making the gravity, tripled as it was, feel like an immense weight.
Undeterred, he pushed on. The training session that followed was undoubtedly one of the most grueling he had ever endured. He began to practice his martial arts, focusing specifically on fist techniques. Even a simple punch felt like a monumental task under the combined effects of the seastone and the tripled gravity. His body felt heavy and sluggish, as if it was resisting his every command.
Each punch he threw was like fighting against an invisible force. The enhanced gravity and the seastone's energy draining effects made each movement sluggish, each exertion a test of endurance. Yet Theo persisted. He moved slowly at first, barely able to lift his arm. However, with every repetition, he started to adapt. His body was slowly adjusting to the harsh conditions, learning to move even under the incredible weight and strain.
His fist cut through the air again and again, each strike weaker than usual but stronger than the last. The sweat dripped off him, each drop a testament to his exertion. His muscles screamed in protest, but he didn't stop. This was not just physical training, it was a battle of willpower.
Theo continued this brutal regimen for hours, pushing past his physical limits and the debilitating effects of the seastone. As he finally wrapped up his session, a grim smile of satisfaction tugged at his lips. He was exhausted, barely able to stand, but the fatigue brought with it a sense of achievement. He had made the first strides on a new path, a path that promised to transform one of his greatest weaknesses into a formidable strength.
Mavis, comfortably ensconced in the serene ambiance of the meditation chamber, began her journey of understanding her newly acquired abilities from the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Athena. An overwhelming sense of power pulsed from within her, unfamiliar yet strangely comforting. Taking a deep breath, she embraced this novel sensation, focusing on it as she embarked on the path of discovering the full extent of her newfound capabilities.
The fruit's effects were evident in every aspect of her being. Her mind was clearer, sharper than ever before, while a surge of divine energy coursed through her veins, waiting to be harnessed. The first thing she noticed was an inexplicable sense of awareness. As if a dormant sixth sense had been awakened, she could feel an intimate connection with her surroundings, extending far beyond the physical confines of the room.
This, she realized, was Observation Haki. An ability she had inadvertently awakened due to the fruit, the intermediate level no less. It was as if she could perceive the world on an entirely different level now, her senses heightened and acutely attuned to the universe's subtle cues. Time seemed to slow down, and she could feel the soft whisper of air currents, the steady rhythm of the ship, and even the faint pulse of life from her crewmates training far away.
Alongside the Haki, Mavis also delved into the depths of her divine powers. She felt the divine energy, powerful and pure, waiting to be molded by her will. Aegis, the divine shield, and her spear materialized at her command, exuding a powerful aura that echoed her determination. Each time she wielded them, she felt more connected, more in control.
Hours slipped by unnoticed as Mavis honed her abilities, immersing herself in the quietude of meditation. With every passing moment, her understanding of her powers deepened, her strategizing abilities enhancing alongside. She could sense an array of possibilities unveiling before her, each one promising a future where she was stronger, wiser, more capable. Despite the enormity of the task ahead, Mavis was unfazed. She was, after all, the Fairy Tactician, and she was prepared to rise to this challenge.
The atmosphere in Sai's corner of the training room was thick with determination and unwavering resolve. Dissatisfied with the bland moniker of 'Iron Fist' that the Marines had bestowed upon him, Sai was hell-bent on carving his own image, one that would instill a sense of awe and respect amongst his enemies. His portion of the room echoed with the relentless thud of fists against the training dummies, punctuated by grunts of effort and a tangible undercurrent of grit.
His fists, sheathed in a layer of solidified air from the impact of his Hasshoken technique, lashed out at an alarmingly rapid speed. Each punch sent a resounding shockwave rippling through the air, the raw power shattering the dummies, reducing them to fragments. Despite the pain coursing through his knuckles, Sai's fists didn't cease their furious dance. If anything, they moved faster, harder, his every blow echoing his resolution.
Sai knew that strength alone wouldn't be enough to earn him a new nickname. His Hasshoken, a technique that employed vibration to bypass enemy defenses, needed refinement. He focused on his Qi, guiding it through his body and into his fists, feeling the energy hum and vibrate in sync with his heartbeat. With each successful oscillation, his punches grew more potent, his control over the shockwaves becoming sharper.
As hours rolled on, Sai's progress was evident in the steady rhythm of his punches and the enhanced power of his Hasshoken. His iron fists were no longer just iron – they were turning into a force to be reckoned with, an embodiment of his unwavering spirit and tenacity. He was far from satisfied, but he knew he was on the right path. His goal was within reach, and he wouldn't stop until he got there.
From the confines of the bustling kitchen, the delectable aroma of Soma's culinary experiments wafted throughout the ship, a tempting call to the taste buds. The kitchen was his battlefield, and each dish he concocted was an ingenious strategy against the mundane. The core of his focus was to craft meals that not only satiated hunger but also served a higher purpose, to boost their energy and accelerate recovery.
With this goal in mind, Soma approached his culinary experiments with a tactical mind, trying to understand the complex matrix of flavors and their effects on the human body. Each ingredient had a unique character, and it was his job to bring out their best while suppressing their less favorable traits. His kitchen felt more like a scientific lab, with him being the alchemist of taste, fusing flavors to craft nourishing and invigorating meals.
However, the pursuit of culinary perfection wasn't a straightforward one. It required a deep understanding of the subtleties of taste and their potential effects on the consumer's body. It was here that the meditation chamber came into play. Soma began using the chamber to meditate, focusing his mind on comprehending the intricate relationship between food and its physical impact on the body.
As he meditated, his mind delved into the world of flavors, trying to unravel their mysteries. Each ingredient whispered its secrets, their potential benefits and drawbacks, their affinities and conflicts. The meditation chamber became a sanctum for his culinary education, a place where he could explore the vast world of flavors unhindered.
With his newfound understanding, Soma started infusing his dishes with more precision. His meals were no longer random combinations of flavors, but meticulously crafted recipes designed to enhance specific attributes in the eater. Each bite was a tactical choice, each flavor a strategy to boost their strength, speed, or recovery.
Despite the complexity of his task, Soma couldn't have been happier. The challenge of transforming food into a tool for their growth was an exciting journey, one that fueled his passion for cooking. As he watched his crewmates enjoy his dishes and grow stronger, he knew that he was on the right path. It was a journey of discovery, growth, and above all, deliciousness.
Seated at her desk, bathed in the soft glow of the ship's lights, Gram felt most at home. Before her lay a sea of parchment, her world enclosed within the weathered pages of thick, hefty books. She found solace in their musty smell and the feel of their pages under her fingertips. Her quill, always at her side, would occasionally dance on the paper as she delved deeper into the past strategies and world history.
Assuming her Thoth form, Gram felt her intellect and wisdom heightened. In this form, she not only gained the power to control her divine quill with a more excellent precision but also the ability to absorb and understand the knowledge she read at a significantly enhanced pace. Her already remarkable ability to retain information was heightened, her grasp of intricate details sharpened, allowing her to discern patterns and correlations she might have otherwise overlooked.
Moreover, her quill wasn't merely an instrument; it was an extension of her thoughts, a tool that helped translate her understanding onto paper. The divine energy imbued within the quill gave her the ability to bring what she wrote to life, both metaphorically and literally. The more she understood about the world, the more she could create, strategize, and implement using her quill.
With each passage she read, each map she studied, and each strategy she analyzed, Gram felt herself evolving. Her world was expanding, her understanding deepening, and her command over her powers increasing. The knowledge she gained was her strength, her wisdom her shield. Armed with her quill and a mind teeming with strategies, she was ready to face the challenges that awaited them in the Grand Line.
At the end of the day, the crew gathered around the dining table, sharing their progress, laughing at Sai's continuous rant about his nickname, and enjoying Soma's delicious meals. Their bond was becoming stronger, their spirit of camaraderie evident in their interactions. The submarine, once a vessel of transport, was now a floating home where each one was pushing their boundaries, growing stronger with every passing day.
"Alright guys, see you tomorrow," Theo said as they wrapped up their dinner. Mavis followed Theo as they retreated to their shared room, her gaze pensive and thoughtful.
Once they were alone, Mavis turned towards Theo, a hint of curiosity in her eyes. "Theo, I have been thinking," she began, "Can you use the exchange function of your system to trade the devil fruits in our inventory for some techniques and moves? It would aid our training, don't you think?"
Theo blinked in surprise, the thought never having occurred to him. "I haven't tried that before," he admitted, "But it does sound like a viable idea. Let me check with the system."
He closed his eyes, reaching out to the system with his query. "System, is it possible to exchange the devil fruits in the inventory for techniques or moves?"
The system's response was immediate. "Affirmative. The host can exchange items in the inventory, including devil fruits, for techniques, moves, or other resources. However, the exchange rate will be determined by the value of the items."
A smile spread across Theo's face as he opened his eyes, looking at Mavis. "Looks like your idea was spot on, Mavis," he said, admiration clear in his eyes, "We can trade in devil fruits for techniques and moves. I think this might be a game-changer for us."
Theo, now intrigued by this new aspect of the system, probed further. "System, how much would it cost to trade for the Rokushiki techniques?"
"The entire Rokushiki set can be obtained in exchange for one epic devil fruit," came the system's prompt response. "Individual techniques can be acquired in exchange for one rare devil fruit each."
Theo let out a thoughtful hum, his eyes narrowing in concentration as he considered the system's offer. He glanced sideways at Mavis, watching as her eyes sparkled with intrigue. "It's interesting," he began, the corners of his mouth lifting into a small smile. "We can acquire the entire set of Rokushiki techniques for one epic devil fruit. But if we opt for individual techniques, it would cost us a rare devil fruit each."
Mavis' slender fingers traced patterns on the table as she mulled over the information. "So, what you're saying is," she began, her voice filled with a speculative lilt, "we'd be better off getting the entire set. If we break it down, five rare devil fruits make one epic devil fruit. So, if we buy the techniques individually, it would cost us more in the long run."
Theo nodded in agreement, the gears of his mind turning rapidly. "But," he interjected, his eyes holding a spark of contemplation, "do we really need all of the Rokushiki techniques at our disposal right now? Or would it be a smarter move to focus on some key techniques that would complement our strengths and help us improve?"
Mavis' expression softened into one of deep thought, her fingers rhythmically tapping against the table surface. "That's a valid point," she conceded, her gaze meeting Theo's. "Perhaps you're right. It might be a wise strategy to focus on a few core techniques and gradually expand our repertoire as we grow stronger."
Theo turned to the system, his brows furrowed in concentration. "System, we currently have four rare devil fruits in our possession that we can exchange. Could you suggest the best four Rokushiki techniques we could acquire with these to strengthen our crew?"
The system responded promptly, its voice echoing around the room. "Based on your current crew's strengths and abilities, the following four Rokushiki techniques would yield the most significant improvement:
1. Soru (Shave): This technique allows users to move at extremely high speeds in order to avoid attacks, as well as to attack at higher speeds. This would be particularly useful for Sai, enhancing his already impressive speed and reflexes.
2. Tekkai (Iron Body): This technique hardens the users' bodies to the level of iron, in order to nullify damage taken from attacks. Theo could greatly benefit from this, adding an additional layer of defense to his devil fruit abilities.
3. Rankyaku (Storm Leg): A powerful projectile technique, in which the users start a kick at a high speed and strength, creating a sharp compressed air blade that can slice objects and greatly damage a human body. Mavis, with her enhanced physical abilities from the Athena fruit, could utilize this technique effectively.
4. Kami-e (Paper Art): This technique makes the users' body go limp in order to avoid any attacks, and float like a piece of paper. This could add a unique element to Gram's combat style, allowing her to dodge attacks in an unconventional and unpredictable manner."
As the system's voice fell silent, Theo and Mavis exchanged thoughtful glances. The proposed techniques seemed promising, offering significant benefits for each member of the crew. However, they knew the decision wasn't one to be made lightly, and the exchange would require them to part with valuable resources.
Mavis contemplated the system's suggestion for a moment, her fingers gently tapping on her armrest. "Theo, I think we should do it. But, instead of the system directly transferring the techniques to your mind, maybe you could get them in book form? It'd give us a more tangible way of learning and practicing the techniques."
The system chimed in, its tone indifferent. "The request can be processed. However, it will cost an additional 10 million belly for the creation and delivery of physical technique manuals."
Theo's eyes widened slightly at the added cost, and he couldn't help but chuckle. "You're really squeezing us dry, aren't you, system?"
He looked at his balance. The bounties from the marines, random pirates, and the beast pirates had given him a total of 788 million belly. The additional cost wouldn't make a significant dent in his funds.
"Well, it's a deal," Theo agreed, reaching out to touch the system interface, and the exchange was confirmed. "Now we just have to work hard and master these techniques."
Theo proceeded to navigate through the system interface, selecting the required devil fruits from their inventory. The Neko Neko no Mi, Model: Leopard; Tori Tori no Mi, Model: Falcon; Kita Kita no Mi, and Ryu Ryu no Mi, Model: Allosaurus were marked for exchange.
Once he confirmed his choice, the system accepted the exchange. The devil fruits in their inventory disappeared, replaced with four substantial tomes. Each book, bound in a durable cover, was labeled with one of the Rokushiki techniques - Kami-e, Tekkai, Soru, and Ranyaku.
Holding the books in his hand, Theo could feel their weight, both physical and metaphorical. These techniques, derived from powerful forms of martial arts, could potentially elevate their fighting prowess and contribute to their survival in the unpredictable world of Grand Line.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone