章節 186: Chapter 186
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Gains and Departures
This day, Abel continued to spar with Koushirou at the dojo.
Though called sparring, it was actually more like seeking advice.
But both parties tacitly avoided mentioning this fact, treating it as a casual combat practice.
Since both had their own hidden identities and were on different paths, the only thing in common was the sword in their hands.
And when this tacit understanding was broken, it was time for someone to leave.
So, that day, they fought until late into the night before they had to stop.
"Are you preparing to leave the East Blue?"
"Yeah, the villagers have found out about my bounty. Staying any longer would only cause trouble. This past month has been very beneficial. If I stay any longer, I might not want to leave."
Abel reflected on the past month, a fulfilling time without any battles. Waking up to sword practice, his mind free from any other distractions.
For this period, aside from his regular training with the "Darkness Breath" and the "Combat Defense Fist" while eating, he had paused all other training to start afresh with swordsmanship.
And the results were undoubtedly astonishing!
At least, in Koushirou's view, Abel repaired the bridges he had previously broken and traversed them anew in just over a month.
Though rushed and not perfect, his swordsmanship had undergone a complete transformation compared to a month ago.
For this, Abel was extremely grateful to Koushirou who had not held back any secrets.
Yet, he felt he didn't have the right to call him "teacher."
"If you really don't want to leave, why not try to stay?"
Koushirou asked with a smile, as if joking.
For a moment, Abel was tempted, but he eventually shook his head, "It's too late. I can't go back, nor do I wish to."
"Pity."
Seeing Abel's resolve, Koushirou didn't insist further.
He could see that Abel carried many stories and thus couldn't stop, but had to move forward.
Leaving the dojo, Abel wanted to say something, but in the end, he said nothing.
However, he would remember this favor.
If in the future, Isshin Dojo or Koushirou ever faced trouble, no matter where he was, Abel would surely come to their aid.
Even if disciples from Isshin Dojo set out to sea one day, he would do all he could to help.
It wasn't until he left with Baby-5 that a sigh was finally heard inside the dojo.
The next day, while Koushirou hadn't yet come out, many disciples were quietly discussing something.
"Did you hear? That guy has a bounty of 50 million Berries; he's a major pirate!"
"Honestly, when I saw the wanted poster, I couldn't believe my eyes."
"The scariest pirate in the East Blue right now only has a bounty of less than 20 million Berries, right?"
"With a bounty of 50 million Berries, no wonder he's so strong!"
"Huh? I remember you didn't say that before. You were even planning to challenge him."
"Haha, a slip of the tongue, you must have remembered wrong."
"Hey, do you think, such a strong guy coming to the dojo every day to practice swordsmanship with our teacher, doesn't that mean Koushirou is even stronger?"
"Of course! Otherwise, what's the point?"
"Doesn't that make our Isshin Dojo the strongest in the East Blue?"
"Shh, keep it down. If the teacher hears you, you'll definitely be scolded."
....
Zoro and Kuina, who were nearby, had naturally heard about all of this and showed somewhat complicated expressions.After all, ordinary people's initial impressions of pirates are definitely negative.
However, aside from that, many people have an inherent admiration for the strong in their bones.
So, this is a very contradictory point.
Nevertheless, being young, they quickly saw through this dilemma.
No matter who Abel is, their goal remains unchanged: they are determined to strive to become the world's greatest swordsman.
And for them, before they could claim that title, challenging Abel is a must!
That realization is enough.
"What are you all muttering about instead of starting your training?"
As Koushirou appeared, everyone immediately fell silent—an illustration of the authority of a teacher.
But soon, the disciples couldn't resist bombarding him with questions.
"Teacher, who is stronger, you or Abel?"
"How did a notorious pirate with a bounty of 50 million Belly come to our place?"
"Is that person going to come here again today?"
"Can we watch today's sparring session?"
Koushirou pressed his forehead in speechless frustration. He had felt regret when Abel left yesterday.
Looking at these 'treasures' today, he couldn't go on imagining Abel staying here.
What if Abel lured his disciples out to sea to become pirates?
"Quiet!"
"He has already left and won't come back."
"Ah? Why?"
"Even you know of his pirate identity. If he doesn't leave, should he stay here and wait for the marines to capture him?"
"Everyone, immediately begin today's training."
"Double it, no, triple it!"
"Ah, no!"
"Any more dawdling and it'll be quadruple. No food unless you finish."
"Yes, Teacher!"
The disciples, not daring to slack off, hurriedly began their swordsmanship training.
Exhausted to the point of dropping, they naturally had no energy for other thoughts.
On the other side, Abel and Baby-5, having left Shimotsuki Village, arrived at the rendezvous point, waiting for Germa's people to retrieve them.
Using Germa's snail ship, they could cross the Red Line at top speed, heading directly back to the North Blue.
Plus, it was time to fulfill the promise made to Reiju.
Having delayed for so long, they were likely anxious on that end.
Rescuing Sanji was an urgent matter!
Just a little joke
Actually, the ones anxious were probably on the Donquixote family's side.
Abel guessed that during his disappearance of over a month, the situation in the North Blue must have been in disarray.
Doflamingo had promised to rescue him.
But he wasn't in the hands of the marines. What could the marines exchange?
Chances were he was already considered 'dead.'
Without showing up soon, things would really get out of hand, which was one reason he decided to leave the East Blue.
As for the excuse for his disappearance, he had thought it through in advance.
For this reason, he didn't even have his broken Den Den Mushi repaired.
The plan was to have a reasonable explanation the moment he returned.
While waiting for Germa's people, he didn't sit idly; he began to take stock of what he had gained during this time.
Apart from the immense progress in swordsmanship, which gave him ideas for the new derivative techniques of the Path of the Dark Breaths—forms four, five, and six—and started refining them.
He also gained something from the system.
每周推薦票狀態
-- 推薦票
榜單 
-- 推薦票