Two and a half hours later, the battle ended.
The sun had already dipped towards the horizon, becoming a massive red disk hanging above the sea’s edge.
This fight was closed to spectators, so no one knew who won or lost. However, judging by their expressions, both seemed satisfied. A lot had happened during those two hours.
After the fight, the two went to the base kitchen, grabbed two bottles of wine, and took them to a secluded beach to sit down.
Mosen had chosen the spot, the best place on the island to watch the sunset. It was remote, commonplace, and often overlooked by the island’s residents.
For Mosen, this was one of the island’s most valuable spots. Sometimes, he would bring Winst to watch the spectacular sunset, hoping to prevent his small heart from being consumed by hatred. Of course, most of the time, they were there to practice swordsmanship.
Seated on the beach, they clinked their bottles and started drinking straight from the bottle.
“Oh, what a beautiful view, arrogant brat. Looks like you found a pretty good spot,” Smoker remarked, his usual stern expression softening for once.
“Speaking of which, kid, I checked with the headquarters today and learned about your file. I didn’t expect you to have such courage, taking on an entire pirate crew by yourself.”
“Here, I’ll drink to that.”
The proud captain, it seemed, had found out about Mosen’s half-year disappearance during a storm and was toasting in apology.
Taking a swig of wine, Mosen still wasn’t entirely used to the taste. In his past life, he preferred sugary drinks, but now, as he grew, he could only have them occasionally.
In this atmosphere, not drinking wine didn’t seem right. Drinking cola while watching the sunset would have felt really out of place.
“You see, people who are good-looking are fearless. Why, you ask? Because good-looking people always have good luck!” Mosen said, his profile bathed in the orange glow of the setting sun, his hair falling gracefully over his forehead, creating a breathtaking scene.
For a moment, Smoker felt his heart skip a beat… Wait, what? This arrogant kid was always flaunting his good looks.
Smoker felt an urge to punch that handsome face into a pulp.
Could they have a severe conversation for once? Maybe they could talk about strength. Never mind; perhaps discussing dreams would be better.
“You’re such a narcissist. But joining the recruit camp is the right choice. Only there will you receive the best training and meet all kinds of powerful monsters.”
“The East Blue is too small. Only in the Grand Line and the New World will you truly understand how many powerful beings exist.”
“That’s the stage for the strong. Only through its trials can you uphold your ideals.”
Gulp, gulp.
As the sun set, they finished their bottles of wine and stood up, carrying the empty bottles back to the base.
The following day, as the first rays of sunlight peeked over the horizon, the massive warship Pedarol raised its sails and set off into the sunlight.
On the shore next to the base, a beautiful little girl watched the gigantic warship fade into the distance, tears welling in her big, expressive eyes but never falling. It was Kino.
“Big Brother Mosen, Big Brother Winst, just you wait. Kino will grow up soon and come find you.”
Her face was resolute as she watched the considerable warship turn into a tiny dot and disappear. Then, she turned and ran home, the golden sunlight casting a glow behind her, covering the entire beach as if foreshadowing something.
…
Mosen was practicing with his newly awakened Observation Haki on the sunlit deck, just as Yasopp had taught him. Everyone had their fighting style, and finding a way to make Observation Haki suit him in combat required a lot of training and understanding.
Mosen didn’t fully grasp the principles behind Haki or how it flowed through his body. But since its awakening, he could use it naturally, much like his Devil Fruit abilities.
Forget it, he thought. Understanding the nature of power was important for people like Vegapunk. I just need to know how to use it.
Do I need to know metallurgy to use a sword?
Opposite him was his brother, Winst. For the past few days, Mosen had been teaching him swordsmanship. Now, with Observation Haki, he could spar with Winst to help him practice while honing his skills.
So clever and handsome, aren’t I?
As Smoker walked to his office to handle daily affairs, he marveled at Mosen’s strength at such a young age. Having talent wasn’t scary; having talent and working hard was.
No one could choose their innate talent, but post-natal choices were crucial.
When someone as handsome, talented, and hardworking as Mosen appeared, it made others feel they were just here to fill the numbers. Sorry about that.
Over the next few days, aside from daily physical training, Mosen and Smoker sparred continuously.
Their relationship grew… terribly. Smoker found his once-prized talent shattered in the face of Mosen’s progress. The kid’s rapid improvement these past few days was mind-blowing, making Smoker almost want to quit.
At least his mastery of his Devil Fruit abilities was getting better. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have the confidence to continue.
Luckily, after seeing Mosen’s rigorous training regimen, he also started training his physical abilities.
Some good changes were already visible in just a few days. Persistence will surely lead to significant improvements.
The journey was smooth. Aside from encountering an unknown pirate crew whose ship they blew up, there were no incidents.
Even in the Calm Belt, Mosen didn’t see the Sea Kings he had hoped to.
Feeling more like he was on vacation, Mosen asked a relieved Smoker after they left the Calm Belt, “Why didn’t we see any Sea Kings? Is it because I’m too handsome for them to disturb?”
Smoker and the surrounding Marines and Winst twitched, pretending not to know him.
“Idiot, arrogant brat, keep your narcissism in check!” Smoker snapped. “The Sea Kings don’t care about your looks. They’d eat you regardless!”
…
Standing before the massive Gates of Justice, Mosen’s eyes were nearly blinded by the sight.
Seeing it in the anime was one thing, but standing in front of it was another. Apart from feeling awe, he was utterly speechless.
All the descriptive words he had learned over the past twenty years flashed through his mind. An epiphany struck, and he couldn’t help but blurt out:
“Holy cow, that’s a huge gate!!”
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