“First of all, let’s correct a fundamental misunderstanding you have. You are not weak. Compared to your peers, you have your own advantages,” Rougishubegan, analyzing in detail instead of giving a direct answer.
“First, those qualified to enter the training camp are the elite from various branches and headquarters. Think back to two years ago; didn’t you all have the mentality that you were the best in the world and no one could compare?”
Hearing this, the group showed embarrassed expressions, ashamed of their once arrogant and overbearing attitudes.
“But now, you have formed your own group. To put it bluntly, you are the G-2 faction. While the term ‘faction’ has a negative connotation, the strength of a group allows you to gain more resources and achieve higher and faster progress in the training camp.”
Gregory and the others’ eyes lit up. Yes, not every branch or headquarters had someone like Longinus, who could command such respect and unite them. Their team’s power was their advantage.
“Second, you have captured many pirates with me. The number of deadly battles you’ve experienced is rare among the trainees. Although you haven’t done much hellish training with me, your training volume has been considerable.”
“You feel weak because you’ve been unknowingly comparing yourselves to me. Compared to your peers, you are already strong enough. Otherwise, Commodore Adkin wouldn’t have such high expectations for us.”
Abraham Michion and the others’ eyes shone even brighter. It wasn’t that they were weak; it was just that their comparison benchmark was too monstrous. Could they avoid the hellish training?
Let’s wait until Rougishufinishes his third point before making plans!
“Third, you will be undergoing hellish training with me shortly. I’m sure after completing the training, you will shine even brighter!” Rougishurevealed a devilish smile.
Gregory and the others looked as if they had been struck by lightning. Standing in place with lifeless expressions, they mumbled, “Can we… retract our request?”
“What do you think?” Rougishustretched out his words.
They looked as if they had lost their will to live, their eyes blank, emanating an aura of defeat.
“Alright, let’s head to the beach later. I’ll be going to sea in a few days, so let’s make the most of our time for some intensive training!”
…
On the windswept shore, only Penn appeared eager, while the others looked as if they were facing a death sentence, as if awaiting a literal hellish journey.
“Alright, let’s start with a warm-up before heading into the sea!”
“Boss, as a sniper, can’t I skip the warm-up?” Andre struggled, swallowing nervously.
“Of course, as long as the others agree,” Rougishusaid.
Seeing the others’ dangerous glances, Andre quickly backtracked, “Haha, just kidding, just kidding…”
“Ready? Let’s begin the warm-up!” Rougishureminded, then disappeared from their sight.
“Didn’t I tell you? Always trust your comrades to watch your back!” Longinus’s voice came from behind, causing Abraham Michion to shiver and instinctively throw an elbow backward.
However, his arm was immediately caught, a force he couldn’t resist pinning him in place.
Nearby, Penn’s swift sword strike took advantage of the opening, and Longinus’s Observation Haki detected a bullet fired from an oblique angle and a diving golden eagle from the sky.
The next moment, Rougishuthrew Abraham Michion toward Penn, causing his sword to halt. Simultaneously, he dodged the bullet and grabbed the golden eagle’s wing, slamming it into the ground.
“Good teamwork, but not yet proficient,” Rougishucommented, kicking Penn several meters away.
“Boss, watch out!” Algernon shouted, transforming his voice into a laser-like attack with his Sound-Sound Fruit, making him the only Devil Fruit user besides Gregory.
“Simply converting sound waves into lasers is too wasteful of its potential. Think of other ways to develop it.” Rougishueasily dodged the attack by offering advice.
This type of directional attack was powerful but easy to dodge. Developing abilities akin to the Lion’s Roar technique from another world might hold more potential.
…
Before long, all eight had been defeated, even though Rougishuhad restrained his strength.
“This time we lasted ten minutes. It seems we have indeed made progress!” Gregory said joyfully, despite his bruised face.
“Huff, huff!” Algernon panted, “Boss’s warm-up is never easy!”
“My bones feel like they’re breaking… and we still have more challenges ahead. This is a nightmare!” Andre looked defeated.
“Enjoy this precious rest while you can. The real nightmare is about to begin!” Austin looked firmly at the calm sea.
The next moment, Rougishu merged from the sea, walking towards them. “Let’s dive in. I’ve already found sea kings for you.”
Their expressions turned severe. While they wouldn’t fear combat on the surface, diving into the deep sea brought challenges like water resistance, pressure, and breathing difficulties.
But they said nothing more, diving into the sea one by one. Violent turbulence quickly disturbed the surface, with waves rolling and surging. Gregory and Algernon, Devil Fruit users, followed Rougishuto in the next training session.
…
Thousands of meters high, where the air was thin, Algernon’s face turned red with fear, “Do we really have to go this far? I don’t remember this being part of the training last time!”
In his golden eagle form, Gregory, carrying the two, struggled to speak, “Boss, calm down! I’m not sure I can catch you in the last moment.”
“In the boundary between life and death, you can unlock your inner potential. Are you ready?”
“You… us?” Gregory’s voice was panicked, “Boss, don’t do anything rash!”
Rougishucalmly touched the Sea-Prism Stone cuffs to the golden eagle, causing it to shiver and revert to human form. All three plummeted simultaneously.
“Ahhh! Help, Gregory, transform back!”
“I got hit by the Sea-Prism Stone. My limbs are weak, and I can’t use my ability!” Gregory screamed in despair.
“There’s about half a minute left. Gregory, try to squeeze out all your potential!”
Rougishuremained calm. He wasn’t taking reckless risks; if it came to the last moment, he could use Life Return to temporarily transform his body into a gliding ‘parachute’ and use his long hair to save them. At most, they would only suffer minor injuries.
Of course, he didn’t share this with the other two.
“Ahhh! Boss, I hate you!”
(I initially planned to drag out a few chapters, but considering the lack of exciting points, I’ll hold off on some content for now.)
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