Over the next few days, Nao continued his grueling physical training under the dual buffs of the training booster card and the gravity field. He was so engrossed that he didn't return to his quarters for three consecutive nights. It wasn't until midnight on the fourth day that he finally succumbed to exhaustion and spent the night in his room.
By 5:30 the next morning, he was up and training again, much to the astonishment of Shiryu and Rosinante. The two, unable to keep up with Nao's relentless pace, realized that physical constitution truly varies from person to person. They abandoned the idea of matching Nao's all-nighters but still trained diligently until 8 or 9 PM each day—a level of intensity comparable to Nao's pre-system days.
The return voyage to Marineford was less smooth than the journey out. They encountered two moderate ocean storms, causing the warship to deviate slightly from its course. By the time they left the West Blue and began crossing the Calm Belt, seven days had passed.
It was during the twilight of this seventh day that Nao, after a day of intense training, checked his system panel and noticed a significant breakthrough in his base attributes—a quantitative change leading to a qualitative leap.
His strength and stamina each increased by one point through sheer hard work. In the Six Powers techniques, both "Tempest Kick (Rankyaku)" and "Moonwalk (Geppo)" advanced to the intermediate level. Including the previously improved techniques, only "Firearms Proficiency" remained at the basics tage due to less focus.
His current status panel read:
Name: Natsuya Nao
Age: 19
Strength: 19
Agility: 19
Stamina: 18
Intelligence: 8
Charm: 12
Current Points: 90,501
Skills: Dual-Wielding Swordsmanship (Basic),Rokushiki (Intermediate), Firearms Proficiency (Basic), Hand-to-Hand Combat (Novice), Self-Discipline (Master), Radiance Smile (Innate Skill)
A respectable skill set and formidable base attributes—this was Nao's objective assessment of his current strength.
His proficiency in the Rokushiki far exceeded the average of his fellow elite camp recruits. His swordsmanship, already among the top, had improved significantly, bringing him just a step away from the realm of sword masters.
In terms of physical strength, few among the recent elite camp graduates could match him. If he were to face an opponent like the giant bear Sano again, Nao was confident he could defeat him within an hour or two, without the prolonged struggle of their previous encounter.
"I'm ready to train in Armament Haki," he thought after dinner, deciding to request training from Instructor Zephyr upon returning to headquarters.
Training in Armament Haki isn't easy; it requires not only perseverance but also a certain level of physical strength. Attempting to learn Haki without sufficient physical development is counterproductive and inefficient.
According to Zephyr's training schedule, even the most outstanding recruits wouldn't begin learning Armament Haki until two months later. Ordinary trainees wouldn't be eligible until the end of the year, and even then, many would graduate without mastering it.
Nao believed that once Zephyr assessed his current physical condition, there would be no reason to think it was too early for him to train in Haki. In fact, Zephyr would likely be impressed and provide him with specialized instruction.
As for Observation Haki, it relies more on personal intuition and talent. Some individuals are born with it. While Nao wasn't one of them, his lifelong sword training and meditation practices, combined with his proficiency in Kami-e (Paper Art), would likely give him an advantage in learning Observation Haki.
That night, as the warship crossed the Calm Belt, it suddenly stopped.
Nao, who had just finished dinner and was taking a stroll on the deck, noticed the rarely-seen Aokiji approaching the railing with a plump sea raccoon in his arms.
In the distance, a group of sea raccoon on an empty bamboo raft excitedly waved their paws toward the deck.
"Has this little guy been on the ship all along?"
Nao was surprised; he hadn't seen the sea raccoon since his body was restored and assumed it had left the ship.
"Go on, little one," Aokiji said softly, placing the chubby sea raccoon down. "Though it's hard to say goodbye, your companions are your true home."
The sea raccoon licked Aokiji's hand affectionately, gave him a longing look, and stepped over the railing.
However, it hesitated at the edge of the deck, unsure about jumping into the water.
"Let me help you," Aokiji chuckled, placing the sea raccoon on his shoulder, then leaped over the railing, landing steadily on the sea's surface.
A cold mist emanated from his feet, freezing the water beneath him and forming an icy path.
Walking on the sea as if it were solid ground, Aokiji reached the bamboo raft, set the otter down, and waved politely to its companions before returning to the ship along the same icy path.
"Vice Admiral Kuzan is truly a just and gentle person," one recruit whispered.
"He gives a strong sense of security. It would be wonderful to serve under someone like him after graduation," another added.
Over the past two weeks, the recruits had developed a deep respect for the 28-year-old Vice Admiral.
Upon returning, Aokiji seemed a bit melancholic, perhaps due to parting with the sea raccoon. Hearing the recruits' murmurs, he gazed into the distance and muttered to himself, "Justice, gentleness... what do they really mean?"
Just then, a familiar voice interrupted, "Um... Vice Admiral, it's not even midnight yet. Why do you seem so down and confused already?"
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