Chapter 138 Training
The New World and the first half of the Grand Line are on completely different levels.
In the New World, only those with Haki are considered qualified to reach the upper echelons.
Otherwise, survival in the New World is impossible.
And at Nicholas's request, Simon, Katie, and the others will be instructed by Vistad until they master Flowing Sakura, the advanced application of Armament Haki.
As for Nicholas, he spends his days with Bell-lin, helping her train, only occasionally checking in on Simon and the others.
After all, being in their twenties, he also wants to do things he enjoys.
Days passed.
Since Nicholas and the others began their training, almost two weeks have passed.
"Creak—"
On this day, Nicholas, sporting bruises on his face and red marks on his neck, pushed open the Gate of the Room and 'walked' out.
Bell-lin followed beside Nicholas, gently supporting the unsteady Nicholas.
After some time, Nicholas's appearance and demeanor had changed slightly.
The most noticeable change was in his eyes. His once vibrant eyes had become somewhat dull.
Other than that, everything else seemed normal.
"How long were we in there?"
Nicholas, supported by Bell-lin, walked down the Corridor and suddenly asked.
During this time, he had been focused on helping Bell-lin develop the Potential of her Mushroom-Mushroom Fruit, and further developing his own Rumble-Rumble Fruit, and hadn't paid much attention to the passage of time.
Perhaps because he was completely immersed in it, from the moment he opened the Room door, Nicholas didn't feel like much time had passed, and it felt more like only a day had gone by.
"12 days."
In contrast, Bell-lin remembered it clearly.
"Really? Almost two weeks."
Nicholas sighed slightly, then turned to look at Bell-lin and smiled, "Thank you for your hard work these past few days."
"Hmph."
Bell-lin subconsciously turned her head away, avoiding Nicholas's gaze. Even though they were a long-married couple, she still felt a little shy thinking about what they had been doing in the Room.
Nicholas smiled and looked away, gazing at the moonlit End of the Corridor ahead, carefully savoring the wonderful experience.
Afterwards, Nicholas went to check on the training of the other Members, while Bell-lin returned to the Room alone.
Back in the Room, she didn't immediately go to the Bathroom, but instead went to the Mirror.
Bell-lin gazed at her reflection in the Mirror, admiring her alluring figure and delicate, fairy Queen-like face.
At this moment, she was no longer wearing the Protective Suit, but Bell-lin's attention was focused on her Purple Eyes.
"The color seems to have gotten a bit darker, and..."
Bell-lin stared intently at her eyes.
Against the backdrop of her Purple Pupils, strange Things seemed to have appeared within them.
These Things were faint to begin with, and being located within her Purple Pupils, they were almost imperceptible unless you looked closely.
"Is this change... good or bad?"
Bell-lin murmured to herself.
The change in her eyes was a result of her further mastering her Ability with Nicholas's help.
Bell-lin suddenly smiled, not particularly worried. She went straight to the Bathroom, knowing that with Nicholas by her Side, she didn't need to worry too much.
After a quick wash, Bell-lin changed into some clothes and quickly styled her hair into a refreshing look. Looking at the rows of Protective Suits in her wardrobe, she ultimately picked up her Crow Mask and put it on. Although she no longer needed these Things, old habits die hard.
"Is everyone training?"
Nicholas followed the Aura of his Companions, gazing into the distance, 'watching' his Companions training Haki in the distant Mountain Forest.
Almost no one willingly enters the Mountain Forest at night, as it's simply too dangerous.
When Nicholas's Line of Sight swept over, Vistad and Simon both noticed.
They immediately looked towards the location of their Base.
Vistad and Simon's eyes flickered slightly.
"Finally finished?" Vistad and Simon thought simultaneously.
Obviously, they both knew about Nicholas helping Bell-lin with her training. Nicholas's appearance now undoubtedly meant the training was complete.
Their reactions didn't attract the attention of Brook and Katie.
After all, with their current level of Observation Haki, they couldn't possibly detect Nicholas's Line of Sight from that distance.
So, when Nicholas suddenly appeared using Flying Thunder God, he startled Brook.
"You scared me so badly my Heart almost jumped out! Though I don't have a Heart, yohohoho!"
Brook stared in surprise at Nicholas, who had suddenly appeared beside Vistad, and exaggeratedly patted his Breastbone, looking like he was still shaken.
"Captain, you're finally out! Katie was so worried about you!"
Seeing Nicholas's Figure, Katie quickly ran over.
"Captain."
Vistad and Simon also stopped their training and looked at Nicholas.
Nicholas looked around at his Companions and could see that everyone was training seriously. At least their Strength was noticeably greater than before.
In particular, Nicholas had noticed the Soul-freezing Aura within Brook's Quick Sword earlier.
That must be one of the characteristics of the Underworld Fruit, allowing his attacks to carry a portion of the Underworld's Power.
This ability to attack the Soul... if Brook further masters the Underworld Fruit, who knows what he'll be capable of.
A special Weapon against Big Mom???
This thought flashed through his mind, and Nicholas chuckled and shook his head.
"Vistad, how's their training coming along?"
"Hehe, Simon has now mastered Armament Haki Infusion and release. He's even grasped the basics of Flowing Sakura and should master it within a month. Katie has initially mastered Armament Haki Infusion and can maintain Black Sword State for short periods. Her Observation Haki is also coming along nicely, but learning Flowing Sakura will take at least another year, given her Physical Prowess."
"As for that fellow Flame Wing, only Miss Bellin can keep him in line. He's probably off gallivanting somewhere right now."
Vistad then turned his attention to Brook.
"As for Brook's training, there's not much I can do to help. After all, Devil Fruit Development is mostly up to the user to figure out on their own."
"Hmm, that's pretty good."
Nicholas glanced at Katie and Brook, who seemed a little embarrassed.
Considering Katie's physical condition, mastering Armament Haki Infusion already is quite impressive. Even though she can only maintain it for short bursts, her Physical Prowess is what it is. As the Haki type that relies most heavily on Physical Prowess, Armament Haki's Strength is directly tied to one's Physical Prowess.
The stronger your Body, the stronger your Armament Haki.
Of course, this also brings up the issue of body size. Even though the Giant Race has great Physical Prowess, their size is a limiting factor.
So, if Katie can learn to use Armament Haki Flowing Sakura within a year, that would already be a great result.
Of course, this is also thanks to the Freedom Pirates' vast resources and the tutelage of Armament Haki masters like Nicholas and Vistad.
(End of Chapter)