NOVEL NEXT Chapter 325: Hellish Special Training!
Looking at the number "89.999" under his Conqueror's Haki on the personal attribute panel, Daren's mouth twitched slightly. He let out a silent sigh.
He'd already hit 89.999 back when he was on Philseque Island. Logically, after that brutal battle at Marine Headquarters, he should've at least gone up a couple of points—if not more, then at least crossed the 90 mark, right?
But no.
That tiny gap of 0.001 looked so close, yet felt impossibly far.
Daren knew full well this wasn't something he could figure out on his own anymore. After all, Conqueror's Haki wasn't something you could improve through training alone.
"Looks like I'll have to find time to visit Kaidou-sensei..."
He rubbed his chin, deep in thought.
Sure, Roger's strength definitely surpassed Kaidou's, and his mastery over Conqueror's Haki was far more refined. After their last meeting, their relationship seemed to have improved too—so maybe he could ask Roger for a bit of "advanced instruction."
But knowing Roger's personality, Daren had a feeling that if things got too heated, he'd end up taking quite a beating.
Thinking about it that way, Kaidou—a familiar, top-tier mentor—actually seemed like the more reliable choice.
If he could really master Conqueror's coating, Daren would gladly endure not just three hits, but thirty.
With that thought, he let out a long breath.
"They're here?"
He suddenly sensed something and looked toward the depths of the jungle with a smile.
Figures slowly emerged from the foliage, hesitating, shuffling forward unwillingly.
It was Tokikake, Yamakaji, and the others.
"You go first..."
"Are you kidding? You outrank me!"
"We're not even Marines anymore. Rank doesn't matter!"
"I'm not going. He says it's training, but who knows if he's just itching to beat someone up..."
"Anyway, Daren's smile is seriously creeping me out..."
"I've got a really bad feeling about this..."
...
They pushed and shoved, all trying to hide behind each other, faces flushed with unease.
Seeing them like this, Daren scoffed, clearly annoyed.
"You're supposed to be the backbone of the Marines. Where's all that courage you had facing CP0?"
Dalmatian twitched at the eye and muttered,
"I'd honestly rather go another round with CP0 than deal with you..."
"I'll be leaving in a couple of days. Even if you want to spar with me later, you won't get the chance."
Daren shook his head.
"Zephyr-sensei's injuries will take time to fully heal. Until then, I need to be sure you're strong enough to stand on your own."
"You don't want Zephyr-sensei dragging around his wounded body while still having to worry about your training, do you?"
That shut them up.
They had to admit, Daren had a point.
If they'd been stronger during the battle at Marineford, maybe they could've helped Zephyr-sensei more. Maybe he wouldn't have been hurt so badly.
"I'll go first!"
Suddenly, Yamakaji gritted his teeth and stepped forward.
Everyone paused, then looked at him with admiration.
Daren nodded in approval, stood up from the rocks, and casually rolled his neck, joints cracking loudly.
"Good."
He couldn't stay here much longer.
The North Blue Fleet's operations, the shifting tides of the New World, finding ways to grow stronger, uncovering how to deal with the Five Elders and their so-called "immortality"... There were far too many things demanding his attention.
But he couldn't just ignore Zephyr-sensei—or the group of comrades standing before him.
Unlike the North Blue Fleet, who had fought alongside him and Momonga, these people were once the backbone of Marine Headquarters. Many were part of the "Golden Generation."
But without the military might and resources of HQ backing them, out here in these treacherous seas, they were little more than rookies.
So before he left, Daren wanted to help them as much as he could.
Which is why he set up this three-day hellish special training.
To give them every last bit of strength he could before he moved on.
"I'll give it everything I've got."
Yamakaji took a deep breath, eyes blazing with rising battle intent.
He slowly drew the sword at his waist, locking eyes with Daren as he spoke in a low voice,
"I remember when we first entered the academy. We fought to compete for the top spot."
"At the time, I said I'd create a sword technique strong enough to defeat you!"
Daren nodded with a smile.
"Yes, I remember it clearly."
Yamakaji grinned, a fierce light surging in his eyes.
"It's not fully perfected yet, but..."
Shhh!
A burst of searing orange-red flame suddenly ignited along his blade, twisting and dancing violently.
"What the..."
"That's the heat generated from Armament Haki clashing!"
"A slash hot enough to cut through fire!"
"Yamakaji's swordsmanship has reached this level?"
...
The others gasped in surprise as their expressions changed in an instant.
Where they had first looked at him with pity, assuming he'd just be a punching bag, now their faces lit up with excitement and anticipation—maybe he could actually put up a fight!
"Daren, I created this technique specifically to break through your defense!"
Sensing the gazes around him, Yamakaji's aura surged even higher.
"Open your eyes and watch closely!"
Step!
He shot forward, sword in hand, dragging a trail of blazing crimson light as he charged at Daren with explosive speed.
With this strike, his momentum reached its peak.
At that moment, it wasn't clear if Yamakaji was swinging the roaring military blade, or if he himself had become a blazing Meito!
Brilliant light flared—dazzling and fierce!
And in the next instant—
Boom!
He was sent flying back at double the speed, slamming into the ground like a cannonball.
Everyone: "..."
Daren touched the flame-scorched gash on his shoulder and glanced at the blood on his fingertips, looking slightly surprised.
A flicker of eager excitement lit up in his eyes.
You've really gotten stronger, my comrades.
"You'd better come at me all at once. Don't waste time."
He turned to the others and gave them a chilling smile.
"Three days of hellish special training... begins now."