Chapter 369: Chapter 369
[Earth Power]
This was the name of a skill, not a unique ability. It originated from a special volume written by Sakaki titled Secrets of the Earth, which documented his combat experiences.
Fanfiction had since expanded this concept into a "special ability" known as Earth Power.
Currently, Naruto's "Earth Power" had only two simple effects:
Control over small amounts of soil (this effect would strengthen outside Pokémon Island).As long as Naruto's body was in contact with the ground, his stamina and chakra would continuously recover.
It was as if Naruto had become a human Jinchūriki for the earth, potentially capable of developing abilities like an Earth Cloak in the future.
Why Luffy and Naruto?
Dak suspected that their awakening of special abilities was tied to their roles as the "protagonists" of their respective worlds.
Pokémon Island had formed a "link" with those worlds, allowing a fraction of their world-specific fortunes to transfer to the island and, by extension, to these two individuals.
This explanation made the most sense to Dak. After all, many others were far more qualified for Aura or Earth Power than these two.
In Dak's view, Luffy was unlikely to become a true Aura Guardian. While he had awakened Aura, a Guardian needed a clear and steadfast sense of justice.
Luffy, while capable of just actions such as defeating Arlong, Crocodile, and liberating Wano, was too free-spirited and reckless, exemplified by his infamous breakout at Impel Down.
As descendants of the "D Clan," their lives were inseparably tied to freedom—something incompatible with the inherently disciplined life of an Aura Guardian.
Nonetheless, Garp and Zephyr had reasonable justification for bringing Luffy and Naruto, given their abilities.
After connecting their abilities to their roles as "Children of the World," Dak decided to accept Luffy and Naruto as apprentices in mid-July.
Naruto was ecstatic, while Luffy resisted, disliking having another superior in his life. For him, familial bonds with his grandfather or brother were different; he saw them as natural.
It took Garp's "love-filled education" to convince Luffy to accept Dak as his master.
August 2nd
Luffy and Naruto had been training under Dak for two weeks.
To teach Naruto, Dak had even purchased the max-level Earth Power skill. Maxed-out special abilities, including Aura and Psychic powers, could rival legendary Pokémon in potential, which justified their immense cost.
Unlike Aura or Psychic powers, Earth Power lacked direct offensive capabilities.
Among Dak's three abilities, Psychic power was the most lethal, capable of killing or altering a target's mind without them realizing it.
Aura came second, offering comprehensive enhancements, healing, and more. However, it wasn't as potent as the mystical Evergreen Force.
Earth Power stood out for its utility. As long as Dak stood on solid ground, he was practically "unbeatable."
This "unbeatable" aspect extended beyond mere stamina recovery. It included healing injuries, restoring energy, and even repairing life force (though not extending lifespan).
For Naruto, who already had an affinity for Wind and Earth chakra, Earth Power amplified his potential to master forbidden techniques. Adding abilities like Rinnegan or Mangekyō Sharingan could make him overwhelmingly powerful.
While Esdeath's training was comprehensive due to her balanced potential, Luffy and Naruto required tailored programs:
Luffy: With only Fire chakra and an aversion to learning hand seals, his training focused on Taijutsu, physical conditioning, and Aura. He also dabbled in Haki and the Eight Gates technique during downtime.
Naruto: With Wind and Earth chakra, plus Earth Power's traits, his training emphasized Wind and Earth ninjutsu, Earth Power, and forbidden techniques. He occasionally explored Magnet Release (a blend of Wind and Earth) and physical conditioning.
Esdeath returned to Dak's side the day prior, only to learn of her two new junior apprentices.
She held mixed feelings toward them, finding their simple-mindedness unimpressive but feeling frustrated that their abilities seemed superior.
Initially, she assumed their strength stemmed from a better foundation. If they had started training simultaneously, she believed she could match them.
However, a day of observation shattered this illusion. Luffy and Naruto mastered basic usage of their abilities within a single day, while it had taken Esdeath a full week to cultivate a thread of Psychic power.
This realization dealt a severe blow to Esdeath's pride, making her question whether Dak's assessment of her as a "genius" was accurate. Compared to her junior apprentices, she felt far from exceptional.
Dak was aware of Esdeath's frustration but chose not to explain. Her greatest flaw was her overconfidence and arrogance, traits that required regular challenges to keep her grounded.
He knew the truth: Luffy and Naruto weren't geniuses—they were "cheaters."
Their abilities awakened due to their world-specific fortunes, allowing them to bypass the hurdles that Esdeath had to overcome through hard work.
From Dak's viewpoint, Esdeath's ability to cultivate her power unaided in a week demonstrated greater talent than her junior apprentices.
One Week Later: August 9th, Year 2 of the Alliance Calendar
Dak re-entered SAO, where players had already reached the 12th floor. Progress in the "death game" had accelerated significantly, with players adapting to survival and boss strategies.
This time, Dak planned to introduce two new facilities: Pokémon Centers and Friendship Shops.
Currently, injured Pokémon could only be healed through rare in-game items, drastically slowing Trainers' progression. As wild Pokémon grew stronger on higher floors, the demand for these items increased, creating supply shortages.
The Pokémon Center and Friendship Shop would solve this issue. Pokémon Centers would provide healing services for 100G per use, while Friendship Shops would sell a variety of items, including rare ones.
Dak configured automatic systems to replicate these facilities. Pokémon Centers would appear on every floor, while Friendship Shops would emerge every five floors.
Higher floors would feature more advanced facilities, offering stronger healing and a wider selection of items.
For Dak, these additions finally answered a lingering question:
"How do I earn PokéCoins in this world?"
(End of Chapter)
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