"Not like that, Nico," Imai said firmly, watching the archeologist struggle with the correct form. "Use your legs more to put power into the strike. Lean forward slightly, but keep your balance, and grip the handle tightly."
Nico adjusted her stance, focusing on the advice. Her downward vertical slash came down harder and faster, the sound of the blade slicing the air more pronounced this time. Sweat dripped down her brow, and the sun's relentless heat bore down on her, but she pushed through.
She glanced at Imai, who was observing her critically. If I don't give this everything I have, I won't be able to stand beside her. I have to become stronger—strong enough to be her equal.
Imai could sense the determination radiating off Nico. While she didn't know exactly what was driving her, it was clear that Nico's resolve made her a dedicated student.
"That's more like it!" Imai said, her tone encouraging. "Keep practicing like that, and you'll surpass me in no time."
"Thank you!" Nico said, smiling despite her exhaustion.
Imai's eyes wandered as Nico wiped her sweat with a towel. Despite the archeologist's slender frame, she had already developed noticeable muscle tone from their training—powerful calves, defined quads, and a strength that belied her otherwise delicate appearance. Imai grinned inwardly at the thought of what Nico could become with more effort.
She has the potential to be a monster, Imai thought, suppressing a chuckle.
"Oi," Nico said, catching Imai's smirk. "What's up with that grin?"
"Ah, nothing," Imai replied nonchalantly. "Have you finished your daily training routine?"
"Yes," Nico replied, using the towel to pat her neck, the sheen of sweat glistening under the sun. The scene, unintentionally, had an alluring quality to it that made Imai briefly avert her gaze.
"I see," Imai said, standing and returning to the helm. She adjusted the ship's course, then turned back to Nico with curiosity in her expression. "By the way, I don't think I ever asked—what exactly is your devil fruit ability?"
"The Hana Hana no Mi," Nico explained. "It allows me to replicate and sprout parts of my body from any surface, living or non-living, as long as the target is within my line of sight."
"An incredibly versatile power," Imai mused, nodding in approval. "But that means you can't swim, right?"
"Correct," Nico said matter-of-factly. "But I don't particularly miss swimming. The ocean is filled with monsters, anyway."
"True," Imai said with a small chuckle.
Nico tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. "That reminds me—I've been meaning to ask. Why are you looking for Enel, the so-called Lightning God? Did he do something to you in the past?"
"No," Imai replied. "He didn't do anything to me. He just has something I want."
"His devil fruit?"
"Exactly."
"But why? You're already incredibly strong. Why go after it?"
Imai glanced out at the sea, her expression thoughtful. "Because the Goro Goro no Mi is one of the most powerful Logia fruits. Sure, Luffy defeated him with ease because lightning doesn't affect rubber, but that's a unique case. Without Luffy, could your crew have beaten Enel?"
Nico paused, considering the question. "Probably not," she admitted. "If not for Luffy, his abilities might have overwhelmed us."
"Exactly," Imai said. "But Enel wasted the potential of that fruit, playing god instead of mastering it. If I had it, I'd show the world what true power looks like."
Nico narrowed her eyes slightly. "But would you actually use it? Or are you just collecting it as some sort of trophy?"
Imai grinned. "I haven't decided yet. If I do choose to eat it, it'll be because I'm sure it's the right move. Humans, no matter how strong, are always at a disadvantage against devil fruit users—except for me, of course."
Nico nodded slowly. "I see."
"Anyway, this conversation's getting boring," Imai said abruptly, stepping away from the helm. "The ship's on autopilot for now."
"Huh?" Nico raised an eyebrow. "What are you planning to do?"
"I'm going to show you something cool," Imai said with a playful smirk. She unsheathed her katana and pointed it toward the endless horizon of sea and sky.
"What is it?"
"It's a magic trick I call the 'Splitting of Sky and Sea.' Watch closely."
Nico's eyes sparkled with anticipation as Imai steadied herself, gripping her blade with both hands.
"Here we go!" Imai declared, infusing her strike with Conqueror's Haki. She swung vertically, unleashing a streak of brilliant purple energy that surged toward the ocean.
WHOOSH!
Nico's breath hitched as the clouds above split apart, revealing the vibrant blue beyond. The ocean below followed suit, parting momentarily to reveal the writhing forms of colossal sea monsters.
Her heart raced. She had almost forgotten Imai's epithet: Empress of the Blade. This was the woman the World Government declared the strongest swordsman alive, with a bounty of 3.4 billion berries to prove it.
"This is just a simple slash," Imai said, turning back to Nico. "Sometimes I do this for a better view. Sometimes, just because I'm bored."
As she sheathed her blade, Imai's expression shifted, her gaze sharpening. "Oh? Someone blocked that."
Nico frowned, scanning the horizon. "Blocked it? I don't see anyone."
Imai tapped her temple. "Observation Haki. I've trained mine to detect even the faintest presence from great distances. Whoever blocked it—they're coming this way."
Nico leaned against the railing. "Do you think it's the Marines?"
"Not likely. They're not strong enough to deflect my attacks. If it's an admiral, though… maybe."
"Whoever it is," Nico said with a determined glint in her eyes, "we're ready to face them."
Imai grinned. "That's the spirit. Just don't back down when the time comes."
"I won't."
"Good!" Imai laughed. "Though, honestly, I hope we don't have to fight. I don't want to ruin this beautiful ship over something pointless."
A ship appeared on the horizon, its distinctive red-striped figurehead coming into view. In the center stood a figure with a mop of wild red hair and a wide, confident grin.
Imai's eyes narrowed, a grin tugging at her lips. "Well, speak of the devil… Looks like we have company."