Marineford, recruit camp.
Following yesterday's fight, the recruit camp wasn't as damaged as anticipated. Thanks to the Naval Headquarters' manpower and resources, they effortlessly restored the camp within a day. In this world of remarkable military strength, such repairs are swift.
On the school field, alongside Zephyr, the general instructor, and other subject instructors, Atlas arrived at the recruit camp as planned.
"Cough..."
"Today, I introduce a temporary instructor - Vice Admiral Hakuryu. I'm sure you witnessed his strength firsthand yesterday."
Zephyr routinely patrolled the entire area, observing the hopeful expressions of the recruits. He smiled slightly, ultimately focusing his gaze on the man and woman at the forefront of the recruit group.
The man had an unusual attire resembling a ninja, sporting a long sword and large shurikens on his back while casually donning a Marine uniform.
In contrast, the woman appeared more conventional, wearing a Marine top and thigh-exposing shorts. Her long, smooth ocean-blue wavy hair cascaded down as she confidently walked in black pointed-toe high heels.
Zephyr reviewed their profiles, identifying them as high-level recruits. The man, named Binz, is a Grow-Grow Fruit user, while the woman, Ain, is a Return-Return Fruit user with. Both possess impressive fruit abilities.
Satisfied, he nodded slightly and gestured to Atlas, stepping back to fully showcase Atlas' figure.
"I'm sure many of you know me. I'm Canos Atlas. As a former student of Teacher Zephyr, I've been invited to teach you for a few days."
Atlas provided a brief self-introduction.
His reputation and yesterday's battle with Zephyr should give these recruits a clear understanding of his strength. At the very least, he's more than capable of being their instructor.
"As for me, my responsibility will be guiding you in practicing swordsmanship in the coming days."
Atlas and Zephyr concluded that the recruitment camp already had sufficient instructors for physical skills. While Atlas and Shuzo were similar in teaching physical skills, the distinction lay in their approaches to swordsmanship practice.
The current swordsmanship instructor in the recruit camp can handle basic training, but for more advanced levels, it's somewhat inadequate. Similar to how Gion taught Atlas advanced swordsmanship, this is why Zoro wasn't sent to Naval Headquarters for specialized training.
Sword?
Among the recruits, doubt flickered in their eyes. In yesterday's battle, they witnessed Vice Admiral Hakuryu's astonishing physical prowess. The long sword at his side served as a reminder that this young aspiring Admiral was not only skilled in physical abilities but also a formidable swordsman.
Yet, deep down, they still instinctively believed that Atlas's physical abilities surpassed his skills in swordsmanship.
Atlas naturally observed the recruits' slightly awkward expressions, shaking his head with a chuckle. Unbeknownst to them, his palms subtly grazed the Kaminari at his waist.
Indeed, actions can speak louder than words.
Uh-huh!
The long sword unsheathed, a blood-red slash soared into the sky. The sword's intense force stung the eyes, and the Armament Haki-infused slash appeared to cleave through the very sky!
Subsequently, the recruits witnessed an unforgettable sight.
The sky... parted! ! !
Clang!
The blade returned to its sheath.
Atlas observed the astonished faces around him and calmly stated, "The mightiest sword skills aren't flashy maneuvers but the unstoppable ultimate power. There's no one in the world who can escape it!"
The recent maneuver was indeed straightforward. It was merely the fusion of Ultimate Haki and Ultimate power that could cleave the sky, akin to Atlas's Chi no Sora.
Wow! ! !
Following the momentary silence, the entire place erupted into excitement, and the gazes fixated on Atlas became even more fervent. Though yesterday's battle left a lasting impression, witnessing pure swordsmanship tear through the sky was an unprecedented experience for them.
"Now, show me all the fundamental moves you've acquired."
The sky-splitting strike moments ago served as a deterrent to the recruits. The actual instruction naturally centered around fundamental movements. Throughout his teaching, both in the past and now, Atlas has consistently emphasized the importance of mastering the basics.
However, the harsh reality is that Atlas's teachings might only be particularly beneficial to a select few. The Swordsmanship Instructor is sufficient for refining the basics. What they truly need is a spark, a seed to comprehend how to cut through steel.
"Yes, lift your hand a bit higher, add a touch more strength, and relish the sensation of swinging the blade with full force every time."
"Over there, your elbows are lifted too high. Ease up a bit, and avoid being too rigid."
With Observation Haki support, Atlas can distinctly perceive the mistakes and oversights of everyone on the field, swiftly providing corrections.
Many individuals have a solid foundation, but...
Atlas gazed earnestly at the female Marine in the front row, skillfully wielding a sword. Among all the recruits, she possessed the most robust foundation and showed the most promise in grasping the essence of cutting through steel in a short period.
"You, step out of the line!"
Atlas subtly signaled the female Marine to step forward.
"What's your name?"
"Report to the commander, I am recruit Ain!"
'...Ain?'
The name sounds somewhat familiar, perhaps a female swordsman, a user of the Paramecia Return-Return Fruit ability?
"Take the sword in your hand and attack me with all your might."
Atlas didn't dwell on it. Fighting was the best and most effective way to comprehend. There was certainly more than one approach to understanding how to cut through steel.
"Ah?"
"Yes, sir!"
Ain was initially stunned, but being a soldier, she swiftly reacted and unsheathed the sword at her waist!
Clang!
The clash of metal and iron resonated, fists and swords collided, and sparks scattered everywhere.
"Hiss~"
A tremendous force transmitted from the blade to Ain's hand. She felt her arm go numb. Upon closer inspection, there appeared to be subtle, imperceptible gaps in the once pristine blade!
Naturally, Atlas can't rely solely on his physical strength to wield a weapon. Without haki, practically no one can handle a sharp one, not even Garp, who has a limit in pure physical arts!
Certainly, Big Mom's physique is a different story.
The long sword in Ain's hand wasn't a renowned blade, just an ordinary-quality one. Under the dual impact of Atlas's formidable strength and Armament Haki, there were already faint signs of it struggling to endure.
"Continue!"
Clang! Clang!
Atlas showed no mercy, delivering one punch after another, forcing Ain to retreat repeatedly, on the verge of losing grip on the long sword!
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