"Hah Hah Hah, a good decision boy, what's your name?" questioned Ray, pleased as the boy didn't disappoint him.
"Lukas sir, Lukas Freiheit" replied the Lukas, sparks of life were once again reignited in his eyes.
"Good name, kid" said Ray as he ruffled his blonde hair.
"How old are ya?" he questioned again.
"13"
"Hmm, I see" concluded Ray as he picked up Lukas and exited the cave.
When they were a fair distance from the cave, Ray put Lukas down before showing him something that would be his goal for many years to come.
Unsheathing his katana, Ray looked at Lukas before saying, "Lukas, I want you to ingrain this moment in your memory"
Facing the cave, Ray prepared his deadliest technique. Ray imbued his blade in Armament Haki, using both Emission as well as Conqueror's Haki infusion.
ZzzZt
Despite controlling his Conqueror's Haki so it didn't effect Lukas, the boy still felt the overwhelming feeling of death.
Flashes of red and black lighting danced around his blade in excitement, as the entire atmosphere around the island shifted.
Pointing his blade towards the cave, Ray clenched all his muscles and took a deep breath.
Exhaling, he muttered slowly...
One Sword Style- Salvation
Suddenly, a massive burst of energy was released from the tip of the blade, quickly expanding to an enormous beam of pure destruction.
The beam erased everything in it's path; next to Ray, Lukas stood in awe as the power displayed was simply godlike.
Moments passed in silence as the after effects of the attack came into clear view to Lukas.
Almost half the island was erased, it even split the sea for a few kilometres...
Sheathing Kurenza into it's scabbard, Ray spoke once again to Lukas.
"Do you see it boy?"
"Y-yes sir" replied Lukas with a newfound respect towards Ray.
"Alright good, now let's go bury your family" concluded Ray as he sighed.
A few hours later...
At a nearby flowery hill, Lukas knelt in front of dozens of graves with tears pouring down his eyes.
Behind him stood Ray and all his subordinates, most feeling guilty for the poor boy. If only they had arrived sooner...
Lukas kept crying uncontrollably for a few minutes, he had completely broken down once he saw their bodies, almost unrecognizable.
"M-mom, Dad and Thomas... I promise, I promise that I'll live on" muttered Lukas in pain, barely able to get his words out.
"I won't give up... I'll be something you guys can be proud of"
Wiping his tears with his arms, Lukas stood up with determination fixated in his eyes.
"They'll come to respect our family name..."
"In a world full of darkness... I'll spread the light and give hope to people who suffered the same as us" declared Lukas, despite his age it seemed Lukas was quite a mature teenager.
'Incredible, such strong willpower at that age... perhaps he can achieve his dream' thought Ray.
Turning around Lukas stared at Ray before quickly bowing his head.
"I owe you my life sir!"
"Lukas, you don't owe anyone anything, in fact it's because of our incompetence that people aren't able to live in peace" explained Ray before speaking once again.
"Enough of that, are you prepared to leave kid?" questioned Ray
"Yes... I've said my goodbyes" replied Lukas
Nodding Ray commanded his men, "Alright everyone we're leaving, someone send a report to headquarters"
"Oh and give the kid some clothes, as well a clean up"
"Yes Vice Admiral!" shouted all his subordinates as they saluted.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
An hour later...
Soon their ship departed from Lukas's home, or what was left of it at least. Currently on the deck of the ship, Lukas was attentively listening to Ray.
"What do you think is the defining trait, of all those that stand at the top of this world, Lukas?" questioned Ray, as Lukas had been slightly isolated and knew little.
"Strength" replied Lukas, he thought it was an obvious answer.
"Not quite, it's willpower"
"Willpower?"
"Your personal growth and limit is a direct result of your own willpower"
"A person with a weak willpower will never reach the peak, Lukas" explained Ray, what Ray really meant was that a person's Haki would never reach it's full potential with weak willpower.
"I understand, sir" replied Lukas as he nodded his head.
Ray then explained to Lukas about Devil Fruits, about how they're a mysterious, supernatural fruits that are scattered throughout the world, which can grant special powers to anyone who eats them.
He didn't bother telling him about Haki, figuring it was a too early.
After training Lukas for a few hours, something attracted his attention. He kept staring at a longsword that was sitting on the weapon rack.
"You interested in wielding a longsword Lukas?"
"I am" replied Lukas with his eyes glittering in eagerness.
"I see, then it's yours"
"A-ah, thank you sir" replied Lukas in a thankful manner.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A day later...
[Marineford]
Ray and his men had finally arrived back at Marineford, his vacation had officially ended so he had to report back to Sengoku.
Currently, Lukas was given the rank of Chore boy by Ray, he hoped it would help him grow his personality and keep him humble.
As for his training, he was personally mentored by Ray and would also be living with him. Since he was still young, he was mostly doing physical training.
He was also beginning to learn the basics of swordsmanship but Ray wanted him to focus on his physique for now.
Preparing his body so he could learn the Rokushiki techniques was Ray's first goal.
Even spending just a day with Lukas, Ray could tell immediately that Lukas was talented but what impressed him the most was his determination.
Seeing himself train all day, Lukas tried to replicate the same intensity which Ray thought was commendable.