The chapters were late due to my exams
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Now—
The Platinum Angel is sailing towards the next island - Fish-Man Island, as indicated by the Log Pose.
And above the deck.
Rob held Shinto, which remained sheathed, repeatedly practicing his impressive sword skills.
It's been quite some time.
Even though the original idea of creating this set of sword techniques was to look stylish, with the blessing of his third talent - learn and know- after continuous improvement and development, it not only became more stylish but also incredibly powerful.
Rob practiced diligently, and each session brought him new insights, advancing his swordsmanship further. This progress wasn't limited to his self-created techniques for show; it also included his foundational sword skills.
Improving swordsmanship involves advancing from basic techniques to intricate moves through practice, then refining those intricate moves back to simplicity, achieving mastery.
For someone like Rob to simultaneously practice from simple to complex and from complex back to simple while developing the strongest swordsmanship is unique.
It can only be said—
When you're talented, you can achieve anything!
As Rob practiced his sword skills seriously, there was laughter and joy on the Platinum Angel. Robin and Uta were playing hide and seek in their new home, chasing each other around.
Robin trotted ahead:
"Uta, your sister is here! Come on!"
Uta chased after her with short legs:
"Onee-chan, wait for me!"
The two girls, big and small, chased each other, trying out various new equipment.
The Platinum Angel, much larger than their previous ship, was naturally far more equipped than their previous small sailboat. Not only did they have their own bedrooms, but there were also various facilities like a library, training room, coffee shop, and deck swimming pool. They didn't have time to explore everything yesterday, so they were eager to enjoy their new home together!
After half a day of playing, Uta started her usual lunch break. Robin, with a happy face, stopped practicing sword skills and sat down next to Rob, who was reading a newspaper.
"Oni-chan, where are we going next?"
While drinking plain water, Robin curiously asked Rob about their next destination.
Hearing her question, Rob replied:
"Let's head to the Sabaody Archipelago first! The letter Mr. Crocus gave me, the one for Silvers Rayleigh, has been delayed for a long time. We should meet this legendary figure first!"
The time is now—
Sea Circle Calendar 1505, January!
That letter has been delayed for eight or nine months, and if he doesn't go to the Sabaody Archipelago soon, he'll feel embarrassed.
And Rob has wanted to meet Rayleigh for a long time.
He wants to test his strength against Rayleigh, to see if there's still a gap between him and this legendary figure, or if there isn't much distance, and he can try to challenge the top powerhouses!
Currently, Rob doesn't have a clear understanding of his own strength.
But he feels he has reached the top echelon—
In terms of physical fitness, even though he has just passed his second twelfth birthday, Rob's physical strength is already exceptional. He can fight underwater for more than two hours without needing to breathe.
In terms of physical skills, his signature move, Octopole collapse, has become even more powerful. Though the name remains the same, the energy in his punches has tripled, making it possible to smash the top of a mountain with one strike.
Regarding his sword technique, Rob, who has already comprehended the sound of the breath of all things, can now make incredibly powerful slashes with ease. He is qualified to compete for the title of "the world's greatest swordsman." From this alone, it is clear that Rob's sword skills are extremely formidable.
Finally, there is his Haki—
Observation Haki has developed to the point where he can hear the voices of all things, with a vast coverage area that includes a large island and the nearby sea.
Armament Haki has strengthened alongside his physical growth, undergoing multiple transformations to become extremely potent. He has also mastered advanced skills like external release and internal destruction.
Conqueror's Haki has also shown impressive growth. Although it hasn't reached the level of Observation Killing, Rob can release Conqueror's Haki to cause physical damage through sheer momentum. He has also mastered the Conqueror's Haki infusion technique, a hallmark of emperor-level powerhouses.
Currently, Rob can be described as—
A highly refined warrior in mind, body, and skills, yet lacking in combat experience against the true apex fighters. However, Rob sees legendary characters as the perfect opponents to test and sharpen his own strength. Others, including the red-haired Shanks who has already lost to Rob, fall short.
"Okay!"
Hearing that they were going to Sabaody Archipelago to find Rayleigh, Robin smiled and agreed.
"I heard that Sabaody Archipelago has a very unique soap bubble culture. Will Oni-chan want to play with us?"
Rob nodded with a smile:
"Of course! I'm looking forward to experiencing the special soap bubble culture of Sabaody Archipelago too!"
After chatting for a while, Robin, tired from playing, rested her head on Rob's thigh and fell asleep sweetly.
Rob, on the other hand, read the newspaper with a flicker of fighting spirit in his eyes.
The newspaper in Rob's hand featured headlines such as—
[The strongest man in the world shows his power, causing a massive tsunami and defeating the challenger!]
[...]
[Natural Monster, Charlotte Linlin, conquers another island!]
[...]
[Kaido of the Beasts repels the Marine fleet and brings Wanokuni under his control!]
[...]
[Red-haired Shanks and Mihawk fight for three days and nights with no clear winner, showcasing their strength as the two strongest contemporary swordsmen! The world's greatest swordsman may emerge between the two!]
[...]
"Excellent!"
Staring at the newspaper, Rob's face was full of determination:
"I can't wait to go to the New World and have a real fight with these monsters!"
Seeing news about the New World's rising heroes and the emergence of strong figures, Rob's desire to enter and compete grew stronger.
Putting down the newspaper, he glanced at Robin sleeping on his lap and little Uta next to him.
A gentle smile appeared on Rob's face:
"Let's wait a little longer. Compared to fame, what's more important is the girls I cherish!"
Rather than rushing into the chaotic New World, Rob preferred to play it safe. He wanted to ensure Robin and Uta grew up safely before thinking about bigger challenges.
After all, when you're young, you can afford to be a bit willful!
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