Chereads / One Piece: Duel of the Grand Seas / Chapter 7 -  Seven Years of Growth

Chapter 7 -  Seven Years of Growth

Seven years passed, and Foosha Village had transformed into more than just a home for Xpovac; it became the foundation of his strength and the birthplace of bonds that would shape his future. During this time, Xpovac's journey intertwined deeply with those of Luffy, Ace, and Sabo, though the major events of the anime still unfolded as they originally did. Now, at 17, Xpovac had grown into a skilled fighter, building both his Pokémon team and his personal strength, alongside his brothers by heart.

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Year 1: The Bond of Brothers

Shortly after Garp left Luffy in the care of Dadan, Xpovac knew that the key to survival in the harsh mountain region was training. With Lucario (formerly Riolu) and Marshtomp (evolved from Mudkip) as his closest companions, Xpovac honed his skills day and night, pushing both his physical body and his Pokémon's strength to new levels. The brothers—Xpovac, Ace, Luffy, and Sabo—began training together every day, forging bonds stronger than blood.

During this first year, Xpovac received a quest from the system to capture a mythical Pokémon, Mew, which appeared as a playful and elusive entity. After weeks of chasing shadows and solving riddles, Xpovac finally managed to catch Mew, marking the beginning of his growth into something beyond an average fighter. Mew became his secret powerhouse, hidden from the rest of the world but always ready to support him in battle.

One night, after a hard day of training, the four brothers gathered by a campfire. It was then that they sealed their bond by sharing sake cups, swearing to be brothers for life. This was a pivotal moment for Xpovac, as he felt not only a growing strength in himself but also an unbreakable connection with Ace, Luffy, and Sabo.

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Year 2: Swampert and Tyranitar

As Xpovac's Marshtomp continued to train rigorously alongside him, their bond culminated in Marshtomp's evolution into Swampert. Swampert's newfound power brought Xpovac closer to his dream of becoming one of the strongest in the world.

Later that year, while exploring a deep jungle on a system quest, Xpovac encountered a wild Tyranitar. The battle was fierce, but with his team's combined strength, he emerged victorious. Tyranitar joined his team, adding incredible power and defense, further bolstering Xpovac's lineup.

At this point, Xpovac's training with Luffy, Ace, and Sabo intensified. He shared everything he had learned with them, helping each one hone their own unique talents. Luffy's determination to become the Pirate King, Ace's fiery ambition, and Sabo's passion for freedom fueled their relentless efforts to get stronger.

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Year 3: A Legendary Companion

The system presented Xpovac with a nearly impossible quest to claim a legendary Pokémon. It required him to solve ancient puzzles and defeat powerful enemies across different islands. After months of arduous effort, Xpovac earned the allegiance of Lugia, the guardian of the seas. With Lugia in his team, Xpovac's power grew ready to be unleashed through the seas, though he remained anchored to his brothers and his home.

Lugia's mastery of flight opened new training opportunities, and Xpovac's command over the skies gave him a strategic advantage in battles and exploration. With his team growing stronger, Xpovac continued to focus on perfecting his skills and becoming stronger alongside Ace, Luffy, and Sabo.

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Year 4: Sabo's Departure

One of the most heart-wrenching moments for Xpovac was the night before Sabo ran away to pursue his dream of freedom on the open seas. Understanding that Sabo's journey would be dangerous, Xpovac gifted him a special Pokémon to protect him—a Luxray, whose sharp instincts and electric attacks made it a formidable companion. He handed Sabo the Pokéball, knowing that Luxray would stay by his side through thick and thin.

"Take care of Luxray, Sabo," Xpovac said, his voice steady though his heart was heavy. "And come back stronger, okay?"

Sabo nodded solemnly, thanking Xpovac for the gift before setting off on his path. The next day, tragedy struck when news spread that Sabo had been lost at sea after his ship was destroyed by a World Noble. Xpovac, Luffy, and Ace were devastated, but Xpovac kept Sabo's memory alive, fueling his drive to get stronger for the sake of the brothers he had left behind.

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Year 5: Evolution and Mastery

As time passed, Lucario's bond with Xpovac deepened, and the once playfully small Riolu had grown into an awe-inspiring fighter. With Mew, Tyranitar, Swampert, Lugia, and Lucario by his side, Xpovac began to master strategies and techniques that allowed him to hold his own against powerful opponents.

Over time, Xpovac and his Pokémon continued to train intensely, forging an even greater connection with each other. As a result of this bond, Swampert grew stronger, and Lucario developed incredible mastery over its aura techniques.

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Year 6: Preparing for the Future

As Ace, Luffy, and Xpovac all continued to get stronger, their paths started to diverge. Ace had made up his mind to set sail and begin his own journey to make a name for himself as a pirate. But before he could leave, the brothers—Ace, Xpovac, and Luffy—made one last promise: to meet again, as stronger men, and fight to see who had truly grown the most.

The day before Ace's departure, Xpovac and Luffy stood at the port to see him off. Xpovac felt both pride and sadness watching Ace leave to pursue his dream of freedom and strength. 

"You sure you're ready, Ace?" Xpovac asked, smirking slightly as he stood by Luffy.

Ace grinned confidently. "Of course. And when we meet again, I'll be stronger than ever. Just wait!"

Luffy nodded enthusiastically, determined to catch up to his brother. "I'm going to become the Pirate King! And I'm gonna be even stronger than both of you!"

Xpovac chuckled but remained silent as he waved Ace off, knowing that their next meeting would be on different terms—an inevitable clash of their strengths. 

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Year 7: The Next Step

After Ace's departure, Xpovac focused his efforts on helping Luffy grow stronger. They trained together daily, with Xpovac using his Pokémon to help Luffy master new techniques. Though Xpovac could feel the winds of change in the air, he knew his journey was just beginning.

Ace's promise to meet again echoed in Xpovac's mind. Though the brothers were separated by different paths, their bond remained unbroken. And now, with his powerful Pokémon team by his side, Xpovac stood ready for whatever challenges lay ahead, as the world of pirates, battles, and destiny awaited.