Chapter 6: Training Begins
With their accommodations set at Marineford, Michael wasted no time in starting Stella's training. As someone with a Logia-type Devil Fruit like the Cloud-Cloud Fruit, Stella had immense potential, but Michael knew that without control and understanding, this power could be dangerous to both her and those around her.
They began early the next morning, just after dawn. The training grounds within Marineford were vast, designed to accommodate even high-ranking officers. There were specially designated areas for practicing Devil Fruit abilities, giving Devil Fruit users space to push their powers without restriction.
Michael led Stella to a cleared-out area of the training grounds. As the rising sun cast a soft, orange glow over Marineford, Stella looked around in awe. She could feel the significance of where she stood, the place where some of the Navy's finest trained and honed their skills. Her heart thudded with a mixture of excitement and nerves.
"Alright, Stella," Michael began, his expression serious but encouraging. "The most important skill for a Logia user to master first is 'intangibility.' This ability lets you turn your body into your element, allowing you to avoid physical attacks. For someone with the Cloud-Cloud Fruit, that means turning into a cloud form when needed."
Stella listened intently, her emerald eyes wide with focus. She had been rescued by Michael, and she now saw this as her opportunity to prove herself worthy of this second chance. She wanted to make him proud, to show that she could wield this power responsibly.
Michael stepped back, positioning himself a short distance away. "We're going to start with a simple exercise. I'm going to throw a punch at you. If you can become intangible, my fist will go right through you without harm. But don't worry; I won't hurt you if it doesn't work the first time. We'll keep practicing until you get it."
Stella's face showed a mixture of determination and nerves. She took a deep breath, closing her eyes momentarily to focus. She pictured herself as a cloud, her body soft and misty, floating like the morning fog.
"Ready?" Michael's voice snapped her back to the present.
She nodded, bracing herself as he moved forward, his fist swinging toward her. Just as his punch was about to connect, Stella felt a shift, like something unlocking inside her. Her body transformed into a misty cloud, and Michael's fist passed right through her, dispersing the mist momentarily before it reformed.
When she looked back at Michael, his expression was approving. "Well done! You managed it on your first try."
Stella's face lit up with a smile. She could hardly believe she'd done it. But just as she was beginning to feel confident, Michael's face grew more serious. "Remember, this is just the beginning. Intangibility is the first step for any Logia user. It's essential for defense, but there's so much more you can do with your powers."
Michael walked around her, his arms crossed as he thought of the next exercise. "Controlling your element outside your body is another crucial skill. The real strength of a Logia-type user lies not just in avoiding attacks but in controlling their element to create attacks or defenses. I want you to try forming a cloud, something separate from yourself that you can manipulate."
Stella took another deep breath, extending her hand outward. She concentrated on the sensation of her power, imagining a soft, white cloud forming in front of her. Slowly, a small cloud began to appear, hovering in the air just beyond her fingertips.
"Good," Michael said, nodding. "Now, see if you can shape it."
Stella's brow furrowed in concentration as she focused on the cloud, willing it to take a form. Bit by bit, the cloud shifted, morphing into a rough, star-shaped figure. She grinned, proud of herself.
As they continued with her exercises, Michael offered more insight. "Your powers go beyond creating simple clouds or turning intangible. Think of the potential: clouds can obscure vision, offer camouflage, or even provide a barrier between you and an attacker. In the right circumstances, you could even manipulate the weather, creating rain or, with enough control, even lightning."
Stella's eyes shone with excitement as she imagined these possibilities. She realized that her abilities could be versatile, offering both offensive and defensive options. "I'll keep practicing, Michael. I want to be strong enough to help others, like you helped me."
Michael smiled, pleased with her determination. "I know you will, Stella. Just remember, power like this requires responsibility. You're part of the Navy now, and our role is to uphold justice and protect those who can't protect themselves."
They practiced throughout the day, with Michael guiding Stella through increasingly complex exercises. By the afternoon, she had learned to create thicker clouds that could act as barriers against attacks, as well as lighter, thinner clouds that could spread across the ground to obscure visibility. Stella's control over her powers was growing rapidly, her confidence blossoming with each successful attempt.
By evening, as the sky turned golden and Marineford was bathed in the glow of the setting sun, Stella was exhausted yet exhilarated. She sat down on the training ground, wiping sweat from her brow and breathing heavily. Michael sat beside her, giving her a nod of approval.
"You did well today, Stella," he said, his tone warm. "You're making great progress."
Stella looked over at him, her face a mix of fatigue and pride. "Thank you, Michael. I couldn't have done it without you. You're an amazing teacher."
Michael chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "I just know how hard it is to learn these things alone. When I first got my powers, I had to figure it all out on my own, with no one to guide me. You're lucky to have someone who can help you."
Stella's expression softened as she listened. She felt a deep respect for Michael, understanding a bit more about the hardships he'd faced. "I won't let you down. I'll keep working hard."
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, both watching as the last light of the day faded beyond the horizon. Then Michael spoke again, his voice serious. "Remember, with great power comes great responsibility. Don't ever use your abilities to harm the innocent or for personal gain. We stand for justice, for protecting the weak."
Stella nodded, her face resolute. "I understand, Michael. I'll use my powers for good, just like you."
A faint smile appeared on Michael's face as he patted her shoulder. "Good. Rest up, Stella. Tomorrow we'll focus on endurance training. Controlling a Logia ability can be draining, and you'll need to build stamina."
As they walked back toward their quarters, Stella felt a profound sense of gratitude and purpose. She was no longer alone, adrift in the world. She had found a place in the Navy, a mentor in Michael, and a purpose to guide her. Her journey was just beginning, and she was determined to face it with strength and resolve.
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