Chapter 7: The Weight of Justice
The second day of Stella's training began early, with the rising sun casting a golden glow over Marineford. The crisp morning air carried the faint sound of waves crashing against the shores, blending with the distant clanging of swords and the thud of gunfire from other training sessions.
Michael stood in the training ground, his arms crossed as he watched Stella stretch. She looked tired but determined, her emerald green eyes betraying no hint of hesitation. Yesterday's progress had given her a newfound confidence, and she was eager to push her limits.
"Today, we're focusing on endurance and precision," Michael said, his voice calm but firm. "Logia abilities may seem endless, but they still drain your stamina, especially when used continuously or in battle. If you run out of energy in a fight, even the strongest Devil Fruit won't save you."
Stella nodded, taking in his words. "Understood. What's the first exercise?"
Michael smirked. "Let's start with something simple. I want you to create a thick layer of cloud around yourself and maintain it while I attack. The goal is to keep the cloud consistent and strong, no matter what I throw at you."
Stella took a deep breath, extending her arms as she focused on summoning her clouds. A dense, white mist began to form around her, swirling like a protective cocoon. Michael didn't wait long before launching his first strike—a quick punch aimed at testing the cloud's density.
His fist sank into the mist but met resistance, slowing his attack. Stella gritted her teeth, focusing harder as she adjusted the density of the cloud. Michael stepped up his efforts, using quick jabs and even kicks to test her control.
"You're doing well," he said, his voice steady. "But can you maintain it under more pressure?"
Without warning, Michael jumped back, spreading his angelic wings. A blinding flash of white light filled the training ground as he summoned a wave of holy fire. It wasn't strong enough to harm Stella, but the intense heat and pressure tested her resolve.
The cloud wavered, thinning in places, but Stella clenched her fists and poured all her energy into keeping it intact. Sweat dripped down her face as she pushed herself harder, refusing to let the cloud dissipate.
Finally, Michael stopped his attack, folding his wings as he landed gracefully. "Good. You held out longer than I expected."
Stella collapsed to her knees, panting heavily. Her cloud slowly dispersed, leaving her feeling drained but proud. "That… was intense," she said between breaths.
Michael crouched beside her, offering her a canteen of water. "It's supposed to be. In a real fight, your enemies won't hold back. You need to be prepared for anything."
Stella nodded, taking a sip of water before standing again. "What's next?"
Michael smiled faintly, impressed by her determination. "Next, we work on precision. Being able to create clouds is great, but you need to control them with pinpoint accuracy. I'll throw targets into the air, and you'll use your clouds to catch them before they hit the ground."
He motioned toward a nearby rack filled with training equipment. Stella watched as Michael picked up a handful of small, round targets and positioned himself a few meters away.
"Ready?" he asked.
Stella nodded, her hands raised in preparation. Michael tossed the first target—a lightweight wooden ball—high into the air. Stella reacted quickly, summoning a small cloud that caught the ball mid-air and brought it safely to the ground.
"Good. Let's speed it up," Michael said, throwing two targets simultaneously.
Stella's eyes darted between the targets as she split her cloud into two smaller pieces, catching both before they could fall. Her control was shaky, but she managed to bring them down safely.
Michael didn't let up, increasing the speed and number of targets with each round. Soon, Stella was juggling four or five at once, her clouds darting through the air like extensions of her will. Sweat poured down her face as she concentrated, her body trembling from the effort.
"Keep going!" Michael shouted. "You're almost there!"
With one final burst of energy, Stella caught the last set of targets, lowering them gently to the ground before collapsing onto her knees again. Her chest heaved as she struggled to catch her breath, but a smile spread across her face.
"I did it…" she murmured, her voice filled with a mix of exhaustion and pride.
Michael walked over, clapping her on the shoulder. "You're improving faster than I expected. At this rate, you'll be ready to handle real missions in no time."
Stella looked up at him, her green eyes shining with determination. "Thank you, Michael. I wouldn't have made it this far without you."
Michael chuckled, shaking his head. "You've got talent, Stella. I'm just here to help you bring it out."
---
As the day wore on, they shifted to a more relaxed pace, focusing on discussions about strategy and the role of the Navy. Michael explained the importance of understanding one's limits and knowing when to fight and when to retreat.
"The Navy isn't just about fighting pirates," he said as they sat under the shade of a nearby tree. "It's about protecting innocent lives and upholding justice. Sometimes, that means making difficult choices."
Stella listened intently, her expression thoughtful. "Have you ever had to make one of those choices?"
Michael's gaze grew distant, his voice quieter. "Too many times. There are moments when you can't save everyone, no matter how hard you try. It's a heavy burden, but it's one we choose to bear."
Stella looked down at her hands, her fingers brushing against the grass. "I'll do my best to be strong, Michael. I want to protect people, just like you."
Michael smiled, though there was a hint of sadness in his eyes. "You've got a good heart, Stella. Just remember, strength isn't just about power. It's about knowing when to use it and when to hold back."
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That evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, they returned to the house they shared with Rosinante. The young man greeted them with his usual cheerful energy, handing Stella a plate of food as they sat down for dinner.
"You two have been working hard," Rosinante said, grinning. "I could hear the training from here. Sounds like Stella's a fast learner."
"She is," Michael replied, glancing at Stella with a proud smile. "She's got potential, and she's willing to put in the effort. That's all I can ask for."
Stella blushed at the compliment, ducking her head as she focused on her food. Despite her exhaustion, she felt a sense of fulfillment. For the first time in a long while, she felt like she was part of something meaningful.
As they finished their meal, Michael leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "Tomorrow, we'll focus on teamwork. It's one thing to master your abilities alone, but working with others is just as important."
Stella nodded, already looking forward to the next day. She knew the path ahead would be challenging, but she was ready to face it head-on, with Michael as her guide.
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