"The first thing you'll notice," Lucius explained to Sanji, "is that Moon Walk requires a different kind of leg strength than regular kicks."
"Different how?" Sanji asked, already practicing the initial movements Lucius had shown him.
"MEAT!" Luffy's voice interrupted from across the dojo. "I'm hungry! Can we break for morning tea?"
Lucius's voice took on an icy tone that made even Zoro raise an eyebrow. "Luffy, you haven't held that stance for even five minutes."
WHACK!
"You just had breakfast, you bottomless pit!" Nami's fist connected with Luffy's head.
"But Namiiii," Luffy whined, rubbing the growing bump, "that was breakfast. This is morning tea time!"
"Focus on your training!"
"Yes ma'am..." Luffy sulked, returning to his stance.
Turning back to Sanji, Lucius continued, "As I was saying, you already have excellent leg power. Your foundation is actually quite similar to Karoo's in terms of raw strength-"
"Don't compare me to that shitty duck!" Sanji bristled.
"Oi, love-cook," Zoro smirked from his spot against the wall, "I see the resemblance. You both have blonde hair."
"What was that, moss-head? Want me to rearrange that garden on your skull?"
"At least I don't share a hairstyle with poultry."
"Says the guy who looks like he fell face-first into seaweed!"
Lucius watched the exchange with barely contained amusement. "If you're done comparing hair colors, shall we continue?"
[Teaching Assessment: Student rivalry may enhance motivation]
"Of course, sensei," Sanji straightened his tie, shooting one last glare at Zoro. "You were saying about leg strength?"
"Yes. Notice how Karoo- sorry, how the movement requires a sharp, concentrated burst rather than a sweeping motion."
Sanji attempted the kick, his leg moving with precise power. While no air platform formed, the speed and control were impressive.
"Good power," Lucius nodded. "But try focusing the force into a smaller point. Think of it as compressing the air rather than pushing through it."
"Like this?" Sanji adjusted his technique.
"Getting closer. The key is-"
"Oi, dartboard-brow," Zoro interrupted with a yawn, "you look like you're doing the chicken dance."
"At least I can dance, you directionally-challenged cactus!"
"I've seen more graceful moves from a drunken elephant."
"Better than looking like garden waste!"
Lucius couldn't help but chuckle. Teaching agriculture had never been this entertaining. "Gentlemen, perhaps we could channel this energy into actual training?"
"My apologies, sensei," Sanji said, composing himself. "That marimo just brings out the worst in me."
"Funny, I thought that was your natural state," Zoro muttered.
"I heard that, you third-rate swordsman!"
"Third-rate? Want to test that theory, swirly?"
"Actually," Lucius interjected, an idea forming, "Zoro's presence might be helpful for your training, Sanji."
Both men looked at him skeptically.
"How so?" Sanji asked.
"Nothing motivates quite like rivalry. Zoro, would you mind providing some... target practice once Sanji starts getting airborne?"
A predatory grin spread across Zoro's face. "Now that sounds interesting."
"Don't get too excited, moss-for-brains," Sanji smirked. "By the time I master this, you won't be able to touch me."
"We'll see about that, dartboard."
Lucius watched their bickering with a smile. He'd never had students quite like these before, but their dedication was undeniable. Even their insults seemed to push each other to improve.
"Now then," he said, "let's work on that air compression. The trick is..."
...
After thirty minutes of intense practice, something clicked in Sanji's technique. His next kick created a barely visible ripple in the air, then another, and another.
"That's it!" Lucius encouraged as Sanji managed four distinct steps through the air before gravity reclaimed him. The cook landed gracefully, a look of triumph on his face.
"Amazing, Sanji-san!" Vivi called out, clapping.
"VIVI-CHWAAAAN!" Hearts exploded in Sanji's eyes as he twirled toward her. "Your words of praise fill my heart with-"
WHACK!
"Focus on your training!" Nami's fist found its mark.
"Yes, Nami-swaaaan! Your tough love only makes my heart grow stronger!"
"No way!" Luffy shouted, momentarily forgetting his stance training. "Sanji's already walking in the air? As captain, I can't fall behind! Watch this-"
"STAY IN YOUR STANCE!" Nami's fist claimed another victim.
"The Great Captain Usopp has seen far more impressive feats!" Usopp declared from his corner. "Why, I once taught ten thousand men to walk on clouds using only their pinky toes!"
"Really?" Luffy asked with stars in his eyes, earning another bump from Nami.
[Student Progress - Sanji: Exceptional learning speed]
[Basic Moon Walk Steps Achieved]
'So this is what a five-star potential looks like,' Lucius thought, watching Sanji immediately prepare for another attempt. 'The speed at which he's grasping the concept is remarkable.'
His eyes drifted to Luffy, who was struggling with his weight training, his rubber body making the simplest stance exercises look comically difficult.
'How does he have five-star potential too? Is it because of his Devil Fruit power?' Lucius pondered, then glanced at Karoo, who was executing perfect Tempest Kicks across the dojo. 'But then again, Karoo was rated only three stars and learned his technique incredibly quickly. Perhaps the ratings aren't just about learning speed, but overall growth potential?'
"Excellent progress, Sanji," Lucius said aloud. "Your rate of improvement is remarkable. Not quite as fast as Karoo, but at this rate, you might be Karoo 2.0."
"Sensei," Sanji's eye twitched, "please stop comparing me to that duck."
"Look on the bright side," Zoro called out with a smirk. "At least you finally found someone who matches your intelligence level."
"Oi! Want to say that again, moss-brain?"
"Sure, since you're as slow as a duck, I'll repeat it."
"I'll show you slow!" Sanji attempted another Moon Walk, managing five steps this time before falling. "Ha! Beat that, marimo!"
"Hmph," Zoro stood up from his wall, hand resting on his katana. "Is it my turn yet, sensei? I'm tired of watching this duck impersonator flounder around."
Lucius nodded, hiding his amusement. "Very well, Zoro. You're up."
=========================
[Previous Student Session Status: Initial Success]
[New Training Session Initiating]
[Student: Roronoa Zoro]
[Potential Rating: 5 star]
[Selected Technique: Pending]
=========================
"Now then," Lucius said, turning to face the swordsman, "let's see what we can do with those three swords of yours."
...
While the others continued their training, Lucius studied Zoro thoughtfully. The swordsman's three-sword style presented a unique challenge.
'None of the Six Powers really complement his fighting style,' Lucius mused. 'I need something more suitable.'
[System Interface Activated]
[Current Sensei Points: 150]
He scrolled through the familiar categories in his mind.
====================
[Internal Techniques]
[Talk no Jutsu (10,000 SP)]
[Chakra (75,000 SP)]
[Ki (100,000 SP)]
====================
[External Techniques]
[Fireball Jutsu (5,000 SP) Requirement: Chakra]
[Spirit Gun (10,000 SP) Requirement: Spiritual Energy]
[Wuxi Finger Hold (25,000 SP) Requirement: None]
====================
He kept scrolling of thousands of techniques in just seconds, and then something finally caught his eye.
========================================
[Universal Sword Technique: Path of Severance - 75 SP]
[Description: Advanced technique allowing the user to cut anything. No internal energy requirement. Perfect for beginning swordsmen.]
[Note: Results depend on student's natural aptitude]
========================================
'This could work,' Lucius thought. 'Though why is it so cheap compared to the others? The ability to cut anything sounds too powerful for just 75 SP. There must be some limitation or catch I'm not seeing. I should test it on different materials first to understand its true capabilities.'
A sword rack materialized beside them, causing Zoro to raise an eyebrow.
"Since the Six Powers don't particularly suit your style," Lucius said, selecting a practice blade, "I believe I have something more appropriate for a swordsman."
"Oh?" Zoro studied him with new interest. "You're a swordsman too?"
For a moment, Lucius felt a twinge of guilt. He wasn't really a master of anything - just a farmer turned teacher who could access supernatural knowledge through a mysterious system. But he couldn't explain that without risking everything.
"Let's just say I'm well-versed in many disciplines," he replied, channeling a bit of Usopp's confident showmanship. "A good teacher must be knowledgeable in all areas."
====================
[Purchase Confirmed: Path of Severance]
[Remaining SP: 75]
[Technique Knowledge Downloading...]
====================
"Really?" Zoro didn't sound entirely convinced. "And what can you teach me that I don't already know?"
"How about..." Lucius focused as the technique's knowledge flowed into his mind, "the ability to cut anything?"