Jozu exited the Moby Dick's cabin, his brow furrowed with confusion. Why send me to his old home?
Could there really be something there that would help him develop his Kira Kira no Mi powers? The thought seemed absurd, but Lucas's tone had been serious, and Jozu figured he had nothing to lose by checking it out.
Finding a Diluo beast—a swift creature native to the island—, Jozu saddled up and rode toward the eastern cliffs of Dillock Island.
---
The view from the cliffs was breathtaking. Waves crashed below as the endless blue of the ocean stretched to the horizon. Amidst the greenery, Jozu spotted a small cabin nestled between two sturdy trees.
"Lucas sure knows how to pick a spot," Jozu muttered, noticing a hammock strung between the trees.
The cabin itself was modest. Entering, Jozu found it sparsely furnished, save for a massive bookshelf on the far wall.
"What the… comics?"
Jozu blinked, staring at the rows of colourful volumes. Picking one randomly, he noticed the name Lucas signed neatly on the cover.
"Wait… did he draw all of these?"
The realization hit him like a tidal wave. Lucas hadn't been hiding away for years doing nothing. He'd been creating this staggering collection of comics.
"Unbelievable," Jozu muttered, pulling a volume titled The Legend of Might Guy. "Let's see what's so special about these."
---
From the moment he began reading, Jozu was hooked. The story followed Might Guy, an ordinary man with no special powers, who relied solely on grit and relentless training to become one of the most formidable warriors in his world.
The narrative was raw and inspiring. Jozu felt every drop of sweat Might Guy shed during his gruelling training. He marvelled at the spirit of a man who, though ordinary, dared to challenge the extraordinary.
Hours passed in a flash as Jozu reached the climax: Might Guy's battle against the godlike Six Paths Madara.
"Impossible… with just his body, he nearly defeated someone like that!" Jozu exclaimed, his heart pounding.
Guy's words echoed in his mind: True victory is not defeating the strong—it's protecting what matters most.
Jozu closed the book, his emotions swirling. If a normal man can achieve that level of power through determination alone, then what excuse do I have? I have a Devil Fruit's power, yet I've been holding myself back!
---
As Jozu returned the comic to the shelf, something unexpected happened.
A series of words flashed through his mind:
"The spirit of a person is born into the Eight Gate. Take the universe into the body and gather strength. The beginning of the Eight Gate is to open the door..."
Jozu froze. He wasn't just recalling lines from the comic—he felt them. It was as if the concept had embedded itself into his very being.
A strange sensation coursed through his body. He could feel his energy shifting, his meridians responding to the mental image of the Eight Gates technique described in the comic.
"This… is this real?" Jozu whispered, his eyes wide.
He felt the potential for something far beyond his limits for the first time. It was as though the comic had unlocked a dormant part of his soul.
---
Meanwhile, back on the Moby Dick, Lucas was hard at work drawing his next chapter when a notification chimed in his mind:
[Ding! Congratulations! Jozu has gained inspiration from your comics, awakening the Eight Inner Gates technique. Mysterious energy +500.]
Lucas smirked, his pen pausing mid-stroke. "Looks like the big guy figured it out. Good for him."
---
Back at the cliffs, Jozu stood amidst the rustling trees, his fists clenched with determination. The Eight Inner Gates technique was still raw and unpolished within him, but he could feel its overwhelming power waiting to be unleashed.
"Lucas… I misjudged you," Jozu muttered. "You're more incredible than I thought."
With renewed resolve, Jozu began training, the image of Might Guy pushing him forward. For his father, for his crew, and for himself—he would surpass his limits.