One Piece Shadow Army - Chapter 10
Meditation.
It’s a state of profound focus.
Using the breathing observation method taught by Instructor Kahn, Curls balanced his inner emotions through mindful breathing, eventually reaching a state of empty meditation.
The first day of meditation didn’t bring any noticeable improvement, but it did add a sense of calm to his otherwise anxious desire to grow stronger.
The following days were routine.
During the day, Curls practiced marksmanship, learned basic swordsmanship and trained his physical fitness. At night, he meditated for an hour, then continued training, gradually pulling ahead of the other recruits.
The Shadow-Shadow Fruit not only reduced his need for sleep but also significantly enhanced his perception in the dark.
As a result, his efficiency in night training improved considerably.
Aside from these basic drills, Curls also allocated time for developing new moves with the Shadow-Shadow Fruit and gaining combat experience.
Developing techniques for a Devil Fruit ability wasn’t easy; it first required understanding the ability thoroughly, and then creating moves that extended its capabilities.
Curls had some ideas but knew that creating a technique was one thing, and being able to consistently use it effectively was another.
This required extensive practice.
…
Under the moonlit night.
A cold wind quietly swept through the training ground.
A black shadow suddenly appeared on the training ground.
If pirate Ardren were here, he would recognize his former companion, pirate Yadon.
But now, Yadon was a shadow soldier, Shadow Soldier [Yadon]!
Curls stood a short distance away, holding a wooden sword, and commanded [Yadon].
“Come, attack me!”
After a month and a half of recruit training, Curls wanted to test his current progress.
[Yadon] didn’t respond or move because the deep subconscious of a shadow soldier prevented attacking the summoner.
Curls noticed this issue and frowned, issuing another command.
“It’s just sparring. Attack me.”
Shadow Soldier [Yadon] thought for a moment and then followed the order.
In the next moment, [Yadon] charged at Curls like a beast, reminiscent of the previous attack in the alley.
However, in the shadow’s presence, Curls’ perception and reaction speed had significantly improved. He easily dodged the punch and counterattacked with the basic swordsmanship techniques taught by Instructor Kahn.
In just half a month, Curls had mastered the basics of swordsmanship, which meant he had progressed beyond random swinging and could now use swordsmanship in combat.
Under the starlight, two distinct figures, one white and one black, clashed continuously on the training ground.
With enhanced reflexes and perception, Curls quickly seized on a mistake by [Yadon], striking down hard with his wooden sword.
Crack!
The wooden sword shattered!
[Yadon]’s shoulder was also split, but the shadow’s power quickly repaired it.
Curls stared at the broken wooden sword in silence…
His strength seemed to be too great!
After discarding the wooden sword, Curls opted for close combat with [Yadon].
Curls’ physical strength far surpassed [Yadon]’s, reaching a level where he could tear apart tigers and leopards, though his combat experience was lacking.
However, with [Yadon], a former pirate with a bounty of seven million, as a sparring partner, his combat experience grew rapidly.
In addition to sparring, Shadow Soldier [Yadon] served another purpose.
As a target.
Under the moonlight, Curls extended his right hand, gathering shadow power into it, and then hurled it toward [Yadon].
“Shadow Knight Spear!”
A black spear formed from solidified shadow energy shot forward with a piercing sound.
Bang!
The spear penetrated [Yadon], shattering him into shadows.
Curls exhaled heavily.
“Shadow Knight Spear” was an attack move he developed, inspired by the cavalry’s lance charge.
The move was powerful but still unstable, requiring more practice.
At around 3 a.m., Curls stopped sparring with [Yadon], summoned him back into the shadows, and headed to the bathhouse before returning to the dormitory to rest.
The next day, training resumed.
…
Time flew, and it was now the third month of recruit training.
In the sixth-floor office of the Marine building, smoke filled the air, making it hard to see.
Smoker, smoking a cigar, reclined on the couch, reading the latest newspaper, which reported major world events and news.
“Recently, the northern kingdom suppressed a rebellion and issued a new ‘Gun Ban’ prohibiting civilians from owning firearms.”
“Portgas D. Ace! A rising pirate known since entering the Grand Line from East Blue!”
“A ghost ship reportedly appeared in the Calm Belt, causing numerous ships to disappear mysteriously!”
At that moment, the wooden office door was knocked, and a Marine major entered.
Smoker looked up. “Oh, Kahn, what’s the matter?”
Kahn reported seriously.
“Captain Smoker, the recruits have completed two months of training and have developed basic combat capabilities. They’re ready for sea training.”
Smoker, still browsing the newspaper, nodded. “Alright, take a patrol ship and train them at sea.”
Sea training involved real encounters with pirates, but Smoker had great confidence in Kahn’s abilities, ensuring the recruits would be safe.
“Yes, Captain Smoker.”
Kahn saluted and left.
As Kahn reached the door, Smoker recalled something and called him back.
“By the way, there’s a message from Marine Headquarters. They’re unhappy with your decision to release the pirate Jeff. Although they didn’t demote you, your promotion to lieutenant commander has been rescinded.”
Merits are crucial for rank advancement in the Marines. Without enough, promotion is impossible.
“Understood.”
Kahn accepted the outcome calmly.
He wasn’t uninterested in promotion but never regretted his choices.
…
At Loguetown’s port.
Led by Kahn, fifty-four Marine recruits gathered by the shore. Four recruits had dropped out due to the rigorous training.
Amidst the recruits’ curiosity and confusion.
Kahn spoke up, “What defines a Marine? Only those who’ve experienced sea battles are true Marines. For the last month of recruit training, I’ll take you to sea to fight real pirates. Are you ready?”
“Ready!”
The recruits, excited and eager, responded enthusiastically. After all the training, they were keen to test their abilities.
Curls, too, was eager to face other pirates, having grown significantly stronger over the past two months.
The sails were already raised.
Some Marines on the patrol ship prepared for departure.
Though smaller than standard Marine warships, the patrol ship had three decks and heavy cannons, capable of facing several pirate ships head-on.
Lieutenant Mod, after checking the patrol ship’s status, reported promptly.
“Major Kahn, the patrol ship is fully stocked with ammunition, weapons, medical supplies, and food. With the fifty-four recruits, the ship’s crew now totals 120, meeting the minimum requirement.”
Kahn hadn’t stationed many regular Marines on the patrol ship because this was a training exercise for the recruits. Too many regular Marines would negate the training effect.
“Good. Recruits, board the ship and prepare to set sail!”
…
Become a Patron to read chapters ahead of public release and support me 😉
Read up to 40 chapters ahead on p atreon.