On Spring Island, the sound of combat echoed through the trees. Most of the crew had scattered across the island to hunt the striped pigs. This wasn't just for food; it was a focused effort to improve their combat skills. The primary goal was for every member to awaken their Haki, a basic requirement for surviving the dangers of the New World.
Carl remained in the air, using his Observation Haki to monitor everyone's safety. He allowed the crew to choose their own fighting styles and didn't interfere unless someone was in real danger. He wanted them to learn through experience. While he relaxed in the sun, his Den Den Mushi suddenly rang. It was Shakky. The 100,000,000 Berry he had paid her for information was proving to be a great investment. She provided three critical updates on the state of the world:
The World Military Draft had recruited a powerful new warrior named Ryokugyu (Green Bull), a Logia user who possessed the Woods-Woods Fruit.
Germa 66 was in frequent contact with the Big Mom Pirates.
Kaido was on the move, actively searching for the Straw Hat crew.
Carl descended to the ground to share these updates with Zoro, Sanji, and Marianne. When Sanji heard about Germa 66 and Big Mom, he gripped his kitchen knife so tightly that he accidentally shredded the pork he was preparing. If those people dared to touch the Baratie, he was prepared to burn the Germa Kingdom to the ground.
Zoro, however, looked excited. "Kaido is looking for us?" he asked, his eyes sharp. "Teacher Carl, why don't you let me fight him? I want to see how I measure up against a Yonko".
Carl was surprised by Zoro's boldness. Kaido was a Tier 4 threat—a literal monster who could destroy islands. One wrong move could mean death. Still, Carl considered the request. "It's not a bad idea," Carl said with a nod. "When the time comes, Luffy and I will handle the main battle. You, Sanji, and Law can fight him together. It's a perfect chance to experience the power of an Emperor. Think of it as a lesson from 'Teacher Kaido' on how to use Conqueror's Haki coating".
Kaido really was the best teacher in the world. He had already "taught" Carl and Luffy the secrets of advanced Haki during their previous clashes, and he didn't even charge for the lessons.
"I want to fight him alone," Zoro muttered, though he knew the answer.
"No," Carl replied firmly. "You wouldn't last a second alone. Besides, Sanji and Law need the training too. Even Marianne and the Lion King can join in if they want to test their limits. Everyone gets an equal chance to learn".
Zoro didn't argue further. Facing a Yonko with two teammates would still provide enough pressure to force their growth. Sanji didn't object either; he was eager to prove he could contribute more than "Moss-head" in a real fight. Marianne and the Lion King, however, weren't interested. Marianne preferred tea and biscuits over fighting a dragon, and the Lion King felt an instinctive fear of the mighty Azure Dragon.
"Mr. Carl, who is this Ryokugyu? Is he strong?" Marianne asked casually.
"Very strong," Carl answered. "He will likely become a Marine Admiral, just like Fujitora".
Zoro and Sanji paused. They knew how powerful Admiral Fujitora was, and the idea of the Marines having three active Admirals again was a serious concern. The World Government was clearly rebuilding its strength after its previous defeats. Carl felt a bit passive because he didn't have much information on Green Bull from his previous life, but he trusted in the crew's potential and their ability to overcome any crisis.
"We need everyone to grow stronger," Carl whispered, his gaze sweeping over the island.
Deep in the forest, Luffy was busy clearing his own path. He had accidentally destroyed several striped pig nests and altars, making himself the number one enemy of the herd. He laughed as he outran the furious animals. Eventually, the pigs stopped chasing him, appearing terrified of the area he was entering.
Luffy walked into a strange clearing. In the center stood a massive platform that looked like an ancient altar, surrounded by giant stone statues of pigs.
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