A bright sun hung overhead as everyone aboard the Wind Rider trained diligently—including Caelan.
On deck, Caelan held the golden magic spear in his right hand and the famed black sword, Shusui, in his left. The spear was regal and fierce, while the sword was sharp and cold. One long, one short. He wielded both at once.
Though his movements were still a bit clumsy, the power behind them was unmistakable.
"Good. If you refine this more, it can be used in real combat."
"With a weapon in each hand, your combat effectiveness can definitely increase."
After training for over two and a half hours, Caelan was pleased with his progress.
The Lancer-class Heroic Spirit template, Karna, had brought him not just powerful treasures and [Personal Skills], but also exceptional spearmanship.
Even with only 36% synchronization, his spearmanship had reached a level worthy of a master.
It would be a waste not to use it. So—
Caelan decided to merge his swordsmanship with Karna's spearmanship.
In doing so, the massive greatsword he used before no longer suited him. He had asked Tashigi for Shusui, the famed sword they had previously obtained.
Shusui was the sword of Dragon Slayer Shimotsuki Ryuma and was considered a national treasure of Wano Country.
Aside from Mihawk's Black Blade, Yoru, Shusui was the only other black blade in the world.
While not on the same level as the Noble Phantasms obtained from Karna, it was far superior to his old greatsword.
Shusui was just good enough for now.
At some point, the women stopped their own training and began watching Caelan.
"How is it?"
Caelan smiled and asked their thoughts.
"Amazing!"
"You look really cool!"
"It looks super powerful!"
Nami, Robin, Vivi, Perona, Nojiko, and Kalifa all gave glowing reviews.
"Even stronger than Shanks!"
Uta clapped and betrayed her father on the spot.
Caelan basked in the praise, clearly delighted.
Still, most of the girls didn't know much about martial arts. Their praise was based mostly on appearance.
"What about you two?"
Caelan turned toward Tashigi and Gion with a raised brow.
Those two were actively pursuing mastery in swordsmanship.
"Very impressive. Caelan, your spearmanship surpasses my swordsmanship by far."
Tashigi gave her honest opinion, though she couldn't grasp the full depth.
"Both your spearmanship and swordsmanship seem ingrained in your bones, like you were born with them. Though your coordination is still rough, once you refine it, your power will easily double."
Gion's expression was conflicted, but she had to admit it—Caelan was a genius.
She had spent years dedicated solely to the sword and barely reached the level of a top swordsman.
Yet Caelan had not only reached that level in swordsmanship, he was also a spearmaster. And now he was combining the two.
Compared to her, a Marine admiral candidate, Caelan seemed inhuman.
"You really know your stuff."
Caelan grinned and gave Gion a pat on the shoulder. He loved being praised by beauties like Nami and Robin, but hearing recognition from a knowledgeable swordswoman was even more satisfying.
"Tch. Narcissist."
Vivi made a face at him teasingly.
"Vivi, are you challenging me?"
Caelan narrowed his eyes playfully, casting a dangerous look her way.
"I was wrong!"
Vivi shrank back immediately. If Caelan punished her tonight, she wouldn't survive it.
Her reaction drew laughter from the rest of the group.
Just then, a large ship approached, heading straight for the Wind Rider. Its distinctive shape quickly drew everyone's attention.
"That's the Perfume Yuda, the ship of the Warlord Empress."
Robin frowned, recognizing it immediately.
She had once served under Crocodile and was familiar with the other Warlords.
The only female Warlord was someone she had once aspired to be like.
"Pirate Empress? I heard she's the most beautiful woman in the world. I want to see her for myself!"
Perona's eyes sparkled, eager to compare herself to Hancock.
"You? No way. If you want a fair comparison, look at me!"
Gion puffed out her chest proudly. The imposing volume made others turn away in defeat.
In terms of beauty, no woman would admit she was second-best.
"Ugh!"
Perona glared at Gion. Her figure wasn't bad, but compared to everyone else on the ship, she was near the bottom. Even newcomer Uta was a size larger.
"What's she doing here? Looking for a fight?"
Nami frowned in confusion.
After everything they had gone through with Caelan, facing a Warlord was no big deal anymore.
Not to mention Gecko Moria had been following their ship for some time.
"Did she come here for Caelan?"
Vivi muttered, puzzled by the Empress's motive.
"Unlikely. They've never met," Tashigi responded earnestly.
"I was joking," Vivi shot back, rolling her eyes.
Tashigi was just too serious sometimes. Even if Caelan was charming, there was no way a Warlord would be interested in someone she'd never met.
"…"
Caelan remained silent.
In truth, he thought Vivi's guess might be right.
After all, Boa Hancock was famous for being lovestruck.
Maybe when he killed those two Celestial Dragons, he triggered one of her hidden side quests.
"No point speculating. We'll know soon enough."
Robin crossed her arms and said calmly.
"Yeah."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
They turned their eyes toward the Perfume Yuda, eager to see what the most beautiful woman in the world wanted.
Soon, the Wind Rider and the Perfume Yuda met at sea. Walking toward them was Boa Hancock, exuding a regal and commanding aura. She no longer looked ill from lovesickness, but radiant and full of energy.
Following her were a frail, thin old woman and two muscular female warriors.
With the contrast from her companions, Hancock's beauty became even more stunning.
"What a view…"
"She really is the most beautiful woman in the world."
Nami and Robin were both dazzled, sighing in admiration.
"She's amazing!"
Perona pouted but reluctantly admitted Hancock's charm.
"But why isn't Caelan reacting?"
The women aboard the Wind Rider all turned to look at Caelan.
Their captain, who usually had no self-control, was the calmest one here.
Did the Empress not suit his taste?
That couldn't be. This was a beauty who even they felt inferior to.
"She is really beautiful."
Caelan offered a timely sigh, but to the girls, it sounded flat and perfunctory.
To him, Hancock was indeed beautiful, but only slightly above Nami and the others. It wasn't enough to stun him.
Their exaggerated reactions were probably a result of her Love-Love Fruit powers.
But his A-rank Divinity made him immune to such charm-based abilities.
To everyone's surprise, Hancock's cheeks flushed and her lips parted slightly.
"Caelan… are you willing to be my king?"
Question marks popped up above all the girls' heads.
No way...
Was she really here… for Caelan?
(To be continued.)
***
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