Hello everyone! Thank you for your votes and power stones. As I promised this new chapter since I recieved twenty power stones I will upload another chapter today.
The votes are still open; if you didn't vote, go and vote. I don't want to disappoint any of you when the vote poll closes..
After the chapter, I will present to you the results of the voting thus far.
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Once Ray and Oliver exited the Greenery blacksmith shop, Oliver glanced up at Ray and asked, "So where are we going now?"
Ray gave Oliver a reassuring smile. "We're going to the forest near the mountains. That's where your swordsmanship training begins. It's going to be difficult, Oliver, so brace yourself."
A smile spread across Oliver's face as he listened to Ray. He gave a firm nod before following him toward the forest.
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In the forest
When they arrived in the forest, Ray glanced at Oliver. "Listen, Oliver. Before we begin your swordsmanship training, there's something you need to understand—the types of swordsmen."
Oliver nodded and listened intently to what Ray was about to say. Ray continued, "There are many types of swordsmen. Some devote themselves entirely to mastering swordsmanship alone—and I belong to this category."
"Some swordsmen devote themselves to pure strength, wielding their blades with a style meant to overpower opponents through brute force alone."
Oliver nodded in understanding, and Ray went on, "Some swordsmen devote themselves entirely to speed. Their sword style is all about rapid strikes and lightning-fast footwork, aiming to overpower their opponents before they can react."
Upon hearing this, Oliver's eyes brightened with excitement. Ray, noticing his enthusiasm, let out a soft chuckle before continuing, "These three categories are known as the main swordsmen types."
Oliver looked puzzled and asked, "Why are these three types considered the main swordsmen types?"
"Many swordsmen have developed unique sword styles of their own, yet these styles still take inspiration from the main swordsman types. After all, no one can truly abandon the fundamental principles of swordsmanship," Ray explained to Oliver.
Ray continued his explanation, "Let me give you an example to make this clearer: if the cornerstone of a building is destroyed, the entire structure will collapse, because the cornerstone is the foundation that supports it."
Oliver widened his eyes in realization after hearing Ray's example.
"Every day, your training will be divided into three parts. The first part, starting tomorrow, will focus on strengthening your body. You'll also help the old man we met today with building our restaurant. That kind of work will make your body stronger, kid."
Oliver was surprised and asked, "Really?"
Ray nodded. "Yes, you'll be carrying heavy equipment and wood. Helping to build the restaurant will make your body stronger—trust me."
Oliver smiled and nodded. "With my innate strength physique, my body will get stronger at a faster rate." He thought to himself.
Ray continued, his tone turning serious, "The next part of your training will be the basics of swordsmanship—skills every true swordsman must master."
Hearing this, Oliver's face lit up—he was eager to start learning swordsmanship.
"In the final part of your training, you will venture into the forest to engage in combat with the forest animals." Ray said to him.
Oliver's brow furrowed as he asked, "Why am I expected to fight the forest animals?"
Ray let out a sigh and said, "Oliver, you still don't have any real combat experience. And the only way for you to gain combat experience is by fighting others. But at your current level, I'm far too strong for you. For now, your best choice is to battle the forest animals."
Oliver nodded in understanding. Seeing this, Ray said, "Alright, let's start by running through the forest. Follow me—and you'd better keep up, kid. I won't be holding back."
Oliver smirked and nodded. Together, he and Ray sprinted through the forest, their footsteps rustling the leaves beneath them.
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After 2 hours
After running for two hours, Oliver was drenched in sweat, yet he still stood steady on his feet. He showed no signs of exhaustion, a result of both his innate strength physique the rigorous training he had endured on Commy Island before meeting Ray.
Ray's eyes widened in surprise, a nervous smile tugging at his lips. 'This kid… his talent is unbelievable. He's only seven, yet he can run for two hours straight without even showing signs of fatigue. That level of potential is terrifying.'
Ray calmed his pounding heart and shot Oliver a proud smirk. "Not bad, kid. You actually kept up with me. Now—1,000 push-ups, 1,000 sit-ups, 1,000 squats, 1,000 pull-ups, and 1,000 squat jumps. Get to it."
Oliver's eyes widened in disbelief at the demand. Ray let out a disdainful smile. "What's wrong? Too much for you?" he taunted.
Oliver's eyebrow twitched in irritation as he snapped back, "Hey, don't you dare look down on me. I'll do these dumb exercises of yours while you watch."
Oliver immediately began his push-ups, muscles tensing with each movement. Ray sat beneath a nearby tree, observing him with a measured smile. 'His physical talent is undeniable,' Ray mused, 'but that pride of his… if he doesn't learn to control those emotions, it'll hold him back.'
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After 3 hours
After finishing the exercises, Oliver collapsed onto his back. His whole body ached, yet a satisfied smile spread across his face.
Ray approached Oliver with a warm smile as he caught sight of the boy's satisfied expression. "How're you holding up, kid?" he asked softly. "Do you need a breather before we move on to swordsmanship basics?"
Oliver's eyes lit up the moment he heard Ray mention swordsmanship. He jumped to his feet, excitement bubbling in his voice. "Let's start, Ray! I want to learn swordsmanship."
Ray laughed at Oliver's eagerness. He unsheathed Suigetsu with a smooth motion, the blade catching the light as he said, "Listen well, Oliver. Before I teach you the basics of swordsmanship, there's something important you need to understand."
Oliver looked at Ray, fully attentive to what he was about to say. Seeing this, Ray continued, "My sensei—the one who taught me swordsmanship—once told me something before I even learned the basics: every sword has its own personality and spirit. A true swordsman can sense a sword's character with the very first swing."
Oliver was confused and asked, "Are you telling me that swords are alive?"
Ray chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Not alive in the way you think, Oliver. A sword doesn't breathe or speak, but it does have a personality. Every blade has its own rhythm, its own temperament. A careless swordsman treats all swords the same, and that's how accidents happen."
Oliver's eyes widened. "So… my sword… can feel how I swing it?"
Ray nodded, a hint of a smile on his lips. "Exactly. The first swing isn't just about strength—it's about understanding the soul of the sword."
Oliver was still confused, but he understood the gist of it and nodded to Ray.
Ray then said to him, "Now I'm going to show you the basic stances and the fundamental sword strikes of swordsmanship. Stand next to me and observe carefully."
Oliver nodded and stood beside Ray, watching carefully as he demonstrated the attacking stance, defensive stance, overhead strike, horizontal strike, and thrust.
After finishing his demonstration, Ray looked at Oliver and said, "Now it's your turn. Give it a try. Don't worry if you don't get it right on the first attempt; that's perfectly normal."
Oliver nodded, unsheathed his training sword, closed his eyes, and began recalling the stances and strikes Ray had just demonstrated.
As I observed Ray's sword stances and strikes, it all seemed so clear. Is this because the copycat talent? Well, it doesn't matter—let's just give it a try," Oliver thought to himself.
Oliver took a deep breath and began executing the sword stances and strikes Ray had shown him, performing each one flawlessly.
Ray was stunned by what he saw. Oliver moved through the stances and sword strikes with flawless precision, every motion executed perfectly. Ray had trained others in swordsmanship back when he was in the Navy, but he had never witnessed anyone display the raw, monstrous talent Oliver was showing now.
An excited grin spread across his face, though beads of nervous sweat glistened on his forehead. Once he calmed himself, Ray said to Oliver, "I want you to execute the sword stances and strikes a thousand times. Don't slack off, kid."
Oliver's eyes widened and his jaw dropped. He yelled at Ray, 'Are you insane, old man? A thousand times again? Get real!'"
Ray burst out laughing at that. He sank to the ground and said to Oliver, "Listen, kid, let me explain something to you about muscle memory.'"
Oliver was confused upon hearing this and asked "muscle memory?"
Ray nodded. "Yes, it's a martial arts term. It means that through repetitive training, your muscles retain the ability to perform the exact punches, kicks, and defensive maneuvers you practiced. In other words, your body remembers how to execute them thanks to the consistent training you've put in."
"Now, you need to build those muscle memories through training and let the basics of swordsmanship become a part of both your body and your soul."
Oliver's eyebrows twitched when he heard this, but suddenly he heard the system notification in his head.
DING.
The system detect that the host needed to make a choice.
1. Listen to Ray and train the sword stances, and strikes thousand times reward: the voice of all things.
2. Refuse to follow Ray's instructions; reward Emo personality
Oliver, confused, asked the system, "What is the voice of all things?"
The Voice of All Things is a mysterious and incredibly rare ability that allows the user to communicate with people, creatures, and objects in the world around them without the need for a physical message, such as speech or writing.
Oliver was taken aback by the system's revelation, but a smile spread across his face. Grabbing his training sword, he dove into his practice with renewed focus.
DING.
Host decided to listen to Ray. Does the host want to claim the reward now?
Oliver nodded and said to the system, "Yes."
Suddenly, Oliver felt a warm sensation in his brain that lasted only a few moments. When it faded, he heard the system notification once again.
Congratulation Host, you have gained the voice of all things ability.
Oliver smiled, then continued his training diligently, every movement sharp and precise under Ray's watchful eyes.
Ray smiled as he watched Oliver train diligently. 'This kid is special,' he thought, 'he has the potential to become the greatest swordsman in the world.'
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After 2 Hours
Oliver swung his sword with every ounce of strength he had, sweat pouring down his face, and after one final strike, he collapsed to the ground, utterly spent.
He was so exhausted that his arms had gone numb when a sharp clap cut through the silence: ''Clap, clap.'"
Oliver turned his head to see Ray smiling fondly at him and clapping. "You did well, kid," he said. "From now on, your first task is to repeat this training every morning when you wake up. Before you assist me and that old man in building the restaurant, do I make myself clear?"
DING.
The system detect that the host need to make a choice.
1. Listen to Ray reward is Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto swordsmanship notes manual.
2. Don't agree with Ray; reward stubborn personality
Oliver then asked the system, "System, is this Yamamoto a incredible swordsman?"
Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto is the Captain of the 1st Division and Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13 in another universe.
Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto is a master swordsman. His skill in swordsmanship is outstanding enough to take down his opponent with a single, precise strike. He has mastered all the different styles and techniques of Zanjutsu, or swordsmanship, and has a high impenetrable defense. He also possesses an incredibly powerful offense, performing all his attacks with flawless precision.
Oliver smiled to himself, 'With this manual, I might improve faster.'
Oliver then turned to Ray and nodded to him.
DING.
Host decided to listen to Ray. Does the host want to claim the reward now?
Oliver replied to the system, 'No, System. I'll claim the reward later.'
As you wish, host.
Suddenly, Oliver's stomach growled, and Ray couldn't help but burst out laughing.
Oliver blushed and scowled when he saw Ray laughing.
Ray smiled at Oliver, "Rest here for a bit, kid. I'll go hunt some food for us."
Oliver nodded to Ray, who then ventured deep into the forest in search of food for both of them.
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Aright guys I hope you enjoyed this Chapter
The voting results thus far, please don't forget to vote the vote poll is still open
1. Oliver, same generation of Shanks and Hawkeye he create his own crew.
8 votes)
2. Oliver joins revolutionary army (2 votes)
3. Oliver, part of worst generation, create his own crew
(10 votes)
4. Oliver joins STH (2 votes)
5. Oliver, first mate of Law (1 vote)
6. Oliver, first mate of Hawkeye
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For the next update
I also decided to do few things for all my stories because it take a lot of work and planning to write new chapters.
10 power stones, [ a new chapter will be uploaded in 24 hours.]
20 power stones [ 2 new chapters will be uploaded in 48 hours ]
40 power stones [ 3 new chapters will be uploaded in 48 hours]
1 review [1 new chapter will be uploaded in 24 hours]
thanks for reading guys take care