172 Koby's Training

Koby POV - Blue Star, East Blue - 20 GAP

This is for sure the wildest days of my life since I was captured by Alvida and her pirate crew, everything started as usual, I woke up early and quickly started to clean the Miss Love Duck, Alvida's Pirates flagship, together with all the other crew members from top to bottom, all to avoid Alvida's wrath.

Because Alvida truly dislikes filth and laziness, and so, she forces us to clean the entire ship, and if there is even a hint of dust, she smashes that person with her club, and that isn't something I want to experience soon, because that heavy, spiked Iron Mace is clearly very painful and deadly, and everyone in these few months I was here that was on the receiving end of that spiked Iron Mace never survived with an intact body.

Luckily Alvida isn't as prone to violence as her image would imply, and as long as you fulfill her orders and do your work she will treat you well, but if one messes up, goes against her, or even insults her, then the only thing the person in question will face is her vicious cruelty.

That is one of the reasons why I was very careful around her, and even though I wanted to escape from here no matter what because I didn't want to be a pirate ship caretaker for the rest of my life, I still didn't do anything that was outright against her.

Anyway, today appeared to be another hopeless day like any other, we were returning to Alvida's Pirates' base, Goat Island, a small, rocky island where small rocks covered the shoreline and a small forest was visible, and in that particular forest that I was secretly building a small boat using thrown away parts to finally escape, well, building is a strong word as I know nothing about the subject but at least it should have been enough to escape with it.

Back to the topic, we were on our way back to the base when all of a sudden, a lone merchant ship appeared in sight, and seeing the easy prey, Alvida didn't hesitate to order to chase after it and rob it clean.

Everything was going as usual as the people on the merchant ship offered next to no resistance as the pirates were way too strong for them and all of them were quickly dispatched and captured, and quickly Alvida's pirates started to search and gather the loot.

And it was at that moment that everything changed, a tall young man with dark blue messy hair, even taller than Alvida, and with an enviable body appeared out of nowhere.

It looked like he was older than me but not by much, and he was wearing a colorful blue open shirt, white short pants, and sandals, he was so handsome that even that proud Alvida was entranced by him for a few moments.

What happened next was so fast and impactful that I still have problems believing it truly happened, somehow the young man first genuinely complimented Alvida something no one had ever done before, making me question his sanity, but quickly after that, he also insulted her drawing her ire, as Alvida quickly rushed to hit him with her huge, heavy, spiked Iron Mace.

But just as I was sure that the young man would end up crushed under her heavy blow.

But I was once more surprised as the young man effortlessly stopped Alvida's Iron Mace with only one finger, and then he blew her away with only a single punch that generated a tornado-like wind.

Soon after that, something even more unbelievable happened as all the pirates of Alvida's crew ended up fainting at the same time while foaming from their mouths, and even if I didn't notice anything, and don't know how he did it, I'm sure that it was because the young man did something and for some strange reason he spared me.

Unable to hold back my curiosity and admiration, I asked him who he was, and he introduced himself as Pucci Jayr a normal explorer, but there was nothing normal about him, then something about him made me feel secure and so I decided to reveal him my doubts and my dream.

After that, he asked me if I still wanted to chase after my dream of becoming a Marine and catch the bad guys to protect the people of this world, and also asked me if I was willing to push myself to the limit to chase after my dream if he guarantees that I would be able to fulfill it.

Hopeful, I asked him for confirmation and he simply looked right into my eyes and nodded, I saw no deception, cruelty, or mockery in his gaze, only confidence and honesty, and seeing that, I replied that I was willing to even die trying that just stay as I'm now and live my whole life in regret.

After that, Jayr-san smiled and told me that he'll train me and make it so that I'll be able to become a Marine Admiral, quickly after that, he grabbed me and suddenly we started to fly as I screamed in panic as I saw the Miss Love Duck and the merchant ship quickly get smaller as we fly away, and soon after that I kinda passed out.

After that, I woke up on the deck of a strange but imposing ship that didn't even seem made up of wood but instead made up of some kind of metal, and standing in front of me was Jayr-san together with some of the most beautiful women I have ever seen, he introduced 4 of them to me as his girlfriends, while the remaining one is his friend.

They are Saori-san an otherwordly beautiful young woman with long light violet hair, and greenish blue eyes, wearing a simple white dress, Seika-san a still beautiful and gentle young woman with light brown short wavy hair reaching just above the shoulders and dark brown eyes, Eri-san a short young woman with short black hair that is kept in a tiny bob, brown eyes and like me she is wearing glasses, but despite her appearance something about her seems scary, I feel like I'm in front someone scarier than Alvida, and lastly there is Tio-san, a beautiful and volumptous woman with long black hair, golden eyes, and stragenly slightly pointed ears.

There is also Jayr-san's friend Nikita-san, a short young woman, about 1,58 meters tall, with wavy auburn or dark brown hair, and bright light-colored blue eyes.

But the most surprising thing was the two children in Saori-san and Tio-san's arms, they are Jayr-san's children, the older one is a cute girl with black hair, dark golden eyes, and pointy ears, a clear hint that Tio-san is her mother, and her name is Kharna-chan, then there is the younger one, a boy with dark blue hair and green eyes, just like Jayr-san, and whose mother is Saori-san, and his name is Galen-chan.

Lastly, there is the family pet, Python, a small cute feathered green serpent with small wings and yellow eyes full of intelligence.

After the introduction, Jayr-san explained to his family about me and my circumstances and told them how he decided to help me become a Marine while also training me in the same way his grandfather trained him with a kind and confident smile on his face.

And it was at this point that all his girlfriends started to look at me with clear pity in their eyes scaring me more than I'd like to admit and making me very anxious about the training I'll have to face.

And now here I am a few days later, panting heavily as I slowly drag my heavy body and the even heavier broom and bucket full of water through the immense corridors of this illogical ship as I slowly walk toward my room to clean it while muttering, "How... ha... is possible... ha... that the inside... ha... of this ship... ha... is bigger than... ha... than the outside! This doesn't make any sense!"

At the same time, I feel like every muscle of my body is on fire as they are constantly under stress, and every single step I make intensifies the pain I'm constantly feeling I truly feel like I'm close to dying at any given moment, but thanks to Jayr-san care the pain disappears as soon as I go to sleep, and when I wake up I feel strangely refreshed and full of energies, at least until I start to move again and go through my morning training.

This is the introductory part of Jayr-san's training regime, weight training, right now, my clothes are all weighted clothes given to me by Jayr-san that weigh a total of 50 kg, moreover, the broom and the bucked are 25 kg and 35 kg each, and those aren't the only weighted objects I have to use, basically, everything in my room is a lot heavier than it should, from the door, to my pajama, the pillow, the toothbrush everything is heavy, so that I'm basically always training, and this is only for my everyday life.

Then there is the true training in itself, which is divided into 3 parts, the morning training where I have to do 100 push-ups, 100 sit-ups, 100 squats, and a 10km run every day, all with my weighted clothes on, this part focuses on improving the general attributes of my body.

After that there is the afternoon training, where Jayr-san teaches me the basics of combat through sparring, like how to throw a punch, how to throw a kick, how to correctly fall on the ground, how to get hit, how to be always aware of my surroundings, at the same time, he also makes sure to push my body to the limits, but he still didn't teach me any fighting style yet as it is way too soon for that.

Then there is the evening training, where I have to punch or kick with all my focus a simple block of wood until I collapse all that to ingrain the correct form in my body and turn it into an instinct while also forging my body into enduring the backlash of my own strength.

After I collapse from exhaustion, I once again wake up on my bed refreshed and ready for a new day of training

Anyway, Jayr-san said that this is only the basics to forging a good foundation for my body and that once this phase is complete the true training will truly start, and I'm already kinda scared of finding out what expects me.

As I start to clean my room I can't help but mutter with a grin, "While this is hard, I can't deny that is truly effective. I feel myself growing stronger every single day. Moreover, everyone here is so kind and the food is so good..."

Then my gaze moves to the clock affixed to the wall and I exclaim, "Ah! I have to hurry! Jayr-san's lesson is about to start!"

Of course, Jayr-san doesn't stop at training only my body, but he also trains my mind, teaching me a lot about navigation, shipbuilding, biology, or even simply the world in general, like yesterday when he taught me about the mythical Devil Fruits, something I thought was only a legend or a fairy tale, but now I know they truly exist, I know about their most common types which are Paramecia, Zoan, and Logia, their strength and more important their weakness, he especially taught me that no Devil Fruit user is invicible but that every one of them has at least one weakness that can be exploited.

I still clearly remember our first lesson where Jayr-san thoroughly explained, the reason, the logic, and the dangers of my current training menù, where he clearly told me that this training is akin to a form of torture and that can easily cripple or even kill a normal person and the only reason that won't happen is that he is there to heal me back to my top condition, so my life won't be in danger, but I'll still be going to endure all that pain and suffering that comes with this kind of effort.

And is indeed right, these few days, I already lost count of how many bones I broke and muscles I tore, or how many times I passed out from either pain or fatigue, only to be healed and wake up just to restart from where I left until I complete the training menù.

As I hurry toward the deck while thinking about Jayr-san's last lesson, I can't help but wonder, "Jayr-san is truly a great person. I'm truly curious to know who he really is, it is impossible for an ordinary explorer to be so strong and know so much, and even more so owning such an amazing ship... Oh well, this isn't that important, all I know is that Jayr-san is a good person and my benefactor... even if his training is something that can only come out from a truly sadistic mind... I truly wonder what kind of guy is his grandfather who came up with this training regime."

Jayr POV - Blue Star, East Blue - 20 GAP

Standing on the deck of the Athena's God Bidoof I'm calmly looking at the endless expanse of clear blue all around me, enjoying the sight as I wait for Koby to arrive and start his lesson for today.

I have already prepared a blackboard, a chair, and a desk just to give the right learning atmosphere for today's lesson.

I don't have to wait for too long as I sense Koby rush out of the accommodation area and quickly run toward me, perceiving that, I turn my head and look at him and can't help but smirk seeing that he is already starting to lose his chubby appearance.

At the same time, I also think, 'Good, even if only a couple of days passed some results can already be seen. Well, that is also very normal as I'm pushing his body way over its limit every single day, and after that, I also have to make sure to heal all the damage he received allowing the greatest growth possible without permanently damaging his foundation, potential, and body. Without that, he could have very well become a cripple... not that I'll allow such a thing to happen.'

Soon Koby stops in front of me and says after taking a few moments to regain his breath, "I'm here, Jayr-san! Sorry for having kept you waiting."

I shake my head, and with a calm smile I say, "Don't worry, you're just in time." then I point at the chair and say, "You can take a seat."

After Koby sits on the chair, I quickly start with some positive feedback, "First before we start today's lesson, I want to say that I'm impressed with the strength of your will, not many are able to go through the kind of training you are going through, and if you continue like this without giving up, I can guarantee you that you will be able to accomplish your dream." making Koby smile brightly.

Then I quickly move toward today's lesson, "Today I'll teach you about the current power structure of this world, more specifically, I'll talk about the Three Great Powers who over the seas while maintaining a delicate balance between order and chaos. The Three Great Powers are the Marines and the World Government, the Seven Warlords of the Sea, and finally, the Four Emperors. Each of the individual factions constituting this trio have their own agendas and objectives, but they have been known to ally with one another when their purposes align."

This information alone already shocks Koby who exclaims, "Wait! Pirates and Marines joined forces!?" seeing that, I quickly explain, "Listen, Koby, the world isn't only black and white, but there are also all kinds of shades of gray. This means that not all the Marines are good people, some are opportunistic and let evil thing happens just because it brings them some advantage, some are corrupted and take advantage of their position of power to do as they please, but there are also many that simply want to help people and bring justice by stopping the bad guys. Likewise, not all pirates are evil people, some are forced into piracy because of some circumstances, and others may call themselves pirates but in fact, they simply want to enjoy an adventure and do not actually attack either the civilians or the Marines, but for one reason or another they are forced into coming in conflict with the Marine, and many, many others are simply scum that need to be killed..."

After Koby digests this new information, I continue with my lesson briefly explaining to him the history behind the creation of such a system, "After the death of the Pirate King Gol D. Roger, a number of his former adversaries, such as Big Mom, Kaido, and Whitebeard who were once part of the Rocks Pirates, journeyed to the New World and established dominion over territories, laying the groundwork for what would become the Four Emperors. Eventually, Roger's apprentice Shanks also traveled to the second half of the Grand Line and made a name for himself, to round out the quartet of the most powerful pirates in the world. The growing threat posed by these individuals alarmed the World Government, which might not have been able to face up to them, even with the combined power of the Marines and the Admirals at their side. Hence, this prompted them to set up the Seven Warlords system, which enlisted powerful pirates in their service, in return for special privileges as well as their own territories in the Grand Line."

I start to write the names of the Three Great Powers on the blackboard and say, "With this in mind, let's delve into each of these groups to explore how their role in maintaining this stalemate over the seas has evolved over the course of these years."

I point at the Marines written on the blackboard and explain, "The Marines, they enforce the World Government's authority over the seas, they are the foremost military force in the world, responsible for maintaining order, enforcing the laws of the World Government, and hunting down pirates and other criminals. Led by the Fleet Admiral, who is the highest-ranking officer in the organization, the Marines have powerhouse combatants such as the three Admirals, who are the strongest and most skilled officers in the hierarchy, and the Vice Admirals, who serve as high-ranking commanders and advisors. The Marines have a significant presence throughout the world, with bases and strongholds located in many different countries and territories, powerful weapons and ships, and a vast network of intelligence agents and informants. Their most prominent stronghold is the Marine Headquarters in Marineford in the first half of the Grand Line commonly called "Paradise", where the most high-ranking officers in the Navy are stationed."

Seeing Koby nodding full of attention, I continue, "There is an ongoing internal conflict within the ranks of the Marines, owing to the uncompromising ideals of the World Government, the corruption within the organization, and their role in protecting the World Nobles, who are basically human trash that should be erased out of existence to avoid polluting this world. While some Marines have an uncompromising and extremist view on enforcing justice, others see things in a more balanced light and are not completely averse to defying the government's corruption in service of the people they are sworn to protect, the prime example of this is the Marine Hero, Vice Admiral Garp the Fist."

Then I quickly move on and point at another of the Three Great Powers written on the blackboard, "The Seven Warlords Of The Sea, also referred to as the Shichibukai, a group of elite pirates who have been recognized for their strength and granted special status by the World Government. The warlords serve as privateers for the World Government and maintain order in their respective territories by hunting down and conducting offensive operations against other pirates as per the order of the World Government. Given a range of privileges and benefits, including immunity from prosecution by the World Government, the warlords have access to resources and funds, and the ability to call on the Marines for assistance if necessary. In exchange for these benefits, they are expected to follow the orders of the World Government and to work towards its interests. However, their relationship with the government is not as well-defined as may seem at first glance, and many among their number do not always heed the call of the Navy, or even act in defiance of their superiors from time to time."

At this point, Koby raises his hand and asks, "If they are so troublesome and, well, dangerous, then why do the Marines and the World Government allow their existence?"

Hearing his question I reply, "It is quite simple, at the moment they are needed to keep a delicate form of balance, all because of the existence of the Four Emperors, the four most influential, infamous, and powerful pirate captains in the world. Each one of them has enough power to face the full might of Marines alone and maybe even win."

Then I point at the last of the powers written on the blackboard and start to explain, "Which takes us to the last of the Three Great Powers, the Four Emperors, also known as Yonko, they are neither allies nor enemies and exist in a state of fragile balance, each one trying to gain an advantage over the others while also fending off the attacks of the Marines and other pirate crews. This quartet of Pirates consists of "Red-Hair" Shanks, "Whitebeard" Edward Newgate, "Big Mom" Charlotte Linlin, and "Strongest Creature" Kaido. The Emperors are not interested in taking over the world or ruling over it in any way, but they are also not afraid to challenge the authority of the World Government when threatened, or in the pursuit of certain objectives as their power is more than enough to allow them to do whatever they want especially in the second half of the Grand Line commonly called "New World" which is basically a lawless area under their control. This makes them unpredictable and dangerous, and it is one of the reasons why the World Government considers them to be such a threat."

After that introduction, I write another thing on the blackboard, and pointing at that, I explain, "Actually there is also a hidden fourth Great Power that is growing very quickly, and that is the Revolutionary Army, they are the only force in the world that directly opposes the World Government and seek to dismantle it. They are particularly against the World Nobles of Mary Geoise who control and benefit from the corruption of the World Government. Currently, most of the Revolutionary Army's efforts are focused on liberating individual islands from local governments that are under the World Government."

At this point, Koby comments, "Jayr-san, I can't help but notice from the way you speak that you yourself have a low opinion of the World Government... Are they really so bad?"

I sigh out loud and then I explain, "The World Government "officially" banned slavery and made it illegal, but "unofficially" all the World Noble owns, buys, and trades slaves, many times even with the help and protection of the Marines, who are forced to obey and tolerate all the injustices they witness done by the World Nobles without being able to do anything only to keep the current stability and that it is in the end a necessary evil. Ultimately believe they can do the most good on the side of the Marines and the World Government because many, many pirates truly are that bad. But that also gives the power to the World Government to pull out all kinds of nasty shit all in the names of "Justice" and "Order" but in the end, they only care about keeping their power over the world so that they can do whatever they want. So yes, I'm not a fan of the World Government."

Hearing that, Koby then asks, "Then why are you helping me in becoming a Marine? Should I even continue to aim for that if they allow such atrocities to happen?"

I simply smile and reply, "I help you because I firmly believe that with you in their ranks, the Marines will surely become better, especially if you rise to the rank of Admiral. I firmly believe that with enough power and support, you can bring positive change from the inside. Sure it will be hard, but you won't be alone in that."

As I finish saying that, I notice that Koby's eyes become even more resolute as he clenches his fists and lowly mutters, "I won't disappoint you."

After answering his question, I continued the lesson going into greater detail about everything Koby needs to know about the power structure of the world as we get closer to our next destination.