Chapter 15: Joining of Mostima (2)

"Devil Fruit," Teach's voice carried a weight of knowledge and understanding as he addressed Mostima's burning desire for rapid strength improvement. "I know how much you desire power. And yes, the Devil Fruit can be a catalyst for tremendous growth. It bestows unique powers that can unlock unimaginable enhancements to your abilities."

Pausing for a moment, Teach carefully contemplated the vast array of possibilities. "Countless Devil Fruits exist, each possessing its own distinct ability. Some grant elemental powers, while others facilitate physical transformations and more. Mostima for you the key lies in discovering the Devil Fruit that aligns with your aspirations and complements your exceptional swordsmanship."

Mostima comprehended that obtaining the right power could propel his growth and establish him as an indomitable force.

"However, finding the perfect Devil Fruit presents a challenge," Teach continued, his voice resonating with the complexity of the task at hand. "These treasures are rare and can be discovered in various enigmatic corners of the world. To obtain one, you must venture into uncharted territories, explore treacherous islands, and confront formidable adversaries."

Mostima's determination surged like an unstoppable tide, embracing Teach's words with unwavering resolve. Pursuing the acquisition of a Devil Fruit stood as a crucial step on his path to power.

"Understood," Mostima said with a resolute tone resonating through his words. "I shall devote myself to the further development of my physique, the perfecting of my swordsmanship, and the honing of my domineering. Simultaneously, I will remain vigilant, seeking the ideal Devil Fruit. When the opportune moment arises, I will seize it with!"

Teach nodded in approval, acknowledging the determination shining within Mostima's eyes. "That's the spirit, Mostima. The path to strength is riddled with obstacles, yet with unyielding dedication and seizing the right opportunities, you can attain greatness."

Within the vast and ever-shifting realm of the sea, Mostima understood that his journey would test him in myriad ways, presenting dangerous challenges However, undeterred, he will sail forth.

The boundless sea promised the means to transcend his limitations and inscribe his name among the legendary figures that graced the annals of the One Piece universe.

"Devil fruit," Mostima murmured, fully aware of the legendary treasures that bestowed incredible powers upon those who consumed them. As a swordsman, he had contemplated the possibility of obtaining a Devil Fruit, but hesitated due to the potential conflict with his swordsmanship.

Chuckling, Teach reassured Mostima, "don't worry about it!, even the Golden Lion, one of the world's top swordsman, possesses a Devil Fruit ability. He has seamlessly integrated it with his swordsmanship, creating a style of his own. There is no conflict between Kendo and Devil Fruit abilities."

Teach's words resonated with Mostima, bursting through his mind like a radiant sun piercing through the clouds. It became clear to him that, with his limitations in physical skills, harnessing the power of a Devil Fruit could be the key to unlocking his true potential.

Lost in contemplation, Mostima pondered aloud, "Where can I find the right fruit?"

A smile crept across Teach's face as he reached into his coat, retrieving a silver-white Devil Fruit and placing it before Mostima. "Behold, the Feather Fruit. I believe it is a perfect match for you. Are you willing to consume it?"

Mostima's eyes widened with astonishment. He had not expected Teach to possess a Devil Fruit so readily. However, considering Teach's affiliation with the Whitebeard Pirates, it was not entirely surprising.

The Devil Fruits Teach carried were always on him, stowed away within a specially designed, two-layered garment. To the casual observer, Teach's appearance might give the impression of a slightly plump figure.

Mostima's attention fixated on the Devil Fruit before him, contemplating the offer. The Feather Fruit intrigued him, and he recognized that in the vast expanse of the New World, ignorance regarding the power of Devil Fruits would be a severe disadvantage. Having witnessed the abilities of other Devil Fruit users, he couldn't help but wonder how he could develop his potential with the Feather Fruit, combining it with his swordsmanship.

With Teach's words echoing in his mind, Mostima's thoughts intertwined the fruit's potential with his swordsmanship, envisioning a future where the two seamlessly merged into a powerful fighting style.

Soon without hesitation, Mostima reached out, grasped the Feather Fruit, and took a bite. Teach's reasoning to give him this fruit was because the fruit's color matched his natural appearance.

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Just kidding of course.

Mostima's expression changed as he tasted the fruit, the indescribable flavor causing his face to contort in disgust. However, he quickly regained composure.

Observing Mostima's reaction, Teach couldn't help but sigh softly, seemingly aware of what Mostima had experienced.

After a while, Mostima's eyes opened, revealing surprise. "I feel lighter," he exclaimed.

Teach nodded, affirming the change. "Indeed, the fruit has altered your physique, imbuing you with the characteristics of feathers. As a result, your speed should increase significantly."

Teach started to explain, outlining the possibilities that Mostima's newfound ability held. "Your body should be capable of growing feather's, even creating them from thin air. If you can make feathers as hard as steel or even stronger, you can merge your abilities to develop unique physical skills, offensive techniques, and defensive maneuvers. The extent to which you can achieve this integration depends on your own efforts and skill."

A smile illuminated Mostima's face as he embraced his newfound powers. Suddenly, feathers sprouted from his body, unfurling fully and floating gracefully beside him. They slowly condensed behind him, gradually forming a magnificent pair of wings. With a single powerful flap, Mostima ascended into the air, his feet lifting off the ground.

"you're flying! You're flying!" Captain Obvious(Hardman) stated the obvious, eyes wide with awe as he pointed at Mostima.

The flight lasted only a brief seven or eight seconds, as Mostima struggled to maintain control over his newly manifested wings. Unstable and unable to control the ability completely, he tumbled from the sky and descended to the ground.

"The development of your abilities requires time and consumes physical strength. Let's start with a simple exercise," Teach advised. "Try to control each feather carefully. This will improve your mastery of controlling, and also broaden the range of your Observation Haki, which will enhancing your control over the feathers."

Watching Mostima grow more adept at maneuvering the feathers, Teach nodded in approval.

"Are you leaving Teach?" Mostima inquired.

"Yes, I will continue my journey without delay," Teach confirmed. To which Mostima said, "Before you depart, let's engage in a friendly bout. My crew needs to witness your strength firsthand. Or else they won't yield and accept you easily unless they see it with their own eyes."

Teach's eyes glinting with determination,"I have full confidence in myself! Mostima, Let's do it!." The ground quivered under his invisible aura of courage, causing cracks to appear beneath his feet. Intense pressure radiated from him, causing the ground to sink slightly and shattering the table before him due to the immense force.

The profound pressure weighed heavily on Mostima, Hardnor, and Hardman, as if their bodies were compelled to kneel, their movements restricted by the overwhelming force. However, with gritted teeth and unwavering determination, Hardno and Hardman endured the torment.

After a mere ten seconds, Teach ceased emitting his domineering aura, providing recovery for Hardno and Hardman who had been greatly affected.

Mostima, on the other hand, experienced a mix of surprise and familiarity. He recognized this sensation, having felt it before from a distance, etching it into his memory. Now, in such close proximity, he once again experienced this extraordinary feeling.

"Teach, you have that?!" Mostima's composure slipped momentarily, his voice filled with surprise and a hint of joy.

Teach chuckled, raising the corner of his mouth. In that moment, Hardnor and Hardman also reacted as they had to get some screen time, "The mark of a king!"

Another term for the Conqueror's Haki. In the New World, it held great significance. It was an innate ability and a symbol of of a king among man. Not possessing the conqueror's haki did not mean you can't get dominance, but in the New World, not many or not any could become a true ruler without possessing this extraordinary haki.

This realization provided reassurance in the hearts of Mostima and his comrades. As they had put there fates in the hands of a king.

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In the clearing behind them, which served as their usual training ground, the members of the Shiratori Pirate Group had gathered. All eyes were fixed on the two figures standing at the center, preparing for Mostima and Teach's duel.

Curiosity filled the air as the onlookers knew of Teach's strength, surpassing even their captain. However, they still found it difficult to believe, as long-held impressions were not easily overturned. Seeing with their own eyes was necessary to dispel any doubts.

Facing each other, Teach grasped his renowned sword, Thundertooth, holding it confidently with one hand. "You go first, Mostima," Teach instructed, his gaze fixed on Mostima.

"Alright," Mostima responded, his gaze locked on Teach, as if searching for any weaknesses in his opponent's stance. However, Teach not reveal any flaws, leaving Mostima with no choice but to make the first move.

Gripping his blade, Mostima swiftly cut through the air, his body disappearing from sight. In an instant, he reappeared in Teach's front-right direction, slashing at him with immense power. The slash seemed to divide the air itself, creating a silver streak that cleaved through everything in its path.

The attack was swift and stealthy, with a barely audible sound as it cut through the air. Although Mostima had yet to fully harness the abilities of the Feather Fruit, his overall strength had significantly improved. As Teach had mentioned, his body felt lighter, reducing resistance and increasing his speed.

Simultaneously, Mostima's swordsmanship displayed notable advancements. Derived from a kendo school and fused with his own understanding of kendo, his grasp of the art had grown stronger. He skillfully exploited the gaps in the air, reducing resistance and even muffling the sound of his slashes.

However, escaping Teach's discerning gaze was impossible.

Confronted with Mostima's attack, Teach had no intention of evading. Demonstrating his strength was best achieved through direct force.

'Thunder Sword: Thunder Flash!' Teach swung his blade, vanishing in an instant. A flash of lightning streaked through the air, compressing it and producing a resounding boom. The next moment, Teach reappeared in front of Mostima's slash, countering with his own thunderous strike. Teach's right arm transformed into a thunderous limb, as his Thunder Tooth sword became a black-bladed weapon.

The Thunder Fang became unbreakable as the two clashed. Mostima's sword held tremendous power, but it was razor-sharp yet fragile. Teach's strike cleanly sliced through it, bisecting it from top to bottom. The severed halves of the slash plummeted to the ground, leaving behind two smooth ten-meter-long fissures, sending a chill down onlookers' spines.

"It seems that it didn't work," Mostima noted, his form no longer vanishing but instead moving swiftly from side to side, adopting an elusive demeanor as he surged forward.

Prepared for close combat, Mostima abandoned long-range slashing in favor of direct engagement. "Crack!" Whenever their blades clashed, Mostima's swordsmanship demonstrated incredible speed, becoming ghostly in its swiftness. However, Teach effortlessly parried each attack with his sword, engaging Mostima in a meaningful exchange between swordsmen.

Teach began to launch proactive assaults, aware that Mostima's speed was increasing and his familiarity with his own body's changes during battle. Teach aimed to intensify the pressure on Mostima.

The clash of blades reverberated relentlessly, leaving spectators unable to keep up. They could only bear witness to the fierce battle, their eyes struggling to track the movements of Teach and Mostima amidst the blinding speed.

The battle between them raged on intensely. The speed displayed by Mostima left others amazed, with only vague glimpses of his movements perceptible.

As the battle progressed, Mostima also realized that a devil fruit could bring such a significant change to his speed and swordsmanship. It confirmed that Teach's assessment of the devil fruit's suitability for him was correct.

"Looks like I have to get serious too, Mostima. Be careful," Teach warned with a smile. In a flash, he wielded another blade, the renowned sword Purgatory. Flames and lightning surged forth from Teach's hands, creating a sense of crisis that forced Mostima to retreat. The flames formed a dragon, encircling n both of them I n a fiery embrace.

"White Bird Flow: Dapeng Blow!" Mostima swung his blade, causing the air to gather and transform into a massive bird-like hurricane. The flames surrounding them were extinguished by the bird's wings. Sensing an opportunity, Teach countered with his "Dual Sword Flow Burst," intertwining thunder and fire in a lethal manner. Mostima's eyelids twitched as he felt the imminent threat. In response, he executed the "White Bird Flow: Dapeng Spreading Wings," a defensive maneuver. With open wings, he directed a slashing motion towards Teach. This move was deliberately solid and lacked speed.

The clash between Teach's burst and Mostima's slash in the air resulted in a brilliant display of red-golden light, radiating concentrated energy that sent shivers down onlookers' spines. Aptly named, the attack suddenly burst open.

The impact of the explosion was tremendous, leaving a ten-meter-wide zone of destruction in its wake. Mostima gasped for breath, relieved that he managed to evade the blow, knowing it would have resulted in severe injuries.

The battle raged on, with Teach progressively suppressing Mostima. Teach controlled the flow of the battle, exploiting Mostima's weaknesses and launching relentless attacks.

Lightning, flames, and scorch marks adorned Mostima's clothes, but Teach remained composed.

The prolonged intensity of the fight revealed the gap in physical stamina between Teach and Mostima.

Ayo…

Teach's expression remained unchanged as the battle seemed to have no effect on him. Meanwhile, Mostima was visibly exhausted, his sweat-soaked clothes clinging to his body.

The battle continued for over ten minutes, pushing Mostima to his limits. He had exhausted all his techniques, with only the initial burst of incredible speed remaining. Teach deftly countered every move, exploiting Mostima's weaknesses before launching devastating counterattacks.

Witnessing the battle, the members of the Shiratori Pirates Group were dealt a blow. Although they couldn't see the details clearly, they could discern the general course of the fight. Initially appearing evenly matched, Mostima's subsequent defensive and opportunistic attacks were swiftly countered by Teach. The gap between their strengths became evident in their post-battle states.

The spectacle showcased Teach's power, earning him the admiration of the crew members. Though, apart from the core trio, the other members remained unaware of Teach's affiliation with the Whitebeard Pirates.

Teach bid farewell, procured some food, boarded his ship, and set sail for the next island. Five individuals on the island silently watched his departure. "Hey, Loya, don't you want to bid him farewell?" Doyle said, patting Loya's head. "We don't know when we'll see him again!"

"Hmph!" Loya pouted, swatting away the large hand on her head and stomping her feet. She exuded an adorable demeanor as she spoke firmly, "I'm not a kid anymore. The next time he comes, I'll definitely surprise him." Her eyes sparkled with anticipation, yearning for their next encounter.

"Boss, let's go. Captain Teach is out of sight," Hardman urged, glancing at Mostima beside him.

"I must work hard. The next time he comes, Teach will undoubtedly be even more formidable. Can a man like him ever remain stagnant?" Mostima muttered, clenching his fist. "You guys should also continue training. Don't waste what Teach left behind. Remember, if you don't make enough progress by the time he returns, you'll be kicked out of the crew." Mostima smiled as he spoke.

"It's impossible. When he comes back, I'll definitely surprise him," Hardman replied with a smile, clutching the "Navy Six Powers" book in his hand, cherishing it like a treasure.

Mostima met Hardman's gaze and couldn't help but chuckle.

Out at sea, Teach stood alone on the deck of his ship, one foot resting on a wooden barrel. His coat billowed in the wind, and a smile graced his face as he gazed into the distance.

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Note: YAYY I SURVIVED AM ALIVE

Anyways I wrote this a few hours after I got to my current living place, from the flight, so obviously am tired, and doesn't help when is like over 2 am right now and the chapter is 2,5k+ words…. Alright so I'm saying all this, to set up "excuses" for any mistakes in this chapter 😃