The Hell Prince Pirates sailed quietly toward their next destination, the Sabaody Archipelago. After their adventure on Sky Island, they'd set their course directly for Sabaody, each of them eager for what lay ahead.
Dave lounged leisurely on the deck, watching the intense training around him. Tony and Enel were locked in an energetic sparring session, their movements so fast they appeared as two blue blurs clashing against each other in a storm of sparks and speed.
Nearby, Emma and Diana were engaged in a graceful yet fierce duel. With Emma's shimmering blue-white wings and Diana's radiant, golden-tinged swan wings, they looked like angels in combat, their movements leaving trails of light as they tested each other's skills.
On the other side of the ship, Pepper was sparring with Trish. Though relatively new to combat, Pepper held her own against Trish, who fought with the steady power and experience of a veteran. Their movements were precise, yet intense, as Pepper focused on honing her abilities under Trish's watchful guidance.
Dave watched with a slight smile, pleased to see his crew pushing themselves to new heights, each one growing stronger with every passing day.
The training is important as just after landing on land they have got news of Ace capture.
Ace was returning back to new World after learning at Drumm Island that Black Beard is killed by another Pirate Group, when he encountered the Akainu, they fought and Ace was defeated and captured back to Marine HQ.
And now Marine like in original is planning to execute him, Dave thus has to rush forward to Saboady Archipelago.
Dave had two main objectives in mind for Sabaody Archipelago. First, he planned to leave his crew in the hands of the legendary old man Rayleigh. Meanwhile, he would make his way to Impel Down to secure some powerful Devil Fruits for himself.
Raising his hand, Dave watched as a pitch-black aura flowed from his palm. "Mastered external release…now, all that's left is Internal Destruction," he murmured, closing his eyes and delving into his training, cultivating his Armament Haki to greater levels.
His Observation Haki was already advanced enough to glimpse into the future, while his Armament Haki was only a step behind. As for his Conqueror's Haki, he had developed it to an intermediate level. Alongside his Haki, he had honed his swordsmanship to the level of Sword Will, meaning he could slice through mountains with ease or restrain his blade to leave a sheet of paper untouched.
His mastery with the sword was impressive, having initially been enhanced by the Dante template, but now he had surpassed even that.
After a few weeks at sea, the crew finally arrived, gazing at the large island enveloped in a blanket of bubbles. Various-sized bubbles floated around the island, creating a mesmerizing display.
Sabaody Archipelago loomed before them, alive with activity and the distinctive bubbles that drifted endlessly skyward.
Sabaody Archipelago stretched before them, a vast and vibrant island formed from the massive roots of the giant Yarukiman Mangroves. The mangroves' towering trunks dotted the landscape, each with a distinct "grove" number, creating natural zones that divided the island into unique districts. Bubbles constantly rose from the roots, filling the air with an otherworldly shimmer as they floated gently upward, popping and reforming in mesmerizing cycles.
The island's ambiance was lively and chaotic, filled with the hustle and bustle of pirates, bounty hunters, merchants, and Celestial Dragons' intimidating presence. At one side of the island, luxury shops boasted extravagant goods from every corner of the world, catering to the wealthy and powerful. The infamous auction house also loomed nearby, where shady dealings occurred, and people were often sold off as property, symbolizing the dark underbelly of Sabaody.
In contrast, some groves held bustling taverns and lively spots where pirates shared tales of their journeys, while bounty hunters kept a keen eye on potential targets. The bars and entertainment areas were known for their rowdy atmosphere, hosting pirate crews and travelers alike. But there was also a sense of dread, as the Marines frequently patrolled these waters, always on alert for high-bounty pirates passing through.
On the far edge, a quieter grove concealed the humble ship-coating shops run by specialized craftsmen. Here, skilled hands prepared pirate ships for the deep-sea journey to Fish-Man Island, as the Archipelago served as the last point of rest before the dangerous underwater route.
Despite its beauty, Sabaody Archipelago was filled with danger and unpredictability. The looming presence of Celestial Dragons, who saw the island as their playground, created tension that could escalate without warning. For any pirate crew, especially one like Dave's, Sabaody was both a place of opportunity and a gauntlet of potential threats.
"Okay, this is where we part," Dave said, and the others nodded. He had shown them plenty of love during the past few weeks' nights, and now they hugged him tightly.
"I wish I could go with you, but I'm just not strong enough," Diana said, looking up at him.
Dave shook his head with a chuckle. "Don't you know? When a king goes to battle, his queens wait for him." hearing him, Emma and the others chuckled.
Meanwhile, Pepper turned to Tony and frowned. "I know you're strong enough, but you don't have to go out and fight," she said.
"I know, but remember what Dave told us," he replied. "He's not the only powerful person in our original world. Consider this practice."
Pepper sighed and shook her head. "I guess I can't persuade you," she said, smiling as she leaned in and kissed him.
Enel, watching them, turned his head away, muttering to himself, "I want a girlfriend too," as he silently sulked.
Dave, Tony, and Enel were preparing for the upcoming fight. Originally, Dave intended to go alone, but Tony and Enel insisted on joining him. So, he set a challenge for them: if they could reach an advanced level in both Armament Haki and Observation Haki, they could come along.
Tony, using his Turbo Energy and brilliant mind, pushed himself to reach that level. Meanwhile, Enel, already powerful, mastered Armament Haki with ease. As for Observation Haki, his abilities were heightened further by his unique Mantra, which allowed him to sense electromagnetic changes in his surroundings. With these skills honed, both had passed Dave's test and were now ready to join him on this mission.
The girls, on the other hand, would remain behind to continue their own training, honing their abilities and preparing for future battles.
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