Chapter 189: Heading to Wano Country

Adrian had experienced intense pain multiple times getting the physical talent Expertise. The same was true when he acquired [Low-level Resilient Life] and [Robust Physique].

However, the pain during the acquisition of [Unmatched Strength] was far more intense and drawn-out compared to those two.

"This is the power of top-level expertise!" Adrian wiped the sweat from his forehead.

The [Unmatched Strength] he gained from Whitebeard was undoubtedly a world-class expertise.

Acquiring this expertise greatly compensated for Adrian's previously criticized attribute shortcomings. {Bro! Criticizing is not about your strength or endurance but it was about your fricking LUCK!}

Due to the nature of his Ghost Fruit ability and his strategy of using all free attribute points on intelligence points, Adrian, despite being a formidable swordsman, rarely relied on his strength attribute in battles.

Especially when facing world-class powerhouses like Sengoku, Big Mom, or just recently, Whitebeard.

In these encounters, Adrian primarily relied on his Ghostly Body, Ghost Dominance, and Ghosts to fight. His swordsman-level skills were insignificant against such strong opponents.

For Sengoku and Charlotte Linlin, swordsman-level skills couldn't even break their defenses!

Of course, when fighting less mature veterans like Borsalino, Adrian could use emotion-infused sword techniques.

After all, abilities like the Buddha Fruit or Iron Balloon body are extremely rare on the sea.

Returning to the main point, acquiring the [Unmatched Strength] expertise significantly boosted Adrian's strength and endurance attributes.

Using the term 'unmatched' doesn't fully capture the change. With the level multiplier at level 80, Adrian's strength attribute increased by 400 points, nearly doubling his original strength!

Additionally, the [Heavy Strike Specialization] obtained from Big Mom grants an extra strength multiplier of 1.2 when attacking a target.

Adrian's sword technique attacks could now reach nearly a thousand strength points!

While he might not match the top physical monsters, he is now definitely at the pinnacle of strength on the seas!

Adrian's endurance attribute also received a multiplier increase.

Though he hadn't yet benefited from strong endurance in battles… except for his skirmishes with the mermaids on Fishman Island, which don't count!

Given his combat style, if he couldn't defeat an enemy, he didn't need to outlast them—he could simply fly away using his ghostly body.

Nonetheless, endurance is a crucial aspect of strength.

At the very least, endurance could no longer be called a weak attribute for him.

Gaining such a powerful top-level expertise from just one encounter with Whitebeard thrilled Adrian.

"If I could spar with Whitebeard every day, wouldn't I quickly become a smaller version of the world's strongest?"

"Forget it, that's just daydreaming."

"My relationship with Whitebeard isn't as good as it seems. This time, I likely earned this powerful expertise because of the intense battle that was likely rated highly by the system, even when Whitebeard didn't fully counterattack. When he really got serious, the task had already ended."

"It's a good thing that I was smart enough to set how long the battle would last before the fight started."

"Everyone knows that among the top-tier fighters on this sea, if their duels don't last three to five days, they feel embarrassed to show their faces."

"Except for those destined by fate."

"Next time I'll face Whitebeard Pirates, they'll likely be in full force."

"But fortunately, I still have some trump cards…"

With these thoughts, Adrian stood silently on the rocky cliff of Hand Island, waiting for Rumi and Love to return.

Before encountering the Whitebeard Pirates, the little fox had been taken by Rumi to Zou, to the furry kingdom on Zunesha's back.

After taking much effort in finding Zou, Love couldn't resist visiting her home.

Of course, the little fox promised Adrian she wouldn't abandon him.

Her smug assurance earned her a few knocks on the head from Adrian.

Rumi had offered to fight Whitebeard alongside Adrian.

As the spirit of the Oro Jackson, having sailed with the Roger Pirates, Rumi knew Whitebeard's terrifying power better than most.

But Adrian declined Rumi's offer, sending her with Love to Zou.

Though Love was not physically weak, she was much slower than the airborne spirit. If Love had to climb Zunesha's leg alone, she might not have reached halfway by the time Adrian and Rumi finished their fight with Whitebeard.

"By now, Rumi and Love should be in Zou," Adrian thought.

By dusk, Abyss sailed towards Hand Island.

Adrian flew rapidly towards the Abyss's deck.

Love and Rumi stood near the ship's figurehead, waving energetically at him.

As Adrian landed on the Abyss's deck, the excited little fox mink ran over to him.

"Adrian-sama! Long time no see!"

Just as she was about to give him a big hug, her nose twitched as if she smelled something.

"Sniff sniff～ Wow, such a strong manly scent!"

The transformation brought by the 'Unmatched Strength' expertise also caused excessive sweating.

Adrian exasperatedly knocked Love on the head.

"Little fox, what happened during your visit home? Why do you seem more mature?"

Love stuck out her tongue.

"It's not that… I'm a Mink Tribe fox, so my sense of smell is very good!"

"Why not just say it's sweat?"

Rumi asked worriedly, "Adrian, were you injured fighting Whitebeard?"

"Actually, I didn't push myself that much."

Adrian waved his hand dismissively.

"Alright, you two, stop focusing on why I'm sweating so much. The battle with the Whitebeard Pirates wasn't as hard as you think."

"Now, Love, help me find a change of clothes and prepare bath water, then start cooking!"

"Rumi, raise the sails and set the course for our next destination!"

Adrian's next destination was, of course, Wano Country.

Wano Country is a large, secluded nation in the New World, having maintained a closed-door policy for centuries, never joining the World Government.

Its unique geographical position and maritime environment made entering Wano extremely difficult.

Without knowing the exact method, even the Navy's steel warships can't enter Wano's waters.

Whether it's the Poneglyphs, recording the secrets of the Void Century, or the Seastone that restrains Devil Fruit users, they all originate from Wano, a land rich in talent and resources.

"I wonder how long it will take to sail to Wano from here."

"If only I could step from Hand Island to Wano in one stride."