Chapter 173: Emergency training before the game!

"Join the Revolutionary Army?"

Nami's suggestion left Bella momentarily stunned.

In the past, such an idea would have been completely unthinkable for her. But recently, for reasons she couldn't quite grasp, there had been more and more discussions about the Revolutionary Army around her.

From the ideals of the Revolutionary Army to their recent actions, these topics frequently came up in conversations with the girls around her, almost as casually as discussing the weather.

Curiosity sometimes got the better of her, and she found herself wondering about the latest developments in the Revolutionary Army.

However, the thought of joining them didn't align with Bella's interests as a successful businesswoman who valued her freedom above all else.

Unless...

Unless they could actually kill a few Celestial Dragons and make a statement to the world.

This thought flickered briefly in her mind, but Bella quickly dismissed it. She gently patted Nami's hair, offered a slight smile, and skillfully steered the conversation in a different direction.

Meanwhile, not far from them, among the gathered crowd, many trainers, including Zoro and Sanji, were also saying their goodbyes to family and friends, as if preparing for a long journey, much like Nami and Usopp.

This scene was set into motion by an invitation announcement from Rotom on their mobile phones the previous evening.

---

Time shifts back to the previous evening during dinner.

Tourists who had watched the day's matches filled the commercial street outside the battle area as usual.

Inside the training room of the Mafia Wolf Warrior family, Zoro had just finished his sword training with Scyther. As he wiped the sweat from his brow and prepared to rest, something unexpected happened.

His mobile phone Rotom, suddenly flew over, its screen lighting up as it delivered a voice and text message:

"Greetings, Pokémon League Tournament contestant Roronoa Zoro!

To ensure the successful convening of the Pokémon League Conference and to deliver a spectacular battle for the pirate world, we are inviting all trainers participating in the qualifying competition to partake in a 30-day emergency training session.

During this special training, a fee of 20 points will be charged daily. Participants may schedule qualifying matches at their discretion to improve their rank.

Special training location: Celestial Gym.

Special training time: X day, X month, 1519 Sea Calendar.

Do you accept the special training invitation?

[Yes]/[No]"

Zoro stared at the screen, his expression blank at first. It wasn't until he read the message carefully three times that he understood...

This seemed to be an official training camp.

The realization brought a surge of excitement to Zoro.

After being defeated by Suicune, Zoro knew all too well that with his current power, combined with Honedge and Scyther, they wouldn't stand a chance in the Pokémon League tournament.

Even Cobra, who was ranked third among the Four Heavenly Kings, had made them look foolish. Zoro couldn't even imagine the strength of Ace, who had defeated Cobra, or Garp, who could eliminate Cobra in an instant!

It seemed unlikely that he would perform well in the upcoming tournament.

But Zoro wasn't one to back down.

He, Scyther, and Honedge had travelled all the way from the East Blue Sea to the Grand Line, facing numerous challenges and powerful foes along the way.

They weren't about to let all that effort go to waste by simply becoming background players in this grand event. Standing in the loser's seat and watching others shine on the podium...

It wasn't something Zoro could accept as a proud swordsman!

Even if the odds were slim and the road ahead was dark, he had to give it his all.

That's why, despite the lack of ranked matches, he continued to train rigorously with Scyther.

Now, seeing Rotom's message, a sharp glint appeared in Zoro's eyes.

At his current pace, it was almost impossible to reach the level needed to defeat Cobra and Suicune in the tournament.

But...

If he joined this special training organized by the dimensional merchant...

Perhaps his strength would increase dramatically!

With that thought, Zoro didn't hesitate to press the [Yes] button.

Immediately, another message appeared on his phone:

"Trainer Roronoa Zoro has successfully signed up for emergency training. Please be at the entrance of the Pokémon Center in the battle area at 10 AM tomorrow for further instructions."

---

Meanwhile, all the Pokémon League contestants in the battle area received the same message.

This simple invitation sent waves of excitement through all the trainers who were striving for success in the Pokémon League Tournament!

For traders like them, who had reached VIP2 level, the 600-point fee for special training wasn't a significant expense.

And if those 600 points could be exchanged for a substantial boost in power, it was a deal too good to pass up, regardless of its impact on the Pokémon League Tournament.

At that moment, almost every trainer accepted the invitation, with only a few exceptions who weren't interested in the tournament.

---

Now, back to the present.

The scorching desert sun bore down on everyone, draping them in a blanket of heat like an erupting volcano.

But despite the oppressive weather, not a single person among the dozens gathered at the battle area's entrance complained.

Instead, they all stood eagerly, as if awaiting the arrival of an esteemed guest.

"Is the representative sent by Sir Leo not here yet?" A refined man holding a pocket watch shielded his eyes from the sun as he gazed at the distant horizon.

None of them knew how the dimensional merchants would transport them to the special training location, but with Sir Leo's reputation, they were sure the spectacle would be impressive!

And then, just as anticipation reached its peak...

A deafening rumble of thunder echoed from the sky above the clouds.

The immense sound sent a jolt through everyone's hearts.

They instinctively looked up.

And then they saw it...

A massive island, descending rapidly from the distant sky like a meteorite, tearing through the clouds as it plummeted toward the ground.

In just ten seconds, the island hovered directly above them.

A colossal shadow engulfed the battle area, providing much-needed shade in the sweltering heat.

But the trainers waiting at the entrance were too shocked to appreciate the cool reprieve.

"Oh... oh my god! An island is falling from the sky!!!" One trainer's eyes widened in disbelief as he watched the descending island, his legs trembling as he uttered a fearful cry.

The expressions of others showed they shared his fear.

The massive island continued to fall rapidly.

Only a few remained calm in the face of this sudden and terrifying spectacle.

Sanji, for instance.

Feeling the intense wind pressure from above, he simply shielded himself from the gusts with a hand and calmly lit the cigarette in his mouth.

"They're here," he muttered, looking up at the island without a trace of panic. Finding the noise around him irritating, he casually covered his ears.

In truth, anyone paying attention could see that this island wasn't ordinary.

Its intricate design and regular shape set it apart from a typical landmass.

Coupled with the hints given by Rotom's message the previous day, Sanji was confident...

This flying island was the work of the dimensional merchant.

As if to confirm his suspicions, just as the powerful wind blew over everyone's heads, the island abruptly stopped its descent and hovered a hundred meters above the crowd.

Before anyone could fully recover from their shock, a spiral staircase, lacking any safety rails, extended from the bottom of the island and landed right in front of them.

Immediately, a 3D stereo surround sound from Rotom echoed from the sky:

"All trainers who have signed up for emergency training, please line up and board the Celestial Gym in an orderly manner. Do not push or crowd."

As the voice faded, everyone exchanged confused glances, unsure of what to do next.

Most of the people here are ordinary, albeit wealthier, thanks to their successful businesses. They had never witnessed anything so magical or fantastical before, and none dared to be the first to take the plunge.

After all, a height of 100 meters is enough to shatter them into pieces.

However...

Just as everyone hesitated, several figures in the crowd pushed through and walked toward the spiral staircase.

"It's Zoro!"

Someone in the crowd immediately recognized the first warrior by his signature green hair.

Soon, they noticed that Sanji and Nami, also known as the new Four Heavenly Kings, were making their way toward the steep spiral staircase as well.

Suddenly, the crowd's first reaction wasn't to question their bravery, but to look at the trembling figure in the center—the last of the new Four Heavenly Kings, the sharpshooter Usopp.

They stared...

"..."

"Why... is everyone looking at me?"

Usopp felt a sudden shiver as he noticed the gazes from all around him. But he realized that everyone seemed to be waiting for him, the last of the new Four Heavenly Kings, to step forward, as if it was some kind of ritual.

Glancing up at the towering 100-meter spiral staircase, Usopp swallowed hard and stepped forward, his feet feeling like they were made of lead.

Even though he felt like he might be suffering from "high-altitude sickness" at that moment, Usopp, being a man with a strong sense of pride, would have to fake bravery even if it killed him!

"Haha! Is this just the first test? Are you all really struggling with this?"

Usopp, with his trembling lips, used all his self-control to maintain a calm tone. After spitting out those bold words, he immediately began ascending the spiral staircase, leaving behind a striking figure for everyone to admire.

"The first test?"

Upon hearing Usopp's parting words, the trainers in the crowd had a sudden realization...

So this high-altitude spiral staircase was actually a test set by the dimensional merchant?

That made sense; after all, emergency training with a dimensional merchant wasn't something just anyone could undertake.

In an instant, everyone refocused their attention on Usopp's figure.

Someone in the crowd sighed in admiration, "As expected of one of the new Four Heavenly Kings. Not only did he remain calm in the face of a test from the dimensional merchant, but he also clued us in on such important information."

"Yeah, I used to think Usopp didn't deserve the title of the new Four Heavenly Kings, but now I see that I was judging him unfairly."

Following Usopp's lead, other trainers quickly began their ascent up the intimidating spiral staircase.

...

...

Meanwhile, in the control room of the Celestial Gym, Enel, sitting next to Leo, couldn't help but nod as he observed the crowd's reaction to Usopp's words. His gaze lingered on Usopp.

"This kid seems to have some leadership ability," Enel remarked. Leo, sitting beside him, chuckled in response.

"Leadership? Usopp?" Leo said with an amused look before suggesting, "Why don't you use your Observation Haki to see what he's really thinking?"

"Huh?"

Enel blinked in confusion but obediently activated his Haki.

Immediately, a frantic voice filled his mind.

"Oh my god! It's so high!!! I don't want to climb anymore!!! Help!!! Someone save me!!!..."

"This..."

After sensing Usopp's inner turmoil, Enel's face darkened. He then extended his Haki to scan Zoro, Sanji, and Nami.

The black lines on his face deepened.

"How on earth does this coward have the nerve to stand alongside the others as one of the new Four Heavenly Kings? Is this what the title has come to?"

Enel lamented, feeling slightly disillusioned. Had he really chosen a coward as his idol?

However, Leo had a different perspective on Usopp, despite Enel's disdain.

"You can't say that..." Leo said, shaking his head with a smile. "It's admirable when fearless people climb to the top, but isn't it also a kind of bravery for a timid person to take that step forward, knowing there's danger ahead?"

Leo's smile softened. Though Usopp's personality might seem embarrassing at times, one had to admit that characters like him were often more relatable to the common people.

And it was Usopp's courage that inspired other trainers to take that first step.

In fact, Leo had already taken protective measures with the spiral staircase. Most of these people were valuable clients with net worths in the billions of Berries. He wouldn't let them fall to their deaths from such heights.

The dangerous design of the spiral staircase was simply a way to prepare them for the upcoming special training.

As for why this special training was suddenly arranged just before the conference...

It was due to a serious issue that Leo had realized a few days prior.

Judging by the current standings, the final outcome of the competition wouldn't differ much from the current rankings—there would be hardly any surprises.

After all, Garp and Ace's strength was unmatched.

With Whitebeard's clear decision not to participate, the top two spots were almost guaranteed to be theirs.

Next was Cobra with his Suicune and Robin with her Espeon.

After them were the new Four Heavenly Kings led by Zoro...

The major media had already made early predictions about the final results based on the qualifiers.

Leo suddenly realized that the final outcome of the competition might not hold much excitement.

And without anticipation, the event would lose its spark.

This went against Leo's original intention in organizing the game.

So he made a quick decision...

Special training! They needed special training!!!

Currently, under Sengoku's orders, Garp was heading to the Revolutionary Army's base to discuss matters concerning the World Government, so he wouldn't have time to spare.

Even if he wanted to participate, Sengoku wouldn't allow it.

Ace was still gathering the islands of influence left by Big Mom, making extraordinary gains. There was no way he would abandon such a promising situation for special training.

Robin remained on nuS Island, determined to revive O'Hara and focused on the high earnings from the grand contest.

As the king of a nation, Cobra couldn't leave Alabasta for long.

The active players from the first half of the year all seemed occupied with their own affairs.

Leo saw this as an opportunity to give the up-and-coming trainers a chance.

Not necessarily to elevate their combat power to the world's top level like Ace...

But at least to make them stand out in the competition, right?

Just in time, now that bond evolution has begun...

Leo planned to use this moment to change the traditional fighting methods in the pirate world!

Perhaps in the future, there would be conversations like this at sea:

What!? You're still eating those Devil Fruits cursed by the sea?

Isn't it bothersome to turn into a landlubber after eating them and be so easily countered by Seastone?

Why not train Pokémon instead?

Normal, Fire, Water, Grass, Electric, Ice, Bug, Flying, Ground, Rock, Fighting, Psychic, Ghost, Poison, Dark, Steel, Dragon, Fairy...

All 18 types are covered!

Once bond evolution is triggered, you can have any ability you want!

Devil Fruits?

Even the dogs won't touch them!

(End of this chapter)