3. Physical Improvement. Meeting Whitebeard for the First time.

│3rd Person POV│

[Grand Line, New World…]

'This is bad! Teach is scheming against me.'

Ron felt an instant surge of nervousness as he realized that Teach had his sights set on him now that he had consumed the Copy-Copy Fruit.

Having eaten the aforementioned Devil Fruit, Ron was aware that Teach might target him, especially considering Teach's intention of obtaining the Munch-Munch Fruit in the Canon World.

The Munch-Munch Fruit, while not the same as the Copy-Copy Fruit, also could assimilate all abilities and turn them into its own power.

However, Ron knew he couldn't act too hastily under the current circumstances. Despite possessing the Copy-Copy Fruit, it held no immediate value for Teach.

If Ron made a move, he would surely meet his demise. Additionally, Teach had demonstrated the ability to accurately identify Devil Fruits, and even without the Dark-Dark Fruit, Ron was certain Teach could still pose a considerable threat knowing that he was able to permanently scar Shanks' face when he possibly didn't have any Devil Fruit in the Canon World.

In response to Teach's question, Ron quickly said, "No, Brother Teach! With Commander Marco's abilities, my vitality will be incredibly strong. Normal injuries can be rapidly healed. As for the rest, I don't know.

"Brother Teach, since you're familiar with numerous versions of the Devil Fruit illustration book, do you have any recommendations for what ability I should to Copy in the future?" Ron looked directly at Teach, expressing his curiosity and thirst for knowledge.

Teach had a full view of the situation. Smirking, he patted Ron on the shoulder and commented, "The third Devil Fruit is still a long way off for you.

"But since you have goals for a Zoan-type and Paramecia-type respectively, your third Devil Fruit should be a Logia-type Devil Fruit.

"Marine's three Admirals are all Logia users. If you become strong enough, there's a real hope of replicating their abilities.

"Alright, you should focus on strengthening your physique for now. I'll take my leave now. When you're ready to acquire the ability of the third Devil Fruit, come to me for discussion."

With that, Teach left with a seemingly harmonious smile, leaving the situation seemingly undisturbed, like the friendly big brother next door.

"Logia?" Ron mumbled to himself as he watched Teach depart. He silently complained in his heart, 'Are you really looking out for me, or is your intention to secure your own interest when you eventually leave the Whitebeard Pirates?

'Dark-Dark Fruit, I hope you don't show up soon! Otherwise, without enough strength, I fear I won't be able to protect Thatch from Teach.'

With determination, Ron closed his eyes, focusing on the unique ability of the Copy-Copy Fruit within him and the changes occurring within himself.

After about five minutes, he opened his eyes and exclaimed, "Recovered. My physique has really recovered. Although it's only at the level of an ordinary person of my age, at least it won't be as fragile as before.

"Now, through daily training, I can start to strengthen myself. If I obtain the Phoenix Fruit's ability, my potent recovery will let me break my limits and continuously strengthen my body without any hidden injuries."

Excited, Ron stood up, discarded the fishing rod, and began exercising intensely on the deck, including running, push-ups, squats, long jumps, etc.

After three hours of strenuous exercise, Ron lay on the deck, exhausted but without the feeling of his body breaking down.

"Hahaha..."

Unable to contain his laughter, Ron rejoiced that he could finally practice. With the ability to copy fruits, he envisioned a future for himself in the world of One Piece, reaching the pinnacle.

In the following three days, Ron devoted himself to relentless training, and with the enhanced effect of the Devil Fruit, he progressed to the Ensign stage.

In the three months that he had been sailing with the Fourth Division, he had learned a lot of things about the world of One Piece that he was ignorant of.

In the hierarchical structure of the Marines Commissioned Officers, the ranks are as follows according to their strength: Ensign, Lieutenant Junior Grade, Lieutenant, Lieutenant Commander, Commander, Captain, Commodore, Rear Admiral, Vice Admiral, Admiral.

The Admirals are strong enough to fight against the Emperors of the sea for a limited period of time.

While the strongest Vice-Admirals, like Momousagi Gion, one of the Admiral Candidates could take out some of the weaker Yonko-Commanders like Jack the Drought and Charlotte Cracker.

Ron estimated that he could now handle Ensign rank marine soldiers.

From being an utter weakling who couldn't even win in a fight against an ordinary five or six-year-old child, to a marine soldier who underwent some months of training to gain the Ensign rank in just three days was nothing short of a miraculous turnaround.

Although it was largely due to his Devil Fruit enhancing his physique, there was no doubt that his body still had some potential that was buried due to him being born prematurely.

At this time, Thatch approached Ron, informing him that they were about to arrive at Whitebeard's island. Marco and the other Commanders were waiting for Ron in the Moby-Dick, eager to witness his ability to copy other Devil Fruit's power.

Excited about the prospect of obtaining the Phoenix Fruit's ability, Ron couldn't wait any longer. He expressed his readiness to Thatch and rushed towards the Moby-Dick that was now visible from their ship.

"Hahahahaha! This kid!" Thatch shook his head and followed after Ron while commenting, "Let's go and shock Marco and the others. When he grows up, our Fourth DIvision will certainly be the strongest Division of Whitebeard Pirates. HAHAHahaha…!!"

Following Thatch were Teach and other members of the Fourth Division.

Soon after, they arrived at the Moby-Dick and Ron got to see the holder of the title, Strongest Man in the World, Edward Whitebeard Newgate for the first time with his own eyes.

Ron witnessed the iconic figure of Whitebeard, the world's strongest man, sitting with an aura of dominance.

Despite the powerful presence, the signs of age were evident in the various assortments of medical instruments surrounding him.

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A/N: As stated in the Synopsis, this Fanfic is a translation of a Chinese FanFic.

MTL Name: Navigation: The New King Of The Whitebeard Group, Copying The Phoenix At The Beginning.

You can find the MTL version on mtlnation.

Anyway, Shameless P@treon plug. I've got one;

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You can read up to 20 chapters ahead of Webnovel. Your support would be appreciated, but don't feel pressured to join. I'll upload stuff outside it and not keeping it behind a paywall forever.

A/N_2: The Update schedule for this Fanfic is 10 Chapters per week, with 2 Chapters on Monday, Thrusday, and Sunday. On the other days, only 1 chapter.