Chapter 7: Ash’s Training – 3 months

[Note:

" * " : Indicates abilities that can be upgraded with practice, experience, or unique opportunities.]

> System inner voice ["speaking"] <

> Ash inner speech "speaking" <

Ash's First Month of Training:

Day 1: Marksmanship Training – First Shot

The morning sun illuminated the training area on the ship's deck as Ash gripped a small, hand-crafted bow in his hands. His target, a set of bottles lined up against the mast, stood just a few meters away, a perfect distance for testing his skill. He had already observed Yasopp using a rifle with incredible precision, and today was his turn to try.

"Let's start with something simple, Ash," Yasopp said, his voice calm but encouraging. "Focus on the target, not the weapon. Feel the tension in your arm, then release."

Ash nodded seriously. He not only wanted to hit the target—he wanted to understand the flow of the shot. He drew the bowstring back and aimed, lining up the tip with the first bottle. The tension in his arm was strange at first, but he kept his focus. He could feel the weight in his hand, the air around him, and his heartbeat in sync with his breath.

He released the string.

The arrow flew forward with a sharp twang, but it missed completely, slamming into the wood of the ship.

Yasopp chuckled lightly. "Don't rush it. Aim with purpose."

Ash swallowed his frustration and lined up another shot. This time, he adjusted his stance, slowing his breathing and focusing his mind.

One more shot.

He released again. The arrow found its mark, hitting the edge of the first bottle, and it tipped over with a satisfying clink.

"Good. That's progress," Yasopp said, offering Ash a knowing grin. "You're getting the hang of it."

Day 5: Tactical Thinking

Ash sat across from Benn Beckman at a makeshift chessboard set up in the ship's common room. His brow furrowed in concentration as he stared at the pieces.

"Alright, kid," Benn said, his voice as calm as ever. "You're going to lead a team in this scenario. Your goal is to trap the enemy king while defending your own."

Ash adjusted his pieces, trying to visualize the situation in his mind. The challenge wasn't just about moving the pieces; it was about predicting what would happen in the next few moves.

"Remember, it's not just about attacking," Benn continued, his eyes keen. "It's about thinking several steps ahead."

Ash nodded, deep in thought. He maneuvered his knight into position and set up a series of defensive moves. This wasn't just a game—it was strategy.

When the game concluded, Benn leaned back in his chair, nodding approvingly. "Well played. You saw the board before it unfolded. That's the start of good leadership.

Day 10: Swordsmanship

The air was thick with tension as Ash faced Shanks on the ship's training deck, wooden swords in hand. He was one of the best swordsmen Ash had ever seen, and today, he was going to put Ash's training to the test.

"Ready, kid?" Shanks grin was wide as always, but there was a glint in his eye that told Ash this wouldn't be a gentle spar.

Ash tightened his grip on his wooden sword. His movements were stiff, his stance wobbly. His training in swordsmanship had been mostly about basic strikes and guards, but today was different. Today, he would push him to think on his feet.

Shanks made the first move, a fast strike aimed at Ash's midsection. Ash barely managed to raise his sword in time, the wooden blade clashing with shanks in a shock of sound.

"Good reflexes, but you're telegraphing your moves," Shanks said, stepping back and circling around Ash. "Try to feel the rhythm of the fight, not just the hits."

Ash nodded, focusing. He remembered previously what Shanks had told him about the flow of battle, about how you needed to read your opponent. He closed his eyes for a moment, slowing his breath.

Shanks struck again, this time a series of quick, probing attacks. Ash parried; his movements more fluid this time. He wasn't thinking about each individual strike; he was feeling the energy of the fight. His body began to respond almost instinctively.

After a few more exchanges, he stepped back, raising his hands in mock surrender.

"You've got the basics down," he said, smirking. "Now, let's see if you can keep up with me."

Day 15: Physical Conditioning – Speed and Agility Drills

Ash huffed, sweat dripping down his brow as he completed the last lap of the deck. His body was sore from the rigorous training, but he kept pushing himself. Today, the focus was on agility and speed. It wasn't enough to be strong—Ash needed to move faster, think quicker.

"Keep those feet light, Ash," Benn called out from the sidelines. "Imagine you're dodging an attack. Move like you're avoiding a blow."

Ash nodded, pushing himself harder. His legs burned, and his breaths came in shallow bursts, but he kept his mind focused. He ducked and weaved, jumping over barrels and sidestepping obstacles. Each movement was purposeful, every second counting.

The sun was beginning to set when he finally finished the course. He dropped to his knees, panting heavily, but a small smile tugged at his lips.

"You're getting there," Benn said approvingly, offering a hand to help Ash up. "One more step in the right direction."

Day 20: Hand-to-Hand Combat – The First Real Mock Fight

It was late afternoon when Ash found himself face-to-face with Shanks in a mock fight, the red-haired pirate's serious expression offering no clues as to what was coming next.

"We've worked on your footwork, Ash," Shanks said. "But now, you need to know and improve how to handle yourself without a weapon."

Ash's heart beat faster as he got into a fighting stance. He'd never fought in real Shanks before, because he always practice with him, his movements a blur of grace and power.

Shanks wasted no time. He lunged forward, and Ash barely managed to dodge, his feet slipping on the deck.

"Focus, Ash!" Shanks barked as he quickly closed the distance again, aiming a strike to Ash's ribs.

Ash moved on instinct, blocking the attack and countering with a swift jab. It was clumsy, but it was a start. Shanks laughed and stepped back, giving Ash a moment to regain his footing.

"Good. You're learning to control your body," Shanks said, his voice calm. "Now, keep practicing."

Day 30: Final Check-In – Reflecting on Growth

As the month drew to a close, Ash stood on the ship's deck, the evening wind tousling his hair. His body ached from the constant training, but there was a sense of accomplishment in his chest. He had come a long way in a short time.

"Remember what we've covered this month," Shanks said, standing beside Ash. "You've developed your swordsmanship, marksmanship, and footwork. Your tactical thinking is good, and your reflexes have improved."

Ash nodded; his eyes focused ahead. "I feel stronger than before... and more ready. There's still so much more to learn, though."

Shanks clapped him on the shoulder. "You've got the potential, Ash. But remember—this is just the beginning."

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Ash felt a fire ignite inside him. He was ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.

Ash's Second Month of Training:

Day 31: Training with Shanks

Ash had spent his first month learning under Shanks and his crew, absorbing everything from basic swordsmanship to real-world tactics whenever he is not training and practicing with Lucy and Uta. By now, he was starting to feel more comfortable with the blade, though he was still far from mastering it. Shanks, never one to rush things, understood the importance of proper foundation.

"Alright, Ash," Shanks said with a grin, his sword resting on his shoulder. "Let's see how far you've come. Today, we're focusing on form and timing. Remember, it's not just about swinging hard; it's about precision."

Ash nodded, his small frame standing tall and ready. He knew his basic sword skills from the previous month, but today was about control. Shanks demonstrated the proper stance: balanced, poised, and patient. Ash imitated him, following the rhythm of Shanks' fluid movements.

The first few swings were rough—Ash's form was stiff, the blade a bit too heavy for his small hands. But Shanks didn't let him get discouraged. He gave him pointers, encouraged him to feel the sword as an extension of his body. As the lesson went on, Ash felt his strikes become sharper, more controlled.

"Well done," Shanks said, his tone approving. "You've got the spirit for this. Keep working on your timing and positioning. The more you practice, the sharper you'll become."

Ash gave a determined nod. Swordsmanship wasn't going to be easy, but he had a long way ahead of him, and Shanks was the best teacher he could ask for.

Day 35: Training with Lucy and Uta

Today ash took some time for some physical training with Lucy and Uta. Ash had been focusing on not only his own skills but also on helping Lucy develop her potential. Uta, too, had become part of the routine, focusing on the physical side of training.

"Alright, Lucy," Ash began, adjusting his stance. "Let's work on your reflexes. We're going to work with speed today, okay?"

Lucy grinned and nodded, bouncing on her heels, clearly eager to begin. Ash tossed a small, soft training ball toward her at an unpredictable speed. Lucy moved quickly to intercept it, but she fumbled at first, her small hands missing the ball by inches.

"Focus, Lucy!" Ash called. "Don't think too hard, just react."

Lucy took a deep breath and nodded, trying again. The second throw came faster than the first, but Lucy's reflexes were improving. She caught it in the air and landed gracefully, a huge smile on her face.

"Great! That's it. Keep your focus and react quickly. The more you practice, the faster you'll get," Ash encouraged.

Meanwhile, Uta was doing her own set of drills nearby, focusing on basic agility exercises—simple footwork, running, and jumping. Though she was not as good as them, her determination was clear as she pushed herself to move faster, her face serious as she gritted her teeth.

Ash couldn't help but smile at Uta's focused determination. "That's it, Uta! You're improving every day. Now, try a leap and twist mid-air like this."

Uta immediately tried, a graceful leap that was more like a spin in the air before landing. She wasn't perfect, but she was improving, and that was the important part.

Day 42: Sparring with Shanks – Swordplay

As Ash's swordsmanship improved, so did his confidence. But Shanks knew that real growth came through practical experience. Today, they would spar.

"Are you ready?" Shanks asked with a grin, unsheathing his sword. Ash held his blade in a firm grip, his heart racing with excitement. This was the real deal.

Shanks lunged first, testing Ash's reaction. Ash parried the strike just in time, his movements still a little too slow, but getting better with each match. Shanks used his speed and experience to push Ash, who blocked and dodged as best as he could.

The fight wasn't about winning—it was about learning. Each time Ash made a mistake, Shanks gently corrected him, encouraging him to trust his instincts more. It was a tough session, but Ash was proud of how far he'd come.

"Good work," Shanks said as the match ended. "You're picking things up quickly. Now, let's work on your defense. A good defense wins half the battle."

Day 50: Lucy's Training – Physical Strength

Lucy, having learned the basics of her Devil Fruit abilities, needed to continue developing her physical strength. The past few weeks had been focused on agility and reflexes, but now Ash pushed her to lift heavier objects to build muscle.

"You're getting stronger, Lucy. Now, let's see how much weight you can carry," Ash said, leading her to a series of logs lined up on the grass.

Lucy hesitated at first, but after a quick nod from Ash, she bent down and lifted the heaviest log she could handle. The strain showed on her face as she struggled to hold it, but her arms were beginning to show the effects of the consistent training.

"That's good, Lucy. Keep it up, and soon, you'll be able to move even bigger obstacles. Strength is about persistence," Ash said, giving her a pat on the back.

Uta was practicing nearby, performing push-ups with ease. The girl was clearly developing a natural strength that impressed Ash, and she was slowly but surely starting to surpassing her own previous potential in physical power.

Day 55: Uta's Physical Training

Uta was still focusing on building her physical strength and control, but Ash thought she'd benefit from some flexibility training. Today, he decided to incorporate some stretches into their routine.

"Stretching isn't just for relaxation. It helps with control," Ash explained as Uta attempted to touch her toes. "It'll help you move quicker and avoid injury."

Uta, though not used to this kind of exercise, quickly fell into a rhythm as Ash guided her through a series of stretches. As she completed each move, her flexibility improved, and Ash could see a noticeable difference in the fluidity of her movements.

"You're doing great," Ash encouraged her. "Keep practicing, and it'll become second nature."

Day 60: Group Training – Team Coordination

For the final training session of this month, Ash decided to focus on team coordination. The training involved all three of them—Ash, Lucy, and Uta—working together to accomplish a series of tasks that required speed, reflexes, and teamwork.

Ash would throw objects to one side while Uta and Lucy had to intercept them. They ran circles, threw objects back and forth, and worked together to accomplish tasks as fast as possible.

"Remember, team coordination is just as important as individual skill," Ash explained while catching his breath. "When we're a unit, we move faster."

Lucy and Uta were quick learners, already showing signs of natural teamwork. Lucy's reflexes had improved, and Uta's agility had been honed through the constant physical training.

By the end of the session, the trio was exhausted but proud of what they'd accomplished. Their movements were more synchronized, their skills growing every day.

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Over the course of the second month, Ash not only honed his own skills with Shanks and the crew but also focused on training along with Lucy and Uta. Lucy continued to develop her Devil Fruit powers, gaining more control over her stretchy abilities while Ash worked on their physical strength and reflexes.

Uta, too, pushed herself in physical training, focusing on agility, flexibility, and strength. He also practices along with them and teaches whatever he learned from Shanks and his crew. The bond between them grew stronger as they learned to work as a team, setting the foundation for more advanced training in the months to come.

Ash's Third Month of Training:

Day 61: Improving Marksmanship

Ash had been focusing a lot on his swordsmanship, but Shanks had noticed his keen eye for long-range precision. Today, they were working on marksmanship, even though Yasopp is the one who teaches Marksmanship, today Shanks decided he will teach some tricks. Shanks had a set of targets set up in the open field, and Ash's task was to hit them with a series of thrown weapons.

"This is good for your coordination, timing, and precision," Shanks explained, handing Ash a few well-crafted throwing knives. "Even if you prefer swords, it's always smart to be able to throw something in a pinch."

Ash's first few throws were a bit off, but his focus and natural instincts kicked in. By the end of the day, his aim had improved. Throwing blades with accuracy was a skill that, while not his main one, could prove useful.

Day 63: Celeste's Sub-Quest – Village Cleanup

Celeste, had quietly presented him with a sub - quest as usual, but it wasn't anything dangerous. The village needed some general maintenance, and Ash was tasked with cleaning up debris and repairing a few broken structures. The villagers were incredibly grateful, and Ash enjoyed the quiet work, allowing him to focus and improve his stamina.

"I didn't think you'd be so quick at this," a villager remarked, watching Ash work efficiently. "You've got a knack for fixing things."

Ash smiled to himself but said nothing. It wasn't an exciting task, but it gave him a sense of accomplishment. The satisfaction of doing something for the village and staying busy kept his mind clear, all while benefiting from the reward he is receiving.

Day 66: Training Lucy and Uta

Ash's training continued, but now he was focusing on endurance. He set up a training course that pushed both Lucy and Uta to their limits. Running, jumping, and lifting objects, it was a grueling day, but both girls showed immense progress.

"Keep going, Lucy, Uta! Try to push through!" Ash encouraged as they stumbled through the obstacle course after he finished doing his course.

Though exhausted by the end of it, the girls had gained valuable experience in terms of physical endurance. They were improving faster than Ash expected, and he could already see their increased stamina.

Day 68: Cooking Lessons with Makino – Learning New Dishes

While Ash had learned basic cooking skills over the past few months, he was eager to expand his repertoire. Makino, who ran the bar in the village, had agreed to teach him how to make some of the local specialties.

"Cooking is all about love and patience," Makino explained as she guided Ash through the preparation of a dish called Tori Katsu, a crispy chicken cutlet with a Savory sauce. "If you rush through it, the flavor gets lost."

Ash followed her instructions carefully, chopping, frying, and seasoning the dish. By the end, he had created a delicious meal that received praise from others. Ash felt a sense of pride, knowing that his cooking was improving.

Day 72: Sub-Quest – Delivery of Goods

Celeste gave Ash another seemingly simple task: a delivery quest. He needed to bring some supplies to a nearby village that was a short distance away. As mundane as it seemed, Ash took it on. Along the way, he encountered a few wild animals, and while it wasn't the most exciting of quests, it allowed him to practice his new throwing skills and improve his marksmanship.

After safely completing the delivery, Ash received another reward from Celeste, though nothing particularly remarkable. His stamina had increased, and his confidence grew just a little bit more.

Day 75: Medical Training with Hongo – First Aid and Herbology

Hongo, a kind and experienced healer, accepted to teach Ash some basic medical skills upon his request last time. Learning from Hongo was invaluable—he taught Ash everything from how to dress a wound to the basics of healing herbs. "A good healer is one who understands both the body and the mind," Hongo explained as he showed Ash how to properly clean and bandage a cut.

Ash was attentive, picking up on the subtle nuances of medicine. Over the course of a few days, Ash learned about common injuries, how to tend to broken bones, and how to recognize signs of illness. His new skills were a valuable addition to his repertoire.

Day 78: Shanks Ship Chef – Cooking New Dishes

Back on the ship, Ash sought out Luck Roo, the ship's chef, to improve his cooking even further. Luck Roo was a talented chef, especially when it came to seafood. Today, he taught Ash how to prepare Saba Shioyaki, a grilled mackerel dish seasoned with salt and a lemon-based sauce.

Luck Roo showed Ash how to properly grill the fish to perfection, teaching him about timing and heat control. As Ash grilled the fish, he began to appreciate the fine balance of seasoning and heat. By the end of the day, Ash had learned how to prepare a simple, yet delicious, seafood dish that added to his growing collection of cooking skills.

Day 80: Celeste's Sub-Quest – Gathering Wild Herbs

Celeste had issued another sub-quest, this time sending Ash on a herb-gathering mission. He was tasked with finding certain medicinal plants in the nearby forest. The journey wasn't dangerous, but it gave Ash an opportunity to practice his tracking skills. Along the way, Ash came across various herbs, some of which Hongo had mentioned in their lessons.

After collecting the herbs, Ash returned to the village and received a reward from Celeste—his cooking skills had improved slightly, and he had gained more knowledge about the local flora. He felt his senses sharpening.

Day 85: Sub-Quest – Help a Villager Repair a House

Celeste's next quest this time was another simple task: helping a villager repair their house. Ash spent a few hours fixing up a leaky roof, hammering in nails, and reinforcing beams.

"I didn't expect someone so young to be so skilled," the villager remarked, impressed by Ash's efficiency.

The task was easy, but it continued to hone Ash's stamina and problem-solving abilities. By the end of it, the roof was as good as new, and Ash felt a little bit stronger for it.

Day 90: New Skill Acquired – "Herbalist"

After working with Hongo and completing the herb-gathering quest, Ash's knowledge of plants and medicine had grown significantly. One evening, as Ash meditated to reflect on his progress, he received a notification from Celeste:

Skill Unlocked: Herbalist (Common)

Effect: Allows the user to identify and utilize medicinal plants for healing purposes.

Ash's eyes lit up. This was a skill that would complement his training with Hongo. It would also be useful for tending to injuries during their travels.

In the third month, Ash continued his growth, balancing his main training with Shanks and the crew with numerous sub-quests provided by Celeste. His cooking skills flourished under the tutelage of both Makino and Luck Roo, and his medical knowledge expanded thanks to Hongo's teachings.

He even gained a new skill—Herbalist—allowing him to make use of medicinal plants for healing. Through completing Celeste's quests, Ash earned rewards and got somewhat close to the villagers by helping them. It was a month of balance, learning, and quiet yet important progress.

Name: Rafael D. Ash

Age: 9

Level: 8 -> 11

Experience: 1800/9000

Title: Reincarnator

Stats:

Strength: 34 -> 48

Agility: 33 -> 46

Endurance: 31 -> 42

Intelligence: 26 -> 36

Charisma: 28 -> 36

Luck: 16 -> 18

Unallocated Points: 30 -> 45

Inventory: Basic First Aid Kit x 5 ; Sea King's Blood Tonic x 1 ; Ship Enhancement Core: Time Dilation Room x 1 ; Portable Cooking Set x 1 ; Herb Collection Kit x 1 ; Resonance Pendant x 1

Store Coins: 3680 -> 10,180 coins

Lottery Ticket: 4 -> 10

Currency: 12,523,580 -> 13,010,530 Beli

Equipment: Soul Bind Bracelet

Abilities:

[Active Abilities]

- Basic Marksmanship (Rare; Intermediate) *

- Tactical Thinking (Rare; Intermediate) *

- Hand-to-Hand Combat Basics (Rare; Beginner) -> (Rare; Intermediate) *

- Seamanship Fundamentals (Common; Beginner) -> (Common; Intermediate)

- Leadership (Rare; Novice)

- Strategic Intelligence (Rare; Novice)

- Stealth (Uncommon; Novice) -> (Uncommon; Beginner)

- Fishing (Common; Beginner) -> (Common; Intermediate)

- Cooking (Common; Beginner) -> (Common; Intermediate)

- Basic Swordsmanship (Rare; Intermediate) *

- Fleet Coordination (Rare; Novice)

- Observe (Uncommon; Beginner) -> (Uncommon; Intermediate) *

- Herbalist (Common; Novice) (NEW)

[Passive Abilities]

- Calm Mind (Rare) -> (Rare; Enhanced) * 

- Perfect Recollection (Rare) -> (Rare; Enhanced) *

- Voice Resonance (Rare; Unique) -> (Rare; Unique; Enhanced) *

- Inspiration (Rare; Novice)

- Survival Skills (Common; Novice) -> (Common; Beginner)

To be continued...

Hey everyone! I'm always looking for ways to make this story even better, and I'd love to hear your ideas. What powers do you think should be available in Ash's store? Maybe you have some cool concepts for abilities, weapons, or items that could make the adventure even more exciting!

Feel free to drop your suggestions in the comments, and if there's anything specific, you'd love to see in future chapters, let me know! I might even integrate your ideas into the story.

Also, don't forget to give some Power Stones if you're enjoying the journey! Your support means the world. 😊