Chapter 37:Forging Strength: A New Path Begins

Jason stood beside his father, Rayleigh, deep in thought. The air was thick with anticipation, and the future seemed both exciting and daunting. His plan for Koala's training had taken shape, but there was something more he needed to reveal. He turned to his father with a sly smile and reached into his satchel, pretending to search for something. But instead of the bag, Jason tapped into his storage system discreetly, retrieving a book. The leather-bound manual he had stashed in the system a while ago contained the secrets of the Rokushiki—the Marine's six powers.

"I also brought this," Jason said, handing the book to his father. "It's a training manual I found in one of the Celestial Dragons' homes."

Rayleigh accepted the book with a raised brow, flipping through its pages. "Hmm… Rokushiki. So, you've been planning this for a while, huh? Training Koala, getting stronger yourself…" Rayleigh chuckled lightly, a glint of pride in his eyes. "Looks like you're thinking ahead, just like a proper captain."

Jason nodded, his expression serious. "She needs this training, Dad. But I'll also need her to get stronger alongside me. There's a lot to do before we set sail as real pirates."

Rayleigh eyed his son knowingly. "And what about you, Jason? You've changed, haven't you? You're no longer that boy who wants to save everyone."

Jason paused, his eyes darkening with the memories of Fisher Tiger's death and the betrayal of the villagers. "Yeah… I've realized this world isn't like some fantasy where everything works out. People betray you. You have to make hard choices. If I don't protect the ones I love, no one will."

Rayleigh placed a hand on his son's shoulder. "That's a lesson hard-earned, but don't lose yourself to the harshness of this world."

Jason nodded but said nothing. His heart was already steeling itself. He would protect those closest to him, but the days of trying to save everyone were gone. He'd save people only if it benefited him or his family.

As the conversation drifted, Jason's attention turned to Koala. She had been watching them from a distance, clearly curious about what was happening. Jason motioned for her to come over, and when she did, he crouched down to meet her gaze.

"Koala, I've been thinking about your future," Jason began. "You've already learned so much, but there's still more to do. I've asked my mom to train you in combat, to teach you the skills that will make you stronger."

Koala blinked, surprised but intrigued. "You really think I can get stronger?" she asked softly.

Jason smiled. "I know you can."

Shakky, who had been listening, nodded approvingly. "I'll make sure she's more than capable. The world out there is dangerous, but she'll be ready."

But Jason wasn't finished. He had one more gift for Koala—something that would elevate her potential even further. From his storage, Jason produced a small, unusual-looking fruit. Its spiraled pattern and odd coloration were unmistakable.

Koala's eyes widened in shock as she recognized it for what it was. "Is that… a Devil Fruit?"

Jason nodded. "This is the Neko Neko no Mi, Model: Bakeneko. It's a Mythical Zoan-type fruit, and it'll give you the power of a supernatural cat—a Bakeneko. You'll gain agility, night vision, and the ability to use spiritual energy to control something called 'demon fire.' You'll also be able to transform into a cat-girl form with enhanced strength and stealth."

Koala hesitated, staring at the fruit. "A Mythical Zoan… That's so rare."

Jason's voice was firm but encouraging. "It's up to you, Koala. This power could make you a force to be reckoned with, but it comes with the usual curse—you'll lose the ability to swim."

Koala looked between Jason, Shakky, and Rayleigh. She felt the weight of the decision before her, but something in her eyes hardened with resolve. Slowly, she took the fruit from Jason's hands and took a bite. Almost instantly, she recoiled at the taste, grimacing.

"Disgusting!" Koala exclaimed, shuddering at the bitterness.

Jason laughed. "Yeah, they all taste horrible."

As the powers began to take effect, Koala's body glowed briefly, and she could feel the newfound energy coursing through her veins. She didn't fully transform yet, but she could already sense the agility and strength the fruit granted her.

Shakky watched with interest. "Well, looks like we've got quite the student on our hands."

Over the next few days, training intensified. Shakky taught Koala not just Rokushiki but also techniques from Amazon Lily—a fighting style that emphasized both agility and precision. Koala practiced tirelessly, mastering Soru and Geppo, while combining her Fishman Karate with the newfound abilities of the Bakeneko. Her movements became more fluid, her strikes more powerful, and her agility unmatched. She was becoming a true combatant, blending different styles into her own unique way of fighting.

Meanwhile, Jason continued his own rigorous training with Rayleigh, pushing himself beyond his limits. He had mastered all three forms of Haki, wielding them with deadly precision. He also honed his dual-wielding sword style, combining his katana and saber in devastatingly powerful attacks. Under Rayleigh's tutelage, Jason's already impressive strength grew exponentially. He was now a half-step into Yonko level power, capable of taking on two Admirals at once and surviving a clash with a Yonko. His growth was astonishing.

But Jason wasn't just training. He and Koala also took on dangerous missions as bounty hunters. Jason, adopting a disguise, hunted down notorious pirates under a false identity. He made sure to keep his bounty low by operating in secrecy, but the rewards still rolled in. The System Points he earned from killing pirates allowed him to acquire valuable items and skills, further increasing his strength. His bounty reached an astonishing 4 billion Beli, but it was his System Points that mattered most—he accumulated 40,000 points over this period.

Koala, too, became a feared bounty hunter, earning the moniker "Demon Girl" due to the eerie image she created. Often seen holding the heads of pirates she had hunted down, she became a commander-level combatant in her own right. Her abilities as a Bakeneko gave her an edge in battle, allowing her to strike from the shadows with deadly precision.

Despite the growing strength of both Jason and Koala, not everything was easy. The pirates on Sabaody Archipelago began to grow wary of the pair, hiding in plain sight or fleeing whenever they caught wind of their presence. This made finding targets difficult, and Jason's system points grew at a slower rate as a result. But it didn't matter—both Jason and Koala had reached new heights of power.

In the end, Jason's transformation was not just physical but mental. He was no longer the naive boy who believed he could save everyone. The betrayal of the villagers, Fisher Tiger's death, and the cold reality of the world had hardened him. Now, his goal was clear—protect his family and crew at all costs, and only help others when it served his interests.

The next seven years were crucial. They were years of training, growth, and preparation. Jason and Koala were no longer just survivors—they were predators, ready to set sail and carve their names into history.

But for now, Sabaody would remain their training ground. And soon, the world would hear of the return of Silvers D. Jason, not as the Phantom Blade, but as something far more dangerous.