Chapter 27

The human body itself is a vast treasure!

And gourmet cells are like a key or catalyst to break the limit, helping the body to quickly dig out those deeply buried potentials.

But at the same time, the training of the human body itself is also extremely important.

If they hadn't honed their limits through rigorous training and only relied on the evolution of gourmet cells to become stronger, it would ultimately just be a castle in the air.

Abel was currently experiencing this firsthand.

With every full-strength thrust he made, he could feel a spring-like energy within him being squeezed out, then nourishing him in return.

Especially after the fiftieth time, his right arm had noticeably started trembling, a sign that he was approaching his limit.

Yet after another ten thrusts, Diamante, who had been ready to teach him a lesson, couldn't find an opportunity to step in.

Moreover, he saw that Abel's right hand, which had been trembling earlier, had somehow become steady and strong again.

"What's going on here?" Diamante's face showed confusion. He had clearly seen the young man struggling just moments before, but suddenly...

Could it be?!

Just then, Abel indeed felt that he was having difficulty keeping up, his arm starting to ache.

However, his active gourmet cells believed he could continue!

Thus, the limits were easily broken.

All previous discomfort had been completely eliminated, replaced by the pleasure of surpassing oneself!

Abel felt a surge of power, and it was exhilarating.

Especially when he noticed Diamante's constipated-like expression of distress, he felt even happier.

Even while maintaining the standard form, he deliberately sped up.

He planned to finish the training earlier. Perhaps he could still catch breakfast.

After all, he had been called out by this bastard without even having breakfast.

Otherwise, he had to eat a big meal and experience just how insane a tenfold learning bonus under the "Satiated" state was!

However, when Abel completed his training in a 'very relaxed' manner, Law was barely struggling through his thirtieth time.

And he seemed completely spent.

Clang!

Seeing Abel stop, Law lost his concentration. Coupled with the soreness in his arm, the iron sword fell to the ground.

Seeing this, Diamante frowned.

Though he hadn't expected both of them to finish the training on time from the start, this was indeed too poor.

What angered him even more was that the one he hated most had actually done it.

This undoubtedly annoyed him even more!

So his long sword swung out again, serpent-like.

"Pick up the sword! Don't you want revenge on this world? Are you planning to surrender in the face of the enemy? Worthless!"

This time, Law was struck down and screamed out in pain.

Then, Diamante intentionally turned to Abel on the side, seemingly expecting his reaction.

But to his disappointment, the youngster showed no reaction at all, remaining utterly calm.

Instead, Abel asked, "I've completed a hundred sword thrusts. What's the next training?"

This question left Diamante taken aback. He reflexively retorted, "Can your arm still lift?"

The moment the words left his mouth, Diamante felt regret.

As expected, Abel immediately grinned, "Wasn't that just a warm-up? In my imagination, sword training shouldn't be a child's play."

Diamante was ridiculed again!

And it was the kind of sarcasm that he couldn't lash out against!

Diamante was livid, grinding his teeth and even swinging his long sword like a venomous snake.

It seemed as if he was about to strike Abel's throat the next moment!

But eventually, the 'snake' calmed down.

That's because Diamante noticed Doflamingo, standing behind a window on the second floor, observing them while sipping a glass of red wine.

So he took a deep breath and suddenly thought of a wicked plan.

"For the next hour, you have rest time. You can choose to eat, sleep, or do whatever."

"Of course, you can choose to stay. Stay and take some of the pressure off your partner. Like this bit of 'gentle' punishment."

"For this, I can reduce Law's training requirement from one hundred times to fifty."

"Hehehe, what's your choice?"

Diamante felt sure of his victory this time. He had accurately seized the opponent's weakness.

With such 'generous' conditions, he was not worried that Abel would refuse.

After all, given the current situation, Law might be literally beaten to death trying to complete one hundred sword thrusts.

But what surprised him was that before Abel could answer, Law gave him the answer first.

"No need, I can complete it myself."

Law stood up again, tightly gripping the iron sword. His body was somewhat shaky, but his arms were steady and ruthless as he thrust forward.

"Thirty-one!"

This move undoubtedly stoked the repressed anger in Diamante's heart, yet at the same time, he was disdainful.

However, what surprised him even more was yet to come.

Abel just nodded, turned around, and left, "Then I'm going to eat first. You should hurry up too. If you're late, everything will probably be eaten by Buffalo."

Law did not reply but managed to thrust his sword twice more during this conversation.

He answered with actions.

Diamante was taken aback, but when he saw Abel genuinely leave, he couldn't help but mock, "Don't worry, dead men don't need to eat."

Without turning his head, Abel raised his middle finger high over his head and retorted, "Don't underestimate the ones who've crawled out of hell. Who wouldn't be able to complete such a childish task."

Idiot!

The last two words were mouthed by Abel, truly leaving no room for Diamante to retort.

Though Diamante didn't hear the last two words, he detected the thick sarcasm in Abel's tone.

"Good, then the game between us begins."

"Who will you disappoint, Law?"

By this time, Law was so engrossed in his sword-thrusting practice that he was oblivious to anything else happening around him. Despite his swollen arms and blurry consciousness, he knew he couldn't stop. If he did, he wouldn't be able to continue.

And what did this current pain amount to, compared to watching his parents, sister, and all his partners die right before his eyes?

"Ninety-nine... one hundred."

After an indeterminate amount of time, once he hit one hundred, Law's body wavered and then he collapsed.

Diamante's expression went from surprise to disbelief, and finally, silence.

"If it's these two kids, maybe one day they can truly make waves in the great seas."

"Doffy, have you already seen that distant future?"

"Today I, Lao G, will guide you through physical training."

A strange man in blue sportswear and a rabbit hat was striking an embarrassing pose, completely disregarding others' gazes.

The training ground was the same, only the 'teacher' had changed from Diamante to Lao G.

And this time, it wasn't just Abel and Law who needed to learn. Baby-5 and Buffalo were also included. After all, physical training is very practical, and the learning threshold is low. However, mastering it is difficult, and becoming a formidable force relying solely on physical training is even more challenging!

Doflamingo probably didn't expect them to make any significant progress in physical training; it was more about establishing a foundation.

Lao G, although belonging to Diamante's combat squad, was calm and diligent.

Hence, he treated everyone equally, without resorting to Diamante's tactics of devising nearly impossible training tasks to trouble them. His teachings were methodical and straightforward.

Of course, necessary punishments were there, but they were just normal penalties such as additional laps or push-ups.

This was a relief for Abel, who could finally focus on laying a solid foundation and striving to become stronger!

For this, under everyone's gaze, he audaciously ate enough food for ten grown men to maintain his 'satiated' state at all times.

He found an excuse to wear the painted turtle shell on his back, adjusting it to a weight of 20 kilograms to get used to it. There was always a sense of urgency in his heart; he wanted to become stronger as soon as possible!

"Are you okay?"

"No problem."

While Abel continued his punching training, he cast a sideways glance at Law, who looked somewhat pale.

For revenge, Law was pushing himself to the limit. Just the day before, his arms were so swollen that he couldn't lift them, but he woke up and managed to reduce the swelling with his medication.

Doflamingo had planned to let him rest for the day, but Law was stubborn and insisted on attending.

Such stubbornness could have led to a breakdown in Abel's previous life.

But this was the world of pirates, a world that didn't abide by common sense, a world where even Newton would kneel.

So, Abel didn't offer any advice. It was Law's choice.

Comparatively, Abel considered himself luckier.

Without his advantages, he would undoubtedly be in as sorry a state as Law, if not worse.

But now, he found himself getting addicted.

The harder he trained, the more feedback he got from his body cells.

The joy of distinctly feeling oneself grow stronger was truly intoxicating!

After the first day of sword training and the second day of physical training, Abel and his companions were to learn artillery on the third day.

This time, their teacher was a 'Super Saiyan.'

Alright, Gladius' hairstyle wasn't as wicked as in the future, but it was already in the 'Super Saiyan One' state, the only difference perhaps being the color.

Gladius, with his round glasses and mask, dressed in deep blue, was set to guide them through their training.

Dressed in a long, windblown coat adorned with gears and other metal accessories, Gladius looked more like a bass player from a heavy metal death rock band at first glance.

However, in reality, he was a member of the Donquixote Family's special attack squad, fiercely loyal to Doflamingo, and showed no tolerance towards those who betrayed the family.

"Has everyone arrived? Where's Buffalo?"

Gladius, noticing only three people on the training field, had veins bulging at his temples. He despised those who did not adhere to plans and schedules.

"I'm here! I'm here!"

Just as he spoke, a chubby figure clad in pajamas came panting in a desperate sprint, sweat covering his face, whether from exhaustion or urgency was unclear.

Gladius checked his pocket watch and said without mercy, "According to assembly time, you're ten seconds late. As a penalty, your evasion training intensity will double today."

Buffalo's plump face instantly turned as thin as a lightning bolt in fear!

He then immediately knelt in apology, begging, "I realize my mistake, please forgive me this time. I promise I'll never be late again!"

"Thinking there will be a next time? Huh!"

Gladius sneered, ignoring Buffalo. He kicked open the chest in front of him, revealing an array of weapons!

"Out on the sea, guns and cannons are the most common long-range weapons. To master them, you need both talent and continuous practice."

"From today, I'll teach you how to use them, how to fight with them, and how to respond to such attacks."

"The first rule of using guns and cannons is to measure the distance correctly."

To Abel, Gladius' lessons were fresh and very interesting.

After all, what man doesn't like guns?

He had no opportunity in his previous life, but now the time had finally come.

Although the models and styles didn't look advanced, the thrill of using them was enough.

Once Gladius finished the theoretical part, Abel and the others finally got their hands on the weapons they'd been yearning for.

Then it was time for simple target practice.

Abel and Law studied very seriously, with Abel even activating his 'Satiated' state, entering a mode of learning ten times faster.

With his physically enhanced body and now having a boost, he naturally learned rapidly. His hit rate rose linearly in no time, catching Gladius' attention.

"Hmm, it seems you have some talent."

In comparison, Law's performance was more akin to what one would expect from an ordinary person.

Each bullet he shot showed improvement, albeit minimal, which made Gladius subtly shake his head.

Despite his efforts, Abel was not the standout performer.

The one who shone the most was Baby-5.

With one swift motion, the young girl raised a leg, and her left foot transformed into a dark cannon muzzle.

With a bang, the distant target was obliterated. Baby-5 seemed more wild and excited than ever.

"What is that?" Law was stunned.

"Baby-5 is a weapon human who ate the Weapon Fruit. She can turn any part or her entire body into various weapons, like guns, cannons, and swords," Gladius provided an explanation and urged Law to continue his training and not get distracted.

Suddenly, Law seemed a little absent-minded. He was recalling the words Doflamingo had once said to him.

"Could there really be a Devil Fruit that can cure mine and Abel's ailments?" he wondered.

But what shocked him even more came after: not only was Baby-5 a Devil Fruit user, but Buffalo, who he had always regarded as a fool, had eaten a Devil Fruit too?!

The scene then switched to Gladius, who stood in place on the field, dual-wielding and ceaselessly firing at the sky.

Meanwhile, Buffalo, flying in the air, was desperately evading, letting out cries of distress.

Had Gladius not significantly held back, Buffalo would have likely been riddled with holes by now.

"Buffalo can fly? He's a Devil Fruit user too?" Law asked, unable to hold back his curiosity after watching Buffalo's aerial evasion training for a while.

Baby-5 promptly nodded, saying matter-of-factly, "Buffalo is a user of the Spin-Spin Fruit, a Paramecia-class Devil Fruit. He can freely fly in the sky."

"What a great ability, to fly in the sky," Law admitted, feeling a pang of envy.

Abel, however, was unfazed. To him, it was just a lower-tier Devil Fruit with limited potential. If it were given to him for free, he'd take it. After all, selling it would still bring in a good sum of money, which was something he was desperately craving for right now.

A new search opportunity had become available, but he did not use it lightly. He wanted to secure a win.

He was dying to get a five-star review just once!