32. Training Begins

CHAPTER 32: TRAINING BEGINS

Goku, Zoro, and Gin made their way to the port, where they saw Sanji, Johnny, and Yosaku waiting. The ship had been moved from its previous hidden location to the main port, ensuring it was ready for any upcoming adventures. The expressions on Goku's face revealed a deep determination and focus, something that did not go unnoticed by the crew.

Goku addressed them all with a serious tone. "We need to strengthen our crew. The challenges we face from here on out will only get tougher," he said. Turning to Johnny and Yosaku, he asked, "Would you two join us for an intense training regimen for the next fortnight?"

Johnny and Yosaku exchanged glances before Johnny spoke up, "We can stay for a week, but after that, we need to get back to our bounty hunting."

"That works," Goku replied. "But first, I need to gauge your current strength."

They proceeded to an open, flat area perfect for training. The crew warned Goku about his condition, but he insisted on taking them all on with just one hand.

Goku stood ready as Zoro and Sanji launched the first attack. Zoro came in with a swift sword strike while Sanji aimed a powerful kick. Goku parried Zoro's sword with his left hand and dodged Sanji's kick by a hair's breadth. He countered with a quick, controlled punch that sent both of them staggering back.

Gin joined the fray, using his tonfa to try and catch Goku off guard. Goku blocked Gin's strikes effortlessly, his movements a blur. Johnny and Yosaku tried to flank Goku, but he anticipated their move, dodging Johnny's sword and disarming Yosaku with a single fluid motion.

Sanji and Zoro regrouped and attacked in unison. Sanji's kicks and Zoro's sword strikes came at Goku from all directions. Despite their best efforts, Goku's sheer speed and precision allowed him to deflect every attack. He used their momentum against them, sending them crashing into each other.

Gin and Johnny tried a coordinated attack, with Gin going high and Johnny low. Goku leaped into the air, flipping over them and landing a swift kick on Johnny, sending him sprawling, while simultaneously blocking Gin's high strike.

Zoro, determined to land a hit, unleashed his powerful Three-Sword Style attack. Using the swords of Johnny and Yosaku as additions. Goku, using his enhanced reflexes, dodged each strike with minimal movement. He then grabbed Zoro's arm and flipped him over his shoulder, disarming him once more.

Sanji, using his full speed, launched a barrage of kicks. Goku matched his speed, blocking and deflecting each kick with ease. As Sanji tried a spinning kick, Goku caught his leg and gently but firmly pushed him back.

Johnny and Yosaku, with their swords again, frustrated but undeterred, came at Goku together. Goku evaded their attacks with a series of flips and spins, landing behind them and tapping their shoulders lightly, indicating their defeat.

Gin, wielding both his tonfas, charged at Goku with a flurry of attacks. Goku, with one hand behind his back, blocked every strike, his movements fluid and precise. He then swept Gin's legs out from under him, ending the encounter.

Zoro and Sanji, refusing to give up, combined their attacks. Zoro's swords and Sanji's kicks came at Goku simultaneously from different angles. Goku's focus intensified as he parried Zoro's swords and dodged Sanji's kicks. He then performed a rapid series of moves that left both of them disarmed and on the ground.

For the final encounter, Zoro and Sanji combined their efforts more effectively. Zoro launched a powerful Onigiri attack while Sanji came in with a Mouton Shot!. The intensity of their attacks forced Goku to use both hands. He deflected Zoro's swords with his right hand and blocked Sanji's kick with his left, sending a shockwave that momentarily stunned everyone.

Satisfied with their performance, Goku addressed the crew. "You're all better than anything in the East Blue, but next is the Grand Line, the Pirate Graveyard. Each of you has weaknesses we'll work on in the next two weeks," he said. "Sanji, we'll focus on improving your aerial combat. Zoro, we'll refine your precision and speed. Gin, we'll enhance your defensive skills. Johnny and Yosaku, we'll work on your coordination and strategy."

With their goals set, the crew prepared for the intense training ahead, determined to become stronger and ready for the challenges of the Grand Line.

---

After the intense sparring session with the crew, Goku found himself back on the Going Merry. He stood silently, looking down at his hands. Despite the fatigue from the battles, he could feel an undeniable surge in his strength. The Zenkai boost of the Saiyan race had worked even in this strange world. His defeat at the hands of Aokiji had pushed him to new limits.

As he clenched his fists, he thought about the possibility of achieving Super Saiyan one day. He knew that in this world, it might not be necessary. Yet, facing Aokiji had shown him the importance of being prepared. Super Saiyan might be overkill if Aokiji represented the pinnacle of this world's power, but Goku was determined to reach that level nonetheless. Training to achieve the form became his new goal.

Goku walked into the kitchen for breakfast. The rest of the crew stared at him with a mix of awe and curiosity. They had seen glimpses of his true strength and speed during their sparring session, and they were amazed at what he could do without even trying.

Sanji, busy preparing food, was the first to speak. "Your strength and speed are unbelievable, Goku. What would you be capable of if you went all out?"

Johnny and Yosaku, still recovering from their own attempts to land a hit on Goku, nodded in agreement. "Those energy attacks you used against Aokiji… what are they? They seemed incredibly powerful," Johnny asked.

Goku smiled and explained, "Those are Ki blasts. They're a manifestation of my energy. With training, I can control and use it in various ways, not just for attacks."

The crew's eyes widened with renewed determination. If their captain, already so powerful, still sought to get stronger, then they were inspired to push their own limits. Zoro, in particular, was deep in thought. He knew Mihawk was the world's greatest swordsman, but witnessing Goku's skill with the Wado Ichimonji against Aokiji made him realize that Goku was a formidable swordsman in his own right. The precision and form Goku displayed were unmatched, even by Mihawk.

Zoro wondered about the potential of combining his swordsmanship with the energy attacks Goku used. The form and technique Goku had shown seemed so natural and effortless. It motivated Zoro even more to honor Kuina's memory by surpassing the strongest.

As they continued their breakfast, the crew discussed their upcoming training. Goku outlined the plan for the next two weeks. "We'll focus on each of your strengths and weaknesses," he said. "Sanji, we'll work on your aerial combat. Zoro, we'll refine your precision and speed. Gin, we'll enhance your defensive skills. Johnny and Yosaku, we'll improve your coordination and strategy."

---

After breakfast, the crew gathered on the deck of the Going Merry, ready to begin their training session led by Goku. He stood before them, his face serious but determined. "Today, we start building up our speed and stamina. This is just the beginning, but it's crucial for our journey ahead."

Drawing from his knowledge of Dragon Ball and how Master Roshi trained Kuririn and a young Goku, he began outlining their training regimen. "We'll start by using the fields around the island as our training ground. Plowing fields and running with heavy shells, we'll adapt similar methods."

The crew looked at each other, a mix of excitement and apprehension in their eyes. They followed Goku to the fields, where he assigned them various tasks. Sanji was tasked with clearing and tilling a large section of the field, using his powerful legs to kick and break up the earth. Zoro was given the job of chopping down trees and cutting them into firewood, enhancing his swordsmanship and strength. Gin, Johnny, and Yosaku were responsible for carrying large stones and placing them to create new pathways.

The sheer exhaustion from the hard labor quickly became evident. Despite their strength, the crew was not used to such intensive physical work. Sweat poured from their brows as they pushed themselves to keep up with Goku's instructions.

"Remember, this is just the beginning," Goku encouraged them. "We need to build a strong foundation. The real training starts once our bodies are conditioned."

After hours of grueling work, Goku had them run laps around the entire island. The sandy beaches and uneven terrain made it even more challenging. By the time they finished, they were panting and gasping for breath.

By lunch, Goku shifted their focus to strength training. He had them lift and move boulders of various sizes, tying some around their waists and ankles. Moving around the sandy beaches with the added weight tested their endurance and resolve.

Zoro, ever the warrior, embraced the challenge with fierce determination. "This is nothing compared to what I've faced before," he grunted, lifting a massive boulder with his bare hands.

Sanji, using his legs to move the stones, quipped, "I'll turn this into a cooking challenge. Let's see who can carry the most ingredients back to the ship."

Goku joined in the training, his load significantly heavier than theirs. He pushed himself to his limits, knowing that his own improvement was vital for leading the crew. The training scenarios he came up with were relentless, from dragging logs through the water to performing intense calisthenics on rocky cliffs.

By the end of the day, the crew was completely exhausted. Their bodies ached, and every muscle screamed in protest. They returned to the ship, barely able to move but with a sense of accomplishment.

As they prepared for the next day, Goku looked at his hands again, feeling the subtle increase in his strength. The Zenkai boost had indeed worked, and he knew he was growing stronger with each passing day.

During dinner, the atmosphere was a mix of tired satisfaction and camaraderie. Usopp, finally recovered enough to join them, sat down with a broad smile. "I've missed you guys," he said. "Nami will be joining us tomorrow."

Goku nodded, feeling a surge of relief. "That's good to hear, Usopp. We need everyone at their best for what's ahead."

The crew shared stories and laughter, the hardships of the day momentarily forgotten. They knew that the training was tough, but with Goku leading them, they believed they could overcome any obstacle.

As the night fell, Goku's thoughts drifted to the challenges ahead. The Grand Line awaited them, filled with dangers and adventures. But with his crew by his side and his determination to grow stronger, he felt ready to face whatever came their way.

[A/N: Read 20 chapters ahead available on patreon.com/saiyanprincenovels]