Edited: 03/06/2019
It hadn't been more than a week before Sabo had fallen into a pretty solid schedule. It was an interesting way to live, after being so wild and free to do whatever he wanted whenever he wanted for so long. Still, even Sabo had to admit, that it was under this sort of structure that he thrived.
Schooling was the first thing that started up. Sabo was still considered too unwell to be doing any fighting. Though the blonde would disagree with that sediment. It was better to get back in the swing of things as soon as possible. They were waiting far too long, the new skin was getting too hard.
There were other problems too.
Simply put the educational system was... Lacking for him. It wasn't to say that it was bad, it just wasn't difficult enough, nor did it advance fast enough. It was boring for Sabo. He'd taken to sleeping in the classroom and studying on his own once back in his room. It worked out better for him, and he more far more done this way. His teachers had a bad impression of him, though. Thinking he was lazy as he fell asleep in classes. But since Sabo used his nights to study, he needed to sleep at some time. Thankfully, Baltigo didn't lack for resources when it came to knowledge. There were books on everything from the basics, all the way to some of the hardest subjects. Even things like advanced math, navigation, and medical subjects were in the library.
The whole thing made Sabo realize how much he missed learning. Ever since he'd run to Grey Terminal, he hadn't read anything.
That didn't slow the determined Sabo down at all though. Anything he'd missed during those years was self-taught in a matter of months.
Veni, Cenro, and Ferveno had become what Sabo had always imagined nakama to be like. They were friendly with one another, helping each other out when the others needed it. Though Sabo wasn't as connected to the trio as they were to one another, that didn't mean that they weren't close.
"Sabu-kun, why are you always sleeping in class but studying in our room?" Ferveno asked one night.
Sabo grinned at his friend, "I'm a fast learner, the teachers are a bit too slow for me."
"Oi, Sabo, do you think you could, could, like, tutor us if you're so good at it!" Cenro asked, though his tone was harsh and it sounded more like a demand.
Sabo stared at Cenro for a moment with a blank expression. It wasn't long before Sabo couldn't help himself and a laugh escaped him
"Pshhh...Ha... Hahahahahaha~! Sure thing Cenro!"
"WHAT ARE YOU LAUGHING AT, BASTARD?!" Cenro roared.
Sabo fell to the ground in stitches as he shook with powerful laughter, "HAHAHAHAHA~! Ha... hahaha... Sorry, you reminded me so much of my little brother, Ace. He had the same shy way of asking for things."
"I wasn't being shy!" Cenro denied, turning his head to the side as a flush came to his cheeks.
Sabo sat up, light with laughter and memories. As well as the awe-inducing realization that when he'd fallen to the ground right then, there was no pain. Sure, it hadn't been comfortable on the stiff skin, but sure enough, there was no burning pain that he'd come to associate with the injury.
If Cenro's continued denials caused the laughter of all three of them. It reminded Sabo even more of his little brothers! Ace would be shy about something, Sabo would point it out. Ace would deny, and before long, the three were laughing together. Like they always were.
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Don't ask Sabo how it came about, but the next day he was put into the combat training classes.
He had a near suspicion that one of the trios had sold him out to a higher up, but it seemed unlikely. It seemed far more likely that there was some sort of spying system in place to make sure there were no traitors. Then again, that might be too suspicious or childish of him. It could have been the nurse being on point about when he would be healed, but that also didn't seem right. Sabo healed far faster than a normal person, and that made his healing time difficult to predict.
Regardless, he was in the lessons now. Sabo felt excitement fill him. Finally, he'd be able to work out the stiffness and start to get back to where he was. His muscles had probably atrophied from the lack of work he'd put them through. They were long overdue for a workout.
So to say that he was hyped up to start fighting after being so stationary for so long would be an understatement.
This lesson was also the first time that he'd seen Hack since the time he had shown Sabo to his room.
"You will start each lesson off by running back and forth between the compound and that slab on the far side. Keep doing this until you feel like you've reached your limit. After which, you will stretch your muscles to avoid unnecessary strain and injury. Get to that, and soon enough, we will start the lesson." Hack greeted them with, all business in his demeanour.
The class' students were a motley crew.
The trio was there, but they were peppered in with people of all ages and walks of life. A few Fishman here and there, a Longneck, if Sabo remembered correctly. More 'normal' men, woman, children were in attendance as well. If there was a type of person that existed, they seemed to have some representation. It put into perspective the scope of the issue the World Government was creating.
Despite the number and types of people who were there, no one looked happy. Running didn't seem to be something they were enthused about.
Sabo was grinning like a loon, elated.
So when Hack said go, Sabo took off.
His speed was lower than it used to be, he noticed immediately. There was a pulling sensation around the scars on his torso. This was something that Sabo had been expecting and thus wasn't worried about. Still, he could tell what a pain it would be to work that area back into shape. Sabo tagged the slab and turned on his heel, running back to the compound. He wasn't done there, turning back to run toward the slab, only to realize something.
The rest of them hadn't even reached the slab for the first time when Sabo was heading for his second go.
It was a bit arrogant to think, but we're they all really that weak compared to him?
Luffy had done better, and he was seven.
"Really...?" Sabo muttered to himself.
Shaking his head of those thoughts, Sabo continued making the required rounds. He didn't stop until everyone else did, taking the time after that to stretch. He could have gone even longer, but the stretching was going to be critical for him.
Sabo wished he had the idiotic fruit his brother was stuck with because it would have helped. Stretching out the hard and unrelenting scar tissue on his side was very bit as bad as Sabo predicted it would be.
So he kept stretching. Ignoring the shocked, and almost jealous looks that he was getting.
Hack himself was watching Sabo out of the corner of his eye. Though he kept careful watch into the others too, 'This child was on death's door not more than a month or so ago. It's amazing that he's here already. And outpacing everyone in the beginners class. Though he does show signs of the scar tissue bothering him. Those signs are nearly non-existent. Children are the most resilient of all.'
Sabo jumped up to his feet and threw a few practice punches around. Getting a feel for his muscles and their current abilities.
The others around him were also rising to their feet as Hack walked in front of them. His arms crossed, and he still had that stern look on his face.
"Now that you're warmed up I will start to teach you the first kata. These are the first set of movements that you will be expected to memorize and practice daily." Hack explained, uncrossing his arms and getting into a stance. "Follow my movements exactly, otherwise, you might end up injuring yourself."
At first. Sabo followed along with the kata, but it started to feel weird for him.
This type of fighting was completely uncomfortable for him. It was about fluid motions moving into hard and steady strikes. Not at all like the quick reaction times and fast strikes like Sabo had been training for years. In fact, this kata seemed more aimed at taking on a single opponent. This was unlike the fighting Sabo had been learning the last few years. The blonde was adaptive toward facing many opponents.
Sabo stood and watched as the others did the kata, and they were a mess with it, for completely different reasons.
It sort of looked like watching a lion trying to stumble through the movements. A lion with two limbs in the wrong place.
"Ultimately, if you can't succeed in learning how to defend yourselves, we may try to find you desk jobs. The majority of you would be sent away though. Those desk jobs are important but few. We have no need for the weak here." Hack cut in, watching with a critical eye as the recruits worked, "Sabo, why aren't you doing the -"
"I'm going to go train by myself~! Thanks for the help Hack-san." Sabo waved off, not listening to what the Fishman was saying and trying to run off.
The instructor tried to reach out for Sabo, "You can't just leave training like..."
Hack trailed off as Sabo moved and placed a fist against his chest. The Fishman could have moved. He was fast enough to deal with the still impaired child. But in those few seconds, Sabo had bad it clear that he didn't need this lesson. He was beyond the basics. Whereas these students were still learning their first moves. If Hack had to guess, it was something Sabo had learned years ago.
"I'll go, but I'll be back before this session ends," Sabo explained, and gave a grin toward the instructor, running off to train himself.
It was interesting to notice how much you could get away with in this place. They weren't completely serious. It surprised Sabo, but his only experiences with Armies happened to be through books. So he wasn't exactly an expert. The reasoning could be that Sabo was still a child so they didn't want to crack down too hard. That meant that Sabo would need to take advantage of the leeway for as long as possible. It would be easier to become stronger without the overlords telling him what to do.
He climbed up to one of the slabs that were overlooking his fellows' training. Sabo than started to work on physical conditioning that would actually be helpful to him. Adding weight to himself using some of the salt covered rocks around. Sabo started to do push-ups, some running and feigning punches. He also started to climb around the various slabs as quickly as he could. Doing this when weighted down, was having a quick effect in tiring him out.
When he went into his bunking room that night, he was accosted by all three of the trio.
It was surprising, however, when the quietest of the whole bunch, Veni, spoke up, "...Help us train, Sabo..."
"Sure!"
Even under his agreement though, Sabo knew he had his work cut out for him. The trio moved like they were a four-legged animal after all. Plus, they were learning what Hack was teaching. Which meant they would be using him as a sparring partner, so it wasn't exactly easy to help them in that way.
So, Sabo would just try and act like... Shitty Gramps... and beat the shit out of them until they could defend themselves.
"Psshhh... ha... HAHAHAHAHA~! Let's get started!" Sabo laughed out, even cheerier than before, creeping the other three out.
Gramps was no longer around to inflict that horror upon Sabo, but Sabo figured that he was due for a little bit of karma.
"Now?! Don't you know that we JUST got out of training, huh, Sabo?!" Cenro complained, but still look up the weak stance that he'd recently learned.
"Thanks for your help, Sabo-kun."
Internally Sabo snickered. Ferveno wouldn't be thanking him all that much after the beat down they were about to get.
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"He's beyond the scope of my training," Hack spoke to the cloaked figure in front of him. "He's taken to training himself instead of paying any attention to the training. I don't blame him. It's more effective for him that way, determined child that he is."
Dragon was stood outside, staring into the distance.
He had been expecting something like this. His son's brother would have that sort of spirit. And the determination that the blonde had shown when fighting for his life. Then adding in the other brother, the Portagas child. The blonde kept up with those two D's on the regular. That wasn't something most could say. Dragon had a suspicion about the Outlook child. If he was born to any other family other than a noble one, that middle initial might have found its way into his name. It brought up a question of whether it mattered, if even though the D wasn't in his name, the child had it in his soul.
Philosophical thoughts could wait.
"Interesting, I was planning on bringing Kuma down to see the recruits with me tomorrow. I have something in mind for Sabo." Dragon explained but fell silent afterwards.
Hack stared at his leader. Wondering if he'd say something else, but after a moment of silence, he made his way to the cafeteria. Whatever plans their leader had, Dragon didn't seem ready to reveal them quite yet.
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Sabo was planning on training by himself like he usually did, but two figures came over to the training field instead. They were cloaked, something that the higher-ups usually did around here. One of them was huge, around the size of Porchemy, if Sabo was remembering correctly. The other showed the familiar tattooed face of the man who had saved Sabo.
Dragon...
"Today, Dragon-san will be overseeing your progress as you spar with me."
In that case, Sabo would have to give a show that no one would forget.
People started to square up against Hack. No one stood a chance, getting destroyed against his more practised hand. Which made sense, after all, he was the instructor. Though there was the trio that Sabo had taken under him that had stood out, surviving longer without getting hit.
Likely because Sabo didn't pull his punches, and when those three got hit by him, he'd hit them hard. He wouldn't call it Fist of Love level, but it was close and it did have good intentions.
Sabo was next; one of the last few who hadn't gone.
He stood up and walked over. It always struck Sabo when he realized the size difference between him and his instructor. That wouldn't change the outcome though.
The bigger they were, the harder they fall
Sabo stood, his fists curled into fists as he brought them level with his chest, bouncing on his toes as he waited for the match to start. He was unable to help the smirk that came to his lips.
"GO!" Hack announced, and Sabo rocketed forward.
Unlike usual when Sabo would go back and forth with his instructor for a bit, Sabo feigned a punch. He'd noticed not that long ago one of the biggest weakness' of Fishman Karate. Something the blonde was happy to take advantage of. Slipping under his instructor's guard - Quite literally.
People blinked in shock at the unexpected move.
Hmf, Cenro huffed, noticing that Sabo had been holding himself back against them.
Sabo had slid across the ground, under the legs of his opponent. The blonde's hands flicked up. Swift movements that he'd developed during pick-pocketing coming into play. Sabo slipped his opponent's belt off without the man even noticing.
He stood, and turned back to Hack, who still hadn't noticed was already getting into position for the next short bout.
Sabo held up the belt with a grin, "Missing something, Hack-san?"
"Still as abstinent and light-spirited as ever." Hack grumbled, quickly taking a hold of his pants before they could slip down.
Sabo threw the belt over to Hack. Sabo grinned wider, taking off his hat and offering a mocking bow. "I thought you'd like it if I pointed out the weaknesses in your stance, Hack-san. I hope I didn't hurt your feelings, I assure you, that wasn't my intention."
Hack just straight up ignored Sabo. Something he was becoming practised with and tied his belt back up. The Fishman went on to ignore the blonde, turning to his next opponent. Sabo placed his hat back on his head and went to stand next to the trio, who had given him looks of exasperation and pride.
The remaining people knew that it was a hard, no, impossible act to follow, but they tried anyway.
"Right, think about what happened and what mistakes you've made. We'll start up tomorrow again around the same time." Hack instructed, sending them on their way. Sabo started to head back into the compound, but was stopped short by the Fishman, "Sabo, stay behind for a moment."
Sabo froze in place and turned around, his good mood still intact, but wondering what they wanted. He didn't think he'd done anything particularly bad. Though it might have been immature.
"From now on, you'll be sparing with Kuma every day until you beat him." Dragon broke in. Throughout the spars, he'd been silent. As Dragon spoke, he gestured to the man next to him.
Sabo blinked.
Yep, he was every bit as tall as Sabo had thought when he first took a glance.
Grinning Sabo looked up at the man. It was only when Kuma looked down toward the blonde that their eyes could meet. In fact, if he was being honest, Sabo thought that Kuma might actually be bigger than Porchemy. The blonde could only hope that he gave at least that much of a challenge.
"Sounds like a plan, nice to meet you, Kuma-san," Sabo said, inclining his head. Though he made sure to raise a hand to hold the hat onto his head.
Kuma didn't say anything, though he did bow his own head in return.
Sabo grinned wide at the response. He might have been quiet, but the blonde had the feeling that he was actually a good person. Tomorrow was not going to be boring, considering he had a new challenge. Sabo dashed toward the cafe, wanting to eat quickly. The blonde was excited to write to his brothers about this new development.
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It's that time again, Luffy, Ace
My training and classes have been pretty boring and easy, but it seems like that is going to change soon! I got a new challenge, and I am excited to see how I overcome it. Shouldn't be too hard, but we'll see.
The trio that I live here with are funny, they asked me to train with them if you can believe it. I started to hit them like Gramp's trains us, and if you can believe it, they actually THANKED me for my time afterwards. They are pretty insane, but they are determined.
Also, one of them is just like Ace! He tries to hide just how shy he is, but as I have a brother just like that, I could spot it a mile away. He even blushed the same way! You know the way I'm talking about Luffy, the same way Ace looks whenever you give him a hug, or he's talking to Makino.
I also saw the person who saved me again today for the first time.
I kind of expected him to be more like Luffy, but he really isn't at all like that. He's so serious, I don't know how to feel about it. Although I guess I would feel really homesick if he was more like my little brother, so maybe this is better. I do miss you guys, I think about you every day.
Hey Lu, Ace's is totally doing that blushing right now, isn't he?
Anyway, I have studying to do, behave Lu, and make sure to tease Ace in my absence.
Sincerely, Sabo