Haunt 9: Gems from Davy Jones' Locker
-1 1/2 years later, Fish-Man Dojo Outdoor Training Area
Boom clang*
"Good combination attack!" Adam praised with a bright smile as he looked at the two attacking him.
Morgiana was to the left, her right leg clad in Armament Haki as it crashed against his impressive use of Fish-Man Jujutsu to redirect the strength of the blow into his block of Harribel's Haki infused slash, stopping both with minimal effort.
"*Huff!* That sound's" She began as she twisted her body with a jump to kick backwards, "really insincere when you say it with that smile!"
Adam moved in, using her as cover against Harribel's initial follow up, forcing her to redirect her own strike in order not to harm her best friend, lowering her body to strike at his legs instead.
Being fully aware of the attack, which could cleave buildings with ease coming at him, Adam coated his supporting leg with what could be considered an overbearing amount of Haki while performing Fish-Man Karate: Gong Fumikomi, a stomp technique which destabilizes surroundings trough powerful vibrations. At the same time, he swung his blade, forming a trail of pressurized water to shadow it as he used his self created Deep Sea Style: Same no Kage.
It was an attack which was a merging point between soaring slashes, Rankyaku and Adam's own water recreation, as well as Fish-Man Karate to create an instance where he can perform two strike at the same time. He's even made sure to elevate it far beyond that level, having displayed 11 simultaneous strikes in tandem with his own blade when Hyouzou, the blue ring octopus merman who acted as Hody Jones' hired swordsman in the future, came to challenge him wielding ten poisoned blades.
The 20 year old had wanted to prove himself the Island's best swordsman in his effort to heighten his reputation to charge more for his services. Unfortunately for him, it had been a one sided beat down as Adam used his excessive number of blades as Observation training, not worried in the least about the poison in the first place thanks to who his mother is, and then destroying every blade at the same time as he incapacitated the man, leaving him two scars of his forearms from the fight.
Interestingly enough, the match had indeed created a reputation for Hyouzou, one as the resoundingly second best swordsman in the Ryugu Kingdom, and that was only until Harribel learnt how to cope with someone like him who used his natural abilities to overwhelm others in terms of number of attacks and poison.
To Adam, the guy was only marginally skilled. He relied far too much on his traits as a merman and lacked true training and effort beyond having elevated the dexterity of his tentacles to very high levels. His poor mastery of his own self while drunk also lowered his opinion of the merman.
Facing this technique, Morgiana bent her body at what most would consider an impossible angle using Kami-e and her Observation Haki to position herself perfectly to avoid the two strikes to her own leg and shoulder as she focused her heated emotions into a flaming downward heel strike which launched her Luminous Arc.
It was an interesting revelation for everyone involved how one could shift the energy which Haki originates from into other things depending on the stimulus. Adam was thankful for Sanji as he gave him the biggest hints regarding how the odd abilities in One Piece like his Diable Jambe, Zoro's Asura series, and Kaidou/Yamato's Thunder Baguas worked.
This discovery led to many trials between the three of them as they began trying their best to stimulate their spirits, but so far Morgiana proved the best at this thanks to how expressive she was with her emotion, learning how to use her 'Burning Spirit' to enhance her strikes, growing more the more passionate she was. Adam and Harribel did manage to improve their water manipulations, but water was a complicated thing to incorporate due to its fluidity needing to be matched within one's spirit to achieve the best effects. Thus why someone with a 'Fiery' spirit had an easier time of things since fire was usually a rather straight forward element which needed control and focus to use.
And Morgiana had gotten very good at using her flaming kicks, having a particular proclivity towards sky, wing and feather symbolism.
To meet this attack, Adam swung his Moonlit clad in water, causing a steamy explosion and forcing everyone to distance themselves.
Adam was rather pleased with the level of skill and coordination the two were showing.
If he hadn't caused that steam explosion, he knew for a fact that Harribel would have swung her blade to take him down since his back was turned and blade occupied.
They fell short in pure physical abilities due to their ages, just lacking the time needed to really push their bodies to their peak, unlike him and his titanic levels of power some giants would be envious of, but their skills and spirit certainly made up for a large part of the deficiencies in that department.
And after going at it for over half an hour, he had a much better grasp on their current levels.
But Harribel wasn't done.
She had been suppressed for most of the fight as she was developing towards a style more reminiscent of raging water than Adam's more focused approach which was akin to the crushing depths bearing down its incredible pressure and mysteries on an opponent.
So she took a deep breath, having learnt how to use her gils to safely increase the amount of oxygen she could take into her body to elevate her performance, a mix between Luffy's idea for Gear 2nd mixed with an application of Seimei Kikan to hasten her pulmonary and vascular systems, all held together using her hybrid physiology to recreate the effects of the Breathing Styles from Demon Slayer.
This skill was literally only possible due to her nature as a hybrid since her body was better equipped to handle oxygen than full blooded Fish-Men and Merfolk, while her gils also weren't as prominent as them. Adam was fascinated to see this development being born from one of their many discussions on ways to become stronger based of metaknowledge and had done his best to learn this art using his own mastery of his body.
Broken out of his thoughts though, Harribel burst forward, leaving a crater behind as she coupled her powered up state with Soru and began her furious series of attacks. Her Rapide Style: Waterfall Rush.
Using boxing footwork and mixing Fish-Man Karate's usage of one's full body into every strike, Harribel fully utilized her natural and trained strength within her sword, gathering greater amounts of concentrated water with every moment to add weight, crashing down until the opponent breaks or their weapon does.
And while a dangerous technique, Adam was one of the worst to use it on because he had greater physical abilities and could at match her skills in water while surpassing her with the blade.
He parried the strikes while using opposing currents on his own blade, causing great splashes to erupt from every clash as the two stood before each other in a furious series of connecting strikes causing Shockwave around them.
Seeing this exchange, Morgiana was briefly tempted to strike, but after getting a look at the usually stoic Harribel smiling so excitedly as the blows became progressively more powerful, she couldn't bring herself to take away her fun.
"This disciple of mine truly is becoming more ridiculous by the year." Master Anguin said as he revealed himself beside the young human he had grown surprisingly fond of over the years. "Even rearing his own little monsters to follow him."
It would have been baffling to himself only a decade ago to be so close to one, even teaching her their martial ways, but he credited his younger disciple for this change.
Knowingly or not, Adam broke down many barriers with his shining existence in the Kingdom, even more with his taking in of outsiders as his family and followers.
"That's not a very nice thing to say about obviously adorable ladies Grampsmaster." Morgiana pouted as she used her nickname for the elderly Grandmaster, earning her a fond chuckle.
"True nevertheless, but do not take it as criticism. Because to face this world, one needs to be a monster to counter the monsters in control of it." Anguin replied, knowing full well the might behind those with the titles of Admirals on the side of the despicable World Government and those who can strike fear into even their hearts like the Honorable Whitebeard. "So please take care of one another out there because you are our little monsters."
"Kikikikiki! No worries Grampsmaster! We're going to turn the world upside down! Just like Adam said we'd do if the world decided to stand in our way!" She declared with absolute trust in Adam and their convictions.
"*Chuckle Cough cough* I wish I could see the day, but this old Fish-Man likely won't be around for for it. So do make sure to keep that spirit burning bright." He responded with a pat on the redhead, earning a happy smile as the two observed the end of the clash between the sword wielder as Adam used an upward slash to disarm Harribel masterfully, placing his blade at her throat to signal his victory.
"We certainly will master." Adam said as he approached, Sword sheathed as Harribel was recovering from the downside of overusing her breathing technique to somewhat keep up with this level of restraint.
The two just wouldn't be able to keep up at all if Adam used his full physical abilities or Haki, so he did restrain himself to properly spar.
"Even your hearing isn't normal." The grandmaster playfully grumbled over the fact that his student had heard him talk through those clashes which caused numerous water explosions.
"Haha! Normal is overrated!" Was the cheerful answer. "So, they're here?"
"Yes. The Whitebeard Pirates are on the Island." Anguin confirmed with a soft nod towards his student. "The 3rd the division of it anyway.
It's leader appears rather physically gifted.
They've even opened up for recruiting amongst Fish-Men."
"Have they said how long they'd be here? I doubt they don't have eternal poses to get around whenever they wished." Adam asked to establish his window of opportunity.
He had long ago told his mother of his dreams and how he wished to go about fulfilling them.
Shyarly had long since known thanks to her clairvoyance and Tami had readied her heart for it, but it was still difficult for her to let her child go when he hadn't even reached his teens yet. One of her greatest solaces was the fact that Adam desired to apprentice himself under the Whitebeard pirates, a crew which Fish-Man Island greatly respected and that his father had sailed with as a Division Commander before being traded to the Roger Pirates. They were likely the best option for her son and offered the greatest security, perhaps even more than he has on the Island, thanks to their fervent belief in crew members being family.
Another reason for Tami understanding her son's desire to go under them was because of their strength.
Adam was starting to reach the peak of what he could achieve while on the Island. Matters became even worst now that he doesn't have a constant supply of pirates to take down thanks to Whitebeard claiming the Island and the District having become well fortified and self-sustaining. He needed stronger people to face and for guidance, and who better than those under the Strongest Man in the World?
"No rush. A week or so at the earliest since they are recruiting and want to make sure they bring back the right kind of people, not just some of the more bloodthirsty who want revenge on humans or wealth." The old fish-man waved away his student's worries about rushing.
He wouldn't dare leave home without proper goodbyes after all.
"Thank, for everything Master." Adam responded with upmost respect towards the elderly Fish-Man.
He had done his best and made every effort to help him grow into the borderline demonically strong child that he was, holding nothing back over the years, and he would forever remember those efforts.
Hence why he was adamant about being here for the man's predicted passing at least.
"Yeah, thanks a lot Grampsmaster!" Morgiana joined in with a sincere bow.
"I will never forget your wisdom." Harribel chimed in after having caught her breath.
"Haha! It was this old man's pleasure to have such promising young blood as his students!" He responded with a laughter and smile filled with content. "Now go! And turn the world upside down if it dares stand in your way!"
With a last bow, the trio departed towards their home to ready themselves for this journey.
"Is it wise to let them try and leave the Island so soon? Even if it is with the Whitebeards?" Jinbe asked, stepping out of the dojo wearing his Gi.
"Just like you, they will need to experience the world to grow further, especially now that you have lost your only source of real training partners." Anguin confirmed with a nod, looking at his student with a wizened gave. "You simply will need to find your calling to do so or risk stagnation like they would have."
Putting on a pensive expression on his usually stoic face, Jinbe did think about his master's words.
He knew that Adam would leave to see the world, with his 'crew members' following, thus resulting in him losing the only people he could reliably fight with to improve or gain inspiration from. Not like he could fight his master, the advanced age would just make spars almost death sentences, and the King wasn't exactly available for them either, plus Fisher Tiger still hadn't returned to the island, which was something else he had silently been worried about. Thus he thought about how to continue growing, only to agree with his master's words and his junior's actions: he too needed to journey to continue his growth.
-Lion's Acupuncture
Tami sighed heavily as she awaited her son's return.
She knew today was the day as soon as her customers, which includes members of the royal family and guard somehow, dojo students, military officers, locals and District dwellers, gossiped about the presence of a Whitebeard Division visiting the Island and recruiting.
Being a worried mom, she once asked Shyarly when Adam would depart to continue his growth, with her answer being: When the Diamond of the Earthshaker visits the deep.
No clear year, which gave her a bit of hope to have her baby with her for longer, but once 'Diamond' Jozu was reported being present, she readied herself.
Very unwillingly after so long supporting each other and taking two of the girls she had grown fond of along with him, but she wasn't some wimpy mermaid who would hamper her own child. He was her little lion, and she was happy to see him moving forward.
As for Shyarly, she had always known Adam would go far beyond the Island. Being her favorite person to try and predict things about due to just how much his actions and decisions caused fluctuations in them, she had hammered out a few key events which would occur like today's recruitment.
Precognitive as she was, she knew it meant the one who was essentially her brother and her friends were leaving for a long time.
It was hard for her, no matter how mature she was from her ability's influence, but she knew he would return.
He would always return.
With a cheerful smile and burning spirit which illuminates so much of the darkness in the world.
And that's why she would do it like when they said goodbye to the Roger Pirates all those years ago: with a smile.
Because it's never about losing people, it's about the impacts they had on those around them and believing they wouldn't want to hurt them and instead would much prefer to be sent off happily knowing they would be ok.
"We're home!" Adam's voice sounded, breaking the minor melancholy of the two mermaids.
"Welcome back." Tami softly responded as the children came to hug her without any sort of fear regarding her spines.
Haki wasn't just for combat.
Hugs were a better use for it anyway.
"Now, let's get the three of you well fed and rested for tomorrow." She declared using her 'mom' voice, puffing out her...meager chest. "You will want to be at your bests because I'm sure they wouldn't just welcome you easily.
That's why, before bed, you will be getting my Soft Reset treatment."
Now that was a rare treat, mostly because of how difficult it was.
Soft Reset was shorthand for Tami essentially rejuvenating one's body to the best state it could be thanks to learning exactly which points needed to be stimulated to cause rapid muscular healing and then relaxation, clear up lungs and bloodstreams, prepare the brain and nervous system for the best sleep of a person's life, and cause a surge of vitality once they awaken.
It was named as such because the effects occurred while a person slept, hence why there was a pair to this treatment named 'Hard Reset', which actually overclocks a recipient into an elevated state of performance while removing several limiters on them to recover incredibly swiftly, but at the cost of life force. It shortened the recipient's life, thus was only something Tami would consider using in the worst cases.
Although, her son had managed to refine it into a double-edged technique in case he gets into trouble; now being capable of releasing various levels of his body's natural limiters to enhance his strength.
He was actually working with Harribel to combine it with her Breathing Method to form a merged technique which blunted the side effects of both while obtaining better results.
There was also some mentions of those fascinating applications of body control and manipulation he said were called Tekkai, Seimei Kikan and Kami-e, something she had been very keen in understanding every since her son could do them all reliably. A tomboy Tami may be, but she still had a passion for internal medicine and found the ways her son could use many of its principals to grow stronger was a very motivating factor to help them along with her own knowledge as well.
Tami could easily admit that the kids were little geniuses in their own ways when it came to understanding their bodies, with Adam being the only one with an actual education heavily involving medicinal knowledge, but she still stood far ahead of them in terms of understanding and sheer experience.
It allowed her to show her support and love for him and she would never skimp out on something like that.
So with three happy children cheering, they came in and enjoyed the spread of food she had ordered from the Café, wanting to send them off at their best and not poisoned, no matter what her pride and their built up immunity to poison told her.
So the family ate, laughed and reminisced together as they all understood what tonight was.
A celebration of their family.
And after it was all said and done, with the kids all taken care of, Tami sat wistfully with a glass of strong wine.
"Hey mom." The soft voice of her baby broke her out of her reminiscing state.
"Yes Adam? What is it?" She asked putting down her glass out of worry something might be wrong.
"Thank you." He told her. "For loving me so much. And supporting me. Even though it was really hard.
I'm really glad and proud to have been born your son."
Unable to stop her tears from the sudden 'attack' and pure smile of her boy, Tami could do nothing else beside bringing him into her arms and squeezing him like he would disappear.
"Me too. *Sniff* I'm so proud of you Adam. So, so proud of how my baby boy has turned out." She emotionally sniffled while the two hugged out their emotions over the impending separation.
After feeling a mother's love, care and support after losing his first so long ago in his past life, Adam had grown to love and care for the proud, confident, determined, rather prickly at times, but big hearted woman who had birthed him. She wasn't a perfect mother, but he would never dream of another but her.
As for Tami, her son might be an anomaly of extreme levels in pretty much all regards, but he was earnest, hard working and compassionate, even if his antics and dreams caused her many nights of anxious worrying over his well-being, but never would she change the fact that she gave birth to her cub.
Thus the two did something they hadn't done in a long time, they fell asleep on the couch together after pouring their hearts out.
Although the next morning, both were very embarrassed about it.
Adam was an old soul while Tami had Tsundere tendencies, so it was natural, but they both still smiled warmly to each other through it.
And then, like every morning, the family gathered for breakfast, going through their usual routines as the fighting trio packed what was needed for their time away.
Mainly some personal belongings, different outfits and hobby related items and books, with Adam being the saddest that he wouldn't have access to the home library anymore, but he was more excited to sail again. Even if not under his own command.
The group actually gathered quite a bit of attention on itself as they headed to the plaza the Whitebeards had been holding a small recruitment drive while having some fun.
Each were at least somewhat famous.
Shyarly had built a reputation as an extremely accurate fortune teller, Morgiana as a singer, fighter and very likable human, Harribel as one of the few hybrids and a strong swordswoman, Tami from her shop now catering to even royals, and Adam for his might and achievement in Fish-Man District.
So catching some attention as they headed towards the recruiting pirates was unavoidable unless they flew there using some extra bubbly coral and Geppo.
But with Adam in the lead, flanked by Harribel and Morgiana, who in turn had Tami and Shyarly beside them, they made their way through the onlookers here for entertainment as they witnessed fights between pirates and hopefuls.
It was an unconscious action for the Fish-Men, but the more experienced Whitebeard Pirates could feel it passively radiating off the leading figure, a tall amd very young youth with strong but sharp features, tanned skin, silky but wild dark navy hair fading into royal blue at the tips, excited smile and piercing blues eyes twinkling passionately within his sharp eyes under his arced eyebrows, and a finally crafted physique visible through his slightly open wave pattern yukata, because that kid emitted a subtle and roiling Conquerors Haki.
But for a few select pirates, it was more than that which caused them to stand up.
Especially for the man known as Diamond Jozu.
A large man with a very developed upper upper body, shorter than proportional legs with an appearance which belied the speed they could muster, an extremely thick neck supporting his comparatively narrow head with sharp cheekbones, long chin with three path goatee, heavy brows and short brown hair. His attire of choice seemed to be a camo tank top with brown pants as he now paid a great deal of attention to the youngsters approaching his group.
More specifically, he was intently looking at the amulet around the kid's neck which was just the final confirmation he needed.
And he couldn't stop himself from internally cursing the samurai he had helped get closer to one of the few flowers which had graced their family during his tenure as a Whitebeard Pirate.
Towering over the kids with his height of 16'6" (503cm), he looked at the other two who gave off the feel of fighters and raised an eyebrow as well, getting an odd sense of déjà vu on top of cursing his old friend.
"Hello, I am Adam and I would like to apprentice under the Whitebeard crew for a few years in exchange for my services." The taller bastard politely stated with a bright smile. "And these are Harribel and Morgiana, who would like to do the same."
"And why would we want to take kids like you in?" Jozu scoffed as he put on a stern expression, earning a playful gleam in response from the lead kid.
"Because we could beat everyone here beside you mister Jozu." The brat answered with absolute certainty at worthy of his Conquerors at least. "Want us to prove it?"
The smile on his face certainly was the same as the man he assumed was his father, so was that thirst for battle.
"Oh yeah? Do it then." Jozu crossed his arms in an intimidating manner.
His Division was filled with direct assault oriented pirates, some of the best outside the officiers, so a kid, no matter how talented he was to have Conquerors already awakened, was not something he saw as a threat to them.
But then, he almost ate his words when said kid let loose with his Conquerors with a look of pure excitement, something which didn't affect the big man or his strongest followers much since they've felt much stronger in pirates like their Pops, the Pirate King and monsters like Big Mom and Kaidou, but over a third simply fainted regardless while leaving everyone else intact.
That meant control. A lot of it.
"Hehehe! Let's have some fun then! I haven't fought anyone new in a while." The kid gleefully laughed as the crowd quickly backed away, leaving only a pair of mermaids to roll their eyes at the behavior, not afraid of being harmed at all.
"Kikikiki! Let's go!!!" Morgiana cheered as she dropped her oversized bag.
"I look forward to clashing with you." Harribel calmly drew her blade.
The fact that her blade was soon coated with Armament Haki caused boggle eyed stares as the two to burst towards the remaining members.
Jozu himself was quite bewildered by this as well.
Kids, who he could tell weren't even teens and had likely never left this island properly, knowing and using Haki like this was beyond weird. He understood that any New World Pirate needed at least some Haki or they wouldn't survive long in it, but this was far beyond what most of them could do already. It showed not only talent and hard work, but also great spirit and will.
Just the fact that most of his own officiers were out taking care of business for the Division was also enough to stop him from being utterly flabbergasted when two young girls began manhandling the newer members and even some who've been in his division for a few years.
Adam wasn't wholly surprised.
Morgiana and Harribel might lack in physical stats compared to them, but they definitely matched post Time-Skip Zoro and Sanji in terms of technique and knowledge at least. They just needed time to mature physically while training to surpass them. The only reason people didn't see them as the monsters they were were was Morgiana's cheerful and endearing attitude really masking the power in the young redhead, and Adam overshadowing them both.
"If you do not mind, I will be taking on an officer or two." Adam said as he eyed two individuals standing near Jozu with impressed looks on their faces.
One was a slim man obviously from the long-leg tribe as his disproportionate legs were on display, with a set of blades greaves protecting his feet and shins, wearing a pair of blue shorts with an open yellow top. His hair was a short straw blonde, with his features being narrow like his body giving him an average appearance, but his body itself was filled with wry muscles less prominent because of his great height of 17'3" (525.78cm).
The other was an axe wielder perfectly fitting of a vanguard division like the 3rd, looking heavily armored in plate-mail and wielding a great axe, highly reminiscent of the infamous Silver Axe from the near forgotten Rocks Pirates, but shorter than both Jozu and his companion at 10'5 (317.5cm) and with a broad physique like his commander.
"He really is his son." Jozu groaned as he found clear traces of his old comrade's battle hungry expression on the child's face.
"Is it right for us to clash against a child Commander?" The armor clad one asked as he adjusted his axe slightly.
"Do not underestimate him." The diamond man nodded. "Any 'king' is not to be looked down upon."
"I'll go and test him out first." The long-leg stated with a sharp look in his eyes. "I want to see how far the Apple is from the tree."
"Haha! It's my first time seeing a long-leg tribe member, much less fighting one!" Adam cheerfully exclaimed as he set himself into a drawing stance, causing his formerly heavy presence to concentrate itself fully into a still silence.
"Gel! Go all out!" Jozu suddenly warned as his instincts went crazy from the sudden shift.
He had even subconsciously activated his admittedly less than great Observation Haki and turned some of his body into diamond.
The now named Gel was slightly bewildered by the urgent shout from his commander, causing him to focus more and readying himself in a muay tai like stance as Haki covered his legs,
"I won't be holding this attack back, so please be ready." Adam forewarned before he completely vanished from sight, leaving behind exploding ground a moment later from the power behind his movement, before reappearing behind Gel with his blade outstretched as if he had finished a swing to the complete shock of both the man's companions, letting out a deep breath as he slowly returned it to his sheath. "Deep Sea Style *Clink: Suichū (Waterspout)."
With his words, a thin line of blood appeared on Gel's neck, clearly indicating that the much shorter and younger boy had managed to reach such a fatal area without him having been able to react.
"Still not refined enough." Adam scolded himself as he shook off the effects from his sudden burst. "Collapsing ground means a loss of control and power."
A combination of Soru and Fish-Man Martial Arts Footwork while enhanced by 'Breath' all held together by Armament is not an easy thing to master after all. He was proud of his slash and Observation however, being able to flawlessly target the neck without overdoing it meant he mostly needed to work of perfecting the movement aspect as his use of vibrations to hasten the draw and manipulation of his body to exponentially improve his arm's drawing speed were spot on.
But so far and for the foreseeable future, Suichū was to be his fastest attack meant to concentrate his speed and cutting power into a deadly attack. It didn't have a wide area of effect because it was meant to kill a single foe though.
The only problem he had with it at the moment was that it was very difficult to use this technique on individuals with powerful Haki or at least a heavy focus on Armament and physical powers exactly like Jozu, who could be one of the banes of sword users like Buggy with their devil fruits. Observation masters like Katakuri could also easily evade the technique as it is now, but Adam would fix that later.
It is also why he developed his Fish-Man Karate and Jujutsu, even if he specialized his swordsmanship. The techniques within allowed him to cover many weaknesses blades weapons tended to have until he could develop himself enough.
"Commander...did you see him attack?" The armored man asked in disbelief as his comrade touched his neck in near dread at how close he came to dying.
"Somewhat." Jozu slowly admitted to having trouble seeing that blow.
Although Observation really wasn't his forte, the fact of the matter was that few could really go to such speeds.
Many could react and counter it sure, Observation Haki was a perfect counter for such things, but very few could make their full bodies, and not just their attacks, go to such speeds.
Gel was actually the fastest in his own division and they could all see what came of that. Only people who usually focus on assassination like the Cypher Pol groups tended to train that aspect to such a degree as most pirates relied on physical power, devil fruits or haki instead of techniques and footwork like that. Even then, Gel only had his speed because he, predictably, almost exclusively trained and fought with his legs, necessitating the proper levels of agility to strike enemies and evade blows to them.
But, there was a clear reason as to why he was only an officer of a Division and hadn't been able to remotely push to become more, and that was plainly obvious here.
He didn't have what it took to get further, having stopped progressing years ago at a level where he could take on Rear Admirals at best, but even then he would either lose or be near death in most cases.
"Gel, let me test the child." The axe wielder spoke up, snapping his comrade out of the trance he was in as he stared at the blood on his hand. "He counters you too well.
The redheaded one seems to focus on kicking techniques, as such you are a better opponent for her."
"Y-yeah...sure." Gel replied weakly from a crushing and near instantaneous loss. "Good luck Nail."
"Did I do too much?" Adam asked, feeling kind of bad for how distraught the long-legged man seemed.
"*Sigh* It was naught but a final blow young one." The armored man named Nail shook his helmeted head in response. "Gel has been suffering from doubts regarding his stay among us and this defeat has shaken him deeply.
On the other hand, I must praise you for your masterful strike. Such skill and speed in one so young is to be praised indeed.
I am sure Pops would be quite thrilled to have a young devil such as yourself join the crew, for liveliness if nothing else."
"Thanks! I've trained incredible hard to make sure my agility and skills could keep up with my strength!" Adam beamed at an experienced New World Pirate complimenting him.
"Hm? You speak as if you are not a speed focused swordsman." Nail noted curiously.
"Because I'm not." The hybrid grinned wildly as he took out his blade and coated it fully, taking a high stance.
"Then I shall test this strength." Was the grunt of acknowledgement as Nail hosted his Armament coated axe stoically.
The two observed each other for a few moments before setting off.
Adam was obviously much faster, clearing 7/8 of the distance between them as he swung him blade down in the strike he has the most experience and power with for the single reason that he practices it everyday, thousands of times if needed, and even using the great chains of the Noah of weights while doing it.
The most basic sword technique in the world: the downward stroke.
His target, being far too used to being the slower one in battle, had already begun an upward sweeping swing as he planted his feet heavily, preparing for impact as his body coated itself in readiness.
But even then, he couldn't prepare for the ridiculousness of the weight behind Adam's slash.
He trains under the highest water pressures known to man using steal chains forged to withstand the might of Ancient Sea Kings which could match the size of small islands.
They were the perfect tool for training in his mind.
The heaviest things in the Ryugu Kingdom beside the Noah itself, with adjustable levels depending on how many links one used, and with some creativity a person could do full body workouts using them.
If asked, Grandmaster Anguin and Jinbe would admit that in terms of strength, Adam was likely to be far stronger than any other in the Ryugu Kingdom simply from witnessing his truly inhuman training. They know they could not match his physical abilities, but they overtake him in terms of skills even though the gap has severely shortened between Jinbe and Adam while Anguin's age makes it dangerous for him to try and keep up even if both students believe their master could handle them if needed.
The fact that he specifically trains inside a bubble field similar to Sea Forest's just exacerbates matters as the boy doesn't even use his enhanced strength while in water. In fact, he almost always trains in a 'weaker state' unless he could gain more otherwise.
Nail on the other hand, well he, like many others among the Whitebeard Pirates, has felt the 'tough love' the world's strongest man gives his unruly sons. He knew 'heavy blows' and this certainly was one, knowing it the moment their blades connected and causing a powerful Shockwave as their strengths and wills clashed.
It actually blew away pretty much everyone beside Jozu, Gel, Morgiana and Harribel as Nail felt the ground beneath him collapse alongside his knees, forcing him to deflect the blow or be crushed by it, a lesson Jinbe had well mastered and could sympathize with as learning it through Adam was a true test of skill. The deflected slash continued on its path, cleaving the ground deeply before Jozu appeared in its path with a Diamond arm to smash it down before it could cause any real damages.
"Are you Ok Nail?" The diamond man asked the armored man.
"*Groan* Yes sir." The nailed Nail answered as he stepped out of his crater while shaking himself off from the blow.
"Haha! It's great that you can take my attack! That means I can try more stuff against you!!" Adam pleasantly exclaimed.
"Commander...I do not believe I can win, but I shall test the child as best I can." Nail dutifully told his commanding officer before charging at his opponent to deliver his own chop.
Adam wasn't the only one who trained extensively with his weapon after all, and after experiencing the weight behind his slash, Nail could do nothing less than to reciprocate in kind.
Grinning at the approach, it was a mirrored clash as Adam swung his blade upward to match his taller opponent, causing the ground to crack beneath him, but dispersing the power very well as he took it head on before using a sword variation of a 'one inch punch' to blow the stalemated axe away alongside its user.
Flipping backwards before landing with a great thud, Nail could only wryly smile at the clear difference between the two of them in this kind of clash alone. The way his young foe was excitedly smiling was also somewhat infectious.
"That was great! You really do love your axe!" Adam cried out with great appreciation towards Nail's devotion. "Let's keep going!
I rarely have the chance to face against fighters like you and I want to make the most of it!"
Without any delay, Adam rushed forward with his blade covered by a thin film of water, slashing horizontally at nail, forcing him to block using the flat of his axe, but to his surprise he could feel a powerful Shockwave passing through his entire body before being shot sideways with a grunt of pain and shock.
Tumbling for a few moments before righting himself, Nail only had a brief second to prepare for a swift follow up which lifted him in the air this time from an upward slash he used the haft of his ace to bloke.
Luckily he was coating it in Armament Haki or it would have undoubtably been split at least.
"Deep Sea Style: Sesshoku kyōran." Taking advantage of his foe's airborn status, Adam vanished from the ground and used his improved Geppo combining air stepping and water molecule manipulation to enable an aerial version of Soru, striking Nail strategically as he juggled him in the air.
This was Sesshoku kyōran, the Feeding Frenzy.
An attack actually inspired by a very Youthful young man's most epic battle to show his dream and youth.
And unlike what most would think, this attack had two finishers: Slash, like most swordsmen as it would use the most opportune moment to cleave an opponent in two, or Smash, which is Adam using his blade's pommel in a Karate-like strike to cause every wound inflicted on his opponent to essentially worsen dramatically while slamming them into whatever is behind them.
This time... Adam went for Smash since Nail was an armored warrior and he didn't really want to hurt him or damage his gear too much. He just wanted to enjoy himself and try some things as he probed reaction times, durability and endurance after having tested both speed and strength.
Even while fighting, he had gotten a basic showcase of Jozu's might when he intercepted his slash earlier, but he knew most of what Nail could offer now and it was time to stop 'playing with his food' as it were.
Controlling his strength, and very intentionally not hitting the parts of Nail's body which Adam could use to explode the man's internal organs, the young hybrid shot his opponent towards his commanding officer.
At the same time as his landing, a disappointed Harribel walked over with minute pout most wouldn't be able to spot if they didn't spend a lot of time with her, allowing them to watch as Morgiana cheerfully fought against Gel as Jozu checked on Nail.
Adam focused on developing his control over his body for a very good reason, this combined with his medical knowledge allowed him to know exactly how hard he was allowed hitting others and where, so he wasn't worried about that.
Watching Morgiana was more entertaining, mostly because of the dichotomy between her and Gel.
She was a bouncing ball of sunshine, which in this case meant a happy smile and flaming feet as she literally bounced around shining, while Gel looked more and more depressed as they fought. Adam was wondering if his Haki was going to give out because of it since it was willpower manifest.
The man was completely passive as the much shorter girl bounced around like a super violent firefly.
"Why couldn't I get to fight?" Harribel sullenly muttered with a bit of jealousy.
"I'm sure Nail would be up for some spars later. He seemed a bit above your current level in terms of strength and durability, but he is lacking in speed or anything to really make up for it." Adam comforted his fellow hybrid as it wasn't often she expressed herself like this.
She had a tendency to silently suffer through any sort of issue.
But at least his words seemed to alleviate some of her displeasure at having to fight mostly fodder with a few higher tier fodders spaced throughout as is usually the case with bigger crews like the Whitebeard divisions.
Part of the reason Adam was aiming for the smaller crew of elites.
Also because it makes things easier on logistics, to get around and explore, bond much more thoroughly with each other and being around elites usually helps push one another to at least keep up with one another. Too many advantages lining up with his goals to even contemplate having thousands of fodder around, which is arguably only really useful for ruling/'protecting' large numbers of Islands in the New World.
So while the big three taking over pieces of the New World did follow the Massive Crew model and had significantly higher tier fodder than anyone other than the Marines, it really didn't line up with Adam's desires. In fact, the only reason he was trying to apprentice under Whitebeard was because of the man's strength and experience as a sailor, while the fact that his father used to be the 2nd division commander really gave him the best odds of getting what he wanted.
Basically, he was taking a few pages out of Blackbeard's book.
While thinking about everything, Jozu approached the two watching the two leg based fighters sparing with pensive expression.
"It looks like you weren't bluffing." He calmly stated as pretty much everyone else was out of commission, even if Gel was mostly due to his spirit.
"Nope! So do we get to join for a few years before we can set sail on our own?" Adam responded casually.
"You do know that joining a crew isn't something light that you can leave whenever you want right?" Jozu questioned with a raised eyebrow at the straightforwardness.
"That's why we're only going to be apprentices." The young hybrid nodded in understanding. "Plus, I'm sure Whitebeard can be lenient towards one of his grandkids."
"*Cough cough* Grandkids!?!" The poor pirate cried out, taken completely by surprise.
"I mean... he called my father his son, so that makes me his grandson no?" Adam smirked at the larger man.
"You know what? I don't think that anyone's ever had the balls to say that. And just to make sure, your father is...?" the diamond man chuckled in amusement over the kid's reply.
"Kozuki Oden. He got my mom pregnant when he was part of your crew and you were all visiting the Island." Adam easily confirmed as he knew Jozu had recognized him long ago. "A lot of people thought Whitebeard was actually my dad because of how strong I am."
"Cracracra! Now that'll be interesting to tell the boys over drinks after this." Jozu grinned at the misconception since anyone who's ever seen Oden could tell that Adam was his son, even with his hybrid nature and better looks.
"Does that mean we can come?" Adam hopefully asked as this would make or break is current plans.
"Sure, but only if you answer one question." Was the sudden serious turn as Jozu looked deeply into he much smaller boy. "What do you want to achieve?"
"Just that? Haha! I want to see the world and every it has to offer!" Adam answered with a near mad grin splitting his face as his eyes gleamed of excitement and wanderlust. "I want to experience it all!
Challenge the seas as a true sailor and come out on top!
Take on the world if it tries to stop me and flip it upside down if necessary!"
Feeling some shivers going down his spine from the sheer belief in himself and the spirit behind them, Jozu couldn't help but remember a few people from his past due to them.
"Well then... I guess I should take you to pops so he can decide then." Was the simple statement which caused Adam to almost jump for joy.
Author Notes:
Yup, Adam, Harribel and Morgiana be joining the Whitebeards as apprentices.
I really thought it was for the best and made a nice little dichotomy between his and Shanks as both would apprentice under the strongest pirates around while not being truly interested in the One Piece or technically being the most powerful in the new world, just wanting to enjoy themselves on the seas while the prophesied return of Joy Boy happens.
This was also a bit of a showcase regarding the progress for the three of them while bringing in new concepts as I could understand them working in One Piece.
Demon Slayer was a good source of inspiration as its abilities do mesh well with some established mechanics present in One Piece, Luffy's Gear 2nd showing that 'Breath' would work in some sense if modified so I got it to currently be a Fish-Man Hybrid exclusive due to reasons above, and 'Transparent World' just becoming Adam's own usage of Observation mixed with his knowledge and mindset.
Adam's new techniques were mostly inspired from Naruto mixed with Rurouni Kenshin if the descriptions and names weren't big enough hints.
Same no Kage is a mix of Kisame, Hody and Arlong's shark based attacks and Kenshin Himura's Hiten Mitsurugi style: Nine-Head Dragon Flash to strike either one enemy multiple times or multiple enemies at once.
Suichū which is mostly Kenshin applying some minor Bakiverse logic through Seimei Kikan to 'create more joints' and Fish-Man Karate for added effect with 'Breath' to allow Adam to perform a Iaido slash at the fastest speeds he can muster.
And Sesshoku kyōran, which like explained took inspiration from Rock Lee's style against Gaara but as a swordsman before finishing off the opponents using a slashing or smashing attack.
Now, as for those he did fight, I'm not trying to bash on Whitebeard pirates but hear me out.
Adam and the girls have almost exclusively fought pirates strong enough to reach the New World and strong Fish-Men since a young age. Defeating that level of foe is almost their basic training while the Officiers in the division would likely equate to the captains of these kinds of crew if somewhat stronger.
I mean, Usopp and Nami could handle that level with likely little difficulty after the two years, well before Nami got a power boost from Zeus anyway.
The only one none of them could take on his Jozu and that's mostly because they don't have a counter for his Diamond form yet. Much less if he uses Haki on top of it. Against most other Division Commanders, Adam would have actually really wanted to face them, but Jozu is currently a hard counter he doesn't want to face or risk damaging his blade against.
As for Morgiana, well I think the fire based kicking does suit her character and how she was like that in Magi as well. I'm actually thinking of getting something like a friction based devil fruit, like the better version of the slip-slip fruit since it could both reduce and augment friction to power her up later. It would go well with her style. But yeah, thank you Sanji for proving people could use fire through friction and passion. Also, thank you Park Ilpyo from God of Highschool for future inspirations on that.
And unfortunately, Harribel got the short straw this time. I'll try to show them both off later, it's just that I felt like this chapter was dragging on.
Hope you enjoyed though.
Next chapter Adam meets Whitebeard and eats his Devil Fruit.
I know many kind of want him to not do it, but I've got a plan and I won't have him waste that much of his training so don't worry too much.