Bang, bang, bang, bang… bang, bang…
The continuous strikes sounded almost like a rhythmic battle song.
Ares suddenly frowned, mumbling to himself, "Looks like I need to find someone to help me with my back. It's really hard to train that area."
Back in his hometown, he could smash his back against trees and mountains.
But here, that wasn't an option. If he rammed into anything, the building would definitely collapse.
His thick, powerful muscles made it impossible for him to bend and twist his arms like a normal person to strike his own back.
His trapezius and deltoids were so massively developed that they had actually become an obstacle in his training.
While these muscles granted him overwhelming strength and explosive power, they inevitably reduced his flexibility. This was unavoidable.
For now, Ares could only keep striking the areas he could reach with the iron rod. The upper center of his back remained untrained for the time being.
Three or four hours passed.
It was nearly eleven or twelve at night.
Ares finally finished his training and walked out of the training room, heading toward Skull Castle.
Along the way, he passed several pirates who were dead drunk, stumbling about the streets.
A large man in silver armor was walking toward him it was Silver Axe.
Seeing Ares, Silver Axe was surprised and greeted him, "Hey, kid, what happened to your hair? Why haven't you gone to rest yet?"
When they fought earlier, Ares still had his hair, but now his head was completely bald.
Ares rubbed his smooth scalp and said, "I was training Haki, and somehow all my hair just fell out. Where are you headed?"
Silver Axe's face twisted into a lecherous grin, "Obviously, I'm off to meet some beautiful women, have a nice heart-to-heart, and get to know them better. You wouldn't understand. I'll catch you later."
Waving goodbye, he quickly hurried off, laughing mischievously as he disappeared into the brightly lit pleasure district.
Ares truly didn't understand what was so strange about that grin on Silver Axe's face, but it did make him feel like punching him right then and there.
He returned directly to his room.
After washing up, he lay down on the bed and quickly fell into a deep sleep.
In his mind.
The scenes from the day replayed vividly, from his fight with Golden Lion to his swordsmanship training.
Every detail was perfectly clear, as if he were reliving the experience through VR goggles, fully immersed in the moment.
His understanding of swordsmanship, combat, and Haki deepened just a little more.
The next morning.
As usual, Ares woke up early. His internal clock was precise as ever, never missing a beat.
It hadn't changed in years.
With full energy, he resumed his training in the training room until Whitebeard Newgate arrived, finally bringing an end to Ares's morning session.
"Up early again, huh? Talented and hardworking!" Whitebeard praised with a laugh. "Ares, go eat breakfast first. Today, you're mine!"
After breakfast.
Whitebeard led Ares to a forest far from the town. He planted his naginata, Murakumogiri, into the ground, crossed his arms, and smiled at Ares.
"Ares, let me see what that Golden Lion taught you yesterday."
"Okay!" Ares nodded and raised his arm high.
He brought it down in a swift, powerful chop.
Swish!!
A dazzling blue slash shot out from his hand.
It struck a tree with a booming crash, slicing through the trunk, which immediately toppled to the ground.
"Nani?!"
"You already learned slashing attacks in half a day?!"
Whitebeard was stunned, staring at the fallen tree. The power of that slash wasn't on the level of a true swordsman yet, but it was already stronger than many cannons.
And the key point Ares had been practicing swordsmanship for less than half a day.
Whitebeard quickly suppressed his shock, straightening his face into a stern, serious expression. He walked up to Ares and patted his shoulder.
"You learned slashing attacks in such a short time because of your own incredible talent."
"It has nothing to do with Golden Lion's teaching skills. Anyone could have taught you the same thing."
Although he was inwardly amazed, Whitebeard absolutely refused to credit Shiki for this.
It had to be Ares's own talent that allowed him to master something others would spend years learning.
Whitebeard's pride wouldn't allow him to lose to Golden Lion. He thought to himself, "When I teach Ares close-combat techniques, I'll make him even stronger!"
"There's no way I'll lose to Shiki's swordsmanship!"
Without wasting time, he began teaching Ares close-combat techniques.
The real killing moves.
Whitebeard's eyes turned sharp and dangerous, his voice low and serious. "Ares, a true powerhouse must be flawless in every aspect!"
"Through training, you can build impressive muscles, but very few people can control their body's power at will. You must learn to manipulate your bones, your waist, your legs, your arms, your back every part of your body to twist all that power into one devastating force."
"To unleash your full strength in an instant."
"And even then, you'll still only be at the starting line for true close-combat mastery."
"A real expert learns to control their body's energy not just muscle power, but blood flow, tendons, bones, Haki, and more. Only when you reach this level can you truly call yourself a master of close combat."
"Even in old age, your muscles won't soften, and your body won't show signs of early decline."
"..."
A new world opened up before Ares's eyes the world of close-combat mastery.
He finally realized.
The powerful warriors of this world were far beyond his imagination.
Whitebeard's explanation covered everything, from the basics of punching and kicking, to precise body control, reaction time, how to neutralize an opponent's force, and more.
He explained it all in great detail, teaching Ares with incredible patience.
He had no intention of losing to Golden Lion.
One day for swordsmanship, one day for close-combat.
Every morning and evening, Ares continued hammering and tempering his body.
In just seven or eight days, his progress was already visible to the naked eye.
Then, the day came.
Ares received his first mission.
Wang Zhi had already told him about it the day before. Early that morning, he brought Ares to the port of Hachinosu.
Several pirate ships were docked there, along with merchant vessels belonging to black market traders and underground forces.
Morning was the busiest time of day.
Many strong sailors and laborers were moving cargo back and forth.
Standing next to Ares, Wang Zhi said, "Get on the ship, Ares. This mission is pretty easy, it should only take about a month."
After days of training.
He had noticed the changes in Ares. His presence seemed to have grown sharper, more intense.
"Got it."
Carrying his heavy iron rod, Ares climbed up the boarding ladder. On the ship, many pirates were already busy.
Some were untying the mooring ropes, others were loading supplies, some were raising the anchor, and others were checking the wind direction.
Fortunately, Ares was an official crew member, so he didn't have to do any of those chores.
A moment later.
Wang Zhi also boarded the ship. A pirate quickly approached to report, "Captain Wang Zhi, here's the cargo manifest."
Wang Zhi took the list, reviewed it carefully, confirmed everything was in order, and handed it back.
He shouted loudly to the ship's navigator, "If we're ready, set sail immediately!"
Splash.
The huge sails dropped.
The pirates under the mast quickly tied down the sails with ropes.
"Anchor's up!"
"Sails are secured!"
"Helmsman's ready!"
"..."
Wang Zhi's voice boomed with excitement, "Raise the sails, set sail!!"
----------------------------------------------------
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