One Piece: The Arm of Fate

[Ki-en-slash]

[Type: Training Secrets]

[Price: 6000 points]

[Description: In the Dragon Ball world, Krillin's strongest move, which compresses "Ki" into a disc shape and throws it out at high speed, with a powerful and terrifying cutting force]

[Seller's note: I was resurrected by Shenlong again. I have died more than ten times. Can you please not resurrect me next time? I am so tired...]

"Ki-en-slash?"

Shano was slightly stunned, then couldn't help but show a look of surprise.

Another good thing!

In his memory, this move had incredible defense-piercing power. Once it was released, even much stronger opponents had to avoid it.

If he could master it...

Even without other improvements, he wouldn't have to waste so much effort just to deal minor damage to powerhouses like Akainu or Kaido.

He had to buy it!

He would study it later!

[Veritaserum]

[Type: Consumable]

[Price: 500 points]

[Description: A common wizard item in the Hogwarts world. After the user drinks it, they will have a strong urge to talk, and everything they say within a day will be the truth]

[A bottle can be used five times]

[Seller's note: I gave it to Old Dumbledore. He said he likes me. What should I do?]

Shano thought for a moment.

It was an interesting item, and the price wasn't high.

Just 500 points—barely more than Jack's tusks. To him now, it was nothing.

This kind of thing might come in handy later.

Without hesitation, he added it to the shopping cart.

He flipped to the last page, but didn't see anything else worth buying.

That was fine. He had already gained a lot. Forget the truth serum—even just the Ki-en-slash and the final chapter of the Blood and Flesh Furnace Method were enough to satisfy him.

He closed the market page and went to the checkout screen.

Originally, he had 44,500 points.

After buying three items, he spent 10,300 and was left with 34,200.

Still very sufficient. Unlike last time, where he was left broke right after shopping.

After finishing his second favorite activity—shopping—

Shano wasted no time. He grabbed the katana by his side, rushed to the training room, and was ready to begin his favorite thing—training.

His katana "Masamune" had been found by Kuina.

That thing had been thrown by Bruno onto the giant fountain in Water 7. If it were someone else, they'd never have found it, even if they tore the city apart.

Kuina had searched for a long time. Then, walking by the big fountain, she had a sudden thought and looked up.

And there it was, floating in the pool.

Maybe this was the bond between a swordsman and his blade.

Shano was grateful to her and even picked up the young swordsman, spun her around a few times, and laughed.

This sword, to him, was mainly decorative now, or something to mislead enemies.

But it had been with him for years, and he had feelings for it.

Before entering the training room, Shano first went to the girls' room and found Nojiko.

He called his sister over because he needed the power of the Snow-Snow Fruit to reinforce the venue—and also needed her boxing skills to help him practice the final chapter of the "Blood and Flesh Furnace Method."

That method was like this.

You had to rely on external force. You got stronger by enduring damage.

If you wanted a hard skull, you had to hit your head. If you wanted steel bones, you had to smash them.

And this final "core chapter"—

Shano needed to slice open his chest, exposing his internal organs and blood vessels, and let Nojiko strike him full force.

Would it hurt? Of course.

The internal organs weren't as durable as the outer body.

But to truly master this technique, he had to endure it. He was long used to this kind of self-torture.

He walked to the training room.

Just as he was about to open the door, he heard dull bang bang bang sounds coming from the room next door.

He extended his Observation Haki—it was Jack.

"Huh, he got up earlier than me?"

Shano was surprised. He hadn't seen Jack when he ate breakfast earlier.

"You guessed wrong, brother. Jack didn't sleep at all," Nojiko shook her head.

"Didn't sleep?"

"Yep." She shrugged. "Ever since he mastered Life Return and shrank his body to around five meters, he's been doing this. Only sleeps four or five hours a day. The rest of the time? Training."

"So intense?"

Shano frowned, thought for a moment, then turned and walked to the neighboring room.

When he opened the door, he saw Jack's massive frame wildly punching a specially reinforced steel sandbag.

Sweat poured down like rain. His fists were red and even bleeding.

But Jack didn't seem to feel pain. He kept punching, stubbornness burning in his eyes.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

The thuds echoed through the room. The sandbag shook under the force, its surface cracked and dented.

Whoosh!

After a set of punches, Jack bent over, gasping for air, still lost in his world.

Until Shano called out softly, "Hey, Jack."

"Boss?!"

Jack jumped, turned, and saw Shano and Nojiko. He quickly stopped and wiped his face awkwardly.

"W-Why are you here?"

"Just happened to pass by and took a look."

Shano walked in and tossed over a big bottle of orange soda.

"Take a break. Don't get dehydrated and collapse."

"Thanks, boss!"

Jack realized he hadn't had a drink in forever.

He raised the bottle and took a long gulp. The sweet, cold orange soda instantly soothed his dry throat. He felt alive again.

Gulp gulp gulp—

Only after draining it all did Jack stop and sigh in relief.

"You were this thirsty and still didn't drink? You're too absorbed in training."

Shano smiled. "What's wrong? Something on your mind?"

As expected, Jack lowered his head in shame. "Yeah, boss... I'm too weak. I can't help you at all."

"That night in Water 7, I couldn't even take a punch from Kaido. If you hadn't helped, I'd be bedridden for days…"

"And back home, Aokiji took me out with one hit too…"

His voice grew dimmer. He looked like he had been hit by Perona's ghost. "I'm really useless, boss."

You…

Are your standards too high?

Shano didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

You think you're weak—but look at who you're fighting. Kaido? Aokiji?

Which of them isn't a monster standing at the peak?

You're probably the only kid who dares rush them right after setting out to sea.

Still, that loyalty was praiseworthy.

"I get it, you want to be strong. But you can't rush it. Don't overdo it."

"Stop obsessing over the past. Those guys are exceptions. You're still young. Why compare yourself to them?"

Shano encouraged him gently. When Jack looked thoughtful, he patted his arm.

"Trust your talent. You've already made progress with Life Return. That's enviable. How's your Haki training?"

"No signs of Observation yet," Jack admitted. "But I've sensed Armament Haki. Give me half a month, and I should get it down."

"See? You've got a plan. That's good."

Shano gave him a thumbs up. "If you ever run into trouble, don't keep it in. I'll try to spare two hours every day to train you personally so you master Haki quickly."

"You—you'll teach me yourself?! Two hours a day?!"

Jack's eyes widened with excitement.

"Why, you don't want to?" Shano laughed.

"No! Of course I want to!" Jack waved his arms. "Thanks, boss!"

"Don't thank me yet. I'm just scared you'll work yourself to death. Go eat, fill up, and rest before coming back."

"Yes, boss!"

Jack practically flew out, pumped up again.

"Brother…"

Nojiko watched Jack go, then leaned close. "Why does this feel familiar?"

"Of course it does."

Shano smirked. "Back in Cocoyashi Village, every time you got tired during boxing and came to complain, I comforted you the same way. I'm best at coaxing little brats."

"I see…"

Nojiko suddenly realized, then flushed and hit Shano shyly. "What little brat?! I was mature back then! You're teasing me again, you stinky brother~!"

"I meant Jack."

"That's more like it."

She huffed.

Even though Jack was technically an adult, his honest nature made him seem like a big kid.

"Speaking of which, brother…"

Nojiko suddenly grew serious. "Jack's worry isn't just his own. The rest of us feel it too."

"Oh?"

Shano looked at her.

She didn't hold back and explained everything.

They'd been sailing the Grand Line for three months now.

Two or three more islands and they'd reach the end.

After coating at Sabaody, they'd be heading into the New World.

Everyone had learned Haki. Even without Shano, they could handle most threats in Paradise.

But the New World was different.

Dangerous on a whole other level. Two-color Haki was the norm. All the Four Emperors were there, not to mention all kinds of freakish powerhouses...

"You're too strong. Maybe you can't understand our anxiety," she said softly. "Once we're there, facing big pirate crews, even you can't do everything alone. We want to help. At least, not be dead weight."

Shano listened quietly.

Then he reached out, ruffled her hair, and smiled.

"You just heard me pep talk Jack and started overthinking again. When have you ever been a burden? If it weren't for my two most beloved sisters, I wouldn't have had the drive to come this far."

He looked out to sea, then said:

"But you're right. The New World is on a different level. We need to be better prepared."

Preparation…

Meant getting stronger.

He needed time to fully master the "Blood Furnace Method" and practice the Ki-en-slash.

His crew needed to level up too.

But space on the ship was limited.

They needed to pause their journey and retreat somewhere to train.

"Looks like I owe my second uncle some thanks…"

Shano smirked.

If not for the chaos at Enies Lobby, their crew would still be under the World Government's spotlight. Finding a quiet island would've been hard.

But now?

Declared dead. Bounty revoked.

Perfect timing for a low-key retreat.

Nearly a week passed since leaving Water 7.

Following Shano's orders, the Ender left the main route.

They drifted closer to the Calm Belt, away from crowded shipping paths—

—looking for a large, spacious, remote island with few visitors.

As always…

Shano's luck held.

Three days later, an ideal island came into view.

Standing at the bow, he narrowed his eyes at the mist-shrouded landmass.

The island was big, but clearly uninhabited. Even from a distance, it looked desolate.

A sweep of Observation Haki didn't reveal anything unusual.

The Ender slowly docked at the edge of the gloomy island.

Thick fog surrounded them. As they landed, an ancient Gothic castle loomed in the mist.

"I haven't seen a single person… this place gives me the creeps…" Nami muttered, rubbing her arms. "That castle looks abandoned. Like a haunted house…"

Swish!

Suddenly, a sharp slash cut through the fog and split the ground in front of them!

"Who?!"

Everyone jumped, drawing weapons.

But what appeared weren't people…

They were several giant baboons wielding swords. They bared their teeth and shouted aggressively.

"Huh?"

Shano was stunned.

Then realization dawned.

No way…

Did I really stumble into Hawkeye's home?!