One Piece: Reborn in God's Valley

The next morning, while everyone was still deep in sleep, Ashen summoned the crew to an open clearing near the port.

The space had been temporarily cordoned off, marked as the Helgrave Pirates' official training grounds. 

Surrounding it were guards from the Fernando Family, black-clad mafia members keeping watch.

"Since you've joined the Helgrave Pirates, I, as your captain, am responsible for you. 

Even though you're already stronger than most ordinary people, that strength is only good for petty plundering in the Four Blues.

Once you reach the Grand Line, you'll realize just how laughable your so-called dominance in the West Blue really is.

And if by some stroke of luck, you make it to the New World, the second half of the Grand Line, you'll face vicious weather, monstrous pirate crews, and battles unlike anything you've ever known. 

Then, and only then, will you understand why the first half of the Grand Line is mockingly called Paradise," Ashen said loudly, facing the fresh recruits.

Salles, Walton, and the rest, including sixteen newly recruited regular crew members, shook off their drowsiness and listened intently.

"This world bows to strength. As long as you're powerful enough, fame, authority, and wealth will naturally follow.

But if you're weak, then you're nothing but a puppet of fate, left to scrounge scraps under the boots of the strong." Ashen's piercing gaze swept across the group.

"Whatever your reason for becoming a pirate, the moment you chose this path, you chose a life of constant danger and near-certain death.

The Marines, rival pirates, even the World Government, they will not show mercy. From now on, I'm giving you one year. One year to give it everything you've got. 

After that, we set sail for the New World. So during this year, train like your life depends on it."

"Captain. Just tell us what to do. We'll follow you to the end." Walton shouted excitedly.

"Yeah, Captain. We didn't leave our old lives behind to keep crawling in the dirt. If we're afraid of hardship, we might as well quit being pirates."

…

"There are many ways to get stronger. You can train in swordsmanship, eat a Devil Fruit, even modify your own body.

But the foundation of it all… is physical training. If your body isn't strong, even the best sword skills will be useless. 

Even the most powerful Devil Fruit abilities won't save you. 

So, for the first six months, forget everything else, just push your body to the absolute limit. That's all I want you to focus on," Ashen instructed.

"What about the next six months, Captain?" Lafitte asked, curious.

"In the second half of the year, it gets brutal. You'll be fighting real battles against other pirate crews in the West Blue. If you're careless, you'll die.

The point is to build up your actual combat experience. And if any of you can awaken Haki in the process, all the better," Ashen explained.

"Haki?" The crew exchanged puzzled looks.

"Haki is a special power hidden deep within the body. Only a select few ever awaken it. There are generally two main types. 

The first is Observation Haki, which allows you to sense the presence of others," Ashen said, noting the confusion. He decided to demonstrate.

"Walton, attack me with everything you've got."

Walton's eyes lit up. He immediately transformed into his Zoan form and lunged at Ashen.

Ashen calmly closed his eyes, feeling each of Walton's movements as he sidestepped with ease, explaining as he went.

"Observation Haki is a heightened sense that goes beyond sight and hearing. 

Once awakened, it allows you to detect people's presence, strength, numbers, even their next move. With enough mastery, you can even glimpse a few seconds into the future."

"So cool. Captain's got his eyes shut and Walton still can't touch him." Someone exclaimed, awestruck.

"The second type is Armament Haki. Think of it as armor forged from your own willpower. 

It boosts both your offense and defense. Most importantly, it can counter Devil Fruit powers. 

Salles, hit me with your ability," Ashen commanded while still dodging Walton's strikes.

"Yes, Captain."

Salles, completely confident in Ashen's strength, didn't hesitate.

"Fear Amplification."

"Armament Haki."

The moment Salles' ability activated, Ashen's entire body shimmered as it was coated in Armament Haki. He continued dodging, entirely unaffected.

"What? My power's not working?" Salles gasped.

"That's the counter to Devil Fruits. Armament Haki is one of the most effective ways to neutralize an ability user. Even Logia-types. Parnell, your turn."

Parnell didn't hesitate either. He transformed into a black, oily fluid and launched his attack.

"Black Cascade."

A torrent of black asphalt surged toward Ashen.

Boom. Boom.

Before the wave could even close in, Ashen rocketed forward and launched two punches into the stream.

"Ow. That hurts, Captain." Parnell cried out as he was knocked out of his elemental form.

"Ugh. That same feeling again." Walton was flung backward, too.

"As for Conqueror's Haki, that cannot be trained. It's the manifestation of your spirit, your will to dominate. The stronger your spirit, the more powerful your Conqueror's Haki.

Only true leaders can awaken it. In the New World, those with Conqueror's Haki are contenders for the throne."

"But all of that is still far beyond where you are now. There's no point talking about it in detail. Once you enter the New World, you'll understand.

For now, get moving and start training."

"Yes, Captain."

…

West Blue, seas beneath Reverse Mountain.

A massive ship sailed forward, a flag bearing the World Government's emblem fluttering from its mast.

"Sir. We've entered West Blue territory. We're still about ten days away from Gangster Island," an agent reported.

"Good. Increase our speed. Get there ahead of schedule if possible," said a tall figure in a white suit and mask.

"Ulysses, I didn't expect to be on a mission with you. What a bore. It's just some West Blue pirate, why do both of us need to go?" Another masked agent grumbled.

"Shut it, Abbas. Anyone who dares provoke the wrath of the divine must be eliminated. 

And don't forget, he's a remnant of the Rocks Pirates. That alone makes him unforgivable," Ulysses replied, his tone brooking no argument.

"Fine, fine. If he's that damned, I'll go greet him first," Abbas said casually. With that, he transformed into a giant bird and soared into the sky.

"Hmph. Foolish creature. If you want to die so badly, I won't stop you," Ulysses muttered coldly, watching the afterimage Abbas left behind as a cruel smile crept beneath his mask.