One Piece: Reborn in God's Valley

Since Ashen had decided to raise his crew's strength as quickly as possible, he wasn't about to half-ass it.

Every single day, he personally led the crew through brutal, high-intensity training. 

After just a few days, everyone had gotten a taste of what real hellish training felt like, even Walton, whose fearless nature usually left him shouting at the top of his lungs, had gone quiet.

That afternoon, right at the hottest time of day, Ashen was explaining the basic principles behind Soru.

As a top-tier master of physical combat, Ashen had quickly mastered the Rokushiki techniques after only some light practice.

"The reason the Navy has always revered the Six Powers is because of how undeniably practical and comprehensive they are. 

Among them, Soru is easily the most useful, and it's the foundation of both Geppo and Rankyaku. 

Its principle is simple, you stomp the ground more than ten times in a single instant, using the powerful recoil force to move at high speeds."

In the training field, Ashen's body blurred into afterimages, his voice echoing from all directions.

"Aiyaa. Who would've thought a pirate knew Rokushiki? That just means we really can't let you live."

A hoarse voice suddenly called from overhead, interrupting the lesson just as everyone was fully absorbed.

"Whoa. That's a huge eagle. And it talks?" Lafitte cried out in alarm, staring at the shadow above them.

"No, that size… it must be a Devil Fruit user," Parnell corrected him.

Even as they spoke, the giant bird in the sky revealed two massive talons and dove down toward the group.

"Move, now."

Hearing Ashen's shout, everyone scrambled to get out of the way.

Boom.

With a deafening crash, a large section of the training ground, hardened by days of intense use, collapsed inward, sending a massive cloud of dust into the air.

Before the dust could settle, a figure wearing a grinning mask slowly walked up to Ashen.

"Ashen V. Helgrave, captain of the Helgrave Pirates." 

The masked man pulled a photograph from the pocket at his chest and, after comparing it to the real deal, spoke with absolute certainty.

"What the hell do you want, lapdog of the World Government?" Ashen looked at the man's iconic outfit and instantly recognized him as a member of CP0.

"You murdered an intelligence agent under direct command of the World Government, and you even dared offend the sanctity of the Celestial Dragons. 

Crimes like that can only be paid for with punishment," the masked man said coldly, his tone dropping even further.

"Oh? Then tell me, what punishment does the World Government have in mind?" Ashen smirked.

"Death, of course. Atone for your sins with your life."

The words had barely left his mouth when his hands morphed into beastly claws. With savage force, he slashed straight at Ashen.

But Ashen had already sensed the incoming threat through Observation Haki. His fist was already clad in Armament Haki and struck out with crushing force.

Both moved at high speed, transforming into blurs. The next instant, a claw and a fist collided mid-air.

Boom.

For a brief second, the air stood still, then shockwaves exploded outward in concentric rings. 

Training gear was scattered in all directions. Most of the crew watching from nearby were knocked clear off their feet. 

Some of the weaker mafia members even suffered burst eardrums and collapsed on the spot.

"As expected of a Celestial Dragon's dogs, your strength really is something," Ashen thought to himself, blood pumping with excitement from the force rippling through his arm.

"Soru."

When the first strike failed, the masked man turned into an afterimage again, instantly reappearing behind Ashen. 

His index finger had transformed into a black, clawed point, gleaming with deadly light as it stabbed toward the back of Ashen's skull.

"Shigan."

This was a kill shot. Ashen couldn't afford to take it lightly. In that split second, he triggered his soul-based power.

Buzz.

Just as the masked man's claw closed in, Ashen's soul erupted with high-frequency vibrations, releasing a pulse of spiritual shock.

Thinking he had the advantage, the masked man didn't notice the trap. 

Just before his claw could make contact, it felt like something detonated inside his head. His brain seemed to freeze for a brief moment.

Ashen wasn't about to waste that opportunity. In one smooth motion, he turned and drew his sword, slashing diagonally toward the attacker.

As the blade bathed in a deathly chill closed in, the masked man's instincts screamed at him. He knew, if he took that hit, he'd be sliced clean in two.

Barely recovering his clarity, he reacted. Armament Haki coated his chest in desperation, and his hands morphed into wings, flapping wildly to escape Ashen's range.

Slash.

But he was still a beat too slow.

Ashen's sword aura carved a deep wound from the man's chest down to his abdomen. 

A half-meter gash split open, and before blood could even gush out, it was frozen solid by the sword's eerie, soul-chilling energy. Dark red-black ice filled the wound.

"Aahhh. It hurts."

Even with the masked man's powerful will, the stabbing pain and deep cold that pierced his soul made him scream uncontrollably.

"Heh. Let me season that pain for you." From the sidelines, Salles saw the chance to kick a man while he was down. Raising both hands, he activated his Devil Fruit ability.

"Agony Amplify."

"Aahhhh…."

The masked man convulsed violently. 

Unable to bear the intensified pain, he triggered his Zoan transformation completely, his whole body morphing into the massive eagle-beast form again. 

With a flap of his wings, he launched himself into the air.

"Oh no. Captain, the bird man's trying to escape." Walton shouted.

But Ashen didn't need the warning. Just as the sea eagle took off, Ashen sheathed his blade and leapt upward, landing firmly on the beast's broad back. 

Grabbing onto the thick feathers, he took to the skies with him.

"Hah. Idiot. You fell right into my trap. The sky is my domain, coming up here was a death sentence." 

The eagle growled, enduring the pain as he soared above the coast of Gangster Island. 

With the natural power and agility of a raptor, he twisted and dove, trying to shake Ashen off and drop him into the sea.

"Heh… we'll see whose domain this really is."

Now high above the ocean, Ashen let go with his right hand and began hammering fists into the eagle's wings.

"You lunatic. Are you trying to die with me?"

The masked man, reeling from the blows, lost control. His flight faltered, and the two began spiraling toward the water.

"Die together? You think too highly of yourself."

Ashen doubled down, pummeling harder.

Splash.

Ashen and bird crashed into the sea, sending waves exploding in all directions.

The moment the sea eagle hit the water, his Devil Fruit weakness kicked in, his strength vanished, and he reverted to human form, sinking fast into the deep.

…

Gangster Island Port

"Hurry… Lower the sails."

Salles and the others were on board the Blackthorn, shouting orders as they scrambled to get the ship moving. They were racing to catch up with Ashen.

Clang…

Suddenly, a black coffin-sized ice block flew out from the sea and slammed onto the deck.

"Holy crap. That's the bird guy, isn't it?" Walton crawled over to the block, peeking at the figure inside.

"Well, since you're so curious, you can be the one to haul him back." Ashen landed on deck right after.

"Nooo. Captain. I hate the cold." Walton howled.

"Hahaha. Serves you right." 

The crew laughed, relieved and cheering now that they saw their captain had returned unharmed.

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Thank you everyone for some good reviews it really motivates me to publish new chapters. 

Also, 5 more chapters for 100 stones or more reviews.