NOVEL WEB Chapter 77: Chapter 77
Phew!
Koby's figure shot straight toward Bai Yu like an arrow released from its bow.
His burst of speed, while not yet reaching the instantaneous level of Rokushiki – Soru, was already drawing close.
In the blink of an eye, Koby appeared in front of Bai Yu.
Without hesitation, Koby leapt upward mid-stride. Twisting his body, he swept out with a powerful roundhouse kick aimed straight at Bai Yu's temple.
His motion flowed seamlessly from movement into attack—clean and efficient.
Boom!
But even as Koby kicked with full force…
In the next instant, Bai Yu simply lifted his right index finger with casual precision—and stopped the kick cold.
"The speed is just about acceptable. But your strength... still lacking."
Bai Yu calmly offered his assessment, as if analyzing a routine spar.
Despite having his strike blocked so effortlessly, Koby's expression didn't falter.
He reacted immediately.
As gravity pulled him down, Koby used both hands to brace against the ground, flipping into an inverted position. With a sharp motion, he launched a second kick upward, aiming right at Bai Yu's chin.
It was an agile move—quick, accurate, and ruthless.
Had it been any ordinary recruit, they would've taken that kick full-force.
But the opponent was Bai Yu—someone far beyond his level.
Just as Koby's heel was about to connect—
Bai Yu moved.
He lightly curled the index finger that had blocked the first strike.
And just as Koby's kick neared—
Flick!
Boom!
A dull impact rang out as Bai Yu flicked his finger once again, meeting Koby's leg with precisely controlled force.
Koby's body was sent spinning midair in a full 360-degree rotation, flipping like a puppet cut from its strings.
He landed heavily on the ground, limbs akimbo.
The second attack failed completely.
Koby groaned but quickly pushed himself upright, shaking off the dizziness clouding his vision.
Still, he instinctively stepped back—instinct born from repeated beatings.
"This gap in strength... it's unreal…"
He muttered to himself, rubbing his aching foot, wincing slightly.
From start to finish, Bai Yu hadn't moved a single step.
With nothing but one finger—he had completely overwhelmed him.
"Again!"
Koby's eyes flashed with resolve.
He gritted his teeth and charged at Bai Yu once more.
And so began a scene that defied logic and reason.
Koby dashed toward Bai Yu repeatedly.
He threw punches, kicked furiously, and even rammed forward with his body like a cannonball.
But no matter how creative or intense his attacks were, every single one met the same result—
They were stopped by Bai Yu's single index finger.
Every time Koby attacked, Bai Yu calmly adjusted his strength, deflecting Koby like a bouncing rubber ball.
No hesitation. No change in stance. Only one finger.
Each time, Koby was knocked down.
And each time, he got up again.
Again.
And again.
And again.
Boom!
After an uncountable number of attempts, Koby collapsed onto the ground with a heavy thud.
His body lay sprawled, completely spent—his chest heaving with ragged breaths.
"Again… again…"
Groaning in pain, Koby forced himself upright, trembling slightly.
Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth. His face was swollen, with bruises already forming beneath both eyes.
Even with Bai Yu's restraint, the accumulated impacts had clearly taken their toll.
"Enough."
Finally, Bai Yu's voice rang out, low but firm.
"Koby, you've grown far stronger than before."
"There's no need for you to keep getting hurt here."
Bai Yu's tone softened slightly.
But upon hearing his words, Koby gritted his teeth and forced his spine straight.
Despite the pain, he met Bai Yu's eyes with burning determination.
"Brigadier General Bai Yu!"
"One more time!"
"I want to prove… that I can be of help to you!"
Koby shouted, hoarse but unwavering.
"…."
Bai Yu's breath caught.
He opened his mouth to argue—but stopped.
"Ahhhh!"
Koby roared, trying to rally every last bit of strength in his body.
He raised his right leg and stomped down hard onto the muddy training ground.
Boom!
Fwoosh!
In an instant, the compressed energy erupted beneath his foot.
The muddy stone ground beneath him cracked from the sheer force.
Koby shot forward, his movement suddenly reaching a new level of explosiveness.
"Soru!"
In a blur, Koby appeared directly in front of Bai Yu.
At that final moment—through sheer willpower—Koby broke through his limits.
He successfully used one of the Navy's Six Powers—Rokushiki – Soru!
Even Bai Yu was caught off guard by the sudden acceleration.
But before he could react—
Koby's vision darkened.
His body, pushed beyond the limit, finally gave out.
He collapsed forward, unconscious, the momentum carrying him straight into Bai Yu's chest.
Bai Yu quickly reached out and caught him.
"This guy…"
Looking down at the unconscious Koby, Bai Yu let out a faint chuckle—half amused, half exasperated.
Clearly, the intense flurry of assaults, topped off with the strain of using Soru for the first time, had completely drained him.
At that moment, the familiar sound of the system echoed in Bai Yu's mind.
[Ding! Confidant Koby's strength has improved. Triggering training reward.]
[Rewards acquired: Gathering Six Links Proficiency +5%, Dragon Force Proficiency +5%]
[Thunderbolt Proficiency +5%, Haki Mastery (All Types) +1%]
The proficiencies of Bai Yu's various techniques all received a notable boost.
And then, another system notification followed—
[With two confidants improving in strength, bonus reward unlocked: Advanced Swordsmanship +5%]
Advanced Swordsmanship…!
Bai Yu smiled inwardly.
"At last… Koby's training has borne fruit."
Without hesitation, he accepted the rewards.
Afterward, he instructed a nearby vice admiral to carry Koby to the medical bay.
Once alone in the room, Bai Yu called up his system panel.
---
[Strongest Swordsman System]
[Host: Bai Yu]
[Swordsmanship: Advanced Swordsmanship (5%)]
[Techniques: Rokushiki, Azure Dragon Sword Intent, Gathering Six Links (95%), Dragon Force (45%), Thunderbolt (40%)
[Weapon: Peerless Blade (Excellent Grade Sword)]
[Physique: Grade A]
[Haki: Armament Haki (51%), Observation Haki (51%), Conqueror's Haki (51%)]
[Special Item: Pluton Blueprint]
---
Compared to before, every core ability had risen considerably.
"Advanced swordsmanship, huh…"
With curiosity, Bai Yu tapped on the swordsmanship column.
The previously listed "Basic Swordsmanship" had been overwritten.
As he focused on it, a torrent of information surged into his mind.
It was a legacy-like transfer—layer upon layer of insights, memories, and experience from countless masters.
Advanced Swordsmanship wasn't just a level-up—it was a qualitative transformation.
With it, each of Bai Yu's strikes would become faster, cleaner, sharper.
He now had the ability to perform nearly all known sword techniques in the world of One Piece.
Even styles unique to other swordsmen—Bai Yu could mimic and reproduce them effortlessly.
Once his proficiency reached higher levels… he might even surpass their original masters.
"I extend my sincere thanks to all those who have subscribed. For those who have not yet joined, I look forward to welcoming you as a member"
JOIN MY PATREON TO READ ADVANCED 30+ CHAPTERS
patreon.com/FrancisMW
Currently at CHAPTER 113 on Patreon.