On the Training Grounds.
Smoker looked lazy—almost bored, really.
Truth be told, he wasn't even remotely interested in fighting Luo Lan.
Wasn't this just bullying at this point?
But then—
Luo Lan suddenly vanished before his eyes.
"Huh? That was… Soru?"
Smoker froze.
He recognized the move instantly, but because he hadn't been in combat mode, he completely failed to track Luo Lan's movement.
Worse still, he'd been in a totally relaxed state—his body unable to shift into combat readiness in an instant.
It was already too late.
The next moment, a hand silently reached out...
And landed on Smoker's shoulder from behind.
"Smoker," Luo Lan's voice came calmly, "are you underestimating me?"
The words had barely fallen when Luo Lan disappeared again with another Soru, returning to his original spot—standing face to face with Smoker.
"Your body…" Smoker narrowed his eyes.
"Fully recovered."
"When did that happen?"
"About a month ago."
"A month ago…?"
Smoker was stunned.
So, in just a month's time, Luo Lan had gone from a measly 5 doriki to over 300?
And he'd already mastered Soru?
Smoker had to admit—even he wasn't as proficient in Soru as Luo Lan was.
Then again, his lack of mastery wasn't due to difficulty. It was simply because he didn't focus on physical combat.
A common weakness among Logia-type users.
Even the current Marine Admirals, while not completely neglecting body techniques, weren't exactly top-tier in that department.
And Smoker?
His physical skills were frankly… subpar.
That said, Luo Lan wasn't perfectly balanced either.
He had a clear preference for firearms and despised close-quarters combat, especially the kind where fists met flesh.
Even while learning Rokushiki, Luo Lan had only bothered to master techniques focused on defense and evasion.
In short, he trained in four of the Six Powers: Soru, Geppo, Tekkai, and Kami-e.
As for Shigan and Rankyaku?
He found them too crude and simply ignored them.
Besides Rokushiki, Luo Lan had developed his own unique fighting style over ten years stationed at Marine Headquarters—
Gunfighting.
"You want to go again?" Luo Lan asked casually.
"Bring it!" Smoker snapped, discarding any lingering trace of condescension. His battle instincts surged to the surface.
Around the training field, Hina stood watching the match unfold.
She didn't think Smoker stood a chance against the current Luo Lan—not if he avoided using his Logia powers.
And even if he did use them, unless he was hit with real bullets, she couldn't see how Luo Lan could win.
After all, without seastone bullets, there was no way to touch a Logia user.
Still, Hina couldn't help but grumble inwardly.
Smoker was still so lacking in physical combat after all this time? Had he made any progress since a few years ago?
Probably still hovering around 200 doriki.
Meanwhile, Luo Lan—according to what Hina knew—had already surpassed her previous level.
That meant…
Over 700 doriki.
His progress was terrifying.
At this rate, it wouldn't be long before even she was left in the dust.
Fortunately, she had one advantage Luo Lan didn't—
Haki.
She'd recently awakened it, though her use was far from refined.
Still, knowing it was more than Luo Lan could claim… right?
As that thought passed through her mind, Luo Lan made his move.
Despite his aversion to close combat, this time…
He made an exception.
After all, the whole point of this fight was to show Smoker his weaknesses.
With a flash of Soru, Luo Lan closed the distance, fist cocked back.
"You're too naive, Luo Lan!" Smoker smirked. "Even if your physique is stronger than mine, you still can't—"
Boom!!
Smoker tried to shift into his elemental form—
But was sent flying by a single punch!
He was stunned.
Hina, watching from the sidelines, was also completely floored.
Wait a minute… what had she just been thinking?
That she had Haki, but Luo Lan didn't?
That she could still maintain her "big sister" pride?
To hell with that—what the hell was that punch?!
She saw it clearly.
Just before impact, Luo Lan's right fist was suddenly coated in a deep, obsidian black—
Armament Haki.
There was no mistaking it.
A month ago, Luo Lan hadn't even been stronger than an average recruit. And now?
Hina couldn't help the chill that ran down her spine.
---
Smoker sat on the ground, dazed.
That punch shouldn't have landed—Logia powers don't work like that!
He shook his head and looked up…
Only to freeze.
Luo Lan's right arm was now completely coated in black.
Armament Haki.
Impossible.
"Smoker," Luo Lan said calmly. "Do you realize your problem now?"
"If you only plan to stay in the first half of the Grand Line—or in one of the Four Blues—then sure, I suppose it doesn't matter."
"After all, even a kid handed a Logia fruit can dominate those places."
"But if you want to enter the New World…"
"…then what just happened is exactly the kind of outcome you'll face when fighting the pirates there."
"Even the current Marine Admirals—while not the best at body techniques—still aren't bad at them."
"Even that old man Zephyr is always yelling at Kizaru, but you think Kizaru's really weak in close combat?"
"Don't kid yourself. That guy lives in melee range!"
Smoker's eyes widened.
Was he… being lectured by Luo Lan?
But as much as he hated to admit it—Luo Lan wasn't wrong.
Smoker hadn't always been like this.
Back in the day, he had trained his body even while relying on his Devil Fruit.
But after being stationed in the East Blue, he'd realized something—
There was no need.
Just using his Logia powers alone was more than enough to crush every pirate he came across.
And so, gradually, his body training time grew shorter and shorter…
Until he stopped entirely.
Luo Lan was right.
The East Blue had completely dulled him.
If he went to the New World like this? Forget the Four Emperors—even average pirates with Haki would wipe the floor with him.
He had to improve his physical strength.
Just like the Admirals—not necessarily top-tier, but never lacking.
"…Alright," Smoker said, clenching his fists. "I get it. I'll train hard. I'll boost my physical power to a whole new level—within a year."
But Luo Lan just smiled faintly.
"Honestly…"
"You won't need a whole year."
---
A/N: If you want an early updates, you can visit my Ko-Fi as I update there much early.
Currently at Chapter 60 for free chapters on my Ko-Fi and at Chapter 165 for advance chapters.
https:// ko-fi.com/sami27