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Back on the third floor of the casino, Aero sat alone, deep in thought.
If he wanted to get stronger, he first had to understand exactly what kind of power he now possessed.
After experimenting over the past few days, he was certain of one thing: he had eaten a Wind-type Logia-class Devil Fruit.
Just three days ago, when a volley of bullets fired by Navy soldiers tore through his body, there was no pain no blood, no wounds. His body simply dispersed into the wind, only to reform seconds later as if nothing had happened.
When he made it back to the island, his body was intact. The only evidence of what had occurred was his tattered grey shirt, full of holes.
It was clear: this was the power of a Wind-Wind Fruit.
Aero had been in this world for three days now. He was gradually adapting, letting go of his former identity. If his thoughts and memories still came from Earth, then he was still James, just in a new body with a new name: Aero Aegis.
That battle three days ago… it hadn't gone how he'd planned. He'd only meant to use a small burst of his Devil Fruit power, just enough to stir up panic among the Navy and escape in the chaos.
But instead, he accidentally unleashed a full-blown cyclone, it was like a sudden burst of Devil Fruit's power in desperation.
The result: an entire naval fleet was dragged to the ocean floor.
He'd felt guilty at first but not anymore. It was either them or him. Before arrival in this world, he was just a normal human heading towards a normal life; he was not a military veteran or a trained human, nor was he a psychopath.
Even after his death by that crazy scientist, He survived. That was fate's verdict. And if fate chose him, then he would live on with purpose.
That fight had drained him physically and mentally. After collapsing on the wreckage of a destroyed ship, he lay there for a while, catching his breath. Fortunately, he hadn't fallen into the sea otherwise, his Devil Fruit curse would've drowned him.
With just a sliver of strength, he practiced again and again until he managed to generate enough wind to propel himself across the water.
Sitting on a drifting plank, he rode the breeze back to shore.
Why hadn't he flown outright? Simple. He was still learning. Using too much power recklessly over the open sea could've killed him.
Luckily, the battlefield had been close to land, allowing him to inch forward bit by bit.
Through that ordeal, Aero gained some basic control over his powers. No more wild outbursts like before. No more draining himself dry in one attack.
Mastering a Devil Fruit wasn't just about using powers it required a strong body to handle them. Even someone like Kizaru, whose strength mostly came from his Light Fruit, trained his body to stay sharp. And when someone that lazy is still stronger than most, it tells you just how important physical conditioning is.
Aero picked up the red short blade beside his bed, gave it a few practice swings, then set it back down and sank into the mattress, thinking.
He had power now, yes. But his body? It was only using a fraction of it maybe ten percent, at best.
Unable to sleep, Aero reached for the Den Den Mushi next to him and called the guard downstairs. "Dylan, bring up some food."
A short time later, Dylan arrived with a massive platter piled high with roasted meat.
Aero didn't speak. He ate for nearly thirty minutes straight before finally leaning back and wiping his mouth. Dylan had waited silently the entire time.
"All set?" Aero asked casually.
"More or less. The ten men you asked for are waiting downstairs," Dylan replied with a nod.
Earlier, Aero had given a speech and asked Dylan to pick out the toughest, most reliable men from the casino's staff. Those ten would be his training group.
Aero had a plan.
In a world where strength was everything, first, he had to become strong enough to survive.
Then, he would lead others to become strong too.
Only then could they establish a foothold here.
It was how the Revolutionary Army, led by Dragon, continued to exist despite the Navy's constant hunts for strength in numbers, not just ideals.
Even if not everyone could be strong, a few elite fighters could still carve out a place in the world.
Whether it was becoming a pirate king or building a hidden base on a deserted island, Aero had options.
Right now, his goal was simple: stay alive. But now… he also wanted to help others do the same.
"Let's go," he said, strapping the short blade to his belt.
Dylan grabbed the empty platter and followed him out.
But Aero didn't take the stairs.
He walked to the window, coated his feet in wind energy, and leaped into the night. A few steps across the air, and he landed lightly at the front entrance.
He was growing to love this power. It gave him the confidence to face this dangerous world.
Confidence always comes with strength.
"Boss!"
The ten men in dark robes greeted him with a unified shout.
Aero nodded. Right now, they were weak. But strength could be trained.
With a sweep of his hand, Aero summoned a gale that swept them all into the sky.
Half an hour later, they arrived.
The group landed near the eastern shore of Rubber Island. Broken ships littered the beach, and strange animal cries echoed through the darkness.
The air was unsettling.
"This place is perfect for your training," Aero said, his tone serious. "And since this is the East Coast, I'm sure you all know what roams here after dark."
His words sent murmurs through the group. Some exchanged worried glances.
"Quiet!" Dylan said, now dressed in a black robe like the rest.
"I've heard stories," he said, turning to Aero. "They say man-eating beasts come out at night around here. Is that true?"
Aero just smiled.
And the real training was about to begin.
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~Support with 200 PowerStones = 1 Bonus Chapter
~Thank you for reading!