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2 years later...

"Ray! Let's fight, this time I'll wipe that smug grin off your face" said Ace with confidence.

"Why would today be any different than yesterday?" 

"Because I said so, now get ready"

"Sure, runt".

Ace dashed towards me at full speed like he usually did, although he changed direction when we were both within striking distance. He then hurled his metal pipe at my head with all of his strength, which I casually dodged by tilting my head sideways.

Next thing Ray perceived in his vision was Ace's leg swinging at his head. 'Got him!' Ace thought with immediate excitement.

Ray simply smirked, lowering his body and ducking Ace's kick with minimal movement. It seemed like today Ace wouldn't be able to land a hit today either, which certainly pissed him off.

Ace whistled, the branches of a tree nearby creaked, and a small boy with another metal pipe viciously aimed a strike horizontally on top of Ray's head.

Without even looking back, Ray taunted "My my, it seems the little runt no longer has any pride". Now even a moment later, the blonde boy moved downwards to Ray with ferocity, yet again Ray's body swerved with little effort, dodging and leaving Ace in frustration.

"Fuck that, we're bringing you down today" both the boys uttered at the same time.

Ray glanced over at the short blonde boy, he was Sabo who Ray had met a year prior. Who knew this boy would later join the Revolutionary Army, only second to Dragon himself. However, that was irrelevant at the moment, it was uncertain if the future would remain consistent. 

Without waiting for another moment, both Ace and Sabo surrounded Ray. Ace aiming for Ray's head while Sabo for his lower body, they rushed him at the same time. 

It was futile, not even 10 minutes later, both boys laid on the ground exhausted and bruised, both of them panting. 

"Well, better luck next time brats" said Ray as he turned around and waived his hand, taunting the pair of boys.

"F-Fuck you" Ace said before closing his eyes to rest.

These two years have been quite fun I must say, I made massive progress in Rokushiki, although I didn't master them, I've managed to get the basics now for all of them. In regards to Haki, I finally unlocked Observation Haki a year ago, hence why I can dodge with minimal effort. It might be a basic application but it made me a competent fighter combined with Rokushiki. 

Haki was a truly fascinating ability in One Piece, a sturdy body and willpower was a basic requirement in unlocking 2 of the 3 Haki variations. The other stated to be decided at birth which I frankly wasn't so sure about.

I felt I always had a knack for Observation, Garp's training regime allowed me to gain a sturdy body but what I lacked was truly willpower. I was resilient yes, but I lacked the confidence in my own strength, something Garp had mentioned as well.

Taking precaution in every fight I took, no matter the disparity in strength, it wasn't a bad trait but I had to change, and that's exactly what I did a year ago.

I had reflected on my first few moments in this world, scared shitless as I was but a fragile and weak boy. That was no longer the case, I could hold my own against the strongest in East Blue. In short, I was no longer a pussy. 

In regards to Armament Haki, I was stuck on that, it was much harder to learn without constantly fighting foes out at sea. I needed someone to push me to my limits, no not Garp, he would never use his full strength against me. 

I would frequently visit Foosha village to get my mind off training, it wasn't healthy staying holed up on the mountain all year around. I interacted with the villagers now and then but nothing meaningful. I only cared for a few people in this world, but there was no harm in being friendly to these kind villagers. 

'Hmm, maybe I buy a sword today, swordsman are kind of badass and it would add versatility to my fighting style' I thought as I headed towards Foosha Village.

Another 2 years passed by...

Whistling randomly, Ray made his way through the village just enjoying the warm breeze, he liked just strolling around every now and then, it helped ease his mind off his training. 

'Hmm, what's that commotion over there?' thought Ray as he sensed panic near Partys Bar. As he got closer, he knew exactly what this was. Higuma and his crew had taunted the Red Hair Pirates, Shanks being the laidback man he is, didn't react to the taunts. 

Ray just stood there, letting the events unfold, eventually gunshots went off and Higuma ran off with Luffy. 'Wonder what Shank's thinking? It's six year prior to his rise as a Yonko, but he could easily dispatch these worthless trash at any moment'. 

Ray was contemplating if he should intrude, but this was a crucial moment in Luffy's journey, it didn't seem like missing an arm would hinder Shanks further down the line anyway.

'Ah fuck, let's just wait'.