16 Hasshoken*

Hasshoken was an incredibly difficult technique to master for ordinary people as it requires a strong physique along with fine control over the user's body. 

This fighting style allows the user to control vibrations around their limbs to generate shock waves. This shockwave is powerful enough to destroy a metal shield or defeat a strong man easily. To master this technique one must have total control over their muscle to generate an unblockable and reverberating strike that can penetrate any defenses.

The ability to generate and control vibrations is similar to Yonko Whitebeard's Gura Gura no Mi but at a smaller scale. Although the Hasshoken generates more concentric waves than the Gura Gura no Mi's apparent bubbles of concentrated seismic energy. After "awakening" his true powers of the Hasshoken, a bluish-green aura would be visible around the user but as a side effect, the user might suffer internal injuries if not strong enough.

During the training process, Victor realized how much of a hack his third blessing, "Enhanced brain function" was. He could analyze, learn, and remember everything exponentially faster compared to others. He never had such clarity of thoughts, it's as if like he was flying in a glider in his past life but now it has been upgraded to a 5th-generation fighter jet. His awakened Lunarian Physique was no joke either, with the boon of enhanced regeneration he could train to his limits without worrying about side effects. His raw strength has increased from being able to lift 200 Kg to 2500 Kg in this one short month along with the increase in muscle density and stamina. 

Currently, the dojo was alive with the sound of reverberating clashes as Victor sparred with his new friends, Sai and Boo, all three of them blindfolded. Despite his blindfold, his awakened basic Observation Haki allowed him to sense the movements of his opponents with pinpoint accuracy. It felt like having a 3-D radar with a heat sensor attached to his mind.

The Chinjao brothers had also made progress in their Haki training after wanting to rival Victor who had taught them MMA from his previous life. They had improved to more formidable fighters capable of challenging pirates with higher levels of physical strength. The three combatants moved with grace and precision, their strikes and blocks resonating with the shockwaves of Hasshoken style. The air was filled with the sound of clashing energy and the occasional friendly banter as they pushed each other to their limits.

Sai, a martial artist with impressive strength and raw power, unleashed a series of devastating strikes. But with a swift, almost dance-like grace, Victor deflected each attack and countered with precise, Hasshoken-empowered strikes. The vibrations from his blows rippled through the air, creating shockwaves that sent Sai staggering backward.

Boo, on the other hand, was known for his agility and speed. He darted around the sparring area, launching lightning-fast kicks and punches. Victor's heightened senses allowed him to track Boo's every move, and he responded with a perfectly timed Hasshoken strike that countered Boo in mid-air. The impact sent Boo tumbling to the ground, stunned by the force of the blow.

"Ughh" Boo grunted in pain, "I need a break."

As they paused to catch their breath, Victor removed his blindfold, a glimmer of satisfaction in his eyes.

"You've come a long way, Victor," Sai remarked, wiping the sweat from his brow. "Your progress is astonishing." Boo also nodded in agreement.

"C'mon guys, stop the cap. I still have a long way to go before I can rival the true powerhouses in the Grand Line."

"Do you want to become a pirate too??" Young Boo asked curiously.

"Pirates sound very cheap, I'd rather like to be remembered as an adventurer!" He answered with a genuine smile. "The Pirate King is called so just to make him seem more fearsome even though he was not a bloodthirsty manic, imagine if he was called the Adventurer King by the World Government."

The other two burst out laughing, Victor was very weird sometimes.

That night there was a small banquet to commemorate Victor's graduation, Don Chinjao sat on his throne and his subordinates sat on their respective seats while having a good time with many drinks and women.

"Victor Moriarty, I have taught you everything I know in the past few weeks as per our bet. I hope you keep training with such intensity and one day be strong enough to defeat Garp and his protege as you promised. Now raise your cup of sake and commemorate our student-teacher relationship." Cinjao said seriously but there was a hint of satisfaction in his face. Victor was a good seedling and after this training, he was sure Victor had improved both in strength and mentality. Previously he was like a bloodthirsty killing machine but now he is a refined and disciplined martial artist embarking on a path of self-realization.

"Yes, Sensei!! I'll not disappoint you." Victor bowed respectfully and raised his cup as everyone in the room cheered from the sidelines. Most of them were elderly higher-ups of the Happo Navy who had seen Victor's monstrous growth since Day 1.

"Victor! I swear that from now you will be my lifelong rival and friend." Sai announced loudly which was followed by another round of hearty cheers and laughter.

"I'll fight you whenever you want friend!" Victor said as he gave a fist bump to Sai.

After a whole lot of music, partying, and drinking it was finally time for him to return to his home and wife.

"Don't die out there in the world stinky brat!" The last thing Don Chinjao said to him before he left the banquet hall. Unbeknownst to the others, his eyes were a little moist and there was a slight smile on his usually serious face.

The next day at dawn, the Uriel finally sailed away from the Happo Navy port. Victor watched with nostalgia as the piece of island gradually grew smaller and smaller.

***

On the Swallow Islands, North Blue

The island's distinct feature is its central mountain formation which takes the shape of a swallow, which is covered with trees. A few years ago, the island was to serve as a temporary base for the Donquixote Pirates following their plan to steal the Ope Ope no Mi from the pirates led by Diez Barrels. However, the crew never landed on the island when they spotted the Marine ships led by Vice Admiral Tsuru, who set up an ambush for the crew based on Rosinante's information.

After leaving the Donquixote Pirates, Trafalgar Law has taken residence on this island while still grieving Rosinante's death. He ended up meeting Bepo, Penguin, and Shachi by defending the former from the latter two who were bullying the Polar Bear Mink at the time. Law defeated both Shachi and Penguin, earning their and Bepo's respect and admiration. 

Currently, the two of them were living in a rundown house on the outskirts of the Island but surprisingly there was an unknown visitor in the house. Law stood defensively as little Bepo hid behind him and peeked with his bean-like eyes from the side. A well-built man in a black suit and glasses sat on the other side of the table. 

"Trafalgar Law, I represent the Moriarty Family of the West Blue. Our boss Victor Moriarty has personally invited you to join our family." The well-dressed man who looked like a lawyer wearing golden glasses said calmly.

"What if I disagree?" After his traumatic experiences, Law has no wish to join another criminal organization like his past. He has only one goal, kill that evil bastard with his own hands one day.

"Well, in that case, I was ordered to leave you alone. But before you deny, please have a word with Mr Hugh, the consigliere of the Moriarty Family" He took out a small den den mushi and dialled a number. After a few rings an aged voice came from the other side after the man explained the current situation.

"Trafalgar Law, the last survivor from Flevance, I don't know why Boss wants to recruit a small child like you but he has asked me to relay an offer you won't refuse. If you join us, Master Moriarty will personally help you to take revenge on Donquiote Doflamingo and the royal family of Flevance who abandoned your people for profit." Mr Hugh said calmly causing Law to suddenly become more weary.

"How do you know this information?? Why should I trust you guys? You all are the same as Doflamingo." He blurted out angrily.

"It's admirable that you don't trust strangers blindly but please refrain from slandering Master Victor without witnessing anything personally. As for trust, it must be built with time so I'll ask you to give it a second thought."

Law thought for a moment and replied, "Why does Victor Moriarty want to antagonize Doflamingo? What does he have to gain in all this?"

"I am not capable enough to know Boss's thoughts but he did say these words, 'Doflamingo is a devil in human skin who shouldn't be allowed to grow in strength'. You can think about the offer, if you agree then our representative will safely escort you to West Blue. You can also refuse but you won't be getting this offer again, it's a gamble you have to take on your own."

"I have another condition, my friend Bepo will be coming with me." Little Law declared after giving it some thought. He decided to take this gamble to avenge Rosinante's death, if this doesn't work out he can at least flee from North Blue away from Doflamingo's reach.

"No problem! Mr Flintshot, bring them home safely." Old man Hugh ordered.

"Yes Boss!!" The man replied as the call ended.

"Let's go home, kids!!" He said with a smile as he picked up his hat and briefcase.

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