trainning again

Five months had passed since that battle, and I had decided to leave that arena and settle deep in the forest, in one of the mountains on this island. My goal was simple: to create a training camp to get back in shape. This camp had a diameter of over a kilometer and included a place where shadows prepared meals, a resting area, a large house for myself, a training zone, and other facilities I don't need to mention.

This center was really well-designed, and I was quite proud of myself and my shadows. During this month, I tried to perfect my Haki, training every day of the week and at every hour of the day. Honestly, it worked quite well; I could now use Armament Haki at will, although it was not yet at an advanced level. Nevertheless, it was strong enough to be compared to the average. Of course, I still have a long way to go.

But this month wasn't only useful for me; Baran also took the opportunity to train against the three Vice Admirals. He made progress with his Armament and Observation Haki, but he still has a long way to go.

To be honest, I am always amazed by this shadow, Baran. His strength is not far from mine, and every fight against him is a small challenge, even though I win each time.

Anyway, today, I decided to get my shadows in order because a poorly organized army is a doomed army, as a very famous person said (me). So, I organized a tournament where everyone had a chance to win. As expected, every shadow wanted to participate, as they had the will to be the most useful to their monarch.

"First fight: Berserker against Vice Admiral 1."

Vice Admiral 1 was the one I fought first when the three Vice Admirals arrived. Berserker is obviously the massive person I fought against five months ago in the arena.

Without me needing to say that the fight could begin, the two of them started battling, and each strike from both shadows was filled with Armament Haki, creating a clash between Berserker's sword and the Vice Admiral's fist. The ground beneath them was deformed, but they didn't care. After several minutes, Berserker finally used his Devil Fruit power, becoming much larger and taking on a red and black appearance. But the Vice Admiral didn't flinch, ready to defeat his opponent, and he charged.

This time, the clash even sent some of the weaker shadows flying, and everything around the two fighters within a 200-meter radius was destroyed. What was astonishing was that the Vice Admiral held his ground. I guess I had underestimated him.

After another 10 minutes, the fight ended with the victory of the Vice Admiral. Actually, it was predictable; a Vice Admiral of the Marines is not just anyone. Becoming stronger made me lose the sense of strength...

"Next fight: Baran against the same Vice Admiral."

This time, I had no doubt about the victory; Baran would undoubtedly destroy him.

Without wasting any time, Baran used his Devil Fruit and transformed into a demon king, flames igniting all around him, and the entire forest began to catch fire... darn.

His sword also caught fire; it was once about 2 meters long, but now it extended to 2.5 meters, surrounded by flames. Facing him, the 2-meter Vice Admiral looked small.

And when the two clashed, they both avoided each other's blows, which cut through everything in front of the Vice Admiral for 50 meters, and as for what Baran cut, everything within 100 meters was sliced and even more aflame than before. It was like hell descending on earth, but on a smaller scale, of course.

But the shadow of the Vice Admiral didn't retreat, and with all his strength, he slashed towards Baran, who did the same, using a tremendous amount of flames condensed into his sword. When he swung his sword, a 300-meter-long trench destroyed everything in its path, taking the Vice Admiral's shadow with it, as well as some other shadows who were just in the way...

At the end of the day, this is how my army was organized:

Supreme Leader: ME

Army General: Baran

Commanders: the 3 Vice Admirals and Berserker

Soldiers: the rest

Honestly, I decided to place Berserker on the same level as the Vice Admirals because I believe he only lacks technique. Each Vice Admiral is a master in their own weapon. However, Berserker possesses a Devil Fruit that can make him much stronger, and if guided well, I think he could be almost on the level of an Admiral.

Before sleeping, I had a celebration with my army. Some tried to drink, even though they are just shadows. Others danced, and some fought, discontent with their rank in my army, but none were left out. It was something I found essential in an army: good camaraderie, even if it is obligatory since they are shadows, haha...

Finally, I could sleep peacefully, as I have been doing for the past 5 months. I think I will wait until the beginning of next year to leave this island because I want to finish my Haki training with my shadows first, so I won't be afraid to face anyone in the Grand Line and later in the New World.

1 year later (June 1479)

For the past few months, I've turned 10 years old because I decided my birthday would be on January 1st. I've grown a bit, although I still have the features of a child. Now I stand at 1.65 meters, like a 13 or 14-year-old, I guess.

But today, it's time for us (me and my shadows) to leave this place! Heading to the Sky Islands!