The sea wind howled, and the Going Merry sailed through the vast and magnificent Grand Line, riding the wind and waves.
The sails were hoisted high, sunlight bathed the deck, and everything looked full of vitality.
Although there were constant storms along the way, with the help of Kai, Luffy, and the others, the Going Merry sailed exceptionally smoothly, getting closer and closer to Whiskey Peak.
On the deck, Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji stood shirtless, all nearly two meters tall, appearing tall and robust.
Their well-proportioned muscles gleamed in the sunlight, and rising heat enveloped their bodies.
They were gritting their teeth, persisting in their body refinement training, sweat dripping down their cheeks onto the deck.
"Hmph, not bad," Kai stood aside, his gaze calmly sweeping over the three, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes.
"As expected, the pressure of real-combat drills is best at stimulating their potential; even their training has become more intense."
Luffy gritted his teeth, veins bulging on his arms, shouting, "I can't let Kai beat me up again! This time, I'm definitely going to hit back!"
Zoro clenched his fists, sweat continuously dripping from his forehead:
"As long as my physical strength improves a bit more, my Armament Haki will become stronger! By then, I'll definitely be able to block Kai's attacks head-on!"
Sanji, with a cigarette dangling from his lips, had a determined look, his footwork as swift as the wind:
"Hmph, it won't do to always be suppressed by that guy Kai; I don't want to always be ranked behind."
To further improve their strength and avoid being pummeled by Kai at Whiskey Peak, the three used all their might.
They diligently used the body refinement method to enhance their physical fitness, knowing that physical strength was the foundation.
Only then could they unleash stronger combat power and make their Armament Haki more potent.
Only then could they counter Kai's attacks instead of being forced to take a beating—this was the key.
Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji all possessed the heart of a strong person and an indomitable will.
And they also had methods to quickly become stronger, which is why they trained so hard.
They were all making their final efforts for the no-holds-barred real-combat drill at Whiskey Peak.
None of them wanted to be left far behind by Kai.
The same belief emanated from them—to become stronger, to not be suppressed by anyone.
It was this indomitable will that made the three fight with all their might.
On the other side, Nami and Usopp stood by the deck, watching the trio's training with complex expressions.
"These guys are truly monsters, even though I'm used to seeing it…" Usopp hugged his arms, unable to help but click his tongue,
"They're all red and steaming, yet they can train so hard; they're practically not human."
"Stop complaining," Nami sighed.
"Although we're used to their rigorous training, honestly, their progress is so fast it makes one anxious."
Usopp scratched his head, a hint of nervousness on his face: "If we don't work harder, we'll be left far behind by them sooner or later…"
"Exactly," Nami nodded, a trace of determination in her eyes.
"When we get to Whiskey Peak, we also need to find a way to intensify our training; we can't always let them widen the gap."
After training, Kai and the three feasted on a giant grilled fish on the deck.
Sanji had neatly skewered the pre-prepared fish on an iron rack, emitting an enticing aroma.
The few of them ate ravenously, leaving no bones behind, clearly, the hunger brought on by the training made them unable to stop.
"This fish is good; let's catch a few more next time!" Luffy, mouth full of fish, loudly exclaimed.
"Indeed, this kind of meat texture is perfect for replenishment after training," Kai nodded in evaluation, "Sanji, next time pay more attention to choosing more nutritious parts."
"Got it, got it," Sanji, cigarette in mouth, didn't stop his hands, continuing to flip and grill the fish.
Suddenly, Nami's voice came: "Whiskey Peak is here!"
Everyone looked up, and sure enough, a small island appeared on the distant sea, its outline gradually becoming clear.
Lush vegetation covered the island's slopes, and the port on the shore appeared quiet and peaceful.
As the Going Merry approached the port, Mr. 9 and Miss Wednesday exchanged glances, complex expressions on their faces. They stood by the deck, their faces solemn.
"Thank you for bringing us back, but we'll handle what happens next ourselves," Miss Wednesday said in a heavy tone.
"We need to hurry back and convince the islanders not to attack you," Mr. 9's voice carried a hint of panic, "otherwise… they'll be completely wiped out by you."
After speaking, without waiting for the others to react, the two jumped into the sea and swam towards the shore, leaving the bewildered crew on the deck.
"What exactly are those two guys so anxious about?" Usopp scratched his head, "How dangerous are the people on the island?"
"Dangerous?" Kai sneered, "It's more like they're worried about their own people being taken out by us."
"Nami, how long do we need to stay on this island?" Kai asked, his tone calm.
"The Log Pose indicates it will take one day to fully charge," Nami replied while looking at the compass.
"One day is enough," Kai nodded, his gaze sweeping over Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji, "Enough for us to have a real-combat drill."
Hearing this, a flicker of excitement simultaneously flashed in the eyes of Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji.
Whiskey Peak's port was very dilapidated; the wooden pier creaked and groaned.
A few small fishing boats nearby swayed, as if they could be swallowed by the waves at any moment.
The Going Merry slowly docked, Kai and his group moored the ship, and walked along the narrow gangplank towards the shore.
"This place doesn't look great," Usopp wrinkled his nose, looking at the dilapidated houses in the distance, "The houses are about to collapse; do people really live here?"
"Stop talking nonsense," Kai's gaze was calm; he raised his hand and pointed to the barren mountain in the distance, "We're not going to the residential area; we'll settle it over there."
On the barren mountain, the wind howled, dry grass swayed with the wind, and the ground beneath their feet was covered with gravel and dirt.
Kai stood in the center of the hillside, the Fangtian halberd in his hand vibrating slightly, its sharp blade reflecting a cold glint.
He turned and glanced at Nami and Usopp: "You two stand far away; this isn't something you can interfere with."
"Got it, got it," Usopp mumbled, quickly retreating to a safe distance with Nami.
"Finally!" Luffy stretched his wrists, his face full of excitement, "I'm ready for a big fight!"
"Just in time to test my recent progress," Zoro gripped his sword hilt, his eyes sharp, "Kai, be careful not to get cut by me!"
"I've been looking forward to this day for a long time," Sanji grinned, the corner of his mouth with the cigarette slightly upturned, "This time, I can properly test the results of my training."
Kai gently inserted the Fangtian halberd into the ground, crossed his arms, and coldly swept his gaze over them:
"Alright, no need for more words. This is a barren mountain; you can fight however you want.
The rules are simple: Observation Haki and Armament Haki can be used freely, and weapons are also allowed.
But remember, Conqueror's Haki is forbidden. Whoever stands last is the winner."
"Haha, excellent!" Luffy grinned, a faint black Armament Haki appearing on his fists, "Come on, let me see your strength!"
"I'm just afraid you won't last until the end," Zoro snorted coldly, drawing Wado Ichimonji, its blade trembling slightly, emitting a chilling coldness.
"Don't steal the show," Sanji exhaled a puff of smoke, gently stomping his foot, and the ground actually cracked,
"This time, I'm going to show you what a real battle is."
"Stop talking nonsense," Kai said indifferently, gripping the Fangtian halberd tightly in his hand, "Begin!"