As for why Tatsumaki was slower than Madara Uchiha and Acnologia in mastering it, even Is didn't know.
In her own world, she was already among the top-tier strongest. Her strength was beyond doubt.
However—
Tatsumaki herself didn't care about the difference in speed.
After Madara and Acnologia had learned it, Is returned to his push-ups and sit-ups.
Meanwhile, Tatsumaki was guided by the two of them as they helped her grasp Armament Haki and Observation Haki.
In the blink of an eye, afternoon arrived.
Still in the backyard, Is was drenched in sweat from head to toe.
"Ding—Congratulations, host. Sit-ups (10000/10000) and push-ups (10000/10000) completed. Advanced Physical Arts successfully activated."
"Ding—Detected that the host's current physique is insufficient to fully handle Advanced Physical Arts. However, the system can force early adaptation."
"Side effects may occur, but host need not worry. Even the side effects will benefit your body."
"Once your physique reaches the required level, all side effects will disappear."
"Ding—Do you wish to activate?"
"What are the side effects?"
Is didn't activate it immediately and asked instead.
If it meant being temporarily immobilized, he would rather set this aside and wait until his body caught up.
"Ding—The side effects will cause damage to the host's body. However, this is beneficial. Each instance of damage, once recovered, will rapidly enhance your physique."
Is thought it over.
In a way, this was a shortcut to becoming stronger—
though it came at the cost of enduring more pain than others.
"This is a perfect method to improve my physique. There's no reason to refuse."
"Confirm activation."
"Ding—Activation successful."
The moment the system's voice faded—
an intense discomfort surged through Is's body.
Every cell seemed to be destroyed in an instant—then restored.
His tendons felt as if they were torn apart—only to be repaired again immediately.
Fortunately, the sensation didn't last long.
Otherwise, Is felt he might have been tortured to death even without an enemy.
When the discomfort finally subsided—
he felt as though he had been reborn.
"…I feel stronger."
Muttering to himself, Is opened his status panel.
Host: Aurelius D. Virel Is
Excavation Level: 1 (70/200)
Excavation Attempts: 0 (2/7) — increases with level
Physique: Advanced Physical Arts (50%) — no side effects at 100%
Characters: Madara Uchiha (35%), Tatsumaki (20%), Acnologia (20%)
Abilities: Paper-Paper Fruit (Burn Attribute) (1460/2000), Conqueror's Haki ( /1000), Armament Haki (860/1000), Observation Haki (796/1000)
Excavation Location: [Insufficient attempts, unable to locate]
Storage: None
Ever since his battle with Kaido, his proficiency with Armament Haki had improved significantly.
The rest had also increased—but only slightly.
…
Another day passed in the blink of an eye.
"Knock, knock, knock!"
Is was enjoying breakfast with Madara and the others—
when knocking sounded from outside.
Roz Minean quickly went to open the door.
Standing there was a man in a black suit.
"Last night, Lord Aurelius D. Virel Is instructed me to deliver newspapers here daily. Today's issue has arrived," the man said.
"Give it to me. I'll pass it along," Roz Minean replied calmly.
"Understood."
The man handed over the newspaper and left.
Roz Minean brought it over to Is.
"Master, the newspaper you requested has arrived. Would you like to read it after breakfast, or now?"
Is gestured for her to open it and hold it in front of him.
As soon as she unfolded it—
he took one glance.
Then—
he couldn't hold it in.
The mouthful of porridge he had just taken was sprayed out as he burst into laughter.
The maids quickly rushed over with napkins to wipe his mouth.
Seeing this, Tatsumaki and the others turned their attention to the newspaper with curiosity.
What caught their eyes first wasn't the headline—
but the massive image covering half the page.
It showed Is, wings spread wide, spear in hand, chasing down Kaido—
with Charlotte Linlin also visible nearby.
"'Hero of the World Government, Saint Aurelius D. Virel Is, successfully repels Rocks Pirates executive Charlotte Linlin.'"
Tatsumaki read the headline aloud, then looked at Is.
"So… you're a hero now."
"…?"
Is frowned slightly.
A hero? Just like that?
He even suspected the World Government had paid the news agency to publish this.
"You don't seem happy about it," Acnologia remarked.
"The World Government's intention—to preserve its reputation—is understandable," Is said calmly.
"But I've become collateral damage."
"Because of this, the Rocks Pirates' reputation will take a hit… and Rocks will definitely come after me for it."
Still—
Is didn't really care.
Rocks wouldn't make any moves in the short term.
And by the time he recovered—
Is would have grown strong enough as well.
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