Pirate: I have a Hollow living inside me

Rocks then woke up.

After washing up, I began my daily practice.

Rocks first practiced the boxing style he learned from Duke—the Duke-style boxing style, which is said to be able to defeat the Four Emperors!

certainly.

The claim that he could defeat the Four Emperors is just old Duke's boasting.

It's true that this old man was once a member of the Rocks Merchant F, but apart from being quite knowledgeable, his actual strength was just average. Otherwise, he wouldn't have come to the East China Sea to retire...

'boom! '

Rocks threw a straight punch, the surface of his fist rippling.

The punch struck the tree stump in front of him squarely, and the force exploded instantly.

With a muffled thud, a crater suddenly exploded behind the tree stump, scattering sawdust everywhere...

"I've completely mastered this technique of generating power. You're truly worthy of me!"

Looking at the damage he had caused, Locke nodded with satisfaction: "Old Duke may not be very strong, but his boxing skills are quite commendable."

"If it could be used in conjunction with high-level Armament Haki, the effect would be even better..."

Old Duke's strength was average; he was no match for Rocks.

However, the Duke style of boxing that the opponent created did have some merit.

Once mastered, it can unleash shockwaves and punches.

Similar to striking a cow through a mountain or a punch penetrating the body, it can cause direct damage to the internal organs.

Rocks thought to himself that this kind of fist technique, when used with high-level Armor Haki, should be twice as effective.

It's a formidable style of boxing!

"A domineering high-class demeanor, yet you claim to be a member of the Rocks Merchant F, when you can only rely on yourself?"

Rocks then made another sarcastic remark about his adoptive father.

Old Duke was indeed very knowledgeable, even knowing how to cultivate basic dominance.

Otherwise, Rocks would definitely think that this "member of the Rocks Merchant F" title was just boasting...

"We've practiced fist techniques, let's practice swordsmanship. We can't afford to lose to Kuina in a few days, otherwise we'll have to follow her lead..."

Rocks majored in boxing and swordsmanship.

Compared to boxing, Rocks valued swordsmanship more.

There's no other reason, I just think swordsmen are cool.

Actually, Rocks had another ambition: to become the world's greatest swordsman!

"Let's begin training!"

Lox picked up his sword—a fairly well-made katana.

He began practicing his swordsmanship with great effort.

They practiced the basic sword techniques of the Isshin Dojo.

However, compared to his boxing skills, Rocks' swordsmanship was rather unbearable to watch.

It's not that it lacks any structure, but it just looks very awkward.

It's no different from waving a stick around randomly...

"This is terrible..."

Old Duke, who was watching Rocks practice his swordsmanship, covered his face, unable to bear it any longer.

He took a drag of his cigarette and said slowly, "Young man, listen to this old man's advice, you're really not suited to using a sword..."

"You don't understand. Using a sword is a man's romance, and my abilities have destined me to become a powerful swordsman in the future."

Lockes ignored him and confidently declared, "If there are different levels in swordsmanship, I have already reached the level of 'splitting iron'."

His ability is a Mythical Beast Species - Void Form - Black Winged Demon, how could he not know how to use a sword?

Ulquiorra is a master swordsman.

He believed that his swordsmanship would definitely not be weak in the future.

No, he doesn't even need the future. His swordsmanship is already quite strong, having reached the level of "splitting iron"!

Old Duke: "..."

I don't understand why this kid is so obsessed with swordsmanship.

Physical skills are clearly the opponent's strength.

This kid's talent in physical combat is so good that he can even "master" the Duke-style boxing technique he created, and actually deliver an impact that can cause internal damage...

He was shocked!

I knew this kid was talented, but I didn't expect him to be this exceptionally gifted.

This kid is so irresponsible; he actually wants to become a swordsman, even though he clearly has almost no talent in swordsmanship...

Returning to the realm of iron-slaying...

It can indeed cut iron.

But he had no skill whatsoever; he relied solely on the kid's astonishing strength.

This is all thanks to the Devil Fruit, okay...?

It belongs to the kind of approach where sheer force can overcome anything, like a brick flying with sheer strength.

What kind of "realm of cutting iron" is this?

'Forget it, once this kid has seen the vastness of the ocean, he'll realize the truth about his poor swordsmanship talent...'

Old Duke shook his head, feeling truly helpless.

I've said it all, and I've tried to persuade them.

This kid just won't listen, there's nothing he can do.

I simply stopped thinking about it.

Once he sees the vastness of the sea, this kid will realize that swordsmanship is not suitable for him...

Taking a puff of his pipe, old Duke asked again, "When are you going out to sea?"

“A merchant ship will be heading to Shimotsuki Village in a few days. I need to go to Isshin Dojo to fulfill my promise to Kuina, since we share the same goal.”

Lockes didn't stop practicing his swordsmanship, and took a moment to reply.

Because of his passion for swordsmanship, Rocks naturally wanted to learn it.

By chance, he entered the Isshin Dojo and practiced basic swordsmanship under Shimotsuki Koshiro for a period of time.

Nature.

Rocks became acquainted with Kuina and Zoro, who were also training at the Isshin Dojo.

Because of Lox's presence, the tragedy of Kuina falling to her death from the stairs was avoided.

Lox also made a "three-year agreement" with Kuina.

Judging by the time, it's about time. I should go and fulfill my promise to Kuina!

……

A few days later.

Rocks is preparing to set sail.

Location of the pier.

Besides old Duke, other people came to see him off; they were villagers from the island village.

The villagers, with their simple and honest customs, got along fairly well with Lockes and old Duke.

Although these people looked reluctant, they couldn't hide the joy in their eyes.

This "troublemaker" is finally leaving.

happy!

This small island couldn't withstand Rocks's wrath.

Now this kid is planning to go out to sea and wreak havoc on other people.

The villagers were overjoyed...

"Kid, go! The Grand Line and the New World are your stage!"

Old Duke puffed on his pipe.

His expression didn't show much reluctance, as if he had known this day would come.

This kid's heart yearns for the sea.

This island cannot hold him.

He had known this for a long time.

Besides, fledgling eagles always have to fly into the sky.

A man's ambition lies in all corners of the world. With Rocks' talent and strength, only the Great Line and the New World are his stage!

He paused, exhaled a smoke ring, and said, "That sea is dangerous, but I know you'll go through it. You are... Rocks!"

"Oh, by the way, if you run into any trouble in the New World, you can go find that old guy, Whitebeard."

As if remembering something, Duke added, "I used to have a pretty good relationship with him. I owe him a life, and he owes me a drink."

"Considering our friendship, he should, probably, possibly... help you, right?"

"???"

Lox looked completely bewildered.

This old man actually knows someone as important as Whitebeard?

However, this statement...

What does it mean that you owe him a life and he owes you a drink?

The difference is just too big!

You have the nerve to say you have a relationship with Whitebeard?

And is the last sentence a question?

This old man is really unreliable; could it be that he wants me to repay this favor...?

Thinking of this, Lockes asked with a dark expression, "Hey, old man, you don't mean you want me to repay this favor for you, do you?"

Don't overthink it.

Duke shook his head and said shamelessly, "Don't worry about me owing him a life. Just remember he owes me a drink. That old guy is a real hero and won't care about such things."

Locus was speechless: "..."

Your shamelessness always exceeds my expectations!

"Alright, I'm leaving. Take care of yourself."

Rocks wasn't a sentimental man. He straightened old Duke's collar and said, "Come back when you have time, but by then... I should be a big shot!"

"Go, let the name Rocks..."

"I am leaving."

Rocks, no longer wanting to listen to Duke's manipulative tactics, patted Duke on the shoulder, turned, and walked away...

"This kid..."

Watching Lockes' resolute departure, old Duke chuckled and cursed.

He took another puff of his pipe and slowly exhaled white smoke.

"Be careful, kid."