Chapter 185: Roubo Luqi: There's a Traitor in the Organization!

"If he grows up normally, he should at least reach the combat power of a Vice Admiral level, and judging by the feats shown in the original work—taking several blows directly from Big Mom..."

"Could it be that he's already brushed against the Golden Core realm?"

A trace of surprise appeared on Gao Wen's face; after pondering it carefully, he suddenly understood.

In the original story, although Chopper was part of the 'Cowardly Trio' alongside Nami and Usopp, his cowardice was likely due to his young age, his naive and childish personality, combined with the experiences of his childhood.

As for the other two, at least during the early and mid-stages, their fear stemmed purely from their own weakness and a complete lack of systematic combat ability.

Gao Wen nodded silently to himself:

"Even though the current Chopper is still some time away from the point two years later when he officially joins the Straw Hat Pirates,"

"the medical skills he displayed on Drum Island are already top-tier; indeed, according to Kureha, even at this stage, Chopper had already reached a point where she felt there was nothing left to teach him."

"And even without my deliberate guidance, has Chopper already been influenced by the environment, thereby joining the ranks of the involution army?"

Saying this,

the corners of Gao Wen's mouth curled up into a faint smile.

From Roubo Luqi to Chopper, after these two newcomers joined the crew, they were rapidly assimilated by the fanatical cultivation atmosphere within the pirate crew, joining in either voluntarily or passively.

Furthermore, due to the feedback from their bodies, they became increasingly addicted to it, a development that even exceeded Gao Wen's initial expectations.

After all, in his original conception,

it was necessary to bind them with tangible monetary benefits and honors like team status, creating an environment of internal competition for the crew members.

But the reality was that even with mere cultivation, once this group of leeks experienced the process of becoming stronger, they became so addicted that they could not extricate themselves, displaying an increasingly frenzied state.

"In any case, the situation is developing largely along the direction I anticipated."

"What can be predicted is that henceforth, any newcomer who joins will soon be assimilated by the atmosphere within the pirate crew, becoming a cultivation maniac; this..."

Gao Wen clicked his tongue, sensing something slightly off:

"Group delusion plus an intelligence-reduction aura?... What a mess."

Gao Wen shook his head, brushing away the chaotic thoughts in his mind.

He then tallied today's gains and gained a clear understanding of the experience boost brought by Chopper:

"Chopper can probably provide around 100 points of Physique and Zoan-type Devil Fruit experience daily; the upgrade speed for the Crimson Dragon Fruit and Physique is even faster."

"Moreover, these two skills have reached a critical node; raising them by just one more level will unlock entirely new attributes."

Gao Wen withdrew his attention and placed it upon the system panel.

During this period in the Drum Kingdom, everyone in Gao Wen's pirate crew had been carrying out operations in various locations, or else recovering from injuries, causing their cultivation to be delayed.

Consequently, although the experience for various skills had increased, the growth was much slower, and none had yet reached the critical point for advancement.

Gao Wen's focus remained on three items: Physique, the Crimson Dragon Fruit, and the Six Styles:

【Physique - LV-14: 52343/75000 (Balanced, Harmonized) (Monster Form: LV-16 / Human-Beast Form: LV-16 / Beast Form: LV-17)】

【Crimson Dragon Fruit - LV-4: 1033/15000】

【Six Styles (All) - LV-3: 4676/15000】

Both Physique and the Crimson Dragon Fruit were Gao Wen's core combat powers.

Unlike skills such as Sniping, which yielded negligible actual benefits even at max level, breaking through these would inevitably cause a qualitative transformation in Gao Wen's combat strength once again.

Nowadays, the development model for his Physique had basically been fixed.

From the initial balanced distribution of points to the later perfect synchronization of body control, everything had been moving toward the direction of a hexagonal warrior; thus, the attribute likely to awaken next should also be of the same type.

Although he did not yet know exactly what ability it would be, Gao Wen was certain that it would inevitably constitute a qualitative transformation.

What made Gao Wen look forward to it even more, however, was what kind of branch attribute the Crimson Dragon Fruit would awaken.

After all, inferring from the ability attributes granted by the two major categories of Physique and Swordsmanship previously, even an ordinary Zoan-type, after stacking several attributes, could likely reach a level comparable to a Mythical Zoan.

In short, even without knowing exactly what branch attributes would appear, Gao Wen could confirm one thing: if he were to encounter King the Calamity again, he should be able to pin him to the ground and rub him in it.

Immediately after, Gao Wen's gaze fell upon the Six Styles, and his eyebrows frowned slightly:

"The growth speed of the Six Styles is far slower than I imagined."

"Although the Six Styles do not significantly enhance my current combat power, serving at best to fill the gaps in my martial arts, they hold extremely high value for the crew members."

"Even though it is only level three, summarizing some basics to get newcomers started is entirely sufficient."

"Then I can hand it over to Ah Jin and the others to cultivate, harvest the experience, and feed it back to myself, achieving a virtuous cycle."

Thinking of this, Gao Wen formed a plan.

He fetched paper and brush and began to organize his fundamental insights into the Navy's Six Styles; as character after character fell upon the paper, a rustling sound filled the room.

Time flew by, and a red sun rose over the distant sea surface.

Crimson sunlight streamed through the porthole onto Gao Wen, causing him to squint slightly as he realized with a start:

"Unknowingly, has it already become morning?!"

Gao Wen stretched his waist, checked the Six Styles introductory manual on the table once more, and after confirming there were no issues, he handed it over to Xiang Keluo to teach everyone.

Half an hour later.

On the deck.

Yesterday, Chopper's addition as a newcomer had excited everyone to the extreme; unable to restrain themselves, they had practiced extra until late at night before finally stopping, exhausting their bodies to the limit.

But this could not stop their enthusiasm; as soon as the sky began to brighten, they appeared on the deck.

Gathering in small groups of two or three, they exchanged their insights with one another.

"Everyone come over; I have something to say."

Xiang Keluo called out.

The crew members nimbly got to their feet, and within a few breaths, they had gathered around Xiang Keluo, awaiting his follow-up words.

"Disturbing the joy of our cultivation is a grave crime, Xiang Keluo."

Ah Jin shook his neck, his face full of impatience.

Zoro, Luqi, and others nearby were the same; even standing in the crowd, they did not forget to jump on the spot, adjusting their condition and starting to warm up.

Seeing this, Keluo felt neither angry nor annoyed.

He raised his hand, waving the introductory notebook for the Six Styles he held, and said lightly:

"These are the Marine Six Styles the captain got his hands on; anyone interested?!"

The moment his voice landed,

the crowd instantly fell silent, only to erupt a few seconds later into cries of surprise and delight.

"Secret combat techniques passed down within the Marines? It's said that mastering them all can make one a superhuman capable of rivaling Devil Fruit users?!"

"According to the captain, the Six Styles are highly likely to be secret arts leading directly to Haki; both their practicality and functionality are maxed out."

"Where did the captain get these? Did Luqi and Miss Kalifa provide them?!"

"That shouldn't be the case; after all, they are their own combat skills, and besides, when I asked Miss Kalifa before, she just gave me the cold shoulder..."

"In your case... it must be some other reason?"

"What?"

"Ugliness; after all, your intentions were never pure to begin with, right?!"

"Get lost!"

For a moment, everyone discussed the matter heatedly, yet all held great expectations for the Six Styles.

After all, they had once witnessed the scene of Luqi and Miss Kalifa fighting each other; to claim they were not interested in such secret techniques surpassing human limits would be a lie.

But since it was ultimately a companion's privacy, no one spoke up, never expecting the captain to bring it out directly now.

At this moment, the crowd directly exploded into an uproar.

Ah Jin looked at the thin booklet in Keluo's hand.

For a moment, he was stunned.

He suddenly turned his head to look at Luqi, a trace of gratification appearing in his eyes:

"Was this your doing?!"

"It wasn't me."

Luqi likewise revealed a look of confusion.

Clearly, just a few days ago Miss Kalifa had been rejected, and that introductory manual for the Six Styles was something he had personally watched Miss Kalifa throw into the sea.

Then... how should this scene before his eyes be explained?!

The more Luqi thought about it, the more chaotic his mind became; he turned to look at Miss Kalifa, only to see eyes as bewildered as his own.

"No need to explain."

Ah Jin raised his hand, placing it on Luqi's shoulder, completely failing to notice the latter's iron-green complexion.

He had already concluded that the Marine Six Styles must have been handed over to Gao Wen by Luqi and Miss Kalifa.

Even after Gao Wen had explicitly stated he did not need them, they still chose to give the Six Styles to Gao Wen; what was this?

It was a pledge of loyalty voluntarily submitted by Luqi!

Moreover, the timing of the incident happened to be right after the battle in the Drum Kingdom, so everything now had an explanation...

"After experiencing that battle, have you, fellow, finally acknowledged us as companions?!"

"It's fine, I understand."

The corner of Luqi's mouth twitched, while inside his heart, his defenses were completely shattered.

What the hell do you understand, you understand nothing!

He looked up only to discover that everyone around him was revealing the same gratified expression as Ah Jin.

"I never expected that you, Luqi, would be willing to contribute your secret techniques for everyone's sake; I acknowledge you!"

"From today onward, on this ship, anyone who opposes you is opposing me!"

A tall pirate held a smile on his lips, clenched his fist and patted his own heart, then extended a finger to point at Luqi, his eyes shining like starlight:

"You are a true man!"

"That's right!"

"You truly wholeheartedly submit to the Gao Wen Pirate Crew; you are our companion, not some undercover agent from the World Government hidden here, and I must apologize for my previous suspicions."

"You are a man who truly thinks for his companions; I am not your equal."

Everyone spoke one after another, and in just a few short minutes, they had stamped the label of the Gao Wen Pirate Crew onto Luqi.

For a moment, Luqi did not know whether to laugh or cry; he forcibly suppressed the doubts in his heart and looked up at Keluo in the distance.

"Seeing your reactions, you also understand just how comprehensive and powerful the Six Styles truly are, so I will cut the nonsense."

Keluo cleared his throat and continued:

"According to the captain's intention, from today onward, the Six Styles will become a compulsory course for every crew member, especially the two moves Kami-e and Tekkai, which are of Top Priority!"

"Because they point directly to Armament Haki and Observation Haki!"

At these words, even Zoro and Sanji, who had originally lacked interest, saw a spark of light in their eyes.

"It helps with comprehending Haki?!"

"Then I cannot miss this."

Zoro pressed one hand against the long sword at his waist, the corners of his mouth splitting into a grin:

"After all, the captain once said that every blade can be forged into a Black Blade by Haki; that is the proof of a top-tier swordsman, and Hawk-Eye's Black Blade is one of them."

"To become the World's Greatest Swordsman, Haki is indispensable."

Sanji's expression gradually turned perverted:

"Ah~"

"Only by securing one of the top three positions within the team can I realize my ambition of recruiting beautiful female chefs!"

"No!"

"I am doing all this for the team!"

Zoro subconsciously shuffled two steps sideways, fearing he might be infected by Sanji's perverted aura and plunge into an abyss from which there is no return.

Besides... what's so interesting about women?

Just look at the Captain; from Gaza to Miss Kalifa, woman after woman has eagerly flocked to his side, yet when has he ever cared?

The difference between people is truly greater than that between dogs.

Sighing twice, Zoro withdrew his attention and focused it on Xiang Keluo.

In the center of the crowd.

Xiang Keluo emphasized once more the importance of the Six Powers, then ordered several pirates to transcribe multiple copies of this introductory manual according to the number of people present, distributing them to everyone.

Having done all this, Xiang Keluo also found a spot and began studying the Six Powers.

Although he had already awakened Armament Haki and Observation Haki, the Shave technique among the Six Powers still sparked his interest.

"Accumulating momentum by stomping the floor dozens of times in place?!"

"I wonder what effect it will have after combining it with my Spoon Death..."

"Additionally, this Paper Art technique can also improve my evasion probability during high-speed movement..."

Not long after, the others also received a transcribed copy and one after another began studying the Six Powers.

For a moment.

The crowd even set aside the cultivation methods in their hands, devoting all their energy entirely to the Six Powers.

This was solely because they knew this was a cultivation method pointing directly toward Haki; even without mastering it completely, they could draw inferences from one instance and accelerate their speed of mastering Haki.

Time flew by, and soon it was deep night.

Roubo Luqi and Miss Kalifa sat together, looking at the transcribed copy in their hands; they exchanged a glance, and both saw the shock in each other's eyes.

After verifying it repeatedly, they finally confirmed that what they held was indeed the introductory manual for the Six Powers.

The writer even possessed a certain level of proficiency, likely not inferior to Miss Kalifa.

Roubo Luqi lowered his voice, his tone utterly Solemn:

"Under the current circumstances, there is probably only one possibility: there is a spy for Knight Gao Wen within the World Government."

"Furthermore, being able to access the Six Powers suggests this is no ordinary spy; it is highly likely they are within the Marines or even the CP organization."

Miss Kalifa nodded, her face also showing Solemnity.

Being able to master the complete Six Powers indicated that this spy's status was likely not low.

After all, whether within the Marines or the CP organization, any existence who had cultivated the Six Powers deserved to be called an elite.

Yet, a question also existed in Miss Kalifa's heart:

"But tell me... why did Knight Gao Wen reject the Six Powers introductory manual we provided?! And now he brings out a copy himself?"

"There is a contradiction here."

"If he suspected our identities, then to protect the spy's existence, he should not have revealed the Six Powers at this time; could it be that..."

"Even if he suspects we are spies, he is unwilling to let me bear such a cost?!"

"After all, once the Six Powers are handed over, it means betraying the World Government, carrying the possibility of being hunted down?!"

Miss Kalifa's pretty face flushed red, and her entire body became coy:

"As expected... he likes me!"

"Only this explains why he rejected the Six Powers introductory manual I gave him."

(End of Chapter)