Chapter 25: Meeting the King

Early morning, before dawn.

Bear, Ginny, and Shanks arrived punctually at the training ground on the island.

Renji glanced at the three of them with amusement. Though they hadn't eaten breakfast yet and were still groggy from waking up, their attitude toward training was commendable.

Especially Shanks, who wasn't used to waking up early. He looked like a wilted eggplant, completely drained.

Renji had woken up earlier than the three of them. After running several laps around the island and preparing breakfast, he finally made his way to the training ground.

He knew the three of them weren't in the habit of eating breakfast, but they would definitely be hungry after training. So, he had prepared a meal for each of them.

When the three saw Renji approaching, they couldn't hide their excitement. They all had their reasons for wanting to grow stronger. Before, when Renji hadn't been teaching them, they had even considered sneaking in some training. Now that they had the chance to learn openly, they were thrilled.

A faint smile appeared in Renji's eyes. Without further ado, he walked up to the three of them.

"You've all heard of the Navy's Six Styles, right?"

The three nodded in unison. The Six Styles were techniques spread within the Navy, allowing ordinary people to fight on par with average Devil Fruit users.

However, mastering these techniques required talent. Some could learn them after being taught just once, while others needed extensive training.

"Big brother, are you going to teach us the Six Styles?" Shanks asked.

Renji first nodded, then shook his head. "I'll teach you the Six Styles later. Right now, your bodies aren't ready for that level of training."

"Do you know what the daily training regimen is for Navy soldiers at headquarters?"

Ginny and the others exchanged glances, then slowly shook their heads.

"Two thousand push-ups, one hundred rope climbs, two hundred laps, and finally, combat training," Renji said in the most casual tone, as if he were discussing the weather.

Hearing this, even Bear, who had the strongest physique among them, couldn't help but gulp.

"I know your bodies can't handle that level of training yet, so for now, just do exercises that suit your current physical condition."

"I've left breakfast here for you. Eat it after your training."

"Big brother, what about you?"

Shanks was curious. Now that their training routine was set, what was Renji going to do?

Renji grinned. "These exercises are useless to me now. I'll just watch you train."

"Don't mind me. Pretend I'm not here."

"Don't you have work to do?" Ginny asked, voicing the question on everyone's mind.

Renji replied confidently, "I'm the highest authority in the South Blue. Who can make me work?"

Ginny and the others were left speechless. You're the boss, so you get to do whatever you want...

"Alright, start your training. I'll cheer you on from the sidelines."

"..."

Shanks quickly realized that the training wasn't what he had imagined.

He had thought Renji would give each of them a wooden sword and teach them personally. Since he was a child, Shanks had dreamed of becoming a swordsman, wielding a blade with the speed of the wind.

But reality had slapped him in the face. The training was monotonous and repetitive.

"Control your breathing. Don't lose your rhythm," Renji reminded them from the sidelines.

During training, he was strict. He firmly believed that the sweat you spared during training would turn into blood spilled in battle.

Once they got the hang of controlling their breathing, the three of them felt the pressure ease slightly, and their training gradually became more focused.

"....."

Just as Renji was getting into the groove of watching them train...

"Captain Renji, the king has summoned you. Please come with us," a soldier in heavy armor said in a cold, stiff voice.

"Your kingdom's soldiers are getting worse and worse. You don't even show your face when inviting someone?" Renji shook his head. "Is this how you treat guests?"

The armored man pressed on, "So, Captain Renji, are you refusing to come?"

"I didn't say that. Don't put words in my mouth. I happen to be free right now, so I'll go with you."

Renji chuckled and patted the armor. It did look quite imposing.

He had been to the palace a few times before, always at the old king's invitation.

Though, given his status, entering the palace was as easy as eating or drinking for him, he wasn't the type to visit without a good reason.

Without waiting for the armored man to lead the way, Renji started walking toward the palace.

"Didn't you eat? You're walking so slowly..." Renji teased the armored man trailing behind him. He had deliberately slowed his pace, but the man was still lagging.

Armored man: Do you think I want to walk slowly? This armor is heavy...

He could barely breathe and didn't have the energy to respond to Renji...

Soon, Renji stood at the entrance of the palace.

"Your Majesty, Renji has arrived."

King Bekori, who had been dozing with his eyes half-closed, slowly opened them at the announcement.

"Let him in."

Under the escort of the guards, Renji entered the palace.

Being summoned by the king was something Renji had expected. He had thought the king would wait a few more days, but it seemed he was in a hurry.

Was there something important to discuss, or was there another motive?

Seeing King Bekori lying in a rocking chair, Renji smiled as if meeting an old friend.

"Your Majesty, what brings you to summon me?"

"Ah... It's been a while since we last met. You're always busy catching pirates. It's not easy for an old man like me to get a chance to see you."

Renji shook his head. "Your Majesty, I don't like the sound of that. I'm just doing my part to maintain peace and stability."

"See, this time, I came as soon as you called. I even put aside other matters just to meet you."

Bekori glanced at Renji, who wasn't standing too far away. "Your tongue is as sharp as ever."

He suddenly reached out to a nearby servant. "Help me up. This old body is becoming less and less useful."

He then looked at Renji. "You come with me for a walk."

Renji had no objections and followed the old king with light steps.

From Renji's perception, the king was in good health and didn't need anyone to support him. Was this an attempt to lower his guard?

Unfortunately, whether the king was truly ill or just pretending made no difference to Renji.

"If you called me here for something, just say it directly."

Bekori frowned slightly, clearly dissatisfied with Renji's attitude. He was the king, and he contributed a massive amount of "Celestial Tribute" to the World Nobles every year.

A marine jumping around in front of the king was one thing, but now Renji wasn't even showing basic respect.

However, remembering Renji's terrifying strength, Bekori chose to endure it.

"Nothing much. I just wanted to catch up."

Renji smirked dismissively. Even a three-year-old wouldn't believe that.

"I heard you've been promoted to captain. Congratulations," Bekori said, forcing a smile despite his discomfort.

Renji responded simply, "Thank you."

"I heard that the headquarters for the South Blue Governor has always been on Stuart Island. When do you plan to move there?"

The old fox finally couldn't hold back.

"I told Vice Admiral Karp that I'm not going there for now. Moving around is too much trouble."

"I prefer it here. The people here are good-looking and pleasant to talk to."

Renji made his stance clear. The old king was ugly and had unrealistic expectations.

The factories he had built here weren't something that could be moved easily. The manpower and resources required would be enormous.

Besides, he was now the top authority in the South Blue Navy. Wherever he was, that was the headquarters!

...

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