Chapter 103: 103. Can't I Enjoy It?

Check out advanced chapters on P@treon: [email protected]/CosmicKaminari ---------- To support Yamato's resolve to face Kaido in battle, Alex fully understood and respected her determination. As her teacher, he took it upon himself to guide her, starting with lessons on the mastery of Conqueror's Haki. This involved more than just awakening the ability—it was about honing its advanced applications, such as Conqueror's Infusion, the technique of imbuing attacks with the overwhelming will of a king. However, Alex himself admitted that his mastery of Conqueror's Infusion wasn't as developed as his proficiency with Armament and Observation Haki. The key difference lay in the control. Where Armament required precise manipulation of energy, mastering Conqueror's Infusion demanded the wielder to blend raw dominance with finesse. Reflecting on his own journey, Alex recalled how he had refined his Conqueror's Haki through countless battles, especially against Kaido. Constant clashes between them had slowly refined his Haki, culminating in his mastery. Unlike advanced Armament Haki techniques such as Emission, which require deliberate focus, Conqueror's Infusion grew through the raw, unyielding clash of kings. To pass this knowledge on, Alex adopted a straightforward (brutal) method inspired by the greatest teacher in One Piece-Kaido. With blood-replenishing dandelions prepared in advance by Mansherry, Alex subjected Yamato to rigorous, hands-on lessons. These intense battles helped her deepen her understanding of Conqueror's Haki by experiencing its crushing power firsthand. Even though Yamato and Hancock were cherished by Alex, he didn't hold back. His philosophy was that only strict guidance could forge excellence. After all, his role as their teacher outweighed any hesitation to go easy on them. Of course, once the sessions were over, he was quick to console and encourage them, knowing they appreciated the process, even if it was grueling. For now, both women were still in the early stages of grasping Conqueror's Infusion, their progress gradual but steady. Alex wasn't concerned—it was only a matter of time before they reached mastery. Wanokuni, under his rule, had an abundance of time for growth and refinement. As for Alex himself, his strength was approaching its peak. However, with no worthy opponents left to challenge him, his progress had begun to plateau. His current focus shifted from personal power to the broader development of Wanokuni and his influence on the world. Using his plot knowledge, Alex worked to take the opportunities and ensure his influence permeated the New World. For now, though, Alex allowed himself to savor the luxuries of his position. He embodied the saying, "I have spent my life in battle—can't I now enjoy the peace I've earned?" His days alternated between rigorous training sessions—teaching Yamato, Hancock, and Kuina their respective disciplines—and moments of indulgence. By night, he embraced the comforts of life. Toki, still radiant with charm, remained a steadfast presence, while Natasha, using the Slip-Slip Fruit, had become a newfound fascination for Alex. The unique properties of her ability had proven enjoyable, giving him an addiction to its effects. Although his lifestyle wasn't a hedonistic spiral of excess, it carried a refined sense of luxury. Alex struck a careful balance, ensuring his indulgences never compromised his discipline or ambitions. With Alex's physique, even several consecutive nights of exertion left him without a trace of fatigue. He hadn't even once resorted to using the ultimate recovery tool, "Senzu Beans," which Mansherry had quietly provided, although he kept them as a precaution. Thanks to his overwhelming strength, even the chief executive sometimes found Alex's carefree demeanor exasperating, thinking a general should act with more restraint. But Alex was no Orochi and Oden, cowering in fear or escaping his duties. Even if Alex were to stroll aimlessly through the streets of Wanokuni all day, it would only draw admiration and boost morale. His presence alone drove crowds and invigorated commerce, further cementing his role as a beloved leader. Now that Wanokuni was thriving under his rule, Alex had embraced a balance between his responsibilities and enjoyment of life. Whether it was hosting poolside parties, banquets with his retainers, fishing excursions, or listening to the latest songs composed and performed by Maria and Hiyori, he took moments to appreciate the rewards of his hard-earned peace. Several months had passed since the Fire Festival, and the Sea Circle Calendar year of 1509 was fast approaching. It was during this time that Monkey D. Dragon, the leader of the Revolutionary Army, arrived in Wanokuni by stealth. Utilizing his Devil Fruit powers, Dragon crossed the whirlpool-filled seas and bypassed the heavily armed barriers surrounding the great waterfall. He reached the borders of Wanokuni undetected—or so he thought. Not far from Kuri's harbor, an attack came swiftly, forcing Dragon to evade. Despite his extensive use of Observation Haki to avoid detection, someone had still found him. As he dodged the strikes, Dragon raised his hands and called out, "I mean no harm! I've come only to meet Shogun Alex!" He glanced upward, and his heart skipped a beat as he recognized the figure who had attacked him. "Koshiro?!" "Mr. Dragon?" The attacker, equally surprised, lowered his weapon. "What are you doing here?" The two were familiar with one another from their past interactions in East Blue. Seeing Dragon now, Koshiro's wary demeanor softened. "I've come to discuss something important," Dragon replied seriously. "It concerns the Fire Festival and the ideas I shared with you before." Meanwhile, in the capital city, Alex was enjoying another performance of a new song created by Maria and Hiyori. He swirled the wine in his glass, about to take a sip, when Lilith entered the room with purpose. She leaned in close, whispering something into his ear. Alex's expression brightened immediately. He set down his glass and issued a command. "Bring him to me." The music came to an abrupt stop as the retainers exchanged curious glances. Alex offered a reassuring smile. "It's just an outsider—someone who might become an ally. There's no need for you to leave." Relieved, the two women shared a sweet smile before resuming their beautiful melody, the room once again filled with lively, harmonious notes. At the gates of the Flower Capital, Dragon, clad in his signature green robe, now approached openly, escorted by Koshiro and several retainers. He made no further attempts to conceal himself, trusting in the report that had been sent ahead. At the entrance to the inner palace, a tall, graceful figure awaited him. Dragon recognized her immediately: the former Marine Vice Admiral, Gion, now a prominent member of Alex's camp. Her appearance hadn't changed much from his memories—her elegant, form-fitting attire was just as striking as ever. The only noticeable difference was the absence of the Marine cape she once wore with pride.