Hell

"First, let me correct a mistaken way of thinking. You are not weak. Compared to the other trainees of your class, you have your own advantages." Boss Longinus did not state his decision outright, instead analyzing the matter in detail.

"First, those qualified to enter the training camp are all outstanding figures from the various branches and Headquarters. Think back to yourselves two years ago—weren't you all convinced that you were the best in the world and refused to yield to anyone?"

At this, the group all showed ashamed expressions, as though embarrassed by the arrogant, overbearing selves they had once been.

"But now, you have formed your own group. To put it bluntly, you are the faction of our G2 Branch. Faction may not be a pleasant term, but the strength of a group can help you obtain more resources in the training camp and achieve greater, faster progress."

Understanding dawned in Gregory and the others' eyes. That was right—other branches or Headquarters might not necessarily have someone like Boss Longinus, someone who could earn their wholehearted respect and bring them together. The strength of a team was their advantage.

"Second, you have captured quite a few pirates alongside me, and the number of life-or-death battles you have experienced should be rare among trainees of previous classes. Moreover, although you rarely underwent Hell Training with me, your actual training volume has already been considerable."

"You think you are weak because, without realizing it, you have been comparing yourselves to me. Compared to others your age, you are already strong enough. Otherwise, Commodore Adkin would not have placed such great expectations on us."

The light in Abraham and the others' eyes grew brighter and brighter. So it was not that they were too weak, but that the standard they were comparing themselves against was too absurd? Did that mean they could avoid Hell Training?

Hm! Better wait until Boss finished his third point before making any plans!

"Third, you will be undergoing Hell Training with me shortly. I believe that once you complete it, you will surely shine with an entirely new brilliance!" Boss Longinus flashed a devilish smile.

Gregory and the others, however, looked as though they had been struck by lightning. They stood frozen in place, their lips trembling as they asked, "Can... can we withdraw our request?"

"What~ do~ you~ think~?" Boss Longinus drawled.

The group looked utterly dead inside, their eyes numb and listless, radiating the air of defeated dogs.

"Alright, we'll head to the shore shortly. I'll be setting sail again in a few days, so let's make the most of the time and give you a round of special training first!"

On the windswept shore, aside from T Bone, who was eager to give it a try, everyone else wore expressions of grim determination, as though a true journey into hell awaited them.

"Alright, let's start with some warm-up exercises before going into the water!"

"Boss, as a sniper, maybe I should skip the warm-up and all that!" Andre swallowed hard and struggled to protest.

"Of course you can, as long as everyone else agrees." Boss Longinus said considerately.

Seeing the dangerous looks cast his way by the others, Andre decisively followed his heart. "Haha, just kidding, just kidding..."

"Are you ready? The warm-up is about to begin!" Boss Longinus reminded them, and then his figure vanished from their sight.

"Have you forgotten what I told you? Entrust your back to comrades you can trust!" Boss Longinus's voice came from behind him, making Abraham's hair stand on end. Without thinking, he threw an elbow strike behind him.

However, his arm was seized directly, and an irresistible force pinned him so tightly that he could not move.

At the same time, T Bone's fierce sword wind swept in. Boss Longinus's Observation Haki also caught a bullet fired from an oblique and tricky angle, as well as the golden eagle gliding down from the sky.

The next moment, Abraham was thrown toward T Bone, forcing the blade to halt instantly. As Boss Longinus dodged the bullet from behind, he grabbed the golden eagle by its long wing and slammed it into the ground.

"Not bad coordination, but you're not proficient enough." Boss Longinus commented as he kicked T Bone flying dozens of meters away into the sand.

"Boss, watch out!" Algernon shouted loudly, transforming sound waves into laser-like force. Among the nine of them, he was the only Devil Fruit user besides Gregory, possessing the Sound-Sound Fruit, which could convert sound waves into force.

"Merely converting the power of sound waves into lasers is far too wasteful of its potential. Think more about other directions for its development." Boss Longinus easily evaded the attack as he spoke.

This kind of focused attack was powerful, but not difficult to evade. If Algernon could develop an ability similar to Lion's Roar from the memories of that otherworldly soul, it might hold even greater potential.

Before long, all eight of them had been defeated. That was even with Boss Longinus holding back some of his strength.

"We actually lasted ten minutes this time. Looks like we haven't made no progress after all!" Gregory said delightedly, his face bruised and swollen.

"Huff, huff!" Algernon panted. "Boss's appetizer really isn't that easy to endure!"

"My muscles and bones feel like they've been shattered... Having to continue with the next trial in this condition really is the beginning of a nightmare!" Andre said with a lifeless expression.

"Enjoy this precious rest while you can. A new nightmare will descend soon!" Auston looked resolutely toward the calm sea.

The next moment, Boss Longinus leaped out of the sea and said as he walked, "Get in the water. I've already found Sea Kings for you."

Everyone's expressions turned solemn. If they were fighting on the surface, none of them would be afraid. But diving into the deep sea—setting aside the resistance of the water, the pressure and breathing issues alone would make it difficult for them to continue.

Yet none of them said anything more. They dove into the sea, and violent disturbances soon spread to the surface, sending the waves rolling and surging. Meanwhile, Gregory and Algernon, the two Devil Fruit users, followed Boss Longinus to the next exercise.

Several thousand meters in the air, where even the oxygen was somewhat thin, Algernon's face turned red as he said in terror, "Are we really going this far? I don't remember there being this exercise last time!"

Gregory, who had transformed into a golden eagle and was carrying the two of them, could barely speak clearly. "Boss, calm down! I'm not confident I can catch you at the very last moment."

"Only at the boundary between life and death can you unleash the potential within yourselves. Are you ready?"

"...Yourselves?" Gregory's voice trembled with fear. "Boss, don't do anything reckless!"

Boss Longinus calmly touched the golden eagle's body with Seastone handcuffs. The great bird shuddered and reverted to human form, sending all three of them plunging downward together.

"Ahhh! Help! Gregory, you bastard, transform already!"

"The Seastone touched me! My limbs are weak right now—I can't use my ability at all!" Gregory screamed in despair.

"At most, we have half a minute left. Gregory, squeeze out as much of your potential as possible!"

Boss Longinus remained calm. He was not casually joking with their lives either. If it truly came down to the final moment, he could use Life Return to temporarily reshape his body into a gliding "parachute" creature, then use his long hair to bind the two of them and save them. At worst, they would suffer only superficial injuries.

Naturally, he did not tell them that.

"Ahhh! Boss, I hate you!"

(I originally planned to pad things out for a few chapters, but considering that there aren't enough satisfying moments at the moment, I'll postpone some of the content for now.)