Lin Yuan now commands Shadow Secret Guard are practically everywhere in the world. News of the Straw Hat Pirates arrived just as he left Sky Island.
Lin Yuan was somewhat amused and exasperated upon hearing the news, because Garp had indeed not lied. When he left the Straw Hat Pirates, he dealt another heavy blow, severely injuring everyone except Molly.
According to their estimates, the Straw Hat Pirates would need to rest for half a month before they could resume sailing.
It's worth noting that in the original story, the Straw Hat Pirates only took a little over two years to become comparable to a Yonko-level pirate crew. This time, they needed half a month to recover from their injuries, which shows how much force Garp used.
However, according to Garp, the Straw Hat Pirates members had undergone life-or-death trials over the course of a year, and their strength had improved rapidly, which even impressed Lin Yuan.
"Heh, no wonder he's the world's favorite. Even his crew members have amazing opportunities. It seems there's no such thing as fairness in any world!"
Lin Yuan couldn't help but feel a little emotional. It had taken him nearly ten years to reach the level of Admiral, while the other party had achieved it in just one year.
Although his strength has now surpassed the level of a general emperor, only he knows what he has been through.
Furthermore, although Luffy had Shanks's guidance, Luffy's appearance completely disrupted Shanks's growth, even though Shanks was stronger than in the original story.
Later, Garp personally trained them, almost like suicide squads. They were beaten by Garp countless times over the past year, and they were incredibly lucky to survive.
Thinking that his opponents were all injured, Lin Yuan couldn't help but smile. He was even more eager to see their strength, and perhaps he could even train them himself.
Just as Lin Yuan was heading towards the Straw Hat Pirates, the Straw Hat Pirates were sitting together on a deserted island.
"That damn old man, he hit me so hard! I'm going to give him a good beating next time I see him."
It was Luffy who spoke; even now, there are still marks on his face from being punched.
"Shut up, you idiot! Do you want us to die? Who knows if he's even gone? Don't let it be like last time, when everyone thought he was gone and we just let our guard down and he got beaten up. I almost didn't get to see Grandma."
Sanji quickly covered Luffy's mouth, his eyes scanning the surroundings warily, and he even activated his Observation Haki.
At first, the others didn't pay much attention, after all, the mysterious person had been gone for a month, but when they heard Sanji say this, everyone couldn't help but shudder.
" Sanji is right. Luffy, you need to watch your mouth. We've suffered so much because of you this past year. There were several times when I thought I was going to die."
"Exactly! That guy really goes all out! He only stops when he reaches my limit every time. I've fainted twenty-eight times."
"Hmph, you've only fainted twenty-eight times, I've fainted thirty-five times already."
Fisher and Higgins were talking, stretching their bodies while making sarcastic remarks.
"How dare you say that? I know the girls got beaten up and still had to take care of you. It's so pitiful."
Molly couldn't help but speak up, and even felt a lump in her throat when she thought about her own situation.
Sanji opened his mouth, then swallowed back what he was about to say and quickly went to comfort Molly, even though he was in a much worse state, having fainted seventy-eight times.
"Clang..."
"Shut up, all of you, especially Luffy. What's the point of saying all this? I'll definitely cut him down next time."
It was Zoro who spoke; he was in an even more miserable state, covered in wounds. As soon as he opened his mouth, everyone else fell silent, casting pitying glances at him.
That year, Zoro spent almost half the time being beaten unconscious; even he himself didn't know how many times he had passed out.
However, Zoro is not one to give up easily. Once he recovers, he will fight back with his sword without hesitation.
At first, they thought they were going to be wiped out, but after a few exchanges, Zoro was the first to realize something was wrong.
Because the other party had no intention of killing them, instead they used Armament Haki to beat their bodies, and later personally taught them how to use Armament Haki.
In just one month, Zoro and the others noticed the change in their strength and gladly accepted the mysterious man's teachings.
However, their initial excitement gradually turned into fear, because the opponent's punches were truly merciless, aimed at killing.
Usopp, the weakest of the group, almost died. He broke countless bones and had to recuperate for two months before being dragged back to training, crying and begging for his parents.
" Luffy, I feel like that guy is really gone this time. It's been a month and we haven't heard from him. Besides, he said he wouldn't come back."
"Most importantly, we're running low on food. If we don't leave soon, we're likely to starve to death."
As the Straw Hat Pirates ' navigator and strategist, Molly quickly analyzed the pros and cons, concluding that they simply couldn't stay any longer.
Regardless of whether the mysterious person returns or not, they can no longer stay on this deserted island.
"Huh, we're out of food? I clearly remember having quite a bit..."
"DuangDuangDuang..."
Before Luffy could finish speaking, he was hit on the head by several people working together, who even used Armament Haki.
"Shut up, you ate the two pigs that were left over from yesterday!"
The group roared for a moment, then fell silent as they pondered Molly's analysis, except for Luffy, who covered his head and muttered to himself.
It was a long time before Zoro spoke again, as he tucked all his swords into his waistband.
"I think so too. I still want to become the World's Greatest Swordsman. I can't stop here. Captain, give the order!"
Seeing that Zoro said this, everyone else had no objections and then looked at Luffy.
It seemed that Luffy only looked serious when it came to making the decision. He carefully recalled what everyone had said, then placed his hand on his hat, covering his entire face.
"Hehehe, since you all put it that way, then I've made up my mind. Let's all set sail together!"
"Oh!!!"
Hearing Luffy say that, the others smiled, shouted, and ran towards their pirate ship at an absurdly fast speed, their eyes warily scanning their surroundings, as if afraid that an old man might suddenly appear.
When the Straw Hat and Skull Flag were raised again, everyone's face lit up with excited smiles.
Although they had undergone a year of special training and teetered on the brink of death countless times, they clearly felt that they were now terrifyingly strong.
Standing on the bow of the ship, Luffy looked towards the New World and then suddenly roared.
"Men, let's go!!!"
"Oh!!!!"