"Mandy, come with me."
Black called out and led Mandy toward the training ground.
The residences of Celestial Dragons from the Waste Faction normally did not include training grounds.
Years ago, in order to defeat random opponents in the Card Space, Black had trained intensely for a period and specifically constructed one.
At the time, he looked as though he were preparing to join the Elite Faction.
Only after awakening Observation Haki did he pretend he could no longer endure the hardship of training and return to the Waste Faction.
However, the training ground remained.
Despite years of disuse, it was spotless and fully prepared.
Weapon racks gleamed with cold light. Star-sand sandbags were tightly packed. The mist system functioned automatically. The sword-testing stone was smooth and intact. The sonic feedback device stood ready for activation.
Black lifted a rapier from the rack, tested its balance, then tossed it toward Mandy.
Unexpectedly, she did not react and was nearly pierced.
Black slapped his forehead.
"It seems she'll need a long time to readjust to normal life."
"I'll have to keep her close for now."
"If I release her like this, she might be captured again by slave traders."
He could only say, "Pick up the sword and attack me. Let me assess your strength."
Mandy obeyed and picked up the blade, yet did not move.
Black felt a faint headache.
At that moment, he finally understood why some Celestial Dragons were so volatile.
After repeated coaxing, explanation, and mild threats, he finally convinced her he was not testing obedience.
Mandy thrust forward. Her movements were precise to the point of rigidity.
Black casually parried and deflected her strike.
"Continue."
After several exchanges, he fully grasped her level.
Just as the slave merchant claimed, her strength was not exceptional.
She could handle someone like Nezumi without difficulty, but defeating Morgan would be challenging.
Her physical quality surpassed ordinary civilians, yet fell far short of monsters.
The biggest issue lay in her swordsmanship.
The good news was that her foundation was solid. Her basics were meticulously trained.
It was obvious she had devoted serious effort during her time in the Warubukonding Kingdom.
Such individuals, once enlightened, could experience rapid growth, similar to Zoro.
The bad news was equally obvious.
Like many court-taught swordmasters, her style was overly rigid, prioritizing form and elegance over adaptability.
Her instructor had likely never intended for her to fight life-and-death battles.
Having assessed her, Black already outlined her path forward.
"For the next period, you will spar daily with the manor guards."
"Forget the decorative sword forms you learned."
"Through real combat, find a sword style that belongs to you."
Her problems could not be solved quickly. Both her combat instincts and personality required gradual reshaping.
After finalizing her training arrangement, Black returned to his decadent Celestial Dragon lifestyle.
By day, he teased Perona and the others. By night, he rested with Stella.
Another month passed.
In February, Black's results were disappointing.
A complete miss.
His luck faltered. He drew a minor character whose ability card only enhanced physical attributes.
After consideration, he chose not to use it on himself.
At his current level, such a boost was negligible.
He summoned Koala.
"How are you adjusting? Getting along with Robin and the others?"
Koala wore her habitual smile.
"Thank you, Your Highness. Your manor is the most comfortable place I've ever lived."
"Sister Robin and Perona both take care of me. Sister Stella is gentle and patient."
Black chuckled.
Robin perhaps, but it was already fortunate if Perona caused no trouble.
Still, Koala's emotional intelligence was high. Pleasantries were expected.
"You need not be afraid. You, Mandy, Robin, and Perona are the wings that will help me rise to the summit of this world. I will not punish you."
His tone was deliberately gentle.
He knew her mindset would not change instantly.
But repeated reassurance would leave its mark.
Given time, she would adapt.
Black was selfish by nature.
Unique treasures, irreplaceable advantages, he would keep for himself.
But ability cards of diminishing value, endlessly reproducible, could be used to cultivate influence.
He placed a hand on Koala's head and activated the card.
A warm current surged through her body, drawing a soft kitten-like whimper.
"Mm…"
Her eyes widened.
Strength flooded her limbs.
Instinctively she jumped, soaring five or six meters into the air.
"Wow!"
As she fell, panic overtook her. She flailed awkwardly.
Black caught her with a chuckle and set her down.
"Your physical attributes have greatly improved. Adapt quickly."
"And this is our secret. Understand?"
He understood well: shared secrets build closeness.
Koala was positioned as a future aide in his ambitions.
Emotional loyalty was far more stable than coercion.
Koala nodded quickly, covering her mouth.
"Your Highness, don't worry. I won't even tell Sister Robin."
Black laughed and flicked her forehead.
"Go play."
Half a month later, Aramaki arrived.
"Your Highness, your subordinate is prepared to depart."
"So soon? You won't rest longer?"
Black was mildly surprised by his eagerness.
"I wish to complete Your Highness's assignment swiftly."
Black nodded.
"Very well. First go to Ohara. Before the Marines move, locate Nico Olvia and bring her back discreetly."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Originally, Black had not intended to involve himself with Olvia.
She was obsessed with forbidden history.
As he had observed before, people in this world risked their lives for inexplicable convictions.
Olvia embodied that tendency.
Black did not particularly favor her.
However, Robin's future role under him was that of secretary.
Once Aramaki established an intelligence network, information from the seas would pass through Robin to him.
Her feelings, therefore, required consideration.