A few days later.
Sylvan, training room.
[Photo: Tashigi-memorial training comes to a temporary halt!]
[I never expected Tashigi to have such talent for Water Breathing. In just this short span she has already mastered the entire style.]
[She's even woven it into her own swordplay. That alone would be astounding, but while finishing the full set she also awakened Transparent World—far too outrageous.]
[Give her a little more time and she might even gain the Demon-Slayer Mark. Let's not—unless it's an innate mark the price is a shortened life.]
[There's no need to swap lifespan for power; the Tier Harribel template makes her strong enough. Still, that template's gift is incredible; without it Tashigi couldn't have risen this fast.]
[Come to think of it, someone who masters Water Breathing this quickly might suit the Tres Espada template even better than Charlotte Smoothie, Rebecca, or Whitey Bay.]
Charlotte Smoothie: "Wrong, Arton! Tashigi's strength shot up because you've been snapping mountains of photos of her."
Rebecca: "All those shots earned her huge point totals—no wonder she learns anything in a flash."
Whitey Bay: "Isn't it odd how many pictures you've taken lately? Training's worth documenting, but this is overkill."
Gion: "Don't tell me Tashigi—like Uta—has already become Arton's woman, so he records her life this often?!"
Gion's face darkened. Tashigi had been a Marine—now not only Arton's crewmate, but possibly his lover. The word betrayal stung many Marines, not just Gion.
Ain, however, eyed the training photos with a hint of envy.
"Tashigi's getting so skilled… Practicing naked and yet perfectly calm—no wonder Arton keeps filming her. When I join his crew, should I do the same?"
The thought painted Ain's cheeks pink, but remembering Zephyr's grim future steeled her resolve.
Ain: "Tashigi must have slept with Arton already—so fast… I wonder what that feels like."
Doll: "Was it for power, or some other reason, that she went this far?"
Baccarat: "Her complexion's glowing—clearly Arton's 'nourishment' agrees with her."
Monet: "Exactly, or he wouldn't spend so much time on her."
Belo Betty: "He's photographed Tashigi more than Nami or Carina lately—only Uta beats her."
Stussy: "No intimate shots yet, but a former Marine getting doted on like this means her standing with Arton has risen."
Nico Robin: "If indecent postures raises a woman's value to Arton… seems I'll have to offer myself if I want his help with the Poneglyphs."
...
For every 3 five-star reviews → +1 extra chapter
For every 50 Power Stones → +1 extra chapter.
Read 50+ chapters ahead on Patreon! [patreon.com/METARLN]
Use code FREE2ALL for 30% OFF!