547I do not own 'One Piece' or 'The Gamer'
In the depths of an underwater cavern, they grinned as they examined the papers. Against all odds, the world was now aware that their daring raid wasn't a hoax, setting off a chain reaction that would lead to unforeseen consequences.
Shakky's Rip-Off Bar, Sabaody Archipelago
With a firm grip, the damp rag clenched tightly in my hand as I used it to scrub down yet another table.
Lately, it feels like time's been inching along, which has given me the perfect opportunity to carefully soak up some wisdom from the older people here who've clearly got experience in spades.
Of course, I haven't been twiddling my thumbs all this time. I've been leveling up some things and picked up two skills.
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Cleaning Lv. (3/50)
The user's ability to remove dirt, stains, and other unwanted substances from surfaces.
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It's plain common sense, especially if I'm going to be stuck on a ship for a while. Keeping things clean is key to stopping germs from spreading and getting everyone sick, and I'd want my journey to go down differently.
Luffy's lucky to have crewmates who genuinely care about being hygienic. Considering he and Zoro only shower once a week, that's quite fortunate.
Now that I think about it, I'm pretty sure only a small handful of the Straw Hat crew members shower daily.
Disgusting...
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Drawing Lv. (1/25)
The user's proficiency in creating images, patterns, or designs.
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This was less about fulfilling a need and more about diving into drawing as a hobby, even though it might grow into something deeper over time. I decided to get in touch with Gloriosa and see if she could help me find a beginner's guide because I'm not sure where to begin.
Given the current skill level cap, I'm beginning to think that this leveling system probably works in stages.
Wait...maybe some of the others have their own as well?
'Well, that's a problem for future me to deal with.'
The skill I've been most eager to acquire lately is navigation, yet it seems to be just out of reach for me at the moment. When I turned to Shakky for guidance, she promptly handed me a hefty book, which I've been diligently looking over ever since that day, absorbing its contents in the hopes of gaining this skill.
Navigating appears to be incredibly intricate, and I still need to scratch the surface of the section elucidating the intricacies of the Grand Line. The difference between the Blues and the Grand Line is insane — night and day. While still significant, the contrast between Paradise and the New World seemed less pronounced compared to the other comparison.
I'm beginning to consider the idea that Nami possesses some sort of innate, almost mystical connection with the weather, as the accuracy of her predictions is becoming increasingly uncanny. She may have a few perks or advantages that give her a huge leg-up for this particular skill.
It just goes to show that one person can't manage everything, especially if they're considering owning a ship. Well...unless you're Mihawk, that guy is an absolute beast when it comes to sailing that tiny boat of his.
Poor Don Krieg.
"Henry, are you nearly done?" I heard Shakky's voice echoing from the backrooms as she rummaged through something. "Dinner is nearly finished."
"Almost."
All that's left is cleaning the counter and I'll be finished.
"—then I punched them both in the head and said, 'Who cares which one is colder, the North Pole or the South Pole!" Rayleigh demonstrated with some hand motions, "'If you really wanna know, go to both places and see yourself! Cool your heads, idiots' Bwahaha!"
"That's nice and all to hear, but what about your actual big battles," Hancock interjected bluntly, aware that everyone else was just as eager for the details of his real fights.
Following a brief pause, he let out a sigh, accompanied by a soft chuckle from Shakky in the background.
I tuned out the commotion and returned to my book, ignoring the ongoing activity around me.
That's when Koala tapped me on the shoulder and gestured toward the book in front of her.
A smile spread across my face as I saw that she'd made it midway through the children's wordbook writing section.
"Great job, you've improved a lot," I praised, giving her some well-deserved pats on the head.
She deserves all the head pats.
"You should really be proud of yourself," I remarked, the gentle chime of the front door signaling someone's arrival. "Just keep at it until it's bedtime, okay?"
"Okay," Koala replied softly, attention returning to her task in silence.
Her face is too adorable for this world.
That's when the door swung open, revealing Gloriosa who was accompanied by Sandersonia and Marigold, each carrying with them some bags of groceries.
"Glad to see you three back," Shakky greeted, her eyes glinting with curiosity. "Anything new?"
Honestly, whenever someone leaves from here, it makes me anxious. Even Rayleigh's departure has me feeling apprehensive, especially if they uncover his true identity.
"The Marines are still roaming around, but are starting to get less active around the more shady areas," Gloriosa replied, handing me the beginner's guide to drawing, and I couldn't contain my excitement. "There's the book you've been wanting,"
"Thanks a lot, I really appreciate it."
That's another thing crossed off the checklist, but there are still plenty more to tackle, which might take a while to get through.
I observed their movements as they began to distribute the bags. Feeling compelled to contribute, I moved forward and offered my assistance, taking on the task of carefully sorting through the groceries and placing them in their designated spots within the refrigerator.
Turning my gaze towards Shakky, noting that she appeared relatively unoccupied amidst the activity surrounding us.
"Is there something ya need?" She inquired.
"I was wondering if you could give me a rundown of kitchen basics," I asked half-mindedly. "I want to learn how to cook."
She took a moment to pause, then flashed an amused expression, leaving me curious about what that was about.
"Did I do something?"
"Not really, I just find it pretty funny that you're just now asking," The ex-empress snorted. "But hey, no sweat...we'll get started tomorrow. Right now, just concentrate on finishing your dinner."
I nodded as she placed the plate of food in front of me.
I've learned from the wise Garfield.
Saying no to lasagna? Never happening.
The others came over to sit nearby, and we fell into our usual chatter. However, as I neared the end of my meal, I was staring at the pop-up screen in complete shock.
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Perk Update!
The [Malnourished] Perk Has Been Removed!
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It was hard to try and stop myself from momentarily choking on my food.
"Henry!" Hancock exclaimed, rising abruptly and almost reaching out from behind me to get in a pseudo-suplex maneuver.
"I'm..." I cough a little, but catch my breath enough to continue speaking. "I'm alright."
She releases me while I grab some water and start to chug it down.
Oh no...I'm better than alright.
This just made my whole day.
Drawing in a slow, intentional breath, I could sense the cool air entering my lungs, almost as if I were attempting to dispel the creeping tendrils of fear sneaking up my spine.
There's this peculiar sensation that most people experience when they've been anticipating something for a long time, and it finally comes to fruition. It's like a blend of excitement and apprehension that I haven't fully acclimated to.
The experience of slavery and isolation from the rest of the world inflicted significant damage on my psyche, despite the optimism I had about the possibility of escape.
Nevertheless, there's one particular thing that I've been wanting to do forever since the [Malnourished] perk was completely removed.
My hand moved to turn the doorknob in the room, seeing the normal things going on.
The Dark King was lounging in a chair, flipping through a book I couldn't place. However, I was drawn to the whiskey resting in his hand, a familiar sight that always accompanied him.
That wasn't what I was here for anyway.
"Ahh...Henry, it's good to see you again." Rayleigh greeted, his gaze shifting over with his customary expression, a blend of familiarity and warmth. "Welcome back."
He set the book down on the counter and shifted to face me with a sincere gaze.
"Is there something you need?"
Pausing and taking a moment to gather my thoughts, I wordlessly reached for one of the spare chairs scattered across the room. With deliberate movements, I settled into its cushioned embrace, sitting upright in the seat.
"Please...train me."
His usually mischievous smirk softened into a more neutral expression, a subtle change that drew my focus. It was strange to catch him with such a face, and its unexpectedness unsettled me somewhat.
Nevertheless, I took that as an opportunity to elaborate further.
"I've had enough of feeling weak. Train me to be strong."
He stayed quiet for a stretch, his eyes locked onto mine, intensifying my discomfort with every tick of the clock.
"Strong...you say?" Rayleigh's expression turned slightly confused, his eyes locked on mine without wavering. "When did this come about?"
As realization dawned on me, a furrow formed on my brow, puzzled by his apparent oversight. Surely, he should have anticipated my desire for power given my circumstances.
The fear that gripped me moments ago morphed into a simmering annoyance, tinged with frustration at the oversight.
What am I thinking?
Of course, he's not going to teach me stuff...only Joyboy or Nika is going to get that privilege. I don't have nepotism through Shanks' words either. The simmering rage and frustration from Mariejois lingered within me, though now subdued beneath a mask of quiet resentment.
"Why do you pursue strength, Henry?" He mused, pausing to take a swig of whiskey. "Raw power alone can be quite boring. There must be something deeper driving you."
I already understood the danger associated with possessing pure strength devoid of a compelling ambition. Kaido's journey serves as a stark reminder of such pitfalls.
"To do whatever I please without worrying about the consequences," I replied earnestly.
An answer as straightforward as it gets, yet it's the very cornerstone this world spins around.
Strength begets strength.
"Aah, I get it..." He smiled, though his motive remained elusive to me. "You're not ready to trust me with whatever's on your mind."
I fought back a cringe as he effortlessly read my intentions, while the man in front of me just sighed in reply.
"It must be quite dangerous if you're being so vague."
I'm not like Luffy, who readily proclaims his dream at every opportunity — not yet at least. While I find it quite admirable, that's just not my style.
"When Regi was blinded by a Cipher Pol Agent, I chased after them and tried to kill them. I would've died if it weren't for Hancock." I scratched the back of my head. "After they left, I felt so angry that a few of the people around fell unconscious."
I probably should've mentioned this earlier, but I'd been uncertain about how to approach it.
"So, I was right about you," His interest piqued, and a subtle smirk appeared on the man's face. "Are you familiar with the three types of Haki?"
I nodded.
"Then what you've just described sounds like Conqueror's Haki, something very few in the world possess," Rayleigh explained, his fingers idly tracing over his growing beard. "Those at the top of this world tend to have that power."
In a single moment, it struck me with the weight of a ton of bricks, the sensation akin to being dragged beneath the waves. Nevertheless, I remained steadfast, determined in the face of the sudden pressure trying to knock me off balance.
Then, just as suddenly as it had arrived, the feeling vanished into thin air.
"It's the disposition to stand above all."
He looked at me in a way that was hard to put into words, like a dealer evaluating merchandise.
"I'm not sure why you're so adamant about keeping your dream a secret...but I'll respect that wish of yours."
"Wait, does that mean...?"
Then, as usual, he flashed his typical smile.
"It means I'm fine with sharing some tips and training exercises," He stated firmly. "You pique my interest. Plus...I'm a fan of wildcards."
Wildcard?
Does he see me as a dark horse of sorts?
"Now let me get some rest," Rayleigh said, sinking back into his bed. "I'd appreciate a peaceful sleep with no interruptions."
He's seriously getting on my nerves with all that cryptic talk, but perhaps I'm just not grasping the whole picture.
Maybe the deal with visiting Laugh Tale is it turns you into a cryptic old cahoot.
It could be that, or perhaps he's just messing with us for his own amusement with how much he smiles at basically every situation.
Whatever, I'll let him get his beauty sleep...for now.
"Alright then, I'll be in the boat if ya need me," I said, preparing to shut the door and step out into the remaining daylight. "Rest well."
"Believe me, Henry...I will."
Outside Of Shakky's Rip-Off Bar, Sabaody Archipelago
Weeks had slipped by unnoticed since those initial days, and life had seamlessly slipped back into its familiar rhythm. The old man remained in his unconscious state, confined to his bed, and we faithfully tended to his needs, carrying on with our routine care just as we always had.
Rayleigh found himself occupied once more as the Marines withdrew their surplus troops and eased their grip, granting him the opportunity to resume his work on coating ships.
Occasionally, he'd find the chance to lend a hand in my training sessions, while the sisters would drop by to observe me struggling through the 'basic exercises' I'm subjected to — that's what they call it, but it's an insane regiment if you ask me.
I admit that I'm fine with this situation. It's actually quite reassuring, especially when I take into account the progress I've been steadily making.
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Status
Avery Henry
[Survivor]
(HP: 170/170)
Age: 15
Race: Human
STR: 17
VIT: 17
DEX: 18
WIL: 25
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Not bad for a month's worth of effort.
Given the significant progress I've achieved in such a short time, which contrasts starkly with the stagnation I experienced in Mariejois, this level of improvement would have typically taken me several months, if not longer.
I was tempted to invest the two perk points into [Prodigious I], but decided to hold off for now.
My primary concern at the moment centers around determining the timing for selecting my next perk from the status menu. Once I have that opportunity, I'll need to carefully strategize and plan out my subsequent steps, taking into account whatever the perk may offer.
As I'd always said in a previous life...Min-Max till you win!
At the moment, I'm focused on honing my skills to master the control of [Conqueror's Haki], and as Rayleigh rightly pointed out several times throughout the weeks, it's proving to be more challenging than one might expect.
'Die, you Celestial Dragon scum!' I seethed inwardly, my teeth clenched so hard I'd thought they might shatter. The veins on my forehead pulsated with fury once more.
Pushing myself to the brink once more left me on the verge of collapsing. The fatigue was gradually seeping into my mind.
"You must keep your focus on that dream of yours and project it outwards," He advised, taking another sip from his bottle. "It's not as straightforward as it may seem, and you can't force it to become more potent. You can only master its influence. It will naturally strengthen with the growth of your body."
Rayleigh then tapped his head with an index finger.
"Think back to when you first used it."
"I've been trying for weeks!" I shouted.
"Well...try harder, maybe that'll help."
Despite the clear distaste shown on my face, I continued to make an effort towards following his instructions.
"What I felt like..." He's brought up something similar in the past, but perhaps I've been approaching this whole situation incorrectly all along. Maybe I need to genuinely attempt to recreate that moment of climbing the rubble and confronting Pangea Castle.
In the back of my mind, I envisioned returning to that pivotal moment, seeing myself battered and bruised, yet antagonistically upright, sustained solely by unwavering resolve.
My thoughts wandered, conjuring up images of the despicable acts the Celestial Dragons have perpetrated over centuries, a surge of anger engulfed me. Those Five Elder bastards and Imu are definitely and probably immortal. Just the mere thought of the despicable deeds those monsters have been getting away with for centuries boils my blood.
That thought ignited a fierce fire in my gut, raging against the injustice of it all.
I need to kill every single one of those tyrannical rats.
Every single Celestial Dragon.
Every single Marine trash.
No one will take that freedom from me! Not even a damned god!
They will be hunted down!
That's when a familiar sensation surged forth with unrestrained ferocity, akin to a wild and untamed creature unleashed upon the world in a fit of savage rage.
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New Skill Gained!
[N]Conqueror's Haki: Control Lv. (1/10)
The user's skill in bending their will and imposing it onto others.
Chance Of Failure: 90%
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New Perk Gained!
Natural Affinity: Conqueror's Haki
To boldly confront any obstacle is the hallmark of your character, for anything less would diminish the glory of your name.
[All abilities associated with Conquerors' Haki receive a significant boost in power.]
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Natural Affinity
Some folks seem to have life handed on a silver platter. What feels like a Herculean task for others is merely a blip on the radar for them.
You might not fit this category, but it's easier to reach that level when you've got an innate knack for things.
[By investing their perk point into a skill, the user can greatly strengthen their proficiency in that area compared to others.]
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For intentionally calling upon Conqueror's Haki, you've gained +10 WIL!
'Finally...' Exhausted, I let out a heavy sigh, placing my hands around my knees for support.
I've already been told numerous times that using Haki for exceptionally long periods of time can be mentally exhausting, and now, having experienced it firsthand, I truly understand that feeling. Luffy specifically mentioned requiring ten minutes to recharge his Haki reserves, and after utilizing it just once, I can already sense the fatigue settling in.
"Sooo vicious," Rayleigh quipped as he leisurely walked down the steps "A dangerous goal, indeed."
"Is it always this draining?"
"With enough time, it'll become less taxing, and eventually you'll no longer need to resort to that method. Most feel tired after calling upon it knowingly." He elaborated, lending a hand to help me up. "As you learn to grasp all three types of Haki, you'll start to know where you naturally gravitate toward one in particular."
"Just like how some people are better at certain things more than others, right?"
If I were to take a wild guess, reaching the maximum potential of a skill with a Natural Affinity would surpass that of a regular skill. Although the perk might hint at this, I'm intrigued to hear Rayleigh's perspective on the matter.
"That's pretty much it," The Dark King nodded. "Ultimately, it varies from person to person."
"How long will it take me to know?"
"Most people do when they've gotten a hang of it by themselves, or getting a feel of all three types. It's not that hard to know which one they're leaning towards," Rayleigh commented, shooting me a curious look. "But the fact that you've already tapped into it within just a month...I'll take a bet that you have an innate inclination toward Conqueror's Haki."
My gamer ability revealed it right away, and to think I once dismissed it as bland at some point.
"Is that normal?"
"Some folks need time to grasp it, while others seem to have a talent for it from the get-go," He shrugged indifferently. "Just having it doesn't mean you're automatically good at it."
My hunch about Nami having numerous perks and a strong affinity just got some credibility. Although, gathering that many perk points poses a challenge, especially since I had been contemplating a significant investment in [Prodigious I] after learning how the stat and perk system worked.
"There are people out there who just got that drive in them," He mused, stroking his beard in contemplation. "For the time being, focus on honing your ability to summon it. The more finer points of Haki can wait another time."
I nodded.
My main focus should be on learning how not to accidentally knock people out. It'd be pretty embarrassing and foolish to take down our team in the middle of a fight just because I didn't have a handle on things.
The real grind starts now.
-1 HP (167/170)
I endured a brutal knee to the gut, but seized the next opportunity, utilizing his leg to propel myself upward and swiftly regain my footing. This setback will not keep me down.
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Skill Level Up!
Martial Arts Lv. (2/100) → (3/100)
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These skills will inevitably slow down later down the line, but I'll appreciate every bit of progress made along the way. It's just getting me all pumped up with adrenaline.
He leaned his body back, lazily watching me.
"Are you used to getting hit around?" Rayleigh raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes.
"You'd be surprised how many beatings I've taken till now," That was perhaps the understatement of the century.
I've learned how to take hits from attacks that would usually knock someone on my level out of the fight.
"You're not exactly gifted at hand-to-hand combat or swordplay," Rayleigh remarked, throwing a punch my way that I managed to dodge.
"Is that a bad thing?"
"Not particularly, but it's worth mentioning," He replied, observing as I practiced some martial arts moves Regi had taught me. "You'll have more options this way."
I must have looked puzzled because the man went on to explain in more detail.
"It shows that you have options, Henry. Some are good with their hands, others with swords, and then there are the fortunate few, like myself, who excel at both."
It's logical, especially considering Luffy's lack of proficiency with swords during the Wano arc. Just thinking about his clumsy attempts at wielding a sword almost had me laughing.
Good times.
I shifted my focus back to Rayleigh as he carried on.
"What I'm trying to say is...you should focus on mastering one skill and then branch out from there. Otherwise, you'll end up stretching yourself too thin," The Pirate King's right-hand man advised. "It's better to have a solid foundation than a structure that collapses at the slightest touch."
That made sense, but making a choice wasn't easy.
On one hand, [Sword Mastery] had its advantages, like the ability to cut down foes and those epic flying sword slashes. On the other side, delving more into [Martial Arts] was intriguing. There was something satisfying about the idea of punching someone you couldn't stand right in the face.
At the moment, I'm torn between the two paths. But I reassured myself that there was plenty of time to make a decision.
No need to rush.
"Should I just keep practicing on both of them until I feel comfortable?"
"Exactly, there's no one that knows you better than yourself." Rayleigh nodded with a smile."Now prepare yourself, because I'll be holding back a tiny bit less from here on,"
He broke into a smirk, prompting an eye roll of annoyance from me.
It's really irritating when he's gloating like this.
Spitting out some blood, I flashed a grin as he turned his back, taking a few steps away to create some space. Spotting what I thought was an opening, I wasted no time launching myself at him with an aggressive attack.
It concluded poorly, to say the least.
Shakky's Rip-Off Bar, Sabaody Archipelago
One aspect of this gamer power that I find quite amusing and reassuring is the apparent lack of degradation in my skills or stats. While my battle instincts may wane after long periods of time, those numbers just don't seem to go downward at all.
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Skill Level Up!
Drawing Lv. (1/25) → (2/25)
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The higher those numbers climb, the more I value food's power.
How in the world does eating food speed up the healing of wounds so rapidly?
I always thought this world was absurd, but experiencing my body stitch itself together overnight after that shoulder wound in Mariejois was downright surreal.
Nevertheless, I set aside the drawing book and retrieved one of the journals I had stored away. Among my collection, there were two that are particularly significant. One contained narrative details that I could recall, allowing me to review past events. The other cataloged the techniques I aspired to acquire.
I considered providing the sisters with a complete list of the Rokushiki techniques — outside of the subskills — to practice upon their return to Amazon Lily. Alternatively, I might suggest that they share their knowledge with the Kuja Tribe if they're willing and able to learn it.
The thought of the entire population of Amazon Lily mastering those 'secret' techniques struck me as downright hilarious.
Yeah, I'm totally doing it.
After jotting down a few extra notes in the books, I headed over to where everyone else was.
Currently, Koala sits comfortably on a stool, indulging in a delightful serving of ice cream. The sisters are sprawled out on the corner couch accompanied by Shakky, seemingly engaged in one of her wild stories. Meanwhile, Gloriosa is off attending various errands.
Rayleigh likely just finished coating a ship; who knows how long he'll be—
"It's finally out, ya know." The Dark King remarked after entering through the front door, and sitting down near the siblings. "I'm surprised those big shots took so long to get it done."
Speak of the devil.
"Get it done?" I raised an eyebrow, feeling a tad nosy and uneasy about what that entailed. "Get what, exactly?"
"Wanted posters," Shakky was the one who answered, tapping her cigarette against the ashtray. "Am I right?"
"Spot on, like you always are." He grinned, taking a seat beside them and flipping open the newspaper. "Now let's see here..."
The Boa siblings seemed just as interested as I was, you could still sense their curiosity simmering beneath the surface. Even Shakky couldn't hide a touch of satisfaction in her demeanor.
I quickly darted over to them, itching for a better view. My heart raced with excitement as I couldn't wait to see the posters confirming my suspicion.
The world had heard the news already, but now they got to put faces to those names.
WANTED
Only Alive
'Sinner' Fisher Tiger
1,230,000,000
WANTED
Dead Or Alive
'Devil Of The Sea' Jinbe
500,000,000
WANTED
Dead Or Alive
'Members Of The Sun Pirates'
100,000,000
"I've never seen an entire crew receive a collective bounty like this or anyone who starts with that amount ever," Hancock remarked, a puzzled expression on her face. "Wait...look at the bottom, it says the emblem on their bodies can identify them."
Starting with over one billion is absolutely crazy, but considering the scale of their deeds, they were left with no alternative. What's more, they can't even be tracked like regular pirates because these people can breathe and move freely underwater.
"Are they going to stop branding people with tattoos? Wouldn't that solve the problem?" Sandersonia asked, her tone laced with concern.
"The Fishmen are too stubborn to ditch their banner, if this information holds water," Shakky clarified. "If anything, it will only invigorate them even further."
"Those Celestial Dragons are definitely pissed off at what happened if they're doing something so unorthodox." My lips curled into a smile.
At least Koala is blissfully unaware, happily indulging in more ice cream as she sits there.
Fisher Tiger had my respect before...now he's fucking Superman.
My Server: QG8WraudFB
Shiro's Discord Code: wd3tUYWVCd
Ah yes, the consequences are coming in now that people know what happened since Fisher Tiger wasn't working alone this time around.
Henry has finally taken off the perk and can now get serious about his training. It might not lead to a massive leap just yet, but the gains will start to show with time.
In other news...Kendrick went fucking insane with these tracks tearing into Drake. This isn't your everyday beef, it's pure hatred, reaching Eobard Thawne levels of hate. It's pretty rare these days for someone to drop such lengthy songs aimed at someone else back-to-back.
Cole staying silent like he's Thorfinn "got no enemies" lmao. Smart man.
Drake should just stay silent and take the loss because if K-Dot has those receipts, it's just beating a dead horse at that point. Plus, he needs to figure out who the mole is, because these responses are coming out lightning fast. I can't even process the last one and then a new diss drops.
Either way, we are eating good.
Random Question: What's your favorite One Piece arc?
For myself, it's a tough call between Enies Lobby and Marineford, mainly because of all the emotional baggage and intense vibes around Robin and Ace's capture.
Robin's "I want to live!" moment? That's right up there with Whitebeard dropping the bomb that "The One Piece is real!" if you ask me.