One Piece: My New Home

Back on board Ray's Marine Ship...

Like clockwork Ray and his subordinates continued patrolling the New World, the previous encounter was nothing new to him. Whether it's the Grandline or the New World, it mattered little. 

Trash would continue to roam the seas as long as the World Government allowed it. Not wanting to sour his mood further, Ray glanced towards his little disciple.

Lukas sat on the edge of the ship, eyes closed while holding his longsword tightly. It was clear to Ray that he was in a brooding mood, he didn't need his Observation Haki to sense that.

Ray walked slowly towards Lukas before gently flicking his forehead, despite controlling his strength it still hurt the boy.

"A-Ah, what the he-ll" before finishing his sentence Lukas glanced up and recognised who touched him. Recomposing himself Lukas switched his tone to one of respect yet carried hints of frustration.

"May I ask what that was for, Sir?" questioned Lukas.

"No need for the formal language brat, you're a teenager it's fine letting you're inner frustrations out" said Ray with a blank look.

The two briefly stared at one another before Ray sighed and sat down next to Lukas.

"I can feel your frustrations boy, you were helpless against that lowly pirate earlier. He swatted you away like a bug, haha hah hah" stated Ray as he chuckled towards the end.

"However, you need to understand something. Charging in like that will do you no good, that's a privilege only the strong get. You are a mere fledgeling, hungry to prove himself."

"But guess what boy? That's perfectly fine. You may think hard work is enough to reach the top but it's nowhere near enough" 

"This world isn't fair, Lukas. Some are born with extraordinary gifts, either blessings or a curse... I was fortunate, my obsession with power helped me grow quickly but that wasn't the only reason. I had a teacher willing to protect and nurture me."

"Without him, I'd likely be dead and the most important thing is to acknowledge that. You're the same Lukas, I took you as my disciple and I'll help you grow but you need to get a firm grasp of reality." concluded Ray as he finished lecturing his reckless student.

"I... understand sir, I won't disappoint neither you or my family" replied Lukas as he begun to digest Ray's words.

'Hmm, it seems this boy was worth the trouble' thought Ray as he glanced over at Lukas and saw the shift in the boy's eyes. 

His decision to teach the boy was on a mere whim but it seems he found a promising student. There were 4 years left before the main events in the One Piece World would begin to unfold and Ray was confident Lukas would grow into a powerful Marine by then.

Just Ray's strength alone wasn't enough to realise his goals, he needed powerful allies. Specifically one's who were loyal to him. Yonko's weren't feared just for their individual strength, their commanders were also powerful. 

Figures like King and Marco could briefly stall Admirals, and with the combined might of the rest of their crews it would be even more troublesome. It would simply be foolish to confront the Yonko's alone. Ray wasn't sure on how powerful Logia awakening's were but he doubted they would be able to triumph against a Yonko like Kaido.

Standing up, Ray stretched his limbs before glancing down at his student.

"All right, get up. It's time we take your training up a notch" said Ray and as he expected Lukas's eyes gleamed with excitement.

Lukas got up quickly as he headed towards the open deck of the ship along with Ray.

Facing one another, Lukas held onto his longsword with both hands with a determined look.

Smirking, Ray simply announced "Begin".

Lukas dashed towards Ray and unleashed a frenzy of sword strikes that aimed for Ray's vitals. 

With his hands behind his back, Ray casually dodged Lukas's attempts at striking a blow. Even without Observation Haki, it was near impossible for Lukas to land a meaningful hit.

Every now and then Ray would sweep the boy off his feet before giving him advice on his form. If he didn't listen then Ray would promptly strike him, the pain reminding Lukas to focus.

This continued till Lukas collapsed on the floor out of pure exhaustion, bruised but nothing that would hinder him the next day.

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[Onigashima, Wano Country in the New World]

In a large cave, Kaido glanced at his right hand man, King with a bored look. 

"King, I'm gonna head out for some fresh air. Make sure nothing happens while I'm gone" stated Kaido as he transformed into his beast form and flew away.

Watching his captain fly away, King knew exactly what that meant.

'His boredom continues to increase, hopefully someone can entertain him' thought King before continuing his daily tasks in managing the Beast Pirates.