Inside the training hall, Cassian pushed himself harder with every step as he ran lap after lap.
Instead of exhaustion, what he felt was a growing sense of ease.
His body adapted at an abnormal rate, quickly adjusting to the increasing intensity.
Rather than fatigue, a strange exhilaration filled him, the kind that came from constantly pushing past his limits.
By the time he completed fifty laps, his breathing remained steady.
His face showed no signs of strain, and his energy seemed even higher than when he had started.
The members of the God’s Knights watched in stunned silence.
They could clearly tell how poor Cassian’s original physical condition had been.
At a glance, anyone could see he was far below even the average standard of the world.
His stamina had been nothing short of pathetic.
Yet now, he had just finished a ten thousand meter run while carrying a heavy load, and he looked completely unfazed.
It was absurd.
The shock didn’t last long before realization set in.
It had to be related to Imu.
They remembered his ability to transfer damage.
Now it seemed that it might not be limited to injuries alone.
Fatigue, strain, and other negative effects could likely be redirected as well.
Cassian stretched his arms and legs, feeling warmth spread through his body.
His strength had clearly improved.
“Not bad.
This actually feels pretty good.
What’s next?”
Figarland Garling suppressed his inner shock and pointed toward a wooden stake nearby.
“Strike the post.
Basic fist training.”
Cassian nodded and walked over without hesitation.
Under the guidance of the God’s Knights, he began a series of physical training exercises.
No matter what they assigned, he completed it effortlessly.
His breathing never faltered, and his expression remained relaxed.
If they told him to throw one thousand punches, he threw two thousand.
If they told him to hold a stance for an hour, he stayed there for two.
His logic was simple.
Double the effort, double the results.
After all, he wasn’t the one paying the price.
His condition always stayed at its peak, and there was no reason to hold back.
Strength gained through training was his to keep, so hesitation had no place here.
The God’s Knights gathered together, watching him train like a machine.
One of them muttered under his breath, clearly disturbed.
“This isn’t training, he’s treating Imu like a damage sponge.”
Another added quietly, “At this rate, he might develop Armament Haki sooner than expected.”
There was something unsettling yet fascinating about his relentless drive.
Figarland Garling let out a tired sigh.
“The faster he learns, the sooner we’re done here.”
Far away, in a palace hidden from sight, Imu stood before a crystalline wall.
Bruises and wounds appeared on her body from time to time, only to vanish moments later.
She watched calmly, her expression unreadable.
A faint curve formed at the corner of her lips, so slight it was almost imperceptible.
“He’s weak, but that persistence is interesting.”
“Perhaps when he grows stronger, he will be worth watching.”
Back in the training hall, Cassian had no idea he had gained her attention.
His thoughts were simple and direct.
Train harder.
Get stronger.
Reach a level where a single punch could destroy an island.
Over the next month, Cassian devoted himself entirely to training.
Every day, he could feel his strength increasing.
The steady and undeniable progress gave him a sense of satisfaction he had never experienced before.
Even his behavior improved slightly.
For an entire month, he stayed in the training hall and caused no trouble.
That month of extreme training brought a complete transformation.
Now, standing in the same hall, Cassian threw a punch.
The wooden stake in front of him cracked, then shattered apart.
He shook his wrist lightly, a grin spreading across his face.
“Yeah, I’m definitely getting stronger.”
He rolled his shoulders, feeling power surge through his body.
All that effort had paid off.
His once lean frame had developed clear muscle definition.
His physique was now balanced and strong.
Even his height had increased slightly.
Although he had not yet awakened Armament Haki or Observation Haki, the improvement in his raw physical ability was undeniable.
A month ago, lifting a hundred pounds had been difficult.
Now, several hundred pounds felt manageable.
During this time, Tesoro had successfully established himself in the Grand Line and reported his safety.
Marigold and Sandersonia had a longer journey to Amazon Lily in the Calm Belt, but after more than half a month, they also confirmed their safe return.
With her sisters safe, Hancock’s attitude toward Cassian softened further.
She lowered her fist after training, a thin layer of sweat covering her forehead.
Her fitted training clothes clung to her body, outlining her growing figure.
She glanced at Cassian, who was clearly pleased with himself, and spoke with a hint of annoyance.
“It’s just some improvement.
There’s no need to act so proud.”
Cassian turned toward her, his gaze openly assessing her with a teasing look.
You’ll understand that sooner or later.”
He smirked slightly.
“And you’ve been eating well too.
It shows.”
Hancock froze, then her face flushed instantly.
“You…
what are you talking about?”
Cassian shrugged, completely unbothered.
“I’m saying the obvious.
You were too thin before.
Now you actually look healthy.”
Hancock’s embarrassment deepened.
She crossed her arms and took a step back, glaring at him.
“You’re shameless.”
She was fully aware of the changes.
Back when she was imprisoned, she barely had enough to eat.
Now, with proper food and training, her body had naturally developed.
But hearing it said out loud like that made it unbearable.
Cassian stepped closer, lowering his voice slightly.
“Relax.
It’s not a bad thing.”
She turned her face away, her ears burning red.
“I’m done talking to you.
I’m going to bring water to Koala.”
Without waiting for a response, she hurried off.
Cassian watched her retreating figure and laughed.
Teasing her had become one of his few forms of entertainment outside training.
After a while, he stretched lazily.
Training was great, but what was the point of getting stronger if he never used it?
He rubbed his chin, a mischievous look appearing in his eyes.
“Maybe I should go out for a walk.”
He turned toward the door and called out.
“Garling, Somaz, and you in the hood, come with me.”
Figarland Garling sighed.
He already knew what this meant.
Trouble.
Shepherd Somaz and the hooded man exchanged a glance before following.
After a month, they had a clear understanding of Cassian’s personality.
He was reckless, unpredictable, and completely unconcerned with consequences.
Letting him go out alone would only lead to chaos.
At least if they followed, they might be able to keep things under control.