On the way to the Sabaody Archipelago.
At this time, the Black Glory was steadily advancing. On the vast deck, Mio and the others — except for Robin — were engrossed in their training. Some were practicing swordsmanship, others working on their Haki, or simply strengthening their bodies and endurance through rigorous exercises.
In this world without computers and mobile phones, sailing across the sea was destined to be dull.
Besides drinking and chatting, training was the best way to kill time.
Although reading was also a good option, for someone like Mio, who craved strength, practice remained the most meaningful pastime.
It would take roughly half a month to reach the Sabaody Archipelago.
Currently, on the deck—
"Huh."
Mio took a deep breath, wiped the sweat from his forehead, grabbed a sip of whiskey from the ice bucket next to him, and then grinned at Mashi.
"Mashi, hit me with some electricity."
"Here it comes," Mashi replied immediately. A crackling blue thunderbolt struck Mio.
Mashi controlled the strength carefully.
Although the thunderbolt was powerful, it was only deadly to ordinary people. For someone like Mio, it wasn't lethal at all — it barely caused any injury.
He mainly wanted to test if the "lightning forging" body refinement, often seen in fantasy novels, could actually work.
If it did, Mashi would prove to be extremely useful.
He could call Mashi to zap him anytime, anywhere.
After the thunderbolt struck, Mio didn't suffer any real injury, only feeling a slight numbness across his skin. He frowned slightly and spoke again, "Another one."
Zizi—
Thunderbolts rained continuously on Mio as Erica and the others watched curiously.
Sitting cross-legged within the crackling lightning, Mio clenched his fists tightly. His hair stood up on end, his skin began to darken slightly, and faint injuries started to appear.
Yet, in Mio's eyes, excitement gleamed as he murmured, "It really works."
He could feel it — with continued exposure, his body's toughness and resilience would indeed improve. The progress was slight each time, and the process involved getting injured, but it was tangible.
It was a self-mutilating form of training.
Most people probably wouldn't be able to endure it.
Mio also figured there would be a ceiling to this method's effectiveness. For someone like Kaido, for example, it probably wouldn't bring any improvement at all.
"Still, that's good news," Mio grinned and turned to Hei Yan and the others, sharing the conclusion he had reached.
Upon hearing this, excitement immediately flashed in Hei Yan and the others' eyes.
The next day.
On the deck.
"Mashi, zap me again!" Mio's voice rang out.
Mashi, sitting in the center of the deck with her chin propped up in boredom, casually raised a hand and launched another bolt of lightning.
At the same time, Hei Yan's voice called out from the other side. "Hit me too!"
Mashi waved her hand lazily, sending another thunderbolt flying without even looking.
Erica watched Mashi with a smile and shouted, "Sister Mashi, me too!"
"Here it comes~," Mashi responded weakly, sending yet another bolt.
At that moment, Mashi truly felt like an ATM: called upon whenever they needed something, stuck sitting in the same place with nothing else to do. It was incredibly boring.
Robin glanced at the scene, her mouth twitching slightly. For a moment, she also wanted to ask for a thunderbolt, but after thinking about her own endurance, she wisely abandoned the idea.
She wasn't about to attempt a self-mutilating practice she clearly couldn't handle.
Time passed slowly amidst the intense training.
Although this brutal method was painful and uncomfortable, the daily improvements in body strength and skin resilience were obvious.
Thus, Mio and Warwick were both deeply engrossed in it, paying no mind to the fact that after every session, they were practically mummified with bandages.
Unknowingly, half a month later.
Sabaody Archipelago.
Known as the "Island of Failure" and the "Island of Starting Again," the Sabaody Archipelago was formed by the exposed roots of the world's largest mangrove tree, the Archiman Mangrove, over the ocean.
The archipelago was the final stop before reaching the New World — the last place where ships could be coated for underwater travel to Fishman Island, and from there, to the New World.
It was a bustling, famous island known for all sorts of trade — including the dark business of human trafficking.
Even the Celestial Dragons occasionally came here to purchase "goods."
At one of the ports, the Black Glory slowly sailed toward the shore.
Standing at the bow, Mio gazed at the island where massive bubbles floated up into the sky, excitement flashing through his eyes as he smiled.
"Everyone, come get your money from me if you need supplies. We'll meet back here in one day."
Since they were at the Sabaody Archipelago, Mio naturally planned to visit Pluto.
There wasn't any particular reason.
There wasn't any urgent need.
Just a simple meeting — and maybe to ask if Pluto could help coat the Black Glory for the upcoming journey.
After all, if the coating failed while diving, it would spell disaster.
"I'll stick with the captain," Robin said immediately. She had heard stories about Sabaody Archipelago. Even though it was her first visit, she knew how dangerous the island could be.
Many areas were lawless zones.
Even ordinary tourists could get kidnapped and sold at auctions.
Especially with the presence of Celestial Dragons — if one encountered them, you had to kneel, no questions asked. Robin certainly didn't want to kneel before any Celestial Dragon.
Better to follow the captain and still enjoy the sights safely.
"I'm going to buy some clothes," Lilith announced. Although she valued strength, she loved dressing up even more — as expected from the girl who cared most about fashion aboard the ship.
Warwick and Hei Yan exchanged glances before Hei Yan spoke up. "My Lord, Warwick and I will go purchase the supplies."
"Alright. What about you two?" Mio looked at Erica and Mashi.
"I'm sticking with my brother!" Mashi immediately raised her hand cheerfully.
"As for me, I'll stay on the ship to practice," Erica decided after a moment of thought.
After settling the arrangements, Mio handed Lilith and Hei Yan some money, instructed Erica and Hanba to watch the ship, and then set off with Robin and Mashi toward Area 13.
That was where Shaqi's bar was located.
Stepping onto the Sabaody Archipelago, Mio couldn't help but wonder if any Celestial Dragons were currently on the island.
If so… maybe he could consider robbing them.
After all, Celestial Dragons often carried rare treasures — sometimes even Devil Fruits.
Since they were about to enter the New World, wouldn't it be a shame not to stir up a little chaos?