After standing silently for a while.
He withdrew his gaze from the distance, left the bow, and arrived at the open-air Sword Dao arena on the second floor.
Most of the crew were gathered here, forming a circle, curiously observing that peculiar new member—the Illusion Dream Grass.
This was personally handed to Shano by Old Link before he got drunk at last night's bonfire party.
The original true owner, Rocks, had long since passed away, and after Shano completely shattered the Haki left by Rocks with his own formidable Supreme King's power, this little thing with quite a bit of spirituality seemed to hold him in great awe and naturally recognized Shano as its new master.
At this moment, Nami cautiously reached out her finger to poke its "cage".
It immediately snapped its leaves shut fiercely, as if threatening to swallow Nami's hand inside.
Frightened, Nami cried out and quickly withdrew her hand, hiding behind Nojiko.
"Hey, can you show us your ability? I'm curious to see what an illusion that can be mistaken for reality looks like."
Smoker, amused, asked while leaning down with a cigar in his mouth.
The Illusion Dream Grass remained indifferent, even disdainfully turning its leaves aside.
Black lines appeared on Smoker's forehead.
It's just a plant, what's with the attitude!
"Looks like it only listens to the captain."
Robin laughed softly and raised her head to look at Shano, who was approaching, "Perhaps it thinks that only those who can erase Rocks' will have the right to command it."
Shano approached, gently stroking the Illusion Dream Grass, and it immediately nuzzled his fingers affectionately, its leaves unfolding and emitting a faint, dreamy glow.
"Remember these people on the ship, they will be your companions from now on."
Shano instructed, "If they want to use your ability for training, try to accommodate them, just like you did on Agatha Island, understand?"
The Illusion Dream Grass obediently nodded.
"Who wants to try first?"
Shano looked around.
Training within the illusion realm differs from reality in some ways; for example, it doesn't help in improving physical strength.
But most of the other enhancements can be brought from the illusion to reality and preserved.
Such as combat skills, the use of Fruit Abilities, the honing of will, and advancements in Haki...
You could say.
With the Illusion Dream Grass, it's like having a top-level training ground with infinite space on the ship.
The crew can enter the illusion realm at any time, train without holding back, without worrying about damaging the ship or accidentally hurting companions, facing their inner fears, and engaging in battles.
This training method is extremely efficient.
"Boss, let me try it first." Smoker's eyes flashed as he spoke in a deep voice.
His strength, when he first boarded the ship, could steadily rank among the top three crew members, and he wasn't intimidated by anyone besides Shano.
But now...
Excluding Nami, he just hovered around the average level. Upon entering the New World, facing increasingly formidable enemies, the pressure gradually mounted.
For example, the recent encounter with Vergo on Thunder God Island, he battled with him three times in a row, and they each ended in a draw, neither able to defeat the other.
In the end, that guy, as if unable to bear the humiliation, suddenly attacked while they were having dinner, attempting to stab Shano in the chest with his Jitte.
The outcome was predictable.
Shano easily caught him like a chick and snapped his neck effortlessly.
If one didn't know Vergo's true identity, this scene might seem quite tragic and even evoke respect, fighting to the death, a Navy officer worthy of respect.
Yet, everyone had already learned Vergo's true identity from Shano's mouth.
Trying to seize the opportunity to kill the captain, to avenge the Flamingo?
Smoker glanced at his crooked Jitte on his back, feeling somewhat speechless...
"Alright, you first then." Shano nodded, signaling the Illusion Dream Grass to prepare.
Smoker took a deep breath and stepped forward.
"Remember, the illusion will generate opponents based on your inner fears." Shano reminded, "Don't be scared."
"Don't worry, boss, I'm naturally brave, nothing to fear." Smoker said with a grin, cigar in mouth, "Bring it on!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the Illusion Dream Grass opened its mouth and spewed a cloud of smoke, enveloping Smoker within.
...
The surrounding scenery suddenly distorted.
Smoker felt a sudden darkness before his eyes, and upon reopening them, found himself standing on a familiar training ground—the Navy Headquarters training base.
The setting sun bathed the entire field in an orange hue.
"This is..." Smoker frowned, looking around, when suddenly his pupils contracted.
Not far away, a tall figure stood with its back to him, burly and powerful, arms crossed in front of its chest, short purple hair slightly swaying in the wind.
"... Teacher?" Smoker's voice trembled slightly.
The figure slowly turned around, revealing "Black Arm" Zephyr—the former Grand Admiral of the Navy and Smoker's most revered mentor.
Despite this rare reunion of mentor and student, Zephyr's gaze was cold and unfamiliar, filled with a deep sense of disappointment.
"Smoker." Zephyr's deep voice resounded, "I heard... you've betrayed the Navy and defected to the pirates?"
Smoker's heart jolted, instinctively denying, "No, I haven't! I just—"
"Just what?" Zephyr sneered, "Just thought the Navy was too corrupt, not worthy of you! So you decided to collude with the pirates?"