Luffy stood on the beach, watching Shanks' departing figure, a warm feeling rising in his chest.
Even though Shanks refused to teach him, he had at least given him a promise.
That was enough.
[Temporary mission complete.]
[Received evaluation of "Not bad" from Shanks.]
[Reward: Today's sleep time increased by 30 minutes.]
The system notification sounded.
Luffy let out a breath of relief.
At least his training volume wouldn't be doubled.
He glanced at the sky. The sun was already beginning to set.
"Time to go back and keep training…"
With a sigh, he headed toward the village.
—
Evening. Luffy's wooden hut.
Luffy sat cross-legged on the floor, staring at the light screen in front of him.
[Remaining Training for Today:]
[1. Basic Physical Conditioning: 6000 punches (Completed).]
[2. Endurance Training: 60 km long-distance run (Completed).]
[3. Electric Resistance Training: 35 minutes cumulative (0/35).]
[4. Free Training: Self-selected project, no less than 2 hours.]
Luffy's scalp tingled as he looked at "Electric Resistance Training."
Thirty-five minutes…
That meant enduring a continuous electric current for thirty-five full minutes.
Even if it was only Level 1 intensity, it still hurt!
"System, can we negotiate?" he asked cautiously.
[No.]
"…Fine."
Luffy accepted his fate.
He took a deep breath and stood up.
"Start."
[Electric Resistance Training initiated.]
[Intensity: Level 1.]
[Duration: 35 minutes.]
Zzzzt—!!!
The current surged through his body instantly!
Luffy's entire body trembled as he clenched his teeth.
It hurts!
Although much weaker than yesterday's punishment shock, the continuous nature of it made it difficult to endure.
His muscles spasmed. His nerves quivered. His mind went blank.
All he could do was force himself to remain standing, trying to adapt to the sensation.
One minute.
Two minutes.
Three minutes…
Time crawled forward.
Cold sweat dripped from Luffy's forehead. He bit his lip hard enough to draw blood.
But he didn't fall.
After five minutes, he suddenly realized something—
The pain seemed… slightly weaker?
Not because the current had decreased, but because his body was adapting.
His nerves were becoming less sensitive. The muscle spasms were less violent.
"Is this… increased tolerance?"
A thought sparked in his mind.
He closed his eyes and carefully sensed the path of the current flowing through his body.
The Gum-Gum Fruit granted him extreme elasticity and partial insulation, but it didn't make him immune to electricity.
However, through training, his body could develop resistance.
Ten minutes.
Fifteen minutes.
Twenty minutes…
By now, Luffy had completely adapted to Level 1 intensity.
He could even think clearly while being shocked, sensing the subtle changes in his muscles as the current stimulated them.
"This is… kind of interesting?"
An idea suddenly surfaced.
If electricity could stimulate muscle activation, could he actively guide the current to strengthen specific areas?
For example, channel the current into his arms to increase punching power.
Or into his legs to boost speed.
The moment the thought formed, excitement welled up inside him.
He focused his mind and attempted to direct the current toward his right arm.
At first, it was extremely difficult.
The electricity was like a wild horse, refusing to be controlled.
But Luffy didn't give up.
He tried again and again, slowly exploring, gradually adjusting.
Twenty-five minutes.
Thirty minutes…
Finally, at the thirty-second minute, he sensed it—
The current density in his right arm was slightly higher than in his left!
It was faint.
But it was real.
"I did it!"