#272 - Chapter 272: Genius Shanks
After this period of observation, Jin An gained a deeper understanding of Shanks's strength.
"As expected of someone who ascended to the throne of the Four Emperors based on their own power, truly a genius," Jin An exclaimed.
He looked at Shanks, his heart filled with pride and satisfaction.
Shanks's current strength is already infinitely close to the level of the Royal Shichibukai, now only lacking practical experience with experts.
Shanks put down the wooden sword in his hand and quickly walked to Jin An, his eyes flashing with anticipation:
"Big brother, my strength is not bad, right?"
Jin An gently rubbed his red hair and said softly:
"I didn't have your strength at your age at all, you are already very strong."
His tone was full of recognition and encouragement.
Jin An recalled that when he was Shanks's age, he didn't seem to have come to this world yet.
He felt extremely proud of Shanks's growth.
Although Shanks is now 16 years old, he still likes the feeling of Jin An rubbing his hair, which gives him a special warmth and dependence.
Jin An continued, "I can now hand over 'God Avoidance' to you. This move will surely unleash its true power in your hands."
His eyes sparkled with anticipation, as if he had already seen Shanks's future glory.
"God Avoidance" is a move derived from Conqueror's Haki. Shanks currently fully meets the basic requirements for learning this move.
Shanks cheered, his eyes flashing with excitement:
"Great, I always felt that big brother looked so cool when he used that move!"
His voice was full of joy and anticipation, as if he couldn't wait to try this powerful move.
Jin An looked at Shanks's energetic face, his heart filled with warmth.
He gently patted Shanks on the shoulder and said earnestly:
"Remember, Shanks, no matter what difficulties and challenges you encounter in the future, as long as you maintain a brave and kind heart, you will be able to overcome everything."
Shanks nodded, his eyes full of determination:
"I will, big brother, I will keep working hard, making the world a better place is also my goal."
Jin An nodded in satisfaction and said with a smile:
"Good brother, I believe in you."
The two continued to practice on the training ground, the wooden sword in Shanks's hand becoming extremely hard with the addition of his Armament Haki.
The afterglow of the setting sun shone on them, reflecting a warm and resilient picture.
Jin An looked at Shanks, his heart filled with pride and anticipation.
He knew that Shanks had endless potential, and as long as he was given enough time and opportunity, he would become a remarkable figure.
"Shanks,"
Jin An smiled slightly, his eyes full of anticipation,
"Do you want to see how big the gap is between your strength and mine?"
Shanks nodded firmly:
"Yes, big brother, I want to know where my limit is."
Jin An nodded in agreement:
"Okay, let's find an open space, right here."
The two quickly selected an open meadow.
Shanks stood in the center of the meadow, holding a wooden sword, his eyes like torches.
Jin An stood opposite him, looking calm, as if everything was under control.
"Ready?"
Jin An asked, his voice deep and powerful.
Shanks took a deep breath and nodded:
"Ready, big brother."
Jin An casually bent down and picked up a branch, gently swiping it with his finger, Armament Haki instantly wrapped around the branch, instantly becoming as hard as steel.
He smiled slightly, looking at Shanks opposite him:
"Come on, let me see your full strength."
Shanks took a deep breath, holding the wooden sword, his eyes full of determination and desire.
He knew that although Jin An was sparring with him using a branch, every exchange was a valuable learning opportunity.
He had to go all out to gain more experience and improvement from it.
"Please advise me, big brother!"
Shanks shouted, then suddenly rushed towards Jin An, the sword's edge as swift as lightning, pointing directly at Jin An's vitals.
Jin An easily waved the branch in his hand, accurately blocking Shanks's attack.
His movements seemed casual, but they carried an undeniable power and momentum.
Shanks did not slack off in the slightest, quickly changing his sword techniques, trying to attack Jin An from different angles.
"Not bad, Shanks, your speed and strength have improved a lot."
Jin An commented while defending, each time he blocked Shanks's attack, making Shanks's sword techniques appear even more fierce.
Shanks's sword techniques emerged one after another, the skills he had learned in the past being used to their fullest at this moment.
His attacks became faster and faster, and his strength became stronger and stronger, but Jin An could always find a suitable way to deal with it, easily resolving each of his offensives.
"Pay attention to your center of gravity, Shanks."
Jin An reminded, his branch gently deflected, and Shanks's sword's edge instantly deviated from its original direction.
Shanks adjusted quickly and continued to attack.
Fine beads of sweat had already seeped out of his forehead, but his eyes remained firm.
He knew that every reminder from Jin An was helping him improve and making him stronger.
"You need to consider defense more."
Jin An attacked again, this time his attack was as fast as lightning, Shanks barely blocked it, but was shaken back several steps.
Shanks stabilized his body and continued to launch an offensive against Jin An.
He knew that Jin An would not show mercy, and only in this high-intensity sparring could he truly improve his strength.
Jin An's movements remained relaxed and free, his branch drawing graceful arcs in the air, each time it intersected with Shanks's wooden sword, it would emit a crisp sound.
The battle between the two became more and more intense, and the surrounding air seemed to be trembling.
"Very good, Shanks, your sword moves are getting smoother and smoother."
Jin An praised, his branch suddenly waving, easily dissolving Shanks's powerful attack.
Shanks gasped for breath, the sweat on his forehead had already soaked his hair, but his eyes were full of fighting spirit.
"Again!"
Shanks shouted, continuing to launch an offensive against Jin An.
Jin An smiled slightly, the branch carrying unmatched power cutting through the air, meeting Shanks's sword's edge.
"Your sword moves are fierce, but lack variation."
Jin An reminded, his branch gently deflected, and Shanks's sword's edge deviated again.
Shanks adjusted quickly and continued to attack.
This time, he tried to add more variations and feints to his attacks, hoping to confuse Jin An.
Jin An saw Shanks's intention and smiled slightly:
"Not bad, an improvement."
He dodged lightly, avoiding Shanks's attack, then gently struck with the branch, and Shanks's wooden sword was knocked away.
Shanks was stunned for a moment, but quickly smiled:
"Thank you, big brother, I understand."
Jin An stepped forward and patted Shanks on the shoulder:
"Very good, Shanks, remember, the meaning of sparring lies in guidance and learning, not in winning or losing, you have done a great job."
Shanks stood panting in the midst of the mess, beads of sweat dripping onto the ground from his forehead.
His clothes were soaked with sweat, clinging to his body, and every muscle was trembling slightly.
He looked at Jin An in disbelief, the skills he had trained day and night were easily resolved by Jin An.
He, who was originally invincible against the Navy, now had a goal to continue working towards.
He nodded, his eyes full of excitement:
"I will continue to work hard, big brother."
Although the sparring did not last too long, the environment around them had completely changed.
The ground was full of deep sword marks, broken stones and broken wood were scattered everywhere, and the air was filled with the smell of dust and dirt after the battle.
Although both of them were deliberately controlling their power, the sword energy still made a mess of the place.
...
