The Star Train's Journey Through the Heavens

Chapter 172 Shanks vs. the Train Crew
"The black energy he uses is Armament Haki, which enhances both attack and defense. The mental power with a suppressive effect is Conqueror's Haki, and the ability to sense Ah Xing's movements is Observation Haki..." Meng Huaifeng explained to the others.

"Armament Haki, in terms of both attack and defense, is far inferior to the power of preservation, but it's not much different from imaginary energy alone. It's considered one of the better ones in many training systems, but I don't know what its upper limit is," Himeko commented, sensing the Armament Haki that Shanks was displaying.

“Armament Haki is limited by physical strength. If one cannot embark on the Path of Destiny, physical strength will eventually have its limits. But once one embarks on the Path of Destiny, Armament Haki will probably be useless. Conqueror's Haki, on the other hand, is different from simple mental suppression. Its strength is affected by willpower, which is quite interesting,” Meng Huaifeng said.

Even if a power system has some unique features, it cannot compare to the power of destiny in any world.

On the contrary, some special abilities surprised the train crew even more.

"Why does the Conqueror's Haki you're talking about sound a bit like sword intent?" March 7 scratched his head.

"They really are quite similar; both are influenced by mental will, only the manifestations are different," Meng Huaifeng suddenly realized.

"It's not that it's useless. Normally, after embarking on the path of destiny, people combine the power of that path with what they've learned before, allowing their previously acquired abilities to transform and become even stronger, right?" Yan retorted.

"Oh, I embarked on my destiny first, and then learned other things. I haven't experienced what you're talking about, so my comments might be biased." Meng Huaifeng scratched his head, but his argument was still quite forceful despite his lack of conviction.

“Me too. From the moment I woke up, I was a Memory Path Walker. I can control the Six Phases of Ice, and then I embarked on a pioneering journey,” March 7 chimed in.

"I emerged from the water as an Immortal Path Walker," Dan Heng also said.

"Oh right, Ah Xing too. He woke up as the Destroyer of Fate and was then glanced at by the Star God," March 7 added.

"..." Yan couldn't help but glance at the group with envy and jealousy. What kind of second-generation rich kids were these?
“Observation Haki is also good. Sensory abilities are common in other worlds, but those who can predict the future are few and far between.” Meng Huaifeng continued the previous topic.

"How does it compare to the insightful eyes of us angels?" Yan asked.

"It's hard to compare. Your Eye of Insight reads the opponent's hidden information and then uses known data to deduce the future through computing power. If you can't read enough data, it will be inaccurate. Observation Haki can predict the future, but it can be interfered with by a strong mental will. So each has its own strengths and weaknesses," Meng Huaifeng said.

"Then what if I combine my Observation Haki with my Eye of Insight..." Yan Ling suddenly had a flash of inspiration.

"If the future predicted by Observation Haki and the Eye of Insight is different, which one do you believe?" Meng Huaifeng teased.

“Uh…” Yan was stunned for a moment, speechless.

"Do most of the strong people in this world possess these three kinds of domineering aura?" Himeko asked.

"Apart from Conqueror's Haki, it's about the same," Meng Huaifeng said.

"Is it because cultivation methods are very widespread?"

"No, if you have enough talent and strength, you will naturally awaken and learn it."

“No special training methods are needed; almost everyone can awaken these three types of Haki. Therefore, these three types of Haki are likely related to the special physique of the people in this world, just like the life essence of Hongkou and the Dawn World. People outside this world would probably find it very difficult to learn them,” Himeko speculated.

“If you really want to learn, you can definitely learn it, but you’ll need to do some targeted research and adjustments,” Dan Heng said, stroking his chin.

Ji Zi is an expert in scientific research, but Dan Heng is the real expert in the study of secret cultivation techniques.

The martial souls in the Douluo world are different. They do not require a special physique, but if you want to awaken a martial soul outside of Douluo Star, you need to study and adjust it.

Danheng spent a considerable amount of time researching before he could awaken Bailu's powers.

……

Star's expression turned strange in response to Shanks' request.

"you sure?"

"Please!" Shanks said earnestly.

Shanks was not satisfied with seeing Xing use only physical strength and not any special abilities.

He had already witnessed the pinnacle of power in this world; now, he wanted to witness the power beyond this world!

"Alright then, let's go." The Star General's pioneering power surrounded the baseball bat, but the destructive power was out of the question, as it could easily cause irreversible damage.

"God avoids!"

Shanks unleashed his full power, employing a sword technique that combined the peak application of Armament Haki, Conqueror's Haki, and Observation Haki. The sword flashed by like a black and red light.

A divine evasion?

This name is cool. If I don't avoid it, am I even more awesome than a god?
Xing remained motionless, simply using her protective power to safeguard her clothes.

The divine dodge struck Xing's body, leaving him completely unharmed.

That's the power!

It's not a Devil Fruit ability, but a power from outside this world!
Shanks' face was contorted in a ferocious grin, and his raging power was no longer restrained, leaking out in all directions.

Feeling the ground begin to tremble slightly, the protective power of the stars covered the ground.

Meng Huaifeng also used his protective power to create a firewall that provides both physical and spiritual protection for the onlookers.

"Go for it, Shanks!" Luffy, completely unaffected by Shanks's leaked Conqueror's Haki, shouted encouragement.

Although Luffy thought Shanks was a bit weak, he was still his friend.

Star One smashed Shanks's baseball bat into his forehead.

Shanks reluctantly sheathed his sword, attempting to dodge.

However, at Shanks' request, Star used a bit more power, and his attack was too fast.

Although Shanks sensed the star's attack with his Observation Haki, he couldn't dodge it at all.

"clang!"

What sounds good is a good start.

Even with the incredible physique of a tank who could withstand days of battling with the strongest pirates, Hoshino couldn't withstand that baseball bat.

Shanks fell asleep immediately.

However, Star was still very measured in her actions. After fighting Shanks for a while, Star had completely figured out Shanks' physical abilities.

This attack will definitely leave you stunned but won't hurt your brain; the force is just right.

"Wow, the boss got knocked out in one hit..."

"Those nameless people are really strong."

"Being defeated by a delicate little girl, boss is really lame."

The pirates laughed much less this time, they were genuinely shocked.

Instead of finding it funny like it did with the bandit king, Sig.

The reputation of being a tank in the One Piece world is well-deserved. Even though Shanks doesn't prioritize physical strength, he got up from the ground after being unconscious for more than ten seconds.

"Miss Xing, where does your strength rank among yourselves?" Shanks asked with a complicated expression.

I had thought I might not be able to win, but I never expected to be defeated so easily.

I lost too quickly and didn't get to experience anything.

Are people from outside this world all this strong?
That's true, if you're too weak, you won't be able to adventure in other worlds.

"I'm the backbone of the train crew!" Xing said proudly, without a hint of modesty.

It turns out that I had set the wrong goal for myself.

Shanks breathed a sigh of relief.

Shanks scanned the train crew.

That little girl looks silly and probably isn't strong, but Shanks feels he has to save face, so he decides not to bully her.

Shanks felt a little embarrassed to challenge the train crew members who were clearly the weaker ones, so he turned his attention to Meng Huaifeng.

“Mr. Meng Huaifeng, please enlighten me,” Shanks said.

“Me? Okay.” Meng Huaifeng walked out.

"Please use your special ability directly; I'd like to see it," Shanks said.

Meng Huaifeng nodded.

After watching Shanks fight for a while, the train crew basically reached their own conclusions about Shanks' strength.

Knowing how much force to use was about right, there was no need to test it further. Meng Huaifeng took out the Phantom Spear and twirled it a few times.

Shanks didn't use his Flying Slash to test the waters; he charged straight at Shanks.

Ether Editor.

The phantom gun instantly extended and stabbed at Shanks.

Shanks swung his sword to intercept, but to no avail.

Griffin slashed at the Phantom Gun, but the gun did not break.

not good!

Shanks tried to dodge, but it was too late.

The blunted gun barrel materialized and pierced Shanks' heart with a single shot.

Shanks was stabbed and sent flying, clutching his chest and hitting the ground with his head.

If the spear tip hadn't been blunted, it wouldn't have just sent him flying; it would have pierced his heart!

"Boss... got one-shotted again..."

After a while, Shanks got up and forced a smile at Meng Huaifeng.

"Excuse me, please go back."

Is it really true that I can't beat any of them?
Then Shanks chose to challenge Danheng and was carried into the sky by a water dragon.

Choosing to challenge Zhu Zhuqing, he took several moves but was overwhelmed by a group of phantom clones.

But Shanks has rekindled his fighting spirit; isn't he just that strong?

Continuing the challenge, Yan, the Thunder God of War activated the thunder gene within his body, and Shanks' hairstyle instantly exploded, spewing black smoke.

I've lost so many times already, what's the point of saving face? This time I'll challenge that silly girl!
Then Shanks turned into an ice sculpture.

Shanks suffered repeated defeats, often without any chance to fight back.

Some of the newly joined pirates, who had no idea what Xing had said, began to doubt whether they had boarded the wrong ship.

I originally thought Shanks was one of the strongest warriors on the high seas.

It turned out that he was just naive and had never seen the world; in reality, anyone could easily beat up the captain he thought was so powerful.

I'm so much weaker than the captain, can I really survive on the high seas?
The pirates who had just been recruited onto the ship had the idea of ​​disembarking and returning to their hometown to become law-abiding citizens.

Shanks did not give up and continued the challenge.

Although we lost badly, we did gain something from it.

Having witnessed a new kind of power, Shanks' previous understanding of Roger as the pinnacle of the world was shattered.

Sometimes what limits a person is not talent, but cognition.

For the first time, he discovered that the sky could be higher and the earth could be thicker!
He has so much more room to grow!

Despite his repeated defeats, Shanks's spirit continues to grow!

Some people, upon witnessing even greater power and being defeated, suffer a severe blow and never recover.

Some people, however, become more courageous in battle, scaling new heights and becoming even stronger.

Shanks is undoubtedly the second type.

Ultimately, Shanks found that he could only defeat Su Xiaoli, fought to a standstill against Dawn who was wearing a gravity suit, and was suppressed by Hongkou.

As for Himeko, she is clearly a senior leader, so her strength must be considerable.

But in the end, Shanks gritted his teeth and chose to take on the challenge.

As a result... they couldn't even defeat one of Himeko's drones.

Luffy sighed and glanced at Shanks with a disgraceful look. It turned out that Shanks was really that weak and couldn't beat anyone.

Even if Shanks is his friend and he wanted to be a pirate before, he shouldn't have joined such a weak pirate crew.

As for now...

"Snapped!"

Luffy slammed his fist down and said, "I've decided! I'm not going to be a pirate anymore, I'm going to be a pioneer!"

Going on an adventure in space sounds way cooler than going on an adventure at sea!

"Himeko, let me join you! I don't want to be a pirate anymore!" Luffy ran up to Himeko.

He had already realized that Himeko was the captain of the train crew.

“It’s good that you don’t want to be a pirate, but you’re too young now. If you still want to be a pioneer when you grow up, I’ll definitely agree to let you join.” Himeko gently patted Luffy’s head.

"It's happening again! I'm all grown up now," Luffy said angrily, his cheeks puffed up like two balloons.

Meng Huaifeng couldn't help but poke it, and March 7th also poked the other side.

"Chi~"

Luffy instantly deflated, and was blown backward by the wind.

"Haha, this is so much fun!" March 7th couldn't help but laugh.

After Shanks and the train crew finished their round of questions, it was already late.

"It is my honor, Shanks, to know such remarkable friends as you. It is worth celebrating. Men, let's have a feast!" Shanks announced.

"A banquet? Great!" Xing exclaimed.

A huge bonfire was lit in the center of the farm.

Makino had run out of alcohol, so the pirates unloaded the stored alcohol from the ship.

The train crew also dispersed; some helped carry food, some chatted with the pirates, and some went out to sea to catch fish.

Luffy wanted to show off his superb swimming skills, completely forgetting that he had eaten a Devil Fruit and become a landlubber.

Meng Huaifeng scooped Luffy back up.

After catching some sea fish and preparing most of the ingredients, the pots, pans, and dishes were all brought in, and the banquet officially began.

Lucky Roux, the chef of the Red-Haired Pirates, is far more skilled than Makino, and the train crew finally gets to taste the unique cuisine of the pirate world.

They ate large chunks of meat and drank large bowls of wine; the train crew abandoned some of their elegance, blending into the style of this world and becoming more unrestrained.

On March 7th, Zhu Zhuqing and Luffy drank fruit juice.

Musician Benk Punch presents music for the pirate world, rugged and bold, with a unique style.

The train crew didn't hold back either; on March 7th, they sang one of her favorite songs, "Keep a Heart Free from Sorrow" by the famous Milky Way singer, Miss Robin.

However, wild boars can't eat fine bran, and the pirates' reaction was lukewarm, not very impressed. Only the musician Benkbinger was discerning, and his amazing praise made March 7th somewhat satisfied.

Xing showed off his Wildfire Battle Song and received unanimous praise from the pirates. March 7th realized that the abstract Xing was thriving in this world.

Shanks recounts the glorious achievements of his former captain, the Pirate King Roger, and how the One Piece attracted countless pirates who set sail for the Grand Line.

The train crew made no comment on One Piece; although they wanted to change the world, they did cause even greater chaos.

Bloodshed is inevitable during times of change, and the train crew is well aware of this, so they will not stand on another level to criticize him.

I don't really want to hear stories about pirates. Although that's how things are in this world, it doesn't quite fit the train crew's moral values.

So after Shanks finished boasting about One Piece, Meng Huaifeng took over the conversation and started talking about the train crew's adventures in other worlds.

Meng Huaifeng's story was far more captivating than Xing's, and his vast world-building made the pirates feel that their so-called thrilling adventures were utterly insignificant.

Of course, some people believed it, while others did not; the train crew's adventure was far beyond their comprehension.

(End of this chapter)