Kuzan had been with the Koa Pirates for twenty-four months. Now, the crew lived on a secluded island close to the Vespa Kingdom, which served as their daily practice area. Koa regularly sparred with Kuzan and Greenbull here. The objective was straightforward: to teach them the basics through combat to encourage them to unlock Haki. Particularly before entering the Grand Line, Koa felt that they could only bring their dormant potential to life through continuous high-pressure combat. We now see Koa battling Greenbull and Kuzan while brandishing both of his axes.
Greenbull had become more adept at using his Devil Fruit, summoning heavy vines from the ground to try to restrain Koa or at least make it more difficult for him to move. However, Koa jumped into the air to get away from them because he had already used his Observation Haki to predict the attack.
Kuzan threw a big ice ball directly at Koa, anticipating his escape route. He believed Koa would be unable to dodge in midair. However, Koa had also expected this. He swung his axe forward in midair, sending a flying slash that struck the approaching ice ball and broke it before it could freeze him with the cold that remained.
Then, using Geppo, Koa launched himself directly at Kuzan, leaping into the air as if it were solid ground. He dropped with full force, his axes shining. His own Observation Haki, which was just beginning to develop, alerted Kuzan to danger as his instincts flared. Kuzan's quick reaction caused his body to split where the slash was about to land, transforming into ice and reforming within a metre.
Greenbull followed up promptly. Taking advantage of the gap, he called forth dense roots from below to entangle Koa's foot and hold him in midair.
However, Koa took action before the roots could encircle his ankle. He spun sharply in midair, twisting his body and bringing one of his axes down in a clean arc, cutting through the dense vines like paper. As his body heated up, magma started to drip from his shoulders as he landed a few feet away and skidded across the ground with a controlled slide.
Koa stated, "You're both getting better," in a firm yet encouraging tone. "Greenbull, you have excellent fruit control, but your timing is still off. Kuzan, your Observation Haki is awakening—good."
Lightly panting, Kuzan straightened his body and stood. "I thought you would get struck by that ice ball."
Koa said, idly spinning his axe, "You forgot one thing." "I see more than just the future. I move as though I've experienced it before.
Greenbull huffed in annoyance, his vines slipping back into the ground. "Tch. Boss, you're still moving too quickly.
Koa said, "You don't have to keep up with me." "You must cooperate. You're training to trust each other's rhythm, not just to fight me.
Kuzan looked at Greenbull and crossed his arms. "It's difficult to trust someone who keeps attempting to trip me with roots."
Greenbull retorted, "You froze my shoulder last week, idiot."
They both fell silent as Koa slammed the butt of his axe into the ground.
"No excuses," he snapped. Whether you like it or not, you are now brothers. You two will perish in the Grand Line if you are unable to learn to move together.
As the words settled, there was a long pause.
Then, a moment later, Greenbull muttered, "All right.
After rolling his eyes, Kuzan grinned. "Anyway. However, it won't be personal if I hit you with an ice spike the next time.
Koa laughed. "All right. Tomorrow, we begin anew. Rest, eat, and recuperate for the time being. By the end of the month, I want you both to be at your limit.
His aura simmered like a dormant volcano as he turned his back, the magma fading. His two crewmates looked at each other behind him, their rivalry still simmering but now tempered by a growing respect for one another.
They were growing more powerful, gradually becoming a true crew under Koa's harsh but efficient training.
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With their training complete for now, Kuzan and Greenbull had grown noticeably stronger—but Koa knew strength meant nothing without experience. Raw power needed to be tested. Sharpened. Refined through real combat and the trials of the sea.
So, he made the decision to leave their secluded island and finally set sail.
He purchased a temporary ship, not built for grand voyages, but sturdy enough to reach the Grand Line. Koa deliberately chose not to use their flying island for this journey. Staying airborne, while advantageous, would isolate them from encounters with other pirates. And it was those very confrontations, the chaos, the unknown, that tempered a warrior's spirit.
The floating island still followed them, however, tethered by Koa's power. Covered in dense trees and greenery, it served as their floating pantry, stocked with fruit, herbs, and fresh vegetables—a welcome balance to the fish-heavy diet they'd grown used to at sea.
Standing at the ship's bow, with wind brushing through his hair and both axes strapped to his back, Koa looked ahead at the endless horizon.
"This time," he said with quiet determination, "it's time to sail toward the Grand Line."
Both Kuzan and Greenbull stood beside him, their expressions sharp with anticipation. It had been two years of constant drills, brutal spars, and endless sweat. And now, the real journey—the dream that drove them—was finally beginning.
"Ready?" Koa asked without turning his head.
Kuzan gave a confident nod. "Let's see what this sea has to offer."
Greenbull smirked, folding his arms. "I hope the Grand Line can handle us."
Koa chuckled. "It won't. But that's the fun part."
The ship's sails filled with wind as they left the safety of isolation and set their course straight for the unpredictable waters of the Grand Line.
Below them, the sea churned with possibility.
Above them, the sun bore witness to the rise of a crew forged by fire, ice, and roots—ready to carve their legend into the world.