One Piece: Gawain The Knight Of The Sun

No sooner said than done.

Gawain activated the badge's ability, focusing on himself. The familiar light-blue screen appeared:

Name: Gawain

Potential: Silver

Rating: Black Iron - A standout among weaklings, still a weakling, with untapped potential in the body.

"Silver-level potential?"

"With my physique at LV 5 and the Balance trait awakened, my body's undergone a transformation."

"Maybe this Silver potential is a result of that transformation, but I'll need to verify it later."

"And this body's latent potential, even fully developed, is only Silver?"

"What are the ways to push potential further?"

After pondering without answers, Gawain's gaze fell on the rating, murmuring, "Standout among Black Iron…"

"So, my combat strength is at a tipping point. One more step, and I'll reach Bronze?"

"For now, the main task is mastering this body."

With that, Gawain closed the system interface, left the captain's cabin, and stepped onto the deck.

It was deep into the night, the sea breeze carrying a chill.

The pirates who'd been resting on the deck had returned to their cabins.

Gawain slowly drew his longsword, practicing the techniques from his predecessor's memory.

Clang!

Clang!

Clang!

…

Silver light flashed on the deck, accompanied by the sound of slicing air, Gawain's strikes growing faster.

His predecessor had studied orthodox knight swordsmanship—no flashy moves, but steady, balanced, with a rock-solid foundation.

In Gawain's hands, it became something else.

Sharp and ferocious, stripping away intricate techniques for pure speed and lethality—a swordsmanship born for killing!

Godspeed didn't just boost attack speed; it enhanced movement and reflexes too.

His original body couldn't fully harness Godspeed's potential.

But now, with his physique at LV 5, it was different.

His doubled base stats could handle the burst, especially with the Balance trait.

Strength, agility, and durability grew in sync, putting his body in perfect harmony.

Every ability could be pushed to its limit with near-zero strain.

"My choice was right!"

"Durability, agility, strength—they complement each other. Only synchronized growth maximizes their effect!"

Amid a storm of sword light, Gawain's eyes gleamed brighter. With each move, he felt exhilaration, every cell buzzing with excitement.

His strength surged endlessly!

Finally…

Shing!

With a swing, a silver Flying Slash shot from his blade, slicing through the warship's railing and flying dozens of meters before dissipating.

"Flying Slash?!"

Staring at the smooth cut on the railing, Gawain's excitement was uncontainable.

"So, skills common to swordsmen can be mastered without system traits?!"

"Good thing I chose Godspeed. The other two can be learned through training."

Relieved, Gawain calmed himself and resumed practicing.

As he grew accustomed to his enhanced body, his swordsmanship grew sharper and faster, until only the sound of his blade cutting air remained, his figure a blur.

The noise woke the crew, who saw the flashing silver and soaring slashes, swallowing hard.

"So fast!"

"That's a Flying Slash—only a true swordsman can do that!"

"I've only heard of it in legends!"

Exchanging glances, they saw awe in each other's eyes.

Who else but Captain Gawain could wield such strength?

…

Huff~

Exhaling hot breath, Gawain ended his practice as the sun rose.

After a sleepless night, drenched in sweat, his clothes soaked, he felt no fatigue. The intense training only made his strength surge, as if something dormant in his body had fully awakened.

He was now certain his Silver potential was tied to his physique's growth and the Balance trait—likely the latter.

A mere physique boost wouldn't cause such a fundamental change.

"Silver potential achieves this much—what about Gold, Legend, or even Myth?"

Gawain murmured, gripping his sword tighter.

"With hard training, I can go further, maybe even challenge those Legends."

Confident, he noticed the sticky grime from last night's transformation mixed with sweat, reeking unpleasantly.

He returned to the cabin, washed, changed, and went back to the deck.

The crew was already lined up, training swordsmanship unprompted.

Having witnessed Gawain's speed and Flying Slash the previous night, they were inspired, training with renewed vigor.

The deck rang with clashing blades.

Gawain nodded approvingly, corrected a few forms, then let them train freely.

By midnight, training ended.

To his surprise, the crew's experience yield had dwindled.

With over fifty training on the deck, he should've gained over ten points daily.

But today, both physique and swordsmanship yielded single digits.

"What's going on?"

Frowning, Gawain glanced at the resting pirates and opened the system panel:

Name: Gab

Potential: Black Iron

Rating: Black Iron - Swordsmanship apprentice, potential exhausted.

"Potential exhausted…"

Gawain understood.

No one's abilities could grow infinitely.

Over time, they'd hit a wall, unable to progress or even maintain their level.

Black Iron potential meant a Black Iron ceiling.

For his all-Black Iron crew, they'd hit their limits faster than he'd expected.

The shrinking experience was just the start; his gains would only decrease.

"I need to recruit new talent fast."

"If that doesn't work…"

A sharp glint flashed in Gawain's eyes.

He wasn't a saint, but he couldn't prey on civilians—fellow sufferers with little to offer.

But some were different…

"Poach from other pirates!"

---

If you want to read more than 20 chapters early feel free to visit pa tre on . com /Archus