One Piece: Getting Stronger by Writing a Diary

Zoro, being a highly gifted swordsman, had an exceptionally sharp eye for swords—a skill far surpassing his notoriously poor sense of direction.

The naginata Nami held instantly captured his attention. Even though he held a deep attachment to his treasured sword, Wado Ichimonji, and considered it an immensely powerful blade, if compared to the weapon Nami now wielded, he instinctively knew that Wado Ichimonji fell short.

Engulfing Lightning was a weapon beyond the level of Wado Ichimonji—no, it surpassed it by several tiers.

"Where did this woman even acquire such a weapon?"

"Could it be… did Arton give it to her?"

Zoro recalled the newspaper description of Arton's sword projection ability, muttering to himself.

Thinking of this, Zoro grew even more curious about Arton's powers. His interest in Nami's strength also deepened.

Initially, Zoro had felt some curiosity toward Nami's subtle hints of swordsmanship. To him, fighting her had been merely a step toward his real goal of challenging Arton.

But now, after seeing Nami wielding her naginata, Zoro genuinely desired a duel with her.

[Photo: Nami holding Engulfing Lightning as she forces Sanji back!]

Vinsmoke Reiju: "Hmm?! This is… Did Nami strike at Sanji? Was it because Sanji attacked Arton earlier? Are they actually fighting?"

Tashigi: "Such a… beautiful naginata. Even though I've seen it before, it's truly stunning! Even my enhanced Shigure can't compare."

Gion: "Engulfing Lightning huh? It's not only beautiful but radiates an indescribable majesty…"

Charlotte Smoothie: "My power is related to water, which could have worked well with the power of lightning. It's a shame that Shogun Raiden's power didn't fall into my hands."

Whitey Bay: "If I could get that weapon, I wouldn't mind putting down my rapier and learning how to wield a naginata from scratch."

Kozuki Hiyori: "Nami is truly enviable. She really knows what she's doing—protecting Arton from Sanji can only improve Arton's opinion of her. I should take notes from Nami."

Black Maria: "So Nami actually intends to take down Sanji for Arton? Though, since Arton seems interested in Sanji's sister, he probably wouldn't really kill him, right?"

*

[That was close! Almost got a face full of Sanji's kick—no way I'd want a reconstructive kick from him! Thankfully, Nami intervened.]

[Kidding aside, even without Nami, I have plenty of ways to intercept Sanji.]

[The flames on Sanji have now dissipated, likely because he sensed the danger of Nami's blade, but also because he doesn't want to fight a woman.]

[After all, even when getting repeatedly kicked by Kalifa or punched by Black Maria, he refused to strike back.]

[It's a bit of a shame. If I had kept pushing him, there's a chance he might have awakened his exoskeleton on the spot, possibly even reaching the level to use Diable Jambe and, who knows, even Ifrit Jambe eventually.]

[Though with his current physique, he might not yet be able to handle the strain of Ifrit Jambe.]

Kalifa: "So I'll be fighting this guy in the future?"

Black Maria: "I'm actually going to punch Sanji~? Am I helping Queen test Sanji, or did we end up fighting the Straw Hat crew before they joined the Beasts?"

Ulti: "That's probably right. The Straw Hat crew wouldn't have joined the Beasts without being properly humbled first."

Kujaku: "So the reason the Straw Hat Pirates didn't join the Red-Haired Pirates but instead the Beasts Pirates is that they were overpowered by Kaido's strength during a battle?"

Whitey Bay: "Strange! According to Ace, his brother isn't the type to join another pirate crew… No, wait. Ace was the same way—he eventually joined Whitebeard's crew."

Doll: "But this Sanji… he seems even more fixated on beautiful women than Arton is. Arton, at least, can fight back against a woman with ill intentions, but it looks like Sanji won't even do that."

Sadi: "Sanji might go as far as defending himself and dodging a woman's attacks, but no more. Hmm… a man who won't fight back is kind of boring."

Boa Hancock: "Hmph, another one like that, is he?"

Gion: "Looks like Sanji will be pretty easy to deal with… If only Arton were as easy to handle. If he were, I would have captured him back in Syrup Village."

Belo Betty: "If Arton were as simple to deal with as Sanji, getting him to join the Revolutionary Army would be no problem!"

*

[Sanji and I might have a lot in common when it comes to liking beautiful women, but I would never act like Sanji does.]

[No matter how much you admire beautiful women, you've got to have principles. Not willing to hit a woman, even if she's your enemy? That might be fine for an ally, but with an enemy, that's just not going to work.]

[When it comes to an enemy, even if it's a beautiful woman, you still have to be willing to throw a punch if needed.]

[Just like I did with Gion from the Navy.]

[Not only do you throw a punch, but you also tie her up afterward, making sure she truly understands what a man's retribution feels like!]

[It might not be the most meaningful thing to do, but at least she'd regret coming after me… Actually, wait. Would someone as bold as Gion even regret something like that?]

*

Gion: "…Did I really come across as that open and easygoing?"

Sadi: "Tied up? Is he planning to recreate the scenes from my doujinshis on Gion?"

Domino: "Looks like being Arton's enemy requires you to be prepared to put your body on the line."

Belo Betty: "Such a wild man—but oddly, not unlikeable."

Koala: "What exactly is Arton writing in his diary? No matter how much you let loose, some things shouldn't be written down for us to see… wait, he doesn't know we can read his diary!"

*

[Speaking of which, the women of Dressrosa are quite open!]

[If they find a man they like, they're very willing to have a passionate romance with him.]

[However, if the man betrays them, they'd cut him down without hesitation.]

[Even though Gion might seem very open, if she felt insulted, she'd probably want to take me down just like a Dressrosa woman would.]

[Thinking about it that way, she probably would regret it. It seems I'd have to "sacrifice" myself and discipline Gion a bit after all.]

Upon reading this, Gion was silent for a moment, then let out a long sigh.

"This man, actually calling it 'sacrificing himself'..."

"You really are something, Arton."

Gion shook her head and sighed again, though her mind involuntarily began to wander, imagining if she'd actually want to cut Arton down if he ever did try to tie her up.

Meanwhile, Kaya, Uta, and the others around Arton were already blushing deeply, quietly watching their own diary entries while stealing glances at Arton. As they observed his calm expression, they couldn't help but admire his composure.

They were slightly impressed that, even while writing such suggestive entries, Arton didn't bat an eye. Each of them reflected on how this confidence might just be the trait of someone capable of creating so many works.

*

[Speaking of Dressrosa, what a dreamlike kingdom that place is.]

[Violet, Rebecca, Monet, and Baby 5—all remarkable women.]

[And then there's Sugar. Even though her abilities have prevented her from growing up, if the weakness of her Devil Fruit could be overcome, she should be able to return to her adult form, right?]

[With the templates in my system, I should be able to accomplish that.]

[When the time comes, I'll definitely need to go to Dressrosa for a visit. If Doflamingo has the sense to let Monet, Baby 5, and Sugar join me as my women…]

[Maybe I could give him a little guidance so he doesn't end up being dragged to Impel Down by Vice Admiral Tsuru herself and becoming the "Newspaper King" there.]

*

Monet: "What?! The Young Master will be captured and imprisoned in Impel Down in the future?! No, I can't let that happen! Even if it means becoming Arton's woman, I have to help the Young Master!"

Sugar: "Th-this can't be true! The Young Master will be locked up in Impel Down? And what about me? What will happen to me? No, I won't let that future come to pass!"

Violet: "The original future will bring about something like this?! What will happen to Dressrosa then? Arton plans to help Doflamingo for the sake of Monet and Baby 5? If I offer myself, maybe he'll be willing to help my father too?"

Rebecca: "Please, nothing must happen to Soldier-san… No, I can't just hope for the best! For Soldier-san and the others, I have to find Arton somehow."

Sadi: "Doflamingo in Impel Down? Now that sounds interesting, hee hee!"

Domino: "Newspaper King? The King of reading newspapers?"

Doll: "How surprising. Is Doflamingo among those who lose their position in the Seven Warlords?"

Kujaku: "He's one of the most unique members of the Seven Warlords. Who would have thought he'd be the one to be replaced?"

Gion: "And it was Tsuru who captured him and sent him to Impel Down? But Arton, this guy, is considering advising Doflamingo just for the sake of a few women…"

Gion: "This matter certainly requires close attention. But what exactly did Doflamingo do to lose his position as a member of the Seven Warlords and even end up in Impel Down?"

Baccarat: "So, Doflamingo fell too. It seems leaving the side of the Golden Emperor was indeed the right choice."

Stussy: "The clown of the underworld ultimately failed after all."

Baby 5: "Arton, is this a marriage proposal? This…this is wonderful. I am needed! Arton, I accept your proposal. I'll become your wife!"

The future Arton revealed about Doflamingo instantly diverted the attention of many women who had been focused on Nami wielding her blade.

Especially those who knew Doflamingo's background.

After all, Doflamingo was far too unique.

A king of a nation, a Warlord, a former Celestial Dragon, and a ruler of the underworld.

With all these identities, those who knew him well found it hard to believe that Doflamingo would ever lose his position among the Seven Warlords.

Even though Arton's diary had hinted that Buggy and Teach might eventually replace someone in the Warlords, no one had ever considered that Doflamingo would be the one to be replaced.

In that moment, aside from Baby 5, who was entirely captivated by Arton's "proposal," Monet, Violet, and other figures related to Doflamingo—as well as various marines, Stussy, Charlotte Smoothie, and others—were filled with surprise.

In fact, even Monet and Violet began to consider seeking out Arton directly.

Although, to be fair, such thoughts had already crossed their minds a while ago.

However, the circumstances at hand had simply prevented them from acting on it.