In this world, even without considering Haki or Devil Fruit abilities, one's combat power could be calculated directly through Dao Power.
An average adult male in the navy, after some basic training, would barely reach a Dao Power of 10.
For context, the commander of CP9 on Judicial Island, measured in Spaddam's famous units, barely reached a pitiful 9. In the navy, Dao Power served as a reference for the strength of mid- to lower-level officers.
At Zephyr's Naval Academy, Dao Power tests were a key assessment for cadets. The minimum requirement for admission was 80, while the minimum for graduation was 500—with no upper limit. Of course, Dao Power was just one of many graduation criteria; overall combat effectiveness and other skills were also valued.
Soon, Zephyr led Tsugikuni Yoriichi to an open space. A massive 5m × 5m × 5m stone wall stood before him. A small display screen attached to its side showed a simple "0."
Zephyr approached, tapped the wall gently, and addressed Yoriichi:
"Yoriichi, this is the device that measures your Dao Power. The wall is made entirely of seastone, incredibly strong. Any force you strike it with converts into Dao Power and displays here."
With a grin, Zephyr demonstrated, tapping the wall lightly with two fingers. A muffled thud echoed, the massive wall visibly shifted a few centimeters and the monitor jumped to 1213. Within seconds, the wall slowly returned to its original position, as if spring-loaded.
Yoriichi's eyes widened. He had never seen anything that could measure raw attack power so directly. Moving a wall this massive? Only someone with Gigantic strength could even register a number.
Zephyr beckoned him. "Come on, Yoriichi. Give it your strongest shot!"
Curious, Yoriichi stepped forward, took a horse stance, and threw a powerful punch at the wall. The immense force slammed into it, but the wall remained unmoved.
Still, the monitor beside Zephyr jumped to 520.
"Haha, is that all?" Zephyr said, a smile forming. "Not bad for a start."
Then, Yoriichi drew his long sword from his waist. A slight breath, and he swung—blade encircled by bright red flames, his face flushed with determination.
"Sun Breathing—Form Three: Blazing Sun Red Mirror!"
The sword struck the seastone wall with a metallic clang, sending it sliding several meters back. The monitor leapt to 5333.
Zephyr's eyes widened in surprise, though he quickly composed himself. "Hmm… so-so, not bad."
In truth, a Dao Power above 5000 was remarkable. Most Vice Admirals, without Devil Fruits, reached only 2000–4000. Only the top echelons neared 5000. Even Luffy, during his Judicial Island adventures, would barely break low 5000.
Yet here was a teenager, plucked from obscurity by Garp, demonstrating such terrifying power. Zephyr hid his surprise behind a calm façade.
"Yoriichi, you must train harder," Zephyr said. "Your Dao Power of 5,000 is impressive, but still far from enough. When you can reach my level, you'll be ready to venture into the sea."
Zephyr stepped before the wall again. With a deep breath, he gathered his strength and swung a fist at the seastone.
Bang!
The wall flew back dozens of meters, the monitor maxing out at 7000, its digits garbled. A crack sounded as the wall strained against the ground, finally toppling.
"To shake this wall, you need at least 1,000 Dao Power," Zephyr explained calmly. "With my level, I barely reach 10,000."
He smiled at Yoriichi. "Boy, you're still far from it. Follow me, train well, and I'll make you an excellent marine. Starting tomorrow, I'll train you personally."
Without another word, Zephyr led Yoriichi away, leaving the Dao Power wall smoking in their wake.
Not long after, a Naval Academy instructor hurried over, surveying the chaos. Yoriichi had spent the day following Zephyr, exploring the academy, visiting Marineford, and meeting Zephyr's comrades and admirers.
"Ah… so that's your new disciple?" the instructor muttered. "On the first day, he scored barely over 5,000 Dao Power… still green, but impressive."
As evening fell, Yoriichi sat on the porch of his temporary home, leaning against a pillar, gazing at the night sky.
"The stars here… are even brighter than in my old world," he murmured. "And the night… feels deeper."
Read teo weeks ahead at
[email protected]/Horizons685
(End of Chapter)