Over the next few days, the Rocks Pirates entered a period of intense training.
Both Harald and the giant warriors of Warrior Village served as sparring partners for the Rocks Pirates.
Elbaf's high-oxygen environment and special high-energy food were truly suitable for rapid recovery after high-intensity training.
Fang Huo applied to Harald more than once, wanting to visit the treasury of Orsto Castle to see Elbaf's heirloom hammer, thundor ragnar.
But Harald rejected Fang Huo's request every time.
The treasury housed Devil Fruits that had been passed down in Elbaf for many years; how could an outsider like Fang Huo be allowed to visit?
Moreover, thundor ragnar would autonomously attack anyone who approached it and the Devil Fruit treasure chest.
Even he, the king, would be attacked by thundor ragnar.
Harald was worried that Fang Huo, who hadn't even mastered Conquerors Haki Infusion, would be directly hammered to death by thundor ragnar.
That national treasure hammer, passed down in Elbaf, could autonomously use Conquerors Haki Infusion, making it even more powerful and rare than any supreme grade blade or black blade.
Some cursed swords and demonic blades could absorb their owner's Armament Haki and Haoshoku.
And thundor ragnar, this supreme grade black hammer, contained the terrifying Haoshoku and Armament Haki of its previous owner, capable of using Conquerors Haki Infusion on its own, with astonishing destructive power.
Harald himself had little desire to eat a Devil Fruit, not wanting to become a 'hammer,' and he was skilled with a sword, so he wasn't obsessed with taming thundor ragnar.
He wanted to leave this inherited fruit and weapon to a fated junior in the future.
Perhaps the future Loki would be the most suitable master for thundor ragnar and the Devil Fruit.
As for Rocks, Harald absolutely forbade him from approaching the treasury.
Harald was worried that Rocks might actually defeat thundor ragnar, and he would not allow Rocks to obtain that inherited Devil Fruit.
Harald guarded against Rocks and Fang Huo like thieves, adding dozens of giant guards to watch over the treasury day and night.
He absolutely would not allow these two to covet Elbaf's heirloom hammer and inherited fruit.
In response, Fang Huo could only scavenge more high-quality adam wood as consolation.
He even incited Shiki to covet the towering great sword.
Several more days passed.
It wasn't until Fang Huo received a transponder snail call from Redfield that his mood improved slightly.
Fang Huo personally flew to the outer sea to pick up this genius, naturally gifted with Observation Haki, and bring him to Elbaf's Sunny World.
"You awakened Conqueror's Haki?"
"And successfully self-taught Armament Haki?"
Fang Huo used his Gravity Ability to lift Redfield's small sailboat, discovering that Redfield's Conqueror's Haki already possessed considerable strength.
The aloof young man, with a hint of coldness in his eyes, then casually mentioned how he learned the method of cultivating Armament Haki through his Mind Observation Haki, and had already awakened it after practicing for a bit.
As for Conqueror's Haki, it awakened on the day the Barlorick Family was annihilated.
When he spoke of this, he glared fiercely at Fang Huo.
While marveling at Redfield's talent, Fang Huo once again expressed his apology to Redfield.
"I know anything I say now is meaningless. If one day you wish to seek revenge on me, then come and duel me."
Fang Huo looked calmly into Redfield's icy gaze.
"The culprits are the World Government and the Celestial Dragons, but I won't forget you, the Prophet.
I thank you for your current shelter and help, and I will repay your kindness in protecting Red Line Island for me.
After I take revenge on the World Government and the Celestial Dragons, let's have our fight."
Redfield took a few deep breaths, completely suppressing his hatred and resentment towards Fang Huo.
Since he chose to seek out the Rocks Pirates, he hadn't intended to retaliate against Fang Huo.
But for the sake of his tragically killed clansmen and family, he would have to fight Fang Huo in the future.
"Aren't you afraid I'll kill you? After all, I'm a pirate; how could I leave a threat like you alive?"
Fang Huo felt that the young man had regained his composure and couldn't help but ask.
"I have no choice; only the Rocks Pirates dare to oppose the World Government and protect Red Line Island."
"Also, I trust my own judgment."
For Redfield, who was born with awakened Observation Haki, he had naturally analyzed Fang Huo, the Great Demon Venerable with prophetic abilities.
If Fang Huo were a despicable person, he would have changed his mind after their first transponder snail call.
He trusted this Prophet, who was willing to provide Devil Fruits and combat support, and even revealed information about the Native Purge Competition.
"Thank you for your trust. Then, until our future duel, we are temporarily partners."
Fang Huo nodded lightly, and the two completed a gentleman's agreement between kings.
"From now on, I'll call you Red."
"The rule on this ship is that strength reigns supreme!"
"You'll have to get stronger during this time; the other Executives aren't as easygoing as I am."
"After all, you're threatening their first mate and the great prophet."
"Regarding your hometown, Red Line Island, and the Native Purge Competition, let's plan it out carefully."
"If all goes well, we might even be able to bring Elbaf's strongest combat force into the battle."
Fang Huo spoke calmly. To be honest, even if he could tolerate Redfield, the other Executives would be wary of him.
Whether in Rocks' heart, or Newgate's, or Babel's, Fang Huo was more important than Redfield.
Not to mention Fang Huo's women.
It was likely that the entire Rocks Pirates would not have a good attitude towards Redfield.
Redfield's situation would be a bit rough.
"I understand!"
Redfield was already prepared for pressure; he had, after all, experienced countless ugly thoughts and malice.
"Try not to harbor malice or killing intent towards me, otherwise, the other Executives will constantly trouble you and even attack you."
"We are all smart people. If not for this matter, I feel we could have become good friends."
Fang Huo sighed, giving what seemed like a threatening but friendly suggestion.
He dared to say that if Redfield showed killing intent towards him, let alone the other Executives, even Rocks might abandon this potential crew member.
"..."
"Before seeking revenge on the World Government, I will not act against you. Even if I do, I will fight you openly and fairly to settle our grievances."
Redfield also felt the irony of fate, which had turned Fang Huo, the great prophet who appreciated him, into one of his enemies.
Even though Fang Huo originally held no ill will towards him.
"Then don't die on the path of revenge."
"I'll wait for you at the peak."
Fang Huo cast aside all guilt and emotion, returning to his usual casual and relaxed demeanor, facing everything calmly.
He wouldn't change his life and rhythm because of Redfield's existence.
"You'd better not be surpassed by me!"
Redfield also relaxed considerably, as if he had met a new friend.
"Then you'll have to work hard to catch up!"
Fang Huo smiled confidently, and his Haoshoku, like a deep abyss, permeated the air, causing Redfield's pupils to contract instantly.
Hopefully, this future Red Earl can withstand the pressure and trials from Fang Huo's many loyal 'fans'...