Raoh asked Luffy why he was up so early in the morning. Luffy loved to laze in bed, no matter what environment he slept in. Garp had already made them sleep in more difficult circumstances, but his slumber had always been deep and callous. No matter who or what was trying to bother him, Luffy always slept like a drunkard, showing no care for the people or noise surrounding him. Something really major had to go down for this sloth to wake up so promptly.

When Raoh inquired, Luffy said that he was hunting pheasants in his dreams, but they were so fast that he got mad and woke up in a frenzy when he let them escape. As soon as he got up, he noticed there was no breakfast left; alarmed, he dressed in a hurry and went looking for Raoh. As for Ace and Sabo, they were fearing that the careless fellow might lose his way inside the woods…

Raoh figured that since Luffy had not eaten his breakfast yet this bout might turn out to be a bit hazardous for Yoh. Years before, he realized that Luffy usually became weaker when he was hungry. This was also one of the reasons why he wanted to teach him Hokuto, as the state of hunger could be mentally influenced even by beginners. Luffy wasn’t able to really go past his bodily limits and become a monster like his twin, but he could mislead his brain certainly. Ignoring hunger for one day or two wouldn’t be a problem and he could fight at 80%.

The only problem was that his silly brother didn’t have a very good control over his strength output when he was in this unnatural state. He hurt Ace quite a few times over the years trying to master it, and even Sabo was somewhat reluctant to spar with him despite his plethora of defensive skills. Raoh had tried to evince the reason his body responded in such a way, but he could never put two and two together. This little devil loved to eat and even a stalwart ancestral technique could not deceive his body.

“Hao, how strong exactly is your brother compared to you?” Raoh was a bit worried so he asked. He looked at Yoh, not seeing what was sacred about him. His appearance did not speak much in favor of his might. Yoh wasn’t very athletic, and the headphones he always wore bolstered his nerdy image. If Yoh was a student back in Raoh's world he probably would be the unpopular kid hidden at the back of the classroom. Not that Raoh went to school, but he wasn’t an ascetic monk either; he had some awareness about his questionable society.

“I think you have the wrong impression.” Hao did not look at Raoh when he said this.

“How?” Raoh frowned at his words.

“...Before Yoh got sick he was stronger than me.” He smiled awkwardly as he said this. His gaze directed toward Yoh.

“You’re kidding right?” Raoh was doubtful.

“Not at all, our fighting history stands to a record of 1712-1426 even though this guy wasn’t healthy in years...I don’t have to mention when I got the advantage, do I?” He added casually.

“He’s that good?…” Raoh understood Hao had no reason to lie. If this was true, however, then Luffy had no chance to win. He did not want his brother to suffer a crushing defeat, but in hindsight, he was reassured for Yoh.

“Yes, he is, in more ways than you can picture…” Hao remembered his past. The only reason why he was so strong in the past was that of the Great Spirit. Now he and his brother had the same starting line. It was only Yoh’s second lifetime contrary to him, but since he retained his memories it wasn’t a mystery as to why he was this strong.

The young children observed the two fighters as they discussed more Luffy’s chances.

Soon, the two were ready for their showdown,

****************************************

“Don't worry I’ll go easy on you.” CRACK! Luffy cracked his fingers confidently. It could be misunderstood as him trying to intimidate his opponent, but that was his routine before a fight.

Raoh sighed and put a palm on his face as he heard the words. Hao simply chuckled, whereas Ace and Sabo looked confused. They couldn’t understand their attitudes.

“You might reconsider those words in a few…” Yoh withdrew a dagger from his waist and took a protective stance. As soon as he took out the dagger the flow of energy around him changed. The wind started to make the grass dance as both fighters were anticipating their moves.

Suddenly Yoh’s spirit appeared. It was a long white haired samurai, dressed in a kimono. His demeanor was intimidating, as his gigantic sword moved in synchronized motion with the shaman in front of him.

The next moment Luffy broke the staredown. He took off impatiently and rashly from his position, as he advanced with long strides towards Yoh. He had left his right arm behind him stretch very strangely, while the rest of his body sped up forward.

“Gomu-Gomu no Pistol!” Luffy shouted loudly. His arm shot towards Yoh with unbelievable momentum.

Yoh frowned and used his dagger in the manner of a shield. The spirit behind mimicked him funnily enough.

CLASH!! Yoh received the full extent of the blow. He did not even take a step back. Being a shaman Raoh saw that Yoh’s energy outlet had increased when he coordinated with the Samurai in order to receive the attack.

“His spirit is called Amidamaru. He’s the remaining soul of a Bushido warrior. I don’t want to spoil all the fun, but this was Kendo you just witnessed. It’s a sword technique that Samurais and swordsmen use in general. Being a shaman allows for Yoh to tap into his spirit’s knowledge, and thus his techniques, as well as his fighting style.” Hao clarified.

“Hmm...so that’s why you use fire. I mean, your spirit is a fire essence and all?” Raoh asked curiously.

“Yeah, you could put it this way I guess. Shamanic abilities are highly dependant on your spirit, but also your own personality and creativity. Some shamans can develop new skills for their spirits, as well as teach, or let them benefit from your own fighting experience and repertoire.” He continued with the lesson.

“We’ll talk about this in more detail when you get your own spirit. We don’t want to miss the fun, look!” Hao pointed at the fight.

“You’re strong. Ha!...” Luffy exhaled as he praised his opponent. He had launched several attacks without success.

“You’re not bad yourself.” Yoh returned the praise. “ But if that’s all you got, you better give up now.” I haven’t even used 50% of my power outside of my oversoul form. Yoh thought in silence.

“Luffy!” Raoh yelled. Luffy stared at his twin for several seconds. They seemed to be communicating with their eyes.

“He’s that strong huh?” Luffy looked dispirited for a moment. But then the next instant his eyes sparkled with a dangerous glow.

“Raoh are you sure that’s a good idea?” Sabo gasped as he perceived the essence of something.

“.....” Raoh remained silent for a few moments. He then said. “It should be fine if it’s only one strike, I’m here so if something goes amiss I’ll meddle.

Not far from there, a playful wisp was listening in secret to the kid's talk. When he heard the content of their conversation he smiled evilly and thought.

I have a score to settle with that shitty Samurai, but that move description seems a tad sinister... Spirit of fire complained inwardly.