The conversation with Koushirou had ended.
As a parting gesture, Koushirou handed Luffy a sum of money, considered Zoro's "guardianship fee."
Luffy didn't refuse.
In fact, he had originally planned to ask Koushirou for a loan to prepare for their journey, though he hadn't really intended to pay it back.
At a certain level of strength, a little money simply becomes trivial.
The rain had stopped.
Luffy made his way alone to Shimotsuki Village, planning to buy a small boat, some supplies, and a nautical chart along with a compass.
Even in the age of advanced ships and seas, most travelers in the Four Blues still relied on these basic tools.
Along the way, Luffy conversed silently with the system in his mind.
"System, explain the Partner System to me."
[Affirmative.]
[The Partner System is a crucial mechanism for the host to enhance their strength.
The host may recruit up to ten partners.
The host can provide each partner with attribute bonuses equal to Host Level × 5.
Partners will, in turn, provide percentage-based attribute boosts to the host, depending on their innate aptitude.
For example, if a partner has 200 Strength, and their aptitude bonus is 25%, the host gains 200 × 25% = 50 Strength.
There are six aptitude tiers: SSS, SS, S, A, B, and C.
Aptitude not only determines the bonus rate but also reflects the partner's growth potential.
SSS represents the pinnacle of talent in the One Piece world, those with it are destined for greatness, assuming they work hard enough.
C rank represents ordinary people, with little chance of growing powerful on their own.
Each rank provides the following percentage boosts to the host:
SSS: 50%
SS: 25%
S: 10%
A: 5%
B: 2%
C: 1%
Partners can also equip gear from the system shop in three slots: Head, Body, and Feet. These provide stats only to the partner, not the host.
However, the most important feature of the Partner System is the Exclusive Item Draw, available once per partner.
This item grants substantial stat increases and may even raise a partner's aptitude.
Note: While aptitude upgrades do not improve the percentage bonus rate, any raw stats gained still benefit the host.
[Explanation complete.]
─────────🏴☠️─────────
The sun after the rain felt warmer than usual.
A light breeze rustled through the trees, their leaves whispering softly in its wake.
On the quiet path between Isshin Dojo and Shimotsuki Village, Luffy leaned against a tree, trembling with excitement.
By the time the system had explained even half of the Partner System, Luffy had already stopped walking.
The information was too thrilling to process with a calm mind.
This system… it was overwhelming.
He could raise his own strength, strengthen his partners, and benefit again from their growth, plus they could wear equipment.
Even though there were only ten slots, it was more than enough for Luffy.
For the first time, he truly felt:
"I'm not fighting alone anymore."
"Heaven or Earth, I walk with pride!"
The forest remained as still as ever.
It took a long time for Luffy to calm his excitement.
Once he regained focus, a new thought occurred to him.
"Wait… System, didn't you say I'd get attribute boosts? Why don't I feel any changes?"
[Please draw an Exclusive Item for your new partner. Once equipped, the Partner System will fully activate.]
Luffy bit his finger thoughtfully.
"So I need to pull from a gacha? What kind of items can I get?"
[Rewards are drawn from all fantasy worlds and will be matched to best suit the partner.]
"Hmm? All fantasy worlds?" That line from the system carried a lot of weight.
[Yes. Once the host's Marketplace unlocks, three random items from fantasy worlds will refresh monthly. You may purchase any of them.]
Luffy's grin grew wider with every word.
"So one day, I could be munching meatballs, yelling 'I'm gonna be King of the Pirates!' just like an anime character! Hahahahahaha!"
The more he thought about it, the funnier it got.
He finally burst into laughter, thankfully, the forest was empty.
Otherwise, some poor passerby might have been terrified.
"System, open the Partner Interface. I want to check Zoro's stats."
[Opening.]
A panel popped up, displaying a 2D portrait of Zoro along with four gear slots: Exclusive Item, Head, Body, and Feet.
Beneath it were Zoro's stat points:
Name: Roronoa Zoro
Aptitude: SSS
Stamina: 125
Strength: 85
Agility: 70
Mental Power: 120
Luffy studied the screen carefully, memorizing every detail.
He nodded in satisfaction.
"As expected of Zoro. SSS rank… Top-tier talent. Perfect. That means I'll be getting stronger really fast too."
He looked up at the sky.
"Alright, let's finish the prep work. I'll draw the item once we're out at sea. Otherwise, it's going to be hard to explain things to Koushirou."
"This is one hell of a gift, for both me and Zoro."
─────────🏴☠️─────────
Shimotsuki Village Port
Luffy spent the entire afternoon gathering supplies: nautical charts, a compass, food, and basic living gear.
Then he visited a small shipyard.
Usually, the shipwrights there built fishing boats for local fishermen.
A request like Luffy's, a custom small boat for travel, was a bit unusual.
Fortunately, Luffy didn't ask for anything fancy. He just needed a vessel big enough for three people.
Plus, he was generous with his money.
For a boat that usually cost a few tens of thousands of Berries, Luffy threw down over 100,000, asking only that it be ready to sail by tomorrow.
Once the deal was made and the boat scheduled to be docked at the port, Luffy left the shipyard.
─────────🏴☠️─────────
Back at Isshin Dojo, dozens of kids were training with wooden swords, their feet stomping rhythmically on the still-damp ground.
Koushirou stood at the side with his usual warm smile, yet none of the children dared to slack off under his gaze.
When Luffy returned, he greeted Koushirou and learned that Zoro was training in the woods where he usually practiced alone.
Luffy thought for a moment, then decided to go find him.
They were brothers-in-arms now, after all.
It wouldn't hurt to build some camaraderie early.
─────────🏴☠️─────────
In the forest clearing…
Zoro stood in an offensive stance, both hands gripping Wado Ichimonji tightly.
A soft breeze stirred the dust, forming little cyclones at his feet.
A single leaf drifted down in the wind, landing gently on the blade's edge.
Without a sound, the leaf split cleanly in two and fell at Zoro's feet.
Zoro's eyes snapped open.
With a subtle motion, he slashed forward.
A man-sized boulder in front of him split neatly down the middle.
The top half slid down the blade's line, hitting the ground with a crash and shattering into pieces.
On the remaining stone, a glass-smooth cut surface gleamed in the sun.
"That's one hell of a sword," Luffy said, emerging with a grin from the far side of the woods.
Zoro gave the blade a thoughtful glance, then quietly sheathed it.
"Something you need, Luffy?" he asked.
Luffy casually reached up and patted Zoro on the shoulder.
"Everything's ready. We can set sail tomorrow."
Zoro looked around the training grounds where he had spent so many years.
His voice dropped to a whisper.
"So… it's time to go, huh, Kuina?"
"Hmm? What was that?"
Zoro's voice had been so soft that Luffy didn't catch it.
"It's nothing," Zoro replied quickly. He didn't want anyone to see his softer side.
"Let's head back, Luffy. Master said he's making an exception today, he's throwing us a farewell feast."
"Subarashii!! You know, I've never had a party thrown for me before. This'll be my first time as the main guest!"
Seeing Luffy's bright, confident smile, the sadness in Zoro's heart seemed to fade just a little.
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