Half an hour later.
Nojiko had little to pack. Nami, however, insisted on hauling several orange trees aboard. Under the villagers' blessings, the ship lifted into the sky.
"Nojiko, age twenty. Hobbies: cooking and tending orange trees. Dream... that Nami will live healthy and happy."
At her modest introduction, Riku decided immediately.
"Good. From now on, you're the cook. Nami's food is inedible."
Nami planted her fists on her hips, glaring. "What do you mean my cooking is bad? Don't look down on me! Can you even cook?!"
She stomped in outrage as Riku walked away without a glance.
"Hey, come back here!"
"Ugh! He pissed me off again!"
Nojiko giggled at the scene. At least Nami seemed happier than ever.
Kaya smiled sweetly. "Onee-sans, let's all train together."
"Sure," Nojiko agreed.
...
Meanwhile, Riku returned to his cabin.
Naturally—time to draw.
"Something to strengthen the whole crew, please. A Time Room or something..." he muttered, activating the system.
Ding. Crew seized: Nojiko. All-World Lottery begins.Ding. Congratulations, host has obtained an item.Three-Color Haki Analysis Manual!
Ding. Optimization triggered. Apply?
Riku accepted at once.
Ding. Optimization complete.
True Haki Manual: The fastest method for awakening and raising the quality of all three Haki. Once all three reach Supreme level, if mastery is complete, fusion can begin—shattering this world's limits.
Conqueror's Haki: Meditation Method.
Armament Haki: Tempering Method.
Observation Haki: Dream Method.
When he finished absorbing the knowledge, Riku was thrilled.
Meditation not only strengthened Conqueror's Haki but also sharpened spirit and will, even granting a chance to awaken it.
An entire crew with Conqueror's Haki was no longer a dream.
The Tempering Method offered faster body training. The Dream Method? Simply put—grow stronger while sleeping.
Comprehensive. Too comprehensive.
It would multiply his growth rate. More importantly, it gave a path beyond Supreme level, to keep advancing.
Give him time, and he would surpass everyone. At least in this world.
"Train. Train!"
He emerged and passed the manual's basics to the three girls.
"Study well. Strive to awaken Conqueror's Haki. I look forward to it."
Of course he did.
In the New World, Conqueror's wasn't rare. But an entire crew wielding it? The world would tremble.
If they all mastered advanced forms... even Kaido would weep.
"Foreseeing the future? Reading minds? Is that real?" Nami's eyes sparkled with suspicion. "Tell me, have you been listening to my thoughts? Or reading my memories?"
Riku flicked her forehead. "You're overthinking. Future sight, maybe. But mind-reading? That's mostly innate, not trainable."
Nami narrowed her eyes. "Others can't. But you definitely can, right?"
"...Stop squinting."
He didn't deny it. Truthfully, the True Haki Manual was too perfect. Optimized by the system itself.
And yes, mind-reading was unsettling. Everyone had secrets—even family, even lovers.
But Riku was frank. "To be honest, I've already seen your memories. Don't ask how. It's done."
"Eh?!"
The three women cried out together.
There went their chances of ever marrying.
...
Elsewhere.
News of Colonel Nezumi's death reached Marine HQ. Investigations traced it to East Blue. Reports stacked up, until finally they landed on the Fleet Admiral's desk.
Sengoku read, frowning at the transponder snail. "Are these reports certain?"
The East Blue governor's voice replied, "Yes. The remnants of the Black Cat Pirates confirm it. Locals know the Riku Pirates' doctor Kaya well in Syrup Village. The intel is solid."
"Understood."
Sengoku hung up and turned to Garp, who was munching senbei loudly. "Idiot! Stop eating in my office! I bought those!"
"Pu-ha-ha! Sengoku, you're stingy," Garp laughed, crumbs flying.
Sengoku's brow twitched. "Enough joking. Monkey D. Luffy—what's his relation to you?"
"Of course he's my grandson—" Garp stopped mid-laugh. His eyes widened. "Wait, how do you know that? Have you been spying on me?!"
I'll let it slide... this time!
Sengoku inhaled slowly. "In East Blue's Syrup Village, the Straw Hat Pirates defeated the Black Cat remnants. But they were instantly crushed by Riku. Monkey D. Luffy and two others gravely injured, their navigator seized. Their whereabouts are unknown."
BOOM!
A monstrous aura erupted.
Tables rattled, papers flew. Sengoku slammed it down. "Calm yourself!"
"How can I? That's my grandson!"
Garp's face flushed with rage. The brat had really gone and become a pirate. And now, freshly set out, he had already been broken?
Sengoku's voice steadied. "There's no death report. He must have escaped. For now."
"If you can contact him, do it. Persuade him back before he's officially wanted. I don't like pirates."
"That damn brat! When I find him, I'll beat him half to death," Garp fumed, steam nearly rising from his head.
Sengoku snorted. He didn't believe for a second Garp could be that ruthless.
He slid the dossier across.
"This is the man responsible."
"Shiratori Riku."