Zororo stood in front of his closet, staring at the neatly organized school uniforms hanging inside. The Seika International Academy uniform consisted of a black blazer with gold trim, a white dress shirt, and black pants. A red tie with the school's emblem completed the look.
He dressed quickly, his hands moving with practiced ease thanks to the original Zororo's muscle memory. It felt strange, like his body knew what to do even when his mind didn't. As he buttoned his shirt, he noticed how naturally athletic this body was. The original Zororo might have been depressed, but he had maintained his physical health through martial arts training.
[TIP: YOUR BODY'S MUSCLE MEMORY HAS BEEN PRESERVED]
[YOU RETAIN ALL SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE OF THE PREVIOUS SOUL]
"That's convenient," Zororo muttered, adjusting his tie in the mirror. At least he wouldn't have to relearn how to walk or talk. The integration seemed nearly perfect.
He took a deep breath and headed downstairs. The Kurogami mansion was impressive three stories of modern luxury with traditional Japanese aesthetic touches. The original Zororo's parents had been successful system users who had built a fortune through dungeon exploration and artifact trading before their deaths.
The smell of cooking food grew stronger as Zororo approached the dining room. His stomach growled, reminding him that this body hadn't eaten properly in days. When he entered the dining area, he froze.
Two incredibly beautiful young women sat at the large dining table, and both turned to look at him simultaneously.
"Good morning, Zororo!" the girl on the left said brightly.
Akari Kurogami was stunning. Long, silky black hair flowed down to her waist, and her violet eyes sparkled with warmth. She wore a fashionable casual dress that perfectly complemented her idol image. Her smile was radiant, the kind that could make anyone's heart skip a beat.
"Finally awake, little brother?" the girl on the right said with a smirk.
Himeko Kurogami was Akari's twin but completely different in style. Her black hair was cut short in a practical bob, and her crimson eyes held a fierce intelligence. She wore athletic clothing a tank top and training pants showing off her toned, muscular arms. Where Akari radiated gentle beauty, Himeko exuded powerful confidence.
Both sisters were absolutely gorgeous, and Zororo felt his face heat up. The original Zororo's memories stirred, bringing waves of familial affection mixed with something more complicated that he quickly pushed down.
"Good morning," Zororo said, walking to his usual seat at the table. He needed to act natural, like the brother they remembered.
"You look better," Himeko observed, studying him with those sharp eyes. "Your color is back. We were worried after you collapsed."
"I'm fine now," Zororo assured her, sitting down. "Just needed rest."
"You needed more than rest," Akari said, her smile fading into concern. She reached across the table and placed her hand over his. "You've been pushing yourself too hard, Zororo. Training every day, studying until late at night, barely eating... We've been so worried."
Her hand was warm and soft. Zororo felt the genuine concern radiating from both sisters, and it made his chest tighten. These girls truly loved their little brother. The original Zororo had been blessed with such caring family, even if he'd been too lost in grief to appreciate it.
"I'm sorry for making you worry," Zororo said sincerely. "I'll take better care of myself from now on."
Himeko's eyes narrowed slightly. "You sound different. More... mature somehow."
Zororo's heart skipped a beat. Was his cover already blown? He forced a casual smile. "Maybe the rest cleared my head. I've been thinking a lot."
"Well, thinking is good, but eating is better!" Akari stood up and began placing dishes on the table. "I made your favorites grilled salmon, miso soup, rice, and tamago."
The food looked and smelled amazing. Zororo's stomach growled loudly, making both sisters laugh.
"See? Your body knows what it needs," Himeko said, sliding a plate toward him. "Eat up. You're going back to school today, right?"
Zororo nodded, picking up his chopsticks. School. Seika International Academy. According to his inherited memories, it was one of the top academies in Kazekami City for training system users. Students ranged from fifteen to twenty years old, learning to master their abilities while getting a normal education.
As he ate, Zororo observed his sisters more carefully. Akari moved with graceful elegance, every gesture refined and beautiful. Her S-Rank Charm System wasn't just about looks it enhanced her presence, making people naturally drawn to her. No wonder she had become a successful idol.
Himeko, on the other hand, had the bearing of a warrior. Even while casually eating breakfast, she maintained perfect posture and awareness of her surroundings. Her A-Rank Battle Goddess System had transformed her into one of the top fighters among young system users in the city.
Both were incredibly talented and successful. And both were clearly devoted to their little brother.
"So," Akari said, sipping her tea, "are you really ready to go back to school? You could take another day off if you need it."
"I'm ready," Zororo replied. "I've missed too many days already."
"That's true," Himeko agreed. "Your attendance has been terrible this semester. The teachers have been understanding because of... everything, but you can't keep skipping forever."
The "everything" she referred to was their parents' death. Even three years later, it cast a shadow over the family. The original Zororo had never fully recovered from the loss.
But Nanzi now Zororo had already experienced death once. He understood grief, but he also understood the importance of moving forward. This second chance at life wasn't something to waste drowning in sadness.
"I know," Zororo said quietly. "It's time to move on. Mom and Dad wouldn't want us stuck in the past."
Both sisters stared at him with surprised expressions. Then Akari's eyes filled with tears.
"Zororo..." she whispered, reaching across the table to grab his hand again. "I'm so glad to hear you say that. We've been so worried about you."
Himeko's usual tough expression softened. "You sound like yourself again. Like the brother we had before the accident."
Zororo squeezed Akari's hand gently. "I'm sorry for worrying you both. Things are going to be different from now on. I promise."
The words seemed to lift a weight from both sisters. Akari wiped her tears and smiled brilliantly. Himeko nodded with approval, though Zororo noticed her eyes glistening slightly too.
They finished breakfast with lighter conversation. Akari talked about her upcoming idol concert at the Kazekami Arena. Himeko mentioned a tournament she was entering next month. Zororo listened attentively, learning more about this world through their casual chat.
Apparently, system users were celebrities in Shinsekai. High-rankers like his sisters were famous, appearing in news broadcasts and magazines. Combat tournaments attracted massive audiences. Dungeon exploration was a legitimate career path. It was like living inside a video game mixed with modern society.
After breakfast, Zororo helped clean up despite his sisters' protests. As he washed dishes, he noticed the system screen flickering in the corner of his vision.
[OBSERVING HOST'S BEHAVIOR]
[CURRENT ALIGNMENT: NEUTRAL]
[REMINDER: VILLAINOUS ACTIONS WILL BE REWARDED]
[FIRST MISSION AVAILABLE IN: 22 HOURS, 18 MINUTES]
Zororo frowned slightly. The system kept reminding him about villain missions. What kind of tasks would it assign? Would he really have to do evil things to grow stronger?
"Zororo? Are you okay?" Akari's voice broke his thoughts.
He looked up to find both sisters watching him with concern again.
"Just thinking about school," Zororo said quickly. "I've been away for a while. Probably have a lot of catching up to do."
"Don't push yourself too hard," Himeko warned. "Your health is more important than grades."
"I'll be careful," Zororo promised.
Akari glanced at the clock on the wall. "Oh! It's already seven-thirty! You should get going soon, or you'll be late."
Zororo nodded and headed back upstairs to grab his school bag. As he packed his supplies, he opened the system interface again, exploring the menus he hadn't checked yet.
[SYSTEM SHOP]
The shop menu displayed hundreds of items, skills, and abilities he could purchase with Villain Points. Everything from basic stat boosts to legendary weapons. The cheapest items cost 50 VP, while the most expensive ones required millions.
[BASIC STAT ENHANCEMENT POTION - 50 VP]
[EFFECT: +5 TO ANY STAT]
[SHADOW STEP SKILL - 500 VP]
[EFFECT: TELEPORT SHORT DISTANCES THROUGH SHADOWS]
[VILLAIN'S MASK - 1,000 VP]
[EFFECT: HIDE YOUR IDENTITY COMPLETELY]
With only 100 VP, Zororo couldn't afford much yet. He needed to complete missions to earn more points.
He closed the shop and checked the Mission Board.
[MISSION BOARD]
[NO ACTIVE MISSIONS]
[FIRST MANDATORY MISSION WILL APPEAR IN: 22 HOURS, 15 MINUTES]
[OPTIONAL MISSIONS MAY APPEAR BASED ON HOST'S ACTIONS]
So the system would give him mandatory missions, but he could also trigger optional ones through his behavior. Interesting. That meant he had some control over his path, even with a villain system.
Zororo shouldered his bag and headed downstairs. Both sisters were waiting by the front door.
"We're walking you to school," Akari announced cheerfully.
"Both of us," Himeko added, crossing her arms. "Non-negotiable."
Zororo smiled despite himself. "Okay, okay. Let's go."
The three siblings left the mansion together, and Zororo felt something warm bloom in his chest. Whatever challenges this villain system would throw at him, at least he had family who cared. That was more than Nanzi had ever had in his previous life.
As they walked through the wealthy streets of Kazekami City toward Seika International Academy, Zororo made a silent vow.
He would protect these sisters, no matter what. Even if he had to become a villain to do it.
---
[END OF CHAPTER 2]