Orochimaru slithered out of Luffy's bed, flicking his snake-like tongue, then transformed into his human form, stretched, and dragged Luffy off to wash up.
Why was Orochimaru sleeping with Luffy? Garp picked his nose and said, "You're brothers, of course you need to build a bond. Besides, the room is only so big, and it's convenient for you to sleep with Luffy as a snake, isn't it?"
He dunked Luffy in water, rinsed him off, then dried him in the sun. After tidying his own attire, he dragged Luffy to meet Garp. For the past six months, Orochimaru had been with Garp and Luffy every day, training together, eating together, and playing together. He often watched Luffy get beaten, but Orochimaru himself had only been beaten once because he was spacing out and ignored Garp. Thus, the clever and cunning Orochimaru was born... Who would choose to be beaten?
Six months passed quickly. The development of his Devil Fruit was as expected; after all, he had already developed it extensively in his previous life. It was mostly a matter of gradual recovery. Also, because his Main Body was quite handsome, the snakes in his techniques had all turned white, which at least looked more pleasing to the eye than in his previous life. It was said that the Flying Serpent was a mythical beast from a mysterious Eastern country. His own snake body had grown tiny wings, so he figured he would be able to fly in a while. He looked at his reflection in the mirror with satisfaction, pleased. "Still beautiful, youth is truly wonderful! I, Orochimaru! This life, I will still live forever! My appearance will never exceed 25 years old!" ⌯ o ᴗ o ⌯
As for where the mirror came from, it was exchanged for one Berry in the junk mall. As for the box of exquisite junk in his backpack, it surprisingly couldn't be opened until he was 17. "Junk system, doesn't that mean it can only be opened when the main plot officially begins? I don't know what's inside, but it probably won't be very useful."
Carrying Luffy, he walked and pondered. Garp was returning to Marine Headquarters tomorrow. Shanks and Uta should be arriving soon, right? The story was about to begin.
Lost in thought, he bumped into a mountain of flesh with a "bang" sound. He looked up... and froze.
"Orochimaru!!!! Luffy!!!!! You made this old man wait for so long! I told you not to be so lazy! And Orochimaru! How many times have I told you! Don't space out when you walk! You're a Devil Fruit User! What if you fall into the sea?!" With a "Duang," he struck both their heads, one on the left, one on the right.
Luffy and Orochimaru covered their swollen heads, wanting to cry, and squatted on the ground, looking at each other... Orochimaru covered his head, regretting. He was careless; he didn't dodge.
The duo with red bumps on their heads obediently knelt before Garp, listening to him ramble on.
"Grandpa is leaving tomorrow, and I don't know when I'll be back next time. Makino has some Berries; Orochimaru, aren't you going to custom-make some shuriken and swords? Just ask Makino for them. And Luffy, please take good care of him. Of course, if you don't want to take care of him, just toss him aside. After all, Orochimaru is also a child."
Luffy pouted indignantly, muttering, "I'm clearly the older brother, why should Orochimaru take care of me?"
Garp pretended not to hear the mumble and continued his rambling.
Snake Snake thought, "What to do... I want to die... Let's check the backpack." "Hmm? A pleasant surprise! Weapon gift pack! My Kusanagi Sword! And it's a deluxe edition! Happy, I have weapons now!"
Garp: Blah blah blah.
Looking at the system store again: snacks, home appliances, pots and pans, refrigerators, huo, and even color TVs... "Too bad there's no signal ◔ . ̮ ◔ ✧. And novels! Wow ~ 'Re:ZERO - Starting Life in Another World,' isn't that me?"
Garp blah...?????! #
"There are clothes too: kimonos, haori, yukata... why are they all Japanese style? Is this system a Sakura brand?... Oh, ah... I see other things... underwear... Is it that bold? If I wear that out, even if I'm not a pervert, I'll be taken for one."
Garp: #Orochimaru!!! Are you even listening to this old man!!!
Orochimaru instantly felt a crisis warning and transformed into a snake, coiling around Luffy's neck.
He let out a breath: "That was close, I dodged a calamity."
Garp laughed in anger, "You think transforming into a snake will save you? Who do you think this old man is!" Caught in his hand, Orochimaru looked in shock at Luffy, who was whistling, looking at the sky. "No? Aren't you going to save your dear brother?!" Seeing the Armament Haki gradually spreading over Garp's hand, only one thought ran through his mind... "This old man has no morals!!!" A very ominous premonition... Danger! Danger! Danger!
"Damn old man!! What are you doing!! Stop it!" The transformed-back Orochimaru watched Garp's palm with wide, shocked eyes.