After finishing his conversation with Goshiro, Luffy received a sum of money from him—Zoro's guardianship fee. Luffy didn't refuse.
Originally, he had planned to borrow some money from Goshiro anyway, under the pretense of buying supplies—though returning it was never really part of the plan.
For someone who's already strong, small sums of money are hardly worth worrying about.
The rain had stopped.
Luffy made his way through Frostmoon Village, preparing to buy a small boat, basic supplies, a nautical chart, and a compass.
Even in the Four Seas, people still relied on simple tools for navigation.
Along the way, Luffy spoke to the system in his mind:
"System, explain the partner system to me."
[Understood.]
[The partner system is a key method for the host to increase their strength.
The host can have up to ten partners.Each partner provides an attribute bonus to the host equal to the partner's attribute multiplied by their quality percentage.For example, if a partner has 200 strength, the host gains 200 × quality percentage in bonus strength.Partner quality is divided into six ranks: SSS, SS, S, A, B, and C.**
**- SSS is the highest, representing top-tier potential in the pirate world. A partner of this quality, if trained, is destined to become a ruler of the seas or a historical legend.
C-rank is ordinary, and self-growth is limited.**
- The attribute bonus percentages per rank are: SSS 50%, SS 25%, S 10%, A 5%, B 2%, C 1%.
- Partners can equip items in three slots: head, body, and feet, but these items do not provide attribute bonuses to the host.
- Most importantly, each partner can be assigned a unique item from the system's shop. This item greatly increases their attributes and may even improve their quality. Attribute increases from unique items are added to the host's bonuses.
[Ding! Introduction complete.]
The sky, now clear after the rain, felt warmer than usual. The wind rustled through the leaves along the path between the dojo and Frostmoon Village.
Luffy leaned against a tree, trembling with excitement.
By the time the system had finished its explanation, Luffy had no interest in hurrying. His heart was racing too fast to think clearly.
The partner system brought him so much excitement—leveling up himself could make his partners stronger, and as his partners grew, he would grow even stronger. They could even equip items!
Even with just ten partner slots, it was enough for him.
For the first time, Luffy felt he wasn't alone in battle.
He was supreme, above all!
The forest was silent as he calmed down after a long while.
Then Luffy realized something.
"System… you said partners give attribute bonuses, but why do I feel nothing?"
[Host, please assign a unique item to your new partner. Once equipped, the partner system will begin functioning fully.]
Luffy bit his finger. "Another draw? What could I get?"
[The prize is random, drawn from all fantasy worlds. The item will be one suitable for your new partner.]
"Wait… all fantasy worlds?" Luffy thought, surprised by the amount of information.
[Yes. Once the system's shop is active, every month three items from fantasy worlds are randomly available for purchase.]
Luffy's smile grew wider.
"So in the future, I can shout while rolling dumplings, 'I'm going to be the King of the Pirates!' Hahaha…"
He laughed out loud, relieved that he was alone in the forest. Otherwise, passing villagers might be scared.
"System, open the partner interface. Check Zoro's stats."
[Understood.]
The interface appeared. A 2D image of Zoro popped up, with four slots: unique item, head, body, and feet. Below were Zoro's stats:
Name: Roronoa ZoroQuality: SSS64Stamina: 125Strength: 85Agility: 70Spirit: 1207
Luffy memorized everything carefully.
"Not surprising—it's Zoro. SSS quality, top-tier. Perfect. He'll make me stronger fast too."
"Alright… let's finish the preparations first. Everything else can wait until later. This is a great gift—for both Zoro and me."
At Frostmoon Village's harbor, Luffy spent the afternoon preparing the chart, compass, supplies, and food.
He went to a small shipyard, usually for fishing vessels. Requesting a small ship for three people was unusual, but the shipwrights complied.
Fortunately, Luffy wasn't picky. The ship only needed to carry three people.
He paid generously—far more than a normal small boat costs—to ensure it was ready by tomorrow.
Once everything was settled, Luffy left the shipyard.
Back at the dojo, children trained with wooden swords, stomping on the wet earth repeatedly.
Goshiro stood by, his warm smile keeping the students disciplined.
Luffy greeted him and learned that Zoro was training alone in the nearby woods.
He decided to find Zoro, thinking it was important to strengthen their bond as future comrades.
In the clearing, Zoro held Wado Ichimonji in an attack stance.
A light breeze stirred the dust into small whirlwinds.
A leaf drifted to the blade.
Silently, Zoro cut it in two.
A single stone, about a person's height, was split cleanly down the middle by his blade, the top half sliding down and shattering on the ground.
A perfectly smooth cut remained on the stone.
"What a fine blade!" Luffy said cheerfully, approaching from the other side of the forest.
Zoro glanced at Wado Ichimonji with a meaningful look, then sheathed it.
"Anything you need, Luffy?"
Luffy stood on tiptoe and patted Zoro's shoulder. "Everything's ready. Tomorrow, we set sail."
Zoro scanned the training ground where he had trained for years. Quietly, he said, "We're really leaving, huh… Kuina…"
"What?"
Zoro's voice was low; Luffy didn't hear it.
"Nothing." Zoro didn't want anyone to see this softer side of him.
"Let's go back," Luffy said. "Goshiro said there will be a farewell banquet today for us."
"Alright! And you know, I've never attended a banquet for myself as the main character. This is the first time."
Seeing Luffy's confident smile, Zoro's sadness at leaving faded considerably.