Renji Kuro gestured.
Nami picked up the small copper hammer. This time, without the slightest hesitation, she walked straight toward the Gold Can on the left.
After the first experience, her unease toward opening cans had lessened, replaced by excitement and curiosity.
Thud!
The hammer fell.
The second Gold Can shattered and dissolved just like the first.
What appeared before Nami—
Was a tube-shaped object about twenty centimeters long, simple in design yet exuding a sense of precision.
It had a silver-white metallic finish. One end featured a transparent window, inside which was about half a tube of clear, deep light-blue liquid.
The liquid swayed slightly under the sunlight, refracting soft, beautiful glimmers.
It looked mysteriously elegant—
Yet, for some reason, carried a faint, unsettling aura of danger.
"What is this?"
Nami carefully picked up the syringe-like object. It felt cold to the touch.
She gave it a light shake, watching the blue liquid flow slowly inside.
"A potion? Something you drink? Or…"
At the same moment she lifted the item, the system's information updated in Renji Kuro's mind.
[Item Name: Beginner Gene Optimization Serum]
[Origin: A technological civilization from a pan-universal system]
[Effect: After injection, significantly enhances the user's base physical attributes within a certain period, including but not limited to strength, endurance, speed, cellular activity, and neural capacity. Also amplifies mental will to some extent. Effects are irreversible.]
[Side Effects / Risks: The injection process is extremely painful and places heavy demands on the user's physical condition and willpower. Those with insufficient physical foundation or weak will have a high probability of failure, leading to genetic collapse, organ failure, or mental breakdown. Estimated mortality rate exceeds 65%. Even if successful, unknown long-term risks may remain.]
[Note: This model is a prototype improvement version. Stability is uncertain. Use with caution.]
After reading the description, Renji Kuro's brows furrowed slightly.
This item—
Its effects were practically heaven-defying, directly elevating one's life level.
But the risks…
Were equally terrifying.
He looked at Nami, who was curiously examining the serum, and chose to explain truthfully.
"This is… a special enhancement serum."
He pointed at the syringe in her hand.
"If injected properly, it can fundamentally strengthen your body—greater strength, faster speed, higher endurance, even… slowing down aging."
Nami's eyes lit up instantly, her breathing quickening.
Enhancing her body?
Wasn't this exactly what she needed?
With a stronger body, she could protect herself better… and gather money more efficiently!
Maybe—even when facing Arlong—
She could have just a little more confidence.
But Renji Kuro's next words were like a bucket of cold water poured over her.
"However."
His tone turned serious.
"The risks are extremely high. The process will be very painful, and it places a heavy burden on both your body and your willpower. If you can't endure it…"
He paused, looking at her face tightening.
"You could die. Even if you succeed, there may be unpredictable long-term consequences. This isn't something you should use lightly."
The excitement on Nami's face faded rapidly, replaced by heaviness and inner conflict.
She lowered her head, staring at the beautiful pale-blue liquid in her hand.
It no longer looked enchanting—
But more like a venomous snake waiting to strike.
A mortality rate exceeding 65%…
That number sent a chill through her heart.
The burden on her shoulders was too heavy.
Cocoyasi Village was still waiting for her.
She couldn't take such a reckless risk.
She couldn't die here.
After a moment of hesitation, Nami bit her lip, determination flashing in her eyes.
She didn't use it immediately.
Nor did she throw it away.
Instead—
With swift, practiced movements—
She tucked the syringe into a hidden inner pocket within her clothing.
Her motion was so fast it left only a blur.
If Renji Kuro hadn't been watching closely, he wouldn't even have noticed where she hid it.
That spot was clearly well-designed—
Perfect for storing small, valuable items close to the body, while being extremely difficult for others to detect or steal.
Experience gained over years of "work."
After hiding the serum, Nami seemed to let out a small breath—
As if setting down a heavy burden—
Yet also keeping a hidden trump card for a desperate moment.
She looked at Renji Kuro and forced a somewhat unnatural smile.
"Looks like this 'surprise' is a bit too dangerous… I'll keep it for now and decide later."
Renji Kuro nodded without saying much.
This was her choice.
He had no need to interfere.
Now—
Only the last Gold Can remained.
Nami's gaze fell on the lone golden can standing there.
Her heartbeat quickened once again.
The first can had given her a path to power.
The second had given her a high-risk, high-reward possibility.
What would the last one bring?
She tightened her grip on the hammer, stepped forward, took a deep breath—
And struck down with force!
Crack!
With a crisp sound, the can shattered and vanished.
But this time—
No item appeared.
Instead—
A burst of dazzling golden light erupted violently!
"Ah!"
Nami cried out, instinctively raising her hand to shield her eyes.
Fortunately, as someone who traveled frequently, she always carried sunglasses.
With her other hand, she quickly pulled them out and put them on.