Following the battle at Moka City, Vale D. Drake received a notification for completing a hidden objective:
[Hidden Mission: United as One. Reward: Cultivation Gift Pack.]
Drake marveled at the perfect timing of this reward. The recent conflict had clarified the current standing of the Dragon Flag Pirates; while they were strong enough to establish a foothold in the New World, they still lacked the deep-rooted power necessary to challenge top-tier organizations like the Emperors of the Sea. Drake realized that pushing forward recklessly was not the best choice, but he previously had no method to facilitate a rapid, collective increase in strength for his crew beyond natural progression through adventure.
While Kenshin needed to refine his Haki and Bell was still developing, Drake admitted he lacked the expertise to personally train them. The System's rewards provided the ultimate solution to these developmental hurdles.
At their lodgings provided by Bernice, Drake gathered the crew to announce a change in plans.
"There's something I need to tell you all," Drake began as the crew looked on curiously. "We might not be setting sail again for a while".
When Kenshin and the others asked if something was wrong with the Magic Protector, Drake smiled and reassured them, "No, nothing like that. It's a good thing. We need to stop and accumulate our strength".
Drake placed four books on the table, the first of which was titled Cloud-Crossing Sword Styles. He explained that with the New World currently divided by the four Emperors, continuing their journey immediately was not the best strategy. While they had grown through past adventures, Drake noted they now had a better option for rapid advancement.
Drake handed the first book to Kenshin, noting that its advanced techniques would be highly beneficial to the skilled swordsman. Kenshin opened the book and was immediately struck by its opening philosophy:
"What is swordsmanship? First, cultivate the technique; next, cultivate the sword; finally, cultivate the self!"
Kenshin was instantly enthralled, finding the manual to be of immense significance. Seeing Kenshin's absorption, Drake picked up the second book: The Encyclopedia of a Hundred Treasures.
Drake presented this medical text to Ann, believing it would greatly enhance her skills. Although Drake was not a doctor, his brief look at the manual revealed it was no ordinary medical book; it detailed a profound synergy between healing and lethality. As Ann read, her shock mirrored Kenshin's.
Locke was surprised by Ann's reaction, as she was usually an expert on all medical matters. Ann quickly composed herself, describing it as a "miraculous book" containing diseases and treatments she had never encountered. Privately, Ann recognized the lethal techniques described within, which presented killing as a legitimate extension of a healer's duty to protect. Having felt helpless while watching Locke suffer injuries in the past, Ann felt a surge of excitement at the prospect of finally becoming strong enough to protect him.
Drake then turned to Locke and presented the third book, Heaven and Earth Staff Styles, a manual containing techniques capable of "shaking the demons of the world". Locke, like his comrades, was immediately captivated by the content.
Finally, Drake handed the last book, Blades of the Gale, to Bell. Bell was ecstatic as he realized that mastering even a fraction of its contents would turn him into a top-tier fighter. For the first time, Bell saw a clear path to becoming a powerful asset to the crew rather than feeling like a burden.
Standing up and looking out toward the sea, Drake made a declaration: "Starting today, the Dragon Flag Pirates are temporarily closing for business. We are entering a state of total cultivation. When we next set sail, it will be the moment we reign supreme over the New World!"