"Just based on Roger's final words before his death, I'm afraid people won't be able to forget them for generations," Junichi exclaimed with genuine emotion.
—"My wealth and treasures? If you want it, I'll let you have it...search for it! I left all of it at that place."
With those words, the great era of pirates was set into motion.
"That's true, he..." Rayleigh agreed deeply, his face showing a nostalgic expression.
"Sorry to interrupt." Shakky interjected helplessly, "It's the middle of the night—how about continuing this chat back home?"
"True enough. A dock isn't the best place for a heart-to-heart," Rayleigh said warmly, wrapping an arm around Junichi's shoulder. "Come on, I'll treat you to Sabaody's finest liquor!"
"That sounds... great?"
Nearby, Hancock and the others had also regained their composure. The group headed toward Shakky's Rip-off Bar.
---
The next day, Junichi woke up on time, thanks to his internal clock. He went outside, drew his ninja blade, and began his daily Uchiha-style sword training.
Swish!
Swish!
Swish!
A low slicing sound echoed through the air, smooth and rhythmic. He swung the blade in such tight patterns that it seemed to leave no gaps.
Normally, such training would take months to show any real progress.
But with the help of the Proficiency System…
Each time he completed a standard Uchiha-style sword practice, a notification popped up on his status screen:
[You have practiced Uchiha-style Swordsmanship. Proficiency +1]
[You have practiced Uchiha-style Swordsmanship. Proficiency +1]
[You have practiced Uchiha-style Swordsmanship. Proficiency +1]
...
This was visible, tangible growth. For a while, he didn't even feel the pain. He was completely immersed in his training.
Only after he was drenched in sweat and completely exhausted did he stop, panting as he leaned against the building, slowly sipping water.
Inside his body, a gentle warmth surged forth, replenishing the energy he had spent.
"Amazing…" Feeling the heat flow within him, he murmured in awe, "The nutritional value of meat here is insane."
Last night, Shakky had treated him to a good meal.
Just a regular dish, yet Junichi had felt bursting with energy, like his body had unlimited stamina.
Even after training to the point of collapse, a short rest was enough to recover most of his strength.
His trained awareness could sense his chakra pathways filling with new vigor. The physical energy came directly from the cells in his body, and the food he had consumed was rapidly being processed by those specialized cells.
Where ordinary humans might simply feel satisfied, his body's heightened efficiency at chakra production was turning this meal into pure power.
For someone trained to mold chakra, the difference was immediately noticeable, like comparing a trickle to a stream. His cells were practically singing with fresh physical energy, ready to be combined with his spiritual energy to form chakra.
With nutrition this dense, it's no wonder this world breeds so many monsters, he thought, recalling the many beasts of the pirate world. He no longer found it strange.
Compared to the One Piece world, the Naruto world was basically sludge. Not only was its energy scarce, but it was wild and unruly. Ordinary people and common methods couldn't even harness it.
After grumbling a bit about the Naruto world,
Junichi opened his status panel and checked his Rejection Rate.
[Rejection Rate: 5.28% / 100%]
Only a 0.05% increase. That was reasonable. He was just a nobody—no way a brief encounter would shake the tides of an era.
Hancock's case had been a fluke.
This—this was what normal looked like.
"I've rested enough." Junichi felt his strength returning. He sheathed his blade and went inside the building.
He took a shower first, then headed downstairs.
As soon as he stepped down, a rich aroma of meat hit him like a wave.
Gurgle…
His stomach growled loudly in response.
"Huh?"
He looked surprised. It wasn't real hunger—he hadn't even digested last night's meal yet.
It was craving.
His body was yearning for the source of that delicious scent.
"You're up! Come have some Sea King for breakfast," Shakky called from behind the bar, smiling and waving at him.
Sea King, huh?
Junichi understood instantly.
Sea Kings were known not only for their rich nutritional value but also for being exceptionally delicious. The energy in their meat far surpassed that of ordinary animals.
He walked over and sat down at the table.
Rayleigh, who was already seated, casually scooped up a bowl and handed it to him. It was a soup-based breakfast.
The moment he held it, the aroma intensified, and Junichi felt like every cell in his body was craving it.
"It was too late last night to have the chef cook anything fancy," Shakky said as she stepped out from behind the bar and placed a glass of freshly made juice in front of him with a warm smile. "But starting today, all five of your daily meals here will be Sea King dishes!"
"Five meals?" Junichi blinked in surprise.
"Breakfast, lunch, and dinner—plus afternoon tea and a midnight snack," Shakky chuckled.
All five meals made from Sea Kings?
Junichi's expression shifted slightly. He wasn't sure if he could handle it all—would he end up overeating?
Oh well. Might as well eat first and worry later.
Slurp…
He lowered his head and began eating the thick soup like porridge.
The rich flavor hit his tongue immediately. It was an indescribable taste that awakened every taste bud, like a perfect massage that made his entire mouth feel pampered.
"Delicious!"
His eyes lit up, and he started eating enthusiastically.
Rayleigh and Shakky watched him with amused smiles. Before long, he was about 120% full before reluctantly putting his spoon down. But he hadn't forgotten the main reason he came.
Wiping his mouth, he spoke up: "I've made up my mind about the reward."
Shakky and Rayleigh both looked at him.
Junichi hesitated a little, glancing at Shakky, then at Rayleigh, before slowly saying, "I hope I can ask you to teach me for a while."
The place fell silent for a moment.
A few seconds later, Shakky chuckled and shook her head.
"But as for tutoring you, that's unnecessary," Rayleigh declined. "You use a blade but I'm no expert in swordsmanship. I only fight with a sword. Doesn't mean I can teach sword techniques."
Shakky nodded in agreement. "Think it over again."
"No, I still hope to be taught by you," Junichi shook his head, speaking firmly. "Swordsmanship is only one part of my strength. In every other area, I need a seasoned veteran to guide my training."
"Oh?" Rayleigh raised an eyebrow and thought it over. "If you insist, I can train you for a while. But it won't be for too long. I don't come cheap, you know. The most I'll offer is six months."
"That's more than enough," he replied with a smile.
He never expected two years of training or anything.
Who was he, compared to Luffy?
Luffy was the heir to Roger's will! The host of Nika!
Just being able to train under Rayleigh for six months was already a huge blessing for him.
This is the best possible path for me right now, Junichi thought to himself. Whether it was joining a merchant crew, the Marine, the World Government, or some pirate crew, none of it could compare to half a year of training under the Dark King.
"When do we start?" Junichi asked eagerly.
Rayleigh replied casually, "If you're in a hurry, we can start right now."
"Then please, let's start now!"
"Alright." Rayleigh nodded, stood up, and walked out of the bar. "Follow me. I'll take you to get a few things ready."