As Usual. Bonus Chapter Every 100 Powerstones :)
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Somewhere in the East Blue, a ship flying the Buggy Pirates' Jolly Roger sailed alongside another small vessel, lashed together.
Luffy was clearly unhappy about sailing under Buggy's flag; he desperately wanted his own Jolly Roger.
But the flag's design was painted directly onto the sail, and they needed the sail deployed to move.
Luffy tried to protest, but a sharp glare from Nami instantly silenced him.
Just like in the original story, Luffy had left one sack of treasure behind for Orange Town's reconstruction, earning him a fierce scolding from Nami.
However, despite lecturing Luffy, Nami wasn't truly angry deep down.
Seeing Orange Town's plight reminded her sharply of her own home, Cocoyasi Village, suffering under Arlong's violent rule.
Helping Orange Town rebuild was something Nami genuinely wanted to do.
At the same time, the realization that Rowen and his crew were fundamentally different from other pirates deepened within her.
Remembering Rowen's earlier words, waves of emotion stirred in Nami's heart.
Should she... rely on Rowen and the others?
But that monster, Arlong... could Rowen's crew really defeat him?
She had almost saved up the 100 million Beri needed to buy back Cocoyasi Village from Arlong. Was it necessary to take such a risk now?
But... could Arlong's word truly be trusted...?
No! Stop thinking like that! Otherwise, what was the point of working so hard to earn that 100 million Beri?!
Nami stared blankly at the sea chart, lost in thought, then shook her head fiercely.
Right now, focus on planning properly for these guys. In their current state, they have no hope of surviving the Grand Line.
"Just as I thought. Trying to reach the Grand Line with boats like these is completely reckless," Nami stated seriously after composing herself, looking from the chart to the two small, makeshiftly tied vessels.
"Guess we really do need more crewmates," Luffy commented from the bow, munching on an apple.
"It's not just about personnel! This ship's lack of proper equipment absolutely won't keep us safe!" Nami declared, hands on her hips.
"Exactly! We definitely need a musician!" Luffy agreed wholeheartedly.
"A musician? Hahahaha!" Zoro couldn't help but burst out laughing upon hearing that.
Heading into the Grand Line, notoriously known as the 'Pirate Graveyard', and the most important thing was a musician?
Luffy's way of thinking was truly unlike anyone else's.
"You idiot! Rowen, say something! You know some navigation too, right?" Nami, now somewhat accustomed to Luffy's bizarre logic, could only clutch her head in exasperation before turning to Rowen.
"Hooo... Haaa..." Rowen, who had accumulated sufficient 'Disposition' through Born of the Sea (Apex Gold) and was currently 'digesting' it by absorbing the sea's energy from the wind to strengthen his Haki, opened his eyes upon hearing Nami.
"Relax, Nami. You're our crew's navigator now. My navigation skills can't compare to yours at all. You decide our next course," Rowen said with a smile.
Since Nami had only joined temporarily and wasn't a full-fledged Straw Hat yet, Rowen couldn't equip her Traits.
Nami's Climate Sense (Pale Gold) Trait, though non-combat related, was something Rowen greatly desired.
After all, even the original author himself had stated that Nami's incredible talent for sensing weather changes with her body, if combined with the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, could potentially elevate her combat power above Zoro's, making her the second strongest in the Straw Hat crew.
Even without the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, just acquiring Zeus boosted Nami's combat abilities dramatically.
One could only imagine how terrifying the combination of the Rumble-Rumble Fruit and the Climate Sense (Pale Gold) Trait would be.
Rowen, who aimed to acquire the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, naturally hoped to obtain this Trait as well.
But Rowen wasn't worried. Nami joining permanently was only a matter of time; acquiring that Trait was inevitable.
As for navigation? Since they had a navigator now, Rowen was happy to leave route planning entirely to Nami.
What Rowen needed to do now was continue getting stronger.
His Conqueror's Haki (Pale Gold) Trait, continuously strengthened by Born of the Sea (Apex Gold), had now changed, displaying a progress bar.
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Conqueror's Haki (Pale Gold): Initial mastery allows overwhelming weaker wills into unconsciousness (Pale Gold) ——> [|...] ——> Further mastery enables basic Conqueror's Haki Infusion into attacks (Deep Gold).
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Once this progress bar was filled, Rowen's Conqueror's Haki would automatically upgrade to the Deep Gold tier.
He would then be able to preliminarily infuse Conqueror's Haki into his attacks—reaching the level Yamato displayed in the original story.
Once evolved to Deep Gold, even relying solely on Conqueror's Haki, Rowen's strength would leap to the level of a top-tier Yonko Commander.
The power of Conqueror's Haki was simply too overwhelming.
Even at the Deep Gold tier, before exhausting his Haki reserves, he could likely trade blows with an Emperor using Infused Conqueror's for a short time.
This was unlike other Yonko Commanders or Admiral Candidates, who often couldn't even withstand a single full-power Infused Conqueror's strike from an Emperor.
Someone capable of basic Conqueror's Haki Infusion was definitely a strong contender for being the most powerful individual below the Emperor/Admiral tier.
Although the upgrade progress bar was moving slowly, the crucial point was that Rowen could upgrade his Haki thanks to Born of the Sea (Apex Gold).
Other powerful individuals in the One Piece world lacked such means. They could only rely on the slow, crucible-like process of accumulating 'Disposition' through the blood and failures of their enemies to gradually strengthen their Haki.
And this accumulation, which couldn't be achieved through simple training, was incredibly time-consuming.
Before Luffy, even powerhouses like Whitebeard and Gol D. Roger generally didn't reach the peak of their strength—fully mastering Conqueror's Haki Infusion—until they were well past forty years old.
The age at which powerhouses in the One Piece world reached their absolute peak often exceeded fifty.
Most of the current Emperors and Marine Admirals—the pinnacle figures on the seas—were over fifty, with the notable exception of Red-Haired Shanks, who was under forty.
This was because accumulating 'Disposition' was incredibly slow, requiring years of experience and countless victories to forge exceptionally strong Haki.
But Rowen, possessing the Born of the Sea (Apex Gold) Trait, didn't need to rely on such gradual accumulation. He just needed to continuously 'train' (swim and digest) to constantly strengthen his Conqueror's Haki until he fully mastered Infusion.
The more Rowen used this Trait, the more satisfied he became with it.
"Alright. If we head a bit further south, there's an inhabited island. It would be great if we could get a decent ship there," Nami announced, studying the chart and planning their route seriously.
"Then let's go there! Time for meat!" Luffy cheered, raising his hands.
"Don't forget the booze!" Zoro reminded him.
"You guys!" Nami instantly transformed into her sharp-toothed exasperated state again.
"South, huh."
Rowen gazed towards the horizon.
He had already looked at the chart. Their destination was Syrup Village.
Besides being Usopp's hometown...
It was also the birthplace of that ship—the one whose fate caused endless grief for countless One Piece fans back on Earth—the Going Merry.
Having acquired Superhuman Physique (Deep Purple), what Rowen needed most now was a well-equipped pirate ship... and a cook.
After all, only a properly equipped ship could store large quantities of nutrient-rich meat.
Small boats like these could only carry fruits for sustenance during voyages. And eating only fruits wouldn't allow him to fully utilize the body-strengthening potential of his Superhuman Physique (Deep Purple).
Rowen closed his eyes again, focusing on digesting the 'Disposition' gained from Born of the Sea (Apex Gold), continuing to strengthen his Conqueror's Haki.
Syrup Village, outer coast.
The Straw Hat Pirates slowly made landfall.
"Finally ashore!" Zoro stretched, loosening his stiff muscles. After so many days cramped on those small boats, his limbs felt numb.
"I actually felt fine," Rowen commented nearby with a knowing smile.
Swimming freely in the ocean, enhancing his Conqueror's Haki, was a wonderful process. And having acquired the Born of the Sea (Apex Gold) Trait, becoming the sea's favored child, even sailing on somewhat cramped small boats didn't feel uncomfortable at all.
"Who swims as well as you do?!" Zoro shot Rowen an exasperated look.
Zoro had seen Rowen swimming effortlessly and had even tried challenging him to a race in the water, only to be utterly defeated.
A significant portion of their journey here had involved Rowen simply swimming alongside the boats.
"Up this way is the village," Nami said, pointing towards the slope ahead, consulting the chart.
"Does that mean we can eat meat?! Meat!" Luffy excitedly rushed over to Nami's side.
"Can you think about something other than meat for five seconds?!" Nami dodged Luffy, who had started drooling at the mere thought of meat.
"There should be a bar too. We can finally have a proper drink," Zoro added with a grin.
"You guys are unbelievable..." Nami's eye twitched.
"You've worked hard, Nami," Rowen said with a smile, looking at her.
"Rowen!" Nami felt a surge of gratitude.
Look at Luffy and Zoro—one only thought about meat, the other only about booze.
Only Rowen appreciated her navigation skills.
"However... it seems getting to that village won't be quite so straightforward," Rowen commented calmly, glancing towards the bushes on the slope.
"Hm? Definitely someone there," Zoro murmured, his eyes narrowing as his hand instinctively went to Wado Ichimonji, slightly drawing the blade.
"Where? Where?" Luffy looked around wildly, searching for figures.
"Danger!" Zoro suddenly yelled.
A shower of marbles rained down at Luffy's feet, forcing him to dodge frantically.
Rustle! Rustle! Then, numerous small pirate flags emblazoned with skull-and-crossbones symbols rose from the bushes.
"Eh? So cool!" Luffy stared excitedly at the flags. Though small, the skull designs looked fierce.
Luffy had always wanted his own Jolly Roger.
"Is this really the time to admire someone else's flag?!" Nami deadpanned, looking at Luffy.
"Hahaha! I am Usopp, captain of the great pirate crew that rules this village! People praise me highly, calling me 'Captain Usopp'!" A long-nosed young man stood beneath the tallest flag, pointing proudly at his own long nose and shouting.
Usopp had just finished his daily routine of running through Syrup Village, falsely warning the villagers that pirates were coming.
Right after completing this 'task', his 'subordinate', Tamanegi, brought news of spotting actual pirate ships.
Upon learning the pirate crew only consisted of four people, Usopp, determined to protect Syrup Village from invasion, gathered his 'crew'—Piiman, Ninjin, and Tamanegi—and set up an ambush here.
Hearing the words 'pirate crew', Luffy's earlier excitement vanished instantly. His mouth turned down as he looked up at Usopp.
"If you're thinking of attacking this village, I suggest you give up! Because my eighty million subordinates won't let you get away with it!" Usopp continued boasting.
Rustle! As Usopp finished his bluff, even more pirate flags popped up from the bushes.
"SUGEEEEEE!!!" Luffy, who tended to believe whatever people told him, yelled out in awe.
Seeing the guy below fall for it so easily, Usopp felt rather pleased with himself.
"That's a lie, isn't it?" But the next moment, Nami's light chuckle shattered Usopp's smugness.
"Crap! They saw through it!" Usopp yelled, clutching his head in panic.
"You didn't actually think anyone would believe the 'eighty million subordinates' line, did you?" Rowen asked Usopp, amused.
How many people even live in the entire East Blue?
"Damn it! The enemy has someone like a strategist!" Usopp yelled, looking at Rowen and clutching his head.
"Eighty million might be an exaggeration, but I still have capable subordinates!" Usopp quickly regained his composure, pointing towards the bushes behind him.
The pirate flags waved up and down, manipulated by Piiman, Ninjin, and Tamanegi, creating the illusion of a larger force.
"It's just three kids," Nami pointed out with a mischievous smile.
"They saw through it!"
"Run away!" Piiman, Ninjin, and Tamanegi instantly panicked, scrambled out of the bushes, and bolted.
"Hey! Don't run away!" Usopp yelled in dismay.
"Hahaha! You're pretty funny!" Luffy burst out laughing, looking at Usopp.
"Don't underestimate me, you jerk! I'm a man with immense bravery! That's why people call me 'Brave Usopp'!" Hearing Luffy's laughter, Usopp grew flustered and angry. He pulled out a slingshot and aimed it at Luffy.
Seeing Usopp draw a weapon, Luffy's smile vanished. He lowered the brim of his straw hat.
"You saw earlier! My slingshot skills are way better than most pistols!" Usopp still hoped to scare off these 'pirates' with words.
"Now that you've drawn your weapon... be prepared to bet your life on it," Luffy said quietly, tilting his head up slightly. Beneath the shadow of his hat, a sharp glint flashed in his eyes.
"Eh?!" Usopp was genuinely startled.
"I mean, this isn't just a toy for bluffing. Since you drew it, you have to stake your life," Luffy stated, revealing his classic 'serious business' expression.
Rowen subtly nodded at Zoro.
"Hmph." Zoro understood immediately. He placed his hand on Wado Ichimonji, exposing the gleaming edge of the blade as he looked intently at Usopp.
"You're standing before real pirates now," Zoro added, adopting a similarly intimidating expression.
"Are you prepared... to bet your life?" Rowen finished, his own expression turning serious, a hint of domineering presence emanating from him.
Now possessing the aura of a true powerhouse, Rowen's mere presence could make even pirates of Buggy's caliber feel unnerved.
"!!!" An overwhelming sense of pressure instantly washed over Usopp.
Clink. The pellet fell from Usopp's slingshot, landing at his feet.
"Wow... Real pirates really do have a different kind of presence and intensity when they talk... Scary..." Usopp thought, cold sweat beading on his forehead.
"Ha... hahaha!" But to Usopp's confusion, the next moment, Rowen and the others looked at each other and burst out laughing.
"Just kidding! I was just repeating something I heard from Shanks, a pirate I respect!" Luffy explained, adjusting his hat with a wide grin.
"Shanks?! You know the great pirate Shanks?!" Usopp stared, utterly shocked.
"Yep! And your dad is Yasopp, right?" Luffy continued, still smiling.
"EH?!" Usopp was so shocked he tumbled down the hill.
Rowen watched with a strange smile. 'Usopp looks so much like Yasopp... Looks like even Luffy remembers faces clearly when they're connected to his network. Classic One Piece world procedure.'
Rowen then focused his gaze on Usopp.
Does Usopp have any Traits I need?
I've added this fanfic to my Patreon — there are 18 Advanced chapters available! If you're interested, check it out below!
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"Shishishi! Delicious!" Luffy, invited over by Usopp, took a huge bite out of a piece of meat and exclaimed happily.
Beside him, Rowen was also eating at an incredible speed.
Having already equipped Superhuman Physique (Deep Purple), Rowen's appetite now rivaled Luffy's.
Like Luffy, Rowen was thoroughly sick of eating apples.
Moreover, the nutrients from all this meat were being rapidly absorbed through his Superhuman Physique (Deep Purple), strengthening Rowen's body.
"Pretty good, right? I can't believe you know my old man, Luffy!" Usopp grinned happily. Hearing news about his father, Yasopp, made him incredibly happy.
"I met him when I was little. You look exactly like him, so I recognized you right away," Luffy said between mouthfuls of meat.
"So my old man is on the crew of that great pirate Shanks, huh?" Usopp's face filled with admiration.
"Your dad's marksmanship is incredible!" Luffy recalled fondly.
"I heard so much about you from Yasopp, my ears almost fell off! Yasopp is an amazing pirate," Luffy added with a smile.
"Right?! I'm incredibly proud of my dad for bravely heading out to sea like that, risking his life!" Usopp declared proudly.
"Check Traits." Rowen, having finished all the meat on the table, finally had a moment to check Usopp's Traits.
If he hadn't eaten quickly, Luffy would have devoured everything.
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Usopp Traits: Slingshot Sniper (Pale Purple), Inventor (Pale Purple), Anthem of Courage (Special).
Slingshot Sniper (Pale Purple): Possesses exceptional sniping talent. When using a slingshot for sniping, can be even more effective than firearms.
Inventor (Pale Purple): Possesses outstanding inventive talent, capable of creating various gadgets and tools.
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Slingshot Sniper (Pale Purple), being a combat Trait like Superhuman Physique (Deep Purple), currently reflected Usopp's overall combat capability based on his present sniping skill. It didn't indicate his ultimate potential ceiling.
In the One Piece world, snipers relying solely on marksmanship rarely achieved high combat power levels; firearms were largely ineffective against truly strong opponents.
Usopp, still untrained at this point, only reached the Pale Purple combat tier by combining his natural talent with the special ammunition created through his Inventor (Pale Purple) Trait.
Truly exceptional snipers reached their peak combat potential through Haki.
Therefore, possessing a Pale Purple sniping Trait even before learning Haki already proved Usopp's sniping talent was potentially on par with his father, Yasopp's.
Of course, this didn't diminish the importance of raw sniping skill. Controlling Haki was difficult enough; imbuing it into projectiles and hitting targets accurately became exponentially harder as Haki strength increased.
Only supreme sniping ability could allow one to accurately strike enemies with projectiles carrying incredibly powerful Haki.
The same principle applied later when Usopp used special plants for his attacks; only supreme sniping skill allowed him to accurately deliver those plants to the optimal locations for maximum effect.
This held true even for snipers with Observation Haki.
While Observation Haki could reveal a target's location, "seeing" didn't guarantee hitting.
Accurately hitting the target still relied fundamentally on sniping skill.
Inventor (Pale Purple) was a non-combat Trait, similar to Navigation. Its current tier reflected Usopp's present inventive capabilities.
As Usopp grew stronger and more skilled in the future, both these Traits would likely upgrade accordingly.
Even so, compared to Luffy and Zoro, Usopp's current Trait lineup seemed rather unremarkable.
But that last Special Trait... that was something entirely different.
Rowen's eyes narrowed slightly.
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Anthem of Courage (Special): Timidity is natural to living beings, but courage is humanity's anthem! Though naturally timid and weak-willed, at critical moments, can sing forth humanity's anthem of courage! Unleashing power far exceeding their own strength to turn the tide of battle.
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Reading this description, Rowen felt a genuine sense of admiration.
Usopp was naturally cowardly—arguably the most cowardly of the Straw Hats' 'Weakling Trio'.
Even Perona's Negative Hollows, which could drain anyone's will to live, had no effect on Usopp.
That was because Usopp was already at the absolute rock bottom of negativity and cowardice; even Devil Fruit powers couldn't make him worse.
Compared to Zoro, Luffy, and others, Usopp's character wasn't exactly popular with everyone.
But it wasn't Usopp's fault; it was his innate nature, practically coded into his genes, something he couldn't change.
What made Usopp admirable was his ability to overcome this inherent flaw, to sing humanity's anthem of courage when it truly mattered!
For someone naturally so timid and negative, displaying such bravery was even more commendable than it would be for an ordinary person less prone to fear.
His lifelong dream was to become a brave warrior of the sea, and Usopp, through his actions, ultimately proved he possessed the necessary 'Disposition'.
Rowen respected a man like that.
"Since you two know each other, that makes things easier! Say, I was wondering if we could find someone in your village who knows how to sail, and maybe get a bigger ship?" Nami asked Usopp with a hopeful smile.
"As you can see, it's just a small village... You'll probably be disappointed," Usopp replied, his eyes darting away nervously.
"There's a huge mansion up on the hill," Zoro suddenly pointed out.
"!!!" Usopp's expression changed instantly.
Nami sharply caught this shift.
"Eh? Is that a friend of yours, Usopp? Could you maybe ask them to help us out with some money?" Nami asked, her eyes curving into smiling crescents.
"Not there! Definitely not there!" Usopp reacted almost instinctively, shouting loudly.
"Hm?" Luffy and the others looked at Usopp, puzzled.
"Uh, I just remembered I have something important to do! I know the owner here really well, so feel free to eat and drink as much as you like! I gotta go! See ya!" Usopp blurted out, then bolted away.
"What's wrong with him? He seemed so panicked," Nami wondered aloud, watching Usopp's retreating figure.
Crunch. Luffy continued eating his apple.
"Well, there's only one way to find out what's going on. Let's go take a look, right, Luffy?" Rowen suggested, a slight smile playing on his lips.
That mansion belonged to Usopp's friend, Kaya.
And hiding within that mansion was another pirate: 'Hundred Plans' Kuro, with a bounty of 16 million Beri.
Given that bounty and his performance in the original story, Kuro should possess a Purple-tier combat Trait. Perfect material for upgrading.
Every little bit helps. They were about to enter the Grand Line soon. Rowen wouldn't pass up any opportunity to become stronger.
"Right! Shishishi!" Luffy grinned.
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~ I've added this fanfic to my Patreon — there are 18 Advanced chapters available! If you're interested, check it out below!
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Syrup Village, outside the gates of the most prominent mansion.
Rowen and the others had been led here by Usopp's three "subordinates"—Piiman, Ninjin, and Tamanegi.
The kids had found them just as Rowen's group was about to leave the restaurant, initially fearing their Captain Usopp had been harmed by these pirates.
After learning Luffy knew Usopp's father, the three kids readily brought them here.
Rowen was happy to have guides.
"Whoa, it's huge!" Luffy exclaimed, staring up at the mansion before them.
"It certainly is," Rowen agreed.
Building such a large and luxurious mansion in this relatively poor village... no wonder Kuro targeted it.
"If the Captain disappears around this time, he's definitely here," Tamanegi stated confidently.
"What does he do here?" Luffy asked curiously.
"Tells lies," Ninjin replied bluntly.
"That's not right, is it?" Nami commented, feeling Usopp was setting a bad example for the kids.
"It's not wrong! It's great!" Ninjin retorted defensively.
"What's this all about?" Even Zoro was curious now.
"Miss Kaya, who lives in this mansion, is very frail. Plus, she's been deeply saddened ever since her parents passed away a year ago. Even with all her money, could anything be sadder than that?"
"So, the Captain cheers her up with his amazing tall tales!"
The three kids explained proudly, glancing at each other.
"Oh, I see. That guy's pretty great, then," Luffy concluded thoughtfully.
"So, has Miss Kaya's health improved at all?" Nami asked, her impression of Usopp changing significantly for the better.
"Much better!" Tamanegi declared proudly.
"Alright! Then let's go ask if she can give us a ship!" Luffy cheered, raising his hand with a grin.
"Hey! Her getting better is thanks to Usopp, right??" Zoro pointed out, arms crossed, looking at Luffy.
What does Miss Kaya's improved health have to do with them? How can they just go ask her for a ship?
"I'll go ask! Shishishi!" Luffy immediately grabbed onto the mansion's fence.
"Gomu Gomu no...!" Luffy's arm stretched dramatically.
"Hey! You idiot!" Zoro and Nami lunged, grabbing onto Luffy.
Rowen grabbed onto Zoro.
"Coming through!" Luffy abruptly let go. The recoiling rubber elasticity flung everyone high into the air.
"AAAAHHH!!!"
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"...And that's how we escaped from that giant goldfish! Hahaha!" Having left Rowen's group earlier, Usopp had come here, standing on a tree branch outside the mansion window, regaling Kaya inside with his fabricated adventures. He had just reached the end of his story.
"What's that?" A young woman with beautiful blonde hair and a delicate face, though clearly looking weak, suddenly pointed towards the sky.
This was the mistress of the mansion, Kaya.
"Hm?" Usopp followed Kaya's pointing finger and stared, his eyes widening in shock.
People?! Falling from the sky?!
CRASH! With a tremendous impact, Rowen and the others landed.
"Smooth landing," Luffy announced, face-first in the dirt.
"LIKE HELL IT WAS!" Nami roared, transforming into her sharp-toothed angry state. If Rowen hadn't protected her, she thought she was going to die.
"Hey! Rowen! You bastard!" Zoro groaned from the ground, his eye twitching as he painfully turned his head to glare at Rowen and Nami, who were sitting comfortably on his back.
"Sorry, sorry! Your physique is stronger, Zoro," Rowen apologized without a shred of sincerity.
Rowen was sitting on Zoro's back, having used him as a cushion, while Nami was held securely in a princess carry in Rowen's arms.
Knowing full well how unreliable Luffy could be, Rowen had grabbed onto Zoro at the first opportunity.
Besides, Zoro has Demonic Physique (Deep Purple). A little impact like this will just help strengthen his body, right?
"Rowen... Thanks," Nami muttered after yelling at Luffy, looking up at Rowen holding her, her lips pressed together.
It seems like... Rowen always protects her.
Back in Orange Town, Rowen had said he'd risk his life for her. That memory still sent ripples through Nami's heart.
Hmm, Rowen's promise to risk his life for his comrades... Nami's perspective might have automatically romanticized it a bit.
"If you two are gonna cuddle, do it somewhere else! I'm still underneath here!" Zoro grumbled, still serving as a human cushion.
"Ah!" Nami's face flushed slightly, and she quickly jumped out of Rowen's arms.
"Zoro, my man," Rowen said, patting Zoro's shoulder.
"Next time... just you and me, we'll have a little 'spar'," Rowen offered with a wide smile, which paradoxically sent a chill down Zoro's spine, making him shiver.
"Are you all alright?" Kaya asked concernedly, looking at the newcomers.
"Fine, fine! They're all just big fans of mine! New members of the Usopp Pirates!" Usopp explained quickly, sweating nervously.
'These guys are real pirates!' Although Usopp knew they were good people, revealing their identities might cause misunderstandings among the villagers.
"I'm not! I actually came to ask for a favor," Luffy corrected, pushing his straw hat back up as he stood, looking at Kaya.
"A favor? From me?" Kaya looked curious.
"Yeah! We need a big ship!" Luffy stated bluntly.
"Hey! You lot!" Just then, a sharp voice called out.
Rowen and the others turned to see a man dressed impeccably as a butler slowly approaching them.
'Kuro?' Rowen thought.
"Check Traits."
~ I've added this fanfic to my Patreon — there are 18 Advanced chapters available! If you're interested, check it out below!
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Kuro Traits: Cat Claws (Pale Purple), Stealth Foot (Pale Purple), Ultimate Technique - Shakushi (Pussyfoot Maneuver) (Deep Purple).
Cat Claws (Pale Purple): Powerful finger strength combined with the Ten-Blade Cat Claws weapon yields considerable destructive power.
Stealth Foot (Pale Purple): An assassination technique utilizing high-speed movement with cat-like footsteps.
Ultimate Technique - Shakushi (Pussyfoot Maneuver) (Deep Purple): Kuro's strongest ultimate technique. An indiscriminate attack using Stealth Foot (Pale Purple). Utilizes extreme high-speed movement and attacks with the Cat Claws (Pale Purple) to kill large numbers of enemies. The speed of this technique rivals the 'Shave' technique of the Six Powers. Its drawback is that the user loses awareness of who they are attacking while active.
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An Ultimate Technique Trait?
This was the first time Rowen had encountered one.
After carefully reviewing the System's explanation, Rowen understood.
When a combination of abilities allowed the user's combat power to undergo a qualitative leap, a new 'Ultimate Technique' Trait could manifest.
For example, Kuro's Stealth Foot and Cat Claws were both Pale Purple tier. But when he unleashed his ultimate technique, Shakushi, his combat capability reached the Deep Purple level.
As for why Luffy and Zoro's so-called ultimate moves didn't show up as specific Traits yet?
It was because Luffy hadn't developed Gear Second or Third, and Zoro hadn't grasped how to cut steel ('ken-go') or even truly entered the realm of 'Swordsman' (as opposed to just a skilled fighter with swords).
At this stage, Luffy and Zoro's "ultimate moves" were merely them exerting 100% of their current power; they didn't represent a qualitative leap in their combat tier.
However, if Rowen were to plunder Kuro's Traits, taking the Ultimate Technique - Shakushi (Deep Purple) would automatically render the Stealth Foot (Pale Purple) and Cat Claws (Pale Purple) Traits unusable (or perhaps they wouldn't be plundered at all).
Because the Deep Purple ultimate technique Trait was born from the combination of those two Pale Purple Traits.
Meaning, from Kuro, Rowen would essentially gain only one Deep Purple combat Trait.
Still, that was a huge win! A Deep Purple Trait was a major tier above Pale Purple.
This outcome already exceeded Rowen's expectations.
"Who's this guy?" Luffy asked, looking at Kuro, who was pushing up his glasses with his palm in a peculiar manner.
"Klahadore, Miss Kaya's butler," Kuro replied calmly, his gaze then sharpening.
"Would you mind leaving? Or is there something you wish to say?" Kuro asked, walking towards Rowen and the others.
"Uh, yeah! We need a ship!" Luffy announced cheerfully.
"Absolutely not!" Kuro suddenly snapped.
"Usopp, I often hear about you. You're quite the topic in the village," Kuro said, looking towards the large tree where Usopp had instantly hidden upon Kuro's arrival.
"Really? Am I that famous?" Realizing he'd been spotted, Usopp sheepishly climbed out from behind the tree.
"I hear you often go on adventures, yes? Quite remarkable for someone so young," Kuro commented sarcastically.
"You can call me Captain Usopp too, you know," Usopp replied, sticking his nose in the air.
"Captain?" Hearing that word, Kuro pushed his glasses up with his palm again.
"I've also heard rumors about your father." Kuro's words made Usopp's face darken.
"That's enough, Klahadore," Kaya intervened, knowing about Usopp's background and trying to stop Kuro.
"You are nothing but the son of a filthy pirate! I wouldn't be surprised by anything you do, but please stay away from my mistress!" Kuro ignored Kaya completely, shouting harshly.
"..." Luffy's expression started to change.
"Y-You called him... filthy..." Usopp's face turned extremely pale and angry.
"Pfft. Hahaha." But just as tensions reached a boiling point, a sudden scoffing laugh broke the silence.
"Hm? What are you laughing at?" Kuro's gaze sharpened, fixing on Rowen.
Luffy and the others looked at Rowen, surprised by his sudden laughter, but trusting him, they simply watched as Rowen took a step forward.
"Aren't you taking your role a bit too seriously? Captain of the Black Cat Pirates, 'Hundred Plans' Kuro... with a bounty of 16 million Beri," Rowen stated mockingly, a smirk playing on his lips.
Kuro's expression instantly turned grim.
"What?! This guy's a pirate?! 16 million Beri bounty? Higher than Buggy's?!" Luffy stared at Kuro in shock.
"Kuro? I think I've heard that name... But wasn't he supposed to have been executed by the Marines long ago?" Usopp stammered, sweat beading on his forehead.
"Even if you're Usopp's friend, that's going too far!" Kaya protested loudly, looking upset at Rowen.
"Indeed. I have no idea what you're talking about. That pirate Kuro was executed by the Marines years ago," Kuro stated flatly, pushing up his glasses with his palm.
"I'll provide proof," Rowen replied, offering Kaya a gentle smile.
He wasn't angered by the young lady's outburst.
Having been frail and ill since childhood, Kaya likely often vented her frustration through small fits of temper when feeling particularly unwell due to the pain and helplessness.
But Kaya herself was inherently kind. Once her health improved slightly, her gentle and kind nature would return.
Kaya had simply been deceived by Kuro.
Rowen then turned his gaze back to Kuro.
"Are you an idiot? You hide out and only bother changing your name? Not even your appearance?" Rowen casually produced Kuro's wanted poster.
He had obtained this poster back in Shells Town.
'Axe-Hand' Morgan had climbed the ranks to become the Captain of the Shells Town branch largely due to the 'merit' of supposedly capturing Kuro.
In reality, Kuro, tired of being pursued by the Marines, had his subordinate Jango hypnotize Morgan into thinking he had captured Kuro.
Then, a decoy was executed by the Marines, allowing the real Kuro to hide here as a butler, planning to peacefully inherit Kaya's family fortune.
However, the hypnotized Morgan always considered capturing Kuro his greatest achievement.
Given Morgan's obsession with his own merits (even wanting a statue erected in his honor), finding Kuro's wanted poster in Shells Town had been incredibly easy for Rowen with his System.
"They really look exactly alike," Nami commented, comparing the poster in Rowen's hand to Kuro.
"Klahadore..." Kaya murmured, looking at the poster, still finding it hard to believe.
"People resembling each other aren't uncommon on the seas," Kuro maintained, his face impassive.
"Is that so? I hope you can remain this calm in a moment," Rowen replied, looking at Kuro. A domineering curve touched his lips, and the crimson-black light in his eyes flared intensely.
BOOM!
A terrifying wave of pressure erupted from Rowen, sweeping over Kuro.
"Ngh?!" Kuro's pupils constricted violently, cold sweat instantly drenching his forehead.
The next second, his eyes rolled back, and he collapsed unconscious.
Conqueror's Haki!
Even a supposed 'major pirate' with a 16 million Beri bounty—that was only major by East Blue standards.
Before Rowen's Conqueror's Haki, he was just... fodder.
"Klahadore!" Kaya cried out in alarm.
"Don't worry. He's just temporarily unconscious," Rowen stated calmly, then thought inwardly.
"Plunder!"
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"Plunder!" Rowen focused his gaze on Kuro.
VMM! A purple light, visible only to Rowen, flew out from Kuro's body and was absorbed by Rowen.
———
—[Plunder successful. Acquired Ultimate Technique - Shakushi (Deep Purple) Trait.]—
———
The next moment—
'Gurgle! Gurgle!' The muscles of the unconscious Kuro began to twist strangely, then seemed to deflate like a punctured balloon, losing all their power.
When Rowen plundered a Strength-type Trait, the target lost all associated power completely.
"What happened to him? That's so weird," Nami commented, feeling a chill run down her spine as she witnessed the scene.
"Just took something from him," Rowen replied with a faint smile.
"Wake him up, Usopp," Rowen instructed, looking at Usopp.
"Eh? Okay," Usopp blinked, then ran over to the unconscious Kuro.
"Wake up! Wake up! Don't catch a cold lying on the ground!" Usopp said, his words sounding concerned, but his actions (likely shaking or slapping Kuro) were anything but gentle.
Badmouthing his father was the one thing Usopp couldn't tolerate.
Under Usopp's rough handling, Kuro slowly regained consciousness.
"Klahadore! Are you okay?" Kaya still found it hard to believe that the butler who had cared for her for three years was actually a pirate.
"Are you awake now? Kuro? No... even if you admit you're 'Hundred Plans' Kuro now, you can't back it up anymore, can you?" Rowen looked down at Kuro with a cold smile.
"That... power... Ngh?!" Kuro was still reeling from the shock of the Conqueror's Haki blast. He shook his head violently, then his pupils suddenly constricted.
"M-My strength... My..." Kuro stared at his hands in disbelief. He tried desperately to stand, but his legs buckled, and he collapsed back onto the ground.
"It's normal to lose control of your weakened body temporarily after losing your power. Relax," Rowen stated, adopting his 'intimidating villain' expression.
"Y-You! What did you do to me?!" Kuro completely lost his composure for the first time, roaring at Rowen.
"Kuro. Bounty: 16 million Beri. Your most unique combat style is the so-called Stealth Foot. An assassination technique using high-speed movement like a cat," Rowen narrated calmly, demonstrating the Stealth Foot as he spoke.
Although he had plundered the combined Shakushi (Deep Purple) Trait, he could naturally still perform the individual Stealth Foot technique.
"M-My Stealth Foot..." Cold sweat drenched Kuro's forehead.
My power... has been stolen?!
"SUGEEE! That's so fast! Were you always this fast, Rowen?" Luffy stared wide-eyed.
"What did you do?! Give me back my power!" Kuro screamed, no longer caring about maintaining his disguise.
Without his strength, forget about peacefully inheriting the fortune and living quietly—tomorrow would be his execution day!
According to his plan, the Black Cat Pirates were scheduled to arrive tomorrow, massacre everyone, force Kaya to write a will leaving him everything, and then kill her too.
As the former captain of the Black Cat Pirates, Kuro knew the ruthless nature of his former crew all too well. Many of them would resent him, their former captain who had faked his death and disappeared for three years.
His previous strength was the only thing giving him the confidence to execute this plan.
But now, powerless? The Black Cat Pirates would probably kill him first!
"You really are Kuro!" Usopp exclaimed nervously, hearing Kuro's desperate admission.
"How could this be..." Kaya covered her mouth, staring at Kuro in disbelief.
But the evidence was right before her eyes. Kaya was kind, not stupid.
She finally understood. Klahadore truly was the infamous pirate, 'Hundred Plans' Kuro.
"Don't worry, Usopp. I took all his power. Even you could easily finish him off now," Rowen scoffed, looking down at Kuro.
To develop a skill comparable to the Six Powers' 'Shave' on his own in the East Blue... Kuro did possess talent.
But getting tired of being chased by Marines and bounty hunters, choosing to fake his death and hide...
And then infiltrating here as a butler for three years, planning to inherit Kaya's fortune through manipulation and murder just to live comfortably...
Pathetic!
"Whoa, Rowen! You can take away other people's powers too?! Is that a Devil Fruit ability?" Luffy asked, amazed.
"No. It's an innate ability I was born with. Nothing to do with Devil Fruits," Rowen replied, choosing not to hide his power.
It wasn't just because hiding it from Luffy and the others, whom he'd be living and traveling with, would be difficult and might cause distrust, potentially slowing down the Trait equipping process.
More importantly, within the Haki-centric power system, deliberately concealing one's abilities—playing dumb to outsmart others can leave you stuck as the fool. Like Blackbeard hiding on Whitebeard's ship.
If Blackbeard hadn't found the Dark-Dark Fruit, his 'Disposition' would have continued to shrink due to hiding his true nature, and his thought of 'maybe just living out my days on Whitebeard's ship isn't so bad' might have become reality, turning him into a truly useless freeloader.
Besides, sometimes, revealing your strength wasn't a weakness—it was a terrifying deterrent!
Only by having your abilities sung across the seas as powerful and fearsome could you earn a greater title, forge a stronger 'Disposition', and cultivate stronger Haki.
Backed by Luffy's powerful connections, Rowen didn't need to fear attracting unbeatable enemies prematurely anyway.
If he were to excessively conceal his ability to plunder others' powers, how could he claim to possess the 'Disposition' to stand above all?
Of course, Rowen wouldn't go around advertising his ability to the whole world either. There was a difference between kingly 'Disposition' and foolishness.
The abilities Rowen chose to display were merely the surface layer of his true power.
By the time Rowen decided to reveal more of his combat capabilities strategically—using them as a deterrent to further enhance his reputation—he would already be among the world's peak powerhouses.
At that point, the partially revealed information about Rowen's strength would serve as the ultimate deterrent to the world, further forging his own Haki.
Just like the current Four Emperors—which truly strong individual on the seas didn't know about their powers?
Yet how many dared to challenge them? Instead, their fearsome reputations only made their Haki stronger!
In clashes between such peak powerhouses, Haki was ultimately the deciding factor.
So what if others knew some information? Haki! That was what transcended everything!
Possessing the Born of the Sea (Apex Gold) Trait, Rowen had absolute confidence.
"You're really terrifying, Rowen," Zoro commented. Directly stealing someone's power—such an unbelievable ability genuinely unnerved even him.
Good thing Rowen is our comrade.
"Convert." Rowen issued the command internally at this moment.
Having demonstrated the power and confirmed Kuro's identity, this uncontrollable attack style (Shakushi) was useless to Rowen. Better to use it to strengthen his existing Traits.
———
—[Conversion successful. Acquired Strength-type Deep Purple Upgrade Material quantity (1).]—
———
A notification appeared.
"It's over, Kuro," Rowen stated, looking down at Kuro with his 'villain' expression.
"W-Wait! I have something to say!" Kuro stammered, utterly terrified as Rowen walked towards him.
Right now, Kuro was like a cornered, desperate dog!
This man before him... had stripped him... of everything!
Don't kill me! I have information! We can trade!" Kuro, his earlier composure completely shattered, pleaded, his face contorted with terror.
Only someone who had truly experienced having their power utterly plundered by Rowen could understand that level of despair.
Years of effort, years of training and battle forging his strength—all stolen in an instant.
All that remained was a broken shell, a body now struggling even to stand.
And for a pirate, being stripped of power meant being stripped of everything!
Monster!
Kuro, unable to even stand properly due to the sudden loss of strength, sat paralyzed on the ground, staring up at Rowen in utter horror, not even daring to meet his eyes.
He had been a notorious pirate in the East Blue, yet he had never encountered such a monster.
Whether it was the moment earlier when the man's mere gaze sent an irresistible force washing over him, knocking him unconscious, or now, having everything stolen by some unknown means...
Kuro felt like an ant before this man, someone who could be crushed at any moment.
He didn't even have the right to look this man in the eye.
Now, completely terrified, Kuro only wanted to survive.
"Information?" Rowen's lips curved slightly.
"Y-Yes! I'm the former captain of the Black Cat Pirates! But I can still actually command them! Tomorrow! Tomorrow, the Black Cat Pirates are coming to attack this village! Even if you're strong, preventing any damage to the village during that kind of chaos is impossible, right?! Spare my life, and I can help you take out all those guys!"
"Hey! Usopp! You're friends with them, right?! You don't want the villagers to get hurt, do you?! Tell them to let me go!" Kuro babbled desperately, then immediately turned his pleading gaze towards Usopp.
"What?!" Usopp's face turned pale instantly.
Kaya covered her mouth, unable to believe this was the true face of Klahadore, the butler she had trusted for three years.
"So, why did you infiltrate this place as a butler? And why arrange for the Black Cat Pirates to attack?" Rowen asked calmly, his expression unchanged.
Knowing the plot, Rowen already knew the reasons, but having Kuro confess himself would completely shatter any remaining illusions Kaya might hold.
"I..." Kuro's throat felt dry. He hesitated, unable to speak for a long moment.
"Not talking? Then... die," Rowen stated coldly, his eyes narrowing.
"I-I'll talk! I infiltrated here for this family's fortune! I was sick and tired of the Marines chasing me because my bounty kept getting higher! So I faked my death to hide! Then I spent three years earning the villagers' trust! Tomorrow, after the Black Cat Pirates kill Miss Kaya and force her to write a will leaving everything to me, I can legally claim the fortune and live peacefully!" Terrified beyond reason by Rowen, Kuro spilled everything immediately.
As for why he didn't lie? Under such extreme fear, Kuro's mind had already crumbled; lying was beyond him.
"Klahadore..." Kaya whispered, covering her mouth, staring at Kuro in disbelief.
The butler her family had taken in, treated like one of their own... intended to murder them all.
"Let me go! I'll tell you where those Black Cat bastards are! I won't be a pirate anymore! Just spare my life!" Kuro begged, completely disregarding Kaya's feelings, focused solely on survival.
WHAM! An elongated fist slammed heavily into Kuro's face, the force so great it distorted his features.
"Trading your crewmates' lives for your own... scum like you don't even deserve to be called pirates! Comrades aren't meant to be used like that!" Luffy roared, looking down furiously at the now silent Kuro on the ground.
Zoro smirked faintly.
Rowen glanced at Nami, who pressed her lips together, understanding his unspoken meaning.
Rowen's earlier words about risking his life to help her echoed in her mind, along with the memory of him carrying her. Waves of complex emotion washed over Nami again.
"Hey, Luffy! You didn't even ask where those pirates are!" Usopp yelled, clutching his head, then rushed over to Kuro, shaking him desperately, trying to wake him up.
"Hey! Wake up, you jerk! Where are those pirates?!" Usopp shook Kuro frantically, sweat dripping down his forehead.
But Kuro, completely stripped of his power by Rowen, now possessed the constitution of an ordinary villager.
After taking a full-force angry punch from Luffy, there was no way he could wake up now.
"Damn it!" Realizing Kuro was truly unresponsive, Usopp slammed his fist onto the ground in frustration.
"Just go tell the villagers pirates are coming tomorrow. Have them evacuate," Zoro suggested, arms crossed.
"They won't believe me! I've always lied to them about pirates coming!" Usopp cried out, anguish etched on his face.
"Usopp... I can tell them," Kaya offered weakly, coughing slightly.
Her body was already frail, and the shock of Kuro's betrayal had taken a heavy toll, leaving her feeling unwell.
"No! Who knows if that Kuro guy hid anything else?! Like maybe the pirates won't attack without his signal! If you tell everyone, Kaya, but the pirates don't show up tomorrow, then people won't trust you either! By the time the pirates do attack for real, it'll be too late!" Usopp's inherent pessimism and cowardice immediately conjured the worst-case scenario.
The reason he constantly lied about pirates coming was rooted in his past. After his father Yasopp left for the sea, Usopp's mother fell gravely ill. Seeing his mother suffering yet still longing for his father, Usopp had a sudden idea. He ran through the village shouting "Pirates are coming!" hoping his mother would hear.
Hearing Usopp's cries gave his mother hope for Yasopp's return, and her condition improved slightly. So, Usopp continued shouting "Pirates are coming!" every day.
He kept up the habit even after his mother passed away, preserving it to this day.
It held his deep longing for his deceased mother.
Furthermore, Syrup Village was quite isolated on the sea; the villagers were often bored.
After chasing and scolding him each day, Usopp sometimes saw genuine smiles of amusement on some villagers' faces.
So, Usopp persisted.
But now, years of crying wolf had finally led to bitter consequences.
"Hm? You're not going to ask us for help?" Rowen asked, looking at Usopp, a slight curve to his lips.
"This is my village! It's my responsibility to protect it! Besides, we don't even know if those pirates will actually come tomorrow! What if they don't show up? Are you guys supposed to just wait here forever? You have your own adventures to go on! How could I shamelessly ask you for help?!" Usopp turned his head away, shouting loudly despite his obvious fear.
"Alright! Then Captain Usopp will defend the village outskirts from those pirates myself!" Usopp declared, puffing out his chest.
"But your legs are shaking," Nami pointed out, looking at Usopp.
"D-Damn it! This isn't a joke! These are real pirates! I can't be so cowardly!" Usopp looked down at his trembling legs, sweat pouring down his face as he desperately hit them with his fists.
"Fine! So what if I'm scared?! Go ahead and laugh if you want!" Unable to control his shaking legs, Usopp looked up and shouted defiantly.
"No one's laughing at you. Who would laugh at a truly brave warrior of the sea?" Rowen stated calmly.
"Rowen... M-Me? A brave warrior of the sea?" Hearing Rowen's words, Usopp felt his nose sting.
Becoming a brave warrior of the sea was Usopp's dream.
And Usopp had witnessed Rowen's power.
To be acknowledged by such a man... Usopp felt his mouth go dry.
"Y-You guys aren't just pitying me, are you?" Usopp asked, still plagued by self-doubt.
"Who would risk their life fighting pirates out of pity?! Idiot!" Luffy yelled, then grinned at Usopp.
"Shishishi! Besides, what do you mean 'our adventure'? Aren't you already our comrade?"
Usopp's eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at Luffy, who was grinning and holding out his hand towards him.
"Will you join us, Usopp?" Rowen asked, a smile playing on his lips.
"Hmph," Zoro simply smirked, saying nothing.
Zoro could see Usopp's inherent cowardice, but he also saw the courage Usopp mustered to face pirates for the sake of his village. He respected a man like that.
"Luffy! Rowen! Everyone!" Usopp's eyes instantly turned red. He lunged forward, tackling Luffy in a hug.
"But I wanna be the captain!"
"I'm the captain!"
"Vice-captain is okay too!"
"Don't be stupid!"
———
Rowen watched Usopp roughhousing with Luffy, a faint smile on his lips.
—[Usopp has joined the Straw Hat Pirates. Equipable Trait list updated.]—
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Inside Kaya's mansion.
To thank Rowen and the others for defeating Kuro and saving everyone, Kaya warmly hosted them.
"Aren't you two overdoing it? Didn't you just eat?" Zoro asked, his eye twitching as he watched Luffy and Rowen devouring food ravenously.
Possessing only the Demonic Physique (Deep Purple), Zoro's digestive ability, while strong, couldn't compare to Rowen and Luffy, who both had Superhuman Physique (Deep Purple).
Demonic Physique (Deep Purple) leaned more towards training enhancement, while Superhuman Physique (Deep Purple) focused on digestion and absorption.
Rowen already possessed Superhuman Physique (Deep Purple), and the equipping process for Zoro's Demonic Physique (Deep Purple) was progressing smoothly, nearing completion.
Rowen eagerly anticipated seeing what heights his physique could reach once these two perfectly complementary Traits were fully integrated.
Zoro managed to eat a decent amount. Nami, however, still full from Usopp's earlier hospitality, only nibbled on some desserts and fruits, resting her chin on her hand as she watched Rowen eat with gusto.
Nami didn't even realize that a sweet smile had unconsciously bloomed on her face.
"Delicious! Food this good, of course you gotta eat a lot!" Luffy mumbled, his mouth completely full.
Kaya's family fortune was substantial enough that even Kuro coveted it, willing to infiltrate her household for three years to obtain it.
The meal provided was far more lavish than anything Rowen and the others had eaten before.
"Enhance." Rowen swallowed the food in his mouth, then commanded inwardly.
He used the Strength-type Deep Purple Upgrade Material (1) obtained from Kuro to enhance his Superhuman Physique (Deep Purple).
Rowen now had the Born of the Sea (Apex Gold) Trait, allowing his Conqueror's Haki to continuously grow stronger.
Using a mere Deep Purple material to upgrade a Gold-tier Trait would barely make a ripple anyway.
With the Grand Line approaching, what Rowen needed most right now was a stronger physique.
———
—[Enhancement complete.]—
———
A notification appeared.
Instantly, the nutrients from the food Rowen had just eaten were absorbed by his body at an astonishing rate—so fast that it wasn't enough.
Feeling his stomach suddenly empty again, Rowen began a new round of eating, much to the astonishment of everyone watching.
This was why Rowen had waited until after the large meal to enhance his Superhuman Physique (Deep Purple).
Using converted Upgrade Materials to directly enhance the Trait increased the upper limit of his physique and stamina, but the stamina 'tank' itself still needed to be refilled.
Simply put, if his Superhuman Physique (Deep Purple) was previously at 100/100 capacity, after the upgrade, it became 100/150.
He needed more food and nutrients to fill that newly created empty space in his stamina reserves.
As for why the Superhuman Physique (Deep Purple) equipped from Luffy didn't require this refilling process? Because the equipping process also transferred Luffy's own base stamina value, meaning the 'tank' was already full upon completion.
This was a situation unique to Rowen with his System. In the wider world, even monsters like Charlotte Linlin strengthened their physique gradually by consuming energy, adhering to the laws of conservation.
No one else could instantly upgrade their physical limits using Traits like Rowen could.
"SUGEEE! Rowen! Your appetite is even bigger than mine!" Luffy stared, his eyes wide with amazement.
He hadn't realized Rowen could eat so much before.
"There's plenty more, Mr. Rowen," Kaya quickly instructed the cooks to bring more food upon seeing the dwindling supply on the table.
Kaya felt immense gratitude towards Rowen. If it weren't for him, she, Merry, and everyone else here would likely have been killed by Kuro.
And...
Kaya looked at Rowen, a subtle shimmer in her eyes.
"Phew." Having replenished his nutrients, Rowen let out a satisfied sigh.
He clenched his fist again, feeling the renewed surge of power in his body, a smile playing on his lips.
After this enhancement, Rowen's raw physique was now arguably the strongest among the current Straw Hat crew.
Hm? Looks like I need about seven more Deep Purple tier materials to upgrade to Apex Purple? I see.
Rowen checked the latest status of his Superhuman Physique (Deep Purple), a look of understanding crossing his face.
Even within the same tier, Traits could vary significantly in quality.
Take Apex Gold combat Traits, for example. The minimum threshold was Admiral-level strength. This meant both an Admiral-level like Zephyr in his prime, and a peak Emperor like Kaido, would both display Apex Gold Traits.
But their actual combat power was on completely different levels.
If someone like Zephyr represented a '1' within the Apex Gold tier, then Kaido was likely a '7', or perhaps even higher.
The Deep Purple Trait plundered from Kuro was likely just barely at the entry threshold for Deep Purple.
However, the Superhuman Physique (Deep Purple) equipped from Luffy was inherently stronger than the base Deep Purple threshold.
Therefore, after the initial enhancement, Rowen now only needed roughly seven base threshold Deep Purple materials to upgrade it fully to Apex Purple.
By the same token, if Rowen plundered a Deep Purple Trait that was already significantly stronger than the base threshold—like Luffy's Superhuman Physique (Deep Purple)—
Then upon conversion, it would automatically break down into multiple base threshold Deep Purple materials. The quantity would depend on the quality of the plundered Trait.
For example, plundering a Deep Purple Trait very close to the Apex Purple level might yield '8' or even '9' base Deep Purple materials upon conversion.
This made sense. Otherwise, plundering a near-Apex Purple Trait versus a barely-Deep Purple Trait yielding the same single material would be unfair.
This aligns with the laws of conservation, too.
Rowen smirked slightly.
"Luffy! How are we supposed to find those pirates?!" Usopp finally asked, seeing everyone had mostly finished eating.
"Dunno," Luffy replied bluntly.
"EH?!!!" Usopp stared, flabbergasted.
"What do you mean you don't know?! Are we just supposed to wait here until those pirates show up?!" Usopp clutched his head in panic.
"Shishishi! Rowen will figure it out! Right, Rowen?" Luffy looked cheerfully at Rowen.
In Luffy's mind, thinking stuff through was Rowen's job.
Rowen always figured things out anyway.
"Compared to Luffy, Rowen seems more like the captain," Zoro commented dryly.
"That's true," Nami added with a chuckle.
"But Rowen acknowledges me as the captain! Shishishi!" Luffy grinned, completely unfazed by his crewmates' teasing.
"As the captain, you shouldn't rely so much on Rowen, who's a crew member! You need to have some captainly resolve!" Nami lectured.
"Eh? Isn't Rowen the vice-captain?" Usopp suddenly interjected.
Usopp had assumed Rowen was the vice-captain. But now, it seemed that wasn't the case?
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Vice-Captain.
Hearing Usopp's words, Nami, Zoro, and Luffy all turned to look at Rowen.
Nami felt that Rowen had indeed been acting like the vice-captain all along.
Zoro had no objections either. Rowen had shown him the path forward, how to achieve his ambition. Zoro deeply admired Rowen's 'Disposition' and judgment.
He was perfectly fine with Rowen becoming the vice-captain.
However, the final decision rested with Luffy, the captain.
Zoro and Nami looked towards Luffy.
Luffy blinked thoughtfully.
He remembered how Rowen, right after becoming his comrade, had fully endorsed his dream of becoming Pirate King.
How Rowen had chosen the epithet 'Sky Sovereign' deliberately mirroring 'Dark King' Rayleigh, the Pirate King's Right Hand and Vice-Captain.
And during their journey so far, it was largely thanks to Rowen that he had gained Zoro and Nami as comrades.
Rowen himself was incredibly reliable. The position of vice-captain truly suited him.
But still...
Luffy felt a bit conflicted.
"It's still too early to talk about a vice-captain," Rowen said, looking at Luffy with a slight smile.
"Eh? Why? Being vice-captain would make it easier to command the other members in battle, right? The crew would accept your command more readily," Nami asked curiously.
Although Nami had only joined temporarily, and the official crew currently consisted of only Zoro, Rowen, Usopp, and Captain Luffy himself,
Nami couldn't imagine a more perfect candidate for vice-captain than Rowen.
Even 'Pirate Hunter' Zoro, famous throughout the East Blue, clearly respected Rowen and followed his lead.
Rowen had basically been directing their combat strategy throughout their journey.
"It's not about becoming vice-captain to gain the crew's acknowledgment. It's about gaining the acknowledgment of all comrades first, and then becoming the vice-captain," Rowen stated, his lips curving slightly.
"Hmph." A smile touched Zoro's lips.
As expected of Rowen.
"So cool, Rowen!" Usopp felt like Rowen was practically glowing at that moment.
This is what a real pirate is like!
"Besides, Luffy hasn't finished gathering all his comrades yet. Before he does, before gaining the acknowledgment of everyone who will join, talking about a vice-captain is simply too soon," Rowen added, looking at Luffy with a knowing smile.
This was likely why, even in the original story, the Straw Hat Pirates didn't have an official vice-captain even after defeating Kaido and Big Mom and becoming an Emperor crew.
Luffy cherished and respected his comrades immensely—even those who hadn't joined yet.
Knowing Luffy's personality, he wouldn't designate a vice-captain until the entire crew was assembled.
"Shishishi! Rowen! I'm so glad you're my nakama!" Luffy grinned broadly upon hearing Rowen's words, looking incredibly happy.
This was exactly what Luffy had been conflicted about. Establishing a vice-captain before gathering all the comrades and getting everyone's approval felt disrespectful to future crewmates.
If he appointed a vice-captain now, wouldn't future members feel more like subordinates than comrades?
On his ship, there were no subordinates—only comrades.
Rowen's words—"It's not about becoming vice-captain to gain the crew's acknowledgment, but gaining the acknowledgment of all comrades first..."—perfectly mirrored Luffy's own feelings.
Once all the comrades were gathered, the one acknowledged by everyone would be the vice-captain of his crew!
——
—[Received strong acknowledgment from Monkey D. Luffy. Bond increased. Trait equipping progress increased.]—
——
The equipping progress for the Sun God (Apex Gold) Trait advanced another step.
Rowen smiled slightly.
"See, Rowen gets it! As the captain, you need to be more reliable too!" Nami lectured Luffy, her gaze towards Rowen softening with something new, before turning back to Luffy with exasperation.
"I am reliable when it counts! Rowen said so!" Luffy puffed out his chest proudly.
"Using Rowen's words to make yourself look good? How is that captain-like?" Zoro sighed, covering his forehead.
"Eh?! Is that how it looks?" Luffy's face fell instantly.
"Alright, alright. Everyone gathered here because they acknowledge you too, Luffy," Rowen chuckled at Luffy's reaction, stepping in to support him.
While Luffy might be unreliable most of the time, he was incredibly dependable when it truly mattered.
Luffy's charisma was exceptional. Before setting sail, everyone in the future Straw Hat crew had their own dreams.
But later, everyone added another dream to their list: making Luffy the King of the Pirates.
Rowen had joined the Straw Hats not just to equip Traits from Luffy and the others, and to safely navigate his own growth period leveraging Luffy's connections.
Luffy's character itself was a major reason; Rowen genuinely admired him.
"Rowen..." Luffy felt deeply touched.
"Don't spoil Luffy too much, Rowen," Nami sighed helplessly.
"So, Rowen, how do we find those pirates?" Usopp, concerned for the villagers' safety, looked anxiously at Rowen.
"The current captain of the Black Cat Pirates is Kuro's former first mate, 'Hypnotist' Jango, with a bounty of 9 million Beri."
"If Kuro wants to command the Black Cat Pirates to attack here, he must go through Jango."
"They need to coordinate the exact time for the attack, which means they'll have to meet."
"And Jango... well, he's a rather eccentric individual. He tends to attract attention without even trying. If we head into the village, we should be able to find Jango relatively quickly," Rowen explained with a smile.
Knowing the plot, Rowen could easily work backward from the known events to devise a simple solution for dealing with the Black Cat Pirates.
"SUGEEE! As expected of a master strategist!" Usopp looked at Rowen with reverence.
Just like when they first met, Rowen easily saw through his bluff.
Incredibly strong, possessing admirable character and resolve, and brilliant strategically...
Rowen truly is a real pirate!
"Alright! Let's find that guy quickly and beat him up!" Luffy declared, rolling up his sleeves, ready to charge out immediately.
"Do you even know what he looks like?" Zoro asked, grabbing the back of Luffy's collar and pulling him back.
"Oops! Forgot about that!" Luffy yelled, clutching his head.
"I'll handle finding Jango. You stay here and talk to Merry about the ship," Rowen said, standing up.
Jango... 9 million Beri bounty, hypnotism powers... maybe he'll yield some useful gains too.
"Rest assured, Mr. Rowen! I will do my utmost to build you all a fine ship!" Merry, who had been standing quietly nearby, declared earnestly.
Merry was Kaya's loyal servant, but also acted as a mentor and close friend.
He felt immense gratitude towards Rowen and the others for defeating Kuro and saving Miss Kaya's life.
He was naturally determined to pour all his effort into building them an excellent pirate ship.
Of course, the Going Merry had actually been a project Merry started designing as a child twenty-two years ago. The ship was mostly complete by now.
But some details still needed modification based on Rowen and the crew's specific requirements.
"I look forward to it," Rowen replied with a smile.
Rowen, accompanied by Zoro and Usopp, quickly located the eccentrically behaving Jango within Syrup Village.
Before Rowen, Jango was like a helpless chick, completely unable to resist. Using information obtained from Jango, they subsequently located the Black Cat Pirates' hideout and dealt with them all.
The rest of the Black Cat Pirates were mere lackeys; some didn't even possess White Traits.
At most, the Meowban Brothers—Sham and Buchi—possessed Blue Traits, but these were utterly useless to Rowen.
Jango, however, did yield a Trait of Purple tier or higher for Rowen.
——
Hypnotism (Pale Purple): Capable of hypnotizing others, stimulating their physical potential for a large increase in strength. Drawback: Loss of rational control.
——
After converting this Hypnotism Trait, Rowen obtained three Pale Purple Strength-type Upgrade Materials.
Apparently, abilities that directly boost combat power like this are also classified as Strength-type Traits.
Rowen was reasonably satisfied. Waste not, want not, after all.
Rowen immediately used these three Pale Purple Strength-type Upgrade Materials to further enhance his Superhuman Physique (Deep Purple).
Every little bit helps. Rowen's Superhuman Physique (Deep Purple) advanced another step towards the Apex Purple tier.
Using the three Pale Purple materials to enhance his Superhuman Physique (Deep Purple) left Rowen feeling somewhat hungry again.
However, since it was only an enhancement using Pale Purple materials, the resulting hunger wasn't overwhelming enough to require immediate eating.
Subsequently, Rowen had Zoro and Usopp tie up the defeated pirates and bring them back to Syrup Village, leaving their fate to the villagers.
This village wasn't wealthy, and turning these pirates in for bounty money could significantly improve the villagers' quality of life.
This was also why Rowen had brought Zoro and Usopp along to deal with the Black Cat Pirates—grunt work like capturing lackeys was best left to them.
And Rowen's motive for doing so?
——
—[Usopp feels immense gratitude and admiration for your actions. Bond increased. Trait equipping progress increased.]—
——
Rowen had already begun equipping Usopp's Anthem of Courage (Special) Trait.
Initially, Rowen had been concerned that equipping this Trait might also saddle him with Usopp's cowardice, which would be a terrible trade-off.
However, feedback from the System confirmed that Usopp's timid and negative personality was inherent to his nature, and equipping the Trait wouldn't transfer those negative side effects.
Thus, Rowen proceeded to equip the Trait.
This Anthem of Courage (Special) Trait might prove unexpectedly useful at a critical moment.
As for Slingshot Sniper (Pale Purple) and Inventor (Pale Purple), they held no value for Rowen, so he didn't bother equipping them.
Having dealt with these miscellaneous tasks, Rowen proceeded to eat another full meal—much to the astonishment of Zoro, the others, and even Luffy—to completely replenish his stamina.
Following Kaya's arrangements, Rowen and the others each selected a guest room, deciding to rest at the mansion for the night.
The Going Merry still required some final checks and minor adjustments.
Meanwhile, Usopp returned home to pack his belongings, preparing to set sail for the sea with Rowen and the crew.
<><><><><><>
Inside Rowen's room.
Hooo... Haaa...
After a relaxing hot bath, Rowen leaned back against the headboard of his bed, cracking open the window slightly.
He focused, feeling the sea's energy carried on the breeze drifting in from outside, using Born of the Sea (Apex Gold) to continue 'digesting' his accumulated Disposition and strengthening his Conqueror's Haki.
While the Born of the Sea (Apex Gold) Trait made sailing remarkably comfortable for Rowen, relaxing on a soft bed while feeling the sea breeze was naturally even more enjoyable.
Combined with the fact that he was continuously strengthening his Conqueror's Haki, Rowen couldn't help but smile.
Knock~ Knock~ Knock~
Just then, a faint knocking sound came from the door.
"Hm?" Rowen opened his eyes. Who could be knocking at this time?
Though puzzled, Rowen still got up and walked towards the door.
Click!
Rowen opened the door and was slightly surprised by the person standing outside.
"Miss Kaya?"
Rowen looked at Kaya, then noticed the serving cart behind her, and immediately understood. The corner of his mouth twitched slightly.
"Mr. Rowen, you can just call me Kaya." Upon seeing Rowen, Kaya blushed slightly and then let out a small cough.
Her constitution was very delicate; the sea breeze drifting in from Rowen's slightly open window made her cough involuntarily.
"Then you can just call me Rowen too, Kaya." Rowen first closed the door slightly, preventing the sea breeze from blowing directly on Kaya, then spoke again.
"It's quite late, and you're not feeling well. Is there something you needed?" Seeing the serving cart behind her, Rowen had already guessed Kaya's intention.
"I was worried you might still be hungry, Rowen, so..." Kaya blushed again, gesturing towards the serving cart beside her.
Rowen's appetite had stunned even Luffy; naturally, Kaya was astonished as well.
Crucially, Rowen seemed to eat frequently. Kaya worried he might already be hungry again, so she had prepared some more food.
Her constitution being weak, Merry had helped her push the cart over. She then told Merry to rest before knocking on Rowen's door herself.
"You really shouldn't have gone to the trouble, Kaya." Rowen felt both amused and exasperated.
Possessing Superhuman Physique (Deep Purple), Rowen could actually control his normal food intake. To fuel daily activities, he didn't need to eat excessively.
He only needed to consume massive quantities of food when actively using Superhuman Physique (Deep Purple) to enhance his body, or after intense battles, similar to Luffy's pattern.
The reason Rowen had eaten such a terrifying amount earlier today was precisely because he had used the Upgrade Materials to enhance his Superhuman Physique (Deep Purple).
"Um, do you want to come in and rest a bit?" Seeing that Kaya didn't seem ready to leave just yet, Rowen slowly offered.
Kaya's constitution was too delicate; just standing outside the door for a short while seemed to visibly weaken her.
Rowen subtly glanced down the corridor, noticing a figure lurking faintly in the shadows.
It was Merry.
Apparently, he was also worried about Kaya coming here alone.
And since Kaya hadn't let Merry accompany her, it seemed visiting Rowen was purely Kaya's own decision.
"Then... excuse me for intruding." Kaya hesitated for a moment, then, blushing slightly and lowering her head, she accepted softly.
Although unsure of Kaya's exact reason for visiting, if a young lady like her wasn't afraid, what did he have to fear?
Rowen pulled the serving cart into the room, then quickly closed the window he had left open.
Once the window was closed, Kaya slowly entered and took a seat on the chair inside the room.
<
After entering Rowen's room, Kaya was visibly nervous and fidgety.
Rowen smiled gently at her discomfort and softly pushed the door partially closed, leaving it slightly ajar.
This small gesture seemed to help Kaya relax considerably.
"So, Kaya, was there something you needed?" Rowen asked kindly, sitting down opposite her.
"Um... Rowen, aren't you going to eat?" Kaya, though less tense, still used the food as a way to ease her awkwardness.
"Of course, I'll eat," Rowen replied, feeling both amused and touched.
Although Rowen wasn't actually hungry right now, he couldn't disregard Kaya's thoughtful gesture. With his Superhuman Physique (Deep Purple), eating an extra meal wasn't a problem; it would just take a bit longer to digest.
Seeing Rowen begin to eat the food she brought, Kaya's eyes curved into smiling crescents.
"Thanks for the food," Rowen said, letting out a breath after finishing everything.
While his Superhuman Physique (Deep Purple) had incredible digestive power, digestion still took time.
Counting the meal Usopp treated them to earlier, Rowen had eaten three large meals today. The last one, in particular, had already provided enough sustenance for his body to absorb overnight.
Even Rowen's stomach capacity had its limits; after this late-night snack, he felt quite full.
"Rowen... you're leaving tomorrow, aren't you?" Kaya, having composed herself while Rowen ate, asked softly.
"Yes. We need to continue on towards the Grand Line," Rowen replied with a smile.
"The Grand Line... What's it like there?" Kaya asked, her eyes filled with longing.
Frail since childhood, she struggled even with normal walking, let alone venturing out onto the sea.
"There? Well... the magnetism, weather patterns, ocean currents, and air currents are all chaotic. It's difficult even to determine your own location. There are islands perpetually covered in ice and snow, others constantly wracked by thunderstorms. And high above the clouds... there are even Sky Islands..." Rowen explained gently, seeing the yearning in Kaya's eyes, vividly describing the wonders and perils of the Grand Line.
In the East Blue, few knew more about the Grand Line than Rowen, who possessed knowledge of the future plot.
Of course, Rowen hadn't personally experienced these things yet; he too eagerly anticipated the upcoming journey.
Kaya gasped in amazement from time to time as Rowen painted a picture with his words.
Unlike Usopp's obvious tall tales, Kaya instinctively felt that everything Rowen said was true—a girl's intuition.
"It's incredible... The sea is truly vast," Kaya murmured, gazing out the window. Though night had fallen, she could faintly see the distant ocean waves shimmering under the moonlight, her face full of longing.
"Unfortunately... I can never go out onto the sea," Kaya sighed, her expression filled with regret.
Her frailness, combined with the wistful look on her face, made her appear exceptionally delicate and pitiable.
"That's not necessarily true," Rowen said softly, looking at Kaya's forlorn expression.
"Eh?!" Kaya looked up at Rowen, her eyes widening in surprise.
"But... forget going out to sea, I have trouble even walking long distances," Kaya murmured, looking down at her own delicate frame, biting her lip.
"The sea's secret treasures... Devil Fruits. Have you heard of them, Kaya?" Rowen asked gently.
"Devil Fruits? Aren't those just things from legends?" Kaya blinked curiously.
"Luffy ate a Devil Fruit. If you were to eat a Zoan-type Devil Fruit, your body could recover its health," Rowen explained with a smile.
Kaya's condition stemmed from innate physical weakness, making her prone to illness. This was different from Trafalgar Law's Amber Lead Syndrome, which required the Op-Op Fruit's specific surgical abilities to cure.
A Zoan-type Devil Fruit, which enhances the user's physical body, would be sufficient to grant Kaya good health.
While even Zoan fruits were extremely rare in the East Blue, they were relatively common and less valuable on the Grand Line.
And for Rowen, obtaining a Zoan fruit was simple.
With the Strongest Trait System, he could convert Devil Fruit powers into Traits and plunder them. Furthermore, these plundered Devil Fruit Traits could be given to others.
Just as Blackbeard could hunt down ability users to form his own army of Devil Fruit users,
Rowen, with his superior System, could naturally do the same.
However, since others lacked the Trait System, if Rowen gave a plundered Devil Fruit Trait to someone else, they would become a true Devil Fruit user—gaining the power but also suffering the side effects, like being rejected by the sea and becoming unable to swim.
Pros and cons—that was the nature of Devil Fruits.
Unlike Rowen, who could use the powers via his System without any of the drawbacks.
"Devil Fruits... those legendary treasures... Even if they truly exist, I'd never have the chance to eat one," Kaya murmured, her eyes brightening for a moment before dimming again with disappointment.
"When we meet again... how about I give you a Devil Fruit as a gift?" Rowen offered with a smile.
"!!!" Kaya stared at Rowen, wide-eyed, completely unable to believe what she was hearing as she looked at his gentle smile.
"Rowen... How could I accept...? Something so precious..." Kaya stammered, unsure of what to say.
"A Devil Fruit isn't a big deal to me. Besides, haven't you already paid me? A young lady's kindness... is far more precious to me than any Devil Fruit," Rowen replied, gesturing towards the now-empty serving cart with a smile.
"..." Kaya bit her lip, gazing intently at Rowen.
Frail since childhood and often confined to her room, Kaya spent many boring days reading books for amusement.
As a young woman, she naturally enjoyed reading romance novels, often daydreaming about the love stories within them.
She was particularly drawn to tales where the Heroine's destined Hero descended from Heaven to save her.
For Kaya, who couldn't even take a leisurely walk outside, such stories held immense appeal.
But Kaya knew such things were virtually impossible in reality.
Yet... it had happened. Rowen, quite literally, had suddenly fallen from the sky, defeated Kuro, and saved her and everyone else.
When they first met, she hadn't believed Rowen's claim that Klahadore was a pirate and had even yelled at him.
But Rowen hadn't gotten angry; instead, he offered her a gentle smile, and then proceeded to save them all.
That warm smile... Kaya found herself thinking about Rowen constantly during her rest, his image filling her mind.
Having never experienced romance before, Kaya didn't know if this feeling was the 'love' described in her books.
But this feeling... it was completely different from how she felt listening to Usopp's tall tales.
Usopp... they were good friends. Kaya knew how she felt around friends.
But her feelings towards Rowen, despite having only just met him, were entirely different from friendship.
Wanting to know everything about Rowen, wanting to talk with him more, wanting to bring him more food when he seemed insatiable at the dinner table...
Even just watching Rowen eat made Kaya smile unconsciously.
This feeling... it truly resembled the 'love' she had read about.
Kaya remembered a line from one of her books: Whether two people are destined to be lovers or just friends is often decided the very moment they first meet.
This feeling, combined with the knowledge that Rowen was leaving tomorrow, made Kaya desperately want to talk with him more tonight.
Added to that was her concern after witnessing Rowen's incredible appetite and frequent eating; she worried he might be hungry again. And so, tonight, she had come.
"Let's make a promise," Rowen said softly, looking at Kaya and extending his pinky finger with a warm smile.
"Mm..." Seeing Rowen's gentle smile, Kaya blushed faintly.
She shyly hooked her pinky finger around Rowen's. The strange sensation where their fingers touched sent a flutter through Kaya's heart, making her lower her head shyly.
In that moment, Kaya knew for sure.
This... is love.
next morning, Kaya and Merry led Rowen and the others to the harbor.
"Everyone, this is your ship! I've named it... the Going Merry!" Merry announced, pulling back the large cloth covering the vessel.
Rowen looked at the ship—the source of so much heartache for countless One Piece fans back on Earth—and a smile touched his lips.
The Going Merry was a caravel, featuring a triangular lateen sail on the mizzenmast and a central rudder at the stern, easily recognizable by its sheep figurehead.
She was armed with four cannons: one facing forward at the bow, one at the stern, and one on each side.
While she couldn't compare to the massive pirate galleons, compared to the tiny, makeshift boats Rowen and the crew had been using, this was, at least, a real pirate ship.
"Shishishi! What an awesome ship!" Luffy's face lit up with pure joy the moment he saw her.
This was their crew's first official pirate ship!
"Finally, a decent ship! With a vessel like this, we should be able to sail the Grand Line," Nami commented happily.
As a navigator, a good ship was like gaining wings.
"Hmph." A faint smile touched Zoro's lips as well.
Rowen had opened his eyes; Zoro knew his ambition could only be realized on the Grand Line.
"Rowen, why are you looking at me like that?" Nami suddenly noticed Rowen's gaze, blinked, and felt a slight blush creep onto her cheeks.
"Nothing. Just thinking your smile looks really nice right now. Much happier," Rowen replied with a smile.
Before, although Nami would smile, there was always a noticeable undercurrent of worry in her eyes.
The burden of concern for her hometown, Cocoyasi Village.
But now, her smile seemed genuinely lighter, happier.
"..." Nami pressed her lips together upon hearing his words.
She's... happier now?
Thinking back, ever since meeting Rowen again—specifically, after the fight with the Buggy Pirates in Orange Town—she had felt genuinely happy.
Especially after Rowen's declaration that she could rely on him, and his consistent actions of protecting her in every situation... Nami felt a long-forgotten sense of security wash over her.
Not since Bell-mère's death, not since she became a pirate-robbing thief and set out to earn that 100 million Beri, had she felt this secure.
It was as if... she had finally found someone to lean on.
Seeing this new ship, Nami instinctively started thinking from the perspective of its navigator, seemingly forgetting her earlier insistence on being only a temporary crew member.
But... can days like these truly last?
The thought made Nami bite her lip.
"No matter what you're facing, remember what I told you, Nami," Rowen said softly, gently placing his hand on her shoulder, just as he had back in Orange Town.
"When things get tough... lean on me. Burden me as much as you need to. I'm strong, you know," Rowen looked into Nami's eyes and smiled.
No matter how strong Nami acted, she was still just an eighteen-year-old young woman.
Her hometown suffered under Arlong's tyranny; her adoptive mother, Bell-mère, was murdered right before her eyes.
Afterwards, for the sake of the villagers, she was forced to join the Arlong Pirates, drawing sea charts while simultaneously stealing treasure to buy back her village for 100 million Beri.
She had been living this nightmare since she was only ten years old.
Thinking of this, a flicker of protectiveness softened Rowen's eyes.
"Mm..." Nami felt her nose sting. Biting her lip, she gently rested her forehead against Rowen's hand on her shoulder.
Just like in Orange Town.
Watching this from nearby, Kaya felt a pang of something bittersweet, a mix of envy and something else.
But then, Kaya glanced down at her own pinky finger, remembering her promise with Rowen, and smiled again.
She had already received so much. She shouldn't be greedy.
"Let's set sail! Rowen! Nami! What are you two waiting for?!" Luffy suddenly yelled.
"Luffy." Watching Nami quickly slip away, Rowen turned towards Luffy with a very pleasant smile.
"I think it's time I put together a proper training plan for you. As captain, you can't be undisciplined," Rowen's smile was dazzlingly bright.
"Eh?!" Luffy had no idea what was happening. Rowen had been so lenient with him before!
Only Nami, already aboard the Merry, blushed slightly.
"Kaya! Goodbye!" Usopp yelled from the ship.
"Usopp! Do your best! Fulfill your dream and become a brave warrior of the sea!" Kaya called back, smiling brightly and waving cheerfully at Usopp.
"Oh! Just watch me!" Usopp puffed out his chest and yelled back.
"Um... T-Take care, Rowen," Turning her gaze to Rowen, Kaya bit her lip, looking at him shyly.
Tentative steps... this is love.
"Yeah. Well then, we're off, Kaya," Rowen turned back, smiled, and waved goodbye to Kaya.
Rowen wasn't oblivious; he had sensed Kaya's feelings.
But he had no intention of bringing her aboard. Kaya's body was simply too frail to endure the hardships of sea travel.
More importantly, Kaya's gentle heart wasn't suited for the Grand Line.
Even if Rowen had a Devil Fruit to restore her health right now (which he didn't), she still wouldn't be suited for the Grand Line.
Kaya's personality wasn't built for combat. Exposing her to the Grand Line's cruelty would do her more harm than good.
In the One Piece world, physical limitations, even incurable diseases, could often be overcome with Devil Fruits.
But lacking the mindset and 'Disposition' of a true warrior, or a powerful, unwavering dream like Nami's... no external means could compensate for that.
Not everyone was suited for the Grand Line.
Besides, Rowen's current priority was simple: Get stronger!
That was the foundation upon which everything else rested.
Otherwise, everything he held now was merely smoke and mirrors, fleeting illusions.
You can't gain anything without sacrificing something.
That was a fundamental truth, a resolve and mindset required of any truly strong individual.
Besides, this wasn't truly abandonment. Once Rowen stood at the pinnacle of the world, he would naturally return and take Kaya away with him.
Aboard the ship, Nami watched Kaya's wistful expression and seemed to understand something. For some reason, she felt a strange pang of jealousy in her own heart.
Nami recognized this feeling wasn't normal. She pressed her lips together.
She had thought her reliance on Rowen was simply that of comrades leaning on each other... but this sudden feeling told her otherwise...
"Setting sail!" Luffy yelled loudly, perched on his special seat—the sheep figurehead at the bow.
"OOOHHH!" Rowen and the others raised their right hands in unison, responding with smiles.
Under Nami's command, the Going Merry slowly pulled away from the harbor.
Rowen looked back at Kaya watching from the shore and smiled, extending his own pinky finger.
"!!!" Seeing this, Kaya pressed her lips together, then slowly raised her own pinky finger.
Remembering their promise from the night before in Rowen's room, Kaya smiled sweetly.
I'll wait for you, Rowen.
Kaya's eyes shone with unwavering brightness.
This was her promise with Rowen.
<><><><><><>
"Decided?!" Piiman, Ninjin, and Tamanegi huddled together.
"Of course! Let's go! We have to carry on the Captain's greatness!" Piiman declared seriously.
Ninjin looked back towards Syrup Village.
"Pirates are coming!" Tamanegi, Ninjin, and Piiman yelled in unison as they began running through the village streets.
In the distance, the Going Merry slowly sailed towards the horizon.
Only on the shore, Kaya remained, gazing after the ship, unwilling to leave for a long, long time.