Chapter 232 - 8-13

Chapter 8: Luffy's InvitationEver since he started cleaning up this mess, that kid wearing the Straw Hat—Luffy, had been following him around like a piece of sticky gum that couldn't be shaken off.One moment he was squatting down to poke Mark's Slime Form body out of curiosity, the next his mouth was chirping away without pause:"Hey, what does this wooden board taste like?" He even picked up a piece and stuffed it into his mouth!"Pah, pah, pah! This tastes terrible! Why did it disappear as soon as you touched it? How did you do that?"Mark initially patiently humored him with a few words, but eventually, he just couldn't be bothered to respond.This kid's energy was ridiculously high. His eyes held undisguised curiosity, like a child who had discovered a novel toy, staring at him with a burning gaze,As if afraid he would vanish into thin air the next second. Mark even suspected that if he walked a bit faster, this kid would pounce and grab onto him."Phew... finally clean."Mark reverted to human form, patted the non-existent dust off his hands, and looked at the brand-new courtyard with a satisfied curl of his lips.Although he had been annoyed to death by the kid during the process, seeing the filth return to order caused the irritation from his germaphobia to dissipate quite a bit.With a thought, two neatly stacked piles of Berriesappeared out of thin air on the stone table in front of him. No more, no less, exactly twenty thousand."This is the compensation for the hotel furniture. The old man treated me well, so I'll cover this for him."Mark now had the savings of two pirate crews totaling over one million Berries, plus the one hundred thousand Berries from the competition. He was now a minor "tycoon.""Eh? How did the money suddenly pop out?"Luffy's eyes went wide and round, as if he had discovered a massive secret. He lunged toward Mark, his nose almost touching Mark's face."Are you a magician? Money-making magic? Or... are you a slime that knows magic? Sugoi! That's so cool!"Seeing Luffy's exaggerated reaction, the urge to "show off" immediately welled up in Mark's heart.Since this kid was so easily impressed, wouldn't it be a waste not to show a few more tricks? It just so happened that wood was needed to repair the hotel!He feigned composure, turned toward the open space outside the house, and communicated with the system in his mind:"System, synthesize the existing wood units at a 5:1 ratio to produce high-quality timber.""Command received, beginning synthesis..." The cold system prompt echoed in his mind.Mark quietly activated his Observation Haki, carefully "scanning" the surrounding clearing to ensure there were no obstacles or uninvolved people.After making preparations, he gave a light wave toward the clearing and barked a low command: "Manifest!"In an instant, a black ring flashing with dazzling white light exploded in the clearing, causing people to subconsciously squint their eyes.Luffy cried out in surprise but stubbornly kept his eyes wide, unwilling to miss this magical scene.As the white light faded, a large pile of neatly stacked, high-quality timber appeared on the previously empty clearing.The wood had clear grain and a warm luster; one could tell at a glance it was top-grade material, enough to repair the damaged parts of the hotel with plenty to spare.Mark slowly turned around, his chin slightly raised, a perfectly measured look of arrogance on his face. His style was maxed out!He glanced sideways at the dumbfounded Luffy, his expression seemingly saying, "This is just a small matter." He wanted this exact effect; the vibe had to be handled just right.Luffy certainly didn't disappoint him. At this moment, his mouth was open wide enough to fit a fist, and his eyes glittered with a light comparable to the stars.That look of shock and wild joy was exactly the same as in the anime when he first saw Franky's modified cyborg form after two years of training."This... this, this, this..." Luffy stammered, unable to speak a full sentence. He pointed at the wood, then at Mark.After several attempts, he finally choked out, "Too... too amazing! Mark! You really can use magic!"Just as Luffy was about to jump for joy, a steady and majestic voice suddenly rang out, interrupting his celebration: "That's enough, Luffy."Garp had walked over at some point. He looked at the pile of high-quality timber that had appeared out of thin air and nodded..."Kid, this ability is quite practical! Get me some high-quality timber when I head back. My bed at Headquarters was 'accidentally' smashed... Ahahaha!"Devouring and then reorganizing? The Munch-Munch Fruit?No, this kid Mark can't be hit at all without Armament Haki! A Logia. It really is a strange ability.He first glared at the still-shouting Luffy, then turned to Mark. Forcing a smile that couldn't exactly be called kind, he pointed at Luffy and said helplessly:"This is my grandson, Monkey D. Luffy.Don't mind his appearance; he's received 'Education of Love' since he was small. He's 15 this year and can be considered a man. In the future, he'll become an excellent Marine, just like you.""No way!" Luffy reacted like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, immediately bristling. He jumped up, hands on his hips, and argued loudly:"I don't want to be a Marine! I'm the man who's going to be the Pirate King!""What did you say? Damn that Shanks!"Garp's face instantly turned ashen, the veins on his forehead throbbing. An invisible aura erupted from him.The dust on the surrounding ground was shaken by this aura, spreading outward like ripples on water.Seeing Garp like this, Luffy's face turned pale with fear. Without a word, he turned and ran.However, his speed was simply not enough to look at in front of Garp.Garp's figure blurred, appearing in front of Luffyalmost instantly. It was clearly'Shave' from the Marine Six Powers!The following scene... luckily it was outdoors, otherwise, the old man might have demolished the entire hotel.Only a few muffled "thuds" and "bangs" were heard, accompanied by Luffy's "ow, ow" screams. Before long,Garp walked back, carrying the listless Luffy like a salted fish with one hand."You two get to know each other."Garp tossed Luffy in front of Mark and said in a heavy voice, "I'll be staying here for five days, then I'm heading back to Marine Headquarters.During these five days, you two better receive 'Education of Love' properly, do you hear me?"Seeing Luffy's head drooping as he was about to fall asleep, Garp's anger flared again. He raised his hand and delivered a punch:"Luffy! You dare sleep on me!""Waaah!" Luffy was woken up by the punch. Clutching his head and biting his lip, he wore an incredibly aggrieved expression, his eyes turning red, looking just like a child who had suffered a great injustice.After disciplining his grandson, Garp's stomach gave an ill-timed growl.His gaze swept around and landed on that 800-pound giant wild boar Luffy had carried back earlier. He walked over and hoisted the boar onto his shoulder.Without looking back, he walked toward the warship, leaving behind a sentence: "This boar will be a tribute to this old man. Ahahaha!"Only Mark and the groaning Luffy, who was still rubbing his head, remained in the field. Makino had gone inside to get the first-aid kit.Mark's gaze fell on the Straw Hat lying on the ground. It was covered in quite a bit of dust and mud, looking somewhat bedraggled.He bent down to pick up the Straw Hat. With a thought, a soft white light enveloped the hat, gently brushing over it.In just a few moments, the dust and stains on the Straw Hat vanished without a trace, restoring it to its original clean and tidy state.Mark held the cleaned Straw Hat and handed it to Luffy, beginning his self-introduction:"My name is Mark. I'm 14 years old. I ate a LogiaDevil Fruit..."Before he could finish!Luffy took the Straw Hat from Mark, placed it back on his head, and pressed it down. He looked up at Mark and said with a serious face, "None of that matters."I'm going to be the Pirate King, and I can't do it on my own! I promised Shanks I would find crewmates stronger than theirs and then surpass them to become the Pirate King.With you, I can have clean water, a clean environment, and wood to repair the ship...So!'Set sail with me in a year!' (The current timeline is 1520, almost 1521.)Mark, be my comrade!"Mark: "..."He was stunned. Was it really this smooth?They had only just met, right? Not even ten minutes? And he's already directly inviting me to be his comrade?This kid's heart is a bit too big, isn't it?However, surprise aside, he recalled that in the manga, as long as you hit Luffy's interests—look at Brook! It took less than a minute...Of course, while he was happy, Mark felt that his "vibe" couldn't be dropped.He cleared his throat, intentionally putting on a slightly arrogant air, and said:"My dream is to eat all the delicacies in the world. Also, I am a person who loves cleanliness very much.Since you've invited me, then, Captain Luffy, I'll take charge of the logistics on your ship."Hearing this answer, Luffy instantly threw the grievance of being beaten behind him, looking so happy he was about to fly.He grabbed Mark's arm and shook it vigorously, shouting loudly:"Great! Makino! I have such an amazing comrade even before setting sail! Mark is super interesting! He can use magic and turn into a slime!..."At this time, Makino was holding the first-aid kit, gently applying medicine to the places where Luffyhad been hit.Hearing Luffy's shout, she smiled helplessly, patted Luffy's back gently, and said:"Alright, alright! If you're any louder, and your grandfather hears you poaching Mark, he might come back and discipline you again."Hearing the word "grandfather," Luffy was like a car that had its brakes slammed on; he immediately shut his mouth, and the excitement on his face faded quite a bit.He looked warily in the direction Garp had left, then grabbed Mark's arm and said in a lowered voice:"Mark, come on, I'll take you to my secret base!"Without waiting for Mark to respond, Luffy exerted his strength, dragging Mark's arm as he dashed forward.Mark only felt a massive force transmit over. His feet instantly left the ground, and his whole body felt as if it were being swept up by a gale, flying through the air as they sprinted toward the back mountain

Chapter 9: The Future Cultivation PlanDeep in the forest on the outskirts of Windmill Village, at the end of a path that had been trodden somewhat firm, stood a small treehouse that looked quite old.Tree trunks served as pillars, wooden planks were crookedly spliced together to form walls and floors, and the roof was covered with thick boards, with several strings of dried wild fruits even hanging from the edges—This was the "super awesome secret base" Luffyhad mentioned."How about it, Mark? Isn't it cool here!"Luffy stood with his hands on his hips proudly, looking up at the masterpiece he and his brothers had created, his eyes sparkling."Ace, Sabo, and I built this together!"He gently pushed the wooden door tied with thick hemp rope. The hinges let out a soft "creak" and swung open.Surprisingly, although the materials of the house looked very dilapidated—likely scrap pieces scavenged from a trash heap—the interior was quite clean.The floor was swept spotless, there were no spiderwebs in the corners, and even the few "tables and chairs" made of tree stumps and thick planks were polished enough to faintly see the wood grain."I can tell you come here often," Mark said with a smile."Of course!" Luffy bounded into the room and dug out a pile of things from an inconspicuous wooden box in the corner. "Look, look! These are all very important things!"As if presenting treasures, he laid the items out on the floor one by one. There were several small, smooth pebbles, said to be won from a stone-skipping contest with Ace;There was a fragment of a pirate flag pattern, cut from an old book by Sabo; and a crooked little ring woven from twigs.Luffy said this was a "coronation" gift he gave to Ace, but Ace just laughed and threw it back in his face...Luffy's voice was crisp and enthusiastic, carrying the unique, vigorous energy of youth. Every item he introduced felt like he was revisiting a shimmering memory.Mark listened quietly, watching Luffy laugh until his two rows of white teeth showed as he recalled funny stories, and then look a bit downcast as if he had thought of something.Familiar with the plot, Mark knew Luffy was likely thinking of the "deceased" Sabo. To ease Luffy's low mood, Mark knew exactly what to do!"Alright, my turn," Mark said, clapping his hands with a smile.With a thought, the space around him distorted slightly, and one hemp bag after another appeared out of thin air. Inside the bags were beautifully packaged food boxes.As he opened the lids, the aroma instantly filled the small treehouse—Steaming roasted meat skewers still carried a charred fragrance, and golden, crispy fried foods were piled into small mountains.There were also brightly colored fruit platters and several large pieces of cream cake."Whoa!!" Luffy's eyes instantly turned into stars, and he sniffed hard. "It's food! So much delicious food!""These are takeout from the Baratie sea restaurant," Mark said, pushing the food boxes toward Luffy."The chefs at that restaurant have incredible kicking techniques, and their food is exceptionally delicious!I specifically packed some in my ability space. Time is frozen inside my space, so the taste is still original and fresh!""Mark! You're amazing!"Luffy couldn't wait and grabbed a skewer of roasted meat, munching on it in huge bites while mumbling indistinctly."With a partner like you, going out to sea later will definitely be su—per fun! You're such a convenient person!"Watching Luffy gorge himself without any regard for his image, Mark felt helpless yet amused.And what on earth was this "convenient person" supposed to mean?He leaned against the wall, looking at this future Captain, his heart filled with a myriad of emotions.Transmigrating to this world and binding with that strange "Trash System."From the initial confusion to the stumbles along the way, he had finally taken the most critical step—Becoming Monkey D. Luffy's partner.Next up was improving his strength.He didn't want to be a burden in future adventures, nor did he want to miss out on those magnificent sights or fail to protect the people around him due to a lack of strength.Mark discreetly pulled up the system panel in his mind:[System Panel]Host: MarkBasic Attributes:- Constitution: 112 (Note: Armament Haki requires 1000 Constitution points to unlock)- Energy: 3458Ability System:1. Fruit Abilities:- Trash Manipulation- Trash Decomposition- Trash Synthesis2. Personal Abilities (+ indicates energy can be consumed to upgrade):- Baji Quan: Proficient +- Observation Haki: Beginner +- Trash Can Space: 10×10 +Resource Reserves:Decomposition Material Library: (Omitted)His constitution had finally broken past a hundred, reaching 112 points; this was largely thanks to Garp's "Fist of Love."Being chased and beaten by Garp these past few days, though it made him grimace in pain, his physical fitness was indeed improving rapidly.However, his energy value was still just that little bit, without much growth.System upgrades and ability development both required a large amount of energy, but special "trash materials" were truly hard to come by.Mark sighed, his gaze sweeping over the Devil Fruitlying quietly in the system space.It was the prize won from the gluttony contest—it looked almost no different from a real Devil Fruit.Did this thing count as "special material"? How much energy would he get from decomposing it? Mark had always been curious, but he didn't plan to try it for now.He glanced at Luffy, who was munching on a huge hamburger with sauce all over his face, and shook his head helplessly.With this active element around, he couldn't concentrate on analyzing the fruit at all. If the decomposition caused any commotion and Luffystarted asking questions, it would be a hassle.Better to deal with the matters at hand first."Luffy," Mark spoke up, "you're a Devil Fruit user, right?""Yeah!" Luffy nodded vigorously, his mouth still stuffed with food, saying indistinctly, "I ate the gum-gum fruit, I'm a rubber man!"Mark looked at him and thought silently: No, what you ate wasn't the gum-gum fruit... Sun God Nika... Of course, I can't tell Luffy that!This fruit is too mysterious; the fewer people who know, the better! Otherwise, the possibility of being crushed by a high-level player while still in the newbie protection period is very high.Instead, he changed the subject: "Then do you know why it hurts when your grandpa Garp hits you?""Eh?" Luffy froze, his chewing motion stopping as he scratched his head with a look of confusion."I don't know... Mark, do you know? Tell me quick! Every time Grandpa hits me, it hurts so much! Even though I'm rubber!"Mark stood up. "Let's go outside. Try hitting me with your strongest punch.""Eh? Mark, are you sure?"Luffy was a bit hesitant, but the curiosity and excitement in his eyes outweighed his concern. He clenched his fist and said seriously, "Mark, I'm really strong!""Come at me." Mark stood in place, his expression calm.Seeing Mark's confidence, Luffy stopped hesitating and grinned. "Then here I come!"On the clearing outside the treehouse, he took a deep breath. His right arm suddenly stretched backward, the rubber arm instantly extending several meters, and his muscles bulged slightly."Gum-Gum Pistol!"With a loud shout, Luffy's fist flew like a bullet from a barrel, carrying a whistling wind as it struck hard toward Mark's chest!However, just as the fist was about to hit, the part of Mark's body that was struck instantly elementalized, turning into a gelatinous substance.Luffy's fist passed through Mark's body without any resistance, flying forward for a distance with momentum, then snapping back like a rubber band and returning to its original state."..."Time seemed to stand still at that moment.Luffy maintained his punching stance, his mouth open wide enough to fit a fist, his eyes bulging, his face written with disbelief.A few seconds later, he suddenly jumped up and pointed at Mark, screaming:"Ah—! Why! I clearly hit you! But there was no damage! Mark, why?!"He circled around Mark, looking him up and down as if trying to find the secret hidden on Mark's body.Mark's body re-solidified as he explained:"I am a Logia Devil Fruit user. My body can elementalize.Ordinary physical attacks are ineffective against Logia users. Unless there are special counters."He paused, touching a bump on his head that hadn't fully subsided... then changed the subject:"But your grandpa Garp can beat me until my head is full of bumps.""Eh? Yeah, how do Grandpa's attacks work!" Luffy's surprise grew even greater."You want to be the Pirate King, right?" Mark's expression became serious."If you don't master that power, you won't be able to become the Pirate King."Hearing the words "Pirate King," the surprise on Luffy's face vanished instantly, replaced by an unprecedented seriousness.He put away his playful demeanor, looking steadily at Mark and listening intently."This power is called Haki," Mark said slowly. "Hakiis divided into three types: Armament Haki, Observation Haki, and Conqueror's Haki.Once you learn Armament Haki, you can cover your skin with it to hit Logia fruit users. But I don't know how to train it."He changed the subject again, "However,""Your grandpa Garp possesses the world's top-tier Armament Haki.When he hits us normally, he might not even be using one percent of his power.""So Grandpa is that strong..." Luffy murmured to himself, his eyes filled with shock."Of course," Mark nodded. "He is the Navy Hero. If he hadn't been unwilling to become an Admiral to protect those Celestial Dragons, he would have been an Admiral long ago.""So, we need to make good use of the time your grandpa is on vacation and find a way to ask him for the Haki training method.""Oh!" Luffy slammed a fist into his palm, suddenly realizing. "I get it!"He turned and was about to rush toward the village, shouting, "A fight? I'm going to find Grandpa right now!""Wait!"Mark grabbed Luffy, his other hand on his forehead, his face full of helplessness."I actually had expectations for this idiot Captain..."He took a deep breath and said to Luffy, who was still struggling to rush out:"Let's talk about it tomorrow. It's already getting late. By the way, where am I staying tonight?""Ah, right!" Luffy slapped his head and pulled Marktoward another direction."Come on, Mark, let's go find Dadan! I'm telling you, even though Dadan is a mountain bandit and looks very fierce, she's actually a good person!"...At dusk, the Dadan Family's bandit hideout.In front of the dilapidated wooden house, several mountain bandits were lazily soaking up the sun and drinking low-quality shochu.Seeing Luffy rushing over with a strange youth, they all looked up in surprise.Luffy pushed open the creaking wooden door and shouted into the house:"Dadan! This is Mark, Grandpa caught him! He's staying here from now on!"After saying that, he was about to pull Mark toward the inner room.Mark quickly broke free from his hand. He planned to perform well at Dadan's place and build a well-behaved, sensible, and cute persona.He straightened his clothes and gave a slight bow to the tall, burly woman with a scar on her face who walked out from the inner room—Dadan—and said politely, "Hello, Aunt Dadan, I am Mark.I might have to trouble everyone here for a while. My ability can help everyone clean the rooms."As soon as he finished speaking, Mark's Observation Haki enveloped all the trash and dust in the house, and his Logia fruit ability, Decomposition, was quietly activated.An invisible force swept through the entire house. The dust on the floor, the trash in the corners, and the grease on the table instantly vanished without a trace.The originally messy wooden house became spotless in an instant, and even the air was much fresher."!!!"The mountain bandits inside and outside the house were all stunned. The wine bowls in their hands fell to the ground with a "clatter," and they didn't even react, their mouths hanging open as if they had seen something incredible.Mark didn't stop. He accessed the system space again, and a heavy wooden box appeared out of thin air on the table.He opened the box, and inside were neatly stacked piles of Berries, totaling exactly one hundred thousand.Mark picked up the box with both hands, slowly turned around to let everyone see the Berries inside, then gently pushed it in front of Dadan and said with a smile:"I didn't bring any gifts this time. This little bit of money is for the uncles to buy some wine.""..."Dadan looked at the clean and tidy house, then at the full box of Berries on the table. First she was stunned, then a few seconds later, she suddenly covered her face and began to wail loudly:"Waaa—Garp, you bastard! You finally! You finally did something human!"Mark: "..."He rubbed his nose awkwardly. Was Dadan's reaction a bit too intense?But thinking about how the previous ones Garp had dumped on Dadan were big troubles like Ace, Sabo, and Luffy, Mark understood Dadan's current feelings.This was probably a huge wave of emotion brought about by "reverse contrast."Dadan cried for a while, then suddenly wiped away her tears. Her face was instantly filled with a warm smile as she clutched the money box in her arms and shouted to her subordinates:"Quick! Go buy the best wine and meat! We're having a banquet tonight!""Ohhh! Thank you, Young Master Mark!" The mountain bandits snapped out of it and immediately ran out cheering.Dadan grabbed Mark's hand, smiling from ear to ear. "Young Master Mark, you can stay as long as you want! Pick any room you like, and tell Auntie if you need anything! Don't be a stranger!"Mark looked at the Dadan who was like a completely different person and smiled helplessly. It seemed that having money was really great.But now, he still had to think about how to make that old fox Garp willing to teach them Hakitomorrow... Mark looked at Luffy, who was already mingling with the mountain bandits and discussing what to eat for the banquet, and once again felt that the road ahead was long.

Chapter 10: Gourmet Food, Training MethodsThe banquet ended.The night was deep.On the edge of the forest outside Windmill Village, the Dadan Family's small wooden cabin had long since fallen silent, with only the occasional sound of insects and the rustling of leaves in the wind coming from outside the window.In a room inside the cabin, two simple beds could be seen under the faint Moonlight streaming through the window.On one of the beds, Luffy was curled up in an extremely ungraceful posture, his mouth slightly open, and faint snoring could even be heard; he was sleeping so soundly that it seemed as if even the sky falling wouldn't wake him.On the other bed, Mark's eyes were open, and he felt no sleepiness at all.He turned over and looked at Luffy, who was sleeping like a little pig, a helpless yet warm smile involuntarily tugging at the corners of his mouth. "This idiot Captain really has a big heart..."Even though he had been wailing all day because he learned he would undergo Garp's training, he was sleeping so soundly at night.Mark stood up softly, walked to Luffy's bedside, picked up the thin blanket he had kicked onto the floor, and carefully covered him with it.After doing all this, he returned to his own bed to lie down, but his mind was still racing, and he had no desire to sleep.Becoming Luffy's companion—this joy was real. From crossing over to this world and struggling to survive alone, to now finding a goal and companions to walk alongside, that sense of belonging warmed his heart.But along with it came anxiety and thoughts about his own strength.His "Trash-Trash Fruit" ability seemed peculiar and had great potential, but its current application was very limited, and his combat power was even more concerning.To keep up with Luffy's pace and to establish a foothold in the vast and dangerous sea of the future, he had to improve himself as quickly as possible.He was filled with uncontrollable anticipation for the future adventures.The Grand Line, the One Piece, the islands, characters, and events that only existed in manga and legends would all become a reality he would experience personally in the near future.That sea was waiting for him to explore.However, this anticipation was soon diluted by another emotion—deep worry about Old Man Garp's training tomorrow.Garp's strength was definitely at the top of the world; the title of Navy Hero was by no means an empty name.But Mark had already deeply experienced the old man's "teaching style" on the Marine ship he took with Garp to Windmill Island.To put it simply, there was no style, or rather, he didn't know how to teach newcomers at all.The so-called training was just the same two things over and over: physical training so intense it could drain a person dry, and practical sparring that was almost like being beaten one-sidedly.It was euphemistically called "growing through battle," but in reality, it was pure devastation of the body and will.Mark had originally held a sliver of hope, thinking he might take this opportunity to coax some methods for training Haki out of Garp, a powerhouse who had mastered top-tier Haki.But now it seemed it likely wouldn't work.He silently brought up his panel, which clearly displayed various stats; the value in the "Physique" column was still a long way from the "1000" threshold required to awaken Busoshoku: Hardening.This also confirmed his guess: entering the world of Armament Haki likely had a hard physical requirement.With his and the current Luffy's physiques, Garpwould certainly not take the initiative to mention Haki training; in the old man's eyes, what they needed most now was to build a foundation and make their bodies as tough as steel."Sigh..." Mark sighed softly. He could probably guess the old man's training logic:First, use high-intensity training and practical beatings to hone his and Luffy's physiques and...combat awareness according to Marine standards, and then slowly teach them advanced techniques like Haki when there's a chance to trick them into joining the Marines later.But the problem was, he and Luffy were going to sea in a year! They couldn't wait that long.Ask for the Haki training method directly now? Markwas almost certain Garp would definitely not give it.This old man seemed casual, but he was actually very shrewd! In some aspects, he was also quite stubborn, especially regarding the matter of "cultivating the pillars of the Marines.""It seems I'll have to find another way..."Mark's eyes gradually became determined. Asking directly definitely wouldn't work, so he would have to take a roundabout approach.His thoughts slowly became clear:First, he absolutely couldn't go head-to-head; asking directly was not an option.Second, he had to make good use of the upcoming time to gather as much useful information from Garpas possible, even if it was just some details in combat.Keep the Haki training method in mind; even if he couldn't learn it now, it wouldn't be too late to learn it when a suitable opportunity arose during their adventure in the future.But if he could get the method in advance and prepare early, that would naturally be best."Forget it, I probably won't be able to sleep tonight."Mark scrambled up, his eyes flashing. "In that case, I'll go prepare and lay some groundwork for tomorrow's 'plan'..."The night deepened; inside the cabin, only Luffy's steady snoring remained.Early the next morning, just as dawn was breaking, the first rays of sunlight spilled through the clouds onto the earth, gilding Windmill Village in a warm gold.*Creak—*The wooden door of Dadan's house was pushed open, and Garp's tall figure appeared at the doorway. He was carrying a bulging bag, stuffing rice crackers into his mouth as he walked, the sound of chewing exceptionally clear in the morning silence.However, as soon as he entered, he was stunned by the scene before him.Mark was standing in the middle of the living room with an excessively bright smile on his face, his eyes narrowed into crescents, looking obedient and sensible."Grandpa Garp, good morning!" Mark's voice was crisp and loud, with just the right amount of enthusiasm. "I was just about to go wake Luffy and then come pick you up!I didn't expect you to arrive so early... Please, have a seat! You haven't had breakfast yet, right? I made some breakfast from my hometown this morning. Please give it a try and see if it suits your taste!"Garp raised an eyebrow and looked Mark up and down, chewing on a rice cracker as he said indistinctly:"Oho, your mouth is quite sweet today. You brat, I can tell at a glance you're up to no good!"Despite saying that, there was no displeasure on his face; instead, he had a somewhat amused smile as he walked over and sat down at the table:"But well, I quite enjoy this. Come on, let me taste your cooking!""You got it!" Mark responded and quickly turned to walk into the kitchen.Soon, he came out carrying several plates and a large bowl of things, setting them on the table one by one.A steamer of steaming fresh meat buns—the white dough had a faint pink tint and was still slightly steaming, emitting an inviting meaty aroma;Beside it was a steamer of mushroom and beef dumplings, neatly shaped and equally fragrant;A large plate of golden and crispy fried dough sticks, brightly colored and instantly whetting the appetite;Finally, a large bowl filled with soy milk, its rich soy fragrance filling the air.Garp's eyes instantly widened, and he subconsciously swallowed.Although he had a preference for rice crackers, facing these foods he had never seen before but which were bursting with aroma, the gluttony in his stomach was still piqued."Brat, I didn't realize you had this kind of skill!"Garp picked up a fresh meat bun and weighed it. "Not bad, not bad. You really are good Marinematerial, capable in both the battlefield and the kitchen..."His tone shifted, and his eyes sharpened slightly:"However, if you think you can bribe me with these things to make me go easy on you during training, that's impossible!During the training later, I'll do what needs to be done; I won't be polite!"Even as he said he wouldn't be polite, his hand didn't stop. With a "nom," he bit off nearly half the meat bun. The scalding meat filling mixed with the delicious juices exploded in his mouth, making him narrow his eyes in comfort. "Mm! The taste is indeed excellent!"Just then, a Straw Hat poked out from the bedroom door, and a nose sniffed vigorously.Luffy had clearly been woken up by the aroma of the food. His eyes weren't even fully open yet,and he was in a semi-sleepwalking state, but his body honestly drifted toward the dining table.His hand reached accurately for the meat bun on the plate in front of Garp as he muttered with closed eyes, "So fragrant... I want to eat..."Just as his hand was about to touch the meat bun, with only a short 0.001 centimeters to go—"Quite arrogant, aren't you! Sleeping in and then stealing my bun!"*Bang!*A crisp sound of impact rang out as Garp's signature "Fist of Love" landed on Luffy's head without warning."Uwah!"Luffy instantly woke up, spinning like a top as he was sent flying, tracing a parabola in the air before landing with a "splat" in the corner.A clear fist print was left on his face, making him look incredibly pathetic.Mark was long accustomed to this. He calmly cast a "Cleansing Spell" toward Luffy—...quickly removing the dust and stains from Luffy's body. A barely perceptible wave of energy swept over, and the dust and grime on Luffy's face immediately vanished."Wash your hands before eating, got it?""There's more in the kitchen; I'll go get another portion for you," Mark said, walking back into the kitchen.Luffy was amazed. "Awesome! Mark!" He banged on the table and shouted, "Cooking, breakfast, food... turned clean!"Soon, he came out with another plate of breakfast and handed it to the noisy Luffy.As soon as he got the food, Luffy grabbed a meat bun and stuffed it into his mouth, shouting indistinctly:"Wow! This is so delicious! Wow... this is also super delicious! Is there more? I haven't had enough!"Saying this, he grabbed a fried dough stick and began gnawing on it, his mouth covered in oil, enjoying himself immensely.Garp, meanwhile, drank soy milk and chewed on a fried dough stick, eating with great relish and nodding occasionally, clearly very satisfied with this breakfast.Mark stood to the side, watching the grandfather and grandson's eating manners, and nodded inwardly: Step one, accomplished!He knew very well that when dealing with someone like Garp, in the phrase "carrot and stick," the "stick" part could be ignored.To get things out of this old man, one could only use the "carrot," using things he was interested in to pry him open. And gourmet food was clearly a breakthrough point."Alright, time to use the ultimate move." A glint of light flashed in Mark's eyes as he turned and entered the kitchen again.This time, when he came out, he was carrying a white porcelain plate covered with a lid. He placed the plate gently in the center of the table and then slowly lifted the lid with a deliberate air of mystery.On the plate lay a uniquely shaped food. It was made by spreading dough into a circle, brushing the surface with egg yolk to give it an inviting golden color,and filling it with delicious-looking shredded melon, processed beef bits, and a mixture of various spices, then folding it over to form a curved, moon-like shape.This was exactly the specialty he had learned while working at the most popular snack shop near his school before crossing over—the Moon Cake.After slow-frying over a low heat, the edges of the pancake were slightly charred and crispy, emitting a complex and irresistible aroma. Especially with a layer of special spicy sauce brushed on the surface, the fragrance was elevated to another level."Oh dear," Mark intentionally showed a look of regret, picking up the Moon Cake and pretending he was going to eat it himself. "Ingredients were limited this morning, so I could only make one. It seems I'll have to enjoy it myself."He deliberately slowed down his movements, bringing his nose close to the Moon Cake and taking a deep breath, an ecstatic expression appearing on his face."Wait!"A low and urgent voice rang out—it was Garp. He put down the bowl of soy milk, his eyes fixed on the Moon Cake, his throat bobbing as he swallowed.His tone carried a hint of unquestionable firmness: "Mark brat, I'm not full yet! It's not right to let an old man teach you on an empty stomach, is it?""I want to eat! I also want to eat that moon-like dish!"Luffy also immediately stopped eating, holding the half-eaten bun in his hand and shouting loudly, his eyes shining with the specific light of a foodie.Mark was waiting for this reaction. He showed just the right amount of hesitation and then, as if he had an idea, said:"In that case... how about we have a contest?"He pointed to the open space in the yard:"Look over there. There are two fairly large iron blocks. Aunt Dadan said she wanted to use them to make a super safe.After all, I gave her a large sum of living expenses earlier, and it needs to be kept securely.""Let's see who can push the iron block further with one punch, how about it?"Mark looked at Garp and then turned to Luffy. "By the way, for the sake of fairness, Luffy, your opponent is that slightly smaller copper block next to it. Old man, you don't mind, right?"Garp looked at the Moon Cake emitting its inviting aroma; why would he care about the details of the contest? He waved his hand:"Fine! I'll let you two brats see how powerful I am!"Luffy's competitive spirit was also piqued, especially for the sake of good food. He immediately patted his chest and guaranteed:"I won't lose to you, Grandpa!"The three of them went into the yard. Garp walked up to the heavy iron block that was half a person tall, while Luffy stood by the smaller copper block, rubbing his hands together.Mark stood to the side to act as the referee.Garp rolled his wrist, and his previously casual expression instantly became serious.He spread his feet, firmly planting himself in a horse stance. His waist and abdomen sank, and a majestic aura radiated from him; the surrounding air seemed to freeze at that moment.Mark's eyes instantly widened, and he focused all his attention on Garp's movements, even subconsciously softening his breathing. He knew the main event was coming!He wanted to use this opportunity to entice Garpinto using Haki, even if just a tiny bit, so he could use Observation Haki to lock onto and analyze the formation of Armament Haki—even a glimpse would do.He saw Garp slowly raise his right fist. Garp's eyes narrowed, and in an instant, the surface of his originally bronze fist was rapidly covered with a layer of ink-jade-like black substance, emitting a heart-palpitating sense of pressure."Hah!"A low shout erupted from Garp's mouth as his right fist, carrying the force of ten thousand tons, slammed into the hard iron block!*Clang—!*A dull, heavy thud rang out, as if it weren't a fist hitting an iron block, but two giant boulders colliding.However, to Luffy's surprise, after Garp withdrew his fist, the massive iron block remained completely motionless, its position not changing in the slightest."Eh? Grandpa, you didn't move it!" Luffy shouted in confusion.Garp was also stunned, then awkwardly rubbed the back of his head. He seemed to have used a bit too much force just now and forgot the contest was about pushing it far, not...But just then, a sudden change occurred!The sound of "cracking... crack, crack..." came from inside the iron block. At first, it was very faint, but it quickly became dense and clear.Then, under the shocked gazes of Mark and Luffy, that seemingly undamaged massive iron block actually began to shatter from the inside!Countless cracks spread out like a spiderweb. The next second, the entire iron block collapsed with a "crash," completely disintegrating into countless pieces of scrap iron of various sizes, scattered across the ground as dust billowed."Garp! You bastard!"A deafening roar came from the cabin. Dadanrushed out in her pajamas, her hair a mess. When she saw the fragments of the iron block scattered on the ground, her eyes turned red."That was the material I prepared to make a safe! Pay me back! You damned Marine bastard!"Mark was completely stunned, standing in place with his mouth slightly open. After a long while, he spoke in a voice so small only he could hear:"Ryuo."

Chapter 11: Garp's Training (Part 2)Mark was completely stunned, standing rooted to the spot with his mouth slightly agape, unable to speak for a long time."That was... that was an advanced application of Armament Haki... Internal Destruction?!"His original plan was to have Garp use a little bit of Armament Haki to push the iron block away.He wanted to take the opportunity to use Observation Haki to carefully observe the energy flow and physical state when covered by Armament Haki, to see if he could grasp even a basic understanding.But who could have imagined that the old man would lead with his trump card right from the start!This gap was like a primary school student who just learned to count wanting to see how a high school student solves a quadratic equation.In the end, the other party directly demonstrated the derivation process of calculus... They weren't even in the same dimension! Watching it was useless; he couldn't understand it at all!Mark felt a wave of helpless amusement in his heart.Beside him, Luffy was also dazed, murmuring, "So... so strong... although he didn't push the iron block away, it feels even more amazing than pushing it away..."Garp clearly realized he had messed up, but seeing the furious Dadan, his eyes darted around.Suddenly, with lightning speed, he snatched the Moon Cake that Mark hadn't had time to hand out yet, stuffed it into his mouth, and began chewing vigorously."Mmph... delicious! Mmm... this flavor is absolutely perfect with soy milk!"Garp praised indistinctly while quickly swallowing the entire Moon Cake, for fear that Dadan or Luffywould snatch it away.Luffy, seeing the Moon Cake he had been longing for eaten by Garp, immediately looked dejected, his mouth pouting as if he were about to cry.Mark also felt helpless: plans can't keep up with changes. However, fortunately... he still had a backup plan!The most important thing right now was to appease the enraged Dadan.Dadan was still shouting incessantly at Garp, demanding compensation for the iron block, stomping her feet in distress as she looked at the shattered pieces on the ground.Mark took a deep breath, suppressed the distracting thoughts in his heart, concentrated his mind, and quietly activated his Trash-Trash Fruit ability while simultaneously turning on his Observation Haki to precisely lock onto the broken iron fragments on the ground."Trash Recycling," he recited silently in his heart.The next second, a mechanical notification sound that only he could hear rang in his mind:[Ding! Recyclable item detected: Polymer iron block fragments destroyed by special energy.][Recycling successful! Obtained Black Iron units x100.][Detected item contains high-concentration special energy residue, extra Energy Points x20,000 obtained.][Detected host's first time recycling 'High-Energy Trash' containing high-concentration special energy, triggering special reward: Constitution +100!]Mark's eyes snapped open, and a storm of shock surged in his heart."Holy crap! What's going on?! I've hit the jackpot!"His constitution increased by 100 directly! This was better than the results of several days of hard training!There were also those 20,000 Energy Points and that thing called "Black Iron"—it was simply an unexpected windfall!Before he could recover from this massive surprise, the system notification rang in his mind again:[Analyzing residual special energy in recycled items...][Analysis complete. This special energy is a gaseous energy produced by human cells in a highly active state. When the energy density reaches a threshold, it can harden into a solid-like form, possessing characteristics such as altering material form, penetration, and ignoring some physical temperatures.][Preliminary analysis of energy activation and application methods:][1. Stimulate cell activity through high-intensity physical training to gradually activate and accumulate this energy.][2. Perceive the latent energy flow within the body by closing one's eyes and calming the mind to eliminate distracting thoughts.][3. Rely on strong willpower to guide and condense energy into specific parts of the body.]Mark's heart pounded wildly. He grit his teeth hard to keep himself from shouting out in excitement.This... this was simply a gift from the heavens!The Haki cultivation method he had dreamed of had actually delivered itself to his door in this way? Even if it wasn't fully comprehensive!The system had directly analyzed the essence, characteristics, and preliminary cultivation methods of Armament Haki!Although it looked very basic, it undoubtedly pointed him in the right direction, saving him countless hours of groping in the dark and taking detours!"Calm down, calm down..." Mark constantly warned himself in his heart, trying his best to maintain a calm expression. The current priority was to solve the problem at hand!He quickly synthesized another block and placed it in front of Dadan.Dadan shouted toward the house, "Brats! All of you get out here and move this iron block to the blacksmith shop! Build me a super safe!"Having resolved the trouble with Dadan, Garp also let out a sigh of relief. He wiped the grease from the corner of his mouth, stood up, and barked at Markand Luffy:"Alright, you two, stop dawdling. Follow me, let's start today's training!"Luffy was still dejected because he hadn't eaten the Moon Cake, following behind with his head down and spirits low.Mark quickly adjusted his mindset, suppressed the excitement in his heart, and hurried to keep up.The group walked deep into the forest.Garp pointed at several targets made of stone hanging from a large tree and ordered Luffy:"Luffy, your task is to hit those targets with your fists. You must hit the bullseye and shatter it with a single punch!""Oh..." Luffy responded weakly, walked under the tree, and began swinging his fists at the targets.Then, Garp turned around, his gaze landing on Markas his eyes grew sharp: "As for you, kid, this old man will personally spar with you!"Mark's heart tightened, and he immediately assumed a defensive stance. He knew that the real "hell" was about to begin.Soon, the muffled sounds of fist collisions and Garp's scolding echoed through the forest."Oho, kid, you're progressing quite fast!" Garp forced Mark back with a punch, a hint of surprise on his face."This set of fist techniques of yours is interesting; every move targets vital points, it's ruthless enough. However..."His tone shifted as his speed suddenly increased. Mark had no time to react before being struck in the abdomen, causing him to grimace in pain."Your speed is too slow! Your power is insufficient!"Garp's voice boomed like a great bell, "Don't you know Observation Haki? Use it to capture your opponent's movements, predict them in advance, and attack proactively! Don't just stand there like a block of wood taking hits passively!"Bang! Another punch slammed into Mark's shoulder, sending him stumbling."Aiyoo, truly an unteachable block of wood!"Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, casting mottled shadows across the forest floor.Mark was knocked down again and again, only to climb back up every time. Though his body ached all over and he was in a sorry state, his eyes grew brighter and brighter.While the taste of being pummeled was certainly unpleasant, his heart was filled with an unprecedented sense of fulfillment and anticipation.The increase in constitution, the unexpected acquisition of Haki cultivation methods, and Garp's seemingly crude but always insightful guidance...Although today's training was yet another day of being unilaterally crushed by Old Man Garp, Markcould clearly feel that he was growing at a speed visible to the naked eye.

Chapter 12: Setting Sail OfficiallyThe early morning mist hadn't yet dissipated, and the training ground outside Windmill Villagealready echoed with the dull sound of impacts, mingled with Garp's signature laughter."Ha! Brat, put some more effort into it! This level is far from enough!"Garp's fist, carrying a powerful wind, smashed heavily against the iron block Mark was using to defend—This wasn't an ordinary iron block, but one synthesized by Mark using his ability; its hardness far exceeded that of regular steel.*Bang!*After the loud crash, cracks spread from the center of the fist print, and the entire special iron block shattered."Phew... Mr. Garp, your strength is just too exaggerated."Mark wiped the sweat from his forehead. While using his ability to decompose and recycle the fragments on the ground—which turned into system notification sounds—he complained in a feigned manner.This was the third day of Garp's five-day special training. Since Garp had agreed to guide them, Markhad fully unleashed his "capitalist" nature—trading gourmet food for information and using the training to farm energy.The top-tier cuisine he prepared every day far exceeded Garp's usual intake:Roast meat crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, thick soups brewed from rare ingredients... they firmly hooked Garp's stomach.In return, Garp's training intensity was nothing short of terrifying.For Luffy, it was merciless iron fists and boulder tossing, forcing him to repeatedly jump between life and death, squeezing the resilience of the gum-gum fruit to its limit;For Mark, the focus was more on technique and power control, though Garp would occasionally give Luffy a few pointers as well.Mark's goal was clear—to extract more information about training Armament Haki."Mr. Garp, that punch just now seemed to be wrapped in an invisible power;is that how you could shatter my'special iron block'?" He asked seemingly casually, but in reality, he was freaking out inside!Garp was holding a roasted meat leg larger than his face, munching until his mouth was covered in grease. Hearing this, he said indistinctly:"Hmph, it's a bit too early for you brats to learn Haki." After gulping down a large mouthful of iced black tea, he wiped his mouth,"But since you want to learn, I'll give you a few pointers."Perhaps recognizing the potential of the two brats, Garp intermittently explained the basic principles and introductory methods of Armament Haki:How to feel the "Qi" hidden within the body, and how to polish and condense it through meditation and actual combat.Mark listened extremely intently, memorizing every single word—Although he could rely on the system's stat points to directly obtain Armament Haki, these basic methods would be crucial for improving the team's strength in the future.Over the five days, Garp would break dozens of special iron blocks made by Mark every day.Mark tirelessly decomposed and recycled them. Besides regular energy, iron blocks that had been infused with Armament Hakiwould also be synthesized by the system into "Black Iron"—The system prompted that this substance contained pure Armament Haki energy factors, which could only be better utilized once the user awakened Armament Haki.Five days later, Mark's system panel showed significant changes:[Energy Value: 100,000][Constitution Points: 570]The surge in energy value made him breathe a sigh of relief, providing ample "fuel" for subsequent plans;After his constitution broke through 570, his physical strength, recovery, and explosive power all jumped to a major new level.During training breaks, Mark didn't forget to study the "Smile" Artificial Devil Fruit he obtained from the big eater competition. The system scan results were not ideal:[Item: Defective Smile Artificial Devil Fruit (Zoan Type · Unknown Species)][Status: Energy disorder, structural damage][Evaluation: A failed artificial fruit, can only be fused with non-living objects. After fusion, there is a high probability of obtaining incomplete or even distorted abilities. Side effects unknown.][Note: Can be repaired by consuming energy value. After repair, the "Devour" ability will be obtained. Note: Can only be used by the host.]"Devour..." Mark stared at the note, his heart stirring. This ability seemed to have a potential connection with his "Matter Restructuring" and energy absorption.Prioritizing energy for repairing the fruit, he put it into the system space and let the system consume energy value for the repair. A repair progress bar appeared on the panel, currently at 1%. Seeing the energy value drop rapidly made Mark's heart ache.What made Mark even happier was that, based on Garp's guidance and his own high constitution, he could already clearly feel a weak but real "air current" slowly flowing and condensing within his body—it was the prototype of Armament Haki.The five-day special training passed in a flash, and Garp's vacation ended.Before he left, Mark suddenly called out to him: "Grandpa Garp, wait a moment!""Hmm? Something else, Mark?" Garp was carrying a huge bundle stuffed with various portable foods Mark had packed.Mark rubbed his hands, showing a bit of "cunning": "Um... Mr. Garp, as a Navy Hero, you should have Sea Stone handcuffs, right? Could you... lend us a few pairs?""Sea Stone handcuffs?" Garp was stunned for a moment, then reacted, his eyes wide as he laughed loudly,"Ohohohoho! You brat, you're even more ruthless than me! Is that for the Luffy brat?""Hehe," Mark scratched his head, "You know about Luffy's gum-gum fruit; ordinary strike resistance training has limited effects.Sea Stone can suppress Devil Fruit abilities. Letting him train while wearing handcuffs might help him improve his basic constitution faster.""Good! Good lad! You've got my style from back in the day!"Garp highly praised this suggestion. On the spot, he fished out a heavy pair of Sea Stone handcuffs and a key from deep inside his bundle and threw them over!"Take them! Drill that brat well! Don't let him slack off!"Mark was startled and quickly jumped to the side!"Hey! Old man, I'm a Devil Fruit user too!""You brat, is being a Devil Fruit user such a big deal? Or do you think this old man's fists have gone soft?""I'm sorry, Grandpa Garp. Have a safe trip!"Watching Garp's dog-headed ship disappear over the horizon, Luffy stared curiously at the Sea Stonehandcuffs on the ground: "Mark, can this thing really make me stronger?""You'll know once you try it," Mark said. "But you'll feel weak all over after putting them on, and training will be very tough.""Oh! Just what I wanted!" Luffy picked up the handcuffs without hesitation. The next second, he slumped to the ground with an "Ouch," "Wow! This feels terrible! My body is so heavy, I can't use any strength at all!"Mark smiled—this was only the beginning.After Garp left, the training of the two didn't stop; instead, it became more systematic and arduous.Drawing on Rayleigh's method of training Luffyfrom the manga in his past life, Mark used his familiarity with the terrain of Windmill Village to lead the handcuffed and encumbered Luffy deep into the jungle, letting him feel danger and predict attacks in desperate situations where he was chased by wild beasts.At first, Luffy was frequently "swatted" black and blue by wild beasts, but his resilience far exceeded ordinary people. Amidst his struggles on the brink of life and death.One day, when a fierce wild boar pounced with a bloody wind, Luffy's eyes suddenly went vacant. Everything around him seemed to slow down. He clearly "saw" the attack trajectory and subconsciously sidestepped to dodge it."Huh?" Luffy himself was stunned."It worked!" Mark laughed from not far away. "Luffy, you just awakened Observation Haki!"From that day on, Luffy's use of Observation Hakibecame increasingly proficient. While he couldn't predict the future like Katakuri, sensing movements in advance and predicting enemy attacks was no longer an issue.To raise funds and materials for setting sail, Marktook Luffy to do something "big"—taking on the Trash Mountain cleanup mission mentioned in the manga.That place reeked to high heaven, and no one wanted to go near it. But Mark's Observation Hakirange was no longer just two meters as it was back then;from a distance, he could use his fruit ability to decompose waste and absorb energy, while simultaneously synthesizing recyclable materials like metal and wood.The nobles were extremely satisfied with their efficiency and ultimately paid a reward of one million Berries.The day after getting the money, Mark found the most stubborn Big-bearded carpenter in the village.The old man initially frowned at the blueprints Markdrew: "Install a fan at the stern? And you want me to use this scrap metal to do it?Although I'm a carpenter, a carpenter has his dignity! I won't allow my work to have flaws!"Mark said nonchalantly, "Fine then! Let's go, Luffy, we'll ask your grandpa for a ship," and made to leave.The Big-bearded carpenter got anxious and said awkwardly, "What I meant was, it'll cost extra!""Then how much?" Mark asked with his arms crossed."At least one hundred thousand Berries," the carpenter replied.Two months later, a brand-new small ship was docked at the harbor. The hull wasn't large but was very sturdy. The deck was made of rot-proof wood synthesized by Mark, and the four cabins were lined with soft rubber, enough for four people to lie down.Most special was the half-person-high fan at the stern. The blades were made from scrap battleship steel plates and were very strong. It made a "whooshing" sound when rotating, carrying a sense of rugged power."Can this fan really make the ship move?" Luffy lay by the side of the ship, reaching out to touch the blades."Of course," Mark smiled and held his hand back. "After we set sail, I can use my ability to drive it. It can run even without wind. At full power, it's faster than a sailboat, so we won't have to worry about being caught by the Navy.During this year, Garp returned twice. "You two little brats, are you ready to welcome your grandpa's iron fists?" He wouldn't stop until he had beaten Markand Luffy into the ground!When Old Man Garp left, he gave them a look with complex emotions.And he stuffed a piece of yellowish paper into each of their hands. The paper was made from a lock of Luffy's and Mark's hair that Garp had asked for when he left last time.Garp said this was a Vivre Card. "If you ever get separated, follow it and you'll find each other."Mark gave half of his card to Luffy. Luffy followed suit, tearing half of his card and handing it over, smiling with his two rows of white teeth showing.Mark and Luffy practiced every morning and took naps in the small wooden hut at noon!With Mark around, the small wooden hut underwent a complete transformation with no shortage of materials. Not only were there two small wooden beds, but also clean bookshelves, and even the floor was replaced with new ones!The small wooden hut became Mark and Luffy's little paradise. The afternoon was for combat awareness training, either sparring with each other or challenging the Black Bear King in the forest.Time in Windmill Village passed like wind blowing over a windmill; in the blink of an eye, a year had gone by!The village had changed: the roof of the black fatty's house no longer leaked; the farm tools of the aunt who always gave Luffy meat were still like new after a year; the wasteland at the village entrance had grown green crops.When the villagers saw Mark, they would always smile and press a wild fruit or a roasted potato into his hand.Even the Big-bearded carpenter, who initially disliked him, stroked his beard and said, "This kid is a doer."Mark and Luffy had changed too.Luffy had grown to 1.8 meters tall, his shoulders had widened significantly, and he had an eight-pack.He had long been able to outrun wild deer in the jungle while wearing Sea Stone handcuffs, and his Observation Haki could cover dozens of meters.Occasionally, when he threw a punch, a faint trace of black would flash across his fist—a sign that Armament Haki was about to awaken.When he sparred with Mark, he was no longer just a reckless charger; he would intentionally leave an opening to bait Mark into punching, then suddenly stretch his arm to sneak attack from behind.Mark's changes were even more startling. The data on the system panel was dazzling:[Constitution Points: 985][Energy Value: 0][Mastered Skills: Matter Restructuring (Proficient), Baji Quan (Advanced), Observation Haki (Proficient, Range 1km), Armament Haki (Entry-level, Condensable)][Item: Defective Smile Artificial Devil Fruit (Repair Progress 90%)]His constitution was about to break through. He tried wrapping his fist in Armament Haki and punched a scrap iron block left over from the Big-bearded carpenter's ship-building.With a "clang," a faint fist print was left on the iron plate.When his Observation Haki unfolded, any movement within a kilometer could not escape his perception.However, to stack his constitution to 985 and repair that Smile fruit, he had exhausted the energy value he had saved for a year.Now the mold spots on the fruit's surface had faded, revealing a warm dark red color that faintly emitted a strange suction. Mark knew it wasn't far from being completely repaired.On the day of departure, the sunlight was incredibly good. The sea breeze carried a salty, damp scent, making the flags at the harbor flap loudly.Luffy stood on the deck, wearing a newly made red vest, showing off his sturdy arms.He was seventeen this year. When he smiled, the lines at the corners of his eyes revealed his longing for the sea:"Mark, let's set off! Let's go find the One Piece, I'm going to be the Pirate King!"Mark stood beside him, half a head shorter than Luffy, yet as upright as a small tree.He wore a clean blue waistcoat with a skull pattern on the chest that he had asked Makino to embroider, and a pair of black cropped pants with the cuffs firmly secured to his calves by elastic bands.The sixteen-year-old youth's eyes were as calm as the deep sea, yet when looking towards the ocean, a light similar to Luffy's ignited within them.The preparations on the ship had long been ready: Mark used his system space to store over ten days' worth of biscuits and jerky, and many other foods he had made himself.Fresh water was stored in three large sealed clay jars. The toolbox was stuffed with spare screws and wooden boards, and even a patch of ship-repairing glue the carpenter had given them."Yeah, let's go," Mark nodded, his fingertips resting on the fan switch at the stern.Energy was injected through his fingertips, and the blades began to rotate slowly. At first, it was just a faint "humming" sound, which quickly accelerated to a "whooshing" wind sound.The airflow pushed the small ship slowly away from the harbor. The windmills on the shore grew smaller, and the waving figures of the villagers gradually blurred.Luffy spread his arms and shouted into the sea breeze, his voice carried far by the wind: "Ocean! Here I come—!"Mark looked at the waves split by the bow, then at his partner smiling brightly beside him, and the corners of his mouth also curved upward.Their adventure had truly begun.

Chapter 13: Zoro's ResolveThe port of Windmill Village was completely different today. The air was filled with a complex mix of emotions, both the sadness of parting and the longing for distant lands.On the pier, crowds were bustling; almost half the village had come just to see off the two boys about to set sail.Dadan stood at the front of the crowd, still looking as rugged as ever with her arms crossed and brows furrowed, but deep in her eyes, a hard-to-conceal reluctance was hidden.The underlings beside her also had complex expressions as they looked at the small fishing boat and the two figures on board, eager to start their journey."Hey—!" Dadan suddenly shouted at the top of her lungs, "You two brats! Don't you dare die out there! If you go and die on a whim, I'll never forgive you!"Her voice echoed through the port, carrying a twisted kind of concern.The surrounding underlings were momentarily flustered, tugging at Dadan's sleeve one after another: "Boss, that's bad luck!""Exactly, exactly, they will definitely have a smooth journey!"Makino stood a bit further away, still wearing her apron, clearly having just come out of the tavern.Her eyes were slightly red as she looked at Luffyand Mark on the boat, saying softly, "Mark, I'll leave taking care of Luffy to you."Then she turned to Luffy, her tone full of worry, "Luffy, you must take good care of your health. You're not allowed to eat just anything, especially things you don't recognize, do you understand?"Mark smiled and waved, the sunlight spilling over his face, reflecting the youth's vigor:"I know, Sister Makino, don't worry, I'll keep an eye on him! You must also take good care of yourself!"The village chief leaned on his cane, standing to the side, looking at the small boat that was about to carry the two troublemakers out to sea, and couldn't help but sigh, muttering under his breath:"Where on earth did that guy Garp go? To actually let these two boys go and become pirates... It's really a headache."The surrounding villagers also stepped forward, offering words of thanks to Mark."Mark, thank you for doing so much for the village all these years, it's been hard on you!""Take good care of yourself out there, and keep an eye on Luffy, don't let him be too reckless!""If you have time... remember to come back and visit!"Luffy stood at the bow, one hand gripping the gunwale and the other pressing down on the Straw Hat on his head.He looked at Dadan, rarely putting away his playful grin, and said seriously:"Dadan, although I hate Mountain Bandits, I... I like you guys."Then he looked at Makino again, a brilliant smile blooming on his face once more,"Makino, I will definitely become the Pirate King! And... I'll miss your cooking!"Hearing these words from Luffy, Dadan, who had been pretending to be tough, could no longer hold back. Tears rolled down like broken beads; she abruptly turned her head away, wiping them messily with a handkerchief while muttering, "Who wants you to like us... you brat..."Amidst gazes of blessing and reluctance, the small boat slowly drifted away from the port.Luffy and Mark stood at the bow, waving vigorously to the people on shore until the silhouette of Windmill Village gradually shrank and disappeared over the horizon.Not long after the boat left the waters of Windmill Village, a giant wave suddenly surged from the calm sea.A massive shadow emerged from underwater, opening a blood-red maw; it was the Lord of the Coast, the one that had once bitten off Shanks's arm!If it were before, this gargantuan beast would have been enough to terrify the two boys, but now, having undergone countless training sessions, the strength of Luffy and Mark was no longer what it used to be.Mark glanced at the roaring Lord of the Coast and asked Luffy casually, "Your turn or mine?"A hint of excitement and anger flashed in Luffy's eyes; he hated this big guy the most."Leave it to me!" He grinned, his feet pushing off the deck as he launched himself out like a cannonball.In mid-air, Luffy's arm suddenly lengthened, stretching to the limit like a rubber band, then violently spiraled and twisted, "Gum-Gum Rifle!"The massive fist, accompanied by the sound of whistling wind, slammed hard into the head of the Lord of the Coast!A dull thud sounded, and Luffy used the recoil to land lightly back on the boat, standing firmly and casually adjusting the Straw Hat on his head.Looking at the Lord of the Coast again, its massive body had actually been bent ninety degrees to the side. The place hit by the fist was a bloody mess, its eyes rolled back as it lost all strength and slowly sank toward the seabed.In the distance at the Windmill Village port, the silhouettes of the crowd could still be faintly seen, and a cheer drifted over.The village chief shook his head, looking at the boat disappearing over the horizon, and said to the people around him:"Alright, alright, everyone disperse! As for the rest, let that guy Garp deal with the headache!"Sailing days are not always smooth; at least for Mark, the biggest'storms' often came from the companion beside him.Less than three days after setting sail, Luffy was clutching his stomach, wailing in the cabin: "Mark—! I'm hungry! I want cake! I want fried rice! Meat! I want meat!"Mark helplessly opened his System Space, only to find that the once fully stocked food reserves were now completely empty.He held his forehead, not knowing whether to laugh or cry: "Luffy, can't you eat a bit more sparingly? I prepared a ten-day supply!""Now you'll just have to go hungry!" Mark said crossly.Luffy didn't care at all, even picking his nose as he looked at Mark with a face full of disdain:"As the Logistics Admiral on the ship of the great Pirate King, to actually let the Captain go hungry, tsk tsk, how pathetic.""You fucking dare to look down on me?" Mark was laughed out of anger, and his fist, condensed with Armament Haki, struck Luffy's head without hesitation with a dull 'thud.'"It hurts!" Luffy crouched down holding his head, immediately admitting his mistake, "I was wrong, Mark! Stop hitting me!"He pouted aggrievedly: "But... those things were really delicious..."Just as Mark was about to say something more, a deafening thunderclap suddenly rang out in the sky! Raindrops the size of beans began to pelt down without warning.The originally clear sky darkened rapidly, and the calm sea instantly became violent, with giant waves rising like small mountains, slamming hard against their small boat.Mark's expression changed abruptly: "Not good, it's a superstorm!"He thought to himself, is it really going to be just like in the manga?He looked at the two large wine barrels he had prepared long ago in the cabin and sighed helplessly."Luffy, we can't avoid it!"Mark made a quick decision, "Our boat will be torn to pieces. Quick, get in the barrel! I'll get into the other one. After the storm, we'll meet up using the Vivre Card!"Although Luffy found it exciting, he also knew the seriousness of the situation. He grinned:"I know! It sounds like a fun adventure! Hehe!""How can you still laugh at a time like this!"Mark was speechless but had no time for more complaints. He quickly activated the system and stored the not-too-large boat into his System Space.Since the System Space had been upgraded with energy, it was now 20 by 20 meters, more than enough to hold this 5-meter-long boat.Mark crawled into the other wine barrel. Just as he closed the lid, he felt himself being violently swept up by a massive force—they had been swallowed by a tornado!"This is bad!" Mark immediately activated his Trash-Trash Fruit ability, controlling various debris and fragments caught in the tornado to wrap around the outside of the wine barrel.Forming a sturdy protective sphere. Even so, the massive centrifugal force made his world spin, as if he would be shaken apart at any moment.Finally, he felt like a cannonball being violently flung out, and he lost consciousness.After an unknown amount of time, the storm finally subsided.Mark woke up from the jolting, feeling as if his internal organs had all shifted out of place. He struggled to push open the barrel lid, and as soon as he crawled out, he leaned against a nearby reef and vomited uncontrollably."Holy crap... this is ten thousand times more 'exciting' than a roller coaster..."After resting for quite a while, he finally recovered some strength. Looking around, he found himself seemingly washed up on the shore of a small town.He used the ability 'Cleaning Technique' on himself to make him look less disheveled. He oriented himself and, dragging his tired body, walked toward the town.It was a small restaurant with a simple sign hanging at the door, seemingly run by a mother and daughter.When Mark saw the young girl's face, he froze for a moment—it was Rika and her mother, exactly like in the manga!It seems this is Shells Town. Mark understood in his heart, wondering if Zoro was already tied up in the plaza.He walked into the restaurant and gave a friendly smile to the busy Rika:"Little sister, I heard from the townspeople that your family's roast meat and rice are delicious. I'd like to try a portion."Rika looked up and, seeing Mark, showed a simple and honest smile:"Okay, please wait a moment, guest! Mama, one roast meat rice!"She curiously sized up Mark, "Big brother, my name is Rika. Are you from out of town?""That's right," Mark found a seat and sat down, smiling, "Hello, Rika! My name is Mark.""My partner and I encountered a superstorm on the sea and were blown to this island, haha.""Wow!" Rika's eyes widened, full of admiration, "To be able to survive a superstorm, you're so amazing!"She paused and asked somewhat hesitantly, "Brother Mark, could you... could you listen to me talk about Mr. Zoro?"Mark nodded: "Of course."So, Rika told Mark everything that had happened from beginning to end.It turned out to be because of Helmeppo, the son of Marine Captain Morgan, whose pet wolf was running rampant in the town, frantically chasing a little girl—That was Rika's younger sister. Just as the little girl was about to be bitten, Zoro happened to pass by and, without hesitation, killed the vicious wolf with a single strike, saving the girl.This action completely enraged the bullying Helmeppo. Using the excuse of 'attacking a Marinefamily member (pet),' he ordered the Marine soldiers to arrest Zoro.Zoro could have easily defeated those ordinary Marines, but Helmeppo threatened him,Saying that if he resisted, he would implicate the innocent civilians of the town on the grounds of a 'Pirate Hunter attacking the Marines.'To protect the people in town, Zoro chose to surrender voluntarily without putting up any resistance.Helmeppo hypocritically proposed a condition: "If you can survive for a month tied up in the plaza without food or water, I'll let you go."But in reality, he had no intention of keeping his promise and planned to execute Zoro on the tenth day.Now, Zoro had been tied to a cross in the plaza and exposed to the sun for six days.Surviving only on occasional rainwater, he even refused to accept food sent by the Marines to show his unyielding spirit.Mark listened to Rika's narration while eating the roast meat rice in his bowl.Actually, when he saw this part of the manga before transmigrating, he felt very annoyed—Why hand your own life over to the enemy?However, familiar with the plot, he focused more of his attention on the food.The roasted beef was seasoned with herbs and black pepper, with a little bit of honey added; the taste was indeed good, though the meat was slightly tough. After all, this was just a small restaurant in a small town, and it was hard to buy top-tier ingredients.After finishing his meal, Mark sincerely praised it:"The taste is great, thank you." He looked at Rika,"You said Zoro has been tied up for six days?"Rika nodded, her eyes full of worry."I'm very interested in this Mr. Zoro," Mark said, "Can you take me to see him?"Rika immediately nodded happily in agreement: "Sure!"When it came time to pay, Rika and her mother refused to accept anything. Mark couldn't persuade them otherwise and had to let it go."Then I'll take three more portions to go, consider them pre-ordered."In the center of the plaza, a tall cross stood, with Zoro firmly tied to it by thick ropes.The scorching sun baked the earth and his body; his lips were already cracked and peeling, and his face was pale, but his spine remained as straight as ever, with no hint of surrender in his eyes.Mark's figure appeared in the shadow cast by the cross, his footsteps very light.Zoro suddenly opened his eyes and looked warily at the newcomer: "Who are you?""Just someone passing by."Mark's voice was soft but clearly reached Zoro's ears,"I heard about your story from Rika and admire your samurai spirit. But do you really think that guy named Helmeppo will keep his promise?""But do you really think that guy named Helmeppowill keep his promise?"AI Model: gemini-3.1-flash-liteZoro frowned and said nothing, merely sizing up the youth before him, who appeared slightly younger than himself."But that guy is clearly a scoundrel who goes back on his word." Mark walked up to him, his gaze equally sharp. "Do you know? An ordinary person would die within three days without food or water under this sun. I admit you are strong, but can you last a month?"He paused and continued, "Even if you do manage to last a month, do you think Helmeppo will let you go? More importantly, when you die, do you think he will spare Rika and the others who once cared for you?""The strong never entrust their lives to their enemies, and they certainly never lay down their weapons easily."Following Mark's gaze, Zoro saw Rika standing not far away, holding a rice ball, watching them with teary eyes. His gaze flickered, and he fell into deep thought."My name is Mark." Mark left him with these words. "Think it over carefully. If you need help, you can have Rika pass a message to me."Having said that, Mark turned and left, finding a relatively secluded spot not far from the square to set up a simple tent.He released his Observation Haki, firmly locking onto the presence of Zoro and Rika to ensure their safety.On the afternoon of the third day, a familiar shout broke the tranquility of the town."Mark! Mark! I'm here!"Mark looked up and saw Luffy waving his arms excitedly as he ran over, followed by a pink-haired boy who looked somewhat timid."Mark, this is Koby, he wants to be an Admiral!"Luffy pointed at the boy behind him in introduction, then immediately put on his signature starving look. "Hurry and get me some food! I want to eat meat! I'm starving to death!"Koby's face turned bright red in an instant, and he waved his hands hurriedly. "I, I do want to be a Marine, but an Admiral or something... that's still just a dream..."He looked at Mark and said somewhat nervously, "My name is Koby. Luffy has been talking about you the whole way here, saying how amazing you are."Mark smiled and extended his hand. "I'm Mark. I'm a pirate, you know. Who knows, maybe one day I'll cross paths with Admiral Koby. I hope you'll go easy on me then."He deliberately emphasized the words "Admiral," clearly wanting to tease the shy boy.Koby became even more embarrassed, standing there at a loss, his cheeks as red as a ripe apple.Mark stopped teasing him and took out the roast beef and rice he had packed from Rika's shop earlier from his System Space, handing them to Luffy.Stars instantly appeared in Luffy's eyes as he snatched the food and began to wolf it down, speaking indistinctly, "I heard from Koby that there's a Pirate Hunter in this town named Zoro, he's very strong, a swordsman! I want to invite him to join us!"Mark pointed toward the square in the distance for Luffy. "There, he's right there."Luffy looked in the direction he pointed and saw Zoro tied to the cross, instantly stunned. "Huh? Why is he tied up? Isn't he very strong?"Mark briefly explained the situation that Rika had told him to Luffy.Just then, Rika came running over, crying, "Big Brother Mark, Helmeppo is bullying Mr. Zoro again!"Upon hearing this, Luffy was instantly enraged. He shoved the last bite of meat into his mouth and patted his chest. "Daring to lay a hand on my crewmate? Let's go, Mark, we're going to beat him up!"In the square, Helmeppo was holding a whip, lashing Zoro's legs fiercely, while arrogantly cursing, "Still daring to glare at me? Hmph, tomorrow, I'll have you dead right here!""Oh? It seems you don't intend to let him go?" A cold voice suddenly rang out behind Helmeppo.Helmeppo was startled and turned around abruptly. Seeing Luffy and Mark, he shouted with a bluff, "Who are you people? This is a Marine base, no trespassing!""I'm here to ask him to be my crewmate." Luffypointed at Zoro on the cross and asked with a serious look, "You just said you wouldn't let him go?"Helmeppo was annoyed and ashamed, his face twisting into a sinister grin. "Let him go? I never intended to let him go! A Pirate Hunter, and he thinks he can negotiate with me? His life isn't even worth as much as the dog I used to keep!""Bang!" Before the words had even faded, a dull thud echoed. Helmeppo flew out like a kite with a broken string, "splatting" against a wall ten meters away, leaving a large "human" shape imprinted on the wall before falling completely silent.Luffy retracted his fist and pursed his lips. "That butt-chin, he really makes me mad.""Pfft." Mark had originally felt this was a fairly serious scene, but seeing Helmeppo's pathetic state, especially that standard "spread-eagled" shape, he couldn't help but burst out laughing.He thought to himself, Luffy's "appearance-based memory method" is really something one can't learn, just can't learn—for instance, later there will be a Red Nose, a Pineapple Head...He awkwardly rubbed his nose and looked at Zoroon the cross. "Zoro, right? I heard you're a swordsman. Where are your swords?"Zoro looked at Helmeppo, who had passed out on the wall, and said in a low voice, "They were taken by that guy in the wall."He was secretly surprised; this Straw Hat kid had remarkable strength, and that move just now was so fast that he hadn't even been able to react.Mark said, "How about I do you a favor and find your swords?"Without waiting for Zoro to respond, he turned and slipped away—mainly wanting to escape the awkward scene of having laughed out loud just moments ago.Besides, asking Zoro to join the crew was definitely something Luffy could handle just fine!He remembered from the manga that Zoro's swords had been placed by Helmeppo in the storage room of the Marine base.But which room was it? Go ask Helmeppo? After looking at the "human" shape on the wall, he decided against it."How about I try Luffy's method of finding people?" Mark muttered. "Generally speaking, the highest place is where the boss lives, and the ground floor is for ordinary Marines, so the storage room should be on the first floor?"He navigated through the Marine base while using Observation Haki to rule out rooms that were empty or lacked weapons, and quickly locked onto his target."Bingo!" Pushing the door open, Mark saw the three swords in the corner at a glance, especially the famous sword with the white scabbard—wado ichimonji!"To just leave them here like this is a real waste." He muttered, and while he was at it, he gathered some other seemingly useful items and stored them in his space; after all, a thief never leaves empty-handed.Yo! Isn't this the bounty poster for what's-his-name? Interesting!Mark carried the three swords back to the square, followed by a group of Marine soldiers who had heard the news and rushed over."Your swords." He tossed the three swords to Zoro. "I didn't know which ones were yours, so I brought them all."Zoro caught the swords steadily, feeling the familiar weight, and his gaze instantly turned sharp. He looked at Mark and said solemnly, "They are all mine. I am a Three Sword Style user. Also, Mark, you were right; I will never again abandon my weapons and entrust my life to the enemy.""I cannot die yet. I promised someone that I would become the world's greatest swordsman!"As soon as he finished speaking, Zoro flipped his wrists, and his Three Sword Style was instantly unsheathed. A flash of cold light passed, and with a few "swish, swish, swish" sounds, the charging Marine soldiers all fell to the ground, losing their fighting ability, but none had their lives endangered.He turned around and looked at Luffy, his gaze firm. "If you get in the way of me becoming the world's greatest swordsman, then go ahead and commit seppuku!"Luffy grinned, his smile incredibly bright. "The world's greatest swordsman, huh! That's the bare minimum for a Pirate King's crewmate!"Mark also replied with a smile, "Oh! That's great, we've added another reliable man to our crew."Just then, heavy footsteps approached, and Axe-Hand Morgan rushed out with a large number of Marines. With a sinister scar on his face, he roared, "Who dares to run wild on my turf! Open fire, kill them!""Bang, bang, bang!" A round of gunfire erupted, and bullets whistled toward Luffy and Zoro.Mark and Luffy moved almost simultaneously, blocking in front of Zoro.The bullets fired at Mark were like stones sinking into the sea, silently sinking into his body and disappearing.As for the bullets fired at Luffy, they were deflected back by his rubbery body, scaring the Marines who had fired them into scrambling for cover."It's a user of a legendary Devil Fruit!" The Marinesoldiers exclaimed.Morgan, however, didn't care at all, sneering, "So what if you're a Devil Fruit user? Die!"He raised his arm, his massive axe glinting with cold light, and swung it down fiercely at Luffy.Zoro's eyes narrowed, and despite his weakened state, he blocked in front of Luffy, using his swords to parry Morgan's axe.The immense force made him stagger, and he nearly lost his footing.Seeing this, Morgan mocked, "Yo, the famous Pirate Hunter, is that all you've got?"Luffy sensed Zoro's weakness, and a flash of anger crossed his eyes.He pushed off with both feet, jumped into the air, and landed a precise kick on Morgan's head.Morgan was kicked back several steps, becoming even angrier, and swung his axe wildly at Luffy.But by this time, Luffy had awakened his Observation Haki in the heat of battle, and Morgan's attacks appeared as slow as a snail to him.He easily dodged all the slashes, performed a roll to get in front of Morgan, and thrust his feet upward violently—"Gum-Gum: Rising Dragon Kick!"Morgan was kicked high into the air, and before he could land, Luffy's fist, carrying a powerful gust of wind, slammed fiercely into his stomach—"Gum-Gum: Rocket!""Boom!" Morgan's face turned pale instantly, his body flying out like a kite with a broken string, crashing squarely into the wall next to Helmeppo, forming yet another "human" shape, keeping his son company.Zoro looked at Luffy, the corners of his mouth curling into an imperceptible smile. "Not bad, Captain."On the other side, Mark had an even easier time dealing with the ordinary Marines. He unleashed his practiced Baji Quan, his moves fluid and his punches landing with impact, taking out one soldier after another and sending the rushing Marines flying.Of course, he held back, not striking any vital points.The battle ended quickly.Luffy patted his stomach and started complaining of hunger again. "Mark, I'm hungry, I want to eat!" Zoroalso collapsed to the ground from hunger!The Marines began to cheer and celebrate upon seeing Morgan defeated; they had finally escaped his control! It seemed they were true Marines who carried a sense of justice!Consequently, the group returned to Rika's little shop and began a new round of stuffing their faces.Zoro took a big gulp of sake and looked at Luffy. "You said your dream is to become the Pirate King, so you must already have many crewmates, right?"Luffy's mouth was stuffed with meat, and he held up three fingers, gesturing indistinctly.Zoro raised an eyebrow. "Three hundred? That many?"Mark helplessly pointed at Zoro, then at Luffy, and finally at himself.Zoro: "…Three people?""What about the pirate ship?" Zoro asked again."It's in my space; I'll take it out when we set sail later!" Mark said.Zoro was taken aback for a moment, then relaxed. "You really are a convenient person."Luffy felt the same way and nodded repeatedly. "Right! I also think Mark is a convenient person!"Mark: "…Convenient person…" He decided not to argue with these two guys for the time being.Afterward, without any surprises, Koby joined the Marines, starting from the basics and working toward his dream of becoming an Admiral.On the shore, Mark took that small boat, over 4 meters long, out of his System Space.This time, even Zoro, who had seen his fair share of storms, was amazed at how convenient Mark's ability really was!He didn't think the boat was too small; he was just curiously examining the strange propeller design at the stern."Goodbye, Koby!" "Goodbye, Rika!" Luffy and Markwaved goodbye.The small boat carried the three youths, each harboring their own dreams, and with the afterglow of the setting sun, they set sail once more, heading toward the vast, boundless sea. Ahead of them lay more unknown adventures and challenges.