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Noir, accompanied by Blueno, returned to Thriller Bark. Wyper and Enel, whom he'd sent to purchase a ship, had also sent back a message.
As Iceburg had explained, a ship large enough to accommodate 500 people was considered moderately sized for a Grand Line pirate crew – neither particularly large nor small. Constructing such a vessel would take considerable time.
After all, even Krieg, the self-proclaimed East Blue Ruler, had boasted a fleet of 50 ships and 5,000 men, a force that had initially allowed him to run rampant in the Grand Line for a short period.
Sadly, his reign was short-lived. He encountered the volatile Dracule Mihawk soon after entering the Grand Line, his fleet decimated by the world's strongest swordsman. Upon returning to the East Blue, he was then soundly defeated by Luffy.
A truly tragic tale…
Iceburg had suggested that if Noir planned to expand his crew, he should consider purchasing two ships to accommodate a larger number of people.
Noir agreed. Money wasn't an issue. He contacted Iceburg via Den Den Mushi and relayed his updated request. Once the ships were completed, Wyper and Enel would retrieve them.
With everything arranged, his only remaining concern was the pursuing Marines.
They likely wouldn't think to look for him on Thriller Bark, but he couldn't hide here forever.
The problem was, he couldn't bring himself to abandon Thriller Bark. He hadn't yet figured out how to navigate such a massive ship into the New World.
As Noir pondered his dilemma, Jabra rushed over, excitement evident in his voice. "Captain! We found the person you were looking for!"
Hmm?
Noir's eyes lit up. Had they found Brook?
The Yomi Yomi no Mi, the Devil Fruit that granted resurrection – he had to obtain it!
"Take me to him," Noir ordered.
Jabra nodded and led Noir to Hogback's laboratory.
Upon entering the lab, Noir immediately spotted the living skeleton.
Brook, resurrected by the power of the Yomi Yomi no Mi, his soul returned to his body, though only his bones remained, giving him a rather unsettling appearance.
Despite being a skeleton, Brook still sported a large afro, topped with a small top hat. A purple cane rested in his bony hand.
"Yohohoho… Greetings, new master of Thriller Bark."
Brook's voice was peculiar, tinged with apprehension.
Moria, Thriller Bark's previous owner, had stolen his shadow and implanted it into the samurai Ryuma, condemning Brook to a life in the shadows.
To reclaim his shadow, Brook had challenged Ryuma to a duel, but he was ultimately defeated, left to wander the gloomy seas.
Today, a strange group had found him and brought him back to Thriller Bark, where he learned that both the Kage Kage no Mi and Thriller Bark now had a new owner.
Noir looked at Brook as if he were gazing at a priceless treasure. He smiled warmly. "You've come to reclaim your shadow?"
Brook nodded, his empty sockets revealing no emotion. His voice trembled slightly. "Yes..."
Noir snapped his fingers. Ryuma's corpse, lying on a table in the lab, twitched. The shadow beneath him detached itself, flowing like liquid into Noir's hand, taking the shape of a skeleton.
"Of course. Here you go."
Brook was incredulous. "J-just like that? You're giving it back?"
He'd expected a challenge, a condition, anything. But Noir hadn't asked for anything in return.
Brook, touched by Noir's generosity, removed his hat and bowed deeply. "My deepest gratitude for returning my shadow."
Noir barely registered Brook's words. A series of notifications sounded in his mind from the System.
This time, there were several alerts, leaving Noir slightly disoriented.
"Encountered a key figure in the storyline. Reward issued: Underworld River, Universal Copy Card x1."
"After years of accumulation, the host's innate talent has improved in quality. 'Otherworldly Visitor' has evolved into 'Otherworldly Conqueror'."
"Host's power has reached the System's designated first-stage goal. System upgrade commencing. Estimated duration: 30 days. Copying function will be unavailable during the upgrade."
The System is upgrading again?
It took a moment for Noir to process the information. The previous upgrade had occurred when he first entered the Grand Line. Now, on the verge of entering the New World, it was upgrading again.
This time, the process would take a whole month.
And the System mentioned that his power had reached a designated goal. What did that mean?
Noir couldn't help but wonder about the System's purpose, why it was helping him become stronger.
He'd been worried for a while that the System's gifts were part of some sinister plot.
After all… in Noir's understanding, only a God could create such a powerful System.
But resistance was futile. He'd accepted his fate.
He often forced himself to ignore these unsettling thoughts, but the System's latest message had reignited his curiosity.
For a while now, Noir had had a strange feeling.
As if a voice was telling him that the System held no malice.
He even felt a sense of kinship with the System, as if it were an old friend...
After pondering for a while without any answers, Noir pushed the thoughts aside.
Let's check out the other rewards first.
He focused his consciousness on the System interface, examining his innate talent, which had undergone a significant transformation.
"Otherworldly Conqueror: Red Quality, Non-Removable. Retains all traits of 'Otherworldly Visitor.' After defeating an opponent, the chance of successful recruitment increases by 20%."
"When a female character's favorability towards the host is not negative, the longer the interaction, the faster the favorability increases, and the higher the obedience becomes, without any decline. Upon establishing a romantic relationship, the character's loyalty becomes permanently maxed, and their charm does not decrease."
What the...? Why does this feel like my talent has evolved in a rather… interesting direction?
Noir scratched his head. "Otherworldly Conqueror" seemed to focus more on influencing others than "Otherworldly Visitor."
Recruitment would be a breeze after defeating an opponent. And his attractiveness to the opposite sex had been amplified.
This… this is practically a harem-building talent.
Noir didn't know what to make of it. His relationship with Robin hadn't even progressed beyond friendship.
Did the System take pity on my love life and decide to give me a boost?
The perpetually oblivious Noir scoffed internally. Does a handsome Devil like myself need help with the ladies?
Slow and steady wins the race! Patience is key!
He was simply choosing not to unleash his immense charm. Otherwise, he would have been drowning in admirers…
After justifying his single status to himself, Noir reluctantly moved on from the "Otherworldly Conqueror" talent and focused on the other reward.
Underworld River. The name itself sounded impressive. When Noir saw the ability's description, his eyes widened with excitement.
He'd been worrying about how to transport Thriller Bark to the New World, and here was the solution!
The Underworld River wasn't just an ability, it was a Pocket Dimension!
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