Chapter 4: Chapter 4
Dragon's expression shifted as he listened to Ben's words. Who is this kid? he thought. At first, I thought he was just eccentric, but now…
"Who are you?" Dragon asked, his voice rough from years of silence.
"I'm Ben," Ben replied evasively.
Realizing Ben wasn't going to elaborate, Dragon didn't press further. Instead, he pulled out a small notebook and began jotting down Ben's ideas.
"Dragon, I have something you might find useful," Ben said, handing over The Thirty-Six Stratagems. "Feel free to make a copy."
After all, Ben needed to improve his understanding of the text to max out his progress. And once he did, he could recycle it for exchange points.
Dragon took the book from Ben and opened it to the first page.
"The Thirty-Six Stratagems, First Stratagem: Deceive the Heavens to Cross the Ocean. Originally referring to crossing the sea without the heavens knowing, even in broad daylight. It symbolizes grand deception and lies, where any means of trickery can be employed. In the 17th year of Emperor Taizong's reign…"
Dragon was immediately captivated. Though he didn't know who Emperor Taizong was or what the "17th year of his reign" referred to, the vivid descriptions and historical examples were too compelling to ignore. For someone like Dragon, who was already disillusioned with the World Government and the Marines, this book was a treasure trove of wisdom.
Completely absorbed, Dragon ignored Ben entirely, his eyes glued to the pages.
Seeing this, Ben quietly stood up and left the room. He knew Dragon wouldn't be tearing himself away from the book anytime soon. Besides, there were still plenty of treasure chests on the island waiting to be opened.
The world of One Piece was full of excitement and adventure, but it was also fraught with danger. If Ben didn't quickly strengthen himself, he might end up dead before he could make a name for himself.
After leaving Dadan's house, Ben checked the map for the nearest treasure chest and set off.
"Open the chest."
"Congratulations! You have obtained a drop of seawater, from the One Piece world."
"Open the chest."
"Congratulations! You have obtained the Harem Jutsu, from the Naruto universe. This is Naruto Uzumaki's SSS-rank ninjutsu."
By the time Ben opened the last Iron chest on the island, it was already nighttime. As expected, the Iron chests were a mixed bag. He'd gotten everything from a drop of seawater to a ridiculous ninjutsu like the Harem Jutsu.
What am I supposed to do with this? Use it to seduce Big Mom or something? Ben thought, shaking his head. Still, it was better than a drop of seawater, so he decided to learn it anyway.
After recycling the useless items, Ben noticed he'd accumulated 500 exchange points. That meant he could finally open his first Random Chest.
Finding a secluded tree hollow, Ben rubbed his hands together in anticipation.
"System, exchange for a Random Chest."
"Congratulations! You have obtained a Random Chest. 500 exchange points have been deducted. Would you like to open it?"
"Open it!"
"Congratulations! You have obtained Zanpakutō: Senbonzakura, from the Bleach universe. This is Byakuya Kuchiki's Zanpakutō. Abilities include Shikai: 'Scatter, Senbonzakura,' and Bankai: 'Senbonzakura Kageyoshi.' The Bankai has three forms…"
Ben's jaw dropped. Senbonzakura?! The most beautiful Zanpakutō, with its devastatingly powerful abilities, was now his.
"Equip it!"
In a flash, a sleek, snow-white sword appeared in Ben's hand. He was tempted to test its Bankai immediately, but the memory of how Water Dragon's Affinity had drained his mental energy stopped him. Better not push my luck. It's late, and wandering around the island at night isn't a good idea.
When Ben returned to Dadan's house, he found a group of Marines gathered outside. It seemed Garp's subordinates had finally caught up with him after three days.
"Vice Admiral Garp, headquarters has ordered us to return," the lead officer reported.
Garp, however, was too busy munching on rice crackers to pay attention.
"Vice Admiral Garp!"
"Huh? Oh, sorry. What were you saying?" Garp asked, popping another cracker into his mouth.
"Headquarters has ordered…"
Soon, Garp donned his Marine coat and stepped outside.
"Ben, kid, I'm heading out. If you change your mind, you know where to find me. Oh, and here—have some rice crackers."
What started as a serious farewell quickly turned into a comedic moment.
"Thanks, Uncle Garp. I'll definitely come find you someday," Ben said with a grin.
"Hahaha! By the way, kid, you haven't been up to anything weird, have you?" Garp asked, narrowing his eyes.
"No, why?"
"Don't lie to me. My nose is sharp—you smell like seafood."
Ben breathed a sigh of relief. At least he didn't notice the Zanpakutō.
Ben had initially thought Garp had found out about him giving The Thirty-Six Stratagems to Dragon. But when he pulled out a can from his pocket, Garp's expression shifted to one of mild horror.
"Please don't tell me that's another one of those stinky cans," Garp said, eyeing the can warily.
Ben chuckled and handed over a can of abalone instead. After a quick farewell, Garp and his Marines set sail, leaving Ben to his own devices.
Back in his room, Ben found The Thirty-Six Stratagems and a note on the table.
"Brother Ben, after hearing your words, I've realized it's time for me to take action. The Navy's justice is not my justice. I will form the Revolutionary Army and pursue my own ideals. The world you spoke of is the one I aim to create. If you ever decide to join, the position of Chief of Staff will be waiting for you."
Ben scratched his head, feeling a mix of pride and awkwardness. I was just trying to sound cool in front of Dragon. I didn't expect to inspire him to start the Revolutionary Army early.
Now he understood why Garp had been giving him that strange look earlier. Thankfully, Garp hadn't been angry—otherwise, Ben would've been on the receiving end of those infamous fists.
Exhausted, Ben lay down to rest. Tomorrow, he'd continue his treasure hunt.