"Hey, hey, Genrou, who do you think Zoro should pick as his Heroic Spirit template?"
Luffy poked Genrou in the ribs, eyes filled with curiosity as he looked at Zoro standing across from them.
At that moment, Zoro was staring straight at the panel in front of him.
To be exact, he was fixated on the two names displayed: Kokushibou the "Swordsman" and Zaraki Kenpachi the "Directionally Challenged."
"Sorry, Luffy. As the holder of the Heroic Spirit system, I can explain things, but I'm not allowed to interfere with anyone's final decision."
Genrou shook his head, replying with a hint of regret.
Though the system had granted him Heroic Spirit powers, it also came with its own restrictions.
Whether it was Luffy, Zoro, or any future crewmates—Genrou wasn't allowed to suggest who they should choose.
He personally hoped Zoro would pick Zaraki Kenpachi.
That way, he could gain access to Kenpachi's powers himself.
While he couldn't perform Bankai yet, with his current strength, reaching Shikai might be possible.
"Is that so? What a shame," Luffy said.
Nami lowered her head, shifting her gaze between Zoro and Genrou, her eyes flashing with thought.
That Kenpachi guy is seriously strong. He even slashed a meteor in half…
Could Genrou possibly have that kind of power too?
If he does… can I really sneak off with his treasure and escape unharmed?
The mere thought of Genrou swinging a sword at her in response to theft made her body tremble.
Genrou glanced at her.
With his finely tuned Kenbunshoku Haki, he easily sensed the fear rising in Nami's heart.
Seriously now… am I that scary?
Looks like I need to have a proper talk with her soon.
He sighed, then pulled out a necklace adorned with an orange gemstone and handed it to her.
"Eh? Genrou, what's this? Is it for me?"
Seeing the glittering necklace, Nami snapped out of her fear almost instantly.
"Yep. It's a pretty valuable gem. I figured a treasure-lover like you might enjoy it."
"Of course I do! But why are you suddenly giving me a gem necklace? Are you planning to use this to pay me for being your navigator?"
"I'll pay your navigator fee in cash. This necklace is just a gift. I figured this illusion realm might've freaked you out, so I thought I'd give you something to lighten the mood."
Genrou shrugged and gently pushed the necklace into her hands.
He obviously knew that Nami's fear wasn't about the illusion, but rather about him. Still, he chose not to point it out.
Genrou understood Nami well. Even though his strength far surpassed Arlong's, he was still an infamous pirate with an 800 million bounty.
It made sense that someone like Nami—who hated pirates—would be terrified of a dangerous man she'd only just met.
"Thanks," Nami smiled, immediately putting the necklace around her neck.
"As long as you're happy. I've got other treasures stashed away. I'll show them to you sometime."
Genrou smiled warmly.
But truthfully, the treasure was just bait—what he really wanted was a proper conversation.
…
"Huff… Huff…"
"I've decided, Genrou! I'm choosing the Kokushibou template!"
After several long minutes of hesitation, Zoro finally slapped his hand down on the name Kokushibou.
In the next moment, a faint blue glow enveloped him, and a mysterious symbol shaped like a blade appeared on the skin of his chest.
[Ding! Roronoa Zoro has made his choice and obtained the 'Swordsman' Kokushibou template. Initial skill unlocked. More Heroic Spirit skills can be awakened through training and increased strength.]
[Note: Feeding a Devil Fruit to a partner can accelerate the awakening of Heroic Spirit skills—even ultimate techniques may be unlocked!]
[Congratulations to the host for obtaining the 'Swordsman' Kokushibou template and the 'Directionally Challenged' Zaraki Kenpachi template. Host can unlock all Heroic Spirit skills.]
[Note: Although the host can unlock all Heroic Spirit skills, the ability to use them depends on the host's own strength.]
Not bad at all. Zoro may have chosen Kokushibou, but I ended up drawing Kenpachi's template myself.
Genrou couldn't help but smile as he read the system notification.
"Eh? So he picked Kokushibou, huh? What a shame. I really wanted to see more of Kenpachi's powers later on."
Luffy placed his hands behind his head and sighed.
By now, the illusion realm had vanished, and the group had returned to the ship.
"Kenpachi's strength is insane. I hesitated for a long time."
"But in the end, I felt Kokushibou's power might suit me better."
"If you really want to see someone using Kenpachi's powers, Luffy… maybe ask Genrou."
"He can already use Drake's powers, so he probably can use Kenpachi's too."
Zoro exhaled slowly, then closed his eyes to feel the brand-new power flowing through his body.
…
(End of Chapter)
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