Boin Archipelago: Reinforced Shells

Boin Archipelago,

This is an archipelago that blooms like a flower, but in reality, it consists of several carnivorous plants floating on the sea, scientifically known as Stomach Baron (the Baron of the Stomach). Deep within the islands lies the Temptation Forest, filled with plants that produce enticing food, their fragrance frequently attracting Sea Beast and Sea King.

Meanwhile, the island is teeming with all sorts of ferocious... yes, ferocious plants! They will hinder any creature that wants to leave, forcing it to obediently become nutrients for the island.

Simply put, it's an island teeming with food and deadly danger. — You can only enter, not leave.

Of course, this was not a problem for Roman. Because:

Splash splash~~

The pure white plane plummeted and transformed into White Knight, landing on the island, but the surrounding plants remained motionless.

"As expected, these plants only attack 'living things'."

The White Knight were created by their abilities; to the plants, they were nothing more than soil and rocks, so they wouldn't attack. Although Roman wasn't afraid of these plants, he figured it was better to avoid trouble. So:

Let me see what Usopp is doing?

"Professor Hercules, this plant is..."

"This is the Green Star Rafflesia, a plant that releases a nauseating stench..."

!?

"Who's there!"

As the man who looked like a rhinoceros beetle suddenly Guotou, Usopp also cautiously glanced at the nearby forest. But the next second, it turned into a pleasant surprise:

"Roman!"

"Usopp, you... have gotten fat."

Looking at Usopp was 1.76 meters tall with a waistline of 1.76 meters, Roman, though somewhat expecting it, still found it unbelievable: gaining that much weight in such a short time was no easy feat! After all, Usopp used to be the skinniest member of the Straw Hat crew ...

Except for women and raccoon dogs.

"Hmph, I'll lose weight very soon, just you wait and see!"

They were all comrades, Usopp couldn't see through Roman's intentions in controlling the White Knight. —When they were first brought to this island, Usopp thought the Straw Hat crew was wiped out, and in his despair, he channeled his grief into hunger, but...

"No rush, let me think about it carefully, this is a good opportunity."

After Usopp introduced Roman to his teacher, Hercules, a man resembling a rhinoceros beetle, the White Knight also handed Usopp a book. —Not Playboy or anything like that, but rather:

"Cultivation for Life Return and rapid food intake?"

"Right,"

The White Knight pointed around: This island, scientifically known as 'Stomach Baron,' is a giant carnivorous plant, so in order to attract Sea Beast and Sea King, the island is covered with all kinds of delicious food.

"Usopp, your physical abilities are still a bit weak. You know, whether you're a Devil Fruit user, a swordsman, a martial arts expert, or a sniper, ultimately a strong body is the foundation for everything."

"As long as you are strong enough, even a simple attack can produce miracles! Look at those giants who joined the Navy, they are all Vice Admirals."

Of course, Roman didn't want to turn Usopp into a giant, but rather:

"If you can learn the Life Return —even just the 'feeding version' of Life Return —you can greatly enhance your physique by relying on the island's unlimited food resources."

"But... this Life Return, you didn't learn it by taking shortcuts, did you, Roman?"

Although Usopp is always a giant in words when it comes to his companions, he can only tell the truth when he is in front of the "devil instructor" Roman.

"Can I really learn this Life Return?... Even if it's just the 'feeding version'?"

Believe in yourself!

The White Knight patted Usopp on the shoulder. "Think back carefully. You grew up in a peaceful village and practically never had any systematic training or combat experience before you met us. But now, if you go back to the East Blue, you could easily sweep away all the pirates!"

Usopp's talent is absolutely top-notch. The reason he always seems "weak" is simply because the other members of the Straw Hat crew are all geniuses who have trained diligently since childhood. The different "reference points" lead Usopp to underestimate his own abilities.

"Since you've put it that way,"

Usopp, nose in the air, slapped his fat chest, creating ripples.

"I'm sure I'll be able to learn it!"

"Let me think, a month... no, no, no, a week..."

Ah, this...

Confidence is a good thing, but Guotou much confidence... well, never mind, that's just how Usopp is.

First, set yourself an exaggerated goal, and then sprint towards that goal with all your might. — As an 'ordinary person' joining the Straw Hat crew full of monsters, Usopp wouldn't have gotten this far without doing that.

"And this too,"

As he spoke, Roman took out a piece of paper: unlike ordinary paper, this paper was folded into the shape of a pocket.

"Bag Page, or rather, paper bags with the power of 'Pocket Fruit'."

As we all know, Usopp's fighting power largely relies on his gadgets. And the 'Bag Page' he obtained from Blenheim, the 6th Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, are the most suitable for Usopp, as they can greatly increase the amount of gadgets Usopp can carry.

"Very good!"

After Roman explained the purpose of the 'paper bag,' Usopp was overjoyed. A bag the size of a palm could hold the space of a building—wouldn't Usopp become a battlefield craftsman? All sorts of gadgets would appear one after another...

"And this is what I wanted to give you back in Water 7— "

Roman poured a few seashells out of the 'paper bag,' and just as Usopp subconsciously thought he had some too:

"Wow, the size of these seashells..."

Usopp picked up the seashells and examined them closely. These seashells, from the Sky Island, were so familiar to Usopp —he used them to strengthen weapons, craft equipment, and as surprise weapons—that he knew them inside and out! But these few seashells in his hand...

"That's right, this isn't just a simple Dial, but a 'Reinforced Shell'."

Moreover, unlike the 'civilian shells' that Usopp traded with the Skypieans, Roman's collection consisted entirely of higher-quality 'military shells'. All were generously sponsored by Enel and his subordinates, ensuring excellent appearance and guaranteed quality. Furthermore:

"It's been 'synthesized' using Baku Baku Pages, so its storage capacity and durability far exceed those of the past!"

For example, the normal 'Slash Shell' can only unleash slashes at close range, but the current 'Enhanced Slash Shell' can even unleash Flying Slash! And the power of the 'Enhanced Impact Shell' is no less than Franky's Windy Cannon. — Keep in mind that this is Franky's 'ultimate move'.

Of course, this refers to Franky's strength as a 1.0 version character during the Water 7.

"The only thing that limits your use of this 'enhancing shell' is your physical condition."

The White Knight earnestly explained to Usopp, "Just like the 'Repel Dial' in the hands of Sky Island, the great warrior of Wipper, even someone with his terrifying physique can only use it a few times."

"If your body can withstand it, Nami and I can even combine the 'Impact Shell' into an 'Artificial Repel Dial' in the future. That would greatly compensate for your close combat ability."

Imagine this: the enemy has barely managed to get close to him, enduring Usopp's ranged attacks, when suddenly Usopp raises his hand, and Zoro's slash and Luffy's punch come hurtling towards him! That would be utterly hopeless—

'They're all ignoring me, even though they say I'm a teacher who's both wise and brave...'

A rhinoceros beetle man was drawing circles alone under a tree.

?!

"Haha, Hercules is definitely the best! Roman just came to deliver props to me. I'll still need a wise and brave teacher for future training."

"Leave it to me, my student Usopp!"

The rhinoceros beetle instantly invigorated the man.

·······

"Then, I'll leave Usopp to you, Mr. Hercules."

Everyone's eager to carry a sedan chair; excessive courtesy is never a bad thing. After bidding farewell to Usopp and Hercules, Roman's White Knight soared into the sky. —This island is teeming with plants capable of intercepting flight, but on one hand, the White Knight is merely a puppet, and on the other hand...

Hehe, if these plants dare to come, the White Knight will show them the power of the Paper-Paper Fruit.

"So, what's the next location...?"

A Den Den Mushi Paper appeared on the White Knight's wristband, and Rob Lucci's steady voice came through it.

"Boss, we've found Wapol."

!

"The Wapol Metal you mentioned has also appeared. Wapol started a company with this unique metal, which has not only attracted the attention of scientists from all walks of life, but we have also discovered that agents of the World Government are contacting him."

Lucci asked in a flat, monotone voice.

"Do we need to take these people out?"

·····

"Need not,"

With all this fighting and killing, how can this world ever get better? When will ordinary people ever be able to stand up for themselves? It's no wonder that the world's technology is geared towards combat; it's just that most powerful people are reckless and impulsive when faced with trouble, forcing scientists to strengthen their combat capabilities for self-defense.

"Obtain Wapol Metal through legitimate channels, and you can also purchase a batch at the same time."

Roman gave Lucci and his CP0 subordinates a large sum of money for their activities, whether it was for shopping, strengthening their combat capabilities, or even helping out-of-school children. Anyway:

To become a strong person, one must not be corrupted by mere money.

"Then I'll leave this to you. Also, please send me the samples as soon as possible."

By Baku Baku Pages, Roman can reverse-engineer the Wapol Metal and figure out the raw material formula known only to Wapol in the world. Then, he can mass-produce this super alloy with high strength, high resistance, and self-repairing properties using the Baku Baku Pages!

A bunch of General Franky, are you scared yet?!

After all, the greatest advantage of technology is that it can be mass-produced as long as there are enough materials.

"Of course, sheer numbers alone cannot determine the outcome of a battle between top-tier experts. Therefore—"

Ultimately, it still comes down to one's own hard power.

Next stop: Kuraigana Island!