There Was a System, but I Still Had to Grind

Then the learning began.

The Uchiha Clan treasured this opportunity, because they knew their own circumstances. Every kind of knowledge from this world was important.

Zoro, Luffy, and Usopp woke up the next day.

All three were seriously injured, but they were indeed in excellent physical condition. Aside from the pain of their injuries, they seemed more or less normal.

Once the three of them had learned what was going on, their faces all darkened.

"If you've got the guts, let me fight you fair and square! I'm sure I won't lose!"

Luffy shouted defiantly.

But Zoro's gaze was fixed almost entirely on Shisui and Itachi, because they had his swords strapped to their waists!

The grudge of having his swords stolen was unforgivable!

After Usopp learned he wasn't going to die, he relaxed considerably and lay on the ground, yawning listlessly.

"Here's the latest news. Take a look."

Uchiha Tamaharu pulled out a newspaper with Ace's capture on the front page and tossed it in front of Luffy.

At first, Luffy had his head held high, ready to keep shouting. Though covered in injuries, he absolutely wasn't going to back down.

But when he saw Ace in the newspaper, he immediately flopped down like a worm. Luffy and Zoro were both bound up like bugs, with practically no chance of breaking free.

"Ace... Ace was captured!!"

After reading the news, Luffy stared in disbelief.

The other members of the Straw Hat Crew were upset to see Luffy like this. They didn't know how to comfort him, especially since Luffy would be taken away soon, too.

"Here's a secret for you. Fire Fist Ace, the son of the Pirate King Gol D. Roger, will be executed in a month or two. The execution will be broadcast live."

Uchiha Tamaharu continued.

He had changed the original story, so Uchiha Tamaharu decided to give Luffy more time to prepare.

Whether he could change things was up to him.

"What did you say?!"

Luffy's eyes widened with fury.

"The son of the Pirate King, Ace?"

Sanji exclaimed in shock.

"Isn't Luffy the son of Monkey D. Dragon, the leader of the Revolutionary Army?"

"Why is his brother the son of the Pirate King?"

"Is Monkey D. Dragon the Pirate King?"

Sanji hurriedly asked.

"We're sworn brothers! Ace and I are sworn brothers!"

Luffy gritted his teeth, but still answered the question.

"The place you're about to go is the same prison as Fire Fist Ace. It's possible you'll be executed alongside him."

"Whether you can change that is up to you."

After saying this, Uchiha Tamaharu didn't stay. He left Luffy to think it over.

His main responsibility was his clan, followed by completing his mission. Changing the story was something he could do with a little extra effort.

Then Uchiha Tamaharu went back to training. Even with a system, how could he hope to keep up with the protagonist if he didn't put in the work?

"You're amazing! You remembered everything I told you!"

Chopper praised Uchiha Itachi.

He realized that not everyone here was as annoying as the guy who'd called him a tanuki. They'd captured him, too, but this young man was quite nice and well-behaved. He'd remembered everything Chopper had taught him and could even make another batch of the herbs they'd just prepared.

Having a student like that made Chopper very happy.

"That's all thanks to your teaching, Professor Chopper."

Itachi smiled kindly.

He preferred a life like this, without war.

But now, for the sake of his clan, he had to do his best. Every little bit helped.

"Um... could I ask you for a favor?"

"My companions are badly injured. Could you treat them?"

"I'm not asking you to let them go. They really are seriously injured, and they can still serve as training instructors, so it won't be a problem."

Chopper fidgeted a little.

But he still asked directly, since his companions' health was at stake.

After speaking, Chopper anxiously watched Itachi's face. When Itachi's expression turned calm, Chopper grew a little apprehensive.

"I'll have to ask the Clan Leader first."

Itachi replied.

Then he went to find Uchiha Tamaharu.

He soon returned with permission.

"But the Clan Leader said that if you try to resist, the deal is off, and you'll be killed."

Itachi's words frightened Chopper badly.

Even so, he began treating everyone.

Shisui, on the other hand, was cold and wary of outsiders. He would never again be deceived like he had been by the Third Hokage and Danzo.

Nami was getting a little annoyed, thinking it was incredibly rude of this man to be completely unaffected by her beauty.

The CP9 members changed their attitude toward Franky. They treated him poorly, interrogated him outright, and then made him give a demonstration.

Any Uchiha who was interested gathered around to learn, especially about navigation and Chopper's unique herbal medicine. Both could be useful.

As for ships, ninjas honestly didn't care much. They could walk on water and swim, so in this world ruled by the sea, they weren't too concerned about ships.

Seven days passed, and the Navy sent word that they would arrive tomorrow.

"You're the only one who still doesn't have a Jutsu Formula on you. Since you're more dangerous, I'll need to use a more complicated one."

Uchiha Tamaharu said to Rob Lucci.

Among the other Shichibukai, Kaku might have a tiny chance of breaking free of the Jutsu Formula, but Rob Lucci had a much better chance.

After all, if he awakened his Devil Fruit, he might be able to withstand the force of Chidori exploding inside him.

So Uchiha Tamaharu planned to follow Madara Uchiha's example and place the Jutsu Formula on his heart, where it would be impossible to withstand the damage.

"It's my honor."

Rob Lucci lowered his head and bowed slightly.

"Itachi, and you, Tanuki. Come help."

Uchiha Tamaharu called the two of them over.

He also explained what they needed to do.

Uchiha Tamaharu wasn't yet skilled enough to apply a Jutsu Formula to the heart through the skin, so he would have to open the chest.

A hole about two fingers wide would be enough, as long as he could see inside.

Under Chopper's astonished gaze, they quickly finished applying the Jutsu Formula. They stitched up the wound and covered it with the herbs Chopper had made.

"I can destroy your heart at any time."

"Don't get any ideas. Follow me, and I'll lead you all toward becoming the World's Strongest."

Uchiha Tamaharu addressed the CP9 members.

They were his first batch of enforcers, and they still had plenty of potential. They were worth the effort.

"Yes!"

The CP9 members had accepted their fate.

At least their captor was better than a scumbag like Spandam.

On the last night before the Navy arrived, Uchiha Tamaharu met with Luffy alone.

Thanks to everyone for the recommendation tickets and monthly passes.