On Cocoyasi Village's shore, the waves gently lapped against the reefs.
Two days had passed since that fire that burned everything to ashes.
Over those two days, the Straw Hat Pirates had become honored guests of the entire village, receiving treatment worthy of heroes.
Now that everyone had rested up, they were carrying supplies onto the Going Merry, preparing to set sail once more.
Inside a cabin.
Under the pretext that the vice captain needed to think about strategy, Victor lay in a hammock, looking at the remaining Ninja Way Points on the system panel.
"The settlement for killing Arlong... I'm pretty well-off again."
Victor stroked his chin as he considered what to exchange for next.
"We're about to enter the Grand Line. That place is practically a stronghold for Devil Fruit users."
Victor's gaze swept across the dazzling list of ninjutsu before finally settling on the [Water Release] section.
On this sea, what could restrain Devil Fruit users better than seawater?
Although water created with Chakra was different from seawater, there should... still be some effect.
"You're the one, then."
With a thought, Victor decisively made the exchange.
[Ding! 1,300 Ninja Way Points consumed. Congratulations, Host, you have learned: Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique (B-rank).] [Ding! 700 Ninja Way Points consumed. Congratulations, Host, you have learned: Water Release: Water Prison Technique (C-rank).]
Satisfied, Victor closed the system interface, stretched lazily, and got up to leave the room.
On the deck.
Nami held a checklist and meticulously inspected the supplies Johnny and Joseph were carrying aboard.
"Fresh water, five crates of tangerines, meat..."
"Caw caw! Caw caw!!"
Just then, Clay, the black crow perched on Nami's shoulder, suddenly raised his head and let out a string of urgent, strange cries at the sky.
"What