The Newcomer Arrives

After Snape left, Dumbledore let out a long breath and complained, "I remember you promised me just last night that you'd keep things quieter."

Chu Yang thought for a long time but could not remember ever promising Dumbledore that he would be quieter. However, seeing the old man's displeased expression, he hurriedly nodded and offered a sincere apology.

Dumbledore's furrowed expression immediately eased somewhat as he slowly asked, "First-years should not have taken Charms yet. Where did you learn those spells? You even defeated upper-year students. That was beyond my expectations."

Among the students defeated by Chu Yang, Marcus and Harper were both fifth-years.

Some of the others were even seventh-year students about to graduate!

After learning of Chu Yang's performance, even Dumbledore, who had weathered countless storms, could not help showing a look of astonishment.

Back when Tom Riddle—Voldemort—had been a first-year, he had not performed anywhere near as outrageously as Chu Yang.

"Headmaster Dumbledore, I used all the living expenses the school sponsored me to buy books." Chu Yang showed a shy smile. "My suitcase contains spellbooks for all seven years of study."

"Books for all seven years?" Dumbledore found it somewhat hard to believe, yet also felt a little moved. "While I admire your eagerness to learn, I must remind you that Hogwarts textbooks are not set in stone. It mainly depends on your instructors."

"The books you bought may only count as extracurricular reading."

Chu Yang fell silent for a moment before saying frankly, "That's all right. Reading more books can never hurt."

Dumbledore nodded approvingly. "Well said. A wizard's strength comes from knowledge; Magic Power comes second. Many adult wizards fail to understand that."

Afterward, Dumbledore had Chu Yang demonstrate the spells he had mastered. Aside from a few that were inconvenient to demonstrate, Chu Yang used nearly every spell recorded in Basic Spells one by one.

Along with his delight, Dumbledore's expression gradually turned solemn. A gifted student could comfort a teacher, but also make that teacher worry that the student might go astray.

Dumbledore reminded Chu Yang, "You have already experienced the power of spells and understand the profound might of magic, so you must be even more careful in using it. Remember, use it properly!"

Chu Yang nodded. Dumbledore had practically told him not to become the next Dark Lord.

"Very well, you may go now. Don't forget to have lunch in the Great Hall." Dumbledore waved his hand, signaling for Chu Yang to leave.

The heavy wooden door made a teeth-grating sound. Just as Chu Yang stepped out of the Headmaster's Office, his vision suddenly blurred. The familiar sensation made him realize that the Soul Palace was calling him.

In the blink of an eye, the mist guided Chu Yang into the Soul Palace. He soon saw the two versions of himself he had not seen in a long time standing beside the throne.

Beside them, Chu Yang saw another new version of himself!

The four naturally gathered together. After touching one another, they began sharing the memories and power they had gained during this time.

Having shared the memories, Chu Yang looked at the newcomer in surprise.

The newest Chu Yang to join the Soul Palace came from the world of Demon Slayer.

Demon Slayer Chu Yang said with lingering fear, "You have no idea how terrifying that place is. I live alone in the mountains, and after dark, I don't dare step outside at all!"

"The day before I entered the palace, I happened to run into a demon. If the Demon Slayer Corps hadn't arrived in time, I would've been dead!"

Pirate Chu Yang asked curiously, "Where are you now?"

Demon Slayer Chu Yang thought for a moment and answered, "Probably the Butterfly Mansion. The Demon Slayer Corps brought me here while I was unconscious from my injuries. When I woke up, I found quite a few patients here, and I even saw Shinobu Kocho."

Hokage Chu Yang reminded him, "Then you need to seize this chance to join the Demon Slayer Corps. Breathing Technique is good stuff; it can tap into the human body's potential."

"I didn't dare think along those lines before. I just wanted to lie low and wait for the plot to end. In that Ghost Place, simply staying alive was hard enough." Demon Slayer Chu Yang let out a long breath. "But now, it shouldn't be much of a problem."

Magic Chu Yang reassured him, "Don't feel burdened. Newcomers get a free ride the first time they come in. We're all on the same side, and mutually beneficial cooperation is the right path."

Hokage Chu Yang said with a chuckle, "A free ride is a free ride. I'm used to it anyway. But now that you mention it, magic is pretty interesting. I'm tempted to put aside my Ninjutsu training for a while and focus on studying magic."

Magic Chu Yang immediately stopped Hokage Chu Yang's childish idea and explained, "Whenever we return to the Soul Palace, our skills synchronize at the highest level among us. Each of us must specialize in one ability. Splitting our focus would be far too wasteful!"

Hokage Chu Yang froze for a moment, then suddenly understood. He had always assumed that the Soul Palace's skill sharing worked like their talents, stacking everyone's gifts together.

Pirate Chu Yang nodded. "I only noticed that after I went back as well. That's why I haven't split my attention between Chakra and Wood Release lately. Instead, I've been constantly consolidating my Haki."

Magic Chu Yang said, "Haki is the most powerful force in the One Piece world. At high levels, it can even suppress and forcibly break Devil Fruit abilities. Also, you need to master Conqueror's Haki as soon as possible."

Pirate Chu Yang shook his head. "I know, but Conqueror's Haki is something you're born with. I might not have it."

Magic Chu Yang argued, "For other people, perhaps it's inborn. But for us, it's only a matter of numbers. Not having it now doesn't mean we won't have it later. What you need to do is find an expert proficient in Conqueror's Haki and experience its power for yourself."

Pirate Chu Yang found Magic Chu Yang's words quite reasonable and began considering which Conqueror's Haki users he might be able to encounter soon.

Hokage Chu Yang teased, "That's what a well-read person is like. You've got everything arranged for us perfectly."

Although memories, abilities, and talents were shared.

Each Chu Yang's personality still differed due to the environments in which they grew up.

At Magic Chu Yang's suggestion, the Chu Yangs in each world chose to specialize in the unique power systems of their own worlds.

After their mutually beneficial sharing, every Chu Yang's strength underwent a qualitative leap.

The mist appeared right on time and sent them back to their respective worlds.

The One Piece world.

After staying with the Sun Pirates for several months, Chu Yang had gradually adapted to pirate life. He had learned quite a few helmsmanship techniques from Jinbe and could occasionally take Jinbe's place.

As the impact of the Burning of the Holy Land grew increasingly severe, the Marines' pursuit of the Sun Pirates became especially fierce.

During this time, Chu Yang helped the Sun Pirates repel several Marine encirclements.

To show his gratitude, Tiger invited him to join the Sun Pirates several times.

But Chu Yang still refused.

Tiger had his own goals, and the Sun Pirates' course was determined by Tiger. Chu Yang also had his own path to follow, which meant he was destined never to truly fit in here.