Accumulated, it totaled 7,650 points, bringing the remaining points all at once to a whopping 46,150.
Garp's dog-head hat was worth four thousand; that was no surprise.
But the fact that the counterfeit straw hat he had swapped for five hundred Beli could contribute three thousand points, equivalent to one-tenth of the original, was a pleasant surprise.
Shanu hadn't expected much from it in the first place.
It seemed that as long as Luffy didn't realize it wasn't genuine, he would naturally pour his feelings into it, treating it as his most treasured item.
This would allow Shanu to steadily rake in a big wave of points every year before entering the Grand Line.
Shanu withdrew his gaze with satisfaction, ready to enjoy a good sleep. The only thing that slightly annoyed him was a new skill that had somehow appeared at the end of his skill panel.
Stealing (Intermediate).
Ridiculous.
And all of this was for earning points and protecting his hometown and family! How could a martial artist call it stealing!
The next morning.
Shanu and the others left Mt. Corvo, bidding farewell to the warm-hearted Dadan family, the reluctant Luffy, and a stern-faced Ace, embarking on the journey back home.
After several days of travel.
On the Orange Garden, Shanu reclined in a rattan chair, holding a newspaper and reading it with interest.
In an inconspicuous corner, a piece of news caught his attention: The latest Asakura Island Kendo Tournament concluded yesterday, and a dark horse girl named Kuina stunned everyone, easily claiming the championship.
"Winning all matches for the championship? Her training progress is really impressive."
Kuina truly wanted to improve.
Not only to catch up with someone idolized but also to prove herself to Kōshirō, who had long harbored prejudices and even spoken hurtful words to her.
Since meeting last year, Shanu had sensed that beneath her seemingly sensible and polite exterior, she had a stubborn heart eager to stand at the pinnacle.
"When I officially set sail, how much stronger will you be when you join the ship?"
Shanu looked toward the horizon, his gaze leisurely.
With Zeff's guidance, the various martial arts manuals he had provided, and her exceptional swordsmanship talent, she had crossed a life-or-death threshold that didn't really exist.
He was very much looking forward to this companion, already designated as the second official crewmate.
"Ugh, do we have to go back already?"
Nami's annoyed muttering came from behind.
Shanu had barely reacted when he felt a chill on his neck, Nami had climbed onto his back and was shaking him vigorously.
"Brother! Can't we play a little longer? When we pass Shimotsuki Village, can you put me down?"
"We're going straight home, not passing Shimotsuki Village. Besides, what would you even do there?"
Shanu, not wanting to bother with her, picked up the newspaper again. As for his neck? He had trained his body to move like a crane; if Nami could actually choke him, that would be impressive.
"Well…" Nami rolled her eyes and began acting cute. "I actually want to become a strong swordsman like you, protect our hometown, Bellemere, and Nojiko! Kuina is going back anyway, so… I'll follow her and properly learn swordsmanship!"
"Hah…"
Shanu snorted coldly. That reason? Only the adult version of Sanji might believe it.
"Nami!"
Suddenly, Nojiko's voice rang out from behind. She angrily grabbed Nami's ear, yanking her off Shanu's back,
"How shameless! I told you my feelings last night, and you just used them to trick brother!"
"Ouch! Wuwu, I didn't mean it, Nojiko!"
"Then tell the truth! What exactly do you want to do in Shimotsuki Village?"
"I just wanted to eat Uncle Zeff's cooking! Don't you want to, Nojiko? His dishes are hundreds of times better than Bellemere's! Just thinking about them makes me drool…"
"I'll tell Bellemere every word you just said."
"Eh?!!! Help, nooo!"
Listening to the scolding from behind, Shanu crossed his legs happily and continued reading the newspaper.
This must be the effect of a counterbalance: Nami was fearless in front of him, but with Nojiko stepping in, she instantly became like a soft marshmallow.
The two used to constantly bicker and fight, each refusing to yield.
But as Nojiko entered puberty and their heights diverged, that stopped.
Now twelve-year-old Nojiko was already 1.6 meters, while Nami was barely 1.4 meters, a tiny little thing. Their combat power differed too much, and the older sister's authority naturally became established.
However, Nojiko had just said that Nami had copied her heartfelt words?
"Don't scold her yet," Shanu turned curiously. "Did Nami speak the truth? Do you really want to train in swordsmanship, become stronger, and protect our hometown in my place?"
"Yes, I want to get stronger and protect our hometown."
Nojiko first nodded, then poked Nami's forehead in irritation. "But whatever training, it doesn't have to be swordsmanship. Nami just made that up!"
"What do you mean 'made up'? It's a reasonable guess!"
Nami touched her reddened ear, feeling aggrieved. "You told me last night about Kuina from Kōshirō's family, the same age as you but already qualified to compete for the kendo championship, and even invited by brother to join the ship adventure.
"And you couldn't even beat the village geese, so naturally I assumed you wanted to train in swordsmanship too…"
She huffed, pointing at Shanu.
"But honestly, why learn swordsmanship from Kōshirō? Brother should teach you! He's the strongest swordsman in the East Blue… no, in the world! Much stronger than Kōshirō!"
"That's getting more and more exaggerated."
Shanu pinched Nami's nose grumpily.
He paused, looking at Nojiko: "I can't teach you swordsmanship, but you can learn all kinds of other martial arts. During the initial foundation stage, I can tailor a training plan just for you. Later, if there are compatible manuals, I'll find a way to get them for you."
"However, Nojiko, think carefully, are you really ready for this hardship?"
"I can!"
Nojiko clenched her fists, nodding resolutely. "Don't underestimate my determination, brother!"
She knew well how exhausting it was to train to become strong. Over the past few years, she had been the one delivering water and food daily while Shanu practiced tirelessly. That kind of self-imposed grueling effort was unforgettable.
But it was all for protecting Cocoyashi Village and, more importantly, them.
Especially a few months ago, seeing her brother tense to almost crazy levels, even from afar, was scary.
Thankfully, after defeating the invading pirate crew, her brother relaxed and returned to his usual state.
But she didn't want to continue being useless, a drag, and making her brother worry constantly.
Now that he was home, no one dared disturb Cocoyashi Village's peace. But in the future?
Her brother was ambitious; he would eventually leave to explore the world.
By then, as the eldest daughter, it would be her responsibility to protect her younger sister and mother.
Shanu quietly watched the blue-haired girl, and she stubbornly met his gaze.
"You've grown up quietly without me noticing, Nojiko."
Shanu felt a sudden pang of emotion, smiling as he rubbed her little head. "Since you have this awareness, fine. Once we return to the village, we'll start training officially. The training ground in the Orange Garden is still there; now it's perfect for you."
"Mm!"
Nojiko nodded vigorously, delighted by Shanu's support.
"And what about me, brother?"
Nami pulled out an orange from somewhere and started eating, mumbling, "I was joking before! I just want to study navigation properly, read, draw maps… I don't want to run tens of kilometers every day…"
"Not your business. Go play."
Shanu lay back down, shaking the newspaper, and casually raised a corner of his mouth. "If even little ones like you have to be forced to train, all the sweat we tall ones shed would be for nothing."
Tall ones? Sweat for nothing?
Nami was confused, putting a slice of orange in her mouth.
Beside her, Nojiko smiled softly, imitating Shanu by rubbing her little head.
Ten days later.
The Orange Garden returned to Cocoyashi Village, resuming its mission as a transport ship.
After a good sleep, it was time for the marketplace refresh. Shanu brushed his teeth while browsing.
The first two items were low value; he skipped them. The third caught his eye.
[Life Return]
Type: Martial Training Manual
Price: 1,800 points
Description: An advanced physical technique that fuses mind and body through extreme control of bodily functions. Mastery allows precise manipulation of organs, hair, and even cellular activity.
Notes: Part of the same combat system as the Rokushiki; closely linked. It is recommended to master Tekkai and Kami-e first.
Seller Notes: None; system direct sale
Finally, Life Return was available!
Shanu's right hand, brushing his teeth, tensed eagerly.
He had been waiting a long time; his physical stats had increased so quickly over the past year that his micro-control lagged behind.
Previously, he had twisted the birthday cake cart's steel frame and avoided moving wildly in chairs for the same reason.
Crack…
The toothbrush snapped in his hand. Shanu sighed, another confirmation.
He rinsed early and continued reading the description.
"Do I need to master Tekkai and Kami-e first?"
Shanu frowned. Tekkai was already mastered, but what about Kami-e? The remaining two techniques of the Rokushiki hadn't appeared in months.
Prerequisites were the worst. How long would he have to wait?
He angrily added it to the cart and moved to the next item.
Hmm?
Shanu's frown instantly relaxed at the new item.
[Rokushiki Manual 2]
Type: Martial Training Manual
Price: 800 points
Description: Since you have purchased four manuals, the remaining two random manuals will definitely be Rankyaku and Kami-e.
Seller Notes: None; system direct sale