Chapter 97

But a force still lingered in his Sang Sect,

Although it did not affect his continued use of the Voice-Speech ability, the moment he had the thought of activating Dragon Essence Language, an ominous premonition would strike.

It seemed Dragon Essence Language would need some time before it could be used again.

From then on,

Sima Di had probably also figured out the ability of Dragon Essence Language — it greatly raised the upper limit of the Voice-Speech ability, but the cost was higher consumption, and there existed a "cooldown CD" that even blessings could not shorten.

If forced to use it, an unknown price would have to be paid.

It could only be used as a trump card.

"Not bad either."

The lines contain garbled text and cannot be translated.

Waving his hand to bid it farewell,

Nami's face showed a troubled look as she gazed at the Log Pose.

"We've run into too many strong air currents while flying — I don't even know where we are now."

"We can only head for the nearest island first, then figure out the position."

The others naturally had no objections.

Another voyage of more than half a month,

The island still hadn't been found, but the Time-Spirit House teleportation stone had cooled down first.

"As agreed, I can bring one person over to teach them a year of Haki training." Crocus said.

The entire Straw Hat Pirates crew was very tempted!

Armament Haki's offense-defense unity, Observation Haki's foreknowledge of the enemy, Conqueror's Haki's unrivaled dominance!

Who wouldn't love it?

But they all tacitly kept silent — after all, everyone wanted to learn Haki, but there was only one slot.

Going by the current trend,

Lufei Society would most likely get this slot — after all, his Physique Already met the standard; what he lacked was just instruction and study.

But......

"I don't want to!" Lufei said without hesitation: "There's only flour and water over there, not even any meat! If I go with Crocus, I'll definitely starve to death! I'm not going!"

Good grief!

The others had never expected that Lufei would refuse Qiangdeji Society to grow stronger just because "there's nothing to eat."

But thinking carefully......

Can't one grow stronger in reality?

Crocus could likewise teach Haki cultivation; it was just that the training conditions weren't as favorable as the Time-Spirit House.

So the slot fell, as a matter of course, on Sanji and Zoro's heads.

The two who usually argued endlessly fell into a tacit silence at this moment.

In the end, they could only turn their gazes toward Sima Di — as the owner of the Time-Spirit House teleportation stone, they would let him decide.

Sima Di: "......"

I'm just letting you all use it — how did this troublesome matter end up on my plate?

Since you're letting me decide......

"Let's wait a bit longer." Sima Di said: "Crocus only just came out of the Time-Spirit House not long ago — the torment over there is something ordinary people can't endure; an interval of one month is still too short."

"This time......"

"Let Vivi and Nami you two go — familiarize yourselves with your new abilities, and focus on training your Physique Already."

"For Haki cultivation, your Physique Already is still a bit lacking."

This proposal was unexpected to everyone, yet also within reason.

"Let's do it that way." Zoro nodded.

"It's time to let the old man rest properly." Sanji, for once, didn't play devil's advocate.

The others naturally had even less objection.

But......

"If I'm not here, who'll pilot the Going Merry?" Nami worried: "Maybe I should go in the next batch — once we're at the island, I can go then."

The Grand Line's fickle talent was something an ordinary person couldn't handle.

Sima Di had originally wanted to say to stop the ship and wait a day.

"On that point...... for one day, I can take over." Kurei-kai suddenly said: "I'm actually a navigator too — that's how I could find the patterns and eruption points of the Knock Up Stream."

This was an unexpected bonus!

"Is that so...... then I'm counting on you!" Nami smiled.

Kurei-kai gave a steady nod, his expression Solemn.

He gave off a very reliable air.

Thus,

Nami and Vivi symbolically brought along a copy of the "Haki Beginner Training Manual" compiled by Crocus, and vanished from the Going Merry using the Time-Spirit House teleportation stone.

Kurei-kai, meanwhile, tensely took up his post, staring at the weather without blinking.

Judging by that careful look,

Anyone who didn't know would think he was an intern on the ship, one careless mistake away from being kicked off.

"Kurei-kai, no need to be so tense." Sanji said.

"Yeah, one day — there won't be any big problems." Usopp agreed.

No!

Kuri Kai's expression suddenly changed!

"A massive storm is coming! We can't avoid it—hurry! Lower the sails to avoid capsizing, hard left rudder, escape!"

Everyone couldn't help but stare silently at Usopp.

Do you really have to say that one stupid thing?

Usopp: "......"

Fortunately,

Although Kuri Kai's talent wasn't as high as Nami's, the Straw Hat Pirates had faced terrible weather many times before, and they calmly weathered the storm.

Then they saw an island appear before them.

"It's an island!" Luffy exclaimed excitedly: "Hurry! Let's land!"

What excited him wasn't the island, but...

The Sea King transformation serum for Labu!

A while back, Luffy had somehow lost his mind and fantasized about injecting himself with the Sea King transformation serum—would he become stronger too?

After learning it could only be used on marine creatures, he had been eagerly awaiting the day to give it to Labu.

As the Golden Mary anchored ashore,

He rushed onto the island, urging everyone on.

"Hurry up!"

"Usopp, why are you putting on Mk-5? We're not going to fight."

". ～ Zoro, where are you going? You're going the wrong way!"

Sima Di watched Zoro nearly get lost even while following the group, and shook his head in amazement.

Zoro's sense of direction was as absurd as his swordsmanship talent.

Arriving at the open ground in the island's center,

Sima Di pulled out the Sea King transformation serum—but did not hand it to Labu; instead, he tossed it to her "guardian," Kurokasu.

"You decide. Drink it directly—it takes effect immediately."

Although he trusted the system's products as absolute masterpieces, for safety's sake, he let Kurokasu and Labu choose for themselves.

Kurokasu held the Sea King transformation serum and looked at Labu.

"I want to become stronger!" Labu declared firmly: "Only by becoming stronger can I protect everyone! Only then can I beat the hell out of those traitors from the Lumba Pirates! Only then can I... protect Grandpa Kurokasu!"

Grandpa?