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Chapter 3 - Chapter 3: Introduction To Cultivation And Swordsmanship

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Now that Jason had a system, he needed to understand it thoroughly!

"What's the reward?" he inquired eagerly.

"This system is dedicated to making the strongest Host in the world! Tasks will be released randomly from time to time! Rewards for completing tasks include sword skills, martial arts, Devil Fruits, Haki, and more! Anything that exists in this world can potentially be yours!" the system explained.

"And what about the missions?" Jason asked, his curiosity piqued.

"The tasks of this system are released randomly; most are related to training, with a few temporary tasks. Currently, there are no tasks in progress!" the system replied.

"What about the novice gift pack? I think other systems have one!" Jason pressed on.

"Ding! No!" the system responded flatly.

"What about the system panel?" Jason continued to ask.

"Ding! This one has it!" the system chirped.

Host: Portgas D. Jason

Age: 6 years old

Swordsmanship: None

Haki: None

Martial Arts: None

(Three 'no' products, one cannon fodder identified!)

Jason was left speechless, staring at the panel.

"That's normal, I guess. After all, I'm only 6 years old. If I don't have any skills at this age, I'm really just a kid with potential! 

"Send me a mission quickly! I want to become stronger!" Jason insisted.

"Ding~ There are currently no tasks available!" the system replied.

"Then what's the use of you? All I've got is a panel with no tasks! No novice benefits, and no system mall?" he complained, feeling frustrated.

"Are you the worst system in this batch? Did someone just throw you at me when nobody wanted you?" he mocked.

"Calm down! It's not easy for me to manage things! It may be a little rough at first, but I promise I will improve!" the system defended itself.

"How do you expect me to trust you with a system like this?" Jason shot back.

"Please, I'm not some useless system! Just wait!" was the last thing the system said before going silent.

Jason frowned, a question mark forming on his face. Did it really need to take a break?

While he kept disparaging the system, he also knew that there would eventually be useful aspects and rewards. He just had to be patient.

"System? System!" Jason called out, but no response came.

After about ten minutes of doubting life, he thought back to earlier moments of frustration.

"Ding~ Host, please don't be impatient!"

"System?" Jason asked, surprised.

"Host, you don't actually think I went to untie myself, do you? What a naïve thought! I can't be easily dismissed!" the system retorted.

"..."

Jason was filled with resentment, his heart echoing with MMPs (an exclamation often used in annoyance).

"Ding~ Triggering training mission! Host must swing the sword ten thousand times a day! Hold on for ten days! Completion reward: Introduction to swordsmanship!"

Today's progress: 0/10,000

Total progress: 0/10

(▼菜▼#) What a scam!!

"Ten thousand times for a mere introduction to swordsmanship? Other systems would at least give you a grandmaster level!" Jason spat back incredulously. "This is definitely a lousy system! You're giving me dog food!"

Noticing Jason's displeasure, the system said, "Ahem! Please don't become too excited. This is a benefit I worked hard to procure!"

"And there will be grand weapons as rewards in the future! The rewards are locked and I cannot change them; however, occasionally, additional rewards will be provided!"

"Host, please do your best!"

"ಠ_ಠ"

Jason firmly gestured an imaginary middle finger at the system in his thoughts. Complaints aside, having a system was better than nothing, and if it wasn't strong enough, he'd have to work even harder on his own!

Deciding that it wasn't too late to start, he picked up the wooden sword and began swinging. He continued for about ten minutes but felt a growing hunger gnawing at him since he hadn't eaten lunch.

He returned to the boat, prepared to eat. As he took out his food and prepared to dig in, he glanced at the mission panel.

"Training mission! Swing your sword ten thousand times a day! Persevere for ten days! Completion Reward: Introduction to swordsmanship!"

Jason was shocked to see his progress was still at zero! His frustration boiled over!

(╯‵□′)╯(┻━┻)

"System, get out here! What's going on?!"

"Ding~ You must be using a real sword for the task! A wooden sword doesn't count!" the system replied.

"Why didn't you tell me earlier?" Jason yelled.

"You didn't ask, Host! I don't intervene unless you seek answers on your own!"

"Alright! It's unfair!" Jason huffed, biting down on his food as if it were the system itself.

After lunch, he fetched a real katana and started swinging away. The weight of the sword was significantly more substantial than the wooden one!

After nearly two hours of practice, he could barely lift his arms—the fatigue was unbearable, and he finally had to take a break!

Today's progress: 3168/10,000

Total progress: 0/10

"Hiss~ Training really isn't easy!"

Jason looked at the progress and calculated that he would need to swing his sword for over six hours a day to complete the task!

"Jason!"

"Huh? Robin?"

Just after finishing her chores at her uncle's house, Robin returned with more books. Now that she had a friend, she wanted to spend every moment with Jason!

If it weren't for living at her uncle's, she would never want to go back.

Jason stepped off the boat, sword in hand.

"Robin, you're here! Are you hungry? There's plenty of food on the boat!"

Robin shook her head; she had come to see Jason!

"Well, I can wait until you're hungry to eat! Let's head into the woods and read together!"

"Okay!"

In the forest, they found their spot; the peaceful setting was untouched by any other kids.

The tranquil atmosphere lasted until the sun began to dip in the sky.

Robin closed her book and looked at Jason, who was still swinging his sword. His clothes were drenched in sweat, hair sticking to his forehead, and he looked a bit disheveled, but in Robin's eyes, the glow of the setting sun illuminated him, giving him a heroic aura.

Jason was shining brightly for Robin!

Unable to help herself, she smiled while watching him.

Noticing Robin's gaze, Jason paused and sheathed his sword, stretching his sore arms and glancing at the darkening sky.

"Let's go; it's getting late!"

"Okay!"

The pair returned to the boat, where Jason felt the strain from hours of sword practice. As he looked at the panel again, he was pleased to see he had completed over 7,000 swings, leaving only 2,000 remaining!

Seeing how exhausted he looked, Robin couldn't bear to see him go without a meal, so she took the initiative to cook!

"Huh? Robin, won't you get in trouble for coming home late?" he asked, concerned.

"Don't worry! As long as I finish my chores, there's no problem. Besides, Ohara Island has no wild beasts. Uncle doesn't mind whether I'm safe or not!"

However, Robin's tone hinted at a deeper disappointment.

"It's fine! We're friends! If you're unhappy in the future, you can always come to me! I promise to take you back later!" he assured her.

"Okay!"

After quickly preparing the food, Robin was ready to head home, but Jason grabbed her wrist.

"You must eat with me! Good friends should share meals together! Plus, you made the food!"

Jason insisted earnestly. Robin looked at him, then nodded firmly.

"Okay!"

Jason was surprised that even at just four years old, Robin was already an excellent cook!

He ate happily, enjoying the delightful food, savoring every bite. Robin, too, felt elated; despite being able to cook, her uncle's family only allowed her two pieces of black bread each day!

She had never tasted anything this delicious before.

Jason gazed at her, satisfaction reflected in his eyes.

"Robin!"

"Huh? What's the matter?"

"You can come to my place to eat every day from now on!"

What Jason thought was that as both of them grew, how could they settle for only black bread daily? People in the pirate world had different physiques, and more nutrition was always beneficial!

"No way! You won't be able to sustain yourself!" Robin protested.

"It doesn't matter! The money on this ship can feed us comfortably for years! Plus, you saved my life, so I'll gladly feed you forever!"

At such a young age, Robin didn't fully grasp the concept of love, but Jason's words filled her with happiness!

"Okay!"

As night fell after dinner, Jason noticed his hands were somewhat recovered. He found himself marveling at the strength of the human body in the pirate world!

"Come on, Robin, I'll walk you back!"

"Okay!"

Although O'Hara was safe at night, human fear of darkness remained, no matter the absence of danger.

That evening, O'Hara glimmered with warm lamplight as Jason escorted Robin to a crowded area before returning to the boat. With over 2,000 sword swings still left for the day and dusk settling in, Jason, a staunch atheist, reflected on the existence of other worlds and its sheer improbability. Yet, given his current reality, what else could now be deemed unbelievable?

Anxious as night deepened, Jason instinctively quickened his pace. Normally, he'd sleep with the lights on back on the boat!

Finally reaching his ship, he sighed in relief, grabbed his sword, and resumed practice. He was determined to finish those remaining 2,000 swings without delay!

"Ding~ Today's task has been completed! Host, do your best tomorrow!"

"I know... I'm exhausted!" Jason groaned, dropping the sword and collapsing onto the bed without even showering.

System: "..."

The following days passed in an ordinary rhythm. Jason practiced sword swings during the day and trained his body at night, slowly building his endurance. Robin visited him daily, ensuring that he had enough food, which only increased his growing appetite thanks to his relentless efforts.

With each swing of the sword, Jason felt himself growing stronger—mentally and physically.

On the afternoon of the tenth day, Jason swung his sword for the final count.

"Ding~ Congratulations to the Host for completing the task: Swing the sword 10,000 times a day for ten consecutive days! Rewards are being distributed!"

Suddenly, a surge of information flowed into Jason's mind! Previously clueless about swordsmanship, he now knew every detail: the proper angle of the swing, how to grip the handle, and the timing required to draw and strike. It felt as though the knowledge had been etched into his instincts.

His hands itched to put his newfound skills to the test. Unsheathing his katana, he targeted a nearby tree. In a smooth, deliberate motion, he sheathed the sword again.

"Boom!"

The small tree, as thick as a bowl, splintered and crashed to the ground.

Robin, who had been quietly reading a book nearby, jumped in surprise.

"Jason... how did you do that?" she gasped.

Jason grinned. "Just practice! Ever since I was beaten by that kid, I made up my mind—I'll become strong enough to protect both of us!"

"Can I learn too?" Robin asked hopefully.

Jason hesitated. "Uh... I don't think so," he said awkwardly, wondering if she even had a system like he did.

"Okay!" Robin replied, a little disappointed, though she understood that fighting wasn't her strength. Watching Jason train each day had been exhausting enough for her just as an observer.

"Wuhu! I knew you'd be useful eventually!" Jason cheered, oblivious to her feelings.

System: "Of course! Keep your hopes up, Host! With me, you'll definitely become the strongest man in the world!"

"When's the next mission?" Jason pressed.

System: "Ahaha... Well, Host, just trust me! The tasks will come at the right moment!"

"Ha~ Is that it? Is that all you're capable of?" Jason teased.

System: "..."

He was only joking. Having just completed the intense 10-day training, he wasn't in a rush for a new mission—at least for today.

He glanced at his panel.

Host: Portgas D. Jason 

Age: 6 years old

Swordsmanship: Getting Started

Haki: None

Physical Skills: None

(Slightly stronger cannon fodder!)

"Goddamn it! Can you delete that last line? I know I'm weak—no need to stamp it on my résumé!" Jason grumbled inwardly.

Despite his annoyance, a smile crept onto his face. Grabbing Robin's hand, he said, "I feel great today! Let's go! We're eating at a restaurant!"

After their meal, Jason walked back alone, katana in hand, occasionally slicing through tall grass by the roadside.

"O'Hara's environment is so peaceful—there's barely anyone practicing here," he mused.

Now that he had earned the title of a beginner swordsman, Jason felt a youthful arrogance bubbling within him. Even if the system labeled him as "slightly stronger cannon fodder," he didn't mind—he knew he was growing.

But life wouldn't let him indulge in peace for too long.

In the following days, aside from sword practice, Jason focused on improving his physical fitness. Frustrated by his constant complaints, the system eventually issued him a new mission. But Jason wasn't willing to abandon his swordsmanship practice. He decided he would pursue both paths simultaneously.

The new task was grueling: weight-bearing push-ups and squats. The goal was to complete 100,000 repetitions of each—without any daily quota or strict timeline. The reward was simple: enhanced physical fitness.

While the task didn't offer flashy benefits, Jason felt a thrill at the idea of growing stronger. He knew he couldn't rely solely on the system to improve—some of the strength he desired had to come from within.

His arduous journey in the world of ONE PIECE had only just begun.

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