Luffy's mouth twitched.
Reduce it by 5 minutes?
From 40 minutes down to 35?
That counts as a reward?
"System, you're so stingy," Luffy muttered.
[If the host is dissatisfied with the reward, you may request cancellation and restore the original training volume.]
"No, no, no! I want it! I'll take it, okay?!"
Luffy hurriedly waved his hands.
He had figured it out by now—this system had absolutely no sense of humor. What it said, it meant.
With a sigh, Luffy turned and headed down the mountain.
His stomach began growling again.
That fight had taken quite a bit out of him. The little he'd eaten in the morning had long since been digested.
"Gotta go find something to eat…"
He patted his pockets. Completely empty.
Then something occurred to him.
"Oh right… Is Shanks still in the village?"
If Shanks was still around, maybe he could scrounge some good food.
And…
A flicker passed through Luffy's eyes.
He wanted to see—now that he'd gotten a little stronger—what someone like Shanks, a great pirate of the seas, would think of him.
Even if he was still trash.
At least he wanted to hear his evaluation.
Picking up his pace, Luffy jogged down the hill.
—
Foosha Village, Makino's Tavern.
It was around noon. Several tables were occupied.
Most were villagers, along with a few passing travelers.
Shanks and his crew sat at a large table in the corner, drinking and chatting.
"Boss, when are we setting sail?"
Lucky Roux asked around a mouthful of chicken leg.
"No rush."
Shanks leaned back in his chair, cup in hand, his gaze drifting.
"We'll stay a couple more days."
"Why?" Yasopp asked casually while wiping down his rifle.
Shanks didn't answer.
His eyes rested on the view outside the window—toward the village entrance.
Beckman lit a cigarette and exhaled a slow stream of smoke.
"You're waiting for that kid?"
Shanks smiled faintly.
"I'm a little curious."
"Curious about what?"
"Curious what he'll look like today."
Beckman raised an eyebrow.
"It's only been a day. How much could he possibly change?"
"Who knows."
Shanks took a sip of sake.
"But I've got a feeling… that kid's not simple."
Just then, the tavern door creaked open.
Luffy walked in.
All eyes turned toward him.
Compared to yesterday, he looked much better.
He still wore the same worn red vest, but the charred marks on his skin had been washed off. His hair was combed down, and though there were still faint blood vessels in his eyes, he looked energetic.
Most importantly—
"Hm?"
Shanks straightened slightly.
He stared at Luffy, his expression turning serious.
"What is it, boss?" Lucky Roux glanced over as well. After a few seconds, he blinked.
"He does… look a little different."
Yasopp set down his rifle and examined Luffy carefully.
"His gait's steadier. Breathing's more even… And there's a faint scent of blood on him."
"Beast blood," Beckman said calmly.
"He went to the back hills."
Luffy didn't notice the crew whispering about him.
The moment he entered, the smell of grilled meat hit him, and his eyes lit up.
"Makino! I want meat!"
Makino poked her head out from the kitchen and smiled when she saw him.
"Coming, coming. I already set some aside for you."
She brought out a large plate of grilled meat and a big bowl of stew, setting them on the counter.
Luffy immediately pounced forward, grabbing a chunk of meat and stuffing it into his mouth.
"Mmfff… so good…"
Grease smeared across his face as he devoured the food.