Chapter 3: The Opportunity Arrives

"No, I must go. In the eyes of those Celestial Dragons, my 'value' is still very high," Kuma said earnestly.

He understood his identity. With this identity, he was undoubtedly a 'prize' in the eyes of the Celestial Dragons (killing him would earn them a higher score).

By using himself as bait, he could definitely achieve unexpected results.

Seeing the determination in Kuma's eyes, Renji knew there was no way to change his mind.

So he nodded in agreement with Kuma's proposal, then focused his attention on the system he had just acquired.

A interface visible only to him appeared before Renji's eyes.

[Congratulations, host, for binding to the Auxiliary Cultivation System. This system aims to assist the host in completing tasks to gain greater strength.]

He glanced at the system list and noticed that it also included a status panel.

It clearly listed his current physical condition.

[Host: Renji (physically healthy, but still a rookie)]

[Physique: 5 (though there are signs of training, you are still no match for even a child in this world. Keep working hard)] (Average male in the One Piece world: 20)

[Spirit: 25 (you are well-read, giving you slightly stronger mental strength than the average person)] (Average male in the One Piece world: 20)

[Swordsmanship: 30 (your swordsmanship foundation is decent. Keep up the good work)] (Average male in the One Piece world: 0)

[Armament Haki: 0 (not awakened)]

[Observation Haki: 0 (not awakened)]

[Conqueror's Haki: 0 (not awakened)]

[Final Conclusion: The host is just an 'ordinary person' with a combat power of 5. Keep striving and don't give up.]

"..."

Silence was the bridge tonight.

Although Renji was aware that his body, which had directly crossed over, had some gaps compared to the natives of this world, the gap was still too large.

He sighed and stopped paying attention to these frustrating matters, turning his gaze to other parts of the system.

[Task: Replace Bartholomew Kuma as bait.]

[Reward: Permanent +5 to all attributes (including the three types of Haki). Unlock the system store.]

[To ensure the host survives the first task, a beginner's gift pack is now being issued: Physique +50, Spirit +40 (valid for 24 hours), Swordsmanship +50 (valid for 10 hours).]

Renji's eyes widened slightly.

Well, I thought this mission would be extremely difficult, but it turns out there are beginner benefits.

With a thought, he immediately used the two experience cards, which instantly turned into light and merged into his body.

After absorbing everything, his consciousness returned to reality.

The time spent in the system space was negligible in reality, and no one around him noticed anything unusual.

As his consciousness returned, the first thing Renji felt was that the world seemed to have changed somewhat.

No, it was that his perception had become sharper. Things he hadn't noticed before were now clear to him.

Even just clenching his fist lightly, he could feel that his current strength was far beyond what it had been before.

"..."

"Hee-haw!!! You two are amazing!" Ivankov exclaimed, surprised that two people had voluntarily stepped forward.

"However, I won't let you die!! We must leave God Valley together!!!"

Renji and Kuma exchanged a smile and shouted, "We will definitely survive!!! (We must leave this place together!)"

"..."

"Boom!!!"

At that moment, a huge explosion sounded from the distance, and the ground shook.

Renji turned his body toward the direction of the explosion and smiled.

"It seems our opportunity has arrived!"

...

Outer sea of God Valley.

Numerous familiar pirate ships were rapidly approaching.

These pirates had been traveling from the 'New World' to this remote corner of the West Blue for two weeks.

By now, the first wave of pirates had arrived.

Amid the sound of cannon fire, a loud voice suddenly rang out.

"Marines, feel fear! Rocks Pirates, follow me!"

This voice undoubtedly belonged to the captain of the Rocks Pirates—Rocks.

At his command, numerous members of the Rocks Pirates appeared on the shore, brandishing their weapons and glaring at the panicked Marines.

The notorious pirates of the 'New World' had their own agendas, but they shared the same goal.

To cause chaos in this place where the Celestial Dragons gathered, to spread their names across the world, and... to obtain the astonishing wealth on the island.

Edward Newgate, Whitebeard, picked up the naginata beside him.

"Rocks, don't use that commanding tone with me."

Before he could finish speaking, he noticed that Rocks had already disappeared.

"Does that guy even remember the main reason we came here? First, we should confirm..."

Whitebeard followed Rocks and charged into the island.

Behind them, the others were also talking among themselves. They had joined the Rocks Pirates only because it was profitable.

When there was profit to be had, they could follow orders to some extent, but most of the time, they only cared about their own interests, always looking out for themselves.

"You're all like dreamers. I just want to quietly take what I want and leave."

Charlotte Linlin remained aloof, indifferent to everything, and completely ignored Rocks' orders.

"It seems Roger has also made his move. Only that guy..." Kaido said seriously, turning his head. "Linlin, that thing isn't much use to you. Remember to keep an eye out for me."

"Once we're on the island, it's every man for himself."

Linlin didn't answer directly, waving her hand and disappearing into the forest.

...

The Celestial Dragons, who had been enjoying their game, were disturbed and looked annoyed.

"What are those Marines doing!! Can't they even handle such a small matter? If anything happens to us!!!"

In the distance, a Marine hurriedly ran up to the group of Celestial Dragons.

"Report!"

"Pirates are invading from all directions of the island!"

The Celestial Dragons and Marines were in chaos.

The pirates' motives were unclear, and the events happening here were supposed to be 'top secret.'

"The Roger Pirates and the Rocks Pirates have invaded various parts of the island. The 'God's Knights' are currently engaged in battle with them."

"Please move to a safe area."

...

In the bushes near the center of the island.

The air was filled with the sounds of killing, cursing, and pleading, but Renji remained highly focused.

Because in the square before them lay their target.

The entire square was filled with dazzling treasures, glittering with an alluring light. Compared to the blood-soaked areas elsewhere, this place was like heaven.

Six treasure chests were placed in the center of the wealth, indicating their preciousness.

Renji and the others were just one step away from success. One thought could lead to heaven, another to hell.

"Kuma, get ready. The next moment will decide life or death."

If they didn't obtain that fruit, death would be the only thing waiting for them.

Moreover, the pirates' goal was also this treasure. If they didn't act quickly, there would be no chance.

Renji looked around and whispered his plan.

"The situation here is different from what we expected. There are far fewer guards. They must have been sent to protect those pigs. I'll go out first to attract the guards' attention. You use the fastest speed to approach the chest in the center."

Then, before Kuma and the others could react, Renji took a step and rushed out instantly.