Raion thought for a moment and reached out to the card in the middle.
The moment of truth was here...
The card slowly began to flip over, revealing a line of small text.
Lightning Release – Chidori Current (A-Rank): This technique is an advanced evolution of the classic ninjutsu "Chidori," allowing the user's entire body to emit a field of crackling lightning.
System: "Congratulations, you have obtained A-Rank ninjutsu [Lightning Release – Chidori Current]."
As soon as the voice faded, Raion saw that his personal information panel had changed. In the "Ninjutsu" column, "Chidori Current" now appeared. His "Chakra Amount" increased from 00 to 100/100. His "Ninja Level" also rose from "Academy Student" to Genin (Basic Level).
Raion could feel it — a surge of energy coursing through him.
This was chakra!
Thrilled, Raion immediately asked the system:"Why is my chakra displayed as '100/100'?"
System: "Because this is your first time drawing a card, the system determines your chakra capacity based on the first ninjutsu you acquire. [Chidori Current] requires 80 chakra to activate. The system sets your initial limit at 100."
Raion tilted his head thoughtfully."So if I had drawn a technique that required 9,800 chakra, would my initial chakra limit have been 10,000?"
System: "Yes. That's exactly how it works."
Raion's curiosity grew even stronger."Then, can you tell me what the other two cards I didn't pick were?"
It's only human nature to wonder — did he pick the right path, or did he just miss something even greater?
System: "Hmm… I could show you, but do you really want to know?"
Raion snorted. "Of course."
System: "Don't come crying to me if you regret it."
Raion rolled his eyes. "Stop talking and show me already."
The golden glow on the remaining two cards flared once more. The card on the left flipped over first.
Wind Release – Rasenshuriken (S-Rank): The signature technique of the main protagonist, Naruto Uzumaki — an S-Rank ninjutsu of overwhelming power.
Raion's jaw tightened. He knew this technique all too well. In the original story, Naruto used only half its power to obliterate Kakuzu's hearts, rendering him paralyzed and helpless.
If Raion had felt a pang of regret after seeing this first card, the second one almost made him want to scream.
"What about the one on the right?"
As he spoke, the final card turned over slowly…
Edo Tensei (S-Rank Forbidden Technique): The Reanimation Jutsu that can summon the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama, to fight on your behalf!
Raion felt his stomach drop. This was a game-changing technique!
Being a hardcore Naruto fan, he knew exactly what this meant. This was the legendary man who once defeated Uchiha Madara. Hashirama's Wood Release — particularly the Wood Golem Technique — was a force on par with a complete Susanoo.
With this technique, even the Four Emperors of the One Piece world would be nothing in front of him. If Raion had moved his hand just three centimeters to the right when selecting the card, he could now stand at the very top of this world!
But all his complaints were useless. He had drawn Lightning Release – Chidori Current — an A-rank technique, not an S-rank one.
Raion clenched his fists. "Damn it… Did you do this on purpose?"
System: "Don't blame me for your bad luck. You picked it yourself."
Raion: "…"
Even later, he couldn't shake the feeling that the system had manipulated him during the first draw. It was only later that he learned the truth — the first ninjutsu draw was supposed to be free.
The system's claim that it cost 1 million Berries was nothing more than a cruel joke.
This system… It was definitely full of nasty tricks.
Still, Raion decided it was time to test his newly acquired ninjutsu.
"Lightning Release – Chidori Current!"
As he shouted, he felt chakra violently surge through his body. Sparks and crackling arcs of lightning erupted from his form, illuminating the dark cabin with blinding light.
If anyone had seen him in that moment, he would have looked like a Thunder God wrapped in living electricity.
After a brief moment of exhilaration, Raion released the technique.
For the first time, he felt like he had the strength to challenge this cruel world.
He was going to become stronger… much stronger.
Sure enough, after testing the technique, his chakra bar now read 20/100, with 80 chakra consumed by [Lightning Release – Chidori Current].
Exhausted from using most of his energy, and already tired from working all day, Raion collapsed onto the floor, feeling a wave of fatigue wash over him.
It was already dawn. As sunlight began to filter into the ship, Raion finally drifted into sleep.
When Raion woke again, it was noon. He sat up and noticed that his chakra had fully recovered to 100/100.
Feeling the power now coursing through him, Raion made a decision — he would break free from this ship. He would never be enslaved or humiliated again.
The lower deck was dim and quiet. Raion stood up, walked to the cabin door, and began focusing chakra into his fist. With a single, forceful punch, lightning-charged power erupted from his hand.
The old wooden door didn't stand a chance. With a loud BOOM, it shattered, and Raion stepped into the sunlight.
The sudden brightness stung his eyes after so long in darkness. He raised a hand to shield them and looked around.
The ship had reached an island and was docked along the shore.
From where he stood, Raion could see the grisly scene unfolding on the island. Smoke rose from burning houses, and the distant cries of terrified civilians mixed with the savage, bloodthirsty roars of the pirates.
Raion's expression darkened. Could this be… Orange Town?
Six hours earlier, just after sunrise, Bucky's ship had arrived at Orange Town.
The townspeople were shocked at the sight of the pirate flag fluttering on the horizon. For the past forty years, Orange Town had never suffered an invasion. Life had been peaceful and prosperous, and most of the residents had never even seen a pirate up close.
Now, faced with this sudden threat, panic spread like wildfire. The pirate flag — a grotesque clown's head — looked like a demon's grin mocking their doom.
Among the townspeople, only two men found the courage to stand up: Mayor Bodor and Heka, the manager of the local feed store. They rallied a small group of townsfolk to resist, while others fled or hid in fear.
At the bow of the ship, Bucky stood with arms crossed, one foot on the railing, glaring down at the town like a tyrant.
"You weak, pitiful fools," he sneered. "How dare you even think of opposing me?"
The pirates had already rolled out five cannons, positioning them at the front of the ship. The black, gaping muzzles of the cannons now aimed directly at the heart of Orange Town…