"Coby, go get Helmeppo." Hyaku instructed, planning to take both of them under his wing.
"Yes, sir!" Coby responded promptly.
He quickly ran into the battleship's cabin.
Tap Tap Tap...
Shortly after, Coby returned with Helmeppo in tow. The blond youth, caught off guard by the sudden summons, was still clutching a mop — a rather comical sight.
"Sir! You called for me?" Helmeppo asked respectfully.
"Yes." Hyaku nodded, "I've heard about both of your situations. Are you satisfied with your current arrangements?"
"Yes, very satisfied!" they both replied after a moment's hesitation, their words tumbling out hastily.
"Tell me the truth." Hyaku pressed.
Being assigned to mere odd jobs, unable even to participate in Marine recruit training — to be satisfied with that would be absurd.
"I..."
Coby and Helmeppo exchanged glances.
Then Coby's eyes welled up with tears of frustration.
"Sir, I'm not satisfied! I want to join recruit training! I want to become stronger! I want to contribute to the Marines!" He gritted his teeth, his determination evident in every word.
"Alright, alright, I'm right in front of you — no need to shout." Hyaku said, waving his hand, "Even if you join recruit training, success in the Marines requires more than just talent. You need opportunity. Without it, you could struggle for years."
Both Coby and Helmeppo's expressions darkened.
"However... I have an opportunity for you both." Hyaku said, his tone shifting, "I'm sure you've heard of my achievements. I want to take you both as my deputies and personally guide you. Would you be willing?"
He posed the question directly.
"Let me be clear: I don't accept those who give up halfway. Training under me will be far more demanding than regular recruit training, but I can guarantee you'll become stronger than your peers. I've said my piece — the choice is yours."
Having finished speaking, Hyaku looked at them both, leaving the decision in their hands.
The two fell into a brief silence.
A moment later, they raised their heads almost simultaneously and nodded to each other.
"We're willing!" Coby and Helmeppo spoke in unison.
In their minds, becoming Hyaku's deputies was an investment in their future.
Though he currently held no rank, they knew of his accomplishments: pacifying the Arabasta civil unrest and defeating and capturing the Warlord Crocodile. His strength was beyond question.
Moreover, as the nominal disciple of the "Hero of the Marines" Garp, they were certain it wouldn't be long before Hyaku received his own rank.
〘 Ding! Host has successfully recruited loyal subordinates: Coby and Helmeppo! 〙
After their agreement, the system's notification chimed. Only then did Hyaku nod with satisfaction.
"Sir, when do we start training?"
Now his subordinates, Coby and Helmeppo asked eagerly.
"Right now. First, put down that mop. From now on, you won't need to do these chores anymore." Hyaku stated.
"Yes!"
Their faces lit up at the news they wouldn't have to do odd jobs anymore. But more importantly, the training they had been looking forward to was about to begin.
✣✣✣✣✣✣✣✣✣✣
A short while later, on the battleship's deck:
Hyaku began teaching Coby and Helmeppo the Rokushiki techniques.
To become stronger, mastering the basic Rokushiki was essential. While sword talent varied by individual, after reviewing the training manual from the system, Hyaku decided to start with teaching them Rokushiki.
"Rokushiki are martial arts techniques that surpass human limitations. When mastered, you can even fight Devil Fruit users. The Rokushiki consist of: Soru, Shigan, Kami-e, Tekkai, Geppō, and Rankyaku..." Hyaku explained each technique according to the training manual.
Before long, both had grasped the fundamental concepts.
"Your physical conditions are too weak right now, so our priority is improving your strength. I'll assign daily training quotas — no rest or meals until you meet the requirements." Hyaku handed each of them a piece of paper.
The papers detailed their daily physical training requirements.
"Alright, go and follow these instructions." Hyaku waved his hand, dismissing them to begin training.
"Yes!"
Both acknowledged and withdrew.
" Ding! Congratulations for Host's first time guiding subordinates! Rewards: Rokkōgiri (Six Strikes)! "
After Coby and Helmeppo left, the system's reward notification appeared, and related information flowed into Hyaku's mind.
Rokkōgiri, or Six Strikes — a sword technique version of the Rokushiki (Six Powers).
True to its name, it instantly concentrates all bodily explosive force into the hands, delivering six consecutive strikes in rapid succession. Enhanced by the technique, these strikes are faster and more powerful than normal slashes.
The system indicated that when mastery reaches 100%, more combination techniques would become available.
After reading the system prompt, Hyaku smiled with delight. He had already gained a new technique just from recruiting Coby and Helmeppo.
This made him even more excited about future rewards.
✣✣✣✣✣✣✣✣✣✣
Early the next morning.
Hyaku and his group arrived at Jaya. After docking the battleship, he took only Coby and Helmeppo with him to Mock Town's central district.
Being his first visit to Jaya, Hyaku needed to find somewhere to gather information about Blackbeard.
The journey through town was quiet. When they reached the central district, they stopped in front of a bar called "Pub and Pies". In a place like Jaya where all sorts mingled, a bar with its constant flow of patrons was perfect for gathering information.
Information brokers often lurked in such establishments. For the right price, one could learn the latest news about anything happening on the island.
Bang!
Hyaku pushed open the bar's door and strode in with Coby and Helmeppo.
The moment they entered, he sensed something was wrong. The previously bustling bar fell dead silent.
The reason? The place was packed with pirates!
Their sudden appearance had stunned everyone — but only briefly. Upon noticing their recruit uniforms, the pirates erupted in laughter.
✣✣✣
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