"When it comes to conditions, part of them were already fulfilled when I came to this world. I will pursue the remaining goals myself. Thank you for your kindness. If there's anything I need help with, it's just understanding this world. Other than that… three meals a day will suffice."
Three meals a day? That seems way too low…
"Food, clothing, and shelter are things I should provide for you anyway. There's a room ready today; just lay out the bedding. The tavern opens the day after tomorrow, so tomorrow I'll take you out to familiarize yourself with the surroundings and buy some clothes and daily necessities. As for food, I'm not sure of your habits, but with Tom here, that shouldn't be a problem."
Zhang Da Ye rambled on, internally grateful to have Tom for the meals.
"About this world, most of it is ocean. People live scattered across islands. The world is divided into the East, South, West, and North Seas… Our location is…"
"Regarding the world powers, the World Government, founded 800 years ago, is the largest. It has over a hundred member nations, with the Navy and violent organizations like CIPHER-POL…"
Artoria listened quietly. Nobles, commoners, class divisions existed in her time too. Achieving merit and receiving honor through one's own ability seemed natural.
For instance, she respected the twenty kings who founded the World Government. But for the descendants, the Celestial Dragons, if they lived for pure pleasure, she would dislike them slightly. If they abused their privileges, she would utterly despise them.
"About pirates: many go to sea because they can't pay the exorbitant World Government taxes, some flee hardships in non-member nations, and some simply seek freedom or wealth. Among pirates, there are ruthless criminals and some who just enjoy treasure hunting and adventure."
"Twelve years ago, a pirate named Gol D. Roger found the legendary island 'Raftel'. Allegedly, he learned the world's truth there, though few know the details. Like the 'Void Century', it may be a World Government taboo. Whether it's good or bad, we can't judge."
"However, Roger's dying words spurred the Great Pirate Era, intensifying over the years. Perhaps only when the mystery is revealed can we judge his actions as right or wrong."
"In recent years, the Revolutionary Army has emerged, growing steadily. They hide their movements and encourage the oppressed to rise against the Celestial Dragons. Their leader, Monkey D. Dragon, is considered the most dangerous criminal by the World Government."
…
"1, 2, 3…"
Zhang Da Ye lifted dumbbells one by one in the courtyard. As for their origin—
[Tom's Fitness Dumbbells: Just a short workout gives the strength to battle Jerry's Big Cousin for one round.]
Tom did train briefly and punched Big Cousin, who retaliated in three stages and sent him flying.
Before transmigrating, Zhang Da Ye had suspected the inspiration for One Piece's Gear Third came from Tom and Jerry. Watching awakened Luffy fight Kaido confirmed it—straight out of Tom and Jerry!
After trying them, Zhang Da Ye realized the dumbbells were ordinary fitness tools; they didn't accelerate strength growth, but he used them anyway.
He didn't know much about fitness. In the pirate world, training was brutal but effective. Koby, with a slight baby fat, could start learning Navy Rokushiki after months of relentless training—ridiculous.
Artoria and Tom sat at the door, snacking on fruit while watching Zhang Da Ye lift dumbbells until his arms failed, frog-jump around the yard, and return to dumbbells when exhausted…
Artoria agreed to start teaching Zhang Da Ye swordsmanship tomorrow. She doubted his potential initially, but with such dedication, who knows?
Zhang Da Ye trained not only to grow stronger but also to charge energy. When he summoned Tom, all loot came from Tom's world. Now with Artoria, could he get Type-Moon world items? In other words, a new prize pool opened. Could he get a Noble Phantasm?
Not greedy—defensive NP: anything like Sevenfold Burning Heaven, offensive NP: even a Broken Sword would suffice.
After over an hour of exhausting work, reality was harsh.
[Congratulations: Saber's Tracksuit, Gilgamesh's Throne]
[Stored in inventory]
Artoria just finished her Fourth War, so why did he get a frying pan from the Fifth? Doesn't matter. The second item looked great!
Gilgamesh is the oldest king. His treasury holds the prototypes of all Noble Phantasms—of course, his items are valuable!
Zhang Da Ye eagerly checked his inventory:
[Gilgamesh's Throne: A streetlamp stepped on by Gilgamesh upon appearance. Broken now, but for those who revere the oldest king, it's as valuable as a throne. Consider yourself lucky, amateur!]
Lucky, huh? After all the anticipation, this?
Zhang Da Ye threw the lamp down and kicked it, hopping on one foot in pain.
Artoria took a small slice of apple, chewed delicately, and looked at Tom: "What's wrong with Da Ye?"
Tom shrugged, signaling he didn't know why he was acting crazy.
When Zhang Da Ye calmed and resumed his workout, they returned to enjoying their fruit in peace.
He trained until his legs gave out. Artoria and Tom had gone through multiple fruit platters.
"You two really know how to enjoy…" Zhang Da Ye felt like a freshman in military training, watching upperclassmen eat ice cream.
Tom peeled the last orange and handed it to him.
Zhang Da Ye felt a little comforted and split the orange into three portions for them.