Chapter 35: Two-tomoe and a New Journey
On the vast, boundless blue sea, the sea breeze billowed against the brand-new sails.
The going merry, like a nimble white sheep, cut through the waves and sailed smoothly.
Inside the cabin, Tatsuya was lying on a comfortable bed, his consciousness immersed as he skillfully swiped through the system shop interface.
Looking at the balance displayed in the bottom right corner, the corners of Tatsuya's mouth curled up slightly.
"2400 Ninja Points... that's a huge sum."
After the series of fierce battles in Syrup Village, he was finally wealthy again; it was time for another spending spree.
His gaze swept over a dazzling array of Ninjutsu.
[Water Style: Water Dragon Jutsu] B-rank Ninjutsu. Exchange price: 1200 Ninja Points.
[Chidori] A-rank Ninjutsu. Exchange price: 2000 Ninja Points.
[Water Release: Water Prison Jutsu] C-rank Ninjutsu. Exchange price: 600 Ninja Points.
His gaze finally settled on the option he had been longing for.
"Exchange."
[Ding! Consumed 2000 Ninja Points to exchange for Sharingan Advancement: Two-tomoe.]
This time, the strengthening process wasn't as easy and relaxed as purchasing Ninjutsu before.
As the system light flickered, a searing, almost stinging energy instantly flooded into his eyes.
"Hiss..."
Tatsuya clutched his eyes, unable to stop a low cry of pain from escaping as his body arched slightly on the bed.
It felt as if someone was using a red-hot iron to carve into his nerves.
Fortunately, this intense pain came and went quickly.
A moment later, the pain receded like a tide, replaced by an unprecedented sense of clarity and power.
Tatsuya slowly lowered his hands and opened his eyes.
His originally black pupils instantly turned crimson, and within that blood-colored iris...
...two black tomoe were connected head-to-tail, slowly rotating and emitting a heart-palpitating, eerie glow.
Two-tomoe Sharingan, awakened!
This meant the abilities of his Eye of Insight and Eye of Hypnotism would undergo a qualitative leap.
"There are still quite a few points left..."
In a great mood, Tatsuya carefully selected a few more items from the shop.
Eventually, he spent 400 points to exchange for [Fire Style: Phoenix Sage Fire Jutsu].
After all, a multi-target Ninjutsu like Phoenix Sage Fire, which allows for trajectory control, might be more effective for clearing out fodder.
Just as Tatsuya was still planning his future Ninjutsu path, a rapid knocking on the door interrupted his thoughts.
"Knock, knock, knock!!"
"Hey! Tatsuya! Stop sleeping! How can you sleep until now?!"
It was Nami's voice; she seemed to have some urgent business as she pounded frantically on the door.
Tatsuya sighed helplessly, the red light in his eyes fading away, and opened the door with a face full of black lines.
"What is it? Miss Navigator, disturbing someone's peaceful sleep is a serious crime."
"Cut the crap! Come with me, quick!"
Without another word, Nami grabbed his arm and forcibly dragged him to the spacious deck.
As soon as they entered, a 'lively' atmosphere hit him.
Luffy was lying on the floor, enthusiastically painting on a piece of black cloth, his face covered in paint.
Zoro was lying in a corner of the cabin, hugging his swords and sleeping soundly.
Meanwhile, Usopp stood at the bow, waving a wooden sword and loudly commanding a 'great war' that only he could see.
"All hands, hear my command! Hard to port! Intercept the Sea Kings! I am the great Captain Usopp!!"
Tatsuya looked at the helpless gaze Nami sent his way and finally understood why she had called him out—
...none of these guys were reliable.
"Here, look at this."
Nami handed him a yellowed nautical chart, her finger pointing at an isolated island as her eyes sparkled.
"According to the chart, there's a legendary 'Treasure Island' nearby! It's said to hide countless treasures!"
"Treasure Island?"
Tatsuya glanced at the chart, understanding immediately.
This should be the Rare Animal Island from the original story, the island where Gaimon, the chest man, lives.
Thinking of those strange-looking Rare Animals from the original work, like the pig-lion hybrid...
Tatsuya rubbed his chin, a glimmer of interest flashing in his eyes.
"If it's not all treasure, those Rare Animals... I wonder how they taste."
If he could tame one, or catch a few as emergency food, it would be a good choice.
"Ah..."
Tatsuya was about to respond to Nami's dream of getting rich when Luffy suddenly laughed and held up his masterpiece.
"Hey! Hey! Everyone, look!"
With a face full of pride, Luffy held the messily painted black cloth over his head.
"Since we have five people now that Usopp has joined, it's time to have our own pirate flag! This is our symbol!"
Everyone looked closely.
On the black cloth was a drawing of a... distorted creature wearing a straw hat?
The skull was crooked, with one eye socket larger than the other; it looked like both a melting candle and a screaming vengeful spirit.
"Wow..."
Tatsuya's mouth twitched, and then he commented solemnly:
"Luffy, you actually have quite a talent for art."
This painting reminded him of a famous masterpiece from his previous life—'The Scream'.
That sense of distorted despair was expressed vividly.
"Hehehe! Right? It's pretty good, isn't it!" Luffy laughed even harder upon hearing Tatsuya's praise.
"Huh?"
Nami gave Tatsuya a strange look, then looked at the flag and couldn't help but complain:
"Whether it's the pattern or the skill, this can only be described as terrifying! If we hang a flag like this, we'll be mistaken for a ghost ship!"
Zoro, who had been woken up, glanced at it and sighed:
"A pirate flag is a symbol of death and fear, but people will die laughing when they see ours. Luffy, spare that cloth."
"Hmph, looks like it's time for yours truly to step in."
Seeing this, Usopp immediately pointed a finger proudly, his face showing the confidence of a 'professional.'
"How could you not consult me about something like this? I've been studying painting on walls for a full fifty years!
"In this regard, no one on this sea can surpass me!"
"So cool! Fifty years!!" Luffy's eyes instantly lit up.
"Are you an idiot, Luffy!"
Nami reached her limit and punched him on the head. "He's only in his teens! Where would fifty years come from?!"
"Hmph, since you dare to doubt Captain Usopp, I'll show you what I can do!"
Ignoring Nami's complaint, Usopp snatched the brush and paint from Luffy's hand and got to work quickly on the floor.
*Swish, swish, swish!*
It had to be said, Usopp did have some talent in art.
Before long, the painting was finished.
Luffy and Zoro curiously held up the flag to show it off.
The group fell silent.
On the flag was a skull with a long nose and a bandana, holding a slingshot.
"You just drew yourself..." Zoro remarked dryly.
Tatsuya crossed his arms and said with a smile, "Usopp, if you had drawn me, I might have considered voting in favor for the sake of handsomeness."
"Bastard!"
Luffy stared intently at Usopp, then unceremoniously punched him on the head.
*Bang!*
"Are you an idiot! Who told you to draw your own pirate flag! I'm the Captain!"
The beaten Usopp clutched the large bump on his head, muttering complaints, but honestly picked up the brush again.
This time, he didn't mess around.
Soon, a pattern with smooth lines and perfect composition appeared before everyone: a skull wearing a straw hat with crossed bones behind it.
Although simple, it exuded a vibrant sense of adventure.
Tatsuya nodded, a hint of nostalgia appearing in his eyes.
This was the classic straw hat flag from his previous life.
"Not bad." Nami and Zoro also nodded in approval.
"Yosh!!"
Looking at the flag, Luffy laughed loudly and excitedly pointed at the mast outside.
"Usopp! Go paint this flag on our main sail too!"
"Oh! Leave it to me!"
Shortly after, the massive main sail was raised.
Watching the straw hat skull emblem fluttering in the wind, Luffy excitedly hugged Usopp.
"So amazing! Usopp! Did you really paint for fifty years?!"
"I told you I'm a genius artist! Hahaha!" Usopp stood with hands on his hips, getting carried away.
However, just then...
The originally clear sky suddenly darkened visibly, dark clouds rolled in, and an eerie mist spread across the sea.
The light grew dim, and in the waters ahead, the silhouette of a pitch-black island loomed indistinctly, giving off an oppressive feeling.
Watching the sudden change in weather, Nami suddenly slapped her forehead, her expression changing.
"Ah, I almost forgot the important thing!"
"That's the legendary Treasure Island. It's said that... anyone who approaches it will anger the gods and suffer divine punishment!"
"An-anger the gods?!"
The previously triumphant Usopp was instantly struck with terror; his body froze, and his teeth began to chatter.
"G-gods... those things are really scary!"
However...
Luffy pressed down on the straw hat on his head, his grin widening from ear to ear, with expectant stars in his eyes.
"Gods? Treasure? Rare Animals?"
He suddenly raised his fist and shouted:
"Yosh!! Set sail for Treasure Island!"
"I said it'll offend the gods!! Can't you understand human speech, you idiot!!"
Usopp's panicked roar echoed over the gloomy sea.