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A gust of wind swept through, clearing the dust and mist that had covered the sky over Kokuyo Junior High School. It revealed a battlefield that looked like it had been bombarded by a barrage of missiles.
Several professional assassins, hired for the mission, had long fled the battlefield's center when Growlithe and Mukuro began their fight.
Amid the ruins, only a large dog remained, gradually shrinking in size. Next to it stood Ace, the world investigator, his upper body bare.
"You've held up pretty well," Ace remarked, a satisfied smile playing on his lips as he glanced at the crater where Mukuro had fallen.
He took a step forward, extending his clean hand to the ground. With a sudden yank, he pulled Mukuro's unconscious body from the wreckage.
Mukuro had long since lost the composed and calculating demeanor of a mastermind. His body was covered in wounds, and his clothes were in tatters.
At that moment, Ace couldn't help but marvel at Leo's miraculous abilities.
If Leo were here, he could restore Mukuro's body to its pre-battle state in an instant.
Unfortunately, Ace did not possess such power.
"Hey, you're still conscious, right?"
"Pwack…"
With two quick slaps, Ace hit Mukuro's face, trying to wake him physically.
At the same time, he reviewed the new item information.
[Name: Eye of Six Paths Reincarnation]
[Source: Hitman Reborn]
[Effect: Master the power of the Six Paths of Reincarnation.]
[Appraisal Value: 5000 points]
Ace was no stranger to the power of the Eye of Six Paths. Moments ago, Mukuro had demonstrated its full potential.
However, despite its impressive evaluation of 5000 points, Ace wasn't too impressed.
The ability to place one's soul into any living being seemed god-like, but it was only effective against ordinary people. Against someone truly powerful, it was virtually useless.
If the user's soul wasn't strong enough, they could even suffer a backlash. The strongest force of the Six Paths, the Human Path, derived its power from accumulating and extracting evil human thoughts over time. But in situations requiring continuous, high-intensity combat, it was practically worthless.
Perhaps this was why the higher-ups at the Chamber of Commerce didn't regard the powers of the Hitman Reborn very highly.
Sighing inwardly, Ace watched as Mukuro slowly regained consciousness. He carefully placed him on a stone platform nearby, as though nothing had happened.
"Now, Mr. Mukuro," Ace said softly, smiling, "Can we have a proper chat?"
"You..." Mukuro's expression faltered as he opened his eyes groggily, still reeling from his earlier defeat.
After a few seconds, he struggled to his feet, instinctively taking a step back. Looking at Ace, he asked seriously, "Who are you?"
"Me?" Ace replied with a faint smile. "I'm Portgas D. Ace. I used to be a pirate, but now..." He paused for a moment, his grin widening. "Now, I'm a world investigator for the Transdimensional Chamber of Commerce."
"A world investigator!?" Mukuro's confusion didn't lessen with Ace's answer. Still, sensing that Ace had no hostile intent, his guard relaxed slightly.
Ace continued, "A world investigator is, in simple terms, someone who follows the orders of the Transdimensional Chamber of Commerce and travels across worlds to investigate their details."
"Wait... wait!!!" Mukuro suddenly clutched his left eye, stepping back as though a splitting headache had struck. "Are you telling me... you're not from our world?! You're from some organization called the Transdimensional Chamber of Commerce?!"
Even though Mukuro had always prided himself on his composure, the revelation hit him hard. It took all his self-control to keep his emotions in check.
But Ace, unconcerned with his reaction, calmly affirmed, "Yes, that's correct."
With a sigh, Ace added, "It's always easier talking to smart people."
"....."
"....."
Mukuro's fingers trembled slightly as he struggled to maintain his composure. If it weren't for the fact that he was a near invincible entity himself, it would've been difficult to accept what Ace had just told him.
Yet, based on his recent experiences with Ace, along with the investigator's demeanor, he had no choice but to admit... that everything Ace said was true.
"No! But this still doesn't make sense!"
After reluctantly admitting that Ace might have a more transcendent status than himself, Mukuro calmed down. His eyes flickered as he observed Ace, and then he quietly asked:
"Why would someone of your standing become Vongola's tutor?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Ace replied, his gaze lifting to reveal eyes as deep as the night sky. Pointing to his head with a smile, he said, "Because being by Tsuna's side lets me understand this world more clearly."
Clapping his hands suddenly, Ace refocused the conversation.
"I'm not going to waste time with you," he continued. "The truth is, both a certain individual and I believe that the potential of your world is far greater than this, so we're planning to reshape it."
He smiled as he added, "And Tsuna... he's the anchor I found in this world."
"In Tsuna, I saw the possibility to evolve this world. That's why I became his tutor and came here," Ace explained, though he didn't fully disclose the Chamber of Commerce's mission. Instead, he framed it in a different light.
"You can either accept or reject this transformation," Ace said plainly. "But if possible, I'd like your help in completing this task."
"After all..." His voice softened. "I don't want to disappoint that certain someone."
Mukuro fell silent again, staring into Ace's sincere eyes. He couldn't fathom who this mysterious person was that could command such respect from someone like Ace.
Recalling their previous conversation in the teaching building, Mukuro suddenly realized... this might be an opportunity beyond his wildest imagination.
"What do you need me to do?" Mukuro asked without hesitation, having processed everything.
"It's quite simple." Ace extended his hands, making a snapping motion with his fingers.
'Snap!'
A sharp sound echoed as a mysterious interface suddenly appeared in Mukuro's mind. It was the trading system interface Leo had created back in the pirate world!
A flood of information about the transaction flowed into Mukuro's memory, fully convincing him that Ace indeed came from another world.
"Is this... a dimensional transaction?"
Mukuro quickly immersed himself in the system, familiarizing himself with its details. Despite being an escaped convict hiding in Japan, he had managed to control several small mafia families over the years with the power of the Six Paths, amassing considerable wealth.
Additionally, he still had hidden assets from the Estraneo family, giving him the means to participate in a dimensional trade.
This was precisely why Leo had directed Ace to find Mukuro.
Soon, as guns, ammunition, and gold disappeared from a hidden warehouse in Italy, a unique Rotom mobile phone materialized in front of Mukuro.
In this era, smartphones hadn't fully developed yet, so seeing the mobile Rotom for the first time left Mukuro quietly astonished.
Based on the information in his memory, Mukuro realized that this mysterious figure connected to his world controlled a place called the Pokémon World, where Pokémon could be bought and sold as commodities. He could also acquire special items from the 'One Piece' world.
However, before making any purchases, he had to check how many points he had earned from his belongings.
Tapping the Rotom screen, an information interface popped up before Mukuro:
[Name: Mukuro Rokudo]
[VIP Level: 2]
[VIP Experience: 3000/10000]
[Current Points: 3000]
"Three thousand points? Not a bad start," Ace said approvingly as he glanced at the Rotom screen.
In the pirate world, where Bailey couldn't be traded anymore, 3,000 points was the equivalent of two regular Devil Fruits—a decent accumulation of wealth over the years. But compared to families like Vongola, who casually dealt in special orders and ten-year bazooka, it seemed meager.
Of course, in a world like this, where pure force wasn't supreme, 3,000 points could still go a long way. This world was more about structure—its people and nations shaped the rhythm of life. The mafias here, including upstarts like Tsuna, were merely underground players causing minor disturbances.
But that was fine too.
At least it meant people here lived a more peaceful and safer life compared to the chaotic pirate world.
"Alright, now that you've redeemed enough points, let's proceed with the transaction," Ace said, patting Mukuro's shoulder. Although he tried to appear as composed as Leo when handling deals, Ace's personality made it difficult to hide his excitement.
After all...
This was the first time in his life conducting a dimensional transaction for someone else! And it might just be the only time!
Who knew when a world investigator like him would get trading authority again?
Despite trying to restrain himself, Ace's eyes gleamed with excitement. On the other hand, Mukuro, though a first-time trader, remained more composed.
Raising his head, he returned to his usual noble and arrogant demeanor. Smiling at Ace, he said, "In that case, help me choose a Pokémon that suits me."
After witnessing Growlithe's power, Mukuro, like many others, developed a strong desire for Pokémon abilities.
"Hahaha! Easy enough!" Ace laughed, quickly opening the information Leo had prepared in his mind.
'Snap!'
With the sound of a finger snap, Mukuro's Rotom phone screen lit up instantly, signaling new information.
Mukuro picked up the Rotom phone, and on the screen, a small, strange black crow appeared.
[Pokémon: Murkrow]
[Type: Dark, Flying]
[Ability: Insomnia]
[Level: 15]
[Sale Price: 1500 Points]
"Murkrow?"
As he looked at the little creature with what seemed like a wizard's hat, Mukuro's eyes sparkled with excitement.
After witnessing the power of Growlithe, he knew better than to be fooled by a Pokémon's cute appearance. According to the information he'd absorbed, a level 15 Pokémon was already comparable in strength to when he first tapped into the power of the human realm and unlocked his full potential!
For only half his wealth, he could obtain such a powerful partner in battle...
Dimensional trading was truly remarkable!
Without hesitation, Mukuro nodded and decided to redeem the Pokémon displayed on the screen.
A flash of white light appeared, and suddenly, a red-and-white Pokéball materialized in Mukuro's hand. Since it was drawn directly from the system, uncontaminated by the aura of another world, Murkrow's strength remained intact.
However, acquiring Murkrow wasn't the end of the deal.
Mukuro raised his head once more. He knew full well that Ace's true purpose wasn't simply to conduct dimensional transactions with him—Ace wanted to use him to create a formidable opponent for the Vongola future Jūdaime!
Mukuro could clearly distinguish the primary objective here, so he agreed to Ace's arrangement without the slightest hesitation.
Now, with 1500 points still remaining, Mukuro believed Ace would provide further advice.
He turned to Ace, who smiled and said, "Now that your Pokémon is settled, for the next transaction, I suggest you use the remaining points to acquire some enhancements for yourself and your men. This will greatly improve your combat capabilities."
"Of course, I'll leave it to Sir Ace's expertise!" Mukuro replied, looking up at him with trust.
The two exchanged knowing smiles, understanding each other perfectly.
Feeling a sense of satisfaction with Mukuro's swift progress, Ace snapped his fingers once again, transmitting the prepared list of items to Mukuro's Rotom phone.
Cultivating Tsuna alone wouldn't be enough to elevate this world's power level. Therefore, in addition to Tsuna's primary opponent, Mukuro, Ace needed to strengthen Hayato and Takeshi's adversaries as well. This way, the upcoming battles would be much more intriguing.
Based on the abilities of Ken and Chikusa, Ace prepared specific enhancements: Armament Haki and Observation Haki, along with a Navy Six-Style skills package.
Everything totaled exactly 1,500 points.
Although neither Ken nor Chikusa were particularly strong at present, with the power of these abilities, they would soon far surpass the current Hell Ring Temple combatants.
Ace hoped that once Tsuna and the others learned of his efforts, they would appreciate his intentions.
...
...
Meanwhile, after reading the details about the dual Haki techniques and the Navy Six-Style, Mukuro was once again struck by the sheer vastness of the world outside his own.
Armament Haki transformed one's energy and life force into an external armor, amplifying strength and providing defensive capabilities. In the hands of a skilled user, it could even be applied to weapons...
Wasn't this almost identical to the Shura Path and Human Path abilities within his Six Paths!?
Observation Haki, on the other hand, allowed one to predict an enemy's movements and detect the presence of distant opponents...
It was remarkably similar to the Heavenly Path power of the Six Paths.
However, at higher levels, Observation Haki could even foresee the future—making it, in some ways, more potent than his Heavenly Path!
Even more astonishing was the fact that, according to the information, this dual Haki was a power that every strong individual in the 'One Piece' world was required to master proficiently!
In other words, the so-called pirate world was filled with countless people who possessed abilities comparable to the Six Paths!
"So, does that mean my control over the Six Paths is this... insignificant?"
As Mukuro watched Ace infuse Ken and Chikusa with these incredible powers, a new plan began forming in his mind...