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When Uchiha Jiri heard the first part of what Kaito said, she nodded in agreement. But as soon as she caught the last sentence, she looked at Kaito with an amused expression.
"So, who do you think is worthy of your sister Mikoto?"
"Of course, it's me... Uh..."
Uchiha Kaito blurted out his thoughts before suddenly realizing what he had said.
His face turned red with embarrassment as he glanced at his mother, meeting her teasing gaze. He coughed awkwardly.
"Ahem! Anyway, Fugaku isn't good enough for Sister Mikoto, right? Mom, don't you agree?"
"You!"
Jiri laughed at Kaito's attempt to dodge and shift the topic. She playfully tapped his forehead with a finger and teased him, "I didn't expect you to be such a little rascal at your age!"
"You're already eyeing your Sister Mikoto so early on."
"Still, you're right. Fugaku truly isn't worthy of Mikoto."
"Besides, from the future you described, it seems you didn't awaken your potential and there was no me or you in that timeline."
"Now that our fates have changed, the future is naturally different!"
"So, I support you marrying Mikoto in the future!"
"Moreover, I plan to groom you to become the next head of the Uchiha clan!"
"From now on, you'll need to work hard—not just to improve your strength but also to establish your authority within the clan."
"I'll be by your side to help with that. Keep it up!"
Jiri didn't mind her son being a bit cheeky. After all, he was her child.
In fact, she'd be thrilled if he married multiple wives and had many children, expanding the family line.
---
Over the next two days, Kaito mostly stayed on the ship. He alternated between training with the meat of Sea Kings to enhance his body and copying medical books. He also practiced the Uchiha meditation technique Jiri had brought him.
Perhaps because of his two lives, his soul and mental strength far surpassed those of his peers. His memory and comprehension were also exceptional.
On the very day he got the technique, he managed to grasp its basics after a few attempts.
He even successfully recorded it into his Heaven Rewards Diligence talent panel.
With this system, further progress became much easier.
---
Two days later, the group successfully arrived at a port in Area 13 of the Sabaody Archipelago.
There, they met Shakky and Rayleigh, who had been waiting for them.
"Congratulations on your safe return!"
As soon as the ship docked, Shakky and Rayleigh boarded. After greeting the crew leader, they turned to Jiri and Kaito.
"You must be Uchiha Jiri and Uchiha Kaito, who saved our Kuja Pirates. On behalf of Amazon Lily, I thank you!"
"I'm aware of what Naki promised you!"
"Sending you to Drum Island isn't enough to repay your kindness!"
"If you have any requests, don't hesitate to let me know. As long as it's not too much, I'll do my best to fulfill it."
"Additionally, I have access to a lot of information. If there's anything you'd like to know, feel free to ask. I'll provide it to you free of charge!"
"Once again, thank you!"
If Jiri hadn't shown up in time, Shakky couldn't imagine the devastation the Kuja Pirates might have faced.
There was a real possibility that Hancock and her sisters would have been captured by those despicable slave traders and sold to the Celestial Dragons.
If that had happened, the consequences would have been unthinkable. Hancock was a candidate for the next Empress of Amazon Lily. Her safety was paramount.
"You're too kind! It was merely a coincidence, and we acted on impulse," Jiri said modestly, smiling.
"No!"
Shakky shook her head firmly. "A favor is a favor! That's non-negotiable. Please make your request. If you haven't thought of one yet, you can come to me anytime to redeem it."
"Haha!"
At this moment, Rayleigh laughed, patting Shakky's shoulder. "Alright! There's no rush for that. This isn't the place to talk. Why don't we all head back to the shop first?"
He glanced at Jiri, seeking her opinion.
"Sure! We'd be imposing, but thank you," Jiri agreed without hesitation.
Soon, the group arrived at Shakky's establishment.
Upon seeing the signboard labeled Shakky's Rip-off Bar, Jiri blinked in mild surprise and instinctively glanced at Shakky.
Shakky: "..."
"Ahaha!"
Though embarrassed for a moment under Jiri's gaze, Shakky quickly recovered with a chuckle and waved it off. "You know how it is! This place is full of shady characters, pirates, and scoundrels. A name like this adds to the intimidation factor."
"Uh-huh!"
Jiri and Kaito nodded in unison, feigning belief.
With the awkward moment behind her, Shakky welcomed the mother and son into the shop, offering drinks, juice, and cake.
She then asked, "I heard you're heading to Drum Island for medical treatment. Would you like me to recommend a skilled doctor?"
"I know an excellent one who might be able to help with your condition."
Both Jiri and Kaito's health issues were apparent to anyone observant.
In Shakky and Rayleigh's eyes, even though Jiri was a formidable fighter who had defeated pirates worth over 100 million berries, her vitality and physique seemed unusually fragile.
They could sense a strange energy within her, which they assumed contributed to her strength. But out of respect, neither Shakky nor Rayleigh inquired further. It would've been impolite.
"Not for now," Kaito spoke up before Jiri could reply. "We plan to consult Drum Island's witch, Dr. Kureha, first."
"She should be able to address my and my mom's issues. If not, we'll come back and trouble you."
"Oh?"
Shakky and Rayleigh exchanged surprised looks at Kaito taking the initiative.
"The witch Dr. Kureha? I know of her!" Shakky nodded. "Her medical skills are indeed exceptional—perhaps even superior to Crocus in some ways."
"But she's not easy to approach. Without the right payment, she won't lift a finger. I hope you're prepared for that."
"Understood!" Kaito replied with confidence. "I've accounted for that."
"Good, then! I wish you success!" Shakky said with relief. "Now, have you decided on your reward? Please, don't decline."
"We've thought it through!"
This time, Kaito spoke up again, glancing at Shakky and then at Rayleigh.
"I'd like to use this favor, along with information about the Pirate King Roger's son, to trade for your training insights on the three forms of Haki, the Navy's Six Styles, and Life Return techniques. Is that acceptable?"
Rayleigh's eyes widened in shock.
"What?! Information about Roger's son? That guy actually has a child?"
He momentarily forgot to question how Kaito knew his true identity, utterly stunned by the revelation.
"Roger! You really keeps surprising me," Rayleigh muttered.
Shakky was equally astonished, her curiosity about Kaito growing. She also noticed that, since entering the shop, Kaito had taken the lead in decisions.
This shift in dynamics between the mother and son intrigued her even more.
.
.
.