A Talk and Upgrades

East Blue

Shimotsuki Village Island

Lapras finally returned to the island with Zoro and Rudeus.

"Well done Lapras, go back for now" Rudeus said as suddenly Lapras teleported to the system and vanished from the surrounding. Rudeus looked towards Zoro and said, "Now it's time for us to go back."

Zoro nodded in response.

Rudeus changed his clothes to his usual training attire and both of them started to move towards the village. Of course Rudeus took the lead otherwise he didn't knew where he would have ended up with Zoro taking the lead.

After walking for almost half an hour the village was in their range of vision and no matter how many times Rudeus saw this village he didn't know why but it gave him a feeling like never before.

Looking at all those houses, fields and hustle of people moving here and there, children playing; it was hard to imagine that this world had so many dark sides too. This was really one of the most peaceful islands out there. As they went inside the village they were greeted by various people around the street throughout their way.

They were famous because they helped the people by chasing away pirates off the port. Rudeus sometimes allow small-time pirates to make their way to the port as he didn't want to make his movements too suspicious, as previously he thought that although he didn't care much but he wanted to keep his ability hidden atleast till he became strong enough.

So no one except for Zoro knew about his abilities and due to being a very isolated island not many marines came to visit or even near the island.

As he was thinking, they finally arrived infront of the Dojo; it was only then he noticed someone waiting for them.

"Sensei wants to meet you" said the man pointing at Rudeus; the man was also one of the older trainees of the Dojo.

"I will take my leave" said Zoro as he went inside in the other direction while waving his hand.

Rudeus went inside with the man; it was not his first time meeting Koushirou-san, the great swordsman; he has talked with him a lot of times as he learned swordsmanship along with Zoro from him.

After passing through the practice room they finally reached a small room with a round table in the middle and a middle age man waiting for them while drinking tea.

"You are here Rudeus-kun, come let's have some tea" Koushirou-san said with a gentle smile as he poured some tea for him in another cup.

The man who came with Rudeus left as he went inside; Rudeus bowed before sitting near the table. Looking at the man, Rudeus felt as if this sensei of his was always gentle and calm when taking to everyone and gave a feeling that he would not even harm an ant.

"Sensei, you want to discuss something" Rudeus asked as he felt that his sensei was hesitating to tell something.

"Sigh, Rudeus-kun you are really a smart and mature kid for someone of your age" Koushirou-san said with a smile.

Rudeus waited as his sensei started to speak again; "I really don't know how you will feel if I say this but Rudeus-kun, you should have already realised that your talent in swordsmanship cannot reach Zoro's level."

This time Rudeus was really puzzled to hear this as he didn't know why his sensei would say something like this. Even though he was weaker than Zoro, which everyone was in the Dojo as a matter of fact but never ever Koushirou-san said this to anyone.

Looking at Rudeus puzzled expression Koushirou-san explained; "I know you are surprised to hear this, it may feel like I am de-motivating you but if I have to say this seriously, I'm truly grateful to you. You see, after Kuina's passed away Zoro became more like a son to me and looking at him depressed by Kuina's death, I was worried that he would either lose his passion for training or become a cold blooded swordsman, but that changed only after you arrived and challenged him"

Rudeus was speechless hearing this, he didn't remember something like this from the anime 'was it because it was a real world' he thought.

"You may not know this but Zoro is a special kid and I'm grateful to you for becoming his friend and helping him. As for why I said those rough words, Rudeus-kun there are many people in this world who chase after things that they are not build to do than things they could do better and you are a smart and talented kid, I really don't want you to chase after something you can't achieve" Koushirou-san finished as he sipped some tea from the cup.

Rudeus took a deep breath and said; "Sensei, I realised that I couldn't match someone like Zoro in pure swordsmanship long ago. To tell you the truth I never really wanted to be something like the strongest swordsman, I just wanted to learn it to move forward with my dream."

Koushirou-san showed a surprised expression then he suddenly laughed, "Haha, looks like I was worried for nothing, so Rudeus-kun would like to tell me about this dream of yours."

"I want to be the Greatest Adventurer this world has ever seen and see everything this world has to offer" Rudeus said with an excited expression.

"Greatest Adventurer, not a bad dream but thus that mean you want to associate with pirates" Koushirou-san asked with great interest.

"I haven't thought about it till now but if that is what it takes to achieve my dream than I'm fine even with becoming a pirate" Rudeus said with a determined look.

Koushirou-san looking at Rudeus smiled and they continued to have some light talk. After another half an hour Rudeus left the room leaving Koushirou-san alone in the room.

'Greatest Adventurer you say, but why do I see bottomless ambition in those eyes, just don't fall into that pit' Koushirou-san sighed as he thought.

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Rudeus reached his small house obviously without being aware of what his sensei was thinking. After reaching his house he directly went to take a bath, today was an ordinary day as always until he met his sensei. Somehow he didn't feel comfortable how Koushirou-san spoke to him as if he was trying to keep him away from swordsmanship.

After changing his clothes he sat down to meditate and do mental exercises. After almost 3 hours he heard a familiar sound.

Ding!

{System has been updated}

Rudeus's concentration broke as he said "System can update?"

{Host has surpassed the 50 MP thresholds leading the system to update.}

"So what are new things and abilities available?"

{System Shop has been updated with new materials available in distinctive grouping, new materials available such as: raw ore, tools and weapons etc.

Due to surpassing the 50 MP thresholds, the time limit on beast summons has been removed.

New Beast Space has been added with faster healing mechanism.

HM and TM are now available in system shop.

Now Host can also give summon contract to people closer to host.

Summon contract has been activated with Host being able to form a contract with beast outside the system.

Pokémon eggs are available in system shop.

.

.

.}

"Yosh! This really calls for a party so many new things available" Rudeus was jumping around with endless happiness. Finally he could see something even more exciting as a system holder.

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