I Will Become Hokage in One Piece

Chapter 32: Restricted

As Rodney pondered over it, he couldn't help but refrain from asking at the moment because Nami and Nojiko were still present.

Nami asked, "Mr. Rodney, how is your body?"

"It's alright. The treatment by Katsuyu was very effective, and my body is gradually recovering. The muscle soreness is fading, and my body is slowly being replenished. I'll be able to get up and walk in a little while."

He asked, "How are the villagers doing?"

"Everyone has reclaimed the treasure plundered by Arlong, and they are vigorously renovating the village. After all, their houses were destroyed before. We are planning to erect a statue in your honor, Mr. Rodney."

"A statue? I don't need that. I only came to eliminate Arlong. I also want to thank you for saving me. Otherwise, I might have been devoured by passing creatures." Rodney smiled and continued, "If you really want to repay me, you can do me a small favor."

"Oh? Is there a fee for this favor?" Nami greedily rubbed her fingers together, displaying her love for money.

"Wait, Nami..." Nojiko looked at her sister helplessly. She has been driven by a desire for money ever since she was a child. Alas...

"A fee? Yes, Arlong's bounty will be paid to you. It can be exchanged for ten or twenty million bellies. Should that be sufficient?"

"More than enough!" Nami nodded eagerly, her eyes transforming into the shape of bellies. After a moment of consideration, she added, "However, since you've helped everyone, I'll accept only half of it. By the way, Mr. Rodney, what do you want me to do for you?"

Finally, someone with a conscience...

Rodney said, "I intend to head directly to the Grand Line from here. I need you to guide me to Reverse Mountain."

"Grand Line? Are you planning to enter it now?" Nami contemplated the situation. 

Rodney had defeated both the Krieg Pirates and the Arlong Pirates, so he might not have any rivals left in the East Blue. It was only natural for him to venture into the Grand Line.

Rodney's response aligned with her thoughts, "There's no point in staying here any longer, Miss Nami. I know you're an excellent navigator, so I would like to ask for your assistance in guiding me to the entrance of Reverse Mountain, where people enter the Grand Line."

Upon hearing that he referred to her as an excellent navigator, Nami's pride swelled, and she smiled. However, she inquired, "Alone? How are you planning to navigate the current?" 

"Just walk over. Isn't it obvious?" 

Rodney can ignore the turbulent currents and walk on the walls of the mountain, so he doesn't need to worry about his own safety. He is probably the only one in the entire world who can do that.

"Oh? Right, you can walk on water, so there's no problem." Nami nodded and asked with a smile, "So when do you plan to set off?"

Nojiko shook her head and smiled, "It's alright, it's alright. You saved our village, so it's only right for us to help you. You can rest and heal your wounds here. Let's prepare lunch first."

With that, she walked out with her sister, allowing Rodney to focus on his recovery.

"Two gentle young ladies," Katsuyu remarked.

"Indeed. By the way, Katsuyu, I have a question for you." Rodney proceeded to share his previous speculation with Katsuyu.

After pondering for a moment, Katsuyu replied, "That won't be possible, Mr. Rodney. Your contract is quite unique. I don't know when you formed the contract with me, and I have no means of reverse summoning you. Moreover, this is my first time venturing into a different world with such abundant natural energy."

The habitats of summons like those in Shikkotsu Forest don't entirely align with the Naruto world. Usually, it is ninjas who form contracts with them and pass the contract down to their disciples, or it may be fortuitous ninjas who accidentally stumble upon them and, if they pass the test, can form a contract with these psychic beasts.

(Fragmented) Katsuyu, being a fragment of Katsuyu in Shikkotsu Forest, is aware that there are other worlds beyond their own. However, she has never traveled to another world, and Rodney summoning her here was a first for her.

"I see... But how should I go about learning Senjutsu(1) now?"

"Well...ninjas usually have to enter the Hidden Sage because the natural energy there is more abundant, making it easier for ninjas to experience it. The Sages typically remain within the sacred places. However, the natural energy in this world is very rich, more than twice as rich as in Tsunade-sama's(2) world. It can be considered a treasure."

That was good news. If the East Blue possesses such abundant natural energy, what about the Grand Line? What about the New World? For instance, the Sea Kings in those places are on a completely different level compared to the ones in East Blue.

Here, they are only several tens of meters long, while the deep-sea Sea Kings in the New World can reach several kilometers. The difference is like night and day. Therefore, there will be an ample supply of natural energy in those areas.

"By the way, Sister Slug, you mentioned Tsunade-sama earlier. Is she still the Fifth Hokage?"

(TL/N: Gonna be sticking with Sister Slug for now as she's the fragment of Katsuyu)

"No, Mr. Tsunade has already retired. Currently, the Sixth Hokage is in power in Konoha."

"Oh." In other words, the plot has progressed, and now Konoha is under the leadership of the Sixth Hokage. The era of the shinobi is coming to an end...

"In that case, can they be summoned?" If Tsunade can be reverse summoned through Sister Slug, she could come to his aid in case of injury.

The slug shook its head and replied, "I'm afraid that won't be possible, Mr. Rodney. Your contract is different from the one Tsunade-sama and others have. You cannot be reverse summoned, so I can only come here or return. To be honest, I'm not entirely sure how this contract came to be."

"Well... How should I put it, someone assisted in delivering your contract to me. And I am the only shinobi in this world. Sister Slug, would you be willing to be my spiritual beast?"

The tentacles of Sister Slug moved, and her voice sounded gentle, "Of course, Mr. Rodney. You are incredibly powerful, and I am also very intrigued by this world. After all, besides our world, I have never been to any other world. Such novel encounters are rare for someone who has lived as long as I have."

"Haha, thank you, Sister Slug."

"You're welcome."

With regained strength, Rodney stood up from the bed, although still feeling weak for a while, as if his body had been hollowed out.

'Damn it, I need a Tailed Beast chakra source…'

In a sense, his chakra was like a leaking vessel...

Sister Slug slowly climbed down from his body. Her slime-covered body left stains on his clothes. After all, she is a slug, and some mucus is to be expected. Seems like Nojiko and the others will have something to worry about.

"Huh? What's happening outside?" There was some commotion outside, so Rodney walked towards the window.

Looking through the orange grove, he saw a group of people gathered, seemingly engaged in an argument.

Hastily approaching footsteps echoed, and the door swung open. It was Nojiko, appearing flustered and nervously saying, "Mr. Rodney, the Marines are here. They are demanding that we hand you over! You need to leave!"

"Hand me over? Why?" Rodney was bewildered, unaware of what was happening.