SIX PATH SAGE OF THE ROCKS PIRATES

"Does the Host want to use the draw?"

"Sure!!!"

"Ding! Congratulations, Host! You have inherited the full set of Wind Style Rasengan techniques from the Hokage ninja world!"

"Rasengan? That's not a weak ability!"

In the Naruto world, the Rasengan was created by the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, after three years of studying the Tailed Beast Bomb. Known for its incredible destructive power, the Rasengan is unique because it evolves alongside its user's strength.

However, Kaito didn't need to train to master the Rasengan. Through the system's inheritance, he could instantly wield all of its variations, though advanced techniques like the Sage Art: Rasengan remained inaccessible. Without Sage Mode, Kaito could only perform standard Rasengan techniques.

Even so, Kaito's inherited Rasengan was no ordinary ninjutsu—it was Grade A or higher in power.

As the system's energy flowed through Kaito's body, he instinctively understood how to use the Rasengan. Unlike the Hokage ninja world, where chakra was essential, the system had adapted the mechanics to the One Piece universe. Here, physical stamina replaced chakra as the energy source for ninjutsu.

In a word, the system was ingenious.

After a few seconds, Kaito had fully inherited all Rasengan techniques. His strength skyrocketed, multiplying several times over. The system then displayed his updated attributes:

Host: Kaito

Abilities:

Armament Haki (920/1000)

Observation Haki (920/1000)

Conqueror's Haki (800/1000)

Special Ability:

Sage Body (20/2000) (Mid-tier. Progress points can be earned through training or combat.)

Ninjutsu:

All Rasengan variants (standard techniques only).

Unlocked Powers:

Sage Eye: Not enabled (requires Sage Body advancement).

Tailed Beast:

One-Tail: Unlocked

Techniques: Tailed Beast Bomb, Nine-Tails Chakra Mode, Kurama Mode.

(Note: Sacrificing Devil Fruits to the Nine-Tails unlocks greater power.)

After reviewing the changes, Kaito closed the attribute panel. His Rasengan's power now scaled with his physical strength, eliminating the need for cultivation. However, advancing his Sage Body required significant effort—progressing from 1000 to 2000 points would be a challenge. Fortunately, Kaito was aboard the Rocks Pirates' ship, a perfect environment for honing his skills.

Standing in his cabin, Kaito considered testing the Rasengan but hesitated. Its power was too overwhelming; one misstep could destroy the entire room. Instead, he decided to train to expedite his Sage Body's progress.

Time passed, and night fell. Kaito, drenched in sweat, exhaled heavily after hours of relentless training.

"Ding! Congratulations, Host! You have gained 2 progress points for Sage Body."

The training had proven fruitful—Kaito could feel his progress, albeit modest. Like Jiraiya honing Naruto's Sage Mode, every small gain contributed to the larger picture. Even the tiniest step forward could eventually bridge the gap between mediocrity and mastery.

"Even mosquitoes are still meat, no matter how small," Kaito muttered, recalling an old saying he had once heard. In his case, every moment of training not only improved his mastery over his fledgling Sage-like abilities but also subtly strengthened his physical and mental resilience.

After wrapping up his intense regimen, Kaito headed to the private bathroom in his quarters. This was a luxury afforded only to cadres within the infamous Rocks Pirates. Regular crew members, including rising stars like Kaido, had to make do with the sea or the crowded public baths.

Standing beneath the hot water, Kaito let out a sigh of relief. The tension in his muscles melted away, much like Naruto's exhaustion after grueling taijutsu practice with Might Guy.

"I could get used to this," Kaito thought, recalling his humble beginnings as a lone wanderer, far removed from the high stakes and camaraderie of the Rocks Pirates.

Once refreshed, Kaito retired to his quarters, hoping for a quiet night. However, just as his eyes began to close:

Bang! Bang! Bang!

The sharp sound of knocking echoed through the room.

"Who is it?" Kaito asked, his voice laced with fatigue.

"Master Kaito," came the respectful reply from a pirate outside the door. "Captain Rocks wants you at the bow. He has something important to discuss."

Kaito's eyes snapped open as realization dawned. Rocks had mentioned this meeting earlier that morning, but in the whirlwind of training and recovery, he had forgotten. Dressing quickly, he stepped into the corridor, curiosity gnawing at him.

"What could Rocks want with me after just a single day aboard?" Kaito wondered. While his sparring match with the Golden Lion had garnered attention—he had even managed to injure Shiki twice—Kaito knew better than to let it inflate his ego. Shiki had barely been trying, and his injuries were more a result of carelessness than any real threat Kaito posed.

"Strength-wise, I'm not weak, but I'm far from being a true contender among monsters like Shiki, Big Mom, or Kaido," he mused. Rocks, however, was a different breed entirely. As the unchallenged captain of the Rocks Pirates, his power was legendary, rivaling even that of a future Pirate King. What interest could someone like him have in a rookie like Kaito?

Lost in thought, Kaito barely noticed when he reached the deck. The moon hung high, its pale light casting an ethereal glow over the ship. The deck was eerily quiet, save for the sound of waves lapping against the hull. At the bow stood a towering figure, his broad back unmistakable. Rocks D. Xebec.

Kaito hesitated, taking a moment to gather his composure. The captain's mere presence exuded a pressure reminiscent of Hashirama Senju's aura—a power that demanded both fear and respect.

"Tread. Tread. Tread."

Each step Kaito took echoed across the wooden deck. As he approached, Rocks turned slightly, his piercing eyes locking onto Kaito.

"Captain Rocks, you summoned me?" Kaito asked, his voice steady despite the tension in the air.

Rocks smirked, the moonlight catching the scar on his cheek. Instead of answering, he posed a question that caught Kaito off guard.

"Kaito, why did you become a pirate?"

Kaito blinked, stunned into silence. It was a simple question, yet one he hadn't truly considered. Like Naruto, who initially sought acknowledgment but later found purpose in protecting his friends, Kaito's journey lacked a clear destination. He had neither dreamed of being a pirate nor aspired to join the Marines.

"I... I don't know," he admitted after a moment.

Rocks chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound that carried across the deck. "Figure it out," he said, his tone both commanding and cryptic. "Purpose drives strength, and without it, you'll crumble like so many before you."

The captain's words struck Kaito like a blow, leaving him with more questions than answers. As Rocks turned back to face the horizon, Kaito could only stand there, the weight of his captain's expectations settling heavily on his shoulders.