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Rowen, accompanied by Zoro and Usopp, quickly located the eccentrically behaving Jango within Syrup Village.
Before Rowen, Jango was like a helpless chick, completely unable to resist. Using information obtained from Jango, they subsequently located the Black Cat Pirates' hideout and dealt with them all.
The rest of the Black Cat Pirates were mere lackeys; some didn't even possess White Traits.
At most, the Meowban Brothers—Sham and Buchi—possessed Blue Traits, but these were utterly useless to Rowen.
Jango, however, did yield a Trait of Purple tier or higher for Rowen.
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Hypnotism (Pale Purple): Capable of hypnotizing others, stimulating their physical potential for a large increase in strength. Drawback: Loss of rational control.
——
After converting this Hypnotism Trait, Rowen obtained three Pale Purple Strength-type Upgrade Materials.
Apparently, abilities that directly boost combat power like this are also classified as Strength-type Traits.
Rowen was reasonably satisfied. Waste not, want not, after all.
Rowen immediately used these three Pale Purple Strength-type Upgrade Materials to further enhance his Superhuman Physique (Deep Purple).
Every little bit helps. Rowen's Superhuman Physique (Deep Purple) advanced another step towards the Apex Purple tier.
Using the three Pale Purple materials to enhance his Superhuman Physique (Deep Purple) left Rowen feeling somewhat hungry again.
However, since it was only an enhancement using Pale Purple materials, the resulting hunger wasn't overwhelming enough to require immediate eating.
Subsequently, Rowen had Zoro and Usopp tie up the defeated pirates and bring them back to Syrup Village, leaving their fate to the villagers.
This village wasn't wealthy, and turning these pirates in for bounty money could significantly improve the villagers' quality of life.
This was also why Rowen had brought Zoro and Usopp along to deal with the Black Cat Pirates—grunt work like capturing lackeys was best left to them.
And Rowen's motive for doing so?
——
—[Usopp feels immense gratitude and admiration for your actions. Bond increased. Trait equipping progress increased.]—
——
Rowen had already begun equipping Usopp's Anthem of Courage (Special) Trait.
Initially, Rowen had been concerned that equipping this Trait might also saddle him with Usopp's cowardice, which would be a terrible trade-off.
However, feedback from the System confirmed that Usopp's timid and negative personality was inherent to his nature, and equipping the Trait wouldn't transfer those negative side effects.
Thus, Rowen proceeded to equip the Trait.
This Anthem of Courage (Special) Trait might prove unexpectedly useful at a critical moment.
As for Slingshot Sniper (Pale Purple) and Inventor (Pale Purple), they held no value for Rowen, so he didn't bother equipping them.
Having dealt with these miscellaneous tasks, Rowen proceeded to eat another full meal—much to the astonishment of Zoro, the others, and even Luffy—to completely replenish his stamina.
Following Kaya's arrangements, Rowen and the others each selected a guest room, deciding to rest at the mansion for the night.
The Going Merry still required some final checks and minor adjustments.
Meanwhile, Usopp returned home to pack his belongings, preparing to set sail for the sea with Rowen and the crew.
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Inside Rowen's room.
Hooo... Haaa...
After a relaxing hot bath, Rowen leaned back against the headboard of his bed, cracking open the window slightly.
He focused, feeling the sea's energy carried on the breeze drifting in from outside, using Born of the Sea (Apex Gold) to continue 'digesting' his accumulated Disposition and strengthening his Conqueror's Haki.
While the Born of the Sea (Apex Gold) Trait made sailing remarkably comfortable for Rowen, relaxing on a soft bed while feeling the sea breeze was naturally even more enjoyable.
Combined with the fact that he was continuously strengthening his Conqueror's Haki, Rowen couldn't help but smile.
Knock~ Knock~ Knock~
Just then, a faint knocking sound came from the door.
"Hm?" Rowen opened his eyes. Who could be knocking at this time?
Though puzzled, Rowen still got up and walked towards the door.
Click!
Rowen opened the door and was slightly surprised by the person standing outside.
"Miss Kaya?"
Rowen looked at Kaya, then noticed the serving cart behind her, and immediately understood. The corner of his mouth twitched slightly.
"Mr. Rowen, you can just call me Kaya." Upon seeing Rowen, Kaya blushed slightly and then let out a small cough.
Her constitution was very delicate; the sea breeze drifting in from Rowen's slightly open window made her cough involuntarily.
"Then you can just call me Rowen too, Kaya." Rowen first closed the door slightly, preventing the sea breeze from blowing directly on Kaya, then spoke again.
"It's quite late, and you're not feeling well. Is there something you needed?" Seeing the serving cart behind her, Rowen had already guessed Kaya's intention.
"I was worried you might still be hungry, Rowen, so..." Kaya blushed again, gesturing towards the serving cart beside her.
Rowen's appetite had stunned even Luffy; naturally, Kaya was astonished as well.
Crucially, Rowen seemed to eat frequently. Kaya worried he might already be hungry again, so she had prepared some more food.
Her constitution being weak, Merry had helped her push the cart over. She then told Merry to rest before knocking on Rowen's door herself.
"You really shouldn't have gone to the trouble, Kaya." Rowen felt both amused and exasperated.
Possessing Superhuman Physique (Deep Purple), Rowen could actually control his normal food intake. To fuel daily activities, he didn't need to eat excessively.
He only needed to consume massive quantities of food when actively using Superhuman Physique (Deep Purple) to enhance his body, or after intense battles, similar to Luffy's pattern.
The reason Rowen had eaten such a terrifying amount earlier today was precisely because he had used the Upgrade Materials to enhance his Superhuman Physique (Deep Purple).
"Um, do you want to come in and rest a bit?" Seeing that Kaya didn't seem ready to leave just yet, Rowen slowly offered.
Kaya's constitution was too delicate; just standing outside the door for a short while seemed to visibly weaken her.
Rowen subtly glanced down the corridor, noticing a figure lurking faintly in the shadows.
It was Merry.
Apparently, he was also worried about Kaya coming here alone.
And since Kaya hadn't let Merry accompany her, it seemed visiting Rowen was purely Kaya's own decision.
"Then... excuse me for intruding." Kaya hesitated for a moment, then, blushing slightly and lowering her head, she accepted softly.
Although unsure of Kaya's exact reason for visiting, if a young lady like her wasn't afraid, what did he have to fear?
Rowen pulled the serving cart into the room, then quickly closed the window he had left open.
Once the window was closed, Kaya slowly entered and took a seat on the chair inside the room.
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