I do not own 'One Piece' or 'The Gamer'
In the extermination of Flevance, a young boy is the lone survivor, camouflaging himself between dead bodies.
The Enclosure, Mariejois
It's been a week and I'm still trying to process everything.
The trio's arrival completely reassured me of where I am. All of this pointed to one guaranteed scenario.
Fisher Tiger's attack is imminent — it better damned be.
The Fishman would ultimately come and liberate us all from our predicament. The way everything would play out didn't precisely matter, only one thing did.
I nearly cried out an ocean in relief, but composed myself so as to not supply the old man with any more ammunition.
The likelihood of escaping just skyrocketed. Unless this is some horrible alternate universe, then I'm looking forward to getting out of here.
Nonetheless, this opened up a new dilemma.
My sights drifted back towards the siblings, noticing the younger two were sleeping as Hancock remained vigilant. They generally maintained a somewhat conservative posture, though it lessened partially when communicating with each other.
Everybody was put into a gigantic slavery pen around the size of a school's gymnasium. The primary doors were directed to where the colosseum was, leaving the rear opening that led towards a small room where I trained.
How was I going to approach them?
"There's that face again," Regi commented, scratching his scruffy beard. "You just can't quit doing it, can ya?."
"And you just can't quit getting into my business." I glanced at him, frowning deeply.
He just won't ever stop, I fear.
"What are you even looking at anyways?" His eyes skimmed around in the general vicinity, halting at a certain point. "Oh? Is it her?"
I cringed, catching the old man's nefarious smile.
This isn't going to be good.
"Don't tell me you've got the hots for the dark-haired one." He remarked, the smirk morphing into a wide grin.
Luckily no one seemed to witness the sheer embarrassment I'm enduring. My skin tone might be brown, but it's becoming unmistakably red by the second.
Regi laughed loudly, reading my face like a book — no way that isn't [Observation Haki]. His outburst provokes some of the others to glimpse over at the commotion.
Great, now people are fucking staring!
"Do ya need advice or something?" He questioned in the most sardonic way possible, "Trust me, I know several ways to woo a lass?"
I looked about, trying to determine how many individuals were actually watching, immediately making eye contact with practically everyone. Their gaze was one of curiosity and confusion, I blushed profusely.
And that's the last straw to break the camel's back.
I showed him with the most venomous-filled glare one could muster.
oooo
New Skill Gai–
oooo
'Shut up, game.'
The screen immediately vacated, leaving me to resume my glower.
Regi blinked twice, surprised at the turn of events. Nevertheless, I could tell he's more amused than anything close to being spooked.
"It's good to see that you've got yourself some backbone," His mouth curled upwards. "Although, I've felt much...much worse."
This guy…
"Did anyone ever tell you that you're an asshole?" I bemoaned.
"Of course," He lightly chuckled, "So how about you say what's really on your mind?"
From getting the enjoyment of embarrassing me in front of everyone to being very introspective. He's truly one of a kind specimen.
"I've never seen anyone around my age here," Glancing back towards the trio, Hancock was drifting in and out of falling asleep. She unquestionably didn't trust anyone here which is why she's been restless for so long.
"Ah, I get it now," Regi's scrutiny shifted between me and them. "You want to talk to them, don't ya?"
Straight to the point as always. Usually, I'd reply with something sparky, but I answered the question with a short nod.
"Camaraderie amongst youngsters," He snorted and shook his head, "Have I gotten too old and boring?"
I sighed, seeing him slightly teasing again.
"Umm, I just wanna talk to people my own age for once." Nobody I've seen has even been in their teens, the youngest is in her early thirties at best.
It just goes to question why I'm here.
Perhaps my performance might've prompted the sisters to be transferred from their initial location. It'd provide an explanation for why there aren't more people other than them.
Maybe Rosward just desired more prospective combatants and individuals from the Kuja tribe were the ideal solution to that matter.
"Well, ya want to know what I think," Regi advised, wrapping a hand around my shoulder. "I think you should let them be for now. They're obviously not in any position to talk to a random stranger."
I slumped partially, feeling rather agitated.
Maybe he's right in a way. It still hurt understanding there wasn't much that could be accomplished currently.
Twas the fate of a slave.
"Don't worry about it kiddo, you'll get an opportunity," He winked and nudged me a few times. "If ya know what I mean."
My face flushed significantly.
"You really are an asshole," I grunted as he ruffled my hair, annoying me even more. "Well, it's good to know that I've upgraded from 'brat'."
"You deserve that at the very least, mister sunshine," The old man snickered for a bit before settling down. "Speaking of the bare minimum."
He pivoted himself to me completely, sitting down cross-legged
"How about we play some of that 'tic-tac-toe' to pass the time?" Regi suggested, grinning as he usually does.
I started creating the lines on the ground to commence the game.
"Why do you sound like you'll have a chance against me?" The old fart didn't stand an inkling of a chance, "Eager to lose again?"
He cracked his knuckles and we prepared our match.
"We'll see about that."
So the remainder of the evening was us playing over and over again, not stopping for anything whatsoever.
And to be honest...that's perfectly fine by me.
The Enclosure's Second Room, Mariejois
"They updated everything in here," I commented, strolling into the training space I've constantly utilized.
"Well, I'll be damned." Regi let out a small whistle, "They've actually done their job for once in a lifetime."
The area had been transformed and cleaned much better than before.
Previously, the place was an absolute mess, filled with ripped sheets and uncared-for training weapons.
The apparent disarray had virtually become second-nature to us, which didn't impede our training that significantly.
Now, I could rightfully declare everything's in pristine condition as if it's brand-new. A bunch of things were included such as bench presses, treadmills, and dumbbells that hadn't been there formerly.
The whole debacle compelled me to speculate if Rosward was arranging something.
"I guess it makes sense why the housekeepers were around more often, maybe that's why?"
Adding the clock was presumed to be an unexpected act of empathy, but I reckon even that had an underlying purpose.
The majority of people's agendas just weren't in the good-nature of others, disregarding how the Straw Hats operated as they're blatant outliers.
"Seems so," Regi huffed, still scanning around. "Say, how about we spar with those new shinais?"
"I don't see why not."
The new facility reinforced my need to test everything out anyways. This is specifically one form of doing that.
"I'll go grab them while you stretch," He commented, heading towards the shelved-up training weapons.
I agreed and began doing as he instructed me.
As I conditioned myself for another one of our regular sessions, I considered it'd be sensible to multitask on something else.
My thoughts diverted themselves towards the latest skill I've acquired. Feeling a shade of inquisitiveness at the moment, I retrieved the notification from a few days ago.
oooo
Bloodlust Lv. (1/50)
The user projects the desire to kill, maim, or harm in any capacity.
oooo
'This is the thing Zoro did against Monet, right?' I wasn't sure if that's the case or if it was the green-haired swordsman's prelude to [Conqueror's Haki]. 'Maybe it's both?'
Either way, this is more practical than the so-called '[Meditation]' skill.
"You ready?" Regi asked, getting into a basic sword stance.
I nodded, concentrating intently on him alone. Getting distracted would be a disservice to both the old man and my own dignity.
"Well, come at me anytime you'd like," He motioned, taunting me with a finger wag.
I snarled and rushed forward with the intent of beating the old man down. The blunders from before were just mere flukes, and I've grown stronger since then.
How strong can one old man be?
I groaned, laying immobile on the floor.
The entire incident was not how I'd anticipated everything to play out. Getting booted down repeatedly isn't what one would refer to as a success. Despite that, I just kept getting back up, determined on landing a hit. Perhaps it's due to the incessant teasing as of late — he really liked doing that.
Even with all my skills at their utmost, he casually evaded the attacks like it's a mere annoyance.
"That's what you get for being cocky," Regi stated, shaking his head. "I've been kicking your butt for a good damned while, did ya really think much would change after getting a little stronger?"
And it's at that where I sat up correctly.
"Someone gotta be the person to punch that face of yours," I regulated my weighted breathing, focusing all attention on him.
"Here," Regi handed over a water bottle and sat down to my right. "Drink up, kid."
I grumbled, but complied with his request.
"I didn't even land a single hit..." It was excruciating and drove me to feel bitter.
All that improvement didn't produce anything if I'm not noticing it. There's nothing worse than having all that hard work feel like nothing.
He turned, looking directly at the shelf in front of us.
"Remember what I said a while back?"
"You'll teach me how to woo a lass?" I replied disgruntled.
Regi let out a hearty laugh, then promptly shook his head.
"Not that, I'm talking about the sun thing from before."
"That I'm an ant?" My answer came solemnly.
"And what did you think about it?" That's when he placed a hand on my shoulder, like in numerous instances before.
There are a few seconds allocated to contemplate his question. Even so, I couldn't strictly do much against the message screens that appeared immediately.
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Ding!
Through extensive combat, +1 STR! + 1 VIT! +1 DEX!
oooo
oooo
You Have Reached 10 STR!
A Perk Can Be Chosen!
oooo
oooo
Skill Level Up!
Bloodlust Lv. (1/50) → (2/50)
oooo
oooo
Skill Level Up!
Resistance: Physical Lv. (4/90) → (5/90)
oooo
Holy crap, that's a lot to take in!
Regardless, I ignored them for now, addressing the old man instead.
"I said that at least an ant can see the sun..." I watched the retired pirate carefully, "...Where are you going with this?"
"Are you retracting that?" He asked sarcastically.
I immediately proceeded to sit up, appalled at the comment.
"Hell damned no!"
"That's the fucking spirit, gihihihihi!" Regi slapped me on the back, snickering as he did so. "Remember to not go back on your word, kid. I've seen a lot of people throwing their dreams away, don't be them."
"I'll try."
"Don't 'try', do."
"You got it, Yoda."
"Who the hell is Yoda?"
I giggled like a madman, laying flat on the floor, ignoring the stink-eye I'm on the receiving end of.
"Cheeky as always," He rolled his eyes, a diminutive smirk inching up onto his face. "Why can't you just be a normal kid?"
"Because being normal is old," I asserted, patting his back.
We chuckled at that, knowing damn well this planet is filled with nonsense.
Sometimes he'll get on my nerves and I'd often wish that I could strangle that senile bastard. We'd badger, and attack each other, but it's never with genuine animosity. At the bare minimum, he's someone I can depend on, and I think Regi feels the same.
"Are you ready for round two?" I asked, getting up to my feet, "Because I sure am."
He rose from the ground, tossing the Shinai over, and getting into his familiar stance.
"Are you?"
I emulated the pose and responded with a grin that went from ear to ear.
"Always."
The Enclosure, Mariejois
I took a breath in, releasing the inkling embers of the [Meditation]. With that out of the way, my mind diverted toward the status screen.
"Now to see what this perk thing is about," I mentally clicked the Perks display and a few new pop-ups appeared.
oooo
Strength Perks (10)
Critical Striker I
Adrenaline Boost I
Staggering Blows I
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Hold on a second...why aren't there any descriptions? Am I supposed to randomly choose?
"Well, that fucking sucks."
I'm not a fan of choosing options arbitrarily, let alone something so crucial as this. However, considering their namesakes, I'm going to take a shot in the dark.
And so, that's exactly what I did.
oooo
You've Selected The Perk: [Adrenaline Boost I]!
They say that in moments of critical need or dire situations, someone's capable of attaining unknown strength.
With this perk, it'll always be in your grasp!
[Your STR can be temporarily enhanced by 15% three times a day!]
oooo
Ya know, this is honestly very useful.
Now the curiosity about what the other stats' perks might potentially be is fascinating. Maybe I'll figure all of it out at some point.
Nevertheless, I understood that something else currently carried precedence past them. My eyes redirected themselves around the enclosure, surveying everyone attentively.
It's been some time since people were voluntarily going around and chatting with others. Perhaps it's for 'making friends', but I'd guess the motivation behind their willingness is because of necessity. The most recently added group was still pushing to acclimate to their unknown circumstances. Getting knowledge from fellow slaves that weren't resentful enough to do so was understandable.
Everyone barring a particular few, that is.
With a heavy sigh, I stood up and started walking.
I've been postponing this moment for far too long, cowering away wouldn't do me any good. Knowing that Regi's currently taking a nap and not going to awaken in a while, there's no more fitting moment than now.
It's time I confronted it head-on.
I stopped in front of my destination, sitting down on the floor.
Boa Sandersonia, [Slave]
(265/265)
Boa Hancock, [Slave]
(379/379)
Boa Marigold, [Slave]
(220/220)
The Boa sisters dressed eerily similar to their flashback appearances.
I never genuinely considered their health points very much, but Hancock's was by far the closest to Regi, someone who'd throw myself about like a baby rattle. The younger two can likely beat me down before I'd realized it happened.
They were skeptical of anyone simply heading in their near vicinity, and now that I'm in front of the siblings — though I kept some distance — that didn't precisely benefit my case. Even so, not introducing myself to exceptionally high-profile individuals in the future would be idiotic.
"It's good to see that I'm not the only person my age around here," I smiled gently, mindful of not frightening them outright. "The name's Avery Henry, what are yours?"
Marigold curled herself behind Sandersonia as if that'd shield her from view. The latter glared, distinctly bothered at me being here.
At least I'm not being outright attacked.
"What do you want with us?" Hancock inquired, a hushed tone of both wariness and irritation coming from her expression.
I'm indecisive on if this is better or worse than what I was envisioning. Either way, they had the decency to reply.
"I don't want anything," I clarified, attempting to pacify their unpretentious aggression. "It's just that I've never seen anyone else around my age here since forever."
It didn't appear to achieve much as the unimpressed glares continued. In spite of that, I persisted and endured with a follow-up.
"Everybody here is either ancient, grumpy, or both." A specific old man would likely be opposed to that presumption, "I'm just...I'm just getting tired of it all."
The energy everyone's giving off is disheartening and especially irksome. Again, it's no doubt my preposition speaking, but that's just how I view the circumstances.
"What does that have to do with us?" The eldest of the trio questioned, definitely still bitter, though I can tell she's trying to gain information.
Thank goodness she doesn't have her disdain against men presently. I was terrified that'd be an issue, but it seems my fears are being put to rest. For all I know, it's exclusively when Hancock returned to Amazon Lily did it manifest itself.
Best to capitalize on that.
"You three haven't talked to anyone outside of yourselves, and that's why I'm here," I cautioned, frowning as I did so. "The guards might force one of you to fight in the colosseum, especially if you're a Devil Fruit user."
Something I've come to understand was less haphazard than in days gone by.
"What?" Hancock muttered, her sisters now focusing on the situation much more intently.
"It's true," I stared directly at my hands, lightly rubbing the callouses on them. "They made me kill someone I didn't even know quite some time ago."
An experience I'd wish to avoid, quest or otherwise.
"Everything is for their amusement," I emphasized, disclosing how serious I actually am. "I know you don't trust a stranger, but I'd just like to say that."
That's when I stood up from the floor, dusting myself off to leave.
"Sorry if I bothered the three of you. If you're curious or have any other questions, feel free to ask whenever you see me."
I'm clearly not trusted enough and didn't get their names, but that's acceptable, my opinions have been established. Pressing the issue will make matters far worse than it should.
They remained tight-lipped as I strolled away. After everything though, I have an inkling they carried those words to heart.
There wasn't anything else that could be attained than to wait and survive.
It's all I've ever known.
I could perceive them from beyond the door, lingering within hearing range.
The guards are dubiously more chatty than normal, it's like they want people to listen. It's moderately well-known to many of us that these patrolmen aren't the most astute bunch, especially when factoring in how lengthy their working hours are.
However, I've paid heed to the fact that they're operating far longer in the past months than within the prior year and a half. Most of the time, I didn't quite care about their squabbling at first, but these individuals' current exchange was becoming more and more intriguing.
"–riously, trust me."
My introspection was terminated without delay. I hastily positioned myself and listened in once again.
"I mean...I guess," I could effectively hear the sneering in their voice, "That fish-fucker still got away though and now we're all stuck working extra shifts."
Fisher-fucker?
A Fishman, maybe?
"The past is the past, let's just stop worrying about that guy." One of them conveyed with an audible sigh. "There's a reason why Cipher Pol is in the Holy Land more often."
"Exactly," The other one said, sounding as if they scoffed at their colleague's statement. "Why the hell should we always sit here and watch these animals? They could do it themselves!"
It's not difficult to distinguish the bitterness coming from them.
"Remember what happened to Jonathan and his team because of the Fishman's escape?" There is a large pause before the person spoke again, "Yeah, keep remembering that."
I discreetly leaned in close, trying to hear what else was goi–
A hand immediately grasps me on the shoulder, holding it tightly. My heartbeat climbed rapidly like the beating of a drum before I could spin around.
"Didn't think I'd scare ya that much," Regi stated, his signature grin on full display. "Do I need to get you a diaper now? Gihihihihi!"
"What the hell, old man?!" I silently screeched, grimacing at him. "Can't you see I'm doing something?"
"Oh?" He sat down to my right, leaning in closely, "And what are you peeping at this time?"
I sighed, turning back towards the double doors.
"Apparently, someone got out of Mariejois a while ago." An interesting piece of information and something that made me smile. "Someone escaped from this place."
Regi's eyebrows creased.
"Who?" His gleeful personality was transformed into one that's weighty.
"From what I've heard, it's..." I hesitated, context clues allowing myself to comprehend what is actually going on.
Out of anyone else, it's a Cipher Pol Zero agent that unexpectedly enters a room, immediately eliminating a threat. The Boa sisters being transferred here permits me to determine where I am. Lastly, it's this new information I've gathered.
"Someone escaped quite some time ago..." I muttered under my breath.
"Kid?" The old man looked confused as I flat-out began to laugh.
Everything has gradually been coming together, outside of my peripheral view.
"It's a Fishman, Regi!" The laughter grew louder through my broad smile. "It's a Fishman!"
People were beginning to scrutinize us, eying in this direction because of the outburst. I didn't take that into consideration at all. Actually, I didn't exactly care about what they thought.
I grabbed him this time, shaking the man in pure giddy fashion. The not-so-subtle reassurance and validation from the guards outside of my own knowledge was something else.
It's alleviating.
"That's what got you so riled up?" He asks, tolerating me still shaking him around.
"Yup!" I giggled, ultimately letting both hands drop to my sides.
Regi only stared.
"There was a point in time where I'd ask what that could be, but I don't think I want to know what's going on in that crazy brain of yours." His deadpan expression simply exacerbates the callous philosophy.
"Keep crying about it, old man," I shrugged that negativity away that he's desperately pushing to project. "You'll never be able to obtain my awesomeness anyways."
"True, foolishness carries its own form of insanity after all." Regi waved me off, pretending as if he didn't care. "And you, my friend, have it in spades."
I wavered in replying, pivoting myself to face him.
So that's his play, huh?
"Gonna cry?" The former pirate insinuated jeeringly.
"Piss off, Bully Maguire."
He's cognizant of knowing how to get on someone's nerves, I'll commend the guy for that.
My back straightened itself as I eyed the man, undoubtedly preparing for the retort that he recognized was coming.
And so, like a myriad of different times earlier, we bombarded each other with blatant insults. Which subsequently is followed by me attempting to punch his face and getting knocked on my ass.
It's just another day in the enclosure.
The Enclosure's Second Room, Mariejois
'A sharp turn, then an attack aimed at the right shoulder.'
The sensation that I've long since grown comfortable with notified me of his actions. From the shifting of the legs to the wide swings, everything became much clearer.
The shinai's strike was blocked by my own as he struggled against it.
"You've gotten better, but not good enough," I explained, before pounding and beating him down for what was the tenth time.
It's a never-ending cycle of regularly winning, oftentimes leaving the boy unconscious. And yet, similar to the plethora of other past instances, the kid gets back up.
"One hit..." Henry muttered, his feet shaking with every step, "Just...one...hit."
I'm not sure if I should feel pity or pride for the boy's determination. Frankly, I never understood why he's so headstrong on such a thing.
If you're losing, running is the only option there is. It's better to cling to life and survive for another day than die in a humiliating manner.
"Too impatient," I remarked, casually evading his barrages. He then started ramping up the intensity as if that'll do something."Now you're just being sloppy."
Then, with a simple strike against the thigh and a jab to the chest, Henry collapsed onto the floor. A sigh exited my lips as I sat down next to his exhausted form.
"What did I tell ya?" Truthfully, the kid should've known better considering how long we've been going at it.
"I can still fight," He replied, motionless and flat on his back.
"Sure you can." Where in the world does he get all that tenacity? "Overexerting yourself is just a one-way ticket to death."
Henry grumbles at those words, visibly displeased.
It's not like I'm trying to make him feel this way. When someone faces reality, they can frequently stray away from their convictions.
"Don't give me that look," I said, throwing him one of my many stashed bottles. "Just sit back and relax, squirming around won't do you any favors."
"No thanks," He replied, standing up from the floor, "I'm going to walk on the treadmills."
"Damn rebellious teenagers," I muttered.
He had some minor cuts here and there, but it's not strictly anything serious, especially to him of all people. Something I've noticed, even if Henry shrugs the whole matter off.
It's only after he returns from being picked out by the guards to fight.
The shoulder wound that should've left a scar?
It was completely healed in one day.
Either the kid has an outlandish regeneration-type Devil Fruit or he's a freak of nature, and I've known plenty of those. This isn't even mulling about how fast Henry's progressing — not dissimilar to them.
It's like the fight at the colosseum transformed who he was.
What happened to that frightened and apprehensive brat who'd beg me for a piece of bread? The one where being pitied wasn't ever a problem?
Somewhere down the line, he grew a backbone and I'm not fully understanding how. The most prominent example belongs to the point of last year. Its memory lived ingrained into my head like a sledgehammer and a nail.
I can still recall when the doors were unlocked and he came back with a shoulder wound.
Gone was the youngster who would obscure himself in the corner, praying that the guards didn't take notice of him.
Now, it's like there's someone else running amuck in that head of his.
"I want to see the sun," I murmured, regurgitating those words he was always repeating.
That drive...I've seen it before.
The urge compelling someone to do as they pleased.
Linlin.
Kaido.
Newgate.
Then last, but surely not least, the captain himself.
And there are others...so many others.
"Monsters," I mumbled under my breath, "I can't let him or anyone for that matter know where I'm from."
I wanted him to see me for who I am, not a member of the most dangerous crew in history — I refuse to take any chances of him figuring it out. Keeping the past a secret was my agenda, but the damned kid is persistent.
Captain did 'liberate' my island...from a certain point of view. It doesn't matter anyway, I doubt even the people in Mariejois know of the true history behind me.
After all...nobody cares about a simple cabin boy.
The same boy who'd cling onto his necklace like his life depended on it, and honestly, maybe it did.
It's humiliating that I was still apprehended for another thing in the end, even well after deserting that god-forsaken island.
My attention pulled back toward the kid.
I watched him start swinging his shinai around like a being possessed, then crumpling onto the ground, and swiftly getting back up to commence the cycle anew.
I'm not sure if I should chuckle at the absurdity or commend his dedication.
"I know you want to laugh," The kid declared, side-eyeing me as he went through the motions. "You won't ever be after I'm finally able to kick your ass."
"Then I'll enjoy my time as much as possible!" I cackled, seeing him groan and go back to training again.
"Yeah, yeah! Laugh it, you old damned buffoon!" And I did exactly that, chuckling to my heart's content.
In truth, I accepted the kid's proclamation a long time ago. If we were to fight someday in the future, he'd win.
The little brat wormed his murderous path into this 'buffoon's' life.
Perhaps...perhaps there's a little sun in here after all.
"Whatchu smiling for now?" He lamented, but I couldn't take that baby face seriously.
"Maybe we'll see it together, kid." Something that's suddenly growing in possibility as the days go by.
I let him be confused, refusing to elaborate on what it suggested, and allowing my smile to broaden even further.
Never change, Henry.
Never change.
My Server: QG8WraudFB
Shiro's Discord Code: wd3tUYWVCd
Some of you might've already guessed what crew Regi was in through the context clues I littered about in the earlier chapters.
Anyways, I'm really enjoying doing the little snippets at the top of these chapters. It's kind of like how Oda has cover pages for a lot of his, making it so there are things actually happening outside of the normal story.
I appreciate the genuine responses to the previous question. I'll keep them in mind when writing this fic.
Now it's time to pull a switcheroo.
Random Question: What do you enjoy about One Piece fics in general?
Personally, I like crew interactions the most because while things don't often change plot-wise, it's still interesting to see how small differences influence things.