Chapter 1: A New Beginning

The pain was a familiar one for Harry, a stinging sensation that ran down his spine every time his Uncle Vernon raised his hand. The world around Harry blurred, each blow pushing him further into darkness. With each punch, he wished for an escape, a simple reprieve from the hellish life at 4 Privet Drive. As his consciousness started to fade, Harry mustered a final plea, "I just wish... I wasn't here..."

The next thing he knew, Harry was lying on a soft bed of grass, the harsh thud of his uncle's hand replaced by the gentle chirping of birds. He blinked, taking in the lush forest canopy above. How did he get here? It certainly wasn't Surrey.

His frail, malnourished frame shivered despite the warmth of the sun. Though only five years old, Harry had been conditioned to expect pain, to anticipate hunger, to obey without question. His mind buzzed with questions. Where am I? Am I in trouble? What should I do? Should I find someone? Or hide? But overriding it all was one prevailing emotion - relief. He wasn't at Privet Drive.

He attempted to get up, his weak legs barely supporting him. As he took in his surroundings, he noticed an exquisite castle in the distance. It looked nothing like anything he'd seen in England.

Harry's thoughts were interrupted by a gentle rustling behind him. Turning around, he met the gaze of a woman, her regal demeanor evident. It was Imu, the mysterious ruler of the Holy Land of Marijois. Her eyes softened upon seeing the young, battered boy.

She approached slowly, her heart aching at the sight. While she held unparalleled power, her maternal instincts had been dormant since her own child was taken from her. Yet, upon seeing Harry, they awoke with a fervor.

"Hello, young one," she said softly. "Who are you?"

Harry hesitated, his conditioned mind wary of strangers. "I-I'm Harry. Who are you?"

"I am Imu," she replied gently. "You look lost, Harry. Do you know where you are?"

He shook his head, "N-No. I just wished... to not be where I was. And now I'm here."

Imu's heart ached at his words, reminding her of her own deep longing - to be reunited with her son, Luffy. The pain of not knowing where he was or how he fared gnawed at her every day. And here was a boy, just as lost, transported to a world unfamiliar to him.

She extended her hand, "Come with me, Harry. I will help you."

His initial hesitation was evident, but after a brief internal debate, Harry took her hand. His grip was that of a desperate child clinging to a lifeline. The other hand snuck its way up to his mouth, and he began to suck his thumb, seeking comfort in the simple gesture.

In the days that followed, Imu cared for Harry, ensuring he was fed, clothed, and sheltered. As they spent time together, Harry began to open up, talking about his life in England, his days in primary school, and the relentless torment of his relatives.

Listening to his stories, Imu shared tales of her own world, of the Celestial Dragons, the Gorosei, and her deep pain of losing her son to Monkey D. Dragon. And every time she spoke of Luffy, Harry's eyes would light up with a mix of wonder and empathy.

One day, as they sat in her chamber, Harry noticed several posters on the wall. "Who's that?" he asked, pointing at a smiling 19-year-old boy with a bounty of 500 million berries on his head.

"That's Luffy, my son," Imu replied, her voice heavy with emotion.

Harry's face lit up, "He's your boy? He looks nice. Can I call him big brother Luffy?"

Imu chuckled, "Of course, if it makes you happy."

They bonded over shared stories and laughter. And as days turned into weeks, Harry's attachment to Imu grew stronger. It wasn't long before he began calling her "Mama," a title she hadn't heard in years. The first time he said it, Imu squealed in delight, holding Harry close, the two of them sharing a moment of pure joy.

But for every high, there was a low. Whenever Dragon's name came up, Imu's face would darken, her voice quivering with rage. Harry, sensing her pain, would cling to her, whispering promises of protection against the "big bad idiot Papa Dragon."

He didn't want to become a pirate like Luffy or join the marines. And the thought of being a revolutionary, the side Dragon had chosen, brought tears to Imu's eyes. Yet Harry had dreams, and one day he voiced them to Imu.

"Mama, I want to explore this world. I want to find big brother Luffy and have adventures with him. But I don't want to be a marine or a pirate. What can I be?"

Imu thought for a moment, her mind racing. "You can be whatever your heart desires, Harry. An adventurer, a traveler, or just someone who brings joy to those he meets."

Harry's eyes sparkled, "An adventurer! I like that, Mama. I promise I'll protect you and big brother Luffy."

Imu smiled, "And I promise to always be here for you, my little adventurer."

And so, in a world of pirates, marines, and revolutionaries, a young boy named Harry set out on a new journey, guided by love and a burning desire to find his place.

In Marijois, Harry wasn't a boy who lived, nor a weapon for some grander purpose. He was just Harry, loved and cherished, with a whole world of adventure ahead of him. And he was ready.