I do not own 'One Piece' or 'The Gamer'


Amidst the gunshots and cannonballs raining upon him, the man remained resolute, his gaze fixated upon the malfunctioning black transponder snail. Indifferent to the onslaught of attacks that passed through him without consequence, he yearned for the presence of his adorable sumo-wrestling nephew, whose expertise could have swiftly resolved this predicament.


Shakky's Rip-Off Bar, Sabaody Archipelago

The radiant sun rested leisurely in the sky, its golden rays cascading upon the island and bathing the surroundings in a warm, inviting glow. A gentle breeze danced through the air, causing the leaves of the nearby trees to sway harmoniously, their collective rustling forming a melodic backdrop to our conversation.

I found myself in the company of the Boa sisters and the former empresses, — Koala is taking a nap and Rayleigh was somewhere — savoring the remnants of a delectable meal.

Several days had passed since our arrival at the Rip-Off Bar, and the options for entertainment in this secluded location were undeniably sparse. Apart from lending a hand with the assortment of chores and miscellaneous tasks that presented themselves, there was little else to occupy our time, leaving us yearning for alternative forms of engagement.

As anticipated, the Marines have descended into a frenzy, drastically bolstering the Red Port and Mariejois security. Rayleigh mentioned that they would likely recall a considerable number of their troops after a certain period — a strategic maneuver presumably driven by Sengoku's imperative to uphold the façade of placation towards the Celestial Dragons.

Unfortunately, this meant the situation had taken an unfavorable twist against us.

Owing to its proximity to the formidable Marine Headquarters and Mariejois, the Archipelago's Marine base has taken decisive action to fortify its security measures, even in the criminal districts. Consequently, the Dark King's invaluable expertise in offering ship coating services, which would have facilitated safe submersion to the depths of Fishman Island, has been temporarily out of commission, much to his chagrin.

oooo
Perk Update!
[Malnourished]

Decreases STR, VIT, DEX, and skill gain by 75%.

Decreases STR, VIT, DEX, and skill gain by 50%.
oooo

A wide grin spread across my face, captivated by the vibrant glow emanating from the notification screen before me.

In just a matter of days, I've managed to gain a minimum of at least ten pounds. The baffling logic of the One Piece World is nothing short of absurd. It was yet another delightful addition to brighten my day, reassuring me that this status effect wasn't meant to be permanent.

The idea of rekindling my training swirled in the depths of my mind, enticing me with its allure. Yet, as I carefully weighed the options, I made a conscious choice to suppress those impulsive urges, recognizing the wisdom in holding back.

Instead of settling for meager and incremental gains, I resolved to be patient and await the moment when the stars align, and the circumstances are in my favor. It was a decision driven by the understanding that true progress cannot be achieved through half-hearted efforts or fleeting attempts.

Once the perk is removed, then I'll think about it again.

The memories of my captivity in Mariejois, that wretched bastion of oppression, remained etched in my mind. The days spent as a hapless slave, subject to the whims and commands of others, had left an indelible mark on my soul — and literal body because of the claw imprint. Regardless, in the face of such adversity, a newfound appreciation for the limited freedom I now possessed blossomed. Like a fragile bud seeking sunlight, I embraced the flickering embers of liberty, nurturing them with every breath.

Yes, my freedom was still constrained, a mere fraction of what I yearned for. But within those boundaries, I found solace and purpose. It was as if the chains of the past had forged an unyielding resolve within me, compelling me to savor every precious moment of independence.

I wanted to soak up every bit of these moments.

That's what living in this world was all about, seizing any sort of freedom no matter the cost. With strength and power, the universe would be opened up.

Stepping out with an air of grace, Gloriosa and Koala entered the room through the front door, their presence demanding immediate notice. While the former exuded an aura of undeniable authority, it was impossible to overlook the subtle fading of Koala's forced smile, her footsteps betraying a hidden undercurrent of trepidation.

Her shoulder-length hair was neatly arranged, framing her face with a touch of simple elegance. Clad in a light-colored dress that exuded a sense of gentle serenity, she seemed to have found solace in its comforting embrace. Completing her ensemble, a pair of loafers adorned her feet, providing a practical yet understated element to her appearance.

As I took in her transformed demeanor, I couldn't help but attribute this positive change to the old woman's influence. It was heartening to witness that not only had she made strides in her physical well-being, but there were also glimmers of improvement in her mental state.

"Looks like someone had an eventful trip," I smiled, watching the child look up in my direction.

"Had any trouble?" Shakky asked, cleaning out the ashtray.

"All the Marines bring around is causing their new 'security checks' to have been getting bothersome, even in the unrestricted zone," Gloriosa grumbled, tapping the floor with her staff. "I have a feeling it might get worse with the pirates getting antsy."

Taking a seat and letting Koala sit next to her, she continued.

"And you know what? I have this sinking feeling that things might get that way. With all the pirates lurking about, I can sense their restlessness. It's like they're just waiting for an opportunity to cause trouble. These Marines might be here to bring order of some sort, but their presence seems to be attracting even more unwanted attention."

The elderly woman paused for a moment, a look of worry crossing her face. "I hope I'm wrong, but it wouldn't surprise me if the situation escalates. We need to stay vigilant and be prepared for any potential disruptions."

"And what about Rayleigh? Where did he disappear to?" Shakky inquired, leaning her elbows on the counter.

"That fool insisted on snooping around the area," Gloriosa sighed. "Those were his exact words."

As I contemplated the situation, my brow furrowed with understanding. It became evident to me why Rayleigh deemed caution to be of utmost importance.

Despite his ability to blend in inconspicuously, he had to exercise utmost care in his dealings, considering his involvement in coating pirate ships. The recent actions of the Marines, imposing temporary restrictions in areas frequented by Celestial Dragons, sent shockwaves through my mind. These were places that the Marines typically avoided, and their sudden presence raised alarming concerns.

The Celestial Dragons, notorious for their privileged status and penchant for cruelty, were known to not generally visit these particular regions. It was in these secluded spots that they reveled in their opulence, far away from the prying eyes of ordinary citizens. The fact that the Marines had imposed a chokehold on such locations indicated a significant shift in their strategy.

The implications of this development were deeply unsettling.

If Marines' actions suggested a tightening grip on the freedom of merchant and pirate crews, who relied on the covert nature of their work. The temporary restrictions would hinder their operations' flow and heighten the risk of exposure and capture. It was a clear message from the Marines that no place would be spared from their watchful eyes, and any semblance of sanctuary for those involved in the underworld would be shattered.

Fisher Tiger's decision to refrain from launching a solo attack on Mariejois carried significant implications that were already leaving a lasting impact.

Shakky's laughter filled the air as she skimmed through a newspaper she had retrieved from behind the counter.

"Big News Morgans is at it again, he's talking about the raid on Mariejois in detail." She mused, her eyes scanning the headline that detailed the latest explosive story. "Supposedly a few of his reporters were at the Holy Land when it happened."

Regarding my knowledge of him, I knew the notorious journalist had made quite a name for himself through the years with his unquenchable thirst for breaking stories. Even just hearing his name was enough to pique my curiosity - it seemed there was no rumor too outlandish or fact too tightly guarded that he wouldn't doggedly chase after.

Gloriosa's frustration was palpable as she listened to Shakky's amusement. Her face tightened, and she ground her teeth together, revealing her discontent.

"That feathered nuisance is making life harder for the rest of us," The elderly woman scoffed, lacing her voice with an annoyed tone. "All he cares about is chasing after the biggest scoop, regardless of the aftermath it brings."

The mention of Morgan's ambitious reporting brought to mind recent events that had sent shockwaves throughout the world. The raid led by Fisher Tiger on Mariejois, the sacred domain of the World Government, had been a daring and audacious act. Fisher Tiger, a former slave who became a symbol of rebellion, had defied the oppressive regime and struck a blow against the Celestial Dragons, the epitome of privilege and cruelty.

Yet, the repercussions of Fisher Tiger's raid were felt far and wide. The Marine occupation on various islands had intensified as a response to the audacity of his actions. The World Government, determined to maintain its dominance, tightened its grip on territories and increased surveillance on both pirates and innocent civilians alike.

In just a short amount of time, the situation had created a sense of unrest and unease across the seas. The Marines, driven by a desire to quell any further disturbances, had implemented stringent security checks, even in supposedly unrestricted areas. The once tranquil havens, where pirates and outlaws sought refuge, had become breeding grounds for tension and fear.

Amidst this volatile atmosphere, Big News Morgan's relentless coverage added fuel to the fire.

There is no doubt that the man possesses an unmatchable talent for rocking the very foundations of society to their core through his newspapers. With seemingly superhuman speed and precision, he drops revelation after revelation like bombshells, leaving the public scrambling in the aftermath as firewalls of secrecy come tumbling down all around them.

It comes as no surprise that he constantly has shadowy agents nipping at his heels, day and night, in relentless pursuit of him the moment any tidbit of undesirable news starts floating around. Any revelation that could shift public perception away from the approved narrative or peel back the veil on matters best left concealed is like a siren's call to those who would seek to control the flow of information.

His reports magnified the chaos and highlighted the power struggles and conflicts that raged within the world of pirates, Marines, and the World Government. The consequences of his sensationalism were far-reaching, stirring up further complications and potentially attracting the attention of the Four Emperors, the most formidable pirate captains in the seas.

Internally, I'm thrilled at seeing those pesky Celestial Dragons get dunked on.

I could tell Gloriosa couldn't help lamenting the impact of Morgans' actions. The pursuit of headlines took precedence over the stability and well-being of those caught in the crossfire.

My memory took me back to the encounter on Egghead Island. I distinctly recalled the man's act of boldly proclaiming that Luffy had taken Vegapunk hostage.

"Given the circumstances, it's almost certain that they will hound that poor man and his crew for a while," Shakky surmised, lightly brushing against the edges of the newspaper. "I'm curious to know what their bounties will be. With everybody knowing what happened, they might just send Cipher Pol Zero at him."

"What do you think will happen if he evades them?" I inquired, knowing the former empress' expertise in how the World Government functions.

She drummed her fingers against the countertop, clearly thinking about the scenario I'd given.

"In all likelihood, the good ending is they'll kill him and his crew."

I winced.

"And the bad?"

A melancholy look crossed her face, conveying the weight of her next words.

"The worst-case outcome…" She stopped for a moment, her voice dropping slightly, "...would entail the World Government's relentless pursuit, capturing them and subjecting them to unspeakable levels of torture. Their lives would become a never-ending nightmare, plagued by pain, suffering, and the torment inflicted by their captors."

The gravity of her words hung in the air, painting a grim picture of the potential consequences that awaited those who dared to defy the World Government and slip through their grasp.

Hancock and her sisters were gripped by a paralyzing fear, their bodies frozen in a moment of vulnerability akin to deer caught in the blinding glare of headlights. The horrifying truth dawned upon us: our saviors were destined to become targets, mercilessly hunted down, and treated as nothing more than animals who reached beyond their leashes.

Despite my full awareness of the inevitability of the situation, the very contemplation of it ignited a profound anger deep within me. Once again, the World Government, with all its corrupt and malevolent tendencies, revealed its true nature, baring its fangs to only the knowledgeable.

"Not to worry, I'll reach out to some friends who can lend a helping hand," Shakky said, her smile soothing any anxieties. "There's an organization out there that I'm confident will be willing to take them in."

A cloud of confusion settled upon the faces of the others, but my mind swiftly deciphered the significance underlying those words.

The Revolutionary Army.

Drawing upon the depths of my understanding, I discerned that during this particular period they were ardently pursuing their noble cause, galvanized by the aftermath of the devastating Ohara massacre. This event left an indelible mark on the very essence of Monkey D. Dragon.

It is reasonable to surmise that Ivankov, Kuma, and Dragon have assumed prominent positions within the organization, their exceptional leadership and formidable capabilities serving as integral components of its intricate operations.

Damn.

Shakky has a remarkable ability to stay informed, constantly in tune with the latest developments, and the people involved. I've got a feeling that in the future, I can count on her vast knowledge and experience to offer assistance whenever necessary.

"I hope they'll be alright," Hancock said, her words filled with genuine worry. "They deserve to get away."

Deep down, I too held onto the flicker of hope that my suggestion for Fisher Tiger had not been made in vain, desperately wishing for the safety and well-being of them all.

Nevertheless, the sheer delight of knowing that the Celestial Dragons were utterly powerless to inflict punishment upon those they had wronged was exhilarating.

"It would likely be wise to consider staying at Fishman Island for a while," Gloriosa mused. "No matter how much the Marines may desire otherwise, penetrating those depths poses a formidable challenge. Whether it be through convenient accidents or other means, it is quite simple to bury any unwanted attention into the ocean's abyss."

"Agreed. It might be an associated kingdom, but that's simply a formality." Shakky tapped her cigarette onto the ashtray, "Whitebeard isn't going to let them go cause trouble there anyways."

If my memory serves me right, it was a relatively recent development, approximately two centuries ago when the Fishmen were first acknowledged as sentient beings. Nonetheless, despite this newfound recognition, humanity's deep-rooted racism and bigotry have persisted unabated, persisting even in the present day. Even in secluded regions like Wano, the Fishmen continue to endure persecution, leading them to adopt local myths and legends as a means of coping with their circumstances.

The specific timeline is not clear, but at some point, Whitebeard asserted his control over Fishman Island. However, after his passing, the governing authorities were left in a difficult position and had to reach out to Big Mom for assistance.

Then a sudden thought struck me as if attempting to salvage the deteriorating mood.

"Ya know what they say..." I began, my voice trailing off as the elusive idea slipped from my grasp, lost in the recesses of memory, fading quickly from my thoughts. "Shit...I completely forgot."

Hancock, ever the perceptive one, tilted her head towards Marigold and Sandersonia.

"Maybe Henry's delusional?" She suggested, gaze shifting towards her younger sisters, who nodded in agreement.

"I agree, elder sister," They both chimed in, their voices soft and respectful.

The elder of the two merely chuckled and went back to eating.

Unable to resist the urge to point out the obvious, I deadpanned, my words laced with a hint of exasperation.

"You do know I'm sitting right here, yeah?"

The black-haired teen let out a sigh infused with sarcastic undertones, their so-called frustration unmistakably conveyed through their tone.

"If only he'd have some sense in that brain of his," Hancock retorted, their voice tinged with mockery.

A tinge of regret washed over me as I reflected on the unintended consequences of teaching them the art of sarcasm.

"You're all jerks," I lamented, the weight of my words emphasizing the unintended impact of my teachings.

Truthfully, I have recently become the target of ceaseless teasing, and it is evident that those who partake in it derive great satisfaction from their actions. However, strangely enough, I find a semblance of comfort in the realization that their attention is momentarily diverted from the grim realities of slavery that persist in Mariejois, as they engage in jests at my expense.

If enduring their mockery means that, for a fleeting moment, their minds are occupied with harmless banter rather than being plagued by the haunting horrors of oppression, then I am willing to bear the weight of their ridicule willingly.

Anything for my friends.

"Sometimes you're just too easy to read, Henry." She giggled, leaving me rather miffed, but intrigued about something else.

[Observation Haki] bestows upon its wielder a profound insight into the intricate tapestry of human emotions. It's this extraordinary power that allowed Koby, amidst the tumultuous maelstrom of the Marineford War, to attune himself to the poignant cries of countless individuals in distress.

It's got me wondering about the whole thing in general.

"You know, on another subject, there's something that's been on my mind as of late." I mused, my fingers gently scratching my chin pensively. "Do ya think you could teach me this 'Haki' thing? I'd rather not be left in the dark about it."

The presence of half a dozen adept Haki users has undeniably stirred within me an insatiable curiosity and an unyielding desire to learn. It's disconcerting to realize that I stand alone in my lack of familiarity with this intricate art.

I refuse to let this opportunity slip away without so much as a fuss.

Gloriosa fixed me with a serious gaze, her tone carrying a weight of responsibility. "Your well-being is of utmost importance. Given your tender age, you should concentrate on nurturing your body first."

My mood dampened slightly, a tinge of dejection creeping into me at the thought of potentially missing out on such a momentous chance.

"Don't dwell on the negatives too much. Considering the things you've all faced, I won't ever blame you for asking," The exiled empress gently shook her head, her eyes reflecting understanding. "I'm not suggesting that it's an impossible thing, merely advising you to set aside those apprehensions for the time being."

Well, at least they're considering my aspirations.

Nevertheless, an unquenchable thirst for knowledge still burned deep within me.

"If you were taking a wild guess, how long would it take for someone to learn the basics?" I inquired earnestly, my gaze eagerly fixated on them, yearning for her insight.

This time, Shakky took the lead, her voice carrying a wealth of wisdom and experience. "To get a solid grasp of the foundations? About a year. To master the basics? I would have to say it would require around two years, maybe a little less."

Ah, so it's the same time it took Luffy to gain basic mastery over Haki.

"Although, there are some monsters out there who picked it up even faster than that."

She's essentially stated what Portgas D Ace is in his novel.

Through his careful observation of a Vice Admiral whom he'd engaged in combat against on this very Archipelago, this man accomplished the remarkable feat of unlocking [Armament Haki]. What's more impressive is that he achieved this milestone on his very first attempt.

There's monstrous talent, and then people like Koby and Ace.

To label their remarkable achievements as mere nonsense would be a misguided judgment.

"You said just the basics?" I mentioned, leaning forward and seeking further clarification. "That sounds like a while."

"Back at our home, we started learning how to use Haki from a very young age." Hancock chimed in, her words cutting through any confusion that had been clouding my mind. "But the truth is, not many people manage to fully master it until they're older."

A playful smirk danced upon Shakky's lips as she responded.

"Just as Gloriosa mentioned, it would be smart to only worry about your diet for now."

"Alright...alright, I get it now. Work on getting some strength back then do that other stuff later," I grumbled, finding there was no rebuttal for my case.

In retrospect, I can't help but acknowledge that I may have erred in my decision not to disclose or even subtly allude to my possession of [Conqueror's Haki]. The sisters' disinclination to divulge that aspect is evident from their agreement with the sentiment. It is reassuring to see that they are respecting my privacy in this regard.

However, I'm inclined to exercise prudence and patience.

Reserving the revelation of such a formidable ability for a time when I have fully ingrained into this new environment, and when the presence of Rayleigh is with us more frequently.

"Well, I've gotta start stuffing myself more often then." My mouth widened to form a grin.

I proceeded to indulge myself with the surplus food laid out on the table, rivaling the insatiable appetite of the rubber man himself. Not a single piece of food was wasted — Sanji would be appalled otherwise.

Ignoring the amused gazes and chuckles, I reveled in the pleasure of savoring each bite, relishing the succulent flavors and textures that danced upon my palate.

If their laughter is a sign that they're genuinely happy, then hey, I'm perfectly fine with that.


Sabaody Park, Sabaody Archipelago

Sabaody Park — an amusement park with bubble-based attractions.

While I cannot guarantee the accuracy of my memory, I have a strong recollection of this being the exact location where Camie was abducted, right under the watchful eyes of the Straw Hats. Even with Gloriosa's presence and readiness to assist, it was clear that we needed to maintain a heightened state of vigilance.

Fortunately, we've found ourselves within the confines of the shopping mall, where we took the opportunity to purchase a multitude of items, considering the significant increase in people staying at the bar.

The Boa sisters and Gloriosa busily sifted through the clothing racks, selecting various garments to try on within the confines of the dressing room. Koala and I were waiting nearby, eating some cotton candy — Chopper was right, this is good.

"Henry, does this look funny on me or not?" Hancock's familiar voice questioned, prompting me to glance over and pause briefly.

Her attire consisted of an open white shirt, revealing a hint of her midriff, while a vivid red waistband accentuated her slender hips. Completing her ensemble were black pants that perfectly complemented a matching purse. As the sun bathed her in its brilliance, her long, lustrous black hair radiated with an ethereal glow as if it were absorbing every ounce of sunlight.

Previously, she had appeared thin and untidy, but I held no blame towards her. Her appearance was simply a result of our challenging circumstances. We were suffering from starvation due to the scarcity of food, and it seemed evident that I was not the only one who had experienced physical improvement thanks to a better diet.

Now she's showing off like this…

"I…Oh…" An overwhelming sense of disbelief left me momentarily speechless as I stood there, my eyes transfixed, unable to articulate a sentence.

"Well?"

Regaining some composure, I responded promptly, making a conscious effort to articulate my words coherently.

"Did Gloriosa let you buy that?" I found myself questioning, still slightly taken aback. It's unusual to see her wearing something like that.

"I'm asking about its appearance on me, not the price," The future empress retorted. "She said as long as it isn't too expensive, the cost wouldn't matter, and it's been bought anyway."

She had a valid point. The old woman clearly stated that we were permitted to select anything within sensible limits.

An opportunity surged through me like a lightning bolt.

"What I can say about it though is that you're becoming the very joke you made on the boat a few days ago," I smiled cheekily, revealing its full glory to her.

If Regi were aware of this, he would undoubtedly be cackling with amusement.

"Joke made on the boat a few days ago? What does that—?" Hancock then gasped, her cheeks flushing a bright red. "You think I'm becoming…?"

I masked my intentions, raising an eyebrow in a seemingly innocent manner.

"Becoming what?"

"The most beautiful woman?"

"Is that what you said?" I placed a finger on my chin, trying to be as sarcastic as possible. "I thought it was the ugliest?"

At that moment, it was as if I'd been face-to-face with a demonic creature, and I had to restrain myself from bursting into laughter.

"Henry..."

Oh, she's certainly aware of it too.

"Relax, it's just a joke," I suppressed my laughter, sensing her lack of amusement. "I genuinely think you look fine."

"No joke?"

"No joke," I reassured, taking a moment to observe Hancock closely. "I wasn't lying when I said that you're a strong, brave, and courageous person."

Her cheeks flushed a deep shade of red, although I regarded my statement as a mere observation rather than something deserving of such a reaction.

"You fool around one time, then say something heartfelt the next."

Should I tell her that I'm just trying to blend in with this world's wackiness?

Nah, regardless of living in an isolated country or not, she should already be familiar with the norm.

"Should I also tell you that my name is Avery Henry?" That elicited a playful elbow from her, although she couldn't help but let out a chuckle.

At times, a genuine laugh has the power to keep the pain at bay.

"Bubbles…" A voice barely whispered, carrying a delicate mixture of wonder and curiosity.

"I think we're forgetting about someone," Hancock muttered and at that moment, I instinctively shifted downwards to the left.

A smile adorned my face, and I watched Koala's eyes shimmering with amazement while taking in the surroundings.

In consideration of the trauma she had gone through, we decided to keep her safely within the bar, uncertain of how she'd handle a new environment.

To our relief, she seemed to be responding positively, exhibiting no discernible negative reactions.

However, it is at this moment that I become aware of the fact that I've hardly spoken to her, if at all, in the past few days.

I should rectify that now.

Taking a knee, I positioned myself at eye level with the young girl, ensuring a connection on her terms.

"Hi Koala, do you remember me?"

The smile etched on her face seemed as if it had been affixed in place, like an indelible mark that defied fading.

Despite the circumstances, she responded with a subtle nod.

"I know we haven't talked much in the past few days, but I wanted to make sure everyone got settled here," I spoke softly, my voice careful and gentle to not startle her. "Can you find it in your heart to forgive me?"

There's a moment of uncertainty.

"Oh...Okay," Koala replied, looking down at the floor, clearly nervous.

Given her limited understanding of the situation, I decided to be the one to initiate the conversation and break the ice.

"You don't have to worry about those mean people anymore," My hands moved to grasp her unoccupied one gently. "You're free now. Free as a bird."

She appeared slightly perplexed, but chose to remain silent.

It's apparent that she's struggling to understand my words, yet I take comfort in the absence of any negative response from her.

"How about we go get some more cotton candy? Would you like that?"

Her nod of affirmation brought a smile to my face and I appreciated the swift response. It never ceases to amaze me how sweets can easily win over a child's heart.

While I had my doubts about her complete understanding of what I was trying to convey, it's reassuring in the fact that she acknowledged our lack of harmful intentions. The fact that she'd no longer defaulted to addressing people as 'masters' demonstrated a clear improvement in her behavior.

In contrast to Fisher Tiger's approach of relying on being upfront, I prefer a more deliberate and systematic method of assisting her progress.

Hopefully, it'll work out in the long run.

"I didn't realize you were good with children," Hancock whispered to me.

"Not particularly, I'm only trying to create a sense of comfort for her," My underlying hope was to encourage the girl to embrace being a child and shed the demeanor of a machine.

"So you're really good with children," She reiterated, a smile gracing her lips. "Good to know."

I simply raised an eyebrow and nonchalantly shrugged, deciding it was best to avoid entangling myself with the complexity of her thoughts.

Staying true to the promise, we rewarded ourselves with an additional round of cotton candy, relishing the sugary delight that melted in our mouths.

"Looks like the fools were waiting for us out here." Gloriosa, Sandersonia, and Marigold emerged from the store, each carrying bags in their hands. "Did anything happen?"

"Nah, nothing happened."

"Good because we're going to the restaurant section, I hope you didn't stuff yourself with sweets."

A surge of excitement coursed through me, and I perked up, breaking into a wide grin.

With any luck, I'll have the opportunity to indulge in more food, and satisfy my never-ending appetite to the fullest.

The journey to stuffing myself continues.


Inside The Boat, Shakky's Rip-Off Bar

With gentle and reverent strokes, I carefully grazed my fingertips along the weathered pages of the illustrious Devil Fruit Encyclopedia, my heart brimming with an insatiable yearning to uncover the secrets held within its hallowed depths.

Each turn of the page was a deliberate act, fueled by an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, as I eagerly sought to immerse myself in the captivating lore and untold wonders that awaited me within its sacred confines.

Shakky, with a mixture of puzzlement and gloom in her eyes, granted me the opportunity to peruse the book as I pleased. Her expression carried a tinge of confusion and melancholy as she handed it over, adding an undercurrent of emotion to our little interaction.

oooo
Skill Level Up!

Lore: Devil Fruits Lv. (13/-) → (14/-)
The user's understanding of Devil Fruits.
oooo

Over the past few days, I have immersed myself in reading about overpowered fruits. The ones that stand out the most to me are Marco and Whitebeard's Devil Fruits, and I've found them truly captivating. As I delve deeper into the subject, my own foreknowledge and perspective contribute additional insights, revealing various aspects that seem to have been overlooked.

Curiously, even in literature specifically focused on the fruits themselves, there appears to be a considerable amount of propaganda against these renowned figures. It is intriguing to observe how biases and misinformation can permeate even within such specialized texts.

Funny.

Currently, I found myself in Regi's room once again, casually observing the gentle rise and fall of the old man's chest as he breathed. Though he remained unconscious, Gloriosa had reassured me that he'd regain consciousness in due course, without any external intervention.

Patience was the sole requirement.

"Ah, there you are."

As the door creaked open, my gaze shifted towards its direction, revealing the entrance of Rayleigh into the room.

"Is there something you need?" I inquired, noticing a smirk forming on the man's face in response.

"Always straight to the point, aren't ya?"

I shrugged.

"Not really, but I don't like being bothered much when I'm in here." All I needed was to maintain a vigilant watch over the safety and well-being of the old man right now.

"Fair enough," The Dark King nodded in agreement, settling into one of the vacant chairs. "I came here to inform you that dinner is almost ready, but also, I'm curious about something..."

"And that is?"

"Nothing occurs by mere coincidence, Henry," Rayleigh asserted, his words laden with hidden knowledge. I knew that he held a deeper understanding of the world's truths, a privilege bestowed upon only a select few. "When you and Hancock arrived at our doorstep, I sensed that it was no random happenstance."

The tables had turned, leaving me in a state of confusion. However, it became apparent that the man was determined to dispel my bewilderment.

"Having lived a long life and journeyed to countless places...as time passes, it becomes easier to discern patterns in people." He stated, reflecting on his experiences. "You remind me of a cabin boy on Roger's crew..."

The retired pirate emitted a gentle hum of contemplation.

"That's right," He nodded, drawing a parallel between my presence and a youthful figure from the past. "You were around his age when we disbanded."

My interest was piqued, and a sense of awe began to well up within me.

"Really?" I exclaimed, unable to contain my curiosity.

"Really." His voice carried a hint of nostalgia. "That boy always found himself entangled in trouble with others."

Rayleigh sighed, his wistful tone conveying a profound longing.

"But, he possessed an unwavering resilience that allowed him to overcome any obstacle, no matter how daunting."

"Who were they?" I felt my body standing straightening, feeling a sense of accomplishment.

Reminding the Dark King of a certain one-armed man — not an amputee now at least — is an ego booster. The same person who was none other than the one that stunned an Admiral solely with the power of his Haki and brought an entire war to a halt merely by his mere presence. Not even counting him one-shotting Eustass 'Captain' Kidd, or as many people would like to call that individual, Useless 'Captain' Mid.

Nonetheless, I looked onward in anticipation.

"His name was…"

Shanks.

"Buggy."

What?

"He was always watchful, trying to one-up everyone on every chance he'd get, and scheming about." The Dark King chuckled. "Those were the days..."

I made a conscious effort to control my gaze, refraining from openly displaying my utter confusion in the man's presence.

While the bombastic clown was undeniably entertained with his logic-defying spectacles — repeatedly falling upwards — being likened to him felt peculiar and out of place.

'How did Rayleigh arrive at such a conclusion?' I struggled to grasp the underlying reasoning that led him to draw this unexpected parallel.

"I wonder what he's doing now…a good friend of mine said they'd parted ways right after Roger's execution." The memory seemed to cast a shadow over his face, causing his smile to momentarily falter. "Hopefully they're still alive."

A sense of melancholy washed over the man. It was the first time I had seen such a somber expression cross his face.

"But I suppose life has a way of thwarting our desires. Our dreams often come to an abrupt end, without any hesitation," He contemplated, his gaze flickering in my direction, leaving me uncertain of the reason why. "What are your thoughts on this?"

Huh?

Confusion gripped me as I mulled over why he'd take an interest in my viewpoint. From his perspective, I was nothing more than an anonymous individual who had managed to break free from the chains of slavery and seek refuge at his doorstep.

Why would he care?

Still, I let out an amused snort.

"Nah, that's totally wrong."

"Oh?" Rayleigh's eyebrow arched inquisitively. "Do you hold a differing opinion then?"

His probe elicited a deep frown from me, reflecting my strong disapproval.

As the Pirate King's right-hand man, he should be well aware that posing such questions is beyond ridiculous.

"Of course I do."

A profound intent of longing envelops me, akin to standing at the base of a colossal mountain. My metaphorical eyes fixated on the awe-inspiring peak that stretches towards the heavens. The magnitude of the mountain's grandeur evokes a deep yearning, as I desire to ascend its majestic heights and experience the sublime sight that awaits at its summit.

"People's dreams...don't ever end."

The room grew silent after that, devoid of even the faintest whisper emanating from the man.

"Your strength is the deciding factor on if you'll make it a reality."

I could sense a subtle tension in the room, as though invisible threads connected us, waiting to be pulled in some unknown direction. The absence of sound only amplified the weight of the moment, leaving an echoing void that begged to be filled.

And then, finally, it was shattered with...

"Bwahahaha!"

...laughter.

I stumbled to comprehend the source of his amusement. From my standpoint, there was nothing even remotely comical about what had just been said.

"You're a funny one, Henry! Truly! Bwahahaha!" He leaned back into the chair, rearing his head backward. "Maybe I was thinking about this all wrong."

That statement instantly captured my full attention.

"What the hell are you even talking about?"

"In any case, we should go as I'm sure it's nearly finished already." Rayleigh disregarded my query entirely, standing up on his feet, and gestured towards the doorway. "Don't wanna keep them hanging, right?"

A deep furrow formed between my brows, regarding my intense displeasure.

"You didn't even give me an answer!"

The Dark King's iconic smile resurfaced, his face tilting slightly to meet my stare.

"You will discover it in due time," He uttered softly before making his exit, leaving me in a state of confusion and uncertainty.

The strong live and the weak die.

That is the only rule of this world.

What else can there be?

"If you aren't going to come, I'm sure the others will eat all the food! There'll be nothing left!"

My eyes widened profusely.

"Shit! Hold on!"

Without any hesitation, I bolted through the door and swiftly pursued the man, determined not to be left behind.


My Server: QG8WraudFB
Shiro's Discord Code: wd3tUYWVCd

More of a chill and settle-down chapter this time around with some world-building spread in.

During the initial stages of brainstorming ideas for Henry, — aside from the connection of sharing the same name as the real-life pirate king and being similar to in-universe legends — I sought inspiration from other characters of different places.

Some of you already pointed out the obvious one being Eren Yeager.

Simon from Gurren Lagann, especially at the final battle, had me cheering with his speech.

I've never played WoW, but watching the video "Rejection Of The Gift" a while back sent shivers down my spine. I highly recommend you go watch it.

What's crucial is that the story of One Piece exhibits an innate sense of rhyme and coherence, and I've been diligent in ensuring that I adhere to a similar approach.

Random Question: Who are your top picks in being future Conqueror's Haki users?

I'm going with Mihawk and Koby.

If Zoro has it then he most definitely does by virtue. Same with Garp and Koby, the parallels are very blatant.