Coby cowers in fear as he looks at Alvida. His hands cover his face as all his fear comes rushing back to him. But amidst the chaos, my mind flickers to the memory of my fiery resolve, an ambition burning quietly within me: to become stronger and never fear again, to forever be able to protect the people I care about. Luffy leans forward, trying to see a little bit better. Swords pierce through the door behind us, framing Luffy's head. Alvida towers over Coby, holding her iron mace on her shoulder.
Alvida smirks, her lips curling with confidence as she sizes up Luffy. "My guess is you're not Zoro the pirate hunter?" Her tone drips with sarcasm, making it clear she already knows the answer. Luffy blinks, clueless. "Zoro?" he repeats, his voice tinged with honest confusion. From my position, watching carefully, I can't help but grin at the mention of the name. Zoro is destined to join us eventually. The thought sends a ripple of excitement through me.
Alvida's booming voice fills the room. "Coby! Who is the most beautiful of all on these seas?"
Coby trembles, sweat beading on his forehead as he stammers, "A-ah, g-give me a sec, I know this..." His eyes dart nervously, aware of the imposing Alvida's gaze. Luffy interrupts, loud and oblivious, "Hey, Coby, who's the fat lady?" I can't help but snort, barely holding back laughter. The bluntness of Luffy's question sends Coby into a nervous fluster. He hesitates, "Uh, L-Luffy, she's... she's... um..." Luffy glances over his shoulder at me, flashing a cheeky smirk. I match it with my own before answering, "That's the captain, Alvida. She's the one whose crew we were with before."
Luffy's laughter rings out, momentarily breaking the tension. But the silence that follows is thick, Alvida's jaw is clenched in seething rage, her crew shrinking away, barely daring to breathe. The threat in the air is palpable.
In a sudden burst of fury, Alvida raises her iron club high, the steel catching the light and glinting like a predator's eye. "You runt!" she bellows, bringing it crashing down where we stood. The floor splinters, wood exploding in every direction, and I catch the sharp, acrid scent of shattered timber. My ears ring with the impact, a piercing tone that momentarily drowns out the chaos. Luffy and I leap aside, narrowly avoiding the strike. He lands next to Coby, grinning as if nothing happened. "Let's go," he says, calm in the chaos.
I'm already there, catching my breath. Three pirates lay sprawled at my feet, knocked out cold by my quick strikes. I shift my weight onto the balls of my feet, feeling the kunai perfectly balanced with my center. My movements are precise and fluid, a testament to my growing skills. I feel a rush of confidence; maybe I'm not so helpless after all. Against these small fry, my training is enough. But my eyes are on the bigger fights ahead.
Suddenly, pirates surge from below, weapons flashing. Luffy moves like a whirlwind, dodging and weaving, fists flying. Each punch sends a pirate tumbling, and his laughter is wild, almost boyish. I take up a stance near Coby, intercepting anyone who gets too close, my kunai flashing as I parry blades and land quick, decisive blows. For a brief moment, amid the chaos, a doubt flickers through me: What if I'm not strong enough to protect those I care about? But I push it away, feeling the pounding of my heart in my chest, the dull ache in my muscles, only to be swept away by adrenaline. Luffy leaps overhead, flipping as a sword whistles past. "Missed me!" he shouts, his energy contagious.
He lands, flexing his arm with a wink at Coby. But before he can show off, a pirate leaps from above, sword poised to strike. Instinct kicks in: I flood chakra to my legs, vault upward, and grab the attacker mid-air, spinning him overhead and hurling him out to sea. As I do, a nagging voice in the back of my mind asks if I can keep this up for long. The thrill of action nearly drowns it out, but the question remains, nudging at my resolve. "You can't lay a hand on my captain!" I call, the words ringing with newfound pride.
Luffy flashes me a grin of approval, then barrels into a knot of pirates, scattering them like bowling pins. More pour in behind him. Instead of turning to fight, Luffy sprints, beckoning the mob to give chase. I sigh, drawing kunai between my fingers, and hurl them with precision, each one finding a mark, slowing the advance. Now's my chance: I dive into the fray, fists and feet moving on instinct, dodging, weaving, striking throats and joints. The world narrows to the rhythm of battle.
There are too many, so I focus on defense, letting my academy training guide my movements. I duck under a wild swing, counter with a sharp jab to the throat, and sidestep another pirate, sending him sprawling.
Above, Luffy seizes the mast, his arms stretching impossibly far. "Hey Daichi! Dodge! Gum Gum Rocket!" he yells. I dive aside as he releases, slingshotting himself into the heart of the enemy horde. The impact is thunderous, like a giant cracking a massive whip across a city, a shockwave reverberating through the ship. Pirates scatter, some tumbling overboard, while others are left stunned, clutching their ears against the ringing aftermath. A deep crack splinters up the mast, the ship groaning under the assault, and for a moment, there's stunned silence as even the wind seems to hold its breath. I watch, chest heaving, realizing just how much farther I have to go.
Alvida and Coby stare in disbelief. Coby inches forward, voice trembling. "L-Luffy, what are you?"
Luffy grins, stretching his mouth with both hands. "I'm a rubber man."
Coby blinks in confusion. "So you're made of rubber?" Alvida's shadow looms behind him, and he scurries to my side.
Alvida's gaze sharpens. "So, you've eaten one of the devil fruits?" Her suspicion is edged with awe.
"Yeah, I ate the Gum-Gum one."
"I've heard rumors, but never seen proof until now," Alvida muses. "You're more skilled than the average deckswabber. Are you a bounty hunter?"
"I'm a pirate!" Luffy announces proudly. "Huh, a pirate? All by yourself on these waters?"
"It was just me, but now I have a crewmember! And we'll only keep growing."
Alvida turns her glare to me, and I tense, heart pounding. "So you're betraying me, Daichi? After all I've done for you?" For a few seconds, a vivid memory seizes me: the acrid stench of burning wood and resin fills my lungs, flames roaring as they char the timber beams of my childhood home. Ghostly cries of panic ring in my ears, a child's voice lost in the chaos. These are the echoes of that night, a nightmare etched into my soul. As I stand there, caught between the old scars and my new self, I feel the weight of two lives pressing down on me. My resolve hardens as I remember those terrible moments, realizing I still don't have the firepower for a true showdown, but I can't back down now. In this life, I am Daichi, originally from another world, but I have inherited the memories and emotions of this body. I grapple with the dissonance, torn between the person I once was and the demands of this new identity. The fear of abandoning my past self battles with the urge to embrace this new reality. My memories from this previous body's owner are now mine as well, and I feel it just as he would, lingering like old scars that refuse to heal. The amalgamation of these recollections leaves me both hesitant and hopeful, as each echo of the past mingles with the fears and hopes of this present, shaping a new path I am determined to walk, even if it's shrouded in uncertainty.
Just as these thoughts swirl within me, another memory intrudes: an image of my old world's tranquil moments, a place where peace was tangible, blending with the chaos of this current encounter. The remembrance of those serene times makes the present danger more acute, but it also fuels a resolve to carve out similar peace here, too. My grip on the kunai tightens, heartbeats echoing with an odd symphony of turmoil and determination, reminders of both past lives merging to forge an indomitable spirit.
Anger boils up inside me. I clench my fist, voice cold. "After all you've done for me? You mean killing my friends, burning my home, forcing me to serve you just to survive? I'd rather drown than serve you another day."
Luffy's supportive smile gives me strength. He wants me to face my own fight.
Alvida charges, fury in every step. I palm kunai, ducking and weaving as her club whistles past. Each swing threatens to end me, but I refuse to give her the satisfaction. I dart in, slash her leg, and skid to a knee beside her, my breath sharp, adrenaline surging. This is the first time in my life that my life truly hangs in the balance.
She yelps in pain, spinning her club defensively to force me back. I leap away, flinging a kunai into her shoulder. She grunts, rage undimmed, and lunges. Just as her club descends, I form a hand sign, my body vanishing in a poof, replaced by a barrel that splinters under her blow. I reappear around the corner, racing toward her flank.
She whirls, startled. "You were hiding tricks from me."
I tighten my grip on the kunai. "I'm a shinobi. We always have a trick up our sleeve."
I flash through hand signs, summoning two shadow clones. We circle her, darting from three angles at once. She lashes out with a sweeping blow, catching only smoke as my clones vanish on contact.
"Where'd he go?" she growls, confusion etched on her face. Luffy's eyes glitter with excitement; he loves every second of this.
I burst from the deck below, chakra blazing in my fist. The punch lands square in Alvida's chest, launching her into the wall with a booming crash. It feels like the force of that strike drained nearly half of my chakra reserves, a testament to its power but also a reminder of my limits. She slumps, gasping, but stubbornly hauls herself upright again.
I stagger, clutching my hand, drained from the effort. I've pushed my limits, and I know it's not enough for what's coming.
I turn to Luffy, swallowing my frustration. "Captain, that's all I've got. My strongest attack. If we want to get a boat and leave, maybe you should send her flying."
He nods, eyes serious—no trace of his usual laughter. This is about more than just a fight; it's about freeing me from my past.
Luffy steps forward, calm and resolute. Alvida charges, club raised. "You're dead!"
She slams her weapon down onto Luffy's head. He hunches, unhurt, as Coby gasps in fear. I step beside Coby, reassuring him with quiet confidence. "He'll be alright. After all, he's going to be king of the pirates."
Luffy looks up, grinning. "That won't work!"
Alvida stares, stunned. "What!?"
"I'm rubber!" Luffy shouts, feet anchored, fist drawn back. "Gum-Gum Pistol!"
For a second after the punch lands, a stunned silence settles over the chaos, only the creak of the ship's rigging and the wind's whisper filling the space. The silence stretches, as if holding its breath, amplifying the sheer power of Luffy's strike. It's a shared moment, a collective realization of newfound freedom, before the reality of the turbulent world crashes back in.
The ship shudders under the impact of the sudden cannonade, each blast a sharp punctuation in the chaos erupting around us. The acrid smell of gunpowder mingles with the salt-laden breeze, overwhelming the senses and propelling the urgency of the moment. My pulse quickens as we spot three imposing Marine ships advancing towards us, their presence a stark reminder of the new danger. The whistle of incoming cannon fire slices through the air, signaling the Marines' arrival and transforming our objective from confrontation to escape.
"Ooh, perfect timing!" Luffy shouts, his grin defiant, radiating pure will. "Head over there and tell them you want to join! But I'm a pirate, so I'm out of here." He vaults over the edge, and I don't even hesitate. I leap after him, driven by adrenaline and trust.
"No, wait!" Coby's cry is desperate, his fear and longing raw. "You can't be serious! If I approach them like this, they'll just capture me like another pirate!"
Luffy, Coby, and I drop down on a small boat from the deck. Splashing beside another boat, which holds a familiar orange-haired girl. We sail away without another word, both boats just trying to leave before the Marines get there."We actually got away!" Coby cries out, his voice tinged with disbelief and relief.
Luffy bursts into laughter, tossing his head back. "Ah, what fun!"
I can't help but smile at the two of them. Their joy is infectious, and for a moment, the adrenaline and tension of the escape fade away. I turn my gaze to the endless blue horizon, letting the salty wind clear my head as I reflect on everything that just happened and what I need to work on next. To start with, I need a higher-attack-power move, and I know exactly which one: the Rasengan. If I master that jutsu, no iron club will ever scare me again. Yet, I can't ignore the potential challenges of learning such an advanced technique in a place like the One Piece world. The rules of chakra may not apply here the same way, and training without proper guidance could be risky. What if the ship's rocking disrupts my focus, or the chakra behaves unpredictably at sea? Since it's one of the few jutsu we see the entire training process for, I decide I'll need to stop for some water balloons and rubber balls. Though determined, I understand the journey toward perfecting the Rasengan is fraught with obstacles unique to this world.
I snap back to the present as Luffy perks up with curiosity. "I heard you guys mention some pirate hunter. What's he like?"
Coby hesitates, but I jump in, eager to share what I know. "His name is Roronoa Zoro," I say, watching as Luffy's eyes light up with interest. "He's a pirate hunter, and not just any pirate hunter. He fights with three swords at once and dreams of becoming the world's greatest swordsman." Just before naming him, the ship's masts cast crossed shadows on the deck as the sun shifts, an unintentional reminder of a warrior's balance. Coby adds, "I heard he's being held prisoner at some marine base." "Oh, well, a weakling, huh?" Luffy says, disappointed.
"If he heard you saying that, he'd probably try to kill you." I laugh lightly. "He's no weakling, I heard word he got put in prison not due to being weak, but the marine captain at that base is corrupt and used civilians to put him in an ultimatum. But I don't doubt he's definitely stronger than me and probably most people on this sea. With you, maybe being an exception."
As I speak, I can tell Luffy lights up a bit more. Coby speaks again. "There's no way he's weak! He's as violent as a demon and three times as horrifying."
Coby then has a small realization. "Wait, why are you asking about him anyway?" Luffy smiles, "I figured if he's good enough, I'd ask him to join my crew!"
He and Coby go back and forth as I get lost in my thoughts once more. Tuning them out and trying to meditate to build and refine my chakra.
Hours drift by as I sit cross-legged at the bow, lost in my meditation. The gentle rocking of the boat and the rhythmic splash of waves become the soundtrack of my focus. When I finally open my eyes, sunlight has shifted, and I find Coby gripping the tiller with intense concentration, his brow furrowed as he charts our course. Luffy sprawls across the deck, hat tipped over his eyes, humming tunelessly to himself. As if sensing the shift in my energy, Luffy peeks out from beneath his hat, eyes bright with anticipation.
Suddenly, he pushes himself up with a dramatic groan. "Hungrrryyy..." His stomach growls, echoing across the little boat. I can't help but chuckle at his theatrics; a little levity after all that tension feels good. "You're in luck, Captain." I pull a scroll from my pouch and begin to unravel it, the parchment marked with intricate seals.
Luffy sits up bolt upright, eyes glued to my hands as I channel chakra through my fingertips. Blue energy pulses along the inked lines, and with a soft poof, a savory aroma fills the air. Plates of roasted meat, crisp apples, and even a pile of fresh vegetables materialize beside me, all perfectly preserved. If I'd released the whole supply, we'd be up to our necks in food; better to be cautious with limited deck space.
Luffy's jaw drops, and drool starts to pool at the corner of his mouth. "Meat! Apples! You're amazing, Daichi!" He practically pounces on the food, stuffing his cheeks like a starving wolf. Coby joins in, his eyes wide with gratitude, and the two of them dig in with infectious enthusiasm.
I tuck the scroll away, watching the two devour the meal, and grab an apple for myself, savoring the tart crunch. For a while, the only sounds are the slap of waves and the relentless munching of Luffy, whose appetite borders on supernatural.
After a few minutes, I break the silence. "How long until we reach land, Coby?"
Coby looks up, cheeks bulging, and struggles to swallow before answering. "Should be just another hour or so. We're making good time!"
I nod, letting the peace of the moment settle over me, but it doesn't last. Luffy's eating is so rapid and ravenous, it's almost terrifying to watch. Coby and I exchange a look equal parts horror and awe.
I turn my gaze to the horizon, letting my thoughts drift. But something weighs on me. For a moment, I hesitate, my fingers tapping nervously against my knee. My mind is a whirlwind of doubts and fears as I glance at Luffy, who's licking his fingers clean.
"Hey, Luffy?" I manage to say, my voice filled with an uncertainty I try to hide. He looks up, still chewing, but I see the flicker of seriousness in his eyes. "Do you think I'm weak? Be honest, if I'm slowing us down, I need to know." Luffy stops mid-chew, contemplating. "You're strong, Daichi, but yeah, still kind of weak," he admits candidly, his eyes sincere. A part of me sags at his words, but his tone lacks any hint of malice.
I pause, letting his words settle in. There's a difference between being weak and needing to grow, and I feel the weight of that understanding taking root. "What do you mean by weak?" I press, wanting more clarity, more reassurance.
It's just that, Luffy swallows, leaning in, "You think a lot. Trust your instincts more, like when you did that shadow move back there." Memories of past battles swirl through my head, and I nod slowly.
As Luffy's words resonate within me, I realize that my self-perception is shifting. The hesitation that has always plagued me starts to crumble. "So, you think I should just... go with it?"
Luffy's grin returns, infectious and warm. "Exactly! You're smart with your moves, but maybe you need to fight more like you mean it, like you did with that barrel," he suggests.
"That's fair", I say, feeling both relief and newfound determination. I can sense the change happening inside me, a small but significant step toward becoming the person I aspire to be. The tension eases as Luffy gives me a wide, encouraging smile. "Don't worry, Daichi. We'll get stronger together. You see, I wasn't always that good, either." His reassurance warms me, and I realize just how much faith he has in me.
Thanks, Captain, I respond, my voice steadier now, a slight grin breaking through. This exchange has left me with a clearer vision of my path forward, one where I trust myself and embrace the challenges ahead with courage.
I nod, accepting the assessment. I take another bite of my apple, thinking hard. The tension is palpable; no one wants to say the wrong thing, but it needs to be said.
Clearing my throat, I speak up. "I'm putting Zoro in your hands, Captain. I'll handle supplies and work on getting stronger. If you need me, check by the boat."
I meet his eyes, letting my resolve show. I'm the first mate, I won't hold this crew back. I will get stronger. As the outline of the island appears on the horizon, my determination hardens.
Almost immediately, I slide out of my seat and start making hand signs. After that last battle, I can feel my chakra has shifted and grown, perhaps. It's time to push my limits. If I can master this jutsu, it will change everything. I focus intensely, each hand sign a deliberate step toward mastery. Sweat beads on my brow as my determination intensifies, and I can almost feel the resonance of my clone's heartbeat syncing with my own. This shared rhythm becomes a sensory echo of my resolve, a testament to the effort and emotion poured into this moment of triumph.
Luffy and Coby pause their eating, watching me with curiosity as I focus, forming the cross-shaped seal again and again. Puffs of smoke burst around me, but nothing sticks. We're nearing the harbor when I try one more time, sweat dripping down my neck, concentration razor-sharp. Something inside me clicks, a surge of chakra, a flash of clarity. Suddenly, a perfect clone stands beside me, solid and breathing.
I reach out, and my clone pokes me in the chest. We both grin. To Luffy and Coby, it's just another trick, but I know what this is: the shadow clone jutsu, Naruto's legendary move. My chest swells with quiet pride.
I nod to my clone, who slips away into the crowd ahead, already blending into the new town. Turning to the others, I catch them preparing to disembark.I call out, "Be careful out there. If you need me, you know where I'll be."
Luffy flashes a wide, confident grin. "No worries! I got it!"
I smile back, the moment heavy with unspoken trust. "I know, Captain. I trust you."
As Luffy and Coby head into the bustling streets, I plant my feet on the dock, resolve burning brighter than ever. Today, I'll train harder than I ever have; I'll be ready when they return. But as I stand there, a question lingers in my mind, teasing the edges of my resolve: What will I become in this sea of giants?