My name is Xia Yu.
Half a month ago, I somehow ended up in Windmill Village—right in the middle of the pirate world—and got bound to something called a Traveler System.
The moment it activated, I just stood there, stunned.
In a world where pirates run rampant and strength rules everything… I got a system that tells me to travel?
What was I supposed to do—sightsee my way through danger?
Fortunately, the system wasn't completely heartless.
The moment it bound to me, it handed over a beginner gift pack.
And this "beginner" pack?
It was anything but ordinary.
Inside it were Conqueror's Haki, Armament Haki, Observation Haki, combat experience—and even a permanent Log Pointer.
Based on my understanding of the One Piece anime, although Conqueror's Haki is extremely impressive in the early stages, once the story reaches the New World, people who possess Conqueror's Haki are practically everywhere. So compared to Conqueror's Haki, I actually value Armament and Observation Haki far more.
Especially Observation Haki. Once developed to its peak, it can even allow one to foresee the future—that's seriously powerful!
While receiving the gift pack, I also received a mission from the system.
The mission was simple: remain in Windmill Village, familiarize myself with its culture and customs, and spread Confucian thought throughout the village!
Confucian thought?
…What kind of bizarre mission was that supposed to be?
Well, whatever.
Although Xia Yu didn't quite understand what kind of strange mission this was, having lived in a country influenced by Confucian thought for two thousand years, he didn't think it would be difficult at all.
In fact, it seemed extremely simple.
Honestly, it felt almost… too easy.
After half a month, my understanding of Windmill Village had already surpassed that of many of the villagers themselves, and I had built good relationships with them. Among them, I was especially close with the village chief, Woop Slap, and Makino, the owner of Party's Bar.
Especially Makino—this girl has a gentle personality, kind heart, and is always warm and helpful. No matter who you are, you'll receive her sunshine-like smile and careful attention.
She's kind, gentle—the type anyone would want to build a life with. And she's beautiful, too.
Honestly… I can tell she likes me a little.
Maybe more than a little.
…Alright, maybe she's already thinking about marriage.
Unfortunately, the system had already made its next demand clear—
I had to leave Windmill Village within three days and begin my next journey.
The reward for completing the Windmill Village mission is Travel Points.
Travel Points can be used to upgrade my three types of Haki and combat experience.
Perhaps because Windmill Village is too remote and too small, I only received one hundred Travel Points as a reward. That amount wasn't even enough to make a dent in upgrading all three types of Haki.
Hmm… it's about time to leave this place.
At the bar counter of Party's Bar, Makino—wearing her usual headscarf and maintaining her ever-gentle, attentive demeanor—handed Xia Yu a glass of red wine with her signature smile.
"Mr. Xia Yu?"
"Ah—thanks."
Xia Yu came back to his senses, casually took the glass, took a small sip, then leaned against the counter and asked with a smile,
"Makino… if you had the chance to travel, where would you want to go?"
"Huh?"
Makino blinked in surprise before shaking her head.
"I've never really thought about it."
"I see."
Xia Yu narrowed his eyes slightly and continued,
"What do you think about Shimotsuki Village?"
"Mr. Xia Yu… you're leaving, aren't you?"
Makino suddenly realized something. Blinking her bright eyes, she asked cautiously,
"Are you planning to go to Shimotsuki Village?"
"Yes."
Xia Yu nodded.
"So I'd like to trouble you to prepare a small boat for me. I'll be leaving tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?"
Makino was caught completely off guard.
"Tomorrow…? Isn't that too soon?"
"I've stayed here long enough. It's time I move on."
Xia Yu tilted his head back and finished the wine in one gulp.
"Thank you for your care and hospitality during this time, Makino."
"It's nothing."
Makino shook her head, unable to hide her reluctance.
"If Mr. Xia Yu suddenly leaves, I think everyone will feel very sad. Even though we all knew you would eventually leave… we didn't expect it to be this soon."
Xia Yu could clearly feel Makino's reluctance—and once again sensed her feelings toward him.
She truly is a wonderful woman.
Maybe I should… ahem… take things one step further before I leave?
…
The next day.
At the Windmill Village dock, nearly the entire village had gathered, filling the dock with a rare, quiet bustle.
To the villagers of Windmill Village, although Xia Yu didn't originally belong here, after only half a month together, they had all grown fond of this unexpected traveler who called himself an adventurer.
Especially the village chief, Woop Slap, who absolutely loved the Confucian teachings Xia Yu had shared with him.
Virtuous governance, rule through propriety, governance through moral leadership, and the emphasis on moral influence—These concepts were completely new to him—yet they broadened his horizons and fascinated him to no end.
And it wasn't just the village chief.
Xia Yu had planted the complete system of Confucian thought into the hearts of every villager in Windmill Village, allowing it to take root and grow.
This was the mission Xia Yu had received when he first arrived in Windmill Village—and it was clear that he had completed it exceptionally well. The villagers of Windmill Village had already risen from simple natives to a brand-new level of awareness.
To them, Xia Yu was no longer just a traveler.
In their eyes, he was no longer just a traveler—but a pioneer destined for extraordinary things.
So when they learned that Xia Yu was leaving, they all voluntarily walked out of their homes and came to the dock to see him off.
Standing at the very front, the village chief of Windmill Village, Woop Slap, signaled for the villagers behind him to quiet down. Then he slowly walked up to Xia Yu and gave a slight bow.
"Mr. Xia Yu, we have learned much from you during this time. We know your ambitions are far greater than this small village, so we won't try to stop you. May your journey be smooth—and your path wide."
"You're too polite, Chief."
Xia Yu smiled warmly.
"I came to Windmill Village with nothing. If anything, I should be the one thanking all of you."
After speaking, Xia Yu decisively jumped onto the small boat Makino had prepared for him. Then he turned around and waved to the villagers standing on the dock.
"Well then… everyone—until we meet again!"
"Goodbye, Mr. Xia Yu!"
The villagers waved reluctantly, seeing him off. Meanwhile, Woop Slap silently turned around and sighed.
"If Mr. Xia Yu were willing to stay in Windmill Village, this old village chief of mine would gladly step down."
"Village Chief, Mr. Xia Yu loves traveling. You can't force him to stay."
Standing beside the chief, Makino blinked playfully and continued,
"Besides, Windmill Village is too small. It can't hold someone like Mr. Xia Yu."
"Ah…"
Woop Slap shook his head and sighed again.
Clearly, he was the one most unwilling to see Xia Yu leave.