Akai sat alone in his office, staring at the two remaining cards he had drawn from the gacha system. His encounters with Tony and Shiho had left a deep impression on him. Both were brilliant minds who had changed the world in their respective fields. Yet despite these successes, he knew he needed more allies. This was only the beginning. His vision of a new, more peaceful world was immense, and the challenges ahead seemed insurmountable.
Slowly, he picked up the two remaining yellow cards, holding them in his hands. Without further hesitation, he used them both at once.
A bright, golden light filled the room. It swirled around him like a vortex of energy and magic before two silhouettes began to emerge. Akai stepped back as the light gradually faded, revealing the figures more clearly.
The first person he saw was a young woman with short, vibrant orange hair. She wore tight, light clothing and held a long, intricately crafted staff in her hand. Akai recognized her immediately. Nami, the navigator of the Straw Hat Pirates from the world of One Piece. She looked determined and ready for a fight, her eyes gleaming with unyielding resolve.
"Where… where am I?" she asked, confused, as she looked around, clutching her staff tightly.
Before Akai could answer, he heard a rustling sound behind him and turned around. Standing there was a young man with black hair, dressed in dark armor. A sword was strapped to his back. Kirigaya Kazuto, better known as Kirito from the world of Sword Art Online. He seemed focused, his gaze scanning the room as if preparing for a sudden battle.
"This isn't the world I know…" Kirito muttered quietly as his eyes landed on Akai. "Who are you?"
Akai raised his hands in a calming gesture and spoke in a gentle but firm voice, "Welcome. My name is Akai. You've both been brought here from your worlds, and I know this is confusing, but allow me to explain what has happened and where you've arrived."
Nami eyed Akai suspiciously, still holding her staff at the ready. "I don't know what's going on, but I've beaten pirates like Arlong before. If this is a trick, you better think carefully about your next move."
Kirito pulled his cloak tighter around himself and stepped beside Nami, his gaze fixed on Akai. "I'm not sure we can trust you, but we should at least hear him out. What exactly is happening here?"
Akai nodded, understanding their caution. He knew the strength and determination of both individuals and that they had faced much pain and struggle in their lives. Taking a deep breath, he began to explain, "You're now in a different world, far from the places you know. This world is unlike yours. It's plagued by conflict, war, and suffering."
Nami lowered her staff slightly as she listened. "War and suffering? Doesn't sound too different from some of the places I've been... But why are we here? What do you want from us?"
Akai smiled faintly, though his expression remained serious. "This world is, in many ways, worse than the ones you come from. Here, children as young as six are trained to be soldiers. Entire generations grow up surrounded by violence, never having the chance for a peaceful life. I've made it my mission to change this world. I want to build a nation where peace and justice prevail. But I can't do it alone. That's why you're here."
Kirito stepped forward, his gaze thoughtful as he looked at Akai. "And you think we can help you change this world?"
Akai nodded. "You are both extraordinary. Nami, you're not only a brilliant navigator but also a fighter who has faced off against some of the most powerful pirates. Your determination, your fighting spirit – that's exactly what this world needs."
Nami blinked in surprise as Akai spoke so directly about her abilities. "I... I fight to protect my friends. To make sure no one suffers like my home village did."
"That's precisely why you're needed here," Akai said firmly. "There are many here who are going through the same things you did back then. They need someone to give them hope. Someone to show them that there's a future where they can live free from oppression."
Kirito stood silently, his hands resting on the hilt of his sword as he thought. Finally, he raised his head and spoke, "In my world, I fought for freedom. For those trapped in Sword Art Online. But here…" He hesitated briefly. "I feel weaker. My body is different."
Akai looked at him with understanding. "That's because this isn't a virtual world. Your body is bound to reality, but that doesn't mean you're powerless. I've seen that you still have access to your system window."
Kirito blinked in surprise. "You… know about that?"
"Yes," Akai replied. "With that window, you can continue to grow and become stronger. You have the potential to enhance your skills and even find new ways to apply them in this world."
Kirito briefly opened his system window, looking at the familiar displays in front of him. "So I can… level up, like in SAO?"
"Exactly," Akai confirmed. "It won't be easy, but you can become stronger than you ever imagined."
Nami glanced from Akai to Kirito and finally lowered her staff completely. "This sounds… strange, but somehow I believe you. You don't seem like someone trying to lure us into a trap."
Akai nodded gratefully. "I'm glad you see it that way. Both of you are crucial to the change I want to bring to this world. But you are also free. You don't have to join me if you don't want to."
Kirito and Nami exchanged a glance before Kirito spoke, "I think it's clear this world needs someone like us. And if there's a chance to improve life here, then I'll help."
Nami snorted and smiled slightly. "I want to return to my crew, but... until I find a way back, I'll help you too. At least as long as I keep my freedom."
Akai smiled in relief. "I promise you that. You won't be prisoners in this world. You're free to leave whenever you wish. But I'm grateful for any support you can offer in the meantime."
They both nodded, and Akai could feel that a new chapter in his mission had begun. With Kirito and Nami by his side, the prospect of building a better world seemed a little more realistic.
"Welcome to your new home," Akai concluded. "I hope that together, we can achieve something great."