Charlie stumbled as the light faded, his boots scraping against rough cobblestone. Blinking, he took in his surroundings—an alleyway, narrow and dark, wedged between two tall, multi-story buildings. The smell of saltwater and mildew filled the air, mingling with the not so distant sounds of a bustling town. He didn't recognize the place, but at least he'd made it to somewhere.
He exhaled slowly. Alright, step one: don't freak out.
Before he could get to the end of the alley, the familiar System interface blinked to life in the corner of his vision.
[New world detected]
[Analyzing…]
[New user detected]
[Junior Administrator Charles Angus]
[New option temporary opened]
[System construction]
[New Hire Bonus Available]
Charlie's eyes widened at the sudden rush of information flooding his vision.
[New Hire Bonus: AI Assistant]
[System Templates Available for Customization]
Gacha System
Gamer System
Civilization Management
Quest-Giving System
Custom Template
He blinked, barely able to focus on the notifications. He knew he had to choose his System template wisely, but the bustling port he found at the end of the alley kept drawing his attention. People were shouting, barrels were being rolled onto ships, and the smell of spices hung heavy in the air. The lively chaos of the world of One Piece was already in full swing.
"Focus," Charlie muttered under his breath. He steadied his thoughts, his gaze narrowing as he reviewed the options. This was no ordinary choice—it would shape the way he interacted with the world and its people.
[Welcome, Junior Administrator Charles Angus,] a calm voice suddenly spoke in his mind. The AI Assistant.
Charlie's heart leaped. "Is that the new assistant function?"
[Indeed. I am here to assist you with System management, strategies, and analysis. The first order of business is to customize your System. Shall I explain each template or make a recommendation?]
Charlie hesitated, weighing his options. "Explain them briefly," he said, his eyes scanning the dock. His hand rested casually in his pocket, where the expandable stun baton he had just bought was ready, just in case anything went wrong.
The AI responded in a swift and clear voice: [The Gacha System encourages long-term engagement by offering rewards. The Gamer System functions like an RPG, enhancing your personal development and skills. The Civilization Management System focuses on shaping entire societies or groups over long periods of time. The Quest-Giving System allows you to direct individuals or groups by giving them objectives. The Custom Template option offers complete flexibility but requires significant resources and effort to build from scratch.]
Charlie's mind raced. He knew the One Piece world well, and that gave him an advantage. But which system would allow him to exploit his knowledge of the world while still allowing him to remain adaptable?
"What's your recommendation?" he asked, half-expecting the AI to be cryptic.
[For this world, the Quest-Giving System offers the best balance of influence and subtlety. You can direct key individuals while avoiding drawing too much attention to yourself. However, if you prefer to focus on your own personal growth, the Gamer System would serve you well.]
Charlie nodded, absorbing the information. Quest-giving made sense, Lachesis had mentioned before that Players are the main resource for the System. This world was full of people chasing dreams—pirates, marines, revolutionaries. He could use quests to align their goals with his, manipulating events from the shadows.
"Let's go with the Quest-Giving System," Charlie decided.
[Quest-Giving System Selected]
The interface blinked away, leaving Charlie to take his first steps in this new world. But before he could move, a voice cut through the alley.
"Oi! You there!"
Charlie froze, his heart skipping a beat. He turned to see a large, rough-looking man blocking the alley's exit. The guy was straight out of a pirate movie—bandana, sword, tattered shirt—the whole deal. His eyes narrowed as he took in Charlie's appearance.
"Where d'ya think you're goin' with all that gear, eh?" the pirate asked, his voice low and full of greed.
Charlie glanced down at himself. His stab-proof uniform, waterproof raincoat, and steel-toe boots suddenly seemed a lot more conspicuous than they had five minutes ago.
Yeah, I do look kinda different, don't I? he thought.
The uniform had seemed like a great idea at the time—practical, durable, and perfect for an unknown world where danger could pop up around any corner. Same went for the boots and raincoat. Between the elements and whatever crazy stuff any world could throw at him, they were the smart choice.
But now, standing in a grimy alley with a pirate glaring him down, he couldn't help but think that maybe he'd gone a bit overboard. Sure, the gear was still useful, but it also made him stand out like a sore thumb.
The pirate took a step forward, his eyes narrowing as he gripped the hilt of his sword. "Oi! I'm talkin' to ya!" he growled, the irritation clear in his voice. "What's with all the fancy gear, huh? You rob someone?"
Charlie's mind raced. Great. I've got a guy ready to gut me, and here I am having a fashion crisis.
The pirate's gaze shifted to Charlie's backpack, and a nasty grin spread across his face. "You carryin' somethin' valuable in there? Hand it over, and I won't have to spill your guts all over the street." His voice had dropped to a menacing hiss, and his fingers curled more tightly around the sword hilt, ready to draw it.
This guy's not just trying to scare me, he's ready to kill me, Charlie realized. The pirate's posture was shifting, his feet subtly adjusting as he prepared for violence. There wasn't much time.
"Let's see what this System can do," Charlie whispered under his breath, feeling a surge of anticipation. "AI, give me some quests," he silently ordered, his gaze locked on the pirate closing in on him.
As the pirate loomed closer, the System hummed in Charlie's mind, and a new notification appeared:
[Quest Initiated: Defend Yourself]
Objective: Defend yourself from the pirate without causing unnecessary harm. Use resourcefulness and restraint to neutralize the threat while avoiding escalation.
Reward:
Combat Skill Mastery (Beginner): Gain proficiency in hand-to-hand combat and basic defensive tactics.
Tactical Awareness (Beginner): Learn to read your surroundings and assess threats quickly, improving your ability to react and make smart decisions in tense situations.
Failure: Risk escalating the situation, potentially leading to injury or attracting unwanted attention from nearby pirates or marines.
Charlie barely had time to process it before a second notification flashed before him.
[Quest Initiated: Overpower the Pirate]
Objective: Assert dominance over the pirate through overwhelming force, sending a clear message of strength and authority. Intimidate him and any that are watching.
Reward:
Intimidation Skill Mastery (Beginner): Master the basics of intimidating opponents.
Combat Aggression (Beginner): Learn how to apply force efficiently, overpowering opponents quickly and decisively.
Failure: Risk of injury or retaliation from nearby pirates or authorities offended by your show of force.
Charlie stared at the pirate, weighing his options. The Defend Yourself path required restraint and would sharpen his awareness. It was safer, more controlled—perfect for staying under the radar.
But the Overpower the Pirate option was tempting. It offered the chance to assert dominance, establishing himself through force. The risk? Higher, but the rewards seemed worth it.
The pirate stepped closer, his hand fully gripping the hilt of his sword now, his eyes gleaming with greed. "Last chance, pal," he growled, unsheathing the blade with a metallic hiss. "Hand it over, or you'll regret it."
Charlie's heart raced as the pirate lunged, swinging the sword in a wide arc aimed at his chest. Instinct kicked in. Charlie ducked low, feeling the rush of air as the blade slashed just above him. Quick as a flash, he backed into the shadows of the alley, formulating a plan.
The pirate sneered, his sword raised again as he stalked forward. "Where d'ya think you're goin'? You're dead meat!"
Charlie wasn't retreating—he was setting the stage. His hand slid into his other pocket, fingers brushing against the cool metal of his high-powered LED flashlight, courtesy of the same shop as the baton. A grin tugged at the corner of his mouth.
As the pirate entered the narrow alley, Charlie flicked on the flashlight, aiming it straight at the pirate's eyes. A blinding beam exploded into the dark, and the pirate cursed, stumbling as he shielded his face.
"Argh! Damn it!" The pirate swung his sword wildly, blinking furiously to clear his vision.
Charlie didn't waste time. He yanked the expandable stun baton from his jacket, snapping it open with a flick of his wrist. The baton crackled with electricity.
"Let's see how this works," he muttered.
The pirate, still disoriented, swung again, but Charlie sidestepped the blow easily. In one swift motion, Charlie jabbed the baton into the pirate's side. A sharp crackle echoed as the pirate convulsed, his sword clattering to the ground before he collapsed in a heap.
Silence fell over the alley, broken only by the distant noise of the dock. Charlie stood over the unconscious pirate, breathing heavily as the adrenaline began to wear off.
And then, the familiar ripple of the System hit him, and notifications flashed before his eyes.
[Quest Complete: Defend Yourself]
Reward Unlocked:
Combat Skill Mastery (Beginner): You have successfully defended yourself using resourcefulness and tactics.
Tactical Awareness (Beginner): You are now more aware of your surroundings during combat, able to anticipate threats and make smarter decisions under pressure.
Another notification followed immediately.
[Quest Complete: Overpower the Pirate]
Reward Unlocked:
Intimidation Skill (Beginner): You have asserted dominance through the calculated use of force.
Combat Aggression (Beginner): You have learned to apply force efficiently, overpowering opponents quickly and decisively.
[Exploit Discovered]
Simultaneous Mission Completion: By strategically using your tools and tactics, you have completed two opposing missions at once, discovering a loophole in the System. Exploit logged for future reference.
As the pirate lay unconscious in the alley, Charlie's mind raced with the new information. The System had just acknowledged his discovery of an exploit—a loophole that allowed him to complete two missions simultaneously. Before he could fully process what that meant, another notification appeared before him.
[Exploit Reward Unlocked: Inventory System]
New Feature Activated: Inventory
Description: You now have access to a spatial inventory system. This feature allows you to store and retrieve items without physically carrying them. The inventory is accessible via mental command and expands as you grow in mastery.
Charlie's eyes widened as the notification popped up. An Inventory System? That was more than he expected, but he wasn't complaining. A grin tugged at his lips as he opened the interface in his mind. A grid unfolded, empty but full of potential.
"I could get used to this," he muttered, glancing at his heavy backpack. In one quick motion, he willed the pack into his Inventory, and it vanished with a shimmer. Testing it again, he retrieved the bag just as easily. "Oh yeah, this is going to make life easier."
He shook his head, remembering how it all started. The message—the invitation to become a Junior System Administrator—had seemed like a joke. He'd brushed it off as a hallucination from reading too many system novels and went to bed, wasting four hours of precious prep time.
At least I woke up in time, he thought with a smirk. The only reason he hadn't slept through the start of this adventure was because of the notification he'd received, thanks to his Fast Learning skill. The message had woken him up with a simple prompt:
[Congratulations! Thanks to listening to "How to Make Friends and Influence People," your understanding of human behavior has deepened. You will receive additional information for the skill Appraisal.]
That was when it clicked—he wasn't hallucinating. This was real. And Fast Learning was no joke, either. The skill had allowed him to absorb all the information from that audiobook overnight, as if it had been poured directly into his brain. He had even tested its limits, discovering that he could listen to books at 8x speed without losing any comprehension. The "fast" in Fast Learning wasn't just a metaphor.
With that realization, he had scrambled out of bed and rushed through the final four hours of his prep time, cramming in everything he could before the timer hit zero. That led to a frantic shopping spree, grabbing anything and everything that could help him survive in an unknown world.
And now, here I am, he thought, shaking his head in disbelief. Could've used this Inventory System back then, though.
Feeling a surge of excitement, Charlie decided to lay everything out and test the Inventory. One by one, he pulled out the gear he had packed in his desperate rush, eager to see it all disappear into the grid.
First came the camping gear: a compact four-season tent, a thermal sleeping bag, and a lightweight self-inflating sleeping pad. These had seemed like a bit much at the time, but now they felt like lifelines. Each item vanished with a soft shimmer into the Inventory.
Next were the cooking supplies. He chuckled to himself as he pulled out a 1 kg bag of cooking salt and whole pepper—even in survival situations, he wasn't about to skimp on flavor. Along with titanium utensils and a collapsible camping stove powered by solar energy, he stashed them all away with a thought.
Then came the tools and weapons. The Gerber machete gleamed in the dim light, and beside it, his military-grade hunting knife with a built-in fire starter felt like a solid choice. The expandable stun baton, still crackling faintly from its earlier use, joined them in the Inventory. He also tossed in two cans of pepper spray—definitely overkill, but better safe than sorry.
Charlie grinned as he pulled out the solar batteries, perfect for charging his gear and electronics, and the SSD storage packed with maps, definitely useless now, survival guides, and entertainment. They, too, vanished into the Inventory grid.
The water purification system was next. It was compact but powerful, capable of filtering out bacteria, parasites, and heavy metals from any water source. "Not leaving this behind," Charlie muttered as it disappeared.
Then there were his clothing and armor. His stab-proof uniform with built-in camouflage was already on him, but he stashed away his raincoat and military-grade boots, which were well-worn from all the walking he'd done. His Kevlar vest and gloves with knuckle reinforcements were staying on, though, just in case things got messy again.
Finally, he picked up the miscellaneous items. The high-powered LED flashlight that had already saved him today and a bag of multicolored marbles, just in case he needed them for barter—or mischief.
When everything was safely stored away, Charlie patted his now-empty backpack. "Much better," he chuckled.
Man, I really wasted those first four hours, he thought, reflecting on how he had brushed off the invitation message and wasted precious time. Still, with everything now neatly packed into his Inventory and the System at his fingertips, he felt more than ready for whatever came next.
He glanced back at the unconscious pirate. I'm already learning how to bend the System to my will, he thought, a quiet confidence settling over him. With his gear safely stored and the Inventory system in place, Charlie knew he was just getting started.
Charlie stood over the unconscious pirate, the rush of adrenaline slowly giving way to a quiet sense of triumph. He had survived his first real-world encounter using the System, and the possibilities were already unfolding in his mind. His first thought was simple: loot the pirate.
Bending down, he rifled through the man's pockets, finding a decent amount of Berry's , a few scraps of paper, a crude dagger, and the sword he was trying to use on him. Satisfied, he mentally willed the items into his Inventory, watching them disappear with a soft shimmer. The weight of his own backpack had been a burden before, but now, with this Inventory System? He was practically untouchable.
A thought crossed his mind. Could the Inventory hold people? Charlie glanced at the pirate, an idea forming as he grinned. With a focused thought, he tried to store the body.
[Error: Living entities cannot be stored in the Inventory.]
Charlie laughed quietly, standing up and dusting off his hands. "Well, that would've been too easy."
His gaze lingered on the pirate for a moment longer. The guy was still out cold, which made Charlie's curiosity bubble over. He activated his Appraisal skill, letting the System fill in the blanks.
[Appraisal Activated]
Name: Rick "Ironjaw" Dragan
Status: Unconscious
Affiliation: Don Krieg's Armada
Rank: Low-tier Crew Member
Health: Stable (Currently recovering from stun)
Strength: Low
Weapons: None
Notes: Rick Ironjaw is a thug under the command of Don Krieg. The pirate fleet is preparing to depart for the Grand Line and is currently stationed in various areas around Loguetown. Rick's next stop is Loguetown, where they plan to do a last supply run before crossing into the dangerous seas.
Charlie blinked, the name Don Krieg sparking instant recognition. His mind raced. Wait—Don Krieg? Loguetown?
It hit him. This wasn't just some random pirate; this was one of Luffy's early foes. Charlie's heart pounded as the pieces started to fall into place.
I'm right before the Baratie Arc!
Don Krieg's ill-fated venture into the Grand Line and his return to the Baratie were some of the earliest significant events in One Piece. And if Krieg's crew was still hanging around the East Blue, Charlie knew exactly where he stood in the timeline—no more than a couple of months, maybe even weeks, before Luffy's arrival.
The realization sent a surge of excitement through him. This is huge. He wasn't just anywhere in the One Piece world; he was right on the edge of the story's major turning points.
With this knowledge, Charlie saw the opportunity laid out before him. He could manipulate events, position himself to stay one step ahead of the narrative. The possibilities were endless. But he also felt a creeping unease. He knew what kind of monsters were lurking ahead—Mihawk, Arlong, even the Navy's higher-ups—and he wasn't ready to face them yet.
For now, he'd found his first goal. He had to find a way to get to Loguetown.
Charlie maneuvered through the streets of the port town with newfound agility, his Tactical Awareness skill guiding his every step. The sounds of boisterous laughter and clinking glasses from nearby taverns filled the air, a stark contrast to the silent danger he could sense lurking in the corners.
"Hey, AI? I definitely have to pick a name for you. Can I do that?" Charlie asked, his voice low.
[Affirmative,] came the prompt, lifeless response in his head. That flat, robotic tone still creeped him out a bit. How does anyone get used to this?
"How about Oracle? Does that sound good? I think it fits," he suggested, a grin forming on his face. Giving the AI a name felt like a step toward normalizing this whole situation.
[Processing... Name change successful. You may now refer to me as Oracle.]
Charlie nodded, satisfied with his choice. Having an AI companion was still strange, but at least now Oracle had a more fitting name.
Despite the festive atmosphere of the port town, the looming threat of Krieg's men lingered in Charlie's mind. The oblivious townsfolk bustled around him, completely unaware of the pirates lurking nearby, but Charlie couldn't help admiring the picturesque setting. The village was bathed in the warmth of the setting sun, with colorful buildings and people enjoying their late afternoon routines.
He ducked into a nearby café, savoring the aroma of coffee and pastries. It was a perfect place to catch his breath and blend in for a moment. He approached the counter to order, but just as he was about to ask for a drink, Charlie realized something—people were staring.
Right. The uniform.
While he had already tucked away his backpack and raincoat into his Inventory, his tactical uniform was making him stick out like a sore thumb. He shifted awkwardly under the gazes, opting for a takeaway coffee instead. As he left the café, a thought struck him.
"Oracle, can you help me avoid sticking out like this in the future?"
[Affirmative. While approaching the café, I detected a clothes shop near the last corner. It would be advisable to purchase attire similar to that of the locals.]
That was solid advice. "Do I even have enough money for that?"
[Affirmative. Rick "Ironjaw" Dragan was in possession of a considerable amount of money. From the notes on his person, he was supposed to acquire a significant amount of gunpowder.]
Charlie frowned. "That sounds... ominous. What are the chances they'll come after me for robbing him?"
[100%.]
He raised an eyebrow, not entirely surprised. "Well, I guess we're going shopping, then."
The clothes shop was a small one, tucked in between two taller buildings and overflowing with racks of garments. Charlie had to sidestep a bin of wildly patterned shirts even to approach the counter. Behind it, an elderly woman squinted at him through thick glasses.
"What can I do for you?" she asked in a raspy voice. Her eyes flickered down to his uniform then back to his face.
"I need some new clothes," Charlie said, sliding off his jacket and placing it on the counter. "Something less... conspicuous."
The woman's eyes twinkled with amusement as she began rifling through a pile of clothes behind her. "On the run, are you?"
Charlie gave a noncommittal shrug. He'd learned long ago that honesty wasn't always the best policy in situations like this. "You could say that."
The woman returned with an armful of clothes, her lips tight in a pleased smile. "Try these on," she suggested, handing him the clothes and pointing toward the changing area. "They're what you'll see most men in this town wearing. Should blend right in."
Charlie thanked her and walked towards the changing room with apprehension, hoping for the best. He emerged after a few minutes, now dressed in a simple white shirt, dark trousers, and a lightweight brown vest. Gone was his uniform that marked him as an outsider; he now looked like any other town dweller.
The woman behind the counter smiled approvingly. "Much better," she said, her voice warm with satisfaction. "You look just like one of us now."
"And how much will this set me back?" Charlie asked, already reaching for his inventory to retrieve the pouch of coins.
She named a reasonable price and he handed over the coins without haggling. This was not the time or place to bargain; he needed to blend in as quickly as possible. With a polite nod and a grateful smile, Charlie exited the small shop, blending into the crowd outside almost instantly.
He had to admit, the woman had a good eye. The pants fit him perfectly, and the shirts were comfortable yet sturdy. The hat was a bit much for his taste, but had decided to buy it anyway; one could never be too careful.
Oracle's voice chimed in his head as he strolled through the crowd, blending in seamlessly with his new attire.
[We should consider acquiring lodging for the night. The sun will be setting soon.]
Charlie glanced up at the sky, noticing the once vibrant hues of blue turning into shades of purple and orange. "Any idea where I can stay for the night?" he muttered, his hands sliding into the empty pockets of his vest.
[Negative. My scans did not detect any inns during our initial exploration. However, it is likely that an inn or similar establishment would display a sign.] Oracle's voice was as steady as ever, her calm efficiency always a contrast to Charlie's more anxious thoughts.
He frowned slightly at the lack of options. "Okay, how about a general store? Maybe they'll have a map or something."
[Affirmative. A general store is located three blocks from here. Turn right at the next junction.]
Charlie followed Oracle's directions, weaving his way through the market stalls that lined the streets. The smell of grilled fish and fresh bread filled the air, mixing with the distant scent of saltwater. He passed merchants haggling loudly and children running through the cobblestone streets, but his focus remained sharp—this was still a pirate town, and danger lurked beneath the surface.
Just as he neared the turn Oracle had mentioned, a rough voice cut through the noise.
"You there! Halt!"
Charlie's pulse quickened, but he forced himself to stay calm as he turned around. Two burly men stepped out from an alley, their eyes fixed on him. Judging by their tattered clothes and the cutlasses hanging from their belts, they were clearly pirates—likely Krieg's men.
"Who's asking?" Charlie said, his voice steady, though his mind was racing.
One of the men stepped forward, a sneer on his lips. "I'm asking," he growled, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "You look familiar. Have we met before?"
Charlie's mind raced. Could they recognize me from earlier? Or are they just suspicious? He had stashed all of his gear in his Inventory, but his face was still the same. He gave a nonchalant shrug. "Don't think so," he said. "Must have me confused with someone else."
The pirate squinted, clearly not convinced. His fingers drummed on the handle of his cutlass as he continued to size Charlie up. After what felt like an eternity, the pirate finally stepped back, his companion watching the exchange with narrowed eyes.
"Maybe," the pirate muttered, though the suspicion in his voice hadn't disappeared. "Just be careful where you wander, stranger."
Charlie forced a smile. "Appreciate the advice." He turned away, making sure to walk casually, though every muscle in his body was tense. Only when he rounded the next corner did he allow himself to breathe again.
"Damn, that was close," Charlie whispered under his breath.
Oracle's voice chimed in his mind, as emotionless as ever. [Affirmative. Avoiding future encounters with pirates is advisable.]
Charlie smirked. "Was that a hint of humor in there, Oracle?"
[Negative.]
Charlie couldn't help but chuckle. "You'll get there someday."
His path took him through more winding streets until he finally arrived at the general store Oracle had directed him to. A large wooden sign hung above the door, creaking slightly in the evening breeze. The paint was chipped, but the words "Larken's General Goods" were still clearly visible.
Charlie pushed the door open, a small bell chiming above him as he entered. Inside, he was greeted by a cozy, cluttered interior filled with all sorts of items ranging from food provisions to mining tools. The scent of wood and leather lingered in the air, giving the shop an old-world charm.
Behind the counter stood a robust man with ruddy cheeks and a broad, welcoming smile. His heavy build and large hands suggested he was no stranger to hard work. Charlie assumed this was Larken.
"Good evening," the man greeted in a pleasant, booming voice. "What can I do for you today?"
"I'm looking for a map of this town, and maybe one of the surrounding area as well," Charlie replied, casually glancing around at the various trinkets and supplies lining the shelves.
Larken gave a nod, then ducked behind the counter, rummaging around for a moment before resurfacing with two neatly rolled scrolls. "Got just what you need," he said proudly, unrolling the first one onto the countertop. It revealed a detailed, well-crafted map of the town, each street and alleyway meticulously penned.
Charlie's eyes scanned the map, noting the circular maze of streets and the strategic positioning of landmarks like the tavern, blacksmith, and marketplace. He mentally mapped out a few potential routes that could be useful if things went sideways.
"And this one," Larken continued, unrolling the second scroll. This map depicted the surrounding region—forests marked in shades of green, jagged mountains sketched in dark lines, and the seas spreading in varying blues. A single road snaked out from the town center, branching off into multiple paths that disappeared into the wilderness.
Charlie leaned in closer, tracing one of the paths with his finger. His mind was already working, considering escape routes, hidden areas, and potential hideouts. But as he followed the path to the map's edge, his finger halted.
There, written in small, neat handwriting, was a single name.
Nami.