Charlie thrashed, kicking hard, but Ludmila's grip was ironclad. The weight of the ax dragged them both down, the surface light growing dimmer with every second.
I'm not dying here. Not like this.
"Oracle!" he screamed in his mind. Is there any way to save me? Anything at all! No matter the cost!
There was a brief silence before Oracle's voice cut through the haze of panic in Charlie's mind.
[Quest Complete]
[Protect the Innocent.]
Reward Unlocked:
Focus (Beginner)
Breathing Technique (Beginner)
[Exploit Discovered]
Skin contact: By carefully understanding the skill description you have discovered a detail that very few users know, you can use any part of your body in order to meet this clause.
[Exploit Reward Unlocked: Multiverse Trading System.]
Charlie's eyes widened in disbelief, even as Ludmila continued trying to drag him down. A shop? Now?!
[Opening Multiverse trading platform...]
[Opening Skill exchange]
[Contribution = 0]
[Current skill exchange rate set to max]
[5/1 specific same level skill]
[10/1 random skill one level higher]
[Exchanging beginner level skills: Intimidation, Sabotage, Interrogation, Combat Aggression, Covert Operations.]
[New skill acquired.]
[Fish-man Karate (Beginner)]
[Opening item exchange]
[Searching…]
[Offer found, item exchanged]
[2x human bodies = 10x Gillyweed]
[Appraisal]
Name: Gillyweed
Type: Magical Herb
Grade: Rare
Origin: Harry Potter Universe
Form: Tangled green weed, slightly rubbery to the touch
Abilities:
Aquatic Adaptation: When consumed, Gillyweed grants the user gills for underwater breathing and webbed extremities for enhanced swimming. The effect lasts approximately 60 minutes, enabling safe and efficient exploration beneath the surface.
Marine Agility: The webbing that forms between fingers and toes increases underwater maneuverability, allowing the user to swim with the grace and speed of a sea creature. The gills along the neck provide a consistent oxygen flow, supporting high-energy underwater activities.
Side Effects: Once the herb's properties wear off effects subside, leaving the user with a brief period of exhaustion.
History: Gillyweed is believed to have been discovered by early magical herbologists seeking safe methods for underwater travel. Originally rare, it was cultivated extensively by magical communities and later popularized for its utility in underwater environments.
Note: Gillyweed's effects are rendered useless outside of water.
[Trading... Complete.]
As Charlie's vision began to blur, a surprising calm washed over him, spreading like a warm glow from his core. He felt his heart slow, the thundering beat fading as his mind settled. The panic and desperation that had clawed at him a moment ago seemed to dissipate, leaving behind a strange, steady focus.
[Focus (Beginner) Activated.]
Oracle's voice echoed in his mind, clear and composed. [Immediate consumption of the Gillyweed is highly…]
He didn't hesitate. With a thought, the Gillyweed materialized inside his mouth, its rubbery texture filling his senses as he swallowed it down whole. Only then did he realize his mistake—the last bit of air in his mouth went down with it, leaving him gasping on reflex.
But just as the edges of his vision began to darken again, he felt a strange sensation in his throat. Gills blossomed along the sides of his neck, opening like tiny, delicate slits, and a rush of cool water flowed through them. Suddenly, his lungs no longer screamed for air; he was breathing, but in a way that felt utterly alien yet instinctively right.
His eyes widened in astonishment as he took in his surroundings with renewed clarity. Beneath him, Ludmila hadn't given up. With a growl that sent a trail of bubbles rising, the pirate yanked hard on Charlie's leg, his eyes blazing with a savage determination. The weight of the ax threatened to pull them both deeper, but Charlie felt a surge of strength from his new form and the skills Oracle had unlocked for him.
Fish-man Karate
With fluidity he hadn't possessed before, Charlie twisted his body, slipping from Ludmila's grasp. The webbing between his fingers and toes allowed him to slice through the water like a native of the sea, and he maneuvered with a grace that matched any true Fish-man.
Ludmila thrashed, swinging his ax as he tried to grab hold of Charlie again, but Charlie was no longer an easy target. Channeling his newfound strength and agility, he kicked upward, delivering a precise blow to Ludmila's chest. The force sent Ludmila hurtling backward, his grip loosening on the ax.
Charlie didn't waste a second. Taking advantage of his opponent's disorientation, he darted around, positioning himself above Ludmila. With another powerful kick, he sent the pirate deeper, spinning toward the ocean floor.
Feeling the weightlessness and control in his new form, Charlie couldn't help but marvel at the surreal transformation. For the first time since this fight began, he wasn't just surviving—he was winning. The Focus skill kept his thoughts sharp, Oracle's guidance steered his actions, and the combination of Gillyweed and Fish-man Karate made him feel unstoppable.
His heart pounded, but now, it wasn't from fear. It was from exhilaration.
I'm alive, he thought. I'm not dying here.
As Charlie broke the surface, he took in a deep, unfamiliar breath through his gills, his senses coming alive in a way they never had before. He quickly scanned the horizon, only to realize he'd drifted farther from the rescue operation than he intended. Squinting, he could barely make out the distant marine ships and the faint shapes of smaller boats darting around in the water.
Grumbling under his breath, he reached into his inventory and pulled out his phone, grateful that it was waterproof. He held it steady, zooming in on the scene in the distance, and snapped a few photos, trying to capture what he could of the chaotic operation. The images he managed to capture were blurry, but as he scrolled through them, one frame stood out. Smoker was clearly visible on the deck, even amid the chaos of the operation. The marine captain's expression was one of grim determination, his jaw set as he directed his men. Charlie could make out the seawater being thrown his way.
Despite his obvious weakness—Charlie knew about the Devil Fruit curse—Smoker wasn't backing down. For a moment, Charlie was struck by the image on his screen. Here was a man who was physically weakened, literally doused with the very substance that could bring him to his knees, yet his focus never wavered. Even in his vulnerable state, Smoker was in control, pushing forward with a sense of duty that Charlie found strangely admirable.
He lowered the phone, taking a moment to process the scene he'd just witnessed. Smoker wasn't just a powerful man; he was driven, loyal, and willing to endure personal risk to protect those around him. If he had access to the System, he could become a formidable force—not only as a player but also as a leader who could carry the System's influence far beyond what Charlie could achieve alone.
"Oracle," Charlie murmured, eyes fixed on the distant ships. "I've made my choice. Smoker will be my first Player."
The Oracle's soft chime sounded in his mind.
[Designating Smoker as Player 1…]
A small, satisfied smile crept across Charlie's face, knowing that Smoker had no idea what awaited him. He'd soon receive missions, opportunities, and new powers—all aimed at giving him the edge to continue doing what he did best.
As he slid the phone back into his inventory, the anticipation was still building inside him. He'd set something significant in motion, something that would ripple far beyond the waters of Loguetown.
Charlie pushed forward through the water, his movements fluid and strong. He was keeping a safe distance behind the marine vessels, using the faint shapes on the horizon as his guide. His newfound agility allowed him to keep pace with them, but it wasn't easy. His breathing is steady, thanks to the Gillyweed, but he's starting to feel the strain on his muscles, a reminder of just how far the shore remains.
Oracle, he says, feeling the need for some extra motivation, give me a mission for reaching the shore.
A familiar chime sounds in his mind, and a new quest appears.
Quest 1: Reach the Shore
Objective: Reach the shore before the effects of the Gillyweed expire without getting detected.
Success: Successful arrival in Loguetown.
Reward:
Navigator's Sense (Beginner): Strengthens sense of direction, helping navigate through unknown terrain and avoid getting lost.
Endurance (Beginner): Enables longer periods of strenuous activities.
Failure: Risk detection by the marines, potentially forcing a retreat and delaying arrival on land.
Charlie smirks at the rewards. Navigator's Sense and Endurance will be valuable if he's going to find himself in the same situation in the future. But as he moves, he's aware of just how much effort it takes to keep pace with the ships, even at this distance. The ocean is vast and unforgiving, and he can feel his strength beginning to wane.
As Charlie pushed himself forward, trying to keep pace with the distant marine vessels, Oracle's voice broke through his thoughts.
[Warning: Presence detected. Distance closing from behind at high speed.]
Charlie's heart skipped a beat, and he threw a glance over his shoulder. His mind raced, instincts screaming at him to swim faster, but it was already too late—the figure was almost upon him. A large, powerful-looking Fish-man with blue skin and a dorsal fin was cutting through the water, closing the gap with ease.
His stomach tightened with fear as he recognized the Fish-man's distinct features.
It's Kuroobi!
Charlie tensed, struggling to maintain his composure. He could feel the adrenaline spike, his body urging him to bolt, but Oracle's voice returned, this time calmer, almost reassuring.
Breathe, stay calm, he reminded himself, using his recently learned Breathing Technique to dispel his initial fear. He focused on staying level-headed, knowing that Kuroobi was far beyond his strength—especially in the water.
Kuroobi pulled up next to him, a gleam of curiosity in his eyes. "Well, well, what do we have here?" His voice was surprisingly casual, with a tone more curious than hostile. "Didn't expect to see a young Fish-man out this far. Fish-Man Island's a long way from here. What are you doing so far from home?"
Charlie swallowed, quickly assessing the situation. He thinks I'm a Fish-man. Realizing he could use this to his advantage, he forced a smile and replied with the first thing that came to mind.
"Adventure," he said, feigning a nonchalant tone. "I wanted to prove myself, you know? Show that I'm not just another Fish-man swimming in safe waters. I want to handle the open sea, take on some challenges."
Kuroobi's eyes gleamed with interest, his expression approving. "Adventure, huh?" He looked Charlie up and down, nodding slightly. "Not many young Fish-men have the guts to take on the open sea alone. You must really have something to prove."
Charlie forced himself to nod, seizing the opportunity to reinforce his cover. "Yeah, I want to test myself. It's one thing to fight among our own, but to face the world outside? That's where the real strength lies."
Kuroobi grinned, a hint of pride coloring his tone. "That's the spirit. A real Fish-man doesn't shy away from challenges. We embrace the sea, and it makes us stronger." He paused, glancing out over the endless expanse of water. His voice grew serious as he continued, "Our people have always been stronger in the water. But true strength? That's about making your own path, proving you're better than the world says you are."
Charlie nodded, playing along, but internally, he was fuming. He knew what Kuroobi had done to Nami and her people. He knew the kind of ruthless power Kuroobi and the Arlong Pirates wielded. But now, here in the water, he had no choice but to keep up the act. If Kuroobi realizes who I really am… He shook the thought away, maintaining his focus.
Kuroobi chuckled, seeming pleased with Charlie's responses. "Stick with me then, kid. I'm headed to Loguetown for some business. Could be good for you to see a bit more of the world while you're at it. And if a fight breaks out, having another Fish-man nearby doesn't hurt."
"Sounds good. Lead the way." Charlie forced a confident grin, hoping to mask his unease. Kuroobi seemed intrigued, even approving, but Charlie knew he had to stay sharp. For now, the ruse had worked—but he was treading on thin ice.
As they swam together, Charlie felt a strange mix of relief and anxiety. He'd managed to stay calm, and now he was closer to the shore with a powerful Fish-man as his guide. But he knew he'd have to play his part carefully if he wanted to keep up the act—and survive this alliance, however temporary it might be.
———
Onboard one of the marine vessels docked in Loguetown, Officer Kent leaned against the edge, his eyes scanning the deck in quick, nervous glances. Satisfied that he was alone, he reached into his coat and carefully pulled out a small, concealed Den Den Mushi. Activating it, he watched as its eyes snapped open, signaling a secure line.
The marine took a deep breath, his voice low and steady as he spoke. "This is Officer Kent. I have some information for you—there's been a lot of activity in Loguetown recently. Vice Admiral Hiroshi just arrived and is planning to stay for a week. Word is, it's about his granddaughter and something related to Don Krieg's supply routes."
The voice on the other end was silent for a moment, then responded with a calm, measured tone. "Hiroshi in Loguetown? Now that's interesting. It's been too long since we last crossed paths…" The voice held a trace of nostalgia, as if the thought of Hiroshi stirred both memories and something else—something almost like a smile.
"There's more," Kent continued, his voice barely above a whisper as he glanced around one last time. "A new vigilante has appeared. He's been wearing a gas mask, and he's dealt with over 140 of Don Krieg's people. Almost fifty were killed directly by him."
The voice hummed, intrigued. "A vigilante, you say? Not often someone has the nerve to act under the Marines' noses. Tell me more about him."
The marine shifted, lowering his voice even further. "They call him 'The Phantom in the Gas Mask.' Smoker is keeping an eye out, but so far, this guy's stayed just out of reach. I'm not sure how much longer Smoker will tolerate him, though."
A quiet chuckle echoed from the snail. "The Phantom… What else?"
Kent paused, gripping his notes a bit tighter. "Hiroshi's keeping a low profile. No big announcements. Seems like he wants to keep his business here as quiet as possible."
"Understood," the voice replied, a nostalgic edge returning. "Old friend, it's been too long... Perhaps it's time we met again. It's been years since our last encounter."
Kent hesitated, a chill running down his spine at the wistful tone. "Shall I relay a message?"
The voice chuckled again, soft yet dangerous. "No need. I'll reach out myself when the time is right. Keep a close watch on Hiroshi, and inform me if anything changes."
"Understood." Kent replied crisply, before the line went silent.
As he returned the Den Den Mushi to his coat, a small smile crossed his face, a sense of anticipation building. This was a reunion worth watching.
———
The soft hum of the hospital filled the room with a sense of calm. Monitors beeped at steady intervals, matching the gentle rise and fall of Rika's chest as she lay peacefully on the bed. Her small hand rested in Vice Admiral Hiroshi's much larger one. His usual steely expression was softened, replaced by quiet concern as he watched over his granddaughter sleep.
It wasn't often that he found himself here—in a position of stillness, of waiting—even in his old age. Duty called him in many directions, but today there was nowhere more important to be than right here in Loguetown by Rika's side. He'd come unexpectedly, intent on seeing her through the aftermath of the pirate attack. She had been brave, but Hiroshi knew that such bravery came with a cost, and until she recovered, he would stay.
Most of the marines who came after him on the Marine Battleship had been given time off—a rare luxury. They could enjoy the town, relax, or pursue their own interests until Hiroshi was ready to depart.
Rika stirred. Her eyelids fluttered open, and the room seemed brighter for it. She glanced around, confusion etched on her face before it settled on her grandfather.
"Grandpa…" she murmured, her voice still a little weak. Her brow furrowed as she took in her surroundings. "Did they find him? Did they find my onii-chan?"
Hiroshi's heart sank. He had been dreading this moment. "Not yet, Rika. But we're doing everything we can."
Rika's eyes filled with tears, but she blinked them back. "He was so amazing!" She gripped the blanket tightly. "He fought of the pirates! He protected me when they were trying to hurt everyone. You should have seen him, Grandpa. He struggled at first, but he never gave up. He—he's a hero! My hero!"
Rika's expression shifted, and she looked down at her hands. "He also gave me something—a baton! It's really special, Grandpa. He said it would keep me safe." Panic crept into her voice. "Where is it? Did you take my baton?"
Hiroshi's smile softened at her words, filling him with quiet pride—not just for the mysterious young man but for his granddaughter's resilience in the face of danger.
Hiroshi's gaze flickered to the door, concern etching deeper lines on his face. "I'm sure it's safe, Rika. I just gave it to my people for cleaning."
At that moment, a sharp knock came at the door. Hiroshi glanced over, giving a brief nod. One of his marines entered, standing stiffly at attention.
"Vice Admiral Hiroshi, sir!" the marine said. "I've brought the report you requested."
"Proceed," Hiroshi said, turning slightly, though his hand remained in Rika's.
The marine stepped forward, holding an object in his hands—Rika's expandable stun baton, carefully wrapped in a cloth as if it were a treasure. "We've completed our analysis of the baton your granddaughter received from her... benefactor," the marine began, glancing at Rika with a small smile.
"Our scientists were quite impressed by the mechanism. The materials themselves are somewhat subpar by military standards, but the design and functionality are... well, they're ahead of anything we've seen. One of our mechanics noted that the craftsmanship is extraordinarily precise. The tools used to assemble it are of such high quality that he's rarely seen such work even among the best forges and workshops in the Grand Line."
Hiroshi raised an eyebrow at that. His expression remained neutral, but inwardly his curiosity was piqued. Rika's "onii-chan" had given her this? It wasn't a toy or a simple gift—it was a piece of equipment built with purpose. More than that, it had been made with tools and techniques beyond the ordinary.
"And the mechanism itself?" Hiroshi asked, keeping his tone even.
"It expands and contracts seamlessly without the usual wear and tear on its joints. Our team believes it was designed with longevity in mind—likely for combat. But sir, there's more. It also functions as an electric stun gun. When activated, it delivers a controlled but significant electric shock powerful enough to incapacitate normal people without causing permanent damage."
Hiroshi's eyes narrowed slightly, though his expression remained calm. "A stun gun, you say?"
"Yes, sir. The electric system is integrated into the baton itself, and while the materials used are a bit subpar, again, the internal wiring and setup are remarkable. It's designed with impressive efficiency considering what we know about current technology."
Rika looked between her grandfather and the marine, her small hands still clasped tightly around the edge of her blanket. "Onii-chan made it just for me," she said proudly.
Hiroshi glanced down at her and gave a small nod before turning back to the marine. "You said the tools used to build this were of high quality. How high?"
The marine hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "Sir, one of our senior mechanics, who's worked with some of the best equipment in the world, said he's only seen craftsmanship like this a few times in his career. He's convinced that the tools used to create it must be incredibly advanced—possibly even among the best on the Grand Line."
"Best on the Grand Line?" Hiroshi echoed, his eyes narrowing slightly. The technology described wasn't something you came across every day, even within the Marines. Could he be linked to a bigger force? Hiroshi wondered, trying to recall if he'd encountered such craftsmanship before.
Hiroshi glanced back at Rika, who was smiling softly, lost in her own thoughts of her hero. He squeezed her hand gently. A young man capable of fighting off pirates and leaving behind a weapon of this caliber… It didn't add up. Either this "onii-chan" had connections beyond the norm, or he was resourceful enough to obtain these tools himself. Either way, it made him someone to watch.
"Thank you," Hiroshi said, dismissing the marine with a nod. The door closed quietly behind him, leaving the admiral to his thoughts.
As he sat there, still holding Rika's hand, he couldn't help but wonder. His instincts as a Marine were firing, but so were his protective instincts as a grandfather. He would have to keep his eye on this vigilante. Whether this young man was friend or foe, he was clearly more than he seemed.
———
Charlie moved quickly, eyes scanning the crowds as he walked. Every now and then, he found himself checking behind him, half-expecting to see Kuroobi's ominous silhouette weaving through the throngs. He knew he was being paranoid, but after that close call, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was still being watched.
"That was too close, Oracle, I barely managed to shake that guy off," he muttered under his breath. " I swear, if I'd had to answer one more question about Fish-Man Island, I would've jumped back into the ocean just to get away."
[Your quick thinking and recall of information served you well. It seems you navigated his inquiries successfully.]
Charlie rolled his eyes. "Yeah, but now I'm down a second Gillyweed. I've only got eight left, and who knows when I'll have a chance to restock. I could've done without using it, too, if I'd managed to escape him a little faster." He sighed, shaking his head. "Thanks to him, I had to play the eager young Fish-man out to prove himself. Can you believe he even insisted I visit Arlong Park in the future?"
[Your knowledge of this world has been advantageous. Without it, you might have struggled to maintain your cover.]
"Yeah, well, the guy can dream on if he thinks I'm actually visiting that place out of admiration. If I go there, it'll be with one goal: Arlong's head." He clenched his fists, his irritation simmering beneath the surface. He remembered vividly the suffering Arlong and his crew had caused. It was hard enough staying composed while talking to Kuroobi; the thought of facing Arlong himself was almost too much to stomach.
He took a deep breath, releasing the tension in his shoulders, and refocused on his surroundings. Loguetown was alive with the usual hustle and bustle, the scent of salt in the air mingling with the aromas of food vendors and the distant clanging of metal from blacksmiths' shops. For the moment, he was back on solid ground, away from any unwanted Fish-man company, and he intended to make the most of it. In his hand, he already held a skewer of sizzling grilled meat, dripping with a tangy sauce that made his mouth water. It was local street food, far better than he expected.
But his mind wasn't fully focused on the delicious meal for long. It was elsewhere—on his status page.
"What's up with this stupid title, Oracle?" he muttered under his breath, biting into the meat as he walked. "The Phantom in the Gas Mask? Seriously?"
[Your title is a direct reflection of your actions in this world,] Oracle replied in its usual calm, matter-of-fact tone. [You were seen wearing a gas mask while sabotaging the pirates. That image became the primary association for those who witnessed you.]
Charlie sighed, wiping a bit of sauce from his chin. "I get why I've been labeled as this 'Phantom,' but couldn't the System have picked something cooler? Like, I don't know, 'The Shadow' or something less comic-book villain?"
[The System selects titles based on the impact your presence has on the world. A dramatic flair helps cultivate an air of mystery.]
Charlie rolled his eyes. "So you're telling me I've been stuck with this because of posturing? Can't I change it or something?"
[Negative,] Oracle responded. [Titles cannot be altered directly by users. They evolve based on reputation, achievements, and notoriety.]
He shook his head, still annoyed but trying to find the humor in it. "Great. So now I'm some mysterious figure in a gas mask. I bet people are going to start making up ridiculous stories about me."
[That is likely,] Oracle confirmed. [But such stories could work to your advantage. Creating fear or intrigue can be a powerful tool.]
Charlie pondered this as he bit into another piece of the skewered meat. "You know, maybe you're right. As long as people don't know who I am or what I can do, it could give me some leverage. But still—Phantom? Couldn't the System have picked something cooler?"
There was a brief pause before Oracle responded.
[Your displeasure with the title is noted.]
Charlie chuckled despite himself. "Noted, huh? Well, let's hope the next one's better."
As he continued down the street, his mind shifted to other parts of his status page. "Speaking of things on my status, does this title actually do anything? Or is it just for show?"
There was a brief pause before the AI responded. [The title provides a passive boost to your stealth-related skills and abilities. It enhances your affinity for remaining undetected and increases the effectiveness of any techniques or actions related to concealment, infiltration, or evasion.]
Charlie's eyes widened, a spark of intrigue flashing across his face.
[Title: The Phantom in the Gas Mask]
A title granted to one who operates from the shadows, inspiring fear and intrigue among foes. Known for their elusive movements and shrouded identity, the Phantom is as much a myth as a reality, leaving behind only whispers and rumors. The gas mask is a symbol, an unmistakable mark that strikes apprehension into enemies and creates an aura of mystery.
Effects:
Stealth Boost: Enhances your ability to stay undetected and blend into surroundings.
Presence Concealment: Amplifies your ability to blend into surroundings, making it easier to remain unnoticed in crowded or chaotic environments.
Fear Aura: Enemies who spot the Phantom may hesitate, granting you a brief tactical advantage.
This title embodies the spirit of a figure who operates outside conventional methods, using fear, stealth, and an unsettling reputation to strike at those who deserve it most.
He took another bite of the skewered meat, savoring the rich flavors as he walked. The bustling streets of Loguetown seemed to fade into the background as his mind raced with possibilities. With his new abilities and this intriguing title, he felt like he was finally starting to gain some traction in this world.
———
As Nami sat at a small café, her eyes drifted across the newspaper spread before her. She wasn't particularly interested in the local gossip—until one headline grabbed her attention: "Fighting Tournament to Attract Big Names—Including HQ Marines from Vice Admiral Hiroshi's Fleet!"
Her brow lifted in curiosity as she skimmed the article. The Merchant Council had apparently pulled out all the stops this time. With Vice Admiral Hiroshi's unexpected visit, the marines had registered some of their strongest fighters for the tournament. The whole event was shaping up to be bigger than anyone had anticipated.
Nami's fingers absentmindedly tapped the table as she considered her options. Big event means big money... and big crowds to exploit.
She leaned back in her chair, a smirk tugging at her lips. She hadn't fully decided where she was heading next, but Loguetown seemed like it could be profitable. Between the merchant council's involvement and the influx of visitors, there would be more than enough opportunities for someone like her to slip in, make some quick cash, and leave before anyone was the wiser.
"If I can squeeze enough out of the excitement, maybe I'll finally have enough to buy a new boat... or pay off some debts." She frowned, tapping her finger against the table. That debt—the one that weighed her down like a chain she could never shake off. No matter how fast she ran, no matter how much she earned, the shadow of her past always loomed over her. But not forever. Not if she played her cards right.
Nami folded the paper with a decisive motion. If nothing else, the chaos of the tournament and the marines would give her a perfect distraction. No one would be looking too closely at a skilled thief with a sharp eye for treasure.
Loguetown was calling, and Nami had every intention of answering—for her own gain, of course.