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Franco's colossal form towered over the small village as he crouched, careful not to cause any more destruction than necessary. The villagers had begun to take small, cautious steps around him, their faces a mixture of curiosity and fear. Franco couldn't blame them—he was, after all, an unprecedented sight. A giant, powered by the most destructive of Devil Fruits, stepping into their peaceful world.
He remained still for a moment, letting the silence settle around him. The air was thick with tension, and the villagers seemed hesitant to approach him, unsure of how to react. Franco understood. He was a stranger here, and giants were not common in the world of One Piece. Even more so was his immense power—a power that could obliterate their homes in an instant if he lost control.
The first step of Franco's journey was simple: patience. He needed to establish trust, to show these people that he meant them no harm. It was an uneasy balance—on one hand, he needed to make it clear that he was here for something bigger, and on the other, he needed to demonstrate his restraint.
The village leader—the man who had stepped forward earlier—had not yet taken his eyes off Franco. The leader's cautious gaze weighed heavily on Franco's chest, but he held firm. The leader's demeanor was not one of hostility, but of a person accustomed to surviving in a world full of dangers. His stance suggested he had seen much in his years, and perhaps he had dealt with threats before. Franco recognized this. He knew the leader would not easily trust him, nor should he.
Franco waited for the man to speak again, watching as he took a deep breath, as if steeling himself. After a moment's silence, the village leader finally nodded, his voice steady but cautious.
"We… we don't have much to offer, but I can share what we know," the leader said, his eyes scanning Franco's immense form one more time. "You look like a man… no, a giant, of strange power. I'm not sure what you seek here, but I hope it's not trouble."
Franco nodded slowly, careful not to make any sudden movements that might alarm the villagers. "I seek knowledge," he said, his voice deep and rumbling, echoing slightly in the quiet air. "I want to understand the world around me. I have no interest in causing harm, but I need to know about this place. I have the power of lightning within me… but I don't know where I am. Or what lies ahead."
The leader regarded him with a scrutinizing gaze. The villagers, still watching from a safe distance, murmured amongst themselves, too far away for Franco to hear clearly. They were likely speculating, wondering what kind of person—or being—he was.
For a moment, the leader hesitated, his fingers drumming lightly on the hilt of a sword sheathed at his side. But after a long silence, he spoke again, though his voice now held more warmth, albeit mixed with caution.
"Follow me," the village leader said, turning and making his way toward the heart of the village. Franco, still kneeling, had to adjust himself carefully, making sure his massive form didn't crush anything beneath him. His movements were deliberate and slow, ensuring he did not unintentionally cause any harm.
As they walked, Franco's eyes scanned the village. The houses were simple, made of wood and straw, yet they had a certain charm. They were built in harmony with the natural surroundings. Lush green fields stretched out in every direction, dotted with crops and small patches of forest. Franco couldn't help but feel a sense of tranquility in the air—a stark contrast to the chaotic, unpredictable world of pirates and Marines he had imagined when he had first been reincarnated into the world of One Piece.
His thoughts, however, were interrupted as they reached the central square of the village. The leader motioned toward a sturdy wooden structure—what appeared to be the village hall. It was a modest building, one that reflected the simple life the villagers led. It wasn't much, but it was home.
The village leader stopped at the door of the hall and turned to face Franco. "This is the heart of our village. It's where we hold meetings and gather information. We have a map here that might help you understand where you are and what lies beyond."
Franco nodded and followed the leader inside. The moment he stepped through the door, he had to crouch low, mindful of his massive size. The interior was cool, filled with the scent of aged wood and paper. Scrolls and books lined the shelves, some old, others newer. The walls were adorned with paintings depicting the village's history—scenes of peaceful lives, festivals, and occasional skirmishes with bandits or pirates that had come too close to their land.
Franco's eyes lingered on a painting of a group of villagers standing proudly together, armed with simple swords and tools. They had the look of people who had defended their home time and time again, with strength and determination in their eyes.
The leader gestured toward a large table in the center of the room, where a rolled-up map rested. "This is what we know of the region," he explained. "The world is divided into seas—the East Blue, West Blue, North Blue, and South Blue. We live in the South Blue, near the southern edge, but the world beyond is vast and dangerous. We have limited knowledge of the seas beyond our shores."
Franco nodded, carefully stepping closer to the table. He knelt down, examining the map closely. His fingers, each one larger than most villagers, hovered over the inked lines and markings. He could see the general layout of the world, with islands dotting the ocean in various formations. At the center of it all, the Grand Line loomed—a place of legend, filled with peril, treasure, and the world's most powerful individuals.
"Tell me about the Grand Line," Franco said, his voice low and serious. "What can you tell me about the dangerous waters?"
The village leader looked down at the map for a moment, as if considering the question carefully. He then looked up at Franco, his eyes filled with both wisdom and caution.
"The Grand Line is a place where even the strongest of men struggle. It's known as the Pirate's Graveyard for a reason," he said gravely. "The seas are unpredictable, the weather is erratic, and the people who dwell there are the most powerful pirates and warriors. It's not a place for those who aren't prepared. Only the bravest—or the foolish—dare to venture there. Many have tried and failed to conquer it."
Franco's brow furrowed as he studied the map. He knew that to achieve his goal of becoming the strongest, the Grand Line would be an essential part of his journey. But the challenges it posed were not something to be taken lightly. Still, he couldn't afford to ignore it.
"I will go there eventually," Franco said, determination seeping into his voice. "But for now, I need to learn. I need to understand the world first. I cannot conquer what I do not know."
The leader nodded, his gaze shifting toward the window as if contemplating Franco's words. "You're wise to take things slowly. The seas are full of dangers, both known and unknown. You'll need more than just strength to survive."
Franco could sense the weight of the man's words. As strong as he was, the world of One Piece would not be kind to anyone who was unprepared. Franco would need to grow, learn, and most importantly, find allies who could help him along the way.
As the leader stepped back to retrieve something from a nearby shelf, Franco's mind began to race. The first chapter of his journey had begun—he had made his first step into the world. But now, the next steps would be even more important. To become the strongest, he would need more than just raw power. He needed strategy, alliances, and the knowledge that could only be gained through time and experience.
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End of Chapter 3.
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This chapter was focused on building Franco's understanding of the world around him and establishing his motivations for the journey ahead. It also set up his first step in the long road to becoming the strongest. If you'd like to continue from here or explore more of his interactions, let me know!