The sun had barely risen when Xander awoke, feeling the familiar ache of his body from the previous day's exercises. He groaned softly, but the determination to become stronger burned through him like a fire that couldn't be extinguished. Every muscle in his body screamed in protest, but that didn't matter. He wasn't here to take it easy. He wasn't here to rest. No, he was here to grow stronger, to build a crew, and to prove that he could change the world.
Xander sat up on the bed, his hands on his knees, breathing deeply. The soreness in his body was just another reminder of his journey. He knew that if he wanted to stand a chance in this world, he had to push through it. No pain, no gain, as the saying went.
Stretching his arms and legs, he moved to the side of the bed, slipping into his workout clothes. The sun had only just begun to warm the world outside, and the cool morning air nipped at his skin, but he welcomed the chill. It was nothing compared to the fire of determination that surged through him.
"I've got this," he muttered to himself as he stood and walked to the middle of the room.
Xander closed his eyes for a moment, then flexed his muscles, preparing himself mentally for the task ahead. Just as he was about to start his routine, the familiar voice of the system echoed in his mind, reminding him of his mission.
[Daily Mission Arrived]
500 Push-Ups
500 Sit-Ups
20 km Run
Reward: +2 to all attributes.
Xander sighed, his mouth twisting in frustration. "Did it just call the devil?" he muttered under his breath, clearly irritated by the sheer magnitude of the daily mission. He had already come to expect that the system would demand ridiculous challenges, but this one felt particularly daunting. The sheer repetition of it, the exhaustion that would inevitably follow—he knew it would test his resolve like never before. Still, he had no choice. If he wanted to get stronger, he had to endure this. The rewards were too valuable to pass up.
With a determined nod, Xander set to work. The first few sets of push-ups felt like a breeze, but as the numbers grew, the weight of the task started to sink in. His muscles burned, and every fiber in his body screamed at him to stop. But he kept pushing, focusing on the rewards that would come at the end of the trial. After a while, the burn became a dull throb, and he found his rhythm. He counted each push-up as though it were the last, knowing that his progress depended on it.
The sit-ups came next, and though the movement was slightly different, it still tested his core strength to the limit. His abs felt like they were on fire, and sweat poured down his face as he continued, gritting his teeth. There was no stopping now. He had a goal, and he couldn't afford to let up.
Finally, the 20-kilometer run loomed before him. By this point, his body felt like it might collapse, but Xander didn't allow himself to slow down. Every step was an affirmation of his determination to succeed. His breathing was labored, his legs heavy, but he forced himself to keep going. The world blurred around him as he focused on the steady rhythm of his feet pounding against the earth. His mind drifted, not to the pain or fatigue but to his purpose. This is how I'll become stronger. This is how I'll defeat the enemies that come my way.
Hours passed before he finally crossed the finish line, his heart hammering in his chest. He slowed to a walk, his body protesting with every movement. But he had done it. All 500 push-ups, 500 sit-ups, and the 20-kilometer run were behind him.
The familiar chime of the system echoed in his mind, signaling the completion of his mission.
[Mission Complete]
Reward: +2 to all attributes.
Xander's body felt like jelly, but the reward was worth it. His muscles felt looser, more defined, and he could feel the slight increase in his strength and agility. His charm also seemed to have a subtle shift, making him feel more confident, more at ease in his skin.
"Alright, I'm getting somewhere," he muttered, wiping the sweat from his brow. His reflection in the tavern's small mirror revealed a leaner, more defined version of himself. It's not enough yet, he thought. But I'm getting closer.
---
The tavern was bustling as Xander made his way down the stairs, having freshened up from his morning routine. As usual, the faint scent of freshly baked bread mixed with the smell of alcohol filled the air. He stepped into the tavern, his eyes immediately searching for Mari. He had learned not to be too distracted by his surroundings, but he couldn't help himself today. There was something about Mari that made it impossible to keep his attention from wavering.
As his gaze swept the room, he spotted her near the counter, and his breath hitched in his chest. Mari was standing with a tray of drinks, but today she looked different—better, more confident, more alluring. She was wearing a new outfit that clung to her body in all the right places, highlighting her curves and accentuating her full figure. Her chest, her hips, the way the fabric hugged her—it was as if she were trying to be more... enticing.
Xander felt a flush spread across his cheeks, but he quickly masked it with a forced cough. Focus, Xander. You're here to grow stronger, not to get distracted. But his eyes couldn't help lingering on her for just a moment longer than they should have. He told himself that he wasn't going to let this distract him—he had a mission, after all. But a small part of him couldn't deny that Mari looked stunning today.
As their eyes met across the room, Mari's lips curled into a smile, warm and inviting. Xander froze for a moment, surprised by the kindness in her gaze. She had noticed him, and not in the way he had anticipated. It wasn't a smile of politeness or formality. It was something deeper, something more personal.
Is this the same Mari? Xander thought to himself. The Mari he had met when he first arrived had been reserved, serious, and a little wary of him. But today, she seemed more confident, more radiant. And Xander couldn't help but feel drawn to her. She was still the same woman, but there was something about her today that made her seem... different.
She set down the tray and walked toward him, her movements graceful. "Good morning, Xander," she said, her voice low but friendly.
Xander swallowed, trying to ignore the surge of heat in his chest. "Morning, Mari," he said, forcing himself to meet her gaze.
Her smile widened slightly, and she tilted her head. "You look... different today. Did you have a good night's rest?" she asked.
He hesitated for a moment, his mind still racing with the aftereffects of his workout. "Yeah, it was good. Got a lot of exercise in this morning," he said, trying to keep the conversation casual. "And you? You look... great. The new clothes are, uh, nice."
Mari blinked in surprise, her cheeks coloring slightly. "Thanks. I just thought I'd try something new. You know, spice things up a little."
Xander couldn't help but grin. She was definitely different today—more confident, more playful. And there was a subtle energy in the air that made him feel both excited and nervous at the same time.
---
As the day wore on, Xander's thoughts kept drifting back to the fact that Mari was clearly more comfortable around him now. The way she smiled at him, the way her eyes lingered on him when they spoke—it was different. It was clear that some part of her was starting to warm up to him. And as he glanced at the clock, Xander realized that the time he had to complete his mission—gathering a harem—was closing in. Luffy would be setting out in three years. And he, too, had two years to become stronger.
I have to get stronger, Xander thought. I can't waste any time. I need to add her to my harem. It's the only way forward.
---
Later that evening, as the tavern buzzed with activity, the door swung open, and in strode Helmeppo, Captain Morgan's son. The arrogant young man swaggered into the tavern, his eyes scanning the room. When he saw Mari behind the counter, a wicked grin spread across his face.
"Hey, Mari," Helmeppo called, his voice oozing with arrogance. "I was thinking. You've been working so hard here. Why don't you stop, and you can be my bitch instead? I've got plenty of room in my bed for someone like you."
Xander's blood boiled at the words. He had dealt with enough arrogant men in his life, but this was too much. His fists clenched at his sides, and before he could stop himself, he was across the room, confronting Helmeppo.
"Shut up," Xander snapped, his voice cold and threatening. "You won't talk to her like that."
Helmeppo blinked in surprise, clearly not expecting resistance. "What did you say?" he growled, taking a step forward.
Xandertook a step forward himself, his body tense with barely contained rage. His heart pounded in his chest, and every instinct he had told him to act, to put this arrogant fool in his place. He couldn't stand people like Helmeppo—those who thought they could treat others like property, like Mari.
"You heard me," Xander growled, his eyes narrowing as he glared at the marine's son. "You don't get to talk to her like that. Not here, not anywhere."
Helmeppo's face twisted in a scowl, and he looked around at the patrons in the tavern, trying to gauge their reactions. Most of the people in the room were trying to ignore the confrontation, but a few were watching, their expressions full of curiosity and nervousness. It was clear that Helmeppo was used to getting what he wanted without much resistance. But now, Xander wasn't going to let that slide.
"You think you can talk to me like that?" Helmeppo sneered, his hand going to the sword at his side, a glint of challenge in his eyes.
Xander's hand instinctively reached for the knife he always kept on him, but he knew this situation didn't need weapons—not yet, anyway. He wasn't here to start a bloodbath, not in Mari's tavern. He just needed to show Helmeppo that he wasn't afraid of him.
Without warning, Xander stepped closer, throwing a punch with all the speed and strength his newly developed muscles could muster. It was a clean, swift strike, landing squarely on Helmeppo's jaw. The force behind the punch was enough to send the young man stumbling back, his eyes widening in shock.
Helmeppo managed to regain his footing, his face turning a deep shade of red from the impact. He wiped a hand over his mouth, feeling the sting of Xander's fist. "You bastard!" he shouted, his hand flying to the hilt of his sword. "You're dead!"
But Xander didn't wait for him to draw his weapon. He was already on the move, closing the gap between them. Helmeppo's hand gripped the sword hilt tightly, but Xander was faster, dodging the swing and delivering another quick strike, a knee to the stomach, knocking the wind out of him. Helmeppo gasped, stumbling back once more, clutching his midsection in pain.
The tavern had gone silent now, all eyes on the confrontation. Xander could feel Mari's gaze on him, but he didn't turn to look at her. He couldn't afford distractions. This was about showing Helmeppo who was in charge now.
"You think you can just walk in here and treat Mari like that?" Xander's voice was low, dangerous. "I won't let you or anyone else talk to her like that again."
Helmeppo took a few steps back, his face twisting in anger and humiliation. "You'll regret this, pirate," he spat, his voice full of venom. "I'm going to tell my father, and when he finds out, you'll pay for this. You think you're tough? You're nothing compared to Captain Morgan!"
Xander's eyes narrowed, and he stepped forward again, grabbing Helmeppo by the collar. "Tell your father all you want," Xander said with a grin that didn't reach his eyes. "But I'll still be here, and I'll make sure you never bother Mari again."
With a final shove, he pushed Helmeppo back, sending him stumbling toward the door. "Get out," Xander said firmly. "And don't come back."
Helmeppo was seething, his fists clenched, but he seemed to realize that he wasn't going to win this fight. He shot one last glare at Xander before turning on his heel and storming out of the tavern, leaving the door to slam behind him.
The tavern was still silent for a few moments, the tension in the air thick. Xander stood in the center of the room, his chest heaving slightly as he regained his composure. He could feel the eyes of the patrons on him, but he didn't care. He had made his point, and Helmeppo wouldn't be back anytime soon.
Mari, who had been standing by the counter, watching the entire scene unfold, slowly exhaled, as though she had been holding her breath the entire time. She took a hesitant step toward Xander, her eyes searching his face, as if trying to understand what had just happened.
"Are you okay?" Xander asked, his voice softening when he noticed the concern in her expression.
Mari nodded slowly, her gaze lingering on Xander. "I... I don't know what to say," she murmured, her voice a little shaky. "You didn't have to do that, but I'm glad you did. I didn't want to be helpless in that situation, but..."
Xander gave her a reassuring smile, trying to ease her worries. "It wasn't a problem," he said simply. "He was out of line, and someone needed to put him in his place. No one should treat you like that."
Mari blushed slightly, clearly touched by his words. "Thank you," she said quietly. "I don't know what I would've done if you hadn't stepped in."
Xander shrugged nonchalantly, though he couldn't help the faint smile that tugged at the corners of his lips. "It's nothing. I wasn't about to let him walk all over you."
The two stood there in the silence of the tavern, the weight of the moment lingering between them. Xander could feel the tension from earlier begin to shift, the air lighter now, more comfortable. Mari had always been important to him, but after today, it felt as though something deeper was beginning to form between them.
"Are you alright?" Xander asked again, his tone softening as he took a step closer to her. "You've been through a lot today."
Mari nodded slowly, a small smile appearing on her face as she looked up at him. "I'm fine now. You've been more than kind, Xander. I... I didn't expect you to defend me like that."
Xander's heart skipped a beat at her words, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride swelling in his chest. She was acknowledging him, and not just as a random stranger anymore. There was something more to this.
"Well," he said, his voice low and sincere, "I said before that I like you. I meant it. I'm not going anywhere, Mari. I'll protect you, no matter what."
Mari's eyes softened at his words, and for a moment, Xander felt like the weight of the world had been lifted from his shoulders. She seemed to understand, her gaze tender and warm. She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could speak, the sound of a voice interrupted them.
"Xander!" A loud voice called from the door. "What the hell is going on in here?"
Xander groaned inwardly as the familiar figure of Rika's mother, the tavern owner, appeared in the doorway. She had her arms crossed, a stern expression on her face, but there was a hint of concern in her eyes as well.
"Is everything alright?" she asked, her tone less harsh than usual.
Xander quickly composed himself and gave her a casual grin. "Everything's fine, Mari and I were just handling a little situation with someone who thought he could talk down to her."
Rika's mother raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. "Helmeppo, I assume? He's always got that attitude. You know, if you wanted, I could go speak to his father—"
Xander shook his head quickly. "No need for that. I think he learned his lesson today."
Mari smiled faintly, clearly appreciative of how Xander had dealt with the situation, even if it had drawn a little unwanted attention. "I'm okay, really. Thanks again, Xander."
The tavern owner nodded, still eyeing Xander suspiciously. "Just be careful. You're lucky this didn't escalate more."
"I'll be fine," Xander said, his tone confident. "And I'll make sure to keep the peace. No one's bothering Mari anymore."
Rika's mother seemed to accept this answer, though she didn't entirely seem convinced. "Alright, if you say so. But remember, this isn't over yet. That boy will be back."
Xander looked out the window at the setting sun, a determined look crossing his face. "If he comes back, we'll be ready for him."
And for the first time in a while, Xander truly felt like he was on the right path. His power was growing, his resolve was strengthening, and as for Mari, he could see her becoming more and more important to him with each passing day. The journey ahead was long, but Xander knew that he would keep pushing forward, no matter the obstacles.
Status:]
Name: Xander
Age: 18
Strength: 19
Agility: 18
Charm: 18
Basic Observation Haki lvl:1 Basic Armament Haki lvl:1
Devil Fruit: None