Chapter 4: A Fishmonger's Tale
The ocean breeze carried the salty tang of the sea, a constant reminder of Noah's new reality. A week had passed since he'd washed ashore on Whale Island, and he was slowly adapting to his new life.
The old man, whose name was Wilson, had taken him in, offering him a roof over his head and a place to rest his weary mind. Wilson owned a small fish shop, a modest business that provided for his simple needs.
Noah, however, had other needs, needs that involved a vast virtual mall and items that cost a fortune. He needed money. A lot of it.
He'd spent the past week learning the ropes of Wilson's business, helping him with his tasks, and learning the ways of this new world. He was a quick learner, a meticulous observer, and he was determined to earn his keep.
"You're a natural, kid," Wilson had said, his eyes crinkled with approval. "You've got a good head on your shoulders. You'll do well."
Noah smiled gratefully. He knew he had a long way to go, but he was determined to make the most of this opportunity. He had three years to prepare, three years to earn enough Jen to unlock the true potential of his system.
Half a year had passed, and Noah had grown accustomed to his new life. He had become adept at fishing, his movements fluid and efficient. He was a master of the net, his throws precise and powerful. He knew every species of fish in the surrounding waters, their habits, their movements, and their value in the market.
His work ethic and his calm demeanor had made him a respected figure among the island's residents. He was known for his quiet strength, his steady hand, and his thoughtful nature. He had earned a reputation for honesty, integrity, and reliability.
People started coming to him for advice, for assistance, for a listening ear. He had become a beacon of calm amidst the island's simple but often chaotic life.
He'd even caught the attention of the island's resident fortune-teller, who had declared him a "man of destiny." His reputation had blossomed, and with it, his opportunities to earn Jen.
He had managed to accumulate 300,000 Jen. A decent sum, but he knew it was nowhere near enough to satisfy the demands of his system.
He sighed, looking out at the sea, the sun glinting off the waves. He was closer to his goal, but the journey was far from over. His eyes drifted to the Mall, his mind lingering on that one item that had caught his attention.
The One-Hooked Jade Sharingan.
A powerful eye ability from the Naruto universe, said to grant its user enhanced vision, chakra perception, and even the ability to copy the techniques of others. Its price: 500,000 Jen. A hefty price tag, but for the power it promised, Noah was willing to pay.
In the Hunter x Hunter world, the Sharingan could be a game-changer. Imagine its potential: unbreakable illusions, enhanced vision, and a glimpse into the flow of Nen.
He could see himself mastering the art of illusion, weaving intricate webs of deception, bending reality to his will. He could see himself using the Sharingan to understand the intricacies of Nen, the subtle shifts in aura, the nuances of different techniques.
But he was still far from acquiring this power.
It was then that he saw a familiar figure approaching, a young boy with a shock of spiky black hair and a mischievous grin. Gon Freecs.
Noah recognized him instantly, the protagonist of the story he had read countless times.
Noah's cautious nature urged him to stay away. He had a plan, a timeline, and a goal. He had no time for distractions, especially not from a carefree boy who seemed destined to change the course of the world.
He retreated into his shop, his gaze fixed on the image of the One-Hooked Jade Sharingan, a symbol of his ambition. He would focus on his own path, his own journey.
He had three years to prepare, three years to make his mark on the world. And he was determined to use every moment wisely.