The salty breeze carried the faint scent of burning wood as Akira—no, Luffy now—stood amidst the aftermath of the battle. Bandits groaned on the ground around him, scattered like trash after a storm. Villagers peeked out from behind broken carts and crumbling walls, their fear slowly fading into awe.
"Did… that kid just beat them all?" one whispered.
Akira wiped the sweat from his brow, his grin wide and genuine. This feels unreal, he thought. But it's real. I just knocked out a bunch of grown men with my bare hands… or, well, rubber hands.
Suddenly—
DING!
[New Quest: "Find Your First Crewmate."]
Objective: Recruit a strong ally to begin your pirate crew.
Bonus Objective: Convince them with charisma instead of force.
Reward: +3 Charisma, Unique Skill: "Captain's Presence" (Passive Buff for Crew Morale).
Failure: Temporary debuff: "Lonely Captain" (-10% combat efficiency when fighting alone).
Akira frowned, staring at the floating text only he could see.
Recruit a crewmate already? Isn't this too soon?
In the original story, he met Zoro first, right? But was that even possible in this world? Things already felt different—Shanks hadn't lost his arm, and this village wasn't part of the East Blue map he remembered.
Still… if the System wanted him to find someone, maybe fate would guide him.
Later That Day…
After helping the villagers clean up, Akira sat by the docks, staring at the endless stretch of ocean. His straw hat—Luffy's hat—cast a shadow over his eyes as he contemplated his next move.
I need a crew, he thought. But not just anyone. I need someone strong. Someone I can trust.
As if on cue, he heard shouting from the village square. Curious, he stood up and followed the noise.
Village Square
A large crowd had gathered, circling two figures locked in combat. One was a towering brute with muscles like boulders, swinging a massive axe with reckless fury. The other was a young swordsman, his green hair unmistakable.
Akira's heart skipped a beat.
"Zoro?!"
But something was off. This Zoro was… different. His clothes were torn, his face bruised, and there was a cold, feral look in his eyes—a stark contrast to the stoic but honorable swordsman Akira knew from the manga.
Zoro fought with brutal efficiency, dodging the brute's attacks and striking with precise, deadly blows. But there was no grace in his movements—just raw, unchecked aggression.
The fight ended quickly. Zoro's sword flashed, and the brute collapsed.
The crowd fell silent. No cheers. No applause. Just fear.
Zoro wiped the blood from his blade, his eyes scanning the crowd like a predator. People stepped back, avoiding his gaze.
Akira's fists clenched. This isn't the Zoro I remember. What happened to him?
Then—DING!
[Quest Update: "Recruit Zoro."]
Objective: Convince Roronoa Zoro to join your crew.
Bonus Objective: Break through his emotional walls.
Reward: +3 Charisma, Unlock: "Captain's Command" Skill.
Failure: Zoro becomes an enemy NPC.
An enemy?! Akira's eyes widened. If I fail… he'll be my enemy?
Approaching Zoro
Ignoring the nervous stares from the villagers, Akira stepped forward.
"Oi!" he called out, his voice echoing through the square. "You're strong. Join my crew!"
The crowd gasped. Is he crazy?
Zoro slowly turned, his intense gaze locking onto Akira. His hand rested on the hilt of his sword.
"A crew?" Zoro scoffed, his voice rough. "I don't work for weaklings."
Akira grinned. "Good thing I'm not weak."
Without warning, Zoro dashed forward, sword drawn. His speed was unreal.
But Akira was ready.
"Gomu Gomu no… PISTOL!"
His fist shot out, stretching through the air. Zoro's eyes widened slightly, but he deflected the attack with his sword, the impact sending a shockwave through the square.
Akira skidded back, laughing.
This is awesome!
Zoro didn't smile. "A Devil Fruit user, huh? You've got guts… but that's not enough."
They clashed again. Fist against blade. Strength against skill.
Akira wasn't fighting just to win. He was fighting to reach Zoro's heart—to remind him of the honor he'd lost.
After the Fight
Both stood, breathing heavily. Cuts and bruises marked their bodies, but there was a spark in Zoro's eyes now—a faint glimmer of respect.
Akira grinned. "You're strong. I like that. But strength means nothing if you're alone." He pointed to his chest. "I'm gonna be King of the Pirates. And I want you by my side."
Zoro was silent for a long moment.
Then—he sheathed his sword. "Tch. You're annoying."
Akira's grin widened. "So… is that a yes?"
Zoro sighed. "I'll join you. But don't get in my way."
DING!
[Quest Complete: "Recruit Zoro."]
Rewards: +3 Charisma, Skill Unlocked: "Captain's Command" (Passive: Increases crew morale and battle efficiency by 10%).
Bonus Reward: Zoro's loyalty has slightly increased.
Akira couldn't stop smiling. I did it.
His first crewmate.
His first step toward becoming the freest man alive.
[End of Chapter 2]