(A/N: Just a little question, completely "Unrelated" to a little project I might start working on. But who here is a fan of video games? Specifically, the 2022 Game of The Year Elden Ring.
If some of you are gamers and like Elden Ring, let's just say there will be some news for you guys soon.)
(Starrk's POV)
"You wanted to see me?" I asked the old man as I walked up to him
He was sitting in front of a campfire, the light from the flames lighting up his serious face.
We had docked at a remote island to meet with other ships from the fleet and exchange supplies. Everyone had made camp near the beach and decided to throw a party.
The Old Man decided to make a campfire completely secluded from the rest of the crew. He was serious about what he wanted to talk about if he was out here.
"Hmm." He said looking at me, "Sit down."
He nodded towards a log across the fire in front of him.
I sat down, "What's up?"
"I am sending you to Paradise." He said bluntly, "You can take your division if needed. But you will go and aid Jinbei in whatever is happening over where he is."
I raised my eyebrows, "You're serious?" I said, "What about the shit that is going on here? The Dragon Knight, Big Mom, and Kaido."
"I can handle them." He said sternly, "But if they're all focused on you, then removing you from the New World would ease things a bit and we can avoid a serious conflict. I know what Kaido is like. If he ever gets an opportunity to get at you, he will not pass it up. As for Big Mom, she's after The Dragon Knight and I know that brat will lure her to you. And a conflict with Linlin is something I would rather avoid all things considered."
"I see," I said
"Even if your removal, for the time being, doesn't ease things up, I can still handle them while you're gone." He continued, "And I trust that you will handle the situation over there."
I nodded, "If that's your wish." I said, "I'll go and do it."
"Good." He said as he grabbed his sake gourd, "Another thing."
He poured sake into a sakazuki cup, one massive enough to fit in his hand.
"Your goal to make me King." He said before taking a drink, "I know it's complete horse shit. I didn't say anything when you let us in on your plan, but why did you lie?"
I sighed, "I wanted to sell it to the other commanders." I said, "I know that they will be welcoming to the idea of you becoming King."
"How many times do I have to make it clear, Starrk?" He told me, "I do not have an interest in all of that. I told you, the next Pirate King-"
"Will emerge in the next era." I cut him off, "Yes. I know. I've seen it happen."
He raised an eyebrow, "So you've seen the future?"
Not seen it, but I know the future. The story of One Piece had told us that one person will become the Pirate King. I mean he constantly yells it out every chance he gets for crying out loud.
"You can say that." I said, "I know that what you said is true. What Roger told you, it's all true. The next Pirate King will soon set out to sea. And he is a member of the D Clan."
"So you know what they are?" He asked
I shook my head, "Not really." I said, "All I know is that they are the enemies of God. And I think that means they are enemies of the World Nobles, the Celestial Dragons."
He didn't say anything to this.
I looked up to the sky, "I also know that he will declare war on the government and start one hell of a storm, old man." I said while smiling slightly, "The things he'll do, man you will be surprised."
"He sounds like a handful," he said
"He'll remind you of someone you know." I told him, "And when you find out who he's related to, you won't be surprised by his antics."
He chuckled, "Is that so?" He said, "Well, if that's the case, Starrk...Why can't you just wait till he comes? I don't mind having you on my crew and letting you go when the time comes. When that happens, go on and gather the Road Poneglyphs, find Laugh Tale, find the One Piece. Call for my help if need be. I'll gladly come to your aid."
I shook my head, "I can't wait that long." I said, "I mean, I could. But It'll be years. I want to get this done sooner...."
"Why are you so obsessed with this?" He asked, "Tell me the truth, Starrk."
I closed my eyes, "I know the future, old man." I said, "I know of someone that'll join your crew. If you don't want to be king, then we can make him king. That'll be our last resort. I am dead serious about gathering the rubbings. If I have to set out on my own and start my own crew, then so be it. But I will make someone King, even if that someone has to be me."
"Starrk." He said seriously, "What is bothering you?"
I thought about it long and hard. Do I tell him? The truth? I doubt he will believe me, which is why I never said a word about it. But dammit, I have to have someone that has my back when shit hits the fan. And I have a feeling it will, soon.
I sighed, "Alright." I said, "Here goes nothing. Just promise you won't laugh at me and that this stays between us."
"Alright. Go on, tell me." He said
I have to leave out some details. Especially the ones about the goddesses, but here I go.
"I don't belong here." I said, "I am not from this world. I have to complete a task to return home. And that task is to make someone Pirate King or become Pirate King myself."
"I am Cursed and From Another World."