Akira stood motionless, his gaze fixed on the massive cage behind the Tianlong people. Inside, three young girls huddled together—one with black hair, one with green, and the other with brown. No matter how he looked at them, something about them felt oddly familiar.
"Have I seen these girls before?" he muttered to himself, confusion clouding his thoughts.
Logically, given that he had just arrived in this world, he should only recognize the major characters from One Piece. Yet, as he stared at them, a sudden realization struck him.
"Could they be the young sisters of Empress Boa Hancock?"
Based on the timeline, it seemed like it could be around the time when they were captured by the Tianlong people. The resemblance was uncanny—he was about seventy percent sure. Even if he was wrong, it hardly mattered. The little girl, in particular, was exceptionally beautiful.
Being captured by the Tianlong people and forced into slavery was a fate worse than death. He couldn't just stand by. He had to save them. And if he did, perhaps she would one day become his wife.
"I never imagined I'd have such an opportunity the moment I arrived here!" Akira thought, his excitement growing.
In the anime, Empress Hancock had fallen for Luffy—a man as dense as a rock—who remained oblivious to her affections. What a waste! Now that he was here, he'd make sure she became his woman.
"The Tianlong people standing in front of me won't stop me!" he declared.
Rather than stepping aside, Akira boldly advanced, blocking their path. His sudden movement sent shockwaves through the crowd. The bystander who had just tried to pull him aside went pale.
"This kid is insane! He dares obstruct the Tianlong people? He's doomed!"
"Insolent fool!" one of the nearby guards snarled. "When Lord Tianlong passes, you should be groveling, not standing there like an idiot! Move, or do you wish to die—"
Bang!
Before he could finish, Akira sent him flying with a single strike.
Gasps of shock rippled through the air as onlookers recoiled in fear. Akira's expression hardened, his voice cold as he commanded, "Minions, step aside!"
Bang!
In an instant, all the attendants were blasted away, utterly powerless against him.
Ding! Gained +9 Fear from Unknown Guard!
Ding! Gained +9 Fear from Unknown Guard!
Ding! Gained +9 Fear from Unknown Guard!
Akira advanced toward the Tianlong noble. The man, visibly shaken, pointed a trembling finger at him.
"Y-You... what are you doing?! I am a Tianlong noble! A ruler of this world! If you dare touch me, I will eradicate your entire family—"
Bang!
Akira slapped the fat noble across the face, his eyes burning with the power of the Rinnegan as he stared deep into the man's soul. His voice was cold as ice. "You think your status means anything to me?"
"Brother, I was wrong!" the Tianlong noble pleaded, crumbling to his knees in sheer terror.
The crowd was left speechless.
The Tianlong people had always considered themselves gods, looking down on others as mere insects. Even when faced with death, they never showed fear—let alone kneel to anyone. Yet now, in a single exchange, this man had completely broken him.
"Damn! Did he just make a Tianlong noble kneel?!"
"I've never seen anyone this bold!"
"He might be strong, but he's done for. The Tianlong people will send an army after him!"
"Exactly! The young shouldn't be so reckless. This world belongs to the Tianlong people."
The whispers surrounded him, but Akira paid them no mind. He pointed toward the cage, his voice commanding. "Where did you take these three girls from?"
The trembling noble stammered, "T-They were kidnapped from the Kuja Pirates... If you want them, t-they're yours!"
Akira's eyes flashed with understanding.
"So they really are from the Kuja Pirates!" His gaze softened as he looked at the three frightened girls. Their faces were streaked with dirt, their clothes torn, their expressions filled with fear.
His fists clenched in anger.
Bang!
Akira delivered another slap to the Tianlong man's face, his voice seething with fury. "You beasts! You won't even spare children! Open the cage, now!"
"Y-Yes, yes..." The Tianlong noble forced a fake smile, his heart boiling with humiliation. Never in his life had he been treated like this.
With shaking hands, he fumbled for a key and hastily unlocked the cage. Turning to the three young girls inside, he plastered on a forced grin. "Little sisters, you can come out now."
The three girls recoiled, their eyes filled with fear and distrust. They had suffered too much at the hands of these people.
The Tianlong noble scowled. "You three, come out! From now on, you belong to this gentleman—"
Before he could finish, Akira kicked him aside with disgust.
"You're an eyesore! Don't scare them with your ugly face! Get lost!" Akira sneered, sending him sprawling with another kick, making him eat dirt.
At this, Hancock and the other two girls let out a quiet giggle—a sound they hadn't made in what felt like forever.
Akira turned to them, his expression softening. "Little sisters, come out. I'm here to save you. Don't be afraid. As long as you're with me, no one will ever hurt you again."
He extended his hand, his voice gentle and reassuring.
The girls hesitated, caught between hope and fear. Their trust had been shattered too many times before.
"Believe me, I won't hurt you," Akira reassured them.
Hancock's large, innocent black eyes studied him carefully. After a long pause, she spoke up. "Big brother, can you really protect us? There are so many Tianlong people here…"
Akira's gaze was unwavering. "Don't worry. I will destroy every Tianlong noble who has ever hurt you. I won't let you suffer again!"
The three girls exchanged uncertain glances, their hearts torn between doubt and hope.
Finally, Hancock found her courage. Taking a deep breath, she reached out her small, trembling hand and placed it in Akira's. Her lips curled into a bright, sincere smile, revealing pearly white teeth.
"Big brother, I believe in you! My name is Boa Hancock, and I will follow you from now on!"
Akira's smile was warm and reassuring. "Good. I'll protect you from now on."
He then turned to the other two girls. "And what about you?"
The two girls shared a look before taking deep breaths and stepping forward, each grasping Akira's hand.
"My name is Boa Marigold!"
"My name is Boa Sandersonia!"
Akira grinned, squeezing their hands with reassurance. "Good! From now on, you're my little sisters. If anyone dares to bully you, just tell me—I'll handle them myself!"