The Going Merry sailed steadily across the open sea, its sails billowing as the sun dipped low on the horizon. After days of travel, the excitement from our last stop had finally started to die down—though, with this crew, peace never lasted long.
Luffy was perched at the front of the ship as usual, staring ahead with a wide grin. "We're getting close to the restaurant ship, right?"
Nami nodded from the helm. "Yeah. Baratie should be just over the horizon by tomorrow morning."
Zoro yawned, stretching his arms behind his head. "Finally. I need a drink."
Meanwhile, I was reviewing my system notifications. My manga sales had skyrocketed after the release of Volume 5, and the multiverse chat was still buzzing with reactions.
[Multiverse Chat Group]
[Gol D. Roger]: "HAHAHA! So the brat actually beat Zabuza? Not bad!"
[Whitebeard]: "Hmph. That kind of resolve… reminds me of an old friend."
[Jiraiya]: "Alright, but when's the next volume dropping? The fans need answers!"
[Kakashi]: "…Obito… Rin… This story is hitting a little too close to home."
[Itachi]: "Interesting. So the cycle of hatred is a major theme?"
[Ainz Ooal Gown]: "I must say, this story captures the struggles of leadership quite well."
I smirked. Even across dimensions, people were hooked.
System Update: New Function Unlocked—Skill Extraction.
My eyes widened. Skill Extraction?
I clicked on the description.
[Skill Extraction: Allows the host to extract abilities from fictional works and integrate them into reality. Limited to one skill per week.]
I nearly choked. Did the system just give me the power to pull ANY skill from fiction?!
I scrolled through my options, debating what to pick.
[Observation Haki (One Piece)]
[Water Breathing (Demon Slayer)]
[Chakra Control (Naruto)]
[Flash Step (Bleach)]
Tempting. Very tempting.
Before I could decide, Usopp's voice cut through my thoughts.
"Oi! Ship ahead!"
I turned, spotting a Marine ship approaching from the distance. It was a standard patrol vessel, nothing too intimidating, but what caught my eye was the man standing at the bow with an arrogant smirk.
Lieutenant Fullbody.
Luffy grinned. "Hey! Someone new!"
Zoro frowned. "Tch. A Marine."
Nami's grip tightened on the wheel. "Let's hope he's not looking for a fight."
The Marine ship pulled up beside us, and Fullbody strutted toward the railing, exuding self-importance. His pristine Marine uniform was unbuttoned at the top, and his hair was slicked back in a way that screamed rich pretty boy who's never had to struggle.
He peered down at us, his eyes briefly flicking to Nami before he smirked. "Well, well, what do we have here? A bunch of scrappy no-name pirates sailing the seas without a care?"
Luffy tilted his head. "Who're you?"
Fullbody dramatically flipped his hair. "Hmph! I am the great Iron Fist Fullbody, an esteemed Marine officer! You nobodies should count yourselves lucky I'm even talking to you."
Zoro snorted. "Never heard of you."
I leaned on the railing, smirking. "Iron Fist? With hands that soft? You sure you don't mean Butter Knife Fullbody?"
His eye twitched. "Wha—? How dare you!" He huffed, then turned his attention back to Nami, his smirk returning. "You, however, are a sight for sore eyes. Perhaps I could invite you to dinner aboard my ship? A woman as lovely as yourself shouldn't be wasting time with this riffraff."
Nami smiled sweetly. "Oh, how flattering."
Fullbody puffed out his chest. "I know, I know. You may bask in my charm."
Then, without breaking her smile, Nami grabbed an apple from a barrel and chucked it at his face.
The apple bounced off his nose with a dull thud, sending Fullbody stumbling back. The Marines on his ship tried (and failed) to suppress their laughter.
I whistled. "Damn. Rejected before he even finished his monologue."
Luffy laughed. "That was funny!"
Fullbody seethed, clutching his nose. "You… filthy pirates! Just you wait! The moment you step into Baratie, you'll regret this!"
With that, he dramatically spun on his heel and stormed off, barking orders at his crew. The Marine ship veered away, leaving us in peace once more.
Zoro sighed. "What an idiot."
Usopp wiped away fake tears. "He never even got to tell us how great he was."
I chuckled, shaking my head. "Well, looks like we just made an enemy before even reaching Baratie."
Luffy grinned. "Awesome!"
I sighed. Of course he's excited.
The Calm Before the Storm
That night, as the others rested, I sat near the ship's railing, staring at the moonlit ocean. The [Multiverse Chat] had quieted down, and the only sound was the gentle rocking of the waves.
My mind kept drifting back to the system's new function. Skill Extraction.
It was a game-changer. With this, I could start bridging the gap between myself and the true monsters of this world. Mihawk. Admirals. Yonko.
I exhaled. I need to get stronger.
Opening the system, I scrolled through my options one last time. Then, with a steady breath, I made my choice.
[Skill Acquired: Observation Haki (Basic)]
A wave of dizziness hit me as something inside me shifted. My senses expanded slightly, the world becoming clearer in ways I couldn't describe.
I clenched my fists. This… this is just the beginning.
As Baratie loomed in the distance, a storm was brewing.
And I was ready.
................................................................
Hey everyone, I apologize for not keeping you updated. I've been grounded for not doing well on my math semester exam, and it's been really tough for me. I'm feeling pretty down about everything right now, and I wish the situation could be different. Thanks for understanding.