"Now then, since you've agreed to take it, let me tell you about the trial."
The old man stroked his beard as he began.
"The trial involves giving you our blessing - what the others taking the trial call 'reincarnation perks' - in a form that matches the rules of the different world, and having you reincarnate there."
This sounded like the god reincarnation stories common in fan fiction, but why was this a trial?
"I'm happy to receive a blessing, but why does that make it a trial?"
"There were others before you who we gave blessings to and reincarnated into one of the different worlds. Back then, we gave them whatever blessings they wanted."
"But when they used powers that didn't match the world's rules, several parallel worlds within that different world were destroyed."
...Destroyed? Really?
"What kind of power did they use to destroy them?"
"I believe one used something called the 'Gate of Babylon' and a Noble Phantasm from it to recreate a myth, and the world couldn't handle it and was destroyed."
...Apparently Fuyuki City's durability was abnormal. Wait, weren't they limited by class containers when summoned, so they couldn't use their full power?
"There were other reasons for destruction, but after this happened several times, some worlds began rejecting souls from different worlds."
"This reduced the number of places that could accept souls severed from the world... which created an imbalance in the number of souls across worlds, leading to more people like you having your destined lifespans cut short by self-purification."
"Couldn't you reincarnate people into different worlds without giving them blessings?"
"It's not impossible. But let me ask you this - if you were going on an adventure, would you choose a skilled companion or an unskilled one?"
I'd done challenge runs in games, but...
"If my life was on the line, definitely the skilled one."
"Right, and if you had to choose the unskilled one, would you pick someone familiar or unfamiliar?"
"As long as there weren't major personality conflicts, I'd choose the familiar one."
"Exactly. Worlds handle soul acceptance the same way. Without special reason, souls from different worlds get pushed to the back of the line."
"What might be a brief delay for us gods and worlds can be a long time for you souls. And when souls finally reincarnate after such delays, it sometimes leaves unconscious residue... personality issues can develop."
"That's why we have no choice but to give blessings to prioritize souls from different worlds for reincarnation."
Man, that's rough...
"I understand. But this trial seems more like it's for you gods than for us reincarnators."
"Indeed, which is why I called it 'my trial.'"
Honestly, I'd been expecting something like saving the world...
"So it's not something grand like saving the world."
"You have quite an imagination. This trial is to smooth the process of reincarnating souls outside the cycle - our role. The younger ones have been complaining about it."
"Things like complaints from waiting souls, or wanting time off?"
"Exactly, you understand well."
These problems exist everywhere...
"These issues exist everywhere. Please continue."
"Very well. Now let me tell you about the different world you'll reincarnate into. Your destination is a world based on 'ONE PIECE' from your world. And the blessing will be given in a form that matches that world's rules."
ONE PIECE! That's one of my favorite manga! But...
"A world 'based on' it?"
"Right, it's not something created by the creator, but a world born from people's recognition and thoughts about it."
"What's the difference?"
"Simply put, whether 'what if' scenarios are allowed. The former doesn't allow them, the latter does. That's why you can reincarnate there."
A world where 'what if' scenarios are allowed... where the fantasies I'd imagined countless times are permitted...
"May I continue?"
"Ah, yes, please."
"I'll give you the blessing, but mystery - special power - will take the form of a 'Devil Fruit.' Additionally, as compensation for taking the trial, you may choose three talents or aptitudes, which I'll grant you."
"Talents and aptitudes?"
"Things like physical abilities, or aptitude for Haki."
...Haki?
"What is Haki?"
The old man asked back with a puzzled look.
"Hmm? You don't know?"
"I know ONE PIECE to some extent, but... well, I prefer to wait until manga series are complete before buying the volumes and reading them all at once, so I'm not very up to date..."
"Hmm, how far have you read?"
How far... it's been a long time since I checked the weekly magazine and added it to my bulk-buy list...
"I think I saw up to... the desert kingdom... Alahabad?"
"Alabasta."
"That's it. That's where I stopped."
"Then do you remember Logia-type abilities?"
"Uh... sand, I think?"
"Right. Do you know that unless you exploit their weakness, you can't hit Logia users?"
I remember Luffy wetting his hands with water to attack, and the scene where he used his own blood was thrilling.
"He used water and blood to solidify the sand."
"Exactly. Normally you'd need to exploit weaknesses, but with one of the three types of Haki, you can hit Logia users without exploiting their weakness."
So there's such a convenient thing that's not a special ability but an aptitude...
"That's incredibly useful."
"Indeed. That Haki is called 'Armament Haki.' There are also 'Observation Haki' and 'Conqueror's Haki'..."
Let me summarize what the old man explained:
Armament Haki
Can strengthen parts of your body by covering them with this Can also strengthen weapons you're holding Strengthening with Armament Haki allows you to hit Logia users
Observation Haki
Can sense hostility from people within range Those skilled with Observation Haki can sense actions and even thoughts within range
Conqueror's Haki
An extremely rare aptitude with very few possessors Can intimidate people in range, making them faint Strong individuals can resist the intimidation and stay conscious When the aptitude exists but is low, or when power is still weak, it may manifest as charisma or other attractive qualities rather than intimidation
This is what Haki is like in the world I'd reincarnate to.
From what I heard, Armament seems essential, and the others would be nice to have.
Armament is key for dealing with Logia users and also strengthens yourself.
Observation might be too much information for someone like me who's never been in a real fight. It might be better to wish for something with guaranteed returns.
Conqueror's... isn't this something heroes of an era possess? Given its rarity, having this aptitude would probably attract troublesome situations. Even if I had the aptitude, it would be difficult to handle... Honestly, I don't want it.
"Do you understand about Haki?"
"Yes, thank you."
"Then let me tell you the rules for choosing Devil Fruits."
"Before that, could I have a smoke?"
"Ho ho ho! Quite demanding, aren't you? The others are waiting, but it's too late to worry about that now. Let's take our time."
I don't know why the others have to wait, but he's right - it's too late now. My consideration for others probably disappeared along with my suppression. I'll make my own decisions freely... without being bound by anyone...
"Now, do you understand the Devil Fruit rules?"
After my smoke break, I'd listened to the old man explain the rules for choosing Devil Fruits. The rules were:
All ability users lose their strength when touching the sea or Sea-Prism Stone The same fruit cannot exist simultaneously With few exceptions, you cannot possess two abilities Fruits with strong causal connections (those appearing in the original) may not be choosable Natural and Zoan abilities are sealed when touching sea or Sea-Prism Stone Some Paramecia types (those that change your constitution) can exceptionally still be used You cannot choose abilities based on things that don't exist in the destination world (substances, phenomena, mysteries, fantasies, etc.)
The part about the same fruit not existing simultaneously was apparently why the others had to wait. Basically, choosing later puts you at a disadvantage.
Also, there was observation of how different blessings given to souls sent to the world at the same time affected the era and location of reincarnation.
But according to the old man, these were sort of pretenses, and the real reason was different.
Apparently, souls waiting outside the cycle to reincarnate are severely backed up. In human time, they'd have to work non-stop for the next hundred years. But the handlers for this trial can rest while observing their charges, taking a break from their duties. So for the trial handlers, complaints, insults, and grumbling from those waiting are nothing compared to the welcome break of taking their time.
"Have you decided what blessing you want - the system, ability, etc.?"
"Sorry, but when fruits conflict, what happens?"
"You'll all give your desired blessings simultaneously, but if there are conflicts, we gods will decide through discussion. If there are conflicts in second or subsequent choices, we'll inform you that it's already taken and have you choose something different."
So I should think of backup options too. But wait...
"If someone can't choose because of a conflict, they'd at least know someone chose that ability... wouldn't that put the person who chose first at a disadvantage since the others could plan countermeasures after reincarnation?"
"Hmm, that concern exists... let me consult about this. You can smoke and think about what blessing to choose while you wait."
The old man said this, had me put a cigarette in my mouth, lit it, and disappeared somewhere. I was startled by his sudden disappearance, but like he said, I'd think about blessings.
So, what kind of ability would be good? What system? This kind of thinking is really fun.
I followed the smoke with my eyes and thought about the game I'd been playing before coming here.
Could I do that? What would be possible? How versatile would it be outside of combat?
I'd found the ability I wanted and started thinking deeper.
Could I do this? What talents and aptitudes should I combine with the ability? Could I get that?
I thought, worried, and thought some more. Time flew by as I lost myself in this enjoyable contemplation.
"Sorry for the wait."
"No, I wasn't waiting long."
I wished this conversation could have been with a cute girl instead... Next life, I'm definitely getting a girlfriend!
"Your concern was deemed not a disadvantage since you won't necessarily be born in the same era. But we agreed to add one more wish at the handler's discretion for anyone affected."
"What do you mean by handler's discretion?"
"The content of today's discussion is unknown to the other reincarnators. There are seven reincarnators including you, but some have hurled insults and abuse at their handlers."
"Even if it's to slack off... rest from duties, it's not pleasant, so whether to show favoritism is up to individual discretion."
...Courtesy is important, you know.
"Since you know about the discussion, if someone learns about your chosen blessing, I'll add one wish."
"Thank you."
"Don't thank me yet. That's only if someone finds out. The thanks can wait."
Still, this guaranteed advantage seems pretty big. My desired blessing might not be decided yet...
"Oh, and I've decided to prioritize your blessing choice over the other reincarnators. Feel free to choose without worry."
...Huh?
"Ah, um, thank you very much."
"Ho ho ho! It's fine. Actually, you were the last to wake up because you stayed up late, and when you woke up, the others had already decided to take the trial."
"The other handlers who had free time were watching our conversation while dealing with their reincarnators. And they apparently took quite a liking to you."
...They were watching? Does that mean my complete breakdown was witnessed by gods other than this old man? I covered my face with one hand and looked down, making the old man laugh happily.
"Ho ho ho! Don't be embarrassed! Thanks to you being yourself, we could give you preferential treatment... Ho-ho-ho-ho-ho!"
The old man laughed joyfully. I was grateful for the preferential treatment, but in exchange for exposing my shameful moments to other gods, I was dying of embarrassment.
"So, what blessing - Devil Fruit - do you want?"
The old man asked me again after his laughter subsided. I told him the system and ability I'd been thinking about.
"I'd like a Paramecia-type gravity manipulation ability."
"Hmm... that ability already exists..."
Ugh... so I can't choose it... this is really disappointing.
"But you could request it as an upper or lower variant."
"Really?!"
"Yes. The same fruit can't exist, but variants are possible. I'd need to know what you think you could accomplish with that fruit to determine whether it's upper or lower tier."
What I could accomplish with it... I had some questions about the limits, but I'd tell the old man my ideas.
"Let me tell you what I think I could do with gravity manipulation:"
I summarized what I told the old man:
Open wormholes for teleportation Use wormholes as storage space Manipulate gravity to fly Manipulate gravity to bend space and create barriers Create spherical gravity manipulations to hit targets and increase/decrease the gravity affecting them Increase/decrease gravity affecting myself Apply barriers to concentrate air and improve recovery during rest
I told the old man these ideas.
"Hmm... this would be an upper variant? It wouldn't be the same as existing ones, so it can be created... but there might be some differences from what you envision when creating this fruit."
What?
"Differences?"
"Yes. I can give you gravity manipulation itself, but it would be within the world's tolerance. You might be able to do less than you think."
"I see... that makes sense. It wouldn't be a trial if the world was destroyed again."
"Good, I'm glad you understand."
But I really want the wormhole ability. It would be incredibly useful for sea travel and combat.
"Now, it's your turn to wait. The others need to decide their abilities before we can determine yours."
The old man said this and started puffing on his pipe.
"Then since my blessing seems decided, I'll think about the three wishes based on that."
I lit another cigarette. The old man lit it for me, and I looked up at the white space above.
Let's see, what should I wish for? I'd been thinking with combat in mind, but...
Whether I become a Marine, pirate, bounty hunter, or merchant, wormholes would be useful... but he said there might be differences, so I should consider the possibility they won't work.
I watched the smoke rise into the white space, feeling like another enjoyable time had come as I lost myself in thoughts... or rather, fantasies.
"Sorry for the wait. The others have finally decided their desired blessings."
"No problem. I kept you waiting plenty myself. I guess we're even."
"Indeed. Now, I can give you one Haki aptitude regardless of your wishes. Please choose the three talents or aptitudes you want."
Three... apparently no one's blessing conflicted with mine. Too bad.
But getting one Haki aptitude is really helpful.
"Just to confirm, is it okay to wish for knowledge?"
"I cannot give you knowledge of the destination's future - original story knowledge. Anything else is fine."
I kind of regret not keeping up with the manga now.
"Understood, thank you. My first wish is 'Divine Speed Impulse' and a healthy, robust body capable of using it fully."
"Hmm, 'Divine Speed Impulse'... I see, the ultimate human reaction speed."
"Yes, and since nerves exist in the brain too, this should naturally improve memory as well."
"Indeed. Hmm, that's a good choice. What's your reason for wanting it?"
"Simply put... I wanted to try being what you'd call a genius."
I was a mediocre student who barely graduated high school with passing grades. I wasn't good at studying or sports.
When I asked successful classmates about it, they usually said it was because they worked hard. But I think they had the talent to make their efforts pay off. At least the old me couldn't do it... well, I didn't have the motivation to work hard at anything but otaku hobbies and games.
"Well, even with better memory, I'm still the one doing the thinking, so I might just become what you'd call a smart idiot."
"That's quite a harsh way to put it."
"I'm making impossible demands. I can't guarantee I'll handle it well."
"Hmm, I'll grant your first wish. What's your second wish?"
"I'd like you to improve my luck."
"Luck?"
"Yes. What were the odds of being selected by self-purification?"
I don't know how many parallel worlds there are, but being randomly selected from them must have been odds of more than one in hundreds of millions. My luck was definitely terrible.
"I think being able to take this trial was good luck, but everything before that was so unlucky... I hope I'll have good luck in my next life."
"I see. I can grant that... how much luck do you want?"
"Let's see... enough to be called extraordinary luck or heaven's luck."
"Very well, I'll adjust it appropriately to that level."
"What's your third wish?"
"Since knowledge is possible, I'd like knowledge of gravity from 'Dr. Shu Shirakawa.'"
"'Shu Shirakawa'?... Wait a moment."
The old man, who'd had a grandfatherly expression until now, suddenly turned serious and closed his eyes. Did I cause some problem? I did, given that expression.
"Sorry for the wait. I can grant your third wish, but... I'll have to restrict your blessing in exchange."
"Restrictions? Why?"
"Simply put, if you gained that knowledge and caused gravitational collapse, the world would be destroyed."
Ah... right. In the games, I'd casually used things like degeneracy cannons, but those could destroy stars and universes.
"Um... how severe would the restrictions be?"
"At minimum, you won't be able to create black holes... In exchange, I'll enhance your three wishes as much as I can."
"What kind of enhancement?"
"Ho ho ho! I won't make it anything bad. Look forward to it when you reincarnate."
I'm worried not knowing how it'll change...
"Um... alright. I'll look forward to it."
"Good. Finally, what Haki aptitude do you want?"
"Before that, what happens to the Haki aptitudes I don't choose?"
"That depends on luck. It'll depend on the talents of your parents."
Luck, huh... then I should choose what I definitely want.
"Then I'd like Armament Haki aptitude."
"Granted. Now I need to wait to reincarnate you all simultaneously, so wait a bit."
"Um, you mentioned parents, so I'll be a baby?"
"Yes. Your ego will awaken around when you finish weaning. The blessed soul and body need that much time to harmonize. You'll spend infancy in a drowsy state."
"How will I get the Devil Fruit?"
"Strong causality will form, so if you live, you'll naturally encounter it. When you do, you'll instinctively know it's what you wanted. Well, if you die before meeting it, that's up to you."
Please don't say such ominous things.
I passed the time chatting with the old man while waiting for reincarnation.
"Well then, let's begin the reincarnation."
"Please do. Take care of yourself, God."
"Ho ho ho! How kind of you to say. Well then, enjoy yourself."
My consciousness faded with the old man's words.
Ah, I'll enjoy myself like the old man said. As myself, freely... and I'll definitely get a girlfriend!
And so I lost consciousness and was reincarnated into the world of ONE PIECE.