As the laughter and conversation flowed around him, Mike found himself drawn deeper into the vibrant atmosphere of the tavern. He mingled with the villagers, exchanging stories and banter, all while keeping an eye on Luffy's antics. The boy was a whirlwind of energy, laughing loudly, sharing exaggerated tales of his supposed past adventures, and charming everyone in sight.
After a while, Mike turned to Woop Slap, who was finishing a conversation with Gyoru. "Excuse me, Mayor," he said, "I was wondering about accommodations while I'm here. Is there somewhere I can stay?"
Woop Slap nodded, recognizing Mike's need for a place to call home, even if only temporarily. "Follow me," he instructed, motioning for Mike to follow him out of the tavern. Luffy perked up at the mention of accommodations and bounded after them with his usual eagerness.
They walked through the village, the warm glow of lanterns lining the path casting a golden hue across the wooden structures. Mike marveled at the quaint beauty of Foosha Village, feeling a sense of belonging with each step.
As they reached the outskirts of the village, Woop Slap turned to Mike. "You'll be staying with the mountain bandits for a while. Don't be alarmed; they raised Luffy, Ace, and Sabo in their youth. They're tough but not unkind."
Mike raised an eyebrow, surprised. "The mountain bandits? You trust them?"
"Trust is earned, but they've shown loyalty to our village," Woop Slap explained. "And with the right approach, you'll find they're decent enough. Plus, having Luffy by your side will probably make things easier."
Luffy grinned widely. "Yeah! They're great! I had so much fun growing up with them!" He bounced on his toes, his excitement infectious.
They climbed a winding path that led to the base of the mountains, the sound of distant laughter and shouting growing as they approached. As they drew nearer, Mike caught sight of a group of rugged figures assembled around a fire, the flickering flames illuminating their tough, weathered faces.
Woop Slap raised his voice to address the bandits. "Listen up! I'm introducing a new face to our community. This is Mike. He's not a threat; he's just looking for a place to stay for a bit."
Luffy leapt forward, waving his arms enthusiastically. "Yeah! Mike's awesome! You'll love him!"
A muscular bandit with wild hair and a playful grin stepped forward, his expression curious yet guarded. "Another kid, huh? Looks like a bit of a softie," he quipped, crossing his arms.
"Hey! I'm not a softie!" Mike shot back, a spark of determination lighting within him. He didn't want to be underestimated.
The bandits laughed, and the air lightened. Woop Slap exchanged glances with them, clearly comfortable in their presence. "You can stay here, Mike. Learn from them. They may teach you a thing or two about surviving in these parts," he said, giving Mike a hint of encouragement.
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, the air around Mt. Colubo began to buzz with anticipation. Dadan, the gruff and outspoken leader of the mountain bandits, arrived with her hands on her hips, her brow furrowed in irritation. The mayor, with a hesitant grin, was about to introduce someone new to the motley crew.
"Who is this?" Dadan barked, eyeing Mike up and down with suspicion. "And what does the mayor want with me now?" Her voice was loud and demanding, echoing slightly off the rocky terrain surrounding them.
The mayor cleared his throat, shifting nervously. "This is Mike," he began, gesturing toward him. "He's new to the area and could use some guidance. I thought—"
Dadan interrupted him, crossing her arms. "Guidance? Is that what you call dumping him on my doorstep? You know I've already got my hands full with Luffy!" She rolled her eyes, but beneath her tough exterior, a flicker of curiosity sparked.
"Listen, kid," she continued, looking directly at Mike, "if you're gonna stick around, you'd better know that we don't take kindly to outsiders. But if you can hold your own, maybe you've got some potential. Just don't expect any coddling around here."
The other bandits stood nearby, exchanging glances, clearly intrigued by the prospect of a newcomer. Though the bandits looked rough around the edges, he could sense the camaraderie that existed among them. Perhaps there were lessons to be learned here, and alongside Luffy, he felt ready to embrace whatever this new chapter in his life would bring.
As Dadan continued her stern lecture, Mike felt a strange sensation wash over him, almost as if a notification had pinged in the back of his mind.
[SYSTEM] Achievement unlocked: "Kind Words from Dadan."
Ticket earned: Gold – Dadan's Approval*
He blinked, momentarily distracted as he processed the information, but the moment quickly passed as Dadan's voice cut through again.
"And don't think just because I'm letting you hang around means you'll get any special treatment! You've got to earn your place here," she continued, her tone softening slightly, which didn't go unnoticed by Mike.
[SYSTEM] Achievement unlocked: "Bandits' Welcome."
Ticket earned: Silver – Bandits' Respect.
The excitement bubbled within him. So, he had already made strides in earning the favor of those around him. Looking at Dadan and the rowdy bandits, he felt a surge of hope. Here, in this quirky family of misfits, he could discover not just challenges but friendships that would shape who he was destined to become.
As Dadan continued her stern lecture, Mike felt a strange sensation wash over him, almost as if a notification had pinged in the back of his mind.
[SYSTEM] Achievement unlocked: "Kind Words from Dadan."
Ticket earned: Gold – Dadan's Approval.
He blinked, momentarily distracted as he processed the information, but the moment quickly passed as Dadan's voice cut through again.
"And don't think just because I'm letting you hang around means you'll get any special treatment! You've got to earn your place here," she continued, her tone softening slightly, which didn't go unnoticed by Mike.
[SYSTEM] Achievement unlocked: "Bandits' Welcome."
Ticket earned: Silver – Bandits' Respect.
The excitement bubbled within him. So, he had already made strides in earning the favor of those around him. Looking at Dadan and the rowdy bandits, he felt a surge of hope.
Feeling a rush of excitement, Mike focused on the tickets he had just earned. As he rolled them out in his mind, the familiar sensation of receiving new abilities and items washed over him.
Rolling Tickets…
The first ticket shimmered with energy before revealing its contents:
[Shadow Claws]
| Rarity: Uncommon Ability |
Allows you to conjure sharp and lightweight Shadow Claws on top of your hands that can slash opponents. You can also extend their length and sharpness with training.
Mike's eyes widened as he imagined the potential of this ability. Shadow Claws would grant him not only a formidable weapon but also a way to defend himself in this untamed wilderness.
Then, he rolled the second ticket, eager to see what it would bring:
[Durable Baseball Bat]
| Rarity: Common Item |
An extremely durable baseball bat, it would take at least a nuclear bomb to deform it.
A grin spread across his face. Though the bat seemed simple compared to the claws, its durability meant it could be a reliable partner in any scuffle. Plus, swinging a bat around was a familiar comfort that could ease his nerves as he adjusted to life with Dadan and the bandits.
With newfound abilities and a trusty weapon, Mike felt invigorated. He was ready to embrace the challenges ahead, forging his own path among the mountain bandits.
Just as Mike was lost in thoughts of the adventures ahead, a loud and unmistakable growl echoed from Luffy's stomach, cutting through the lingering excitement.
"I'm hungry!" Luffy shouted, his eyes gleaming with anticipation as if food was the only thing on his mind.
Dadan and the bandits erupted into laughter, a chorus of chuckles and playful jabs. "Typical Luffy!" one of the bandits called out, shaking his head. "You just ate at Makino's Tavern not too long ago!"
Luffy pouted, his energy undeterred. "Yeah, but I'm always hungry! Besides, you know I need fuel for all the adventures!" His enthusiasm was infectious, even amid the laughter at his expense.
Mike couldn't help but chuckle along with them. It was clear that despite the ruggedness of their lifestyle, the bonds here were stitched together with humor and camaraderie. The laughter bounced off the mountains, and he felt more at home than he had expected.
"Alright, alright, let's see what we can whip up," Dadan said, rolling her eyes but with a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "But if you eat more than your share, Luffy, don't come crying to me when there's nothing left for the rest of us!"
As the bandits moved to prepare a meal, Mike knew this was just the beginning of the adventures he would share with his new family. The warmth of their connections was as inviting as any feast could be.
After the generous feast—plates piled high with steaming food that seemed to disappear in moments under Luffy's insatiable appetite—Mike followed Luffy to their rooftop house. The wooden structure was sturdily built, a simple but sturdy hideout atop the mountain. The stars twinkled above, casting a gentle light over the forest, creating a peaceful atmosphere.
As they settled in, Luffy flopped onto his makeshift bed, sprawling out comfortably. Within moments, the rhythmic sound of his snores filled the air. Mike couldn't help but smile at the sight of his new friend, exhaustion clearly taking hold after the day's excitement.
Feeling a mix of fatigue and anticipation, he decided it was the perfect moment to formally inspect his system and the new abilities he had acquired. He sat up, pulling a small notepad and quill from his backpack, ready to jot down his findings.
Inspecting System…
A holographic interface flickered to life in his mind, revealing all his current stats and abilities:
Name: MikeLevel: 1
Traits:
Perfumer (Common) – You smell like whatever the person smelling you finds pleasant.
Blue Tear (Rare) – When near death, your energy output, defense, and resistance increase significantly.
Immortal Soul (Elite) – Your soul cannot be destroyed as long as you possess energy.
Abilities / Skills:
Shadow Claws (Uncommon) – Conjure sharp, lightweight shadow claws. Extendable with training.
Adept Blunt Weapon Mastery (Rare) – Exceptional skill with blunt weapons; wielding them grants near-supernatural strength.
Expert Medicine (Elite) – Mastery of human medicine, surgery, diagnosis, and creation of remedies beyond ordinary skill.
Familiar:
Black Knife Tiche (Rare) – An assassin bound to you, wielding a knife imbued with destined death, able to bypass durability and prevent wounds from healing.
Items:
Durable Baseball Bat (Common) – Indestructible bat, resistant to all damage.
Unbreakable Blade (Rare) – A simple but unbreakable longsword, sharp and impervious to damage.
Mike reviewed everything carefully, feeling a rush of excitement about what lay ahead. The potential of the Shadow Claws intrigued him, and with both blunt and sharp weapons at his disposal, his combat options seemed limitless. The presence of Tiche as a familiar gave him an edge far beyond anything he could have imagined, while his traits promised resilience and growth.
With a contented sigh, he closed his eyes, letting the sounds of the forest and mountain lull him into a peaceful sleep. Tomorrow would bring new adventures, and he was eager to face them head-on.
As Mike fell asleep, the heavy fatigue of the day washed over him, pulling him into a restless slumber. Shadows danced behind his eyelids, giving way to a nightmare that felt all too real. He was back on the ship, the waves crashing violently against the hull. The sky was a swirling mass of dark clouds, and the wind howled like a wild beast.
Suddenly, he was overboard, plunged into the frigid depths of the sea. Panic seized him as he flailed, the water closing in around him. He could hear Tyler's voice echoing through the chaos, shouting his name, desperate and filled with fear. "Mike! Mike!" Each scream was like a lifeline, but the waves were relentless, dragging him deeper.
The sensation of drowning overwhelmed him; the saltwater filled his lungs, suffocating him in the darkness. Just as despair began to take root, a burst of light broke through the depths, and he felt the pull of the surface. But just as he reached for it, he was dragged down again, the weight of the water holding him captive.
With a jolt, Mike awoke, heart racing and sweat pouring down his brow. The morning sun streamed through the small window of his temporary accommodations, illuminating the rustic surroundings of the bandit camp. He took a moment to catch his breath, the remnants of the nightmare still clinging to his mind like the fading echoes of Tyler's voice. Sitting up, he shook off the remnants of fear, determined not to let a bad dream define his day. Surrounding himself with new faces, he felt a mix of trepidation and resolve. Today was a new opportunity to forge his path in this quaint village, far from the depths of his nightmares.