A new sun rose over Orange Town, shining down on the ruins left behind by Buggy the Clown. But this morning felt different: children's laughter returned to the streets, townsfolk emerged to tidy their homes and shops, and Mayor Boodle walked proudly through the alleys, finally seeing his people freed from fear.
At the small harbor, Luffy was bouncing on a broken plank floating in the water, laughing loudly:"Shishishishi! Let's just smash the dock again and build a new ship!"
Zoro sat lazily on a crate, eyes half-closed as though he were dozing, though he was watching everything.Nami stood with her arms crossed, glaring:"Are you insane? We need a proper ship, not floating firewood!"
Luffy grinned."Anything works… as long as we keep sailing and find more adventures."
Adam stood nearby, smiling faintly at the scene. Inside, the system continued to flash notifications about points earned from the previous battle. But he ignored it for now, careful to act like nothing unusual was happening. To the others, he was just an ordinary guy tagging along with extra energy.
—
Mayor Boodle approached them with a tray of food."You've done so much for us… This is the least I can offer."
Luffy instantly snatched a piece of meat."Waaah! Meat! Shishishishi!"
Zoro accepted a bottle of sake with a faint smirk.Nami bowed slightly out of respect."Thank you… We'll put this to good use."
Adam grabbed a piece of bread and laughed."First time I actually feel useful… even if it was just with a stick."
Boodle patted his shoulder."Strength isn't everything… Sometimes courage saves more lives."
Adam looked away, embarrassed."If only you knew that stick snapped in half while I was trying to look scary…"
—
Later, they gathered by the harbor as the sea breeze ruffled their clothes.Nami declared firmly:"Listen… I'm not a pirate. This is just a temporary partnership. I have my own goal, and I'll stick with you only as long as it benefits me."
Luffy smiled as if she had already agreed."Alright! So you're with us!"
Nami yelled."I said I'm not a pirate!"
Zoro chuckled softly."You'll get used to it. He only hears what he wants."
Adam patted his own head, teasing."Honestly, he's right. With Luffy, you just wake up one day and find yourself an official crewmate."
Nami jabbed him with her elbow."You too?! I said partnership only!"
Luffy burst into loud laughter."Shishishishi! Doesn't matter! We'll sail together and see the whole world!"
—
While they prepared their tiny, battered boat, Adam leaned on the railing, gazing at the waves. A quiet screen flashed before his eyes:[Notification: 250 bonus points acquired][Adam's Level: 3]
He muttered under his breath:"Level 3… Not bad. Still a long way before I'm actually strong."
His mind replayed the moment he faced Buggy's flying hand, how his heart had nearly frozen in fear."The growth is steady… but not too fast. Good. Nobody will suspect a thing."
He dismissed the screen quickly, plastering a normal smile on his face before anyone noticed.
—
By sunset, their little boat set sail. Luffy stood proudly at the bow, straw hat lifted as the wind rushed past."A new adventure! Let's go, everyone!"
Zoro stretched with a yawn."Hopefully next time it's not another clown."
Nami groaned, holding her forehead."This is a disaster waiting to happen…"
Adam smiled as he watched the horizon, heart racing with excitement and fear."I'm really here… in One Piece. With Luffy, Zoro, and Nami. And this is only the beginning."
The boat cut through the waves, carrying the crew toward a future unknown… but not to the system, which whispered again in Adam's mind:[Upcoming Stage: A new trial in the East Blue]
Adam chuckled quietly."Even the system likes a good cliffhanger."
—