The last thing Kenji Tanaka remembered was the blinding flash of an errant truck headlight. One moment, he was nursing a can of lukewarm soda, lamenting the cliffhanger of the latest manga chapter; the next, he was floating in a silent, star-dusted void.
System Initializing...
A translucent blue screen shimmered before his eyes. Kenji, a dedicated otaku whose life revolved around anime, games, and web novels, blinked slowly. This was too cliché, even for him.
Designated Soul: Kenji Tanaka.
Cause of Transport: Accidental Dimensional Breach.
Destination: World of 'One Piece'.
"No way..." Kenji whispered, his voice sounding distant and airy. He'd consumed countless Isekai stories, but experiencing one? Specifically, One Piece? The world of Haki, Devil Fruits, and legendary pirates! His inner fanboy was screaming.
Error: Lack of suitable starting 'cheat' ability detected.
Initiating 'Apex Duplication' ability assignment.
Another screen popped up, detailing his new power in excruciating, web-novel-friendly detail.
[Apex Duplication (A-D)]
• Core Function: Allows the user to copy and permanently possess any ability observed, including Devil Fruit powers (without the sea weakness), Haki, techniques (martial arts, swordsmanship, etc.), and physical enhancements.
• Apex Enhancement: The moment an ability is copied, it undergoes an automatic, mandatory enhancement process. The resulting ability is always exponentially stronger than the source.
• Example: Copying a basic finger pistol (Shigan) results in a technique that can pierce armored steel like butter, even if the source could only bruise.
• Example: Copying a beginner's Level 1 Armament Haki instantly grants the user Mastery Level Armament Haki, stronger than most Vice Admirals.
• Duplication & Bestowal: The user can duplicate any copied or enhanced ability and bestow it upon others. The bestowed ability is bound to the receiver's soul and does not require the user's presence to function.
• Limitation: None.
Kenji's jaw practically hit the invisible floor. "Overpowered," he finally managed, a wide, slightly manic grin splitting his face. "This isn't just a cheat; this is the administrator's console!"
Beginning physical transference... Welcome to the Grand Line, Apex User.
The stars rushed toward him, coalescing into a brilliant, turquoise light. The last coherent thought he had before the plunge was a strategic one: I need to get strong fast. And I know exactly where and when I'm joining the story.