Breakfast at the Dawn Island orphanage was always the same. Ryan watched the kids around him eating bread and soup. Honestly, this place was basically luxury compared to most orphanages scattered around the world.
Ryan ate in silence, thinking about his future plans now that he knew he was in the world of One Piece. A world with Devil Fruits and a World Government that smiled while millions suffered behind the scenes.
As he chewed, ideas started coming together.
Nothing huge or revolutionary. He had no money and, for now, nowhere near enough strength to plan something on a bigger scale.
Since he had already gone through the government-sponsored school system, reading and writing weren't a problem. Whatever gaps were left in his education were now filled in by his adult mind, especially after recovering memories from his past life.
The government's education wasn't exactly terrible. The real problem was the indoctrination: all that talk about honor, order, and the supposed nobility of the Marines. If the old Ryan didn't buy that speech, the current one definitely wouldn't, especially knowing what happened in the past and what was coming in the future.
Ryan finished breakfast, thanked them out of habit, and left after washing the dishes.
As usual, the village was already wide awake. Fishermen shouted prices for their catch, kids ran around with no real destination, and the sound of hammer striking wood echoed near the docks. That sound, in particular, made Ryan stop.
Minamoto worked with a brutal, nonstop rhythm. He was bent over a thick beam, shirt open, arms marked by years of hard labor. He was covered in wood chips, sawdust, and sweat.
There was no glamour in that kind of work, but it was essential in a world where ships don't exist without someone like him.
A lightbulb went off in Ryan's head.
Working as a carpenter could earn him money and train his body. Perfect.
The genetics of people in this world were, at the very least, weird when compared to Earth's. Ryan himself was living proof. He didn't know who his parents were, but judging by his physique, they definitely weren't ordinary. He was way stronger than kids his age.
Come to think of it, Ace kicked a massive tree like it was nothing, and Luffy straight-up dragged a tree while Garp was hauling him off to Dadan's place, Ryan thought, recalling the anime.
Carpentry wasn't just a job. Anywhere in the world needed people who knew how to work with wood. A ship always needed someone who could fix things and improvise on the fly.
It didn't matter if he became a pirate, an adventurer, or just someone constantly on the move. This skill would be useful.
Ryan approached with calm steps and greeted Minamoto.
"Mr. Minamoto," he said politely.
The man looked up and nodded.
"Hm? One of Aoi's brats, huh? You need something?"
"Do you need a helper?" Ryan asked.
Minamoto went quiet, frowning. He looked at the wood, thinking. On Dawn Island, it was rare for anyone to take interest in this craft.
"Kid, this isn't a game," Minamoto said, tapping two fingers against the wood. "This is an art I take seriously."
"I know," Ryan replied without hesitation. "I learn fast. I promise I won't complain or get in the way."
That earned a crooked half-smile from the carpenter.
"Alright. I could use an extra pair of hands," Minamoto said. "You'll be carrying materials, holding tools, and cleaning the workshop."
Hook, line, and sinker, Ryan thought.
"Wednesdays and Fridays. Take it or leave it," Minamoto finished.
Ryan didn't think twice and accepted the deal.
The day had already paid off, but Ryan wasn't done. He kept walking through the village, looking for more opportunities, and one of them showed up at Chicken's place.
The seamstress was sitting near the door, thread between her fingers, focused expression as she repaired a fishing net. Ryan had seen her help out at Gyoru's fish shop more than once—always complaining about the smell, always showing up again the next day.
"Mrs. Chicken!" he called out.
She looked up, clearly ready to brush off another curious kid… then stopped.
"Oh? Aoi's little boy?" Chicken asked with a smile.
"Yes, ma'am," Ryan said, dipping his head slightly. "I wanted to ask if you need a helper."
"A kid like you should be running around playing. Why do you want to work here? Do you even know how to sew?" Chicken asked.
"I want to help the orphanage. Miss Aoi took care of me my whole life, and I want to give something back, even if it's just a little," Ryan said. "I learn fast, and I swear I'll follow your instructions."
It wasn't exactly a lie. He really did plan on sending part of his earnings back to the orphanage.
"Hm…" Chicken smiled. "When I'm not helping that smelly Gyoru, there's always something that needs fixing."
Ryan waited. She wasn't done yet.
"If you mess up, I'll complain. If you actually learn, I'll keep calling you back."
"Okay!" Ryan replied immediately.
She pointed the needle at him. "Thursdays."
Second job secured.
When the sun started to set, Ryan headed back to the orphanage with light steps.
Now he had direction.
He lay down on the simple bed, staring at the wooden ceiling.
The world of One Piece wasn't kind, but it was never closed off to those who were useful, observant, and stubborn enough to carve out a path forward.
Ryan closed his eyes and slowly drifted to sleep.
He wouldn't stand still and wait for the world to decide for him. That was how Arthur lived and now that he was Ryan, he wasn't going to make the same mistake.