As the sun rose over East Blue, something unprecedented had begun to take shape. Across every major island, from Loguetown to Shells Town, and even to the smaller, less populated areas, strange buildings had appeared overnight. Sleek, metallic structures with glowing signs stood tall, their doors opening automatically when someone approached. The signage bore a simple name: "System Market."
These stores had no visible employees. Inside, shelves were lined with books—each carrying a title that no one had ever seen before. Among them, the most prominently displayed was "MONSTER", a new manga whose covers depicted a mysterious man with piercing eyes.
Beyond that, vending machines containing various food and drinks were stationed strategically inside and outside the store. The rules were simple: Pay the required amount, and you could take what you wanted. Attempt to steal? The item wouldn't budge. Act aggressively? The doors would shut, banning the offender for a day.
Even the strongest pirates and Marines found themselves powerless against the stores' defenses. No weapon, Devil Fruit, or brute force could damage them. Some hot-headed bounty hunters tried to destroy a vending machine—only to be forcibly ejected by an invisible force, flung several meters away.
The world had changed again. And no one knew who was behind it.
The Spread of "MONSTER"
Meanwhile, an even greater surprise awaited the world.
System-controlled News Coo birds began delivering packages. Each contained a freshly printed Volume 1 of MONSTER, available for purchase. Some skeptical readers hesitated—until curiosity took over. Then, the storm truly began.
From commoners to kings, from pirates to Marines, people devoured the story. The tale of Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a brilliant neurosurgeon who saved a child's life, only to find himself entangled in a chilling web of murder and psychological warfare, gripped them in a way nothing ever had before.
"What kind of story is this?! There's no Devil Fruits, no haki—just humans... but it's terrifying!" – A noble in Goa Kingdom
"A doctor saving a child only for that child to become a monster... this is insane!" – A Marine officer in Loguetown
"This is a different kind of horror. Not the supernatural... but something much worse." – Smoker, taking a deep drag from his cigar
"Tch. Psychological battles, huh? This Tenma guy reminds me of someone..." – Crocodile, flipping through the pages with narrowed eyes
The underworld took particular interest. Doflamingo, sitting atop his lavish chair, chuckled as he read.
"Fufufu~ If this kind of storytelling spreads... the world will never see fiction the same way again."
But perhaps the most unsettling reactions came from the highest echelons of power. The Five Elders, normally indifferent to trivial matters, held a meeting regarding the new developments.
"A store chain that cannot be destroyed… and now a new form of literature that questions morality?"
"Whoever is behind this is not just a businessman. They are shaping the world's culture itself."
"Find out who owns these 'System Markets' immediately."
Imu, seated on their throne, merely watched in silence.
Meanwhile, at Arlong Park…
The Straw Hats had just finished obliterating Arlong and his crew. Nami, standing in the ruins of Arlong Park, exhaled deeply as she looked at the freed villagers.
"It's over… finally." She smiled, tears brimming in her eyes.
Nezumi, the corrupt Marine captain who had planned to collect Arlong's bribe, arrived with his men—only to be mercilessly beaten by Luffy before he could utter a word. The Marine's men quickly surrendered, dragging Nezumi's unconscious body back to their ship in fear.
However, what no one noticed was Ren slipping away for a brief moment. Under the guise of checking the wreckage, he found Arlong's secret stash of money and silently pocketed a hefty sum. A master strategist knew when to act in the shadows.
Soon after, the Marine bounty updates were sent out:
Monkey D. Luffy: 30,000,000 Berries
Ren: 10,000,000 Berries
Unlike Luffy, Ren had hardly fought in front of Nezumi, but his presence in the battle still warranted a bounty.
A Moment of Respite
That evening, as the crew celebrated their victory at Cocoyasi Village, Ren decided to contribute something from his past life. With skilled hands, he prepared a Korean dish: Kimchi Fried Rice with Bulgogi. The rich aroma of stir-fried beef, garlic, and chili wafted through the air, causing heads to turn.
"Oi! What is that heavenly smell?!" Usopp's eyes widened.
"Oi oi oi! Cooking is my domain!" Sanji shot Ren a glare, his pride as the cook flaring up. However, when he took a reluctant bite, his eyes practically rolled back in pleasure. "Damn it… this is actually good."
Luffy, having already devoured half a plate, beamed. "Ren! You gotta cook more often!"
Nami, meanwhile, observed Ren quietly. There was something about him—something steady, composed, like he already had everything figured out. She had spent years struggling, clawing for control over her fate. But Ren? He moved like someone who had already conquered his own world.
For the first time, she found herself curious.
Sanji, noticing her gaze, clenched his jaw. "Oi, Nami-swan, don't tell me you're falling for this guy?!"
Nami rolled her eyes. "Tch. Shut up, Cook."
Ren simply smirked, taking a sip of his drink.
He was just getting started.