From the moment Ethan Chen saw the skull-and-crossbones flag fluttering over the fishing village square, he knew the truth.
This was the world of One Piece.
A chaotic world where pirates ran wild, where corrupt Marines hid behind the banner of justice, where tyrants ruled unchecked, and where the Celestial Dragons those arrogant nobles lived so far above the rest that no one dared defy them.
In a world like this, nothing mattered more than power.
Pure, unadulterated strength, and the size of one's influence that was the only real protection here.
And that was exactly what Ethan needed now.
After surviving a brutal pirate raid and narrowly escaping death, he'd been given a brutal reminder of how fragile life could be.
So when 2B declared that her primary directive was now to protect him, Ethan had felt a rush of relief.
It also happened to complete one of his system's tasks:
[System Notification]
Task Requirement: Kill one enemy (pirate, bandit, marine, or other armed target).
Status: Completed.
Reward: 1 Summon Token.
(Note: Summoned characters may not be loyal at first. Use your personal charm to win them over.)
If you want the world to favor you, prove yourself. Power is opportunity and only the strong earn it.
Companion Requirement: Swordswoman (female preferred no odd fetishes).
Status: Completed.
Reward: 1 Mastery Point (freely assignable; irreversible after distribution).
New Task:
You can't set sail without a ship. Unless you plan to swim your way to the Grand Line?
Requirement: Acquire a ship.
(The bigger, the better. Barrel-float option accepted, but not recommended.)
Warning: Beware of Sea Kings.
Reward: +1 Lottery Spin.
Time Limit: One month. Overdue penalty: "Kidney Fatigue" debuff for one week per day late.
Ethan pressed his lips together.
The system didn't have a "fail and die" condition, but that penalty... that was cruel enough in its own right.
He snapped back to the present and looked at 2B. She stood silently, awaiting his command.
"Then I'll be counting on you from now on," he said sincerely.
2B saluted. "I will protect you with my life and uphold the honor of humanity."
"You don't have to be that formal," Ethan said, smiling. "We're partners. Just be yourself."
"Partners…" 2B echoed softly, touching her chin. She nodded. "Understood. If you ever need me, give the order."
"Let's head back to the village," Ethan suggested. "Maybe we can lend a hand."
Besides, the task of getting a ship probably started there. Considering their heroic status, a boat shouldn't be too hard to come by.
But before they reached the outskirts, a squad of armed Marines came charging toward them.
In an instant, 2B stepped in front of Ethan and drew her greatsword, ready for battle.
The Marines halted, quickly forming ranks. A corridor opened between them.
From within their formation stepped a woman tall and composed, with long pink hair, a cigarette perched between her lips, and an air of calm authority.
Her crimson suit clung tightly to her body, accentuating her curves especially across her chest, where a button looked ready to burst like a taut rope trying to hold back an avalanche.
Ethan couldn't help but note how women in this world seemed to come factory-standard with exaggerated figures.
The woman cast a glance at 2B, then spoke in a low, measured voice.
"You two. You're the ones who saved the village?"
Ethan gently touched 2B's wrist, signaling her to lower her weapon. "That's us. Is there a problem?"
"Just verifying," the woman replied. "Word is, you're not from around here."
Ethan tensed.
In this world, sailing from island to island wasn't simple. Civilian movement was tightly controlled by the World Government. Unauthorized sailing meant one thing: piracy.
Even adventurers or bounty hunters were labeled as pirates if they sailed without a permit.
Ethan and 2B? One was a transmigrator with no legal identity, the other a summoned android from another dimension.
To the authorities, they might as well have been outlaws.
He gave 2B's hand a discreet squeeze and shook his head slightly. 2B instantly understood and adjusted her stance.
Tension thickened.
"Colonel, report-"
A marine jogged up and whispered something into the woman's ear.
"No matches found in the pirate database."
The atmosphere relaxed.
The commander stepped forward and extended her hand.
"I'm Tashigi. Thank you for saving the village."
Tashigi!?
Though she looked more refined than in the source material, Ethan recognized the pink hair, cigarette, and that sharp, serious gaze.
Hina the Cage Cage no Mi user, able to summon iron shackles and spears for ranged combat. Dangerous and decisive.
Apparently, she was still just a commander. That meant the timeline was pre-Marineford.
Ethan couldn't help but wonder: if Tashigi and 2B fought, who would win?
He shook her hand.
"Ethan Chen. And this is 2B. As for the pirates we only fought to protect ourselves."
"Regardless of your reasons," Tashigi replied, "you saved lives. The bounty for the pirates you defeated will be paid in full. No deductions. I assume you're staying here for a while?"
"Yes. We're looking for a ship."
"Then stay close. I'll have the bounty delivered in a few days. As for the pirate ship's loot, my men will appraise it and convert the value into beli."
She turned to leave, then paused.
"I'll be stationed here for a few days. If you need anything, find me at the warship dock."
With that, she strode away, the Marines following in lockstep.
Ethan watched her go, his eyes landing on the word Justice across the back of her coat.
It felt like fate that someone like Tashigi had shown up instead of a corrupt officer like Captain Nezumi or Axe-Hand Morgan.
Was this beginner's luck?
Feeling hopeful, Ethan and 2B headed back toward the village.
But that optimism quickly dissolved.
The aftermath of the pirate raid still hung heavy in the air. Smoke. Debris. Grief.
When the villagers spotted them, they rushed forward, full of gratitude.
"Big brother, this is for you."
A little girl nose running, arms trembling held up the plastic bag of snacks Ethan had given her earlier.
"Thanks." He accepted the bag with a warm smile and patted her head.
Then he took out a soft candy, unwrapped it, and gently handed it to her.
This world didn't have many comforts. And when these treats were gone they were gone forever.
But in that moment, her smile made it worth it.