The sound of waves echoes.
A strong light flickers behind closed eyelids, consciousness slowly rising.
Gradually, I notice the sensations enveloping my body.
One is sand. Its softness against my back suggests I'm on a beach. The other is water. A lukewarm touch ebbs and flows around my waist, hinting I'm submerged in seawater, likely sprawled at the shoreline.
I must have been unconscious until just now.
I was supposed to be traveling by small boat. Why am I lying on a beach? As I slowly open my eyes, confusion swirls—what happened?
My body feels heavy, weighed down by exhaustion and water-soaked clothes.
Standing seems daunting, my mood sour. Still, curiosity about my surroundings pushes me to prop myself up on my arms, managing to sit upright.
A wave of dizziness hits, and I stagger, pressing my right hand to my forehead.
Sitting again, I face a vast ocean. I exhale deeply, steadying my breath.
The exhaustion is overwhelming, likely from swallowing seawater. I desperately want to rinse my mouth.
My mood is grim, fatigue indescribable. No one is here to offer kind words.
Alone and in rough shape, I scan the area.
An unfamiliar landscape unfolds.
Before me, the sea glimmers under the sun, a sight I've grown used to. Behind, a serene white beach stretches, bordered by a tranquil forest and towering mountains—an island untouched by human hands.
Could it be uninhabited? The untouched grandeur suggests so.
The scenery is breathtaking.
Its beauty captivates me, momentarily easing my sense of crisis.
Looking around, I spot driftwood—likely ship wreckage—scattered along the shore, broken into useless fragments.
Then it hits me.
Just before losing consciousness, I saw a massive whirlpool in the calm sea. Drawn by curiosity, I couldn't escape its pull and was swallowed.
That was a mistake, I nod, resolving to be more cautious.
Surviving was a miracle.
Before regretting my carelessness, I thank my stubborn luck.
Then I notice someone else in the distance, collapsed at the water's edge—a fellow castaway, perhaps.
Shaking legs lift me, and I stumble toward them, nearly falling but managing to approach.
Stepping through the lapping waves, I reach a boy my age.
Short black hair, an innocent look, wearing a red vest and knee-length jeans, he lies spread-eagled, eyes closed. His chest moves—he's just unconscious.
Another in the same plight. I sigh, relieved.
This might be an uninhabited island, but I'm not alone. That's enough for now.
Brushing back wet hair, I decide to wake him when something catches my eye.
A plain straw hat with a red ribbon, snagged on rocks nearby, looking worn.
His, perhaps? I wade into the sea, knee-deep, and head toward it.
Already soaked, I don't hesitate. Despite my waning strength, I reach the rocks easily.
Feeling the waves, I carefully grab the hat.
Holding it aloft, I inspect it in the sunlight, shaking off water.
On impulse, I try it on.
The sun's glare softens slightly.
The view shifts, and I stand in the water, gazing at the sea.
The boundless ocean stretches endlessly, dotted with nearby islands, its majesty silencing me.
The sky is clear, not a cloud in sight. Sunlight dances on the water, a stunning sight.
I haven't felt this moved by the sea in ages, my heart racing.
Just wearing the hat—a small change—lifts my mood, the scenery erasing my recent shipwreck.
It's like the day I set out on my adventure.
The landscape feels oddly nostalgic.
I stand, lost in the view.
Time passes unnoticed until a faint groan behind me snaps me back, reminding me of the other castaway. I turn and wade back to the beach, peering at the boy sprawled on the sand.
The black-haired boy stirs, rubbing his eyes sleepily.
His childlike gesture makes me chuckle. Still wearing the straw hat, I gently place it on his face.
He yelps in surprise, and I laugh softly.
"Morning. Glad you're alive."
"Nn… good morning."
He adjusts the hat, looking up at me.
His first impression: a sparkling, childlike smile.
Dull blonde hair, a plain blue hoodie, and jeans, all soaked. An ordinary guy, nothing special.
His gentle voice greets me, and I respond groggily. Seconds later, he seems to notice the oddity of our situation, scanning the surroundings.
"Huh? Where am I? Why'm I here?"
"Who knows?"
The newly awakened boy tilts his head, puzzled, while I watch him warmly.
Our meeting is nothing special, just two strangers in a strange place.
Squeezing my jacket, seawater pours out.
Shaking it produces a satisfying snap. In the vast, quiet beach, with only the sound of waves, it resonates. The straw-hatted boy stares.
Now in a T-shirt, I stay calm despite our shipwreck.
I act as if I've always lived here, unruffled, even drying my clothes.
The sun is high, the day young. Visibility is clear, perfect for spotting passing ships, but I show no urgency to seek help.
I seem to prioritize rest, exuding an odd ease.
We're strangers, just met.
Yet neither of us is wary. I hang my jacket on driftwood stuck in the sand, while he sits, watching blankly.
Finished, I turn to him.
"By the way, I didn't catch your name."
"Oh, yeah."
"I'm Kiri. Just a traveler."
I introduce myself first, unguarded, and sit beside him on the hot sand, ignoring my wet clothes. My smile is open, showing no hostility. He seems harmless.
"I'm Luffy. A pirate."
"Pirate?"
"For real."
"You don't look like one."
"I just set sail yesterday. No crew, no ship. So, aspiring pirate, I guess."
"Oh, got it. So you washed up alone, too."
"And you?"
"Also alone. Looks like we don't need to worry about missing friends."
The blazing sun will dry our clothes in time. The vast scenery looms grandly, unthreatening, calming our hearts.
The straw-hatted boy is Luffy.
The blonde is Kiri.
Naming each other, we gaze at the sea, chatting without haste.
"Why're we here?"
"Probably got caught in a whirlpool. It was huge, rare. I got too close and couldn't escape."
"No way! Same here. I saw that whirlpool and ended up here."
"Really? So we both ended up here by some miracle."
"Shishishi, same reason, too. Never saw a whirlpool that big."
"So, two idiots got together. Normally, you'd steer clear of a whirlpool, not sail toward it."
"But it was so cool!"
"Haha, true. Can't argue that."
Far from worried, we grin at each other, our shared folly erasing caution.
We act like old friends despite just meeting.
Slouching, I glance back at the island. With no trace of tension, I murmur, "Uninhabited, maybe?"
"Looks like it. No one around."
"That's a problem. No one to sail us out. How do we leave?"
"You in a rush?"
"Not really, but we can't stay forever."
"Hm, maybe it's fine for now."
Luffy stands, eyes gleaming at the lush forest and mountains, heart racing.
"Smells like adventure!"
"It does look untouched."
"Hey, Kiri, let's explore! It'll be fun!"
He's a ball of curiosity.
His eager grin leaves me speechless. I thought I was curious, but he's on another level.
Stranded on an uninhabited island, most would despair, but he prioritizes adventure. Aspiring pirate indeed. I laugh, shoulders shaking at his innocence.
Adventure. A childish word, but tempting.
I didn't expect the invitation, but it's not bad. Staring at the sea won't bring rescue, and sitting does nothing.
To escape, we should move.
I stand.
"Guess we can't just sit here. What's adventure mean?"
"Adventuring, duh."
"Right, but like, finding food, water, or a way off?"
"All of it. Just go, and we'll find something."
"That's vague. Could be dangerous."
"If something happens, we'll deal. I like winging it."
Luffy strides off, and I sigh, smirking.
"Yeesh."
He can't sit still. Stopping him's pointless.
No need for logic or debate—he wouldn't listen. I get it instinctively.
I follow, catching up as he slows to match my pace, surprisingly considerate.
We tread the hot sand toward the forest's edge.
"Maybe be a bit cautious. Could be someone hiding—dangerous types."
"Who?"
"Poachers, natives, maybe. No human presence feels risky."
"No worries. I'm strong."
"Wild animals, venomous bugs?"
"Ran around mountains as a kid. Not scared."
"Got it. You don't listen."
Laughing, we enter the forest.
The scene shifts. Tall trees form a canopy, sunlight filtering mystically. Faint sounds—swaying leaves, animal calls—create a quiet yet vibrant atmosphere.
An untouched world.
We gasp in awe. The beauty exceeds imagination.
The sandy beach gives way to rich soil, layered with fallen leaves.
We walk aimlessly. I hesitate, but Luffy strides confidently, carefree and cheerful.
"Pretty place. Different from the mountains I played in. Why's that?"
"Places differ. Mountains, forests, seas—each spot's unique. Change your view, and it's a new world."
"Makes sense. Never left my village before. This is my first island."
"Lucky first trip. Shame it's 'cause of a shipwreck."
"Whatever. I didn't die."
"You'll struggle as a pirate, then."
"Struggling's fun."
The forest shields us from the sun, a faint breeze cooling us.
I wipe sweat, exhaling.
What a bizarre turn.
Shipwrecked, led by a stranger into an unknown island's adventure. His fearlessness is stunning.
Young, unthreatening, yet an aspiring pirate. Maybe he's a big deal—or just a fool.
"Why're you traveling?" Luffy asks.
"Huh? Why so sudden?"
"I'm becoming a pirate. What's your deal?"
"Fair enough."
"Why travel alone?"
His genuine curiosity makes him seem too pure—or childish. Worrying for someone sailing solo. No need to hide, so I answer.
"Heading home. Been far away."
"Where? East Blue?"
"Nah. Grand Line."
Luffy's eyes widen at my casual words.
We're in East Blue, the calmest of the four seas. The Grand Line, though, is the perilous route Luffy aims for—the ultimate pirate destination.
He's meeting someone from his dream's end. His interest peaks, grin gleaming.
"You were in the Grand Line? I'm heading there! What'd you do?"
"No big deal. I was a pirate."
"Pirate!? You too!?"
"Former. Not anymore."
"Why'd you quit?"
"No reason to keep going. So I stopped. Just a traveler now."
My tone's flat, unburdened.
He senses a flicker of something in my expression but fixates on my pirate past.
"Join my crew! Let's be pirates!"
"Nope."
"What!? Why, Kiri!?"
"Told you, I quit."
"It's fun! You know that!"
"I do. Old news."
"Just start again. Join me."
"No way."
Childish, but persistent.
No matter my refusal, he doesn't quit, already fond of me, pushing for me to join.
"I'll be captain. You'd be first mate."
"Not joining."
"Why not? It'll be fun!"
"I quit, remember?"
"You'll get used to it. I guarantee it."
"Some guarantee. Your crew sounds like trouble. Too many worries."
"You're dumb. Trouble's what makes it fun. Easy stuff's boring. Not knowing's the adventure."
"Well said. I'll keep that in mind."
"So, join me?"
"Nope."
He keeps at it, pestering me as we walk.
He's likable, but complicated. I dodge his invitations with a wry smile.
His persistence is endearing yet annoying.
I shake my head, refusing to budge.
"Pirates are great. Sailing, treasure-hunting, singing!"
"You can sing on land."
"Not the same. Singing on a ship's the best. Join me, Kiri."
"Oh, look, fruit!"
"Where?"
I point to a tree, diverting him. Yellow, round fruit—rare but edible.
The trunk's too thin to climb. I ponder throwing rocks.
"Sweet! I'm starving."
"Too thin to climb. Maybe rocks?"
"Nah, I got this."
Luffy swings his right arm.
I frown, puzzled.
"What're you doing?"
"I can reach."
His arm shoots toward the treetop.
Impossible, I think—then his arm stretches, grabbing a fruit meters away.
My eyes widen.
His arm snaps back, fruit in hand. No trick—his arm stretched like rubber.
It clicks. I ask, stunned, "Your arm… Paramecia? A Devil Fruit?"
"Yup. Ate the Gum-Gum Fruit. I'm a rubber man."
It makes sense.
Devil Fruits grant supernatural powers, a rare mystery. Those who eat them, "ability users," wield extraordinary strength.
The Gum-Gum Fruit makes his body rubber—skin, muscles, organs, all elastic. A Paramecia-type ability.
He's no ordinary person. Impressed, I mutter, "Even East Blue has ability users. Surprising, but not impossible. Cool power."
"Shishishi, right?"
"Does stretching hurt?"
"Nope. Not at all."
"Let's see."
I tug his cheek. It stretches effortlessly, no pain, even as I pull hard.
Releasing it, his cheek snaps back. He's still grinning.
No pain. His rubber body nullifies blunt force.
It's real. Human skin doesn't stretch like that. Curious, I poke his cheek, intrigued. He lets me, unbothered.
Satisfied, I stop. Luffy turns back to the fruit.
"Let's eat. I'll grab 'em."
"Go for it."
"Join my crew, and I'll share."
"Pass."
"Tch, thought it was a good plan."
He stretches both arms, swiftly plucking fruit, dropping them to the ground.
Grinning, he tosses me one and sits.
"Here, eat."
"Even if I don't join?"
"It's just food. I'm not that stingy. But join anyway."
"You threatened me earlier."
"You didn't listen."
"I've got my own mind."
"Tch, I'm serious."
I sit beside him, watching him bite into a fruit.
His happy grin makes me smile. I take a bite, sweet juice lifting my mood.
"Delicious. But meat'd be better."
"We won't leave today. Gotta plan for tonight."
"How do we get off?"
"Maybe build a raft. No one's around."
"You know how?"
"Roughly. I get the structure."
Eating, we chat leisurely.
Luffy learns I was a pirate apprentice, skilled in navigation, cooking, first aid, and ship repairs—trained as the youngest on board.
I first sailed at five.
As I open up, Luffy's curiosity grows. My pirate past, especially sailing the Grand Line, fascinates him.
"Awesome. You were really a pirate."
"I don't lie about that."
"Was the Grand Line fun?"
"Of course."
"Then join me! We're going there!"
"No way."
"Ugh!"
"Give up already."
He laughs, undeterred. I'm starting to get him. Stubborn, childish, but not unlikable. His grin disarms anger.
He devours most of the fruit, his rubber stomach slightly swollen. Half-amused, half-astounded, I chuckle.
"You ate a ton. Thought we'd save some."
"Could eat more meat."
"Should've saved some. We don't know how long we're here or if food's easy to find."
"Oh, right."
"Not big on planning, huh?"
"Eh, we'll find more."
His carefree laugh saps my frustration.
I lean against a tree, relaxing.
Luffy mimics me, easing up.
The wind's sound, rustling leaves, calms us in the quiet forest.
"You're so chill. Almost jealous."
"Wanna be a pirate?"
"Separate issue."
"Stubborn, huh?"
"You're one to talk."
Full, the breeze and forest scent lift our spirits. Luffy's presence feels oddly comfortable.
I close my eyes.
The heat's dried our clothes. Sleepiness creeps in.
Luffy closes his eyes, too, feeling the breeze more vividly. It's pleasant, lulling.
We forget we're shipwrecked, sinking into calm.
Conversation lingers. I murmur lazily, "Pirating's tough. Half-hearted resolve won't cut it."
"No worries. I'm ready."
"Why a pirate? Why not an adventurer? Why choose infamy?"
"I'm gonna be Pirate King."
My breath catches, then steadies.
I ask calmly, "Pirate King? The title for conquering the Grand Line. Countless pirates, but only Gold Roger earned it. That's your goal?"
"Yup. Left my village for it."
"That's huge. Smaller dreams work for pirating."
"Nah, this is it."
His shishishi laugh brims with confidence. I don't know why he's so certain, but his resolve feels unshakable, like he'd bet his life.
Call it courage or conviction.
I find it intriguing. Not a noble dream, but a lovable fool's. He might surpass expectations.
I murmur, "Could be interesting…"
"Really? Join me!"
"Nope."
I stand, abandoning a nap, mood shifted.
"Future Pirate King can't stay here forever. Let's build a raft and leave."
"Sweet!"
I lead, heading back to the beach. Luffy tilts his head.
"Back there?"
"Gotta see the sea to leave. Deeper in's probably nothing."
"Dumb. You don't know till you look. That's adventure."
"Fair, but—"
"Let's check it out. Maybe something's there."
"If there's nothing?"
"That's adventure, too."
Luffy strides off, eager. I stare, stunned.
A true pirate—selfish, brushing off advice.
Sighing, I follow, a former pirate myself, amused despite myself.
"Weren't you a pirate?" Luffy asks. "No adventures?"
"Every day was one. Saw tons."
"Then you love adventure. Detours are fun."
"I'm not a pirate anymore. No need."
"So, if you were, you'd adventure?"
"Not joining."
He grumbles, but I laugh it off.
Trading quips, we walk shoulder-to-shoulder, closer than we realize, like old friends.
We head deeper into the island, chasing adventure.