The morning sun cast long shadows over the freshly patched sails as Yua adjusted the ropes, preparing the ship for departure. The faint scent of salt and pine filled the air, mingling with the nervous excitement knotting his stomach.
Shell Island... he murmured. If Luffy went there to recruit Zoro, maybe I'll find something useful too.
He scanned the maps he'd found in the captain's cabin again, tracing the paths with his finger. The sea stretched wide before him, dotted with countless unknown islands — some promising, others likely perilous.
Yua wasn't a sailor. Not yet. But his parents had taught him the basics of navigation — reading the stars, recognizing winds, and understanding the tides. It wasn't much, but it was enough to get started.
He set the course by the position of the sun, aiming for a cluster of islands marked with jagged lines — places known for their tough terrain and rumored dangers.
I'll need to be careful.
The gentle rocking of the ship beneath his feet was both calming and daunting. Every creak reminded him that this vessel, though patched and repainted, carried scars of battles long past — much like himself.
As the hours passed, Yua kept a close watch on the skies and waves. Clouds drifted lazily, and seabirds circled overhead, calling out as if to encourage his journey.
Suddenly, a shadow moved beneath the water near the hull. Yua froze, peering into the depths.
A school of fish scattered with a splash, revealing the sleek form of a curious dolphin. It surfaced, blowing a misty spray and eyeing the ship before disappearing into the blue.
A small smile tugged at Yua's lips.
Maybe this sea isn't so lonely after all.
Still, the open ocean was unpredictable, and danger lurked in every wave. But Yua felt ready — or at least, ready enough.
Tomorrow, he would reach Shell Island. Tomorrow, his real adventure would begin.
The sun climbed higher as Yua guided the patched-up ship closer to Shell Island. Jagged cliffs rose from the shoreline, crowned with thick forests whispering secrets with every breeze.
So this is Shell Island, Yua thought, eyes scanning the quiet coast. The village was small but alive—fishermen hauling nets, traders setting up stalls, and children playing by the shore.
He steered the ship into a calm cove sheltered by rocky outcrops and dropped anchor. The sea here was peaceful—a stark contrast to the vast ocean he had just crossed.
Yua stepped onto the soft sand, inhaling the salty air mixed with pine and earth. He slung his flintlock over his shoulder and adjusted his coat, taking in his surroundings.
The island buzzed with everyday life, but there was no sign of Luffy or Zoro. They had already set sail long before he arrived.
Looks like I missed them.
Still, this place felt important—a waypoint on the map of adventure.
Yua decided to use the time here to gather supplies and information, and maybe prepare for what lay ahead.
He made his way to the village market and bought food and materials to repair and improve the ship. Despite his hope to find someone with special skills to join his harem, nearly everyone he met was just a normal villager.
Then he spotted a familiar face—a girl with a basket of food. If I'm not mistaken, that's Rika—the girl who brought food to Zoro.
Pass, Yua thought. She was still just a kid, and her skills didn't seem promising. No luck here.
Having bought everything he needed, Yua headed back toward the cove where his ship awaited.
That's when he saw a boy with bright pink hair nearby.
That must be Coby—the so-called "potential" of the One Piece world.
But Yua wasn't impressed. Meh. He's just a boy, and honestly, I don't like Coby.
Without hesitation, Yua decided it was time to move on. He set his sights on the next island, eager to continue his voyage and find what fate had in store.
But just before stepping onto the ship, Yua remembered his system's Harem King's Aura.
Hmmm... he mused, falling into thought. Maybe I can farm some points here.
He opened his store to check the items.
[Harem King's Store List]10p
Health Potion — 2p...
Spatial Pouch — 10p...
Wanted Paper — 8p...
Curious, Yua poked the wanted paper item to read its details.
Wanted PaperAn item used to check if a creature is wanted.How to use:Look at the creature you want to check, fold the paper, then open it again to see the wanted poster of that creature. Fold it once more to return the paper to its original state.
He hesitated, considering the price. But still, if he hunted down those hidden wanted criminals lurking on Shell Island while acting cool, he could easily rack up points. Especially since the marines here were weakened from the recent battle.
Looks like it's time to farm some points.
Without hesitation, Yua looked around while holding the wanted paper in his hand. To his surprise, there were quite a few wanted individuals on Shell Island—though most were cleverly disguised. Yua could tell because the faces on the paper didn't match the people walking around.
Almost all of them were small-time bandits or low-tier pirates. Their bounties hovered around 100,000 Beli—barely more than ordinary folks. Maybe that's why they wore disguises; they lacked the confidence to stroll openly like the big-shot criminals with sky-high bounties.
Well, actually… I'm just a little stronger than most of these guys, Yua thought. I mean, I have a gun, and I started hunting when I was seven. So yeah, I have some confidence.
Still, he wasn't about to face them head-on. Nope, he decided. I need to be stealthy, like a hunter.
He tucked the wanted paper back into his coat and slipped quietly through the bustling village, eyes sharp for easy targets. This was his chance to earn points, build up strength, and maybe find a real ally.
The hunt had begun.
Yua moved like a shadow through Shell Island, eyes sharp as he scanned the crowd. The wanted paper in his hand was his silent guide, revealing the true faces hidden beneath the masks of ordinary villagers.
Most of the wanted were small-time bandits and pirates, their bounties modest, but enough to earn points—and respect.
He stalked them carefully, avoiding open confrontation whenever possible. A quick disabling shot here, a swift takedown there, always silent, always precise.
One by one, the hidden criminals were caught—bound with rope Yua carried with him. He kept them quiet and hidden, dragging them to a secluded corner of the island far from prying eyes.
By midday, Yua had rounded up a surprising number of captives—each one a wanted fugitive unaware that the hunter was already among them.
With a cold smile, Yua tied the last captive alongside the others and slung the bundles over his shoulder.
Then, in full view of the villagers, he marched through the streets like a king returning from battle.
Heads turned, whispers spread.
"Who's that?"
"Look at him—he's bringing the wanted criminals!"
Yua didn't care for the stares or the sudden attention. With quiet authority, he paraded his captives through the village square, his confidence growing with every step.
The villagers gathered, eyes wide with shock and awe.
Next stop—the marine base.
Yua walked into the base with the same regal air, presenting his captives to the marines on duty.
The officers exchanged surprised glances.
"Where did you find these scoundrels?" one asked.
Yua smiled. "They were hiding among you all along."
As the marines began processing the prisoners, Yua felt a satisfying glow. Points accumulated silently in his mind—a reward for his careful, calculated work.
He'd made his mark on Shell Island without a single shout or gunfire to alarm the innocent.
The marine base was a quiet hive of activity, but when Yua arrived dragging the captured criminals behind him, the officers couldn't help but stare in surprise. Whispers spread quickly.
"How did he manage this without any fuss?" one grumbled.
Yua's calm demeanor contrasted sharply with the chaos he'd just stirred.
Suddenly, a young marine cautiously approached from the side, his bright pink hair unmistakable. It was Coby—nervous, hesitant, and wide-eyed.
"Uh... um, excuse me, who are you?" Coby asked, voice wavering slightly as he eyed the rope-bound captives.
Yua met his gaze steadily. "Name's Yua. I rounded these up. They were hiding in plain sight."
Coby swallowed hard, adjusting his marine uniform nervously. "I... I've been trying to catch criminals too, but, uh, it's hard. They're sneaky, and... and the Marines here are still recovering from the fight. I didn't expect anyone to do this well."
The officers exchanged glances, impressed by Yua's success but wary of his confidence.
Coby stepped forward a little more, wringing his hands. "I-I hope you're doing this for the right reasons. The Marines protect the people. We have to be careful and follow orders. It's dangerous out there."
Yua smirked softly. "I don't follow orders, kid. I follow results."
Coby's eyes flickered with a mix of admiration and unease. "I just want to be a real Marine someday... not like I was before. I've seen what corruption can do, and it scares me. But I believe there's still good in the Marines."
Yua nodded slowly, a hint of respect in his eyes. "Good. Keep that hope. You'll need it."
As the marines began processing the prisoners, Coby lingered, watching Yua with a complicated expression—part awe, part worry.
Though timid and cautious, the spark in Coby's eyes showed a resolve growing stronger.
The sea was unpredictable, but both of them were just getting started.
Ding*
+2345pt