The ocean stretched endlessly, a vast blue canvas beneath the golden afternoon sun. With the Engine Booster humming steadily at the stern, the Raven's Crown sliced through the waves with newfound vigor. Yua stood at the helm, eyes sharp, heart steady—determined to reach Cocoyashi before the tides of fate moved beyond his grasp.
The wind tugged at the sails, now augmented by the booster's mechanical roar, blending natural and crafted power into a perfect symphony of speed.
As the island's outline slowly appeared on the horizon, Yua's mind raced through what awaited him: the looming threat of Arlong's tyranny, the desperate villagers, and perhaps the chance to find new comrades who could shift his fortunes.
He scanned his system again, fingers brushing over the faint glow of the store's menu, ready to purchase whatever might aid him on the challenges ahead.
Ahead lay Cocoyashi, a peaceful village cloaked beneath palm fronds and sky, but Yua knew better than to trust the calm at face value.
With resolve tightening in his chest, he tightened his grip on the wheel.
"Let's finish this journey strong," he whispered.
The sea carried him swiftly onward.
As the Raven's Crown neared Cocoyashi, the peaceful facade of the village shattered under the tension in the air. Smoke curled from several buildings, and the distant clash of steel rang sharply across the water.
Yua's eyes narrowed. "They're already fighting..."
From his vantage point at the helm, he could see the figures of villagers and pirates tangled in desperate combat near the docks. The infamous Arlong and his crew were unmistakable—large, menacing, and ruthless.
Without hesitation, Yua adjusted the sails to dock quickly. The ship's upgraded engines hissed as it slowed near the pier, where chaos reigned.
He slung his flintlock over his shoulder and stepped onto the creaking wooden boards, heart pounding with the thrill of battle.
"This is it. Time to see if I can make a difference."
Around him, villagers scrambled for cover, some shouting warnings, others desperately trying to fight back.
Yua moved swiftly but silently through the chaos, keeping low and blending with the shadows. His eyes scanned every corner, every figure, searching for someone who could change the tide of this brutal fight.
Approaching the edge of Arlong Park, he spotted a sturdy tree nearby and quickly climbed up, perching on a thick branch to get a better view.
From above, Yua saw the scene unfold: Luffy, caught off guard, was struggling in the water. His Devil Fruit powers, normally a blessing, now worked against him—his body stretched and trapped beneath a heavy rock, rendering him helpless.
Nearby, Nojiko and Genzo exchanged tense glances before diving into the water. It was the only option left to help their friend. Using Luffy's own stretching ability, they carefully managed to pull his head above the surface, taking turns trying to free him from the crushing weight.
"No, no, no! This is the scene where Nojiko's going to do CPR to Luffy! Sorry, Luffy, but I'm not gonna let you take my first harem member doing that," Yua thought.
Without hesitation, Yua jumped down and sprinted toward Luffy, quickly buying a health potion from his store as he ran.
The sudden noise drew the attention of Nojiko and Genzo, who turned toward Yua, eyes wide with confusion.
"Who are you? Why are you here? Are you part of Arlong's crew?!" Nojiko demanded, wary and defensive.
Yua kept calm, stepping closer to Luffy and gently pouring the potion into his mouth.
"What are you doing!?!" Genzo shouted, alarmed.
"I'm Yua," he replied steadily. "This is medicine. I was just passing through, but when I arrived here, it felt weird. I'm confused about what's going on."
Turning to Nojiko, Yua offered her a health potion as well.
"Don't worry, it's not poison."
To prove his sincerity, Yua took a sip from another potion he carried.
"See? It actually tastes good. And it looks like you could use it—you're full of bruises."
Suddenly, a couple of Fishmen lurched toward Luffy and the others, snarling and ready to attack. Quick as lightning, Yua pulled his flintlock and fired shots directly into their eyes. Both Fishmen fell instantly, incapacitated.
Nojiko and Genzo stared in disbelief.
"Wait… how?!" Nojiko whispered. "Fishmen aren't that easy to take down!"
Yua's mind raced. I really didn't expect the gun to work, he thought, but aiming for the eyes… that was the key.
Then, a soft chime sounded from his system.
Ding!
+5p+3p+4p+5p+4p
Wait… did I look cool just now? Yua grinned inwardly. And the points vary per target? Looks like it's time to strategize.
Just then, Luffy coughed violently and spat water into the air. Yua noticed five point notifications blinking: Luffy, Nojiko, Genzo, and the two downed Fishmen.
Yua turned, spotting Zoro and Sanji battling fiercely nearby. He hadn't noticed them at first, so focused had he been.
"Who's that guy?" Zoro muttered, eyes on Yua."I don't know," Sanji replied, "but we need to get to Luffy.""Right."
Sanji dove into the pool beside Nojiko just as Hatchan arrived, charging toward Sanji. Nojiko moved in front to shield him.
BANG! Yua fired. Hatchan's old wounds reopened from Zoro's earlier attack, and he collapsed, unconscious again.
With the path clear, Sanji finally destroyed the rock trapping Luffy.
Yua took Nojiko's hand and walked with her to join the villagers, watching Luffy prepare to face Arlong.
Nojiko's mind was a whirlwind. When Luffy fell into the water earlier, hope had flickered then almost vanished. Then a mysterious stranger had appeared—giving medicine, healing villagers, and taking down Arlong's crew with precision. He had protected her from Hatchan's attack, and as she held his hand, warmth spread through her. She glanced at Yua's face, cheeks flushing as their eyes met. Embarrassed, she quickly looked away, back toward the battle.
"Are you not going to help Luffy? You're strong, right?" she asked.
Yua smiled calmly. "I'll help if he loses. But there's no need."
BANG! The decisive shot rang out.
Luffy defeated Arlong, destroying his building in one powerful strike.
Yua turned to Nojiko, a small smile on his lips.
"See?"
Nojiko couldn't help but stare, a soft smile blossoming on her face as she watched him.