Syrup Village, on the quiet northern coast of the East Blue.
"Hey, Rolan, are you sure you're not inviting me to become your First Mate?"
Usopp looked at Rolan with desperate hope shimmering in his eyes. Over the past few days, he had heard news about his father, Yasopp, directly from Rolan, and he learned that Rolan's crew was a Pirate group that valued freedom above all else.
Naturally, the idea of going to sea with him was irresistible.
Rolan walked over, patting the boy's shoulder with a casual, almost careless gesture. "Kid, you're way too young. And right now isn't your time. Later, a boy with a straw hat will invite you to sea. He'll be your Captain."
Usopp nodded immediately. After observing Rolan these last few days, he felt as though Rolan could see the future itself. He knew too much about the world of One Piece, too much to be normal. So Usopp trusted every word without hesitation.
"Take care of Kaya. Study your sniper manual well. Don't waste Yasopp's talent that runs in your blood."
Kaya, who was standing beside them, flushed lightly as she looked at Rolan. She was no longer as fragile and sickly as before. Rolan had used his electromagnetic abilities to remove the strange abnormalities in her body, allowing her health to recover quickly.
Now, Kaya looked... almost radiant.
As the ship sailed away, Usopp held his sniper manual tightly and promised silently in his heart, We'll meet again, Rolan. When that day comes, I hope I'll be strong enough to stand beside you.
…
Aboard the ship.
"Everyone, welcome Kuro to the crew. Cheers!"
"Cheers!"
Even with only a few people, the celebration stretched on with warmth and laughter.
[System notification. Partner Search Mission progress +1. Rewards obtained: Indestructible T-shirt, Indestructible Shorts, Indestructible Slippers, System Space upgraded to 20×20, One Billion Berries.]
Hearing the notification, Rolan remembered that he still had unused cards.
'System, fuse all cards.'
[Ding. Fusion successful.]
'Open personal panel.'
[Name: Rolan
Gender: Male
Age: 17.3
Observation Haki: Advanced with Future Sight and Emotional Insight
Armament Haki: Advanced
Conqueror's Haki: Intermediate
Martial Arts: Advanced
Electromagnetic Fruit Development: Advanced with no side effects
Ship: Intermediate]
"No side effects… so that means from this moment I'll be immune to seawater and Sea Stone," Rolan murmured with a smirk. His strength was now enough to clash evenly with Kizaru, maybe even pressure him.
Next, he pulled a strange Devil Fruit from his system space. A Zoan, Mythical type. Bird-Bird Fruit, Model: Peng.
And it looked like a pile of dung.
Perfect for Kuro.
"Kuro, catch." He tossed it lazily.
Kuro raised a brow. Rolan explained the fruit plainly. Only then did Kuro nod and eat it with the composure of a man who had accepted his fate. Rolan then handed him a Haki manual to accelerate his mastery.
Everything settled, Rolan turned the ship's direction toward Coco Village.
Zoro trained at the lookout, Lina exercised in the gravity chamber, and Kuro familiarized himself with his new powers.
…
After five days of sailing, Coco Village finally came into view.
A sudden splash erupted at the front of the ship as a massive creature surfaced. Rolan opened his eyes, his meditation broken. The monster's huge form was unmistakable.
Moo Moo. Arlong's sea cow.
Zoro and the others rushed forward.
"Rolan, is this tonight's ingredient?" Lina asked, curiosity sparkling in her eyes.
"Not yet. Might be useful as a stevedore. Maybe it can tow the ship." Rolan answered calmly.
His eyes flashed red and an overwhelming Conqueror's Haki burst outward. Moo Moo trembled instantly, tears forming as if it were a bullied child. It tried to escape.
"Stop."
Moo Moo froze.
"You know where Coco Village is, right? Pull us there and we'll let you go."
The creature hesitated.
"Don't worry, we keep our word," Lina added gently.
Unfortunately, her drooling expression made Moo Moo tremble even harder.
Kuro couldn't help laughing at the sight.
…
After dragging the ship to shore, Rolan waved dismissively. "Alright. Get lost."
Moo Moo fled at the speed of pure survival instinct.
"Let's go see the village." Rolan hopped off the ship first.
The others followed.
But as soon as they stepped past the entrance, all four froze.
The houses were flipped upside down, roofs on the ground, walls shattered. The roads were ruined by deep trenches. No people. No sounds.
A dead village.
Lina trembled, hugging Rolan's arm tightly and burying her head against him. Her voice quivered. "Rolan… are you sure our navigator is human? This place looks cursed."
Rolan gently stroked her hair. Even with his usual uncaring attitude, the sight before him was shocking. Reading this in a manga was one thing. Standing here was an entirely different experience.
Zoro frowned deeply. "Is this how they build houses here? Or did something tear through this place?"
Lina winced. "Hey, hey, Green Algae Head, don't say things like that…"
Kuro calmly approached a house. He examined the inverted structure, then transformed into a massive Peng, flying upward for a closer inspection.
An instant later, he reappeared beside Rolan without warning.
His speed had changed drastically. The Peng fruit was truly fitting for him.
Rolan observed Kuro carefully. "This fruit isn't just for battle. It will also help with reconnaissance and transporting goods. Use it wisely."
Kuro nodded silently, a faint smile forming as he understood the full potential of his new form.
Zoro tightened his grip on his swords, scanning the horizon. "If this village was destroyed, someone or something powerful must be nearby."
Lina shivered, whispering, "Rolan… we should be careful. Whatever happened here might still be lurking."
Rolan smirked slightly, his eyes narrowing. "Good. That's exactly why we came here. Let's find out who—or what—is behind this."
The group stepped deeper into the village, tension rising with every shattered roof and overturned cart. The silence was deafening, broken only by the distant creaking of broken wood and the occasional rustle of debris.
Even with his calm demeanor, Rolan felt a faint unease. This village held secrets, and he intended to uncover every single one.
_______
All fanfics are currently 70–90 chapters ahead on Patreon.
Become a Patron to gain early access!
Thank you all for the amazing support.
Patreon.com/Zphyr_