CHAPTER 6 — RED HAIR AND THE HIDDEN EYE
The sea air was sharp that morning, carrying the scent of salt, timber, and adventure. Windmill Village looked quiet from the docks, almost like it had no knowledge of the storm approaching.
Shanks' ship appeared first as a dark silhouette against the horizon, red sails catching the sun. The villagers paused in their chores, whispering, pointing, backing away. Pirates were dangerous. Pirates were
Chaos. Pirates were death waiting for a misstep.
I observed silently from the forest's edge, three swords slung across my body, extra arm folded against my back, eyes narrowing.
THE RED-HAIRED PIRATES LAND
The crew disembarked, laughing, shouting, carrying barrels and chattering loudly. The smell of alcohol and smoke drifted toward
The village. Shanks himself strode forward, tall, confident, a grin plastered across his face as if the world belonged to him alone.
Ace and Sabo stiffened instinctively. They had heard of Shanks. They had heard of the Red-Haired Pirates. Respect. Fear. Excitement. A mixture of everything.
I remained behind, unseen. Observation Haki flickered subtly, tracing each member's movements. Their intentions were clear: trade, drink, show force, enjoy the island.
LUFFY AND THE FRUIT
A small commotion drew attention to the back of the ship. Monkey D. Luffy, reckless and loud, had discovered a strange barrel, sealed tightly, labeled "Gomu Gomu." He had no clue what it contained but, as always, acted first and thought later.
Ace's grin turned sharp. "Don't eat that, little brat."
Sabo's hand shot forward, too late. Luffy had already bitten into it, chewing enthusiastically. Within moments, his body
trembled, stretched unnaturally, and he collapsed onto the deck with a look of awe.
A Devil Fruit. First for him. First for this timeline.
I observed. Not with envy, not with excitement—calculation.
MY PLAN
No one noticed me at first.
Shanks' crew had spread across the village and docks, drinking, laughing, unloading
barrels, and enjoying themselves. Guards were minimal. Distracted. Weak. Easy.
I slipped forward silently, Haki flaring faintly to sense obstacles and intentions. My eyes fell on a crate near the captain's quarters. The markings were faint but readable with Observation Haki: "Special Supplies — Rare Materials."
Not a Devil Fruit. Not Luffy's. But useful. Valuable. Usable.
I crouched behind barrels, extra arm flexing, three swords resting lightly against my back, prepared to strike at anything in my path.
ACE AND SABO'S DECISION
Meanwhile, Ace and Sabo were speaking with Shanks and a few trusted crew members. Their intentions were clear. They wanted adventure, recognition, and freedom. They were eager to join, eager to prove themselves.
Shanks laughed heartily at Ace's audacity, nodded at Sabo's calm demeanor, and extended a hand. Words were exchanged. Smiles were traded.
I did not approach. Not yet. I did not join. Observation and patience were more important.
THEFT IN SILENCE
I moved quietly. Every step measured. A
guard turned, eyes scanning—Haki flared subtly, reading his intent, his muscle tension, his planned trajectory. I sidestepped, passing behind him as if he did not exist.
The crate was before me. I opened it with care. Inside were supplies: small barrels of medicinal herbs, sharpened steel tools, a few locked boxes containing gold coins and trinkets.
I didn't take it all. Only what I could carry efficiently, without slowing down or drawing attention. Every motion was silent, precise. One extra arm helped balance the weight while the other two readied my swords, ready for any sudden attack.
The world did not see me. Shanks laughed nearby. Luffy stretched himself uncontrollably on the deck. Ace and Sabo were distracted. Perfect.
ESCAPE
Crates secured, supplies slung across my back, I melted into the shadows of the forest. Observation Haki guided me past villagers, scattered crew members, and the remaining guards. My swords were light in hand, but ready. My mind calculated the path, the timing, the risks.
No one noticed until I was gone.
Not that it mattered.
I did not seek recognition. I did not seek approval. I sought tools. Advantage. Efficiency.
The Red-Haired Pirates celebrated in the village square. Luffy played with his newfound abilities, stretching and laughing. Ace and Sabo considered that they were stil to weak to join the crew
And I watched from the treeline.
Silent. Ruthless. Always moving forward.