547I do not own 'One Piece' or 'The Gamer'
Somewhere on the planet, a certain Fishman grows tired of the world and begins preparing a reckless plan.
The Enclosure, Mariejois
Mornings have continued to puzzle me.
No chirping is there to wake you up, only the patrols that came banging on the large cell, and announcing it's breakfast time did one learn that sunrise had come. The birds above the redline are all imported from the four blues and both ends of the grand line, forced to acclimate against the more heightened altitudes. I'd feel partially sad for them if I wasn't an under-fed slave.
Similarly, slaves are frequently thrown around to different owners based on their 'attributes', as the guards often say. It's akin to choosing a cow based on how girthy they are.
The original Henry never saw anything but cages.
Scouring through all of the memories I could, they showed no signs of anything else other than slavery. It's funny how even he held some passion to see the world. My influence deepened those desires. Perhaps he suppressed them or something else was happening, but I doubted it.
The earliest recollections I had were working inside a Celestial Dragons residence as someone who cleans the place.
Saint Rosward was my 'owner'.
The same individual who was proclaimed the winner in my fight against a fellow slave some months back.
Before, I didn't truly understand the man's significance, only that I'm meant to heed everything he says. Now that I have the context, the recognition came easily enough.
This guy is Charlos' dad.
The same person who got clobbered by Luffy at Sabaody. If I remember correctly, Usopp slammed into his face and knocked him unconscious.
I held in a snort, carefully eyeing my fellow slaves who seemed to be lost in thought. It's as if they were robots being put in some sort of power-save mode.
'Less than human.'
That phrase which I recalled from my previous life came to the forefront. I'm not sure who exactly said it, but the sentiment behind the expression can be interpreted in only one way.
You're complete trash and utterly disposable.
'Animals', as I've come to discover.
The so-called 'Justice' the marines preach was all a facade to suppress the world their true colors. Even if I loathed the man, Doflamingo is correct, whoever's at the top determines justice.
"If you keep your face like that, it'll be permanent." I looked to the right, seeing Regi leaning against the wall as he's always done. "What's got you so riled up?"
"Why're you assuming I'm 'riled up', old man?" I retorted.
He eyed me with his standard poker face.
"When you look like that, you're thinking of something stupid." The ex-pirate clarified, sitting up straight. "So what's on your mind?"
I glared.
To insult me, then ask the equivalent of 'what's wrong?'. Only Regi would articulate such things in quick succession.
Whatever.
I'll indulge his curiosity.
"I'm just wondering...what year we're in."
This is honestly the most crucial thing I must learn right now. I'd be able to plan ahead and perhaps have a chance at running.
Baby steps, Henry.
"Well, I've been here for quite a while." He crossed his arms, appearing in some sort of thought. "A little over two decades, actually."
God damn, that's a long time. Although, it's not what I'm asking.
"Which means?" If there's any possibility of me deducing where I am, it'll be vital information. This could hopefully be the deciding point.
"I have no fucking idea," The old man answered abruptly.
Maybe I spoke too soon, though my glare doubled its vehemence.
"And you tell me to watch my mouth," I groaned, calling him out on the hypocrisy. "How can a powerful and independent man be so brutish?"
Regi didn't seem to take that kindly.
"There's a big difference. I'm a certified manly man," He gently pressed a finger against my chest. "You're still a newborn."
Pushing his buttons has been getting easier as of late. It's amusing how he's attempting to preserve face — it's only me, why would that even matter?
"Ya know what...you win, old man." I conceded while waving him off, letting the guy have his fun.
He wasn't buying that, but evidently decided to drop the matter, opting on bringing another subject altogether.
"Anyways, enough lazing around, it's training time." Regi expressed, standing up and grabbing me by the arm.
I didn't object, following along as we made our way toward the usual spot.
This'll be...fun.
My eyes groggily flutter open, adjusting to the near pitch-black lighting, though earlier than they normally do. A new day signified another round of scrambling, working out, and the possibility of being tossed into the Colosseum again.
However, a message emerged in front of me, and decided to interrupt things.
oooo
Happy Birthday, Henry!
Age
14 → 15
oooo
"What?" I muttered whilst scratching my chin.
There weren't any new skills or perks being handed over. No mystery power-up that could offer an advantage to me in the future.
Just...'Happy Birthday'.
"What's the point of this?"
There isn't any, at least from my perspective.
I looked around, seeing everyone huddled amongst others. Many of them had their backs hugging the walls, such as myself. I spotted a few rested themselves seated up and cross-legged — how the hell is the old man doing that without falling over?
It was still quite early in the morning and getting some additional sleep did sound rather appealing.
So I rescind myself to that fate, curled into a ball as I've accomplished so many instances before, and began snoozing for a few more hours.
The Enclosure's Second Room, Mariejois
A new day meant another stretch of time for the ex-pirate to kick me around. Although, it seems I've underestimated myself far too much.
"Not bad, you've improved decently," Regi noted, shifting to block my shinai's attack.
I just remained silent, concentrating on straining to hit the man.
The singular reason I'm 'decent' now is that the quest had added what would've been months of training in an instant. My base stats were by far the most lagging, but it's getting much more difficult to raise them.
[Malnourishment] was frankly a pain in the ass perk and I had no means to remove it as of now. If someone were taking a good look at me, they'd assume I'm on the verge of starvation considering how skinny I am.
I don't have a god-like prodigy perk, something Luffy and most certainly Koby possess. The latter's rate of strength within a short span of two years is insane.
From being below average person to reaching the status of Marine Captain. The pink-haired teen had monstrous talent, beyond even the main protagonist.
That's some terrifying improvement.
-1 HP (68/70)
The training sword hit me in the thigh hard, causing me to fall over.
"You're distracted," He noted, attempting to kick my side. "What do you think will happen when you're fighting someone that's trying to kill ya?"
I rolled across the ground only to get slammed in the stomach.
-1 HP (67/70)
"Get up, we're going to be doing this for a while. You'll definitely be sent out to the Colosseum again with less luck on your side." The old man explained, his lips firmly in a straight line.
I climbed to my feet.
"So basically...you're going to kick my ass the whole time?"
"Not only, but every part of that scrawny body of yours needs some maintenance," This time, he smirked. "I think you know what that means."
I gulped, immediately comprehending the significance behind his words. Regi snickered and sauntered in my direction.
The next few hours were going to be nothing more than unadulterated agony.
The Enclosure, Mariejois
The human body was a fascinating marvel, especially in the One Piece world.
'Normal' people have been flung through multiple buildings, shot in the body numerous times, and had every single bone in their body broken. All it would take is a very few days of rest and it's as if that never happened.
How bodily functions operate in this universe spit on basic biology. Perhaps it's because I'm basing the process on my own home, but Eichiiro Oda must know at least some science behind these...things.
Nevertheless, whilst everyone's currently minding their own business, I amused myself with the newest notification screen.
oooo
New Skill Gained!
Meditation Lv. (1/25)
This ability grants the user a sense of tranquility, peace, and balance.
oooo
I raised an eyebrow at the latest skill.
'I'm not exactly seeing how that'll be useful considering this world is tailored towards being a meat-head.' I shook my head and looked at the doorways that had opened.
The time had arrived, everybody knew it.
Just like every other day, the guards entered the enclosure with the Celestial Dragons' leftover food, and began tossing them around.
I advanced faster than I'd done before, secured myself some grub, and hastily returned to my previous position.
It's reasonably bizarre glimpsing the others abstaining from endeavoring to pounce on me as they've done previously. I harbored a suspicion that it was presumably because I came back from the Colosseum.
Not many find their way back to the enclosure relatively unscathed.
"That was better than last time," Regi noted as he sat down to my right, "Or maybe it's because they're little babies."
"Always so negative, aren't you?"
"Someone's gotta make sure you're in check," He gruffed with unequivocal certitude in his voice. "Even if you don't have the balls for it."
My eyes rolled as they'd achieved countless times before.
The old bastard undoubtedly understands how to get on one's nerves, but I'm not falling for the bait.
"Very funny," I said, stressing the sarcasm in my tone.
"I know, right? I am quite the comedian." The guy didn't budge an inch, maintaining a mocking smile to highlight his uncaring attitude.
Two can play that game.
"I mean, mayb–"
"Devil Fruit user!" A shriek interrupted our conversation and forced the disorder to quickly become subdued.
Everyone shifted their gaze, eyeing a particular figure that was beginning to stand up.
It's another person, a slave who's currently peering at their hands in amazement. The man's stupefied expression morphed into a thoroughly stunned, but thrilled one at what was happening.
That's when a guard steps forward and attempts to pierce him with a spear. The hit struck its mark, skewering the person who only stood in place.
However, it's as the weapon is withdrawn that we truly understand what ensued.
The attack had achieved no damage, returning the man to his previous state through some brown-like liquid substance.
The slave giggled, then chuckled, and finally outright began laughing hysterically.
"I'm invincible! Hahahahaha!"
The brownish slush stemming from all over him lashed out at the collars sealed onto his neck. In one swift move, the device was corroded and broken apart, dropping onto the floor.
"What the hell?! Did the bomb malfunction?!"
"Shoot him! Shoot him now!"
And they did, firing bullets that sang in the air.
Caution was thrown into the wind, ignoring the clear consequences of their actions, compelling some of us to be forced onto the ground as bullets flew everywhere.
"Like I said earlier, I'm fucking invincible!" He thrusted an arm forward, causing an onslaught of brown mush to emerge from it, swallowing some of the men whole.
Everything's in complete chaos and that's when I recognized the substance the man was throwing around.
It's clay.
"Call for backup immediately!" The leader of the guards said, trying to cut the man with a sword.
The bombardment of attacks was futile, prompting the man's laughter to increase even more predominantly.
He threw their bodies around again and again, tossing people around without a care in the world. At some junctures, I had to physically dive out of the way, lest I become nothing more than a stain on the wall.
"Someone's coming," Regi stated, eyeing the open doors instead of the skirmish.
I glanced at the old man confusingly, but heed his warning and judgment.
The charges and thrashes persisted as the slave started pushing a pathway toward the sole route out towards freedom.
That's when the 'someone' enters the room.
The individual appears to have double-jointed elbows, making me presume they're a part of the Longarm Tribe. They wear a light-colored mask with dark streaks running down its right side, blackened lips and nose, and framed with petal-like adornments. They also sport a vertically striped red and white top hat.
It's merely when I employed the [Observe] skill did I truly understand their significance.
Joseph, [Cipher Pol 0]
(2,060/2,060)
"[Soru]"
There's no time for contemplation as the person instantly appears in front of the logia-type user. Their swiftness and nonchalant manner were mind-boggling.
"[Shigan]"
A single finger pierced the man's chest, causing him to stand there for some second, then drop like a sack of potatoes.
"Cipher Pol Zero," I heard a guard say in astonishment and trepidation, speaking as if the man would kill them all at any moment.
Which I wouldn't put above the realm of possibility.
The Celestial Dragon's direct subordinate looked around the room. It felt as though they were scanning us, regardless of not seeing their eyes.
"I assume you'll be able to handle the rest?" 'Joseph' questioned with a serene, but deadly undertone.
"O-Of course! We'll have the clean-up crew here immediately!"
The Cipher Pol Agent nodded and immediately walked out of the room without saying another word.
Silence followed afterward, usurping the sound of trickling blood. Even the armored men were terrified of moving an inch, undoubtedly fearing the agent's potential return.
"What the hell are you doing? Get to work!" The captain demanded, inducing them to shuffle a bit before working on the task.
They scrambled, grabbed the deceased body, and called for everything else to be repaired through a Den-Den Mushi. It's the first time I've seen one, and truthfully, they're kinda creepy, especially how they changed their appearance mid-conversation.
It's the One Piece world, I'll have to acclimate myself to those things eventually. And that's when I recalled something from earlier, turning towards Regi stumped.
"How did you know the person was coming?" I queried, though already retaining some semblance of an explanation.
"They were blue and bright." He responded.
I raised an eyebrow, clearly confused about his nonchalant answer.
Regi had been indifferent to the whole fiasco, only slightly frowning as the lifeless body was hauled away. The old man looked at me, noticing my watchful regard, and then back at the food.
"Sometimes, the sun can burn."
He unfurled the package his sandwich had been in and began eating, unsympathetic to the bewildered expression on my face.
Time seemed to move more sluggishly, even if there wasn't a clock in sight.
The crisis of two weeks ago — that's what they're calling it — was still fresh in my mind and I'm certain others were also recoiling from the aftermath.
All of our collars have been modified to accommodate seastone. It's then that I realized that the enclosure is meant for Non-Devil Fruit users, but because of the whole 'invincible' dude, we're stuck with them now.
Seriously, fuck that guy!
What were the odds of a Logia-type Devil Fruit manifesting moments before someone took a bite?
The likelihood of that happening being insanely low is the only answer. It's at that point when I understood...if they ever see me using things like [Inventory].
My body shivered, immediately aware of the implications.
'I'm as good as dead.'
It's fairly straightforward and accurate.
There's no hope if I'm caught. Death may be preferable over slavery, but I'd much rather die on my own terms.
If Kaido was right on anything, it's that part.
The best case scenario is I'm placed into either the straight-line elevator or a considerably much more formidable Colosseum, both matters being unquestionably terrible.
It's an issue of deciding how to die, which is something everyone wouldn't desire upon themselves. Unless you're psychotic — honestly represents a lot of people on this planet.
Doesn't really matter, normal is overrated anyways.
On the subject of something not being normal, my mind raced to the Cipher Pol Agent, tensing up over even recalling the memory.
'Over two thousand health points,' I grimaced and fidgeted a bit, 'That's fucking crazy.'
Previously, the highest I've ever seen was Regi, and he ran circles around me.
This individual is in the upper echelons of power when regarding the New World. If anything, I at least now have a benchmark on where they are, lopsided it may be.
Getting some more details wouldn't hurt and there's one man for the job.
"Hey, Regi..."
He turned over while scratching his beard.
"What is it?"
"Ya know that person with the mask and mostly all-white outfit two weeks ago. Do you know who he is?" I questioned, wanting to know if the ex-pirate had some information I didn't.
The old man paused for a brief moment before replying.
"They belong to an elite squad of exceptionally skilled people that are directly under the Celestial Dragon's authority. It's kinda like the admiral situation, but they're generally always on standby."
So information that I already knew, though it's good to get confirmation of it. That doesn't explain how he has this info.
I gazed at him expectantly and he understood what I'm silently requesting.
"I've seen those getups once before, quite a long time ago."
"Does it have to do with the crew you were in?" My eyes scrutinized heedfully, noting his apparent scowl.
"Maybe."
Now he's just dangling the string on purpose.
I acknowledged the type of person Regi was, which is why I simply groaned in vexation.
"You aren't going to give a straight answer, are you?"
A glimmer of a bothered face lets me understand the unmistakable soundless retort. I just sighed, abandoning seeking out any knowledge from him.
And he calls me a cheeky brat.
"Figured."
Perhaps he'll disclose it all one day, but as of right now, that's off the table. In spite of everything, my thoughts always lingered back to this 'Joseph' fellow.
Didn't Izou stalemate with one of these people?
If he was a member of Cipher Pol Zero, then I'm not a speck of dirt to the top tiers. Even then, that's being generous to myself.
Either way, that whole scenario is a huge wake-up call.
"Sheesh," I grumbled, curling myself into the raggedy sheets. "Hindsight's a bitch."
Maybe Regi's deduction is right in a way. The world's a place full of monsters, overlooking future knowledge.
But I refuse to allow that certainty to be my destiny.
There's one thing I can do.
More sit-ups.
More push-ups.
More squats.
More everything, really.
While the [Malnourishment] perk is a huge detriment, I'm not going to let that determine me. I've gotten far enough with the liability on my back, just gotta keep grinding the days away.
I'll escape from this predicament eventually and see it with my own eyes, shimmering above the planet in its radiance.
"Ya know something, Regi."
"Know what?" He questioned, peaking over his shoulders.
"It might burn sometimes, but at least we won't be in the dark anymore." I giggled, seeing him looking downright perplexed — serves that old fart right!
There wasn't anything else to do other than tuck myself in and call it a day. The statement has been made, now it's time for him to decide what's next.
So with a yawn, I gradually fell asleep, and let my consciousness wander.
There's a faint tick after every minute goes by, my eyes drifting toward the muffled noise. An aged clock hangs stationary against the wall — four hours till midnight. It's one of the few things added here by another slave who works more as a housekeeper. They were courteous enough to do so following someone else recognizing them, oddly enough.
Now we have something fresh to gawp at, if that's a good thing. My compatriots didn't seem to mind, but it's frankly difficult to measure their reactions.
The mumbling and quiet nature genuinely made everything...dull.
Every once in a while someone would just start crying and that'd really sour my day.
There's no need for a reminder, so I threw it away in favor of quibbling.
"I'm so goddamn bored," I expressed, tossing a rock in the air and catching it for what felt like the millionth time. "You'd think I would already be used to it."
"Maybe you're just dumb and haven't realized it, gihihihihi!" The old man remarked with a chuckle.
My eyes narrowed.
"I see you aren't in a tired mood."
Now that I think about it, I've never seen him exhausted. Just goes to show how much of a freak he is.
"Staying vigilant is the number one thing that's kept me alive," Regi elucidated, resting a hand against his chin. "Failures have been made, obviously. But hey, I'm still kicking."
"You might still be kicking, but that brain of yours isn't." And the snarky games begin.
He glanced over, the corners of his mouth twitching upwards a bit.
"And who's the person that's training you?" The old man grinned maniacally, "If a brainless blockhead such as myself is teaching, what does that make you?"
Playing a game doesn't mean you'll win.
"Ya know what," I grumbled and crossed both arms, making it clear I'm annoyed. "I'm not even gonna answer that."
"The apprentice has a long way to reach the master," He interjected, causing my lips to curl downwards. "A very long way, indeed."
I groaned some more and Regi just chuckled, reveling in his verbal victory against me.
"By the way," I looked down at the ground absentmindedly, seeing the unmarked spots. "I believe it's your turn."
He paused then grunted knowingly and we went on as business per usual.
Regi and I were playing what felt like the 100th match of tic-tac-toe. It's a game that I 'created' to stave off some boredom.
Some weeks ago was when 'chopsticks' was also made, which intrigued the man and gave me another player for a while.
The days went by similarly, boring as hell — don't know what I'm envisioning in literal slavery. I suppose a guy can hope, even a little.
That is when the doors are suddenly unlocked. Which isn't a surprise, the timing itself though was.
They were thrown open, as expected, and people started entering. It's not uncommon for transfers to come here, especially with everyone now wearing seastones.
'Still hate that fucker.'
Yet, it's when more slaves than typical arrive that I start becoming confused. While it's somewhat ineffective in this scenario, I take the time to employ the [Observe] ability on all of them.
They're primarily mundane individuals, with the periodic leap in HP, which I can imagine is because of their Devil Fruit.
Having thought that, it's a certain few in the back that compelled my eyes to nearly bulge out of their sockets. It took me some time to understand what's going on, but when some familiar sights emerged, it hit like a damned truck.
For a good while, I didn't know where I was. Hell, the great treasure could have been discovered ages ago.
Nevertheless, I've trained each day for a potential escape, utilizing the abilities bestowed upon me dutifully. Time is priceless and knowing how to gauge it is essential. With planning and patience, there will always be a glimmer of hope, discounting Regi's adamance.
"Get in already!" The guard demanded as everyone watched the last of the newest batch be hastily shoved inside. "This is where you'll be staying from now on."
They whimpered, but not enough to be notably loud. It's obvious they've been slaves for quite a while.
The armored man sealed the cell door and sauntered towards the chamber's exit, each step echoing throughout the large enclosure.
I gazed at them, the ones I had my eyes on were now huddled together as if they needed each other's warmth — I understood precisely where I am concerning the main story.
The timeline hadn't been entirely transparent as the rest of the slaves were made ignorant of the outside world.
But with them here…there was no doubt about it.
Boa Sandersonia, [Slave]
(260/260)
Boa Hancock, [Slave]
(370/370)
Boa Marigold, [Slave]
(220/220)
Luffy would set sail in over a decade.
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Fun fact: Joseph is actually a canon CP0 agent. I think it's funny how basic the name is considering someone like Rob Lucci literally means 'robbing the light'.
For those wondering, no he will not be joining the Straw Hats, if the summary didn't stress that part enough.
My beta and I have decided on posting these two chapters to see how everyone likes them so far. So write a review because I do read them.
Random Question: What are your biggest problems with One Piece fics in general?
The most prominent one I've been seeing with other One Piece fics personally is that they either cling to canon, make it a harem-filled insanity, or time travel with zero stakes because Luffy is way too overpowered.