Makino stared straight ahead at the horizon, then suddenly looked back, excitement in her voice:
"Land! It's land!"
Valen's heart lifted. This Navigation skill is seriously worth it... he thought to himself. Quietly, he recalled his current status:
[Status Window]
[Name: Valen Rosé]
[Race: Human]
[Titles: N/A]
[Level: 4 (Exp 0/490)]
[Stats:
Strength: 8.4 (7)
Endurance: 8.4 (7)
Stamina: 8.4 (7)
Agility: 8.4 (7)
Vitality: 8.4 (7)
Will: 7]
[Stat Points: 0]
[Skills: Swordsmanship (1★), Gentle Hands (1★), Navigation (1★)]
[Traits: Handsome (2★), Beast Strength (2★)]
[Lust Points: 0]
He'd earned the "Beast Strength (2★)" trait from a lucky gacha spin, boosting all physical stats by 20%. After spending nearly all of his remaining Lust Points on spins, without finding anything, he finally decided to stop and spent the last 1,000 LP to buy Navigation—crucial for continuing their journey.
Ahead, a small coastal town emerged: Shells Town, on Yotsuba Island in the East Blue. The town was notable for its quaint charm—multi-colored rooftops nestled under bright sunshine, sandy docks dotted with stalls selling shell necklaces, and tree-lined paths winding up gentle slopes. Behind it, a Marine base stood firm with two cannon-equipped towers resembling industrial power plants—a remnant from the tyrannical rule of Captain Morgan.
The air felt fresh and calm, with the scent of saltwater mixing with the faint fragrance of local flora. A few villagers moved about, fishermen unloading nets and traders organizing shell crafts.
Alvida squinted toward the shoreline, a hint of recognition in her voice.
"Is that... Shells Town?"
"Yes," Valen confirmed as their boat steadily approached the docks. "Are you sure they won't recognize you here?"
"Yeah, I've changed quite a lot after all..." Alvida said confidently, flicking her long black hair over her shoulder with pride.
"Then why did we recognize you?!" Makino asked bluntly.
Alvida immediately froze, her expression locking up like a statue.
A moment later, a cloth dropped over her head—Valen's shirt.
"Put this on. They shouldn't recognize you like this." He pulled it snugly over her hair, wrapping it like a hijab to obscure her face.
Alvida blinked, then sighed. "Not exactly glamorous..."
Before she could complain more, Makino's fingers pressed against Valen's abs.
"Valen... when did your body get so sturdy?"
Her tone was casual but curious. She'd seen him shirtless earlier that very day, yet now he looked... harder, more defined.
"Oh... I forgot to tell you..." Valen began, preparing the half-truth he'd come up with to cover the reality of his system.
It wasn't a lie, not entirely, just not all the truth. His body had become stronger thanks to his rising stats and the Beast Strength trait. And with the Handsome trait, his physique had been shaped to aesthetic perfection—balanced, lean, and powerful.
"When I have sex... I kind of feel myself getting stronger. I've never eaten any strange fruit or anything, but... it just happens. I don't know why."
"Huh?!" Alvida's jaw practically hit the deck.
He gets stronger… through sex?
"Such a power perfectly suits you, pervert," Makino muttered, her hand still on his abs, unfazed. She'd always felt something different about him—something special.
"That's insane!" Alvida blurted out, still stunned. "You're telling me you've got that kind of ability and you didn't eat a Devil Fruit?! Are you sure?"
"Yeah. I can still swim—" Valen began, only to stop as the boat gently bumped against the dock.
They'd arrived at Shells Town.
"Well, let's leave the discussion for later," Valen said, stepping off the boat and helping the girls down. "It's time to get another crewmate."
Makino tilted her head, puzzled.
"Another crewmate?"
"Yes..." Valen nodded, then turned to Alvida. "Remember when I asked you about the 'Pirate Hunter' Kuina?"
Alvida narrowed her eyes, recalling the name. "Yeah, why?"
"She's here," Valen said simply. "And I'm here to recruit her."
Alvida blinked, then burst into a short laugh. "You're crazy."
Still chuckling, she wrapped an arm around Makino and began leading her away.
"Fine. While you get yourself killed, we'll gather supplies—and I need a new Iron Mace. Try not to die."
Valen raised a hand lazily as they walked off. "Just don't let the Marines see you..." he said, then turned toward the looming Marine Base at the edge of town.
Makino glanced back, concern etching her brow. "Alvida… shouldn't we help him? You said this 'Pirate Hunter' is strong, right?"
Alvida gave a soft, confident scoff. "Don't worry about him. If he doesn't encounter any hardships, he'll never grow stronger. He wants to become the Pirate King, right?"
She tightened her grip on Makino's wrist and pulled her along, her tone light.
...
The Marine Base of Shells Town loomed over the coastline like a slab of cold authority—gray walls, twin cannon towers, and a broad courtyard framed by iron fences. Valen moved silently through a side path, staying low and alert. His heart beat steadily—not from fear, but anticipation.
He spotted the open clearing in front of the barracks, and then he saw her.
Tied to a tall wooden crucifix in the center of the courtyard was a girl. Kuina, the Pirate Hunter.
She had long, jet-black hair that fell like silk around her shoulders, framing a pale, elegant face. Her large, sharp eyes were heavy with exhaustion, yet they carried a quiet defiance as they gazed up at the sky. A pair of delicate earrings dangled from her ears, and a katana with a black-and-gold hilt was propped against the base of the post—tauntingly out of reach.
Her white gi was wrinkled and slightly torn from the struggle, revealing a strong, feminine figure—lean muscle beneath soft curves. Sweat clung to her skin under the midday sun, and her lips were dry. She looked like she hadn't eaten in days.
[Image Here]
And yet, despite the ropes biting into her arms and her clear fatigue, she didn't beg or cry. She just stared at the sky—furious at her circumstances, but not broken by them.
To be continued...
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Sorry for not having posted in a week, but I was really busy, I promise I'll release more.