I return to the One Piece world. I'm in my rented room.
The room was dimly lit, with cracked wooden beams above and a faint musty scent of seawater and old rope. Dust motes danced lazily in a beam of light from the window. The creaky floorboards groaned under my feet—a far cry from my clean apartment back home.
I walk downstairs.
The wooden stairs groaned under my weight, each step releasing a whiff of aged timber and spilled ale.
Below, the tavern buzzed like a kicked hornet's nest—laughter crashing against the low ceiling, the clatter of tankards, and the sizzle of meat on a griddle. Seven tables squeezed together, their surfaces sticky with rings of ale, elbows jostling as sailors swapped stories with fish-breath enthusiasm.
The air clung to my skin, thick with salt, smoke, and the tang of sweat.
I order some food, which arrives in five minutes. Three other people are sitting at the same table. They're talking about what happened at Marine Headquarters.
"Do you think that green-haired guy stole something from Marine Headquarters?" one guy asks, his voice low and conspiratorial.
"I don't think so. He just got caught because he beat Morgan's son. Morgan is taking out his frustration on the green-haired guy," another replies.
They're definitely talking about Zoro. Looks like he got captured for helping a little girl.
My food arrives. A steaming bowl of thick seafood stew was placed before me, the aroma of spiced crab and garlic making my mouth water. I scooped a bite—the broth was rich, smoky, and burned just enough to remind me this wasn't home cooking.
They're still gossiping, their words painting a vivid picture of the recent events. I hear the full story—Luffy and Zoro beat Morgan. People and marines are happy right now, a sense of relief hanging in the air.
Alex finishes eating, the last morsel leaving a pleasant warmth in his stomach. He stands up, pays the bill, the worn coins feeling cool in his palm, walks to the door, and leaves, the sunlight outside momentarily blinding after the dim interior.
I should go to Conomi Island. But first, I need to find a boat.
I walk to the shore, the sand gritty between my toes. The air here is sharp with the smell of salt and the dampness of the sea.
The rhythmic crash of waves against the shore provides a constant, soothing backdrop.
"Can it even carry us to the next island?" Zoro said, his voice laced with a hint of skepticism.
"Of course it can," Luffy replies, his voice bright and full of unwavering confidence, his straw hat casting a shadow over his cheerful face.
"Luffy-san, I'll definitely become a marine when we meet next time," Koby says, his voice filled with determined emotion, his youthful face earnest.
"And I'll definitely become King of the Pirates," Luffy laughs, a booming sound that echoes across the water.
Wow. I didn't think I'd meet the protagonist. This is the goodbye scene between Luffy and Koby. It looks like I'm watching a high-quality 3D anime. It feels amazing, the sea breeze carrying the faint scent of saltwater.
Zoro is already in the small wooden boat, its hull gently rocking with the waves, and Luffy is walking toward it, his sandals slapping softly against the wooden planks of the makeshift dock.
Koby and the marines are standing at attention, their white uniforms stark against the blue sky as they give a crisp salute.
Alex walks near the boat. Luffy and Zoro are ready to paddle.
"Guys, can you give me a lift to Conomi Island?" Alex asks.
Luffy and Zoro look at the stranger.
"Sure," Luffy says, looking at Zoro.
"I don't have a problem with it," Zoro replies.
Alex jumps onto the boat, the wood creaking slightly under his weight, and sits down.
"My name is Alex. Thanks for the lift," he says.
"My name is Luffy, and I'm going to find the One Piece and become King of the Pirates," Luffy says, laughing, his teeth flashing brightly.
"I'm Zoro. Nice to meet you," Zoro said, his voice gruff but not unkind.
"But you have to pass through the dangerous Grand Line. How are you going to do that?" I ask.
"Don't worry. I'm strong," Luffy said, puffing out his chest confidently.
"Do you guys even know how to get there?" Alex asks, raising an eyebrow.
"We have a Grand Line map, so we won't get lost," Zoro replies.
"Irony," Alex mutters.
"What?" Zoro asks.
"Nothing," Alex said, waving his hand dismissively.
Luffy pulls out the map, its edges worn and softened with age, and shows it to Alex, the scent of old paper wafting up. Zoro smacks his forehead.
I look at the map, tracing the intricate lines with my eyes. I also need this map to go to the Grand Line. I pull out my cellphone.
"Luffy, can you hold the map like that?" Alex asks, gesturing with his hand.
Luffy holds the map open, the parchment slightly crinkling in the breeze.
I open the camera and take a picture. Then I put the phone back in my pocket.
"What was that?" Luffy asks, tilting his head in curiosity.
"Nothing. It's a good luck charm I use on important objects," Alex replies with a reassuring smile.
They resume paddling, chatting casually. They discuss about small stuff here and there.
The weather is perfect—not too cold, not too hot. Zoro falls asleep.
Alex starts to paddle.
The afternoon sun shimmers on the ocean, turning the waves into rippling glass. Seabirds soar overhead, their cries sharp against the vast blue sky. A warm wind carries the tang of salt and the hush of distant tides.
"I'm hungry," Luffy said, his stomach rumbling audibly.
He looks up and sees a bird flying.
"Here I come!" Luffy shouts, jumping into the air with surprising agility to catch the bird, his straw hat flying off his head. But it's too big, and he gets stuck in its beak. Zoro wakes up from the sudden noise, his eyes snapping open.
He sees Luffy being carried away.
"Idiot," Zoro mutters.
Alex and Zoro start paddling quickly to catch up, the oars digging deep into the water, the boat slicing through the waves. They spot another boat in the distance, its sail flapping gently in the breeze. The people on it are waving, their figures small against the horizon. Alex and Zoro paused near the boat, the gentle rocking of the waves bringing them closer.
"There's a hole in our boat. Can you give us a lift?" one person asks.
"Hop in. We need extra hands for speed," Zoro said.
They all jump aboard, the other boat rocking precariously as the weight shifts.
Then they pull out their weapons, the glint of steel flashing in the sunlight, their faces suddenly menacing.
"Give us all the money you have," they said, their voices harsh and demanding.
"Huh?" Zoro said, his eyes narrowing, the air suddenly thick with tension.
Alex and Zoro easily beat them.
"I'm taking their boat. I have to go to Conomi Island. You go find Luffy," Alex said
Alex hops onto the enemy's boat.
"Bye," Zoro says, waving.
"Bye. Say goodbye to Luffy for me," Alex said.
They go their separate ways, the two boats drifting further apart on the vast ocean.
Zoro has three helpers to paddle, their movements synchronized, while he relaxes, the gentle rocking of the boat lulling him slightly.
Alex set his sights on Nami Island, the wind filling the sails, the spray of saltwater cool on his face.
The sun dips into the sea, turning the waves gold. The sky blushes pink and purple. A breeze carries the scent of salt. Everything feels still—quiet, like the ocean is holding its breath.
"It looks beautiful," Alex said, his voice a soft murmur against the backdrop of the ocean.
He reaches the shore of Conomi Island, the soft sand yielding beneath his steps, the air filled with the chirping of unseen insects.
I just wish to relax here and sleep for a long time. But it's time to leave.
He takes a selfie with the view, the phone clicking softly, capturing the vibrant colors of the sunset. Then he starts looking for Cocoyasi Village, the sounds of the village slowly becoming clearer as he walks.
He asks a stranger for directions, the villager's voice friendly and welcoming.
They give him with a route, pointing down a dusty path, the earth warm underfoot.
He began walking along the route, the air filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers.
After going for fifteen minutes, he arrived at a scene where some fishermen, their faces contorted in anger, were hitting some defenseless villagers, their cries of pain echoing in the air.
"Well, it's time for some action," Alex said, his muscles tensing.