Chapter 04

(Pov: Wilhelm )

After walking a few miles down the shore, I saw boats. At the very least, I wasn't stranded away from civilization. As I got closer and closer to the port, I saw a bustling city. Nestled along the rugged coastline, the seaside town emerges from the mist like a hidden gem. As the salty breeze carries the scent of the ocean, the city reveals its unique charm and character. Surrounding the town are rolling hills and verdant meadows, where farmers tend to their crops and livestock, providing sustenance for the inhabitants.

'Good, the town looks fairly big. That means it's bound to be protected by a Marine base nearby,' I thought as I continued walking towards the town.

As the town was big and hundreds of people were leaving and entering, no one would notice a child suddenly appearing. Walking down the streets, I saw many vendors trying to sell their goods to passersby. I saw them selling mainly fruits and vegetables of many assortments. Call it luck, but I found a 1 Belly coin on the floor, exactly what I needed for today's newspaper.

'I can finally know when I am.'

Walking up to the newspaper station, I said, "This morning's paper, sir."

Paying for the paper with my lucky coin, I see today's headlines reading "Former Rocks Pirate Mate: Golden Lion Shiki Sinks 5 Naval Bases."

Checking the date, I give a devilish grin. 'It's Sea Circle Calendar 1485, 1 year after the fall of the sea overlord Rocks,' a full 35 years before Luffy sets sail. With the fall of the sea, overlord Rocks, all the pirates he had suppressed in the past could now run wild. Now there is even more turmoil than the great pirate age that happens in 15 years.

'35 years. I'm going to be an old man pushing 50. But as God, I don't have to worry about my age. I can gain my youth at any point in the future with a stone mask, though the weakness of sunlight would be a pain. The only solution would be the Red Stone of Aja, but I will not be able to get it any time soon. But so what. Devil fruits have wide and vast abilities. One of them giving the user sunlight weakness would be possible and explainable.' I suddenly realized I was still standing in front of the stall.

I walked over to one of the buildings and leaned back, continuing with my thoughts. 'Since it's only 1485, I will have decades to lay out my plan. The world government has existed for hundreds of years, but they still fear a group of people hiding in the shadows with no real power. I will need to join the Marine base here. But first, I need to figure out which part of the world I'm in.'

Walking to a random stall, I ask the vendor where this island is.

"Sirencester is located in the first half of the Grand Line," he answered with a weird look as if asking 'how don't you know what island you sailed to.'

Ignoring the look, I continue to ask, "Where is the Marine base responsible for protecting this sea area?"

"The Marine base is on that side of the island," he said, pointing in a direction.

Thanking him for the help, I head to the Marine base to enlist. While walking there, I realized I had never opened the mission panel of the system. 'System open the mission panel.'

[Opening System Mission Panel]

[Missions - Issued Based On The Host Actions]

[Missions Give SP As Reward For Completion Along With Attribute Points]

'Attribute points? Does that mean I have a status window?'

'Open status window'

[ Host Status -

Name: Wilhelm von Ainsworth

Job: None

Title: Traveler

HP: 1,000

Fatigue: 40%

MP: 0

----------------------

Strength: 5

Agility: 7

Vitality: 9

Intelligence: 10

Remaining Attribute Points: 0]

'My strength is the weakest? Well, I guess I do have the body of a 14-year-old. Not sure why my intelligence is so high, though.'

Suddenly stopping, 'I wonder if I have a game like inventory. System open inventory.'

I wait a few seconds, and nothing happens, 'Guess not.' Might as well try and see if I have a novice gift.

'System open novice gift pack.'

[Opening Novice Gift Pack]

"Yes," I said, excited about my ingenious discovery.

[Gain Hamon Energy Training Manual x1]

[Gain 1,000 SP]

[Gain 5 Attribute Points]

[Whether To Open Hamon Energy Training Manual]

[Yes / No]

Clicking yes, the information on acquiring and training Hamon enter my brain. Hamon or Ripple energy is used in an ancient form of martial arts called Sendō or way of the Hermit. Hamon was a self-controlled respiration, in which a trained person could produce energy manifesting as ripples throughout their body, identical to the energy of the Sun.

Hamon energy could also slow the aging process but not stop it completely, not to mention Hamon's excellent healing properties. Hamon users also gain control over the elements though I believe that differs from person to person.

Satisfied with the novice gift, I continued walking to the Marine base. With Hamon, I didn't need to worry about training too hard or accidentally injuring myself. Even if Hamon wasn't a perfect regeneration, it boosted a person's natural healing speed.

'After joining here as a chore boy, I will train to be stronger and hopefully get to transfer to the HQ to continue my training. But I'm in no rush, not to mention becoming immortal in the future. I will age slower with Hamon, so I wouldn't lose my peak strength before my layouts can begin. And with my efforts in HQ, they will take notice of my potential and absolute obedience to orders and cultivate me.'

Looking in the distance, I could see the base sprawled across the landscape, a carefully orchestrated symphony of buildings, structures, and training grounds. Its strategic positioning allowed for swift mobilization and readiness, as it stood as a sentinel on the front lines of defense.

At its forefront, the imposing gate stood tall, flanked by towering concrete walls adorned with the symbol symbolizing the unyielding spirit of the Marines, the Seagulls. The gate served as a gateway to a realm where bravery was forged, and courage was honed. Beyond its barriers lay a tapestry of activity, an ecosystem of dedication and unwavering commitment.

'Too bad the proud justice on their backs was for nothing but show.'

As I approached the marine base, anticipation surged through my veins. My plans required me to be strong, and I wasn't strong now; hence I needed to have the world government essentially raise me. And being a kid right now was perfect. I will be like the genius mastermind Aizen and create the ideal Marine and soldier image.

"Stop there, boy. Don't come any closer. This is a restricted area; turn around immediately," one of the soldiers guarding the gate said as he saw me approach.

"I understand this is a Marine base, and exactly what I'm here for," I said, pausing for a few seconds, looking lost and flustered. "My parents were killed by those evil pirates. I want them to pay so... so please let me join you. I want to get stronger to kill them and protect others from the evil pirates."

Having said my sad backstory and all the keywords, I stood there fidgety and nervous, waiting for his response.

'Having a young body, no one would suspect me of having an ulterior motive,' I thought, trying not to laugh and ruin the helpless child persona.

The officer, someone clearly of high moral standing and justice, couldn't just send a poor child away when he only wished to join them and fight the pirates.

"You can't officially join since you're too young, but you can stay in the base until you're old enough to join. Just follow me inside to register you and run a background check," he said while I tried not to smile.

"Thank you, sir," I thanked with tears running down my cheeks while following the man inside.

'Acting is harder than I originally thought. Maybe I should wear glasses to cover up my eyes; it's probably easier to lie with your eyes blocked,' I thought as I followed the officer.

With joining the Marines basically done, I can start my laying the groundwork for my plan. I first need to unlock my stand and gain the stone mask. With the ability to give anyone eternal life acquiring loyal slaves will be easy.

'Oh, I wonder how the world will react when they learn of my true nature. The face of absolute despair on their faces will be priceless. I wouldn't even have to become a Marine in the first place if I wasn't this weak. Well, that will all change now.'