#1 The Beginning

—Grand Line, Year 1519 of the Sea Circle Calendar—

"This… is this the world of One Piece?!"

On a small, unnamed island, Carlo held his aching head, receiving memories from this new body he found himself in.

Yes, Carlo was a reincarnator, a young man from the 21st century. One moment he was flirting with a girl near the forest, and the next thing he knew, everything went black, and he woke up here.

"Darn it! I was so close! Just when things were going well, I get thrown into this world and ruin my plans!"

After a brief moment of confusion, Carlo complained, cursing the usual tropes of isekai stories for their lack of consideration.

But as he finished absorbing the memories, his face transformed. Excitement and joy were written all over his expression.

In his previous life, Carlo's favorite anime was One Piece. He always fantasized about what it would be like if he entered the world of pirates and adventure.

He never expected that his wild fantasies would become reality, bringing him into this world!

"Hahahaha! Grand Line, New World, here I come!"

After a moment of silence, Carlo confirmed from his new memories that he had indeed arrived in the world of his dreams.

Seeing no one around, Carlo lifted his head and laughed towards the sky, "The Four Emperors? The Navy? Whitebeard? Akainu? They're nothing to me!"

"Prepare yourselves! You will be the stepping stones to my rise!"

"I will punch the Four Emperors and kick the Admirals!"

"Zehahaha! What spirit, brother!"

Just as Carlo was feeling invincible, a sudden voice interrupted him, causing his words to catch in his throat. His face changed rapidly.

This is supposed to be a deserted island, right? Who could be here? Did someone hear me? No way, no way. I just got here; I can't be caught already!

If I get sent back right now, that would be the worst luck ever. No one could have worse luck than me if that happened.

Even without seeing the newcomer, Carlo's mind raced with worry.

I said some pretty dangerous stuff just now. In this world, mentioning Whitebeard and Akainu is a big deal!

They represent two of the most powerful forces on the sea!

I've only just arrived. I have no power to back up my words. Isn't this just asking for trouble?

Big talk feels good, but it's not worth dying for!

"Your words got my blood pumping! Brother, want to join my crew? Be my right-hand man!"

Seeing Carlo's lack of reaction, the newcomer laughed again and continued, "I like your spirit. I approve of your dreams. After all, a man's dreams will never die!"

???

'Why does this voice sound so familiar? And that distinctive laugh…'

Hearing this, Carlo turned slowly, looking at the person not far away.

Just as he thought!

'Oh crap, isn't that Blackbeard Teach?!'

Carlo was stunned. It really was Blackbeard. He never expected that the first 'native' he'd meet after crossing over would be Blackbeard!

Without responding to Teach immediately, Carlo considered what he had just heard.

Teach wanted him to join his crew as his right-hand man, which meant Blackbeard had no crew yet?

If he had no crew but had already started his own journey, then he must have just killed

Whitebeard's fourth division commander, Thatch, and taken the Dark-Dark Fruit!

And then he fled!

From his new body's memories, Carlo instantly confirmed his guess.

This island was near the Red Line, a deserted place not far from the Grand Line.

From here, he could see the Red Line cutting trough the ocean…

It was this Red Line that divided the Grand Line into the first half and the New World!

Carlo was currently in the first half of the Grand Line. Since Blackbeard had just betrayed Whitebeard, the New World was too dangerous for him, so he came here.

Everything made sense now!

As a time traveler, Carlo's greatest advantage was his foresight. He knew everything about this world, and no one could hide anything from him.

'Being Teach's right-hand man means being the future vice-captain of the Blackbeard Pirates? Hmm, this sounds promising…'

Carlo was tempted by Blackbeard's offer, but…

'I'm just a weakling right now! Being Teach's right-hand man is crazy!'

'Teach's future involves gathering strong followers. Growing together isn't part of the plan!'

'I'm too weak to be his right-hand man. My life would be in constant danger…'

Carlo was conflicted. In this world, strength was everything, and his current weakness was a serious problem.

But Carlo had no way to change that right now. His initial excitement and confidence vanished, leaving him feeling helpless.

'Ding! Host faces a crucial decision. Villain Choice System activated!'

'Ding! Blackbeard, Marshall D. Teach, has extended an invitation. The system offers the following choices and rewards tailored for the host!'

'Choice 1: Accept Blackbeard's invitation and become his right-hand man, you are the first member of the Blackbeard Pirates. Reward: Conqueror's Haki Awakening! Navy Rear-Admiral level physique!'

'Choice 2: Reject Blackbeard's invitation and insult him: You're not worth my time you insect! Reward: Armament Haki Awakening! Swordmaster-level swordsmanship!'

'Choice 3: Politely decline Blackbeard's invitation, admitting your current weakness. Reward: Observation Haki Awakening! Increased speed and manuverability!'