4. count down

he next day was overshadowed by a thick fog that covered the entire island like a white mantle. Axel woke up and didn't find Ussop beside him; he scanned the perimeter, but there was nothing but white fog around.

Maybe I have to explore the island - Axel thought.

…

Link

The host wishes to claim rewards.

He has made a mark in the world of One Piece.

He has obtained a bronze chest.

He has obtained five wooden chests.

He has defeated two dangerous opponents and obtained two metal chests.

Metal chests opened: Obtained a strength card. Obtained a resistance card. (each card adds +40 to physical statistics)

Wooden chests opened: 9mm pistol, barrel of 2 oranges, 3-piece chest.

The bronze chest opened: Special binoculars.

...

-This isn't bad at all, - Axel said, unpacking his new rewards. The 9mm pistol was a modern gun, coming with a fully loaded magazine, a 1992 model with nice designs. Two barrels full of oranges for breakfast, with a bit of meat in the pantry—it will be a great breakfast, no doubt. Some vegetables—thinking of Axel—preparing the ingredients to make vegetable soup and orange juice. Also, in some parts of East Blue, oranges are sold at good prices. Cold climates are more common, and oranges can be sold at high prices.

I think I'll get ready and go look for Ussop, - Axel thought. As he observed Sixis Island, an island with zero population and strong currents that prevented those who docked from leaving the island, which was partially true; there was a way to escape, but only a great navigator could perform such feats.

Axel continued preparing the soup; the special loot of the fire-type Devil Fruit: Mera Mera no Mi was only a disguised blessing. With a second Logia-type Devil Fruit in the arsenal, it is clear that the team he assembles will be a great one.

The island was desolate, with no sign of Ussop; perhaps he was on the top of the giant slope. The weather is a bit cold; this island must be an autumnal one.

-Oi, Ussop! - Axel shouted. After having a great feast, he poured the remaining soup into metal bento boxes—three large pieces.

He started climbing the island; some giant birds were floating around, but the fog prevented them from seeing the people on the island. They only hovered to catch large fish near the island, and fortunately, they hadn't perceived the presence of the occupants yet. The strong winds were a destination for great adventurers.

Axel reached the top to see Ussop, laughing with a guy wearing a mask, and he could only break into a big smile. Plan B was an outstanding fortune; there was Deuce Mask. Although he didn't have much fame in the series, it's sure that he is an acceptable individual who can be part of the small group. Besides, he has some medical abilities, which are essential for the crew.

-Hey, Ussop, you left me stranded on the ship, - Axel said.

-Haha, Axel, I went out to see the surroundings and wanted to climb up here to see the view. I met Mr. Masked, - Ussop replied cheerfully.

-Hey, Mr. Mask, what are you doing on this island? Nothing is interesting around here, - Axel asked.

-Yesterday afternoon, I landed on this island. After setting sail to have an adventure, I ended up stranded on this island, - he said, weighed down by the foolishness he had done.

-Hahaha, Axel, see, it's funny; the same thing happened to him as to you, except you were luckier. You found your glorious captain, - Ussop responded, leaning his back on the chest in front of him.

-Yes, Captain Ussop has told me all the adventures they've had in the last month. I truly didn't think there were still people seeking adventure at sea like me. I feel relieved to hear your captain recount the journeys they've had, - Deuce replied.

-Hey, you're my brother from another mother. Do you want to join my crew? - Ussop asked cheerfully.

-As captain, you've inspired me to join the Blue Pirates along with Axel, - Ussop said, in his compulsive liar mode.

-You know, it's good to have friends to travel with. We can divide the tasks at sea; the watch time is also running out, and you have me, the best navigator you could ask for. Ussop is an incredible sniper and tells the most amusing stories of all, - Axel said, rejoicing at the invitation of his new crew member, just like Ussop, who nodded in agreement.

-Join your crew, - Deuce muttered.

-Are you pirates? - the masked man asked.

-Yes, we are pirates, the Blue Pirates. We seek to sail the seven seas and be brave warriors of the sea. What's your dream, Mr. Masked? - Ussop said.

-Dream, huh? -- he pondered for a while. -- I think to be an explorer and learn about new cultures - Deuce replied.

-Look, it's perfect; you can be our chronicler, responsible for recounting all our adventures and documenting all our exploits, - Axel said.

-A chronicler. I've never heard of a pirate crew with a novelist on board, - Deuce replied.

-Hahaha, that's because our crew is different. The great Captain Ussop doesn't follow anyone's rules, - Ussop responded.

-It's true. With you, we'll be three members. What do you say? Do you want to join my pirate crew? - Axel said, more excited. I can see the crew expanding. Only another crew member is needed to increase the advantages of the final crew system.

-Well, it would be quite interesting. It's decided; I'm pleased to join the Blue Pirates. What should I call you? - Deuce asked.

-Ahaha, Mr. Masked, although it's not so nice to call you that all the time. What's your name? -

-I can't say it. I swore to change my name and never speak it again, - he said.

-Hmm... -

-What about Masked Man? - Ussop suggested.

-The Masked Man... -

-How about Deuce Mask? It's your double name covered by a mask, - Axel sang.

-Why the name... I like it, - he thought more carefully, after smiling.

-Ahaha hahaha, I didn't know your name, and I felt that name suited you well, - Axel asked.

-Forget it, now I'm Deuce Mask, - he confidently replied, the new version of Deuce Mask.

...

Congratulations, host,

Deuce Mask has joined your crew.

You have obtained a silver chest and a wooden chest.

Deuce Mask has been identified as a fighter.

You have opened the silver chest and obtained the basic ambidextrous ability.

…

Ability: Ambidextrous - Basic.

Allows the optimal use of both arms. It can enhance the dual-sword style three times faster and enables the application of forces from both arms.

...

- Wow, - Axel whispered. -- A good ability. Using two swords looks cool, although I don't think it's my preferred style. Still, it will always come in handy if one of my arms is injured. Being ambidextrous is just another blessing, -- Axel thought.

-Well, how about you guys head down to the abandoned ship? Breakfast is ready, - Axel said, uncorking the vents. The smell of Deuce and Ussop's favorite meat, hypnotized, both raised their feet off the ground, arriving to savor the delicious soup.

-Something tells me there's an interesting treasure around here, - Axel responded, walking towards the wooden chest.

-There's nothing, -- Deuce replied. -- I searched the entire place and only found this wooden chest. Although I can't open it, there doesn't seem to be anything special about it, -- Deuce said, with his mouth full.

-Well, I think it's better to open it on the ship. Carry it, and let's get off this island as soon as possible. I don't want to encounter another water vortex in a short period, - Axel said.

-What do you think might be in the chest? - Ussop asked.

-Maybe a treasure map or something more valuable, - Axel replied.

-What could be more valuable than a treasure map? - Deuce said.

-A Devil Fruit, -- Ussop breathed deeply. Looking at the chest, it was the same as the previous one; it was just a hunch. -- We're very lucky to find another Devil Fruit, - Ussop said.

-See, Ussop, luck smiles at the brave, - Axel said, leaving a rope, a barrel of oranges, and two wooden planks, along with a compass.

-I'm sorry, Ace. Anyway, your crew was forgotten by you after joining the Whitebeard Pirates. I'll make good use of this guy, - Axel said.

Deuce, Ussop, and Axel prepared to see what was in the chest.

When the chest opened, indeed, there was the Mera Mera no Mi, the orange form covered with random patterns, a beautiful shape with beautiful patterns. The Blue Pirates had already obtained two quite powerful Devil Fruits, and both were Logia types. I think a team with two Logias could challenge the first half of the Grand Line without even batting an eye.

-Well, guys, as you saw, it's another Devil Fruit. We have to be careful not to inform anyone about this. Anyone who finds out that we have a Devil Fruit in our possession could do very bad things to take our treasure from the sea, - Axel said.

-Another Devil Fruit? - Deuce asked.

-That's right; we got one recently, - Ussop said.

-That goes for everyone. People will do anything for power, and they could threaten our loved ones or even our comrades. - Axel finished saying.

-Yeah.-

-Yes. -

Both nodded.

Their faces were deeply serious; they were aware of the risks they were incurring. Pirates could pursue them indefinitely.

-Having said that, does anyone want to eat a fruit? - Axel asked, addressing his crew.

-There are two Devil Fruits, and you guys are crew members of the ship. It's a treasure that belongs to the crew. - Axel said.

-Would you give me that fruit, just like that? - Deuce asked.

-We've known each other for two hours. - he muttered.

-Hahaha, Deuce, you're part of the crew. Besides, you're the one who discovered the chest first. If you want it, you can eat it. I don't want it. - Axel said.

-Me too. I like to swim, and I don't like fruits. - Ussop said.

-What fruit is this? - Deuce asked.

-It's a Devil Fruit, a fire-type. You'll become a man of fire. - Axel told him.

His gaze was solemn. He took a bite and swallowed without showing any taste or discomfort, but his puzzled look persisted on his face.

-How do you feel? - Ussop asked, excited.

-I feel the same. - Deuce said.

Although there's something strange. He stood in front of the railing and gathered flames in his hands, and two fireballs shot out of his hands, hitting the sea. The fire still lingered in his hands.

Link

Deuce Mask

Strength: 120

Mind: 250

Abilities: Basic Medicine

Devil Fruit: Fire Logia - 3%

…

-Well, you have a new power. Try practicing it while we guide the ship. We've been out for a week, and we need to replenish our supplies. - Axel said.

-It's good, Axel. This power is sensational. - Deuce responded.

-It is. - Axel said, drawing his sword and cutting off Deuce's head.

-Ahhhhhhhh. - Ussop screamed as he saw Deuce's head split in two and then rejoin.

-This is... - Deuce said.

-Yes, no one can physically touch you. - Axel said dramatically.

The journey was serene; they followed the navigation route after taking a wide detour to avoid the dangerous weather on the island of Sixis.

But a large ship appeared in the distance, with a bear skull, and I could only groan in bad luck. Two more ships emerged from it, and I could only curse; it was obvious they were waiting for us.

-Boys, we have company, and it's not good. The pirate crew we stole the fruit from before has come to fight us. Ussop, take the binoculars, try to find a weak point. - Axel said.

-Deuce, prepare your fire tricks, and have some meat to replenish your energy. When we get closer, try to surprise them. We'll board the ship to fight. - Axel instructed the crew. Ussop was already on the roof of the ship, preparing his munitions.

The bullets started to come. Axel maneuvered the ship to dodge each shot while taking care of dodging the cannonballs that started to resonate in the distance. The ships were getting closer to the point where they were enclosed in a circle of three ships.

-Haha, bastards, did you think I wouldn't find you? - said the man, Captain Victor Trump, with a smile that only called for blood.

-The storm hit us; I lost four ships in the whirlpools, but it was all worth it to capture you. - said Victor Trump.

…

The host has used the Strength and Resistance cards.

Increased physical points by 80.

Level 1.

Experience points.

50/100

Physical: 704.

Mind: 537.

Luck: 10.

Advanced Archaeologist.

Swordsman: Intermediate.

Marine Style: Soru.

...

With 80 points from the Strength and Resistance cards, I can be better equipped to fight this fat, but I'm still not a match. I don't know if Deuce's ability can hurt him. - Axel thought, at least he would be safe as a complete novice.

-Let's fight, - Axel said,

as he made a big jump to one of the ships and began attacking all of Bear King's henchmen. With Soru, it was a piece of cake to eliminate all these guys. The speed surprised Victor Trump as he saw his opponent swiftly dodging people with great skill.

The problem was the profound energy expenditure it caused in Axel's legs. Exercising this continuously caused a strain on his physical body, especially when he used Soru relentlessly the night before.

Deuce was seen hurling fireballs, all enemies attacking him but unable to land a blow. The pirates screamed as they witnessed Deuce becoming a war machine capable of defeating anyone, while Ussop followed from behind, throwing bombs.

-Deuce, don't be afraid. Your Devil Fruit ability prevents anyone from hurting you. - Axel said.

-Bastard, you gave him my Devil Fruit. The boss promised to give it to me. Since he couldn't, I'll settle for making you pay. - replied a woman with blonde hair, wearing a long blue jacket.

Before she could use her staff, two fireballs hit her—one in the body and another in the forehead. Ussop's special bombs were doing their job. Axel took the opportunity to run towards the final boss, using Soru, while the experienced bear heated his arm to a deep red and tried to hit Axel—the power of the Kachi-Kachi no Mi. It's a joke for rivals; his skin is as hard as steel, even more so, as it allows him to heat his body to red-hot temperatures. This ability comes from the etymology of "kachi-kachi," stones that collide to create fire.

Axel dodged the live-fire attack, but in a desperate tone, he hit the ship, managing to shake it. After the ship's agitated movement, Axel raised his sword to defend himself, but the bear gave him a direct blow, sending him flying behind the cabin. However, he managed to mitigate the impact by jumping backward, and his sword and arms were intact; it was the damage from the crash that gave him great pain. He quickly emerged from the wood to avoid retaliation.

He went out for the next round, but they were leaving. Why would they run? The fight was intense, and Axel saw no issues.

Deuce arrived at his side while holding Honey Queen, who had been knocked down by the bear.

-It's true, every blow I take allows me to become a man of fire. - Deuce responded, surprised by the ridiculous ability.

-This ability is simply on another level. - the masked man murmured.

-Let's tie up the others, and check if there's food in the pantry or anything interesting. - Axel said.

-I'm on it. - Deuce said, happy to have won his first pirate fight.

-Ussop, come and help me with the treasure. - Axel shouted.

-Ussop - he shouted, looked around, but saw no trace of his dear sniper. Damn, they had captured my companion right in front of my eyes. I guess we're even, bears.

Axel slapped his forehead.

-I didn't find much; there are provisions for two or three days, - Deuce said.

-Change of plans. Get what you can, check the maps or something. Ussop has been kidnapped, and we need to track them down before they hurt him, - Axel said, desperate.

-This lady should know where their base is, - Deuce responded.

Axel sighed in relief. - Let's go; let's get this boat ready, - Axel said.

They loaded the provisions and immediately set sail towards the ship disappearing in the distance. The binoculars allowed them to keep track, but the pirates had about ten minutes of advantage, and that lead was increasing.

-Did she say anything? - Axel asked Deuce.

-Something about a lock - he said.

-Don't bother; we'll continue until we reach their base. Maybe they're trying to lead us into a trap, - Deuce said.

-Don't worry, Deuce. Ussop is smart; he'll survive. We just have to rescue him, - Axel said.

-Don't worry. With my new powers, rescuing Ussop will be easy. Axel, everything will be fine. We'll need to buy a lot of paper and ink to document how we saved Ussop from the pirates, - Deuce said.

-Definitely, - Axel smiled.

The further the ship sailed, the more anxious Axel became. He considered the need for a heat engine. Riding currents and waves was good, but it wasn't enough when competing with larger ships. If the Marines pursued them, their armored vessels would easily destroy them. The way things were developing, the large sails were an advantage against the small ship of the Blue Pirates.

-Phew, I lost them. Judging from their course, they'll sail through the waters near Cocoyashi Islands, - Axel said aloud.

-It's time to interrogate a certain lady, - Axel thought.

...

patreon.com/vin_modeus12