Chapter 1: The Unfathomable Dream - A Pirate's Calling

[Note:

" * " : Indicates abilities that can be upgraded with practice, experience, or unique opportunities.]

> System inner voice ["speaking"] <

> Ash inner speech "speaking" <

A Morning of Adventure and the Arrival of Pirates:

6 – Year old Monkey D. Lucy, the energetic dreamer of Windmill Village, began her day as she always did, brimming with life and an insatiable curiosity for the world beyond. The small coastal village, nestled amidst gentle hills and shimmering waves, was home to simple folk who led peaceful lives. Lucy's adventurous spirit often set her apart from the calm demeanor of her neighbors.

As she sprinted down the dirt roads, her path occasionally crossed familiar faces: Woop Slap, the stern but caring village elder & mayor, or the friendly Makino, who ran the bar that had become Lucy's second home. They greeted her with exasperated smiles, used to her boundless energy.

Inside Makino's Party Bar, Lucy wolfed down her breakfast, speaking animatedly about her dream of setting out to sea and becoming the greatest pirate ever. "I'm going to have adventures, find treasure, and maybe even get my own ship!" she declared, waving a spoon as if it were a cutlass.

Makino chuckled. "You're just like your grandfather, always full of energy."

The mention of her grandfather, Monkey D. Garp, brought a mix of pride and mock annoyance to Lucy's face. A Vice Admiral in the Marines, Garp had a unique way of showing his love for Lucy—often by throwing her into intense and unexpected training. His infamous "fist of love" was his way of keeping her in line, though it only made her more determined to chase her pirate dreams. Despite his efforts to steer her toward the Marines, Lucy's path was clear in her heart.

Mayor Woop slap along with other villagers, lucy with Makino runs to docks seeing the approaching pirate ships. Seeing that Woop Slap grumbled loudly, arms crossed in his usual stern demeanor. "Garp just left a few days ago finishing his so-called vacation," he said, shaking his head. "And now pirates show up. Figures! If these scoundrels had arrived while he was still here, we wouldn't even be having this discussion!"

He sighed, visibly irritated. "That old fool has chased most of the riffraff out of East Blue. But if these newcomers aren't friendly, I'll call him back on the Den Den Mushi. He'd deal with them like the good-for-nothing pirates they are."

Though his words were laced with frustration, Woop Slap still hesitated to involve Garp immediately. He was determined to assess the pirates' intent before escalating matters. His cautious resolve didn't stop him from muttering under his breath, "What kind of pirates are these, showing up now of all times?"

The villagers exchanged nervous glances, torn between fear of the pirates and relief that Garp could be called upon if needed. Lucy, however, stood apart, her eyes gleaming with excitement, completely unaffected by Woop Slap's warnings

Makino stood at the bar's doorway, worry etched on her face. Lucy, however, was a stark contrast to the anxious villagers. She practically vibrated with excitement. "Pirates! Real pirates are coming!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"Lucy, don't go causing trouble," Makino warned, though she couldn't help but smile at the girl's enthusiasm.

Lucy laughed. "Don't worry, Makino! I just want to see them up close. Someday, I'll be out there with my crew!"

As the villagers murmured nervously about the approaching ships, Lucy was already imagining herself on the deck of a grand ship, sailing into adventure. Little did she know that this moment would mark the beginning of a tale far greater than anything she had ever dreamed.

Anticipation on the Horizon:

As the Red Force approached the coastline, Shanks' navigator, Building Snake, called out, "We're closing in! Windmill Village is just up ahead!" His announcement stirred the crew into action as they gathered on deck to take in the sight of the small but lively village.

Ash leaned over the ship's railing, his mind racing. "Finally," he thought, his anticipation building with each passing moment. This was it—the place he'd long been waiting to see. His thoughts were fixed on meeting Luffy, the legendary figure he knew from the One Piece he remembered. The image of the reckless, adventurous boy was vivid in his mind, and he couldn't help but grin at the thought of meeting the young version of the Pirate King-to-be. Unaware of the twist awaiting him, Ash felt his excitement bubbling over.

Uta sidled up to him, her expression curious as she noted his eagerness. "You're really looking forward to this, huh?" she teased, her voice laced with amusement.

"You have no idea," Ash replied, his grin widening. "This is where it all begins." Ash thinks in his mind.

Shanks strolled over; his usual grin plastered on his face as the ship neared the docks. "Alright, crew, remember—don't go scaring the villagers. We're here to relax, not cause a panic!" His laughter boomed across the deck, matched by the crew's spirited cheers.

The ship soon reached the docks, the sound of its anchor dropping echoing through the air as the crew prepared to disembark.

As the ship docked at Windmill Village, Woop Slap, the village chief/mayor, stepped forward, eyeing the crew cautiously. "So, what's the deal? What brings you pirates here?"

Shanks smiled and gave a casual wave, his usual easy-going attitude shining through. "We're just passing through, looking for some rest. We're not here for trouble."

Woop Slap grunted, not entirely convinced. "You pirates always say that. But the last thing we need around here is more trouble. What do you want from us?"

Shanks tilted his head slightly, still smiling. "Peace. We've had our fill of fighting for now. We're just looking for a place to relax and maybe make some friends."

Woop Slap eyed him suspiciously, clearly not entirely trusting the crew. "I'll take your word for now. But I'll be keeping an eye on you."

Shanks chuckled and raised a hand in good-natured surrender. "Fair enough, old man. We'll keep it peaceful."

With that, Shanks and his crew began to disembark from the ship, their spirits high, and Ash, excited to explore the village, followed closely behind.

As the crew disembarked and made their way into Windmill Village, Lucy, with her trademark curiosity, approached the group of pirates. Her eyes sparkled with excitement, and without hesitation, she called out.

"Hey! Are you real pirates?" she asked, her voice full of wonder. The crew turned their attention to her, some of them chuckling at her boldness. She stood there, hands on her hips, staring at them expectantly.

Shanks, with his usual grin, looked down at her. "That's right, kid. We're real pirates."

Lucy's eyes widened, and she took a step closer, still unsure who they were. "What's your name, then?"

Shanks raised an eyebrow at her directness. "The name's Shanks. And these are my crew."

Lucy stared at them for a moment, processing the information. Then, with a determined expression, she asked the question she had been holding back.

Lucy called out, hands on her hips, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. "You're a pirate, right? Then can I join your crew?!"

The crew paused for a moment, some of them chuckling under their breath at her boldness. Shanks looked down at her, his usual smile never fading as he scratched the back of his head. "You want to join our crew, huh?" he asked, clearly entertained. "You're an ambitious one, aren't you? What's your name kid?"

Lucy, eyes sparkling with excitement and replies, "My name is Lucy, I wanna go out to sea and have big adventures, just like you! I'll be the greatest pirate ever!"

Shanks laughed, ruffling her hair. "You've got guts, I'll give you that. But it takes more than guts to be a pirate."

Lucy laughed, the sound bubbling out in her usual "Shishishishi!" She grinned up at him. "I've got that too!"

The villagers watched the exchange, some shaking their heads, while others smiled at Lucy's fearless spirit.

A Twist in Expectations: Ash Meets Lucy

As Lucy laughed her iconic smile "Shishishishi!" with Shanks and the crew, Ash stood rooted in place, his expression a mix of confusion and disbelief. He had braced himself to meet a familiar, brash boy from his memories of the One Piece. Instead, he found himself face-to-face with an energetic, fearless girl. The spirit, the charisma—it was unmistakably Monkey D. Luffy.

His thoughts spiraled into chaos. "Wait a second. Luffy… is Lucy? What is this? Gender-bender world? Did I get reincarnated into some kind of alternate timeline? This makes no sense!"

Desperately seeking answers, Ash called out in his mind. "Celeste, explain this! Why is Luffy a girl? What kind of world is this?"

Celeste's soothing yet mischievous tone answered, her words deliberate. ["Ash, you didn't honestly think everything would be exactly like the story you remember, did you? You're an anomaly in this world, and your presence alone has already shifted some threads of fate. While the canon timeline may align in parts, there will be deviations. Lucy is simply one of those twists".]

Ash frowned, trying to process the implications. "So, what else is different? Are there other… surprises waiting for me?"

Celeste's voice turned cryptic, refusing to reveal more. ["I won't spoil the adventure for you, Ash. Just know this: your knowledge is a guide, not a guarantee. Some people and events may differ from what you expect. Embrace it—this world is alive, dynamic, and yours to explore".]

Ash let out a resigned sigh, his shoulders relaxing. "Figures you'd say that. Fine. Guess I'll roll with it… but seriously, a girl Luffy?" He glanced at Lucy, her bold energy radiating as she peppered Shanks with questions about piracy. A small smile formed on his lips. "Well, no use complaining. She's still got that same unstoppable will as Luffy."

As the crew and villagers laughed around him, Ash realized he'd need to adapt quickly to this world's quirks. This wasn't just about reliving a story he already knew—this was a brand-new adventure, one with surprises waiting at every turn.

Makino's Party Bar: A Fateful Introduction

The Party Bar bustled with lively chatter and laughter as Shanks and his crew settled in, their presence filling the room with a contagious energy. Makino moved gracefully between the tables, balancing trays laden with drinks and food, her warm smile putting the villagers at ease despite the pirates' imposing appearance.

Ash sat at a corner table with Uta, sipping a drink while observing the crew's antics. His mind wandered, still adjusting to the reality of Lucy's existence. Beside him, Uta seemed more relaxed, enjoying the boisterous atmosphere.

The door swung open, and a familiar voice rang out.

"Makino! I'm starving!" Lucy exclaimed, bounding into the bar with her usual exuberance. She hopped onto a stool at the counter, her wide grin lighting up the room.

Makino greeted her warmly. "Lucy! Just in time. I'll get your usual."

Ash's gaze sharpened. "Here we go. Let's see how this plays out."

Shanks, noticing her arrival, chuckled. "Ah, Lucy! Come meet my crew! And these two are Uta and Ash. They're traveling with us."

Lucy spun around, curiosity gleaming in her eyes as she sized up Uta and Ash. "You're with the pirates? That's so cool!"

Before Ash could respond, a notification from Celeste flashed in his mind.

[New Quest Acquired!]

Title: Befriend the Future Pirate Queen

Objective: Earn Monkey D. Lucy's trust and friendship.

Reward: 100 System Coins, Increased Relationship Meter with Lucy, Bonus unknown.

Ash nearly choked on his drink, keeping his composure as best as he could. "Pirate Queen, huh? Well, looks like the Celeste's already setting me up for something big."

Lucy plopped down across from him, her infectious energy drawing Ash and Uta into a spirited conversation. As they exchanged stories, Ash realized one thing—befriending Lucy wouldn't be a chore. Her dream, her passion, and her fearless nature were captivating. He genuinely what to be her friend but the quest like is just an added benefit.

The seeds of a new bond had been sown.

New Connections Over Breakfast:

As the group enjoyed their breakfast at Makino's bar, Lucy's curiosity bubbled over. She leaned forward, resting her elbows on the counter. "So, what's your story?" she asked, her gaze flitting between Uta and Ash.

Uta smiled softly, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear. Before she could answer, Shanks chimed in with a wide grin. "This here is my daughter, Uta," he said, his tone filled with fatherly pride. "She's the ship's diva. No one in the world sings like her."

Lucy's eyes widened. "You're his daughter? That's so cool! Do you sing during battles?"

Uta giggled, her cheeks faintly pink. "Sometimes. It keeps the crew's spirits up."

Lucy nodded enthusiastically before turning her attention to Ash. "And you? What's your deal? How'd you end up with pirates?"

Ash opened his mouth to speak, but Shanks beat him to it, his voice taking on a more thoughtful tone. "Ash is someone we found shipwrecked. Poor guy was in pretty bad shape, but we brought him aboard and patched him up. He's just hitching a ride with us for now."

"But," Shanks added with a smile, "he's proven himself to be a good friend to us."

Lucy tilted her head, studying Ash. "So you're not a pirate yet?"

Ash chuckled, scratching the back of his neck. "Not quite. Just figuring things out for now."

Lucy grinned. "Well, if you ever decide to become a pirate, maybe you can join my crew instead!"

The room erupted in laughter, with Shanks' hearty chuckles and Lucy's signature "shishishishi" blending together. Ash couldn't help but smile at the easy camaraderie forming between them.

"This girl's energy is something else," Ash thought, glancing at her with a newfound appreciation.

Lucy's Bold Request:

One crisp morning, the rhythmic clashing of wooden swords resonated through the ship as Ash sparred with Shanks under the crew's watchful gaze. Sweat dripped down Ash's face, but his eyes gleamed with determination, earning an approving nod from Shanks.

Unbeknownst to them, Lucy had been observing from the side, her bright eyes sparkling with excitement. As the training wrapped up, she bounded over, her enthusiasm impossible to miss.

"Hey, Shanks!" Lucy exclaimed, grinning widely. "Teach me too!"

Shanks and his crew froze for a moment before bursting into laughter. Even Ash, still catching his breath, couldn't suppress a smile.

"Teach you?" Shanks asked, leaning lazily against his sword. "You think you've got what it takes to train you, kid?"

Lucy's face scrunched up with determination, and she stomped her foot. "Of course! My punches are like bullets! And I've taken my grandpa's fist of love a million times without crying!"

Her outburst only made the crew laugh harder. Shanks smirked. "Grandpa's fist of love, huh? Let me guess—you can swim too?"

Lucy proudly nodded. "Yep! I'm not afraid of anything!"

Shanks grinned mischievously. "Well then, from now on, you're Anchor!"

The crew erupted into louder laughter as Lucy's shark-toothed scowl appeared. "Stop laughing at me!" she shouted, her cheeks red with frustration. Turning on her heel, she stormed off toward the forest, muttering angrily under her breath.

Ash watched her stomp away, shaking his head with a small chuckle. "Just like the Luffy I know—might be running off into the woods." He cleaned himself up, deciding to follow her.

While Ash makes his way toward the forest in search of Lucy, he asks Celeste to display his stats. This moment allows him to evaluate his progress so far, assessing his abilities and determining areas where he can improve.

Name: Rafael D. Ash

Age: 9

Level: 5

Experience: 600/1500

Title: Reincarnator

Stats:

Strength: 18 → 21 (+3 from intense physical training and sparring with Shanks)

Agility: 21 (+1 from consistent practice and enhanced reflex drills)

Endurance: 17 → 18 (+1 from endurance-building exercises with the crew)

Intelligence: 16

Charisma: 20

Luck: 9 → 11 (+2 due to unseen effects of the Reincarnator title)

Unallocated Points: 15

Store Coins: 500 coins

Lottery Ticket: 1

Abilities:

[Active Abilities]

Basic Marksmanship (Rare; Novice)*

Tactical Thinking (Rare; Novice)*

Hand-to-Hand Combat Basics (Rare; Novice)*

Seamanship Fundamentals (Common; Novice)

Fishing (Common; Novice)

Cooking (Common; Novice)

Basic Swordsmanship (Rare; Beginner)*

[Passive Abilities]

Calm Mind (Rare)*

Perfect Recollection (Rare)*

Voice Resonance (Rare; Unique)

Ash's gaze shifted to his Store Coins, his eyes widening in surprise as the number had increased from 250 to 500 coins. He quickly asks to Celeste, eager for an explanation.

"Celeste, my coins just doubled! I had 250 before, and now it's 500. What's going on?"

Celeste's calm voice echoed in his mind. ["The increase is due to your recent level up. The amount of Store Coins you gain after each level increases based on your level. Starting from level 5, the coins rewarded will be more than what you received before, and the amount changes for each level-up."]

Ash furrowed his brow in thought. "So, the coins I get when I level up will keep changing, huh?"

["Yes,"] Celeste confirmed. ["The amount of Store Coins you receive with each level-up will vary, depending on the level itself. It's designed to help you manage your resources effectively as you progress."]

"So I just have to level up to see how much it changes each time?" Ash asked, feeling more intrigued by the system's functionality.

["That's correct,"] Celeste responded. ["The system is designed to reward progress and growth at different levels."]

Ash smiled, now understanding that his rewards would keep improving as he continued to advance. "That's actually pretty cool. Thanks, Celeste!"

As Ash mulled over the new feature, Celeste's voice cut through his thoughts, ["Reaching level 5 is your first milestone. This is when you begin to unlock a more consistent reward system. For example, you just received coins, but different milestones can grant you various rewards."]

Ash raised an eyebrow, eager to know more. "So, it's not just coins?"

["That's right,"] Celeste continued. ["Each milestone will grant you something to assist in your journey.]

Celeste continued. ["For example, once you reach your 2nd milestone, you could receive a variety of different reward. It could be anything—healing pills, materials, or even unique items. The rewards will vary, and each milestone might provide something different. The important thing is that once you start receiving coins, they'll continue to grow with every level-up, alongside whatever new rewards you get the previous milestone along with new milestone stacks up."]

Ash thought about it for a moment, excited by the possibilities, but also curious about what surprises might lie ahead.

Ash looked at the interface, his tone focused. "Celeste, open the store for me. I've been eyeing a skill for some time, but the coins I've had and the store refreshes have made it impossible to buy. If it's available today, I'd like to purchase it."

["Here it is,"] she replied, the familiar interface of the store appearing before him. ["Take a look at today's refresh."]

Store Items (Daily Refresh):

(1) Basic First Aid Kit (Cost: 150 System Coins) – Common (White)

A basic kit that allows for quick treatment of minor injuries. It can stop bleeding, reduce pain, and stabilize until further care is available.

(2) Observe (Cost: 200 System Coins) – Uncommon (Green)

Ability to analyze individuals or situations with increased clarity, providing an advantage in battle tactics and decision-making.

(3) Speed and Agility Drills (Cost: 300 System Coins) – Uncommon (Green)

A training manual that helps improve speed and agility through targeted exercises, making him quicker in combat and evasive actions.

(4) Training Speed Boost (Cost: 500 System Coins) – Rare (Blue)

Increases training efficiency by 30%, allowing to level up faster by reducing the time needed for his training sessions.

(5) Survival Guide: Sea Navigation (Cost: 600 System Coins) – Rare (Blue)

A comprehensive guide for surviving the dangers of the Grand Line and navigating through its unpredictable seas.

(6) Ability Transfer Pill (Cost: 800 System Coins) – Rare (Blue)

Temporarily allows to borrow the abilities of another individual for 24 hours, perfect for adapting to specific challenges.

(7) Shunpo Step (Instant Movement) (Cost: 1,000 System Coins) – Epic (Purple)

A special technique that allows to move instantly over short distances, perfect for evading attacks or closing gaps in combat. (From Bleach)

(8) Dragon's Blood Elixir (Cost: 2,000 System Coins) – Epic (Purple)

A diluted version of the legendary Dragon's Blood, known for its healing and strengthening properties. This elixir temporarily enhances strength and promotes rapid healing. While not as potent as true dragon's blood, it can significantly aid in recovery from injuries and boost physical abilities for a limited time(48 hours).

(9) Devil Fruit Power Enhancement (Cost: 5,000 System Coins) – Legendary (Gold)

Temporarily enhances the abilities of a specific Devil Fruit user for 48 hours, allowing them to access more power.

(10) Time Reverse Hourglass (Cost: 10,000 System Coins) – Mythic (Rainbow/Prismatic)

A rare artifact that allows to reverse time for 30 minutes, enabling him to undo crucial moments and try again. (From The Promised Neverland)

Ash focused on the interface before him and said in his mind, "Celeste, I want to buy the 'Observe' ability from today's store list."

Celeste's response was immediate. ["Understood. The 'Observe' ability is now available for purchase at a cost of 200 System Coins. Proceeding with the transaction."]

A soft chime sounded, and the purchase was complete.

Store Coins: 500 -> 300 coins

[Active Abilities]

Basic Marksmanship (Rare; Novice)*

Tactical Thinking (Rare; Novice)*

Hand-to-Hand Combat Basics (Rare; Novice)*

Seamanship Fundamentals (Common; Novice)

Fishing (Common; Novice)

Cooking (Common; Novice)

Basic Swordsmanship (Rare; Beginner)*

Observe (Uncommon; Beginner) *

As Ash watched Lucy fight the boar, seeing her in action, he couldn't help but wonder what to say when the time came to speak. He'd been planning this moment in his mind, but the right words seemed to elude him.

Lucy was focused, her every move showing the determination of someone much older than her years. Ash watches silently rooting for her, and as the boar finally dropped, he took a step forward, ready to finally break the silence.

She was still unaware of his presence.

Would he finally speak up?

Or would fate push him to wait for the next opportunity?

To be continued...

Hey everyone! I'm always looking for ways to make this story even better, and I'd love to hear your ideas. What powers do you think should be available in Ash's store? Maybe you have some cool concepts for abilities, weapons, or items that could make the adventure even more exciting!

Feel free to drop your suggestions in the comments, and if there's anything specific, you'd love to see in future chapters, let me know! I might even integrate your ideas into the story.

Also, don't forget to give some Power Stones if you're enjoying the journey! Your support means the world. 😊