CH 2
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"PhewhooPhew~"
The sound of heavy panting resonated across the deck of the Jackson. Xia Hao was drenched in sweat, vigorously performing push-ups. It marked the second day since Xia Hao had found himself in this new world, and it was also his first day tackling the missions set forth by the two-dimensional system.
The system's permanent tasks were clear: 1,000 push-ups, 1,000 squats, 1,000 sit-ups, and 1,000 punches daily. Completing these tasks would earn him +10 two-dimensional points.
Exhausted but determined, Xia Hao stood up after finishing the grueling exercise. He let out a deep breath, and the distinct sound of his bones cracking echoed as his physical strength was rapidly restored, courtesy of his newfound power, Mu Duan.
"Hey, you there! You're the newcomer who was rescued by Captain Roger, right?"
A voice filled with arrogance and self-assuredness reached Xia Hao's ears. Two young individuals approached him. Leading the way was a child with a conspicuous red nose, a future powerhouse of the Four Emperors, Qianyang Daohua, also known as the Clown Buggy.
Walking beside him was another figure, a future Four Emperors powerhouse himself, the red-haired Shanks, who possessed the notorious Face-Face Fruit ability.
"That's correct," Xia Hao replied.
"Hmph, as a newcomer, you'll be responsible for all the menial tasks like swabbing the deck and washing dishes aboard this ship from now on," Buggy declared with a tone of superiority. His boldness was unmistakable, considering that he had dared to take on the likes of Whitebeard at the tender age of ten.
"Don't worry. Work diligently, and I'll watch your back during your time here on this ship," Shanks added with a smirk.
"Is that so?" Xia Hao retorted with a touch of disdain. He walked past Buggy and Shanks as if dismissing their demands. To Xia Hao, they hardly warranted his attention, as he considered them unimpressive.
The unfolding confrontation didn't go unnoticed by the other members of the Jackson. They observed the tension but chose not to intervene. After all, conflicts among pirates were inevitable. Had Xia Hao been just an ordinary newcomer who couldn't hold his own, it would have been a different story. But with his newfound abilities, Roger intended to place him in a peaceful town after some time, should he prove incapable of adapting to the pirate life.
"Insolent brat! How dare you call me 'red nose'! This is unforgivable! I'll make you pay!" Buggy's face flushed with anger upon hearing Xia Hao's taunts. In a fit of rage, he brandished his blade, appearing ready to attack Xia Hao.
"Roger, should we step in and stop this?" Renly, standing next to Roger, voiced his concern. They were all part of the same pirate crew, and any altercation could result in unpleasant consequences.
"No need. I believe Xia Hao isn't as simple as he seems," Roger responded, gazing intently at Xia Hao. He sensed something unique about the newcomer, though he couldn't quite put his finger on it.
"Mu Duan: Wooden Ingot Wall!" Xia Hao exclaimed. Stepping back, he created a massive wooden barrier out of thin air, effectively shielding himself. As Buggy's short blade met the wooden barrier, a loud clashing sound reverberated.
The Mu Dun Binding Technique followed swiftly. Thick wooden vines extended from the wooden barrier, quickly ensnaring Buggy. In no time, he was rendered immobile, akin to a giant rice dumpling. No matter how much he struggled, it proved futile.
The system provided feedback, granting Xia Hao +20 two-dimensional points from Roger, Renly, and Jabba, and more points from others as well.
A smirk tugged at the corners of Xia Hao's mouth. He might not have awakened the power of Observation Haki, but he knew nothing that transpired on this ship would escape the attention of the future Pirate King, Gol D. Roger.
Shanks, having witnessed Buggy's defeat, leaped into action. Although Shanks was far more formidable than Buggy in terms of combat prowess, Xia Hao, armed with the abilities of Mu Duan, still considered him to be no match for his newfound powers.
"Mu Dun: Wooden Doppelganger!" Xia Hao summoned a wooden clone just in time. Shanks plunged his blade into the wooden doppelganger, caught by surprise. Clearly, he intended to teach Xia Hao a lesson but had no intention of causing real harm.
"Why, what's going on? Do you really believe you've killed me?" Xia Hao emerged from behind the wooden doppelganger and taunted Shanks, who appeared bewildered.
"Are you unharmed?" Shanks asked in amazement. He scrutinized the wooden doppelganger in disbelief. It was an exact replica of Xia Hao, leaving Shanks feeling disoriented.
"Are you a Devil Fruit user?" Shanks inquired.
Xia Hao responded vaguely, "Yes, I am." His powers, bestowed by the Mu Dun, fell into the category of Devil Fruit abilities, albeit a unique and unprecedented one that remained unaffected by the sea's constraints.
"Alright, stop," Roger interjected. He approached Xia Hao and Shanks, placing a hand on each of their shoulders. "From this day on, you both will be shipmates. Any current grievances should not interfere with your future partnership. Trust one another as we do, for we rely on our comrades."
Buggy, who had been released from his bindings, looked on with defiance. He was evidently still upset with Xia Hao for calling him "red nose."
Now that the tension had dissipated, Roger declared, "Since everyone is present, it's time to celebrate the arrival of our new crew member with a banquet!"
The crew responded enthusiastically. The air was filled with excitement and revelry, and everyone released the day's tensions. Even Buggy, despite his earlier anger, extended a hand to Xia Hao in the festive and cheerful atmosphere.
After all, Buggy was just a child of eight or nine years of age, and on this pirate ship, there was much to learn.
Curiosity got the better of Buggy. He sipped his juice and took a seat next to Xia Hao. Turning to his new crewmate, he inquired, "Hey, Xia Hao, can you tell me what kind of person you are?"
Xia Hao grinned and replied playfully, "Why don't you guess?"
Since coming aboard the ship, Xia Hao had been carefully observing everyone in Roger's pirate crew. He was particularly intrigued by Douglas Barrett, the solitary figure who often perched at the bow of the ship, constantly yearning to challenge Captain Roger.
The banquet was a joyous and fleeting affair, a night filled with laughter and camaraderie on board the Jackson.
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If you want to read more 20 chapters!! Ahead, go to
patreon.com/Akumachikara
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