Chapter 4: Dreams of the Blade: Onward to Windmill Village

{Note:-

System inner voice ["speaking"]

Ash inner speech "speaking"}

Ash slowly stirred awake, the first rays of sunlight illuminating the room. He had just completed a long and tiring day, and while his body felt the weight of the previous night, his mind was already focused on the next steps. The sound of Celeste's voice echoed in his thoughts, snapping him to attention.

["Good morning, Ash. I have gathered your updates from yesterday's completed quests and the rewards you've earned."]

As Celeste appeared before him, Ash couldn't help but smile. His efforts had paid off, and now he had new goals to focus on. Celeste's voice continued, breaking down the details.

[Rewards Received]

Quest: Befriend Shanks and His Crew

-> 250 Experience Points

-> 150 Store Coins

-> 1 x Lottery Ticket

Ability Unlocked: Basic Swordsmanship

Quest: Gain Uta's Trust

-> 100 Experience Points

-> 50 Store Coins

Special Ability Unlocked: Voice Resonance

Basic Swordsmanship: An Active ability for wielding a sword, enabling basic attacks, parries, and defense, maneuvers with improved precision.

Voice Resonance: A Passive Ability helps in forming deeper connections by ensuring voice conveys sincerity and understanding, gradually fostering trust and rapport with others over time. While it doesn't influence or manipulate, it aids in naturally strengthening relationships.

Name: Rafael D. Ash

Age: 9

Level: 4; Experience: 170/1000

Title: Reincarnator

Stats:

Strength: 16 -> 18 (due to active skill Basic Swordsmanship)

Agility: 17 -> 20 (due to active skill Basic Swordsmanship)

Endurance: 14 -> 16 (due to active skill Basic Swordsmanship)

Intelligence: 14 -> 16 (due to active skill Basic Swordsmanship)

Charisma: 16 -> 20 (due to Passive skill Voice Resonance)

Luck: 8 -> 9 (due to active skill Basic Swordsmanship)

Unallocated Points: 10

Store Coins: 50 -> 250

Lottery Tickets: 1

Abilities:

[Active Abilities]

Basic Marksmanship (Yasopp) - Novice

Tactical Thinking (Beckman) - Novice

Hand-to-Hand Combat Basics (Lucky Roo) - Novice

Seamanship Fundamentals (Shanks' Crew) - Novice

Fishing (Shanks' Crew) - Beginner

Cooking (Shanks' Crew) – Novice

Basic Swordsmanship (Newly Unlocked) - Beginner

[Passive Abilities]: -

 Calm Mind; Perfect Recollection; Voice Resonance

Ash paused, his mind racing through his thoughts. "Celeste, why do I sometimes act so childish, even though I know I have a mature mindset from my past life?"

Celeste's voice was calm and reassuring. ["It's because your soul may be mature, Ash, but your body and emotions are still those of a 9-year-old. Your experiences and wisdom from your past life influence your thoughts, but your physical age limits how you express yourself. As you grow, that internal maturity will align more with your outward behavior."]

Ash looked at his single lottery ticket in his hand, curiosity growing. He turned to Celeste, eager to learn more about the different rewards.

"How many levels are there for these rewards? You mentioned Legendary and Mythic—what other types are there? And what colors or ranks do they have?"

Celeste's voice reverberated in Ash's mind, explaining the details about the rewards.

["Ash, let me break it down for you:"]

Common (White): Basic, everyday items, minor skills, or small boosts. They are usually low-rarity and not game-changing but are useful for leveling up or quick improvements.

Uncommon (Green): Slightly better than Common rewards, offering more valuable skills, abilities, or items, but still not extraordinary.

Rare (Blue): Items, abilities, or skills that stand out and offer tangible boosts. These rewards could include rare weapons, abilities, or even passive skills that provide noticeable advantages.

Epic (Purple): High-level rewards that can be significant upgrades. Powerful items, rare skills, or unique abilities that can alter combat strategies or provide great advantages in key situations.

Legendary (Gold): Items or abilities that are highly valuable and unique. These rewards can greatly enhance your abilities or grant you something exceptional. They are rare and often change the course of one's journey.

Mythic (Rainbow/Prismatic): The pinnacle of rewards. Extremely rare and powerful, Mythic-tier rewards can include game-changing abilities, items, or even summons that could drastically impact your adventure.

["Now, a key point to keep in mind, Ash: The majority of rewards are temporary. You can use them for yourself or give them to your crew, but their effects won't last forever. Permanent effects—those that will stay with you or your crew—are usually reserved for Legendary or Mythic-tier rewards."]

Celeste's voice continued, adding a new layer of information.

["One more thing, Ash: There's also a chance for the evolution of certain skills. These evolutions can be obtained through the lottery, hidden quests, or other special conditions. When a skill evolves, it can become significantly stronger or unlock entirely new abilities. It's a rare but valuable opportunity to enhance your potential, and it's something to keep an eye on as you progress."]

As Ash examined his abilities, he asks Celeste, curious about their levels and types. "Celeste, can you break down the skills I have so far and tell me their types?"

Celeste responded, her voice calm and informative.

["Of course, Ash. Here's a breakdown of the skills you've obtained so far:

Active Abilities: These are skills you actively use in combat or daily tasks. Some of these abilities have the potential to evolve, while others remain as they are unless triggered by certain conditions.

Basic Marksmanship (Yasopp) - Rare (Upgradeable)

Tactical Thinking (Beckman) - Rare (Upgradeable)

Hand-to-Hand Combat Basics (Lucky Roo) - Rare (Upgradeable)

Seamanship Fundamentals (Shanks' Crew) - Common (Not upgradeable)

Fishing (Shanks' Crew) - Common (Not upgradeable)

Cooking (Shanks' Crew) – Common (Not upgradeable)

Basic Swordsmanship - Rare (Can be upgraded with consistent practice and use)

Passive Abilities: These enhance your overall effectiveness in subtle ways, always active, and are generally more powerful. They have a chance to upgrade, especially with unique quests or experiences.

Calm Mind - Rare (Upgradeable)

Perfect Recollection - Rare (Upgradeable)

Voice Resonance - Rare (Unique and provides unique chances for growth)

In general, Basic Swordsmanship and other abilities that require direct usage or mastery, such as Marksmanship or Hand-to-Hand Combat, have the potential to evolve or upgrade, while others, like basic skills in Fishing or Cooking, do not."

Celeste paused, ensuring Ash understood before continuing.

["Not all abilities will evolve, especially those that are more foundational or everyday tasks. But for combat or unique skills, consistent use and focus can lead to upgrades."]

Ash stepped onto the deck, the cool morning breeze brushing through his hair. The ship swayed gently beneath his feet as he made his way toward Shanks, who was leaning against the mast, a familiar easy grin on his face.

"Hey, Shanks!" Ash called out, his voice carrying over the soft lapping of the waves.

Shanks looked up, smiling as always. "Ah, there you are, kid! You look ready for something."

Ash's excitement bubbled over. "Are you going to start teaching me swordsmanship today?"

Shanks chuckled, the sound warm and genuine. "You bet I am. You ready for it?"

Ash's eyes lit up, his heart racing with excitement. "Finally! I've been waiting for this!"

Shanks laughed at Ash's enthusiasm. "Alright, calm down there, kid. Let's head to the deck. Everyone else can watch, too. Let's see what you've got."

With a skip in his step, Ash followed Shanks eagerly as they moved toward the center of the deck. The rest of the crew, including Uta, gathered around, their expressions a mix of curiosity and excitement as they prepared to watch Ash's first sword lesson. Everyone could sense the anticipation in the air, and Ash couldn't help but feel the weight of the moment as he geared up for this new challenge.

Ash gripped the practice sword, its weight still foreign to him, but the excitement surged through his veins. Shanks stood in front of him, giving him a nod to start.

"Ready, Ash?" Shanks asked, his voice calm yet expectant.

Ash nodded eagerly, taking a deep breath before stepping forward with a swift swing. The moment their swords clacked together, Ash felt a strange sense of focus. Shanks effortlessly parried his strike, but Ash could feel the improvement with each attempt.

Clack, clack!

The sound of their swords echoed in the air, the rhythm of their movements becoming a dance. Ash's instincts guided him more than his conscious thought, and he could tell Shanks was holding back, testing his reactions.

The crew watched closely, their eyes flicking between Ash's fluid movements and Shanks' controlled responses. Yasopp raised an eyebrow, impressed.

"Not bad... For a kid. He's quick." Yasopp thought, his fingers tapping on his gun.

Lucky Roo grinned, nodding. "He's definitely got talent. Quick learner too, but he's still a long way from matching Shanks."

Beckman was silent for a moment, analyzing Ash's every move. "He's sharp. For a kid, he's got decent reflexes. But Shanks isn't going all out. Wonder how far this kid can go..."

Shanks blocked another swing, stepping back as he assessed Ash's performance. "Not bad for someone so young. His instincts are good, but he's still got a lot to learn. I can't go too hard on him, though. Let's see how far he pushes himself."

Ash grinned, feeling a surge of confidence. The practice sword clacked again against Shanks' defense, but this time, Ash's strike felt just a little more precise.

"Good," Shanks said, his grin widening. "You're getting the hang of it. Let's take it slow for now."

Ash's heart swelled with pride. He was learning, and no one knew just how much more he had inside him.

After an hour of intense practice, Ash finally slowed down, exhausted but satisfied. Shanks, noticing his fatigue, smiled and lowered his sword.

"Alright, Ash. That's enough for today," Shanks said. "You've done well."

The crew gathered around, congratulating him. Yasopp grinned. "Not bad for a kid." Lucky Roo nodded approvingly, while Uta clapped her hands in excitement. "You did great, Ash!"

"The Unspoken Legacy":

As the crew gathered around, enjoying the calm of the evening, Shanks glanced over at Ash, a thoughtful look crossing his face. After a moment, he asked, his voice casual but curious, "Hey, Ash... what's your full name? Is it just ash?"

Ash looked up at him, a smile on his face, as he answered proudly, "Rafael D. Ash!"

The moment the name left his lips, the air seemed to change. The laughter and chatter from the crew suddenly died down. Shanks' gaze hardened for a split second as the crew around him fell silent. The significance of the "D." wasn't lost on any of them. Shanks mind briefly wandered back to his time with Gol D. Roger, the former pirate king, and the mystery surrounding the infamous letter.

Shanks took a deep breath, masking his face & thoughts with his Straw Hat behind a calm expression. "So," he continued, his tone softer now, "what's your dream, Ash? What do you want to do?"

Shanks gaze stayed fixed on Ash, waiting for the boy's answer. Ash stood tall, determination in his eyes, and spoke with conviction.

"My dream?" Ash said, his voice full of resolve. "I want to become strong, not just for myself, but to protect the people I care about... my family, my friends, the bonds I make along the way. That's my dream, and I'll do whatever it takes to make it a reality."

His words were simple but carried the weight of his unwavering resolve, much like the spirit of a true adventurer.

Shanks leaned back against the railing, his laughter mingling with the crew's boisterous cheers after Ash's bold declaration. The mood was light, and even Uta, standing nearby, blushed slightly, a soft smile gracing her lips.

When the laughter finally settled, Shanks glanced toward Building Snake, his navigator. "Snake, how long till we reach Windmill Village?"

Building Snake adjusted his hat and replied with confidence, "Two days, Captain, if the wind stays on our side."

Shanks nodded, a grin tugging at his lips. "Two days, huh? That's just enough time to squeeze in a few more lessons."

Ash leaned back, letting the gentle rocking of the ship lull his thoughts. He couldn't help but wonder about Luffy, the child he had glimpsed in passing before his shipwreck. Based on everything he remembered from the anime/manga of his previous life, Luffy was destined to be a fearless, boisterous boy with an unshakable resolve and a smile that could light up even the darkest skies.

Ash's mind raced with possibilities. Would Luffy already show signs of that future charisma? Was he already dreaming of becoming the Pirate King? The thought made Ash grin; it would be exciting to meet someone he felt he already knew so well.

Yet, what Ash didn't realize was that this world had shifted in unexpected ways, weaving changes he couldn't predict. Unbeknownst to him, a surprise awaited at Windmill Village—one that would challenge all his assumptions and push his journey in a direction he hadn't anticipated.

To be continued...

Note:- "Ash speaks out loud when there is no near him, even though the crew and shanks are overpowered & and knows Haki, I portrayed as they respect privacy of others thereby not noticing ask speaking himself. But after this ash chapter will keep speaking in his mind while talking with Celeste". 

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. 😊