Chapter 7 (Edited)

The next day, I set sail, starting the journey. I selected a random direction to sail into because of lacking navigational skills. Tom and Jerry didn't have the skills as well. I suppose I killed the navigator alongside the captain. And besides, the map didn't have a precise direction for the islands.

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Timeskip: 1 month (13 months before the plot)

Sailing on the sea is boring. Since I ordered Tom and Jerry to do most of the chores, I was relatively free during the journey. So, I did some training to make use of the time. It was almost a month after we finally got a glimpse of an island. Due to poor navigational skills, our ship got lost many times. Thanks to the incident, I'm further determined to have Nami onboard my ship.

"Boss, look there! We finally found an island?" The tall and dull-looking Tom excitedly informed me while pointing in a direction. I looked there and found the landmass.

"I don't think there's anyone living there beside the animals. It looks like another isolated island. Should we go there, Boss?" The short and witty Jerry stated his opinion also waited for my instruction.

"Of course, we'll go there. Change the ship's direction toward the island. And, find a good spot for docking the ship. I'll go ashore and check out the island. You two stay here to guard the ship. And, don't forget to light the flare in case of an emergency." I gave them some instruction and flew into the sky, heading towards the island.

When I landed on the shore, I found the island to be somewhat similar to the one I resided in. The island also contains a lush forest and is surrounded by the ocean. The only addition is a big rocky mountain in the middle of it.

But when I entered the forest to survey the area, I saw many bizarre and exotic animals. They looked like a hybrid to me. I found some fox-rooster hybrid, lion-pig hybrid, snake-rabbit hybrid, etc., along the way. I wonder if there's a mad scientist somewhere on the island, performing some experiments on these animals.

"Get out, Intruder!" I was brought off my thoughts when a loud eerie sound resounded throughout the forest. I got tense after hearing it and started looking for the source of the sound.

"Who are you?" I asked the voice to get some information. This scenario feels familiar to me, but I can't pinpoint where I've seen it.

"I'm the guardian of the forest. If you want your lives, then leave this island at once. Or else you will face my wrath!" The eerie voice resounded again. Now, I'm sure whoever is behind the act wants to scare me off.

"Then try it. I'm curious how you'll make me leave this place!" I grinned at him provocatively and headed towards his location. Thanks to the earlier speech, I manage to roughly determine his location.

"Hey! Don't come any closer! I'm warning you to leave this place. Or, you'll face the judgement of the forest." The voice sounded more panicked as I got near it. Looks like he's not a tough guy after all.

Boom!

Suddenly I heard a gunshot, and a bullet got stuck floating outside my barrier. I usually enable my psychic barrier to prevent getting caught off-guard. Due to the gunshot, I managed to find the attacker's exact location.

"Now, I know where you are. I'll return the favor for the gunshot though." I grinned and dashed toward the location. When I got there, I found nothing but a suspicious-looking treasure chest with an afro on top. Also, there's a gun placed in front of it.

Seeing this scene, I finally remember who this guy is. He was a pirate who unfortunately got stuck inside a treasure chest while all of his crew left him behind. I also remember him guarding an empty treasure on top of the rocky mountain without having the ability to go up there. I feel kinda sad after remembering his backstory.

"Hey afro guy! I know you're hiding inside the chest. Cut out the act." I said to him after seeing his pitiful attempt to deceive me. After remembering, I know this guy is too weak to pose any threat to me.

"W-wait a bit! I'm trying to get up but my feet is stuck on the ground. Why don't you lift me up?" A rough-looking middle-aged man appeared out of the chest, asking for my help.

I used my psychic ability and pulled him out of the ground.

"Hah! I'm finally back on feet. You're a devil fruit user right? I've heard about them before…." The weirdo started talking to me afterward.

"My name is Gaimon. And, It's been more than 19 years since I've stayed on this island. You are the first one I've talked to after all this time. So, what are you doing on this island? Don't tell me you're here for my treasure as well?" The afro guy looked at me warily, which amused me. I have no interest in his empty treasures. And even if I do, he'll have no way to stop me.

"Nah, I'm not interested in your silly treasures. I wanted to get out of my ship and get some fresh air. I'll leave the island after restocking some supplies." I answered him casually, making him relieved. I could tell him about the empty treasure, but I stopped myself after looking at his wary face.

"Thank god, you're not here to steal my treasure. And, please don't harm the animals nearby. They're like a family to me after spending all these years together. As a return, I'll tell you where to find some delicious fruits." Gaimon tried to bargain, to which I agreed. I don't want to harm these rare and exotic animals as well.

After collecting enough fruits and vegetables, I said goodbye to Gaimon. He looked relieved hearing my departure. He had some worries around me. I guess I'm not charismatic as Luffy.

(Re-edited on 10/31/2021)