A Path of His Own ?

The marine warship sailed steadily through the open waters, leaving the gates of Impel Down far behind. The sea stretched out endlessly ahead, but tension still hung in the air. They were heading straight into the heart of the world's most dangerous battle—the war at Marineford to save Ace, Luffy's brother.

Blake stood at the bow of the ship, his mind quiet but active, processing everything that had happened. His quest had ended as soon as they escaped the prison, and the system had rewarded him with a tier 4 card draw. His calm demeanor remained, but inside, Blake knew the card he had drawn was significant. The Mikoto Misaka card.

The system's familiar interface appeared in his mind, the text clear as it broke down the new abilities he had unlocked.

Mikoto Misaka Card Unlocked

Tier 4 Card: Mikoto Misaka (Level 0)

Proficiency: 0/100

Abilities Unlocked:

Electromaster (Level 0): Gains the ability to control and manipulate electricity. At the current level, can generate small electric charges, but with time and training, this ability can become devastating, allowing to wield electric fields, create electromagnetic projectiles, and even control metal objects through magnetism.

Railgun (Level 0): By converting kinetic energy through electromagnetism, launch small objects like coins or metal shards at devastating speeds. At the current level, the ability is basic, only allowing to launch small objects with moderate force. But as his proficiency with the card grows, so too will the speed and power behind his attacks.

Blake processed the new abilities with cold precision. The Electromaster ability granted him control over electricity—a skill that could be honed into something truly formidable over time. For now, he could only generate small charges, enough to be useful in specific situations but far from its full potential.

The second ability, Railgun, intrigued him more. At his current level, it allowed him to launch small metal objects using his electric power, but even at this basic stage, he understood how deadly this could become with time. The ability had massive potential. If mastered, it could become a powerful long-range weapon, capable of piercing through almost anything.

Blake stood at the bow of the ship, the wind whipping against his face as he contemplated his next steps. The Mikoto Misaka card had added a new layer to his power, but he wasn't sure how he wanted to use it yet. His eyes flicked toward Luffy, whose focus was solely on the upcoming battle at Marineford. Luffy's only concern was saving his brother, Ace.

But for Blake, this war wasn't personal. He had no stake in the fight between the Whitebeard Pirates and the Marines. His quest had been to escape from Impel Down, and with the new card in his possession, Blake now had the power to carve out his own path.

He could feel the Mikoto card's energy surging through him, the potential for immense power just within his grasp. He could go anywhere, do anything, and seek out whatever adventure he wanted. Why should he throw himself into a war that wasn't his?

As Blake stood in silence, Jinbei approached, his calm and steady presence breaking the quiet between them.

"You're deep in thought, I see," Jinbei remarked. "I imagine you're considering your next move."

Blake nodded but didn't speak immediately. He valued Jinbei's perception, but he wasn't one to rush into conversations without purpose.

"You don't have a connection to this battle," Jinbei continued, his voice even. "But Luffy… this war means everything to him. Saving Ace is his only goal right now."

Blake listened, his gaze shifting toward Luffy. "Ace is his brother," Blake said, more as a statement than a question.

Jinbei nodded. "That's right. Luffy's bond with Ace runs deeper than anything I've seen. He'd sacrifice everything for him. And it's not just about blood—it's about loyalty, about brotherhood."

Blake processed the information. He had pieced together much about Luffy's drive over the past few days, but hearing it laid out so clearly reinforced something Blake had already suspected: Luffy's determination wasn't something that could be shaken.

The war might not have been Blake's fight, but he couldn't deny the gravity of what was coming.

While Jinbei moved on, Blake turned his attention inward, focusing on the new Mikoto Misaka card he had unlocked. He needed to test the abilities, see how far they could go.

He quietly made his way around the deck, observing the marine ship's layout and the scattered equipment left behind by the soldiers they had overpowered. His eyes caught sight of a small pouch lying forgotten near one of the crates. Without drawing attention to himself, Blake knelt down and opened the pouch.

Inside, he found a handful of small coins—standard marine issue, most likely carried by the soldiers as part of their personal belongings. The coins were simple, made of metal, and while they seemed insignificant to anyone else, Blake's mind was already at work.

Perfect for testing the Railgun ability.

He pocketed a few of the coins, knowing they could serve a dual purpose: both as currency and, more importantly, as ammunition for his new ability. The weight of the coins was light, but with the power of the Mikoto Misaka card, they could become devastating projectiles.

Blake stood up, tucking the pouch back into the crate, and moved on. With the wind blowing across the deck, He held out his hand and focused on the Electromaster ability.

Small sparks of electricity crackled between his fingers. It was still at a basic level, but Blake could feel the potential. As he concentrated, the sparks intensified, a faint hum of energy building around his hand. With time, he would be able to manipulate electricity in powerful ways, but for now, he was testing its limits.

Then he pulled a small coin from his pocket, holding it between his thumb and forefinger. His thoughts shifted to the Railgun ability. It was a simple concept—using electromagnetism to launch small objects at high speeds. At its full power, it would be a devastating attack, but even now, Blake knew it could be useful in close-range combat.

With a quick flick, he sent the coin flying forward, a small spark of electricity following its trajectory. It wasn't anywhere near its full potential yet, but it was a start.

Blake watched the coin sail off into the distance, his expression neutral. He was beginning to understand how powerful these abilities could become. They were tools—tools he could use to shape his future.

Later, as the sun began to set and the sea stretched out before them, Luffy approached Blake. The intensity in Luffy's eyes hadn't dimmed at all, despite the long day.

"You're strong," Luffy said suddenly, his voice full of conviction. "And smart too. I can tell."

Blake turned slightly, acknowledging him with a nod but waiting for him to continue.

"I'm going to save Ace, no matter what," Luffy said, his fists clenching. "And I want you to help me."

Blake raised an eyebrow slightly, surprised by the direct request.

"You've got power," Luffy continued, his voice unwavering. "And I can see that you don't just fight like everyone else. You think ahead, you plan. I need that. I want you in my crew."

Blake considered Luffy's words. It was true that Blake had a different approach. He wasn't driven purely by emotion or instinct—he planned ahead, analyzed, and acted with precision. But Luffy's request also represented a decision Blake wasn't sure he was ready to make.

"I'm not much of a crew member," Blake replied, his tone neutral.

Luffy just grinned, undeterred. "That's okay! You don't have to be like anyone else. You'll still fit in."

Blake didn't answer immediately. He didn't need to make a decision now. Luffy's crew was certainly unique, and Blake respected Luffy's resolve. But Blake valued his independence, his freedom to make his own choices.

For now, he remained undecided, but Luffy's offer was on the table.