Selecting Devil Fruits

At dawn, the rising sun's gentle touch smoothed the ripples of the sea.

On the vast and flagless ship, Tang An stood at the bow, realizing they must have left the Goa Kingdom by now.

Though the immediate dangers were avoided, new perils awaited him on the seas. Sailing meant facing the constant threat of pirates, death, or enslavement.

Yet, compared to the situation in the Goa kingdom, the risks seemed smaller here in the East Blue. Fortunately, it wasn't the Grand Line or the New World; otherwise, he might have already met a watery grave.

Staring at the boundless ocean, Tang An formulated a new plan. First and foremost, he needed to find a cure for his cancer, and Devil Fruits offered a promising solution.

However, selecting the right Devil Fruit from the known ones was a challenge. The healing fruit of Dressrosa's dwarf princess might still be available. The surgery fruit seemed less likely now. The Phoenix fruit of Whitebeard's second division commander, Marco, was out of the question.

These three fruits held the highest potential for curing his cancer. Yet, other Devil Fruits might also be viable, such as unique Paramecia types.

For instance, the Swift Cut fruit could turn the eater's body into blades, or the Spring fruit could transform them into a spring-like entity. Such Devil Fruits, similar to superhuman abilities, could potentially heal cancer.

Considering his options, Tang An favoured the healing fruit. However, obtaining it posed a considerable challenge. Crossing the first half of the Grand Line towards the New World alone was virtually impossible.

Attaching himself to a powerful pirate crew or merchant ship seemed safer, with the Marines being the most secure option. Nevertheless, safety was relative, and strengthening himself was the ultimate solution. The stronger he became, the less danger he faced.

Crucially, the world had transmigrants, and the changes in their actions might have altered the availability of Devil Fruits. This butterfly effect could be minor or extensive, disrupting the entire world's storyline.

For instance, his intervention in Ace's fate might have repercussions on the post-War's outcome. Hence, relying on the unreliable wildcard, the golden finger, becomes necessary. Despite its unpredictability, the taste of success in dealing with Ace makes Tang An willing to take the risk. Who knows, the next draw might grant a cure for cancer or an extraordinary skill, potentially changing his current situation.

The East Blue offers four chances. Roronoa Zoro, Nami, Usopp, and Vinsmoke Sanji—Tang An targets these four. They are vital characters, and eliminating them could yield at least four additional dice rolls, not to mention potential luck bonuses.

Tang An, with a cold and stern expression, eyed the vast sea, contemplating the value of taking risks.

"It's no easy feat to survive," he thought.

While he harbored a genuine liking for the Straw Hat Pirates, the desire for self-preservation outweighed his affection.

When faced with the choice between life and love, the decision was clear to everyone.

Tang An's focus extended beyond the four characters; he targeted Robin, Chopper, and the entire crew. In essence, all the Straw Hat Pirates fell within his scope.

How fond he once was, now replaced by the necessity of cruelty.

It resembled a tragic love affair with a grand and genocidal twist, demanding a price.

In the name of love, he was prepared to annihilate her entire family.

Crossing the East Sea is quite vast, and finding the island where Nami and the others are located could be troublesome without knowing the main route. The best way is to inquire on the next island; crucial information can likely be obtained there. Once the goal is set, Tang An wakes up Raphael. After a pleasant breakfast, he delves into military combat techniques, essential for survival.

Tang An, sceptical about not encountering an island or ship in a month, starts studying diligently. He focuses on basic exercises like push-ups, recognizing the importance of a robust physique. Despite the lack of a game-like progress bar, Tang An's advantage lies in having the knowledge of how to train systematically.

He begins with push-ups, adhering to military combat principles. Tang An, in his transmigrated body, shares the same dimensions as his original self. The only peculiar thing is his cancer. Normally, cancer would debilitate him, but in this world, he appears slightly pale and fatigued, experiencing occasional intense pain.

Only during quiet moments does he confront the agony, aware that he could die at any time. Having already died once, he is determined not to face death again, especially with the ability to shape his destiny. As time passes, they haven't encountered any ships or islands, aimlessly navigating the vast sea.

Fortunately, Tang An remains engaged in productive activities like push-ups, sit-ups, and frog jumps to enhance his physical strength. He also studies offensive tactics in military combat. While Tang An is fulfilled, there's a sombre atmosphere in the foosha Village(windmill village) on the Goa Kingdom's side. A naval vessel docks on the coast, and Garp disembarks wearing the justice coat, appearing somewhat weary as if he just come from a battlefield. His demeanour is gloomy, exuding an unsettling mix of iron and blood, indicating recent intense combat. Just half a day ago, he was in the New World, but a phone call abruptly made him abandon his mission and return in a heated argument with Sengoku. All of this at the fastest speed possible.