Chapter 10 Hunter and Hunted

Charlie's eyes sparkled with determination as he examined the holographic interface—a sea of icons blinked, each one representing a skill he'd gained. Some skills overlapped in function, while others no longer aligned with his evolving strategy. Taking a deep breath, he scrolled through the options, calculating each choice carefully for a swap.

The Multiverse Trading System's skill exchange structure was both simple and demanding. For every five beginner skills, he could trade them for a single skill of his choice in the same tier—a seemingly fair deal. But then there was the riskier path: trading in ten beginner skills for a random intermediate skill—a roll of the dice, with the chance of gaining power just beyond his reach.

He eyed a few options, anticipation and caution mixing in his gaze. "Oracle," he muttered, half to himself, "I've gathered twenty-seven beginner skills from quest rewards—some of them overlap a lot." He paused before asking, "What's the best way I could make use of them?"

Oracle's response came smoothly, its tone instructive, yet contemplative. [In their raw state, many beginner skills don't blend well. They lack synergy and efficiency, using multiple beginner skills drains energy without offering substantial benefits.]

Charlie frowned, his mind turning over Oracle's analogy. "So it's like carrying too many shields at once—they weight me down instead of supporting each other?"

[Exactly,] Oracle confirmed. [The drain not only consumes energy but can stifle growth potential. Skills that lack synergy could even get in the way of higher-tier abilities in the future.]

He nodded, digesting Oracle's advice. Efficiency over quantity, versatility over brute force—It's about working smarter, not harder—every skill needs a purpose. He felt a small surge of confidence as he began selecting skills.

"First, exchange Tactical Coordination, Improvised Tactics, Tactical Awareness, Strategic Insight and Street Smarts, for Tactics."

[Processing…]

[New skill acquired]

Tactics (Beginner): This skill enables the user to devise and implement effective strategies in various situations, such as combat, negotiation, or exploration. With a strong understanding of tactical principles, quick decisions can be made for optimal success.

Effects:

Enhances strategic planning in combat.

Improves coordination with allies for synchronized actions.

Provides bonuses against opponent tactics.

Increases situational awareness for identifying advantageous opportunities.

His lips curved in satisfaction as the hologram flickered. A streamlined, multifaceted skill like "Tactics" felt like the right choice.

"Let's continue then, exchange Steady Aim, Double Shot, Combat Skill Mastery, Weapon Proficiency and Brawling for Marksmanship"

[Processing…]

Marksmanship (Beginner): This skill reflects the user's proficiency in ranged weapons, including firearms, bows, and projectiles. It improves aiming techniques, breath control, and trigger discipline for better accuracy and effectiveness from different distances.

Effects:

Increases accuracy, reducing penalties with ranged weapons.

Improves ability to lead targets accounting for movement and distance.

Grants a steady hand, minimizing flinching or erratic movements while shooting .

Enhances quick-draw speed for faster responses in combat scenarios.

This skill was an obvious pick. In his last fight, it became clear that he was physically outmatched by opponents like Pearl. If Usopp could make range work, so could I. A solid ranged option might be exactly what he needed to tip the scales in his favor.

Charlie reviewed the icons once more, his gaze flitting over skills he hadn't yet considered. He'd already made two precise, practical choices, but something inside him tugged at the idea of a gamble. His eyes lingered on the option to exchange ten beginner skills for a single intermediate-level skill, the path that offered no guarantees—only potential.

I could go for two more beginner skills—things I know I can use. But… an intermediate skill could be something beyond what I even know to look for, right?

Charlie's gaze drifted back to the exchange option for an intermediate skill. He had planned to stockpile reliable, beginner-level skills, but the thought of facing Don Krieg brought a surge of doubt. Krieg was stronger than anyone he'd encountered so far—a East-Blue powerhouse, with combat skills Charlie didn't really think that he could match.

"Oracle," he began, voice barely a whisper as he weighed his options, "capturing Don Krieg won't be like dealing with the small fry. If I face him as I am, even with more beginner skills… I don't know if it'll be enough."

Oracle's display flickered, as though sensing the gravity of his decision. [An intermediate skill could offer you capabilities far beyond what beginner-level skills can provide. With the right upgrade, you could gain the edge needed to level the field against a foe like Don Krieg. However,] Oracle cautioned, [the skill will be random. There's no guarantee it will align with your strategy.]

Charlie clenched his fists, feeling the thrill of the unknown wash over him. The logical path would be to keep upgrading his skills with those he could control—steady, predictable choices. But something inside him knew that, against Krieg, steady might not be enough. He needed a skill that could change the game, something with real power. The kind of power only the intermediate tier could offer.

"Playing it safe has gotten me this far," he muttered to himself, "but it won't be enough to get me through this." His mind flashed to his last battle, the moments when he'd nearly died, despite his efforts. He needed more than minor upgrades. He needed a breakthrough.

He weighed his options, feeling the pulse of every skill he was about to trade. Calculated risks—they were sometimes the only way forward.

He took a steadying breath, resolve hardening. "All right, Oracle. Let's take the gamble. Let's pick Stealth, Silent Takedown, Silent Movement, Escape Artist, Breathing Technique, Keen Observation, Lie Detection, Negotiation, Charisma and Intimidation. Exchange them for an intermediate one. I need the advantage."

No going back now.

[Processing…]

[Shadow Step acquired]

Shadow Step (Intermediate): Allows the user to move swiftly and silently, blending seamlessly into their surroundings.

Effects:

Increases movement speed while sneaking, allowing for quicker approaches or escapes without alerting nearby enemies.

Grants the ability to pass through areas that would normally be noisy (like wooden floors or gravel) without making a sound.

Improves the chance to evade enemy detection, making it easier to launch surprise attacks or avoid combat altogether.

Enhances the effectiveness of stealth-based skills, allowing for quicker execution of actions like Silent Takedowns.

A chill washed over him as the skill embedded itself, an instinctive lightness awakening in his muscles. He imagined it—the silence as he'd vanish into shadows, becoming one with the quiet.

———

The morning mist clung to Rat's Haven like a spectral shroud, draping the archipelago in an uneasy stillness. Only the faintest traces of sunlight pierced through the haze, and the sea lay calm and cold, as if aware of the secrets buried beneath its waters. Captain Nezumi adjusted the collar of his coat, shivering despite the humidity, and stared out over the secluded bay. Behind him, his men moved quietly, as instructed. In this hidden corner of East Blue, silence was more valuable than loyalty.

Nezumi had crafted Rat's Haven into the perfect façade. To the world, it was a backwater stretch of rock and fog, beneath the notice of the Marine hierarchy. He'd made sure of it with carefully filed reports and understated accounts of "minor pirate sightings" and "routine patrols." Rat's Haven was safe from prying eyes—at least, that's what he told himself. But as the armada of Don Krieg lay in wait among the archipelago's hidden coves and inlets, Nezumi's nerves were fraying.

"Captain," a voice whispered from the shadows. Nezumi glanced over his shoulder to see one of his lieutenants, a wiry man named Kaito, who wore an expression of quiet urgency.

"What is it now?" Nezumi snapped, his voice sharper than intended. He quickly softened his tone, mindful of how easy it would be for someone in his own ranks to turn against him if the bribes or blackmail weren't enough. "Speak quietly, and don't waste my time."

"It's Krieg, sir," Kaito said, lowering his voice even further. "He's requested a meeting. Says it's important."

Nezumi's stomach twisted. Krieg never requested anything. He demanded, forced, or took whatever he wanted. For him to ask for a meeting hinted at a brewing storm. "Did he say where?" Nezumi asked, masking his unease.

"Aye, sir. In the eastern cove, where the cliffs overhang. He mentioned… urgency."

Nezumi dismissed Kaito with a flick of his fingers, then glanced at the fog-draped horizon. If Krieg wanted to meet in the eastern cove, there was likely trouble afoot. Nezumi's greed had bought him power and riches he never could have dreamed of, but it had also saddled him with the burden of appeasing a man who would sooner burn Rat's Haven to the ground than lose a strategic advantage. He had no choice. Don Krieg's empire of chaos depended on Nezumi's silence, just as Nezumi's own ambitions depended on Krieg's gold.

Steeling himself, Nezumi signaled for a small boat and climbed in, keeping his gaze ahead as two of his most loyal men rowed silently toward the eastern cove. Rat's Haven grew more foreboding as they approached, the cliffs jutting out like jagged teeth over the dark water, casting elongated shadows across the inlet. The men rowed in silence, knowing better than to speak under Nezumi's tense gaze.

At last, the looming shape of Don Krieg's flagship came into view, anchored in the hidden cove. It was a monstrous vessel, reinforced with metal plating and bristling with cannons. Even in the fog, the flag with Krieg's emblem—a skull wreathed in black—fluttered proudly, a warning to any fool who dared come close.

Nezumi climbed aboard with feigned confidence, though his heart raced. Krieg awaited him on the quarterdeck, flanked by two hulking men who looked more like wolves than human beings. The pirate's gaze was sharp, his smile colder than the mist surrounding them.

"Ah, Captain Nezumi," Krieg sneered. "What a pleasant surprise. Come to check on my men, have you?"

Nezumi offered a tight smile, suppressing the urge to show the disdain simmering beneath his calm exterior. "Just making sure everything is in order, Krieg. A Marine's duty, after all."

Krieg's laugh was a guttural sound, devoid of humor. "And here I thought your duty was to look the other way." He folded his arms, his grin widening. "But perhaps that's not quite true anymore."

Nezumi's skin prickled, his mind racing. "What are you implying?"

"Word travels fast, Captain," Krieg continued, his tone suddenly deadly. "I hear Vice Admiral Hiroshi has set up camp in Loguetown. And I hear he's been asking questions—questions about me and my armada."

The fog seemed to press closer as Nezumi's mind spun. Hiroshi, in Loguetown? That news alone was enough to unsettle him, but if Hiroshi was investigating, then Nezumi's whole operation could be at risk. His comfortable life, his power, everything he'd built here with blood and bribery—it could all come crashing down with a single investigation.

"Hiroshi's just another Marine sniffing for glory," Nezumi said, struggling to keep his voice steady. "He won't find anything here unless we give him a reason to look."

"Oh, won't he?" Krieg's eyes glittered with a dark amusement. "Because I hear differently. I hear that Vice Admiral Hiroshi doesn't give up once he has a target in mind. If he suspects Rat's Haven is hiding anything, he'll tear this place apart stone by stone."

Nezumi's throat tightened. He knew that was exactly what Hiroshi would do if he thought Krieg was holed up in his jurisdiction. Desperation gnawed at him, but he swallowed it down. He couldn't show weakness now.

"Which is why," Nezumi replied, forcing an air of confidence he didn't feel, "we keep things as they are. My men are stationed to monitor every vessel that comes within fifty miles. I'll double the patrols, file reports that divert suspicion—Hiroshi won't see through my plan."

Krieg's smile widened, but his gaze remained calculating. "And if he does?"

Nezumi paused. If Hiroshi's investigation grew serious, Nezumi might have to sacrifice Rat's Haven itself to protect his position—and Krieg knew it. "Then I suggest we make a few distractions," Nezumi said carefully, his mind racing with possibilities. "A few 'incidents' to keep him busy. Pirate activity in the areas near Loguetown, perhaps. We keep him off balance, until its time for you to head to the Grand Line"

Krieg chuckled, low and menacing. "You're a clever one, Captain. Greedy, yes, but clever. That's why I tolerate you." His tone dropped, filled with venom. "But don't forget your place. You work for me, not the other way around."

Nezumi felt a flicker of resentment flare in his chest but kept it hidden. He'd learned to suppress his emotions around men like Krieg. Showing weakness was as good as an invitation to be destroyed.

"As long as our interests align, Krieg, I'll continue to manage things from my end," Nezumi said, his voice hardening. "But if you jeopardize my position with HQ, you're on your own."

For a moment, Krieg's eyes narrowed, and Nezumi wondered if he'd gone too far. But then, with a grunt of acknowledgment, Krieg waved him off, his interest waning. "Very well, Captain. Just remember this: if you fail, the Marines won't be the only ones looking for you."

Nezumi took that as his cue to leave, turning back toward the boat with the weight of Krieg's threat lingering in the air. As his men rowed him away, Nezumi gazed out at the mist-choked bay, his mind whirring with calculations and fears. Krieg was becoming bolder, more reckless. And with Hiroshi on the hunt, Nezumi's carefully constructed world was teetering on the edge.

But if there was one thing Nezumi had learned, it was that a cornered rat could be just as dangerous as any predator. He would play Krieg's game, but on his own terms. And if that meant double-crossing the infamous pirate captain to save himself, then so be it.

As Rat's Haven faded into the fog behind him, Nezumi felt determination settle in his bones. He would not let Krieg's ambition or Hiroshi's suspicion be his undoing. The rat had claws too, and he would use them to survive—whatever the cost.

———

Charlie took a deep breath as he slipped the last flintlock into his inventory. He felt the slight weight of each weapon vanish into the System's storage—a neat trick, one he was becoming increasingly grateful for with every mission. His heart raced, not just from the preparation, but from the anticipation of what lay ahead. Today, he would join Garin to locate Don Krieg, the terror of the East Blue. This time, he was ready—or as ready as he could be.

Exiting the dimly lit building, Charlie stepped into the early morning air, the sharp smell of saltwater immediately filling his lungs. The harbor stretched out before him, silvered by the faint light piercing through the mist. The sea was calm, unusually so, a perfect mirror to the sky above, lending the entire scene an eerie quietness. Just a few steps away, a strange sight caught his attention.

There, by the edge of the dock, Garin was applying a coat of something that looked like paint to an old, battered boat. It looked less like a seaworthy vessel and more like a relic held together by memories and sheer determination. The hull was small, barely big enough for two people, and cobbled together with mismatched planks, each marked with scars of the sea. The paintbrush in Garin's hand moved slowly, and though he was technically just applying a slapdash coat of paint, there was a rhythm to it, almost like a ritual.

Charlie walked closer, eyebrows raised, noting the small can of paint by Garin's feet. The color was a deep, almost faded green, though it hardly made a difference on the boat's weather-beaten surface.

"New look?" Charlie called out, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Garin didn't turn, but a smirk played on his lips. "Just patching her up," he replied, his voice steady as he continued the deliberate strokes. "A good coat of this paint can mean the difference between a ship that sails and a ship that sinks."

Charlie snorted, taking a closer look at the boat—or more accurately, the cobbled-together contraption Garin called a boat. A sail was strung together from a variety of fabrics, all different textures and colors, some fraying at the edges. The mast leaned slightly to one side, held upright by ropes that looked like they'd give at the first strong gust.

"You call this thing seaworthy?" Charlie asked, skepticism heavy in his tone.

Garin finally looked up, his eyes glinting with that familiar, mischievous light. "Ah, but that's where you're wrong, lad. It's not about how she looks; it's about how she moves." He patted the side of the boat, almost affectionately. "The real trick is underneath."

Charlie raised an eyebrow. "What, you got some kind of secret engine in there?"

"Something like that," Garin replied, setting down his brush and wiping his hands on a rag that seemed just as old as the boat itself. "Now hop in. We've got an appointment with the infamous Don Krieg."

Charlie climbed in, settling onto one of the worn seats and bracing himself as Garin pulled in the last of the ropes. Up close, the boat felt even less sturdy, as if it might buckle under the strain of a single wave. Garin, however, moved with a sense of calm purpose, as if he were stepping aboard a warship rather than a ragged skiff.

"So, we're just going to stroll up to Krieg's fleet and ask for his supplies?" Charlie couldn't keep the sarcasm from his voice.

"Not exactly," Garin replied, his voice low. "We're going to make sure Krieg knows exactly who's coming for him. He won't run if he thinks he's got a fight on his hands. And that's where you come in."

Charlie's mind instinctively brushed over the flintlocks stored away in his Inventory. "You want me to… what? Make an entrance?"

Garin grinned, a flash of teeth that seemed more wolf than man. "We'll start with a show of force—enough to make him hesitate. Krieg's the type to fight when he thinks he's cornered, but he'll try to run if he smells a trap." He tightened the ropes, adjusting the makeshift sail. "Once he's too scared to leave, we're free to take what we need."

Charlie felt a thrill at the idea, his mind already racing through possible moves. He wasn't sure what kind of role Garin envisioned for him, but he had no problem making a big entrance if that was what it took. Krieg was a brute, but even he could be shaken with the right surprise.

With an almost imperceptible vibration, the boat started to morph, sprouting wings that unfurled from its sides and lifted it just above the harbor's surface. The transformation was so surreal it seemed as if the vessel had become a living entity, defying gravity as it soared over the harbor. Charlie's heart pounded in his chest as he watched this spectacle unfold - such a sight was not something he had ever anticipated. His initial shock swiftly gave way to curiosity and he instinctively activated his Appraisal skill on the metamorphosed boat. Once again, he found himself confronted by his tendency to underestimate things in this extraordinary world.

Name: Jetsky

Type: Sentient Vessel / Bird-Bird Devil Fruit, Model: Skimmer (Zoan-Type)

Condition: Well-maintained, Hydrophobic Coating Applied

Description: Jetsky appears as a worn, patchwork boat with an unassuming, almost fragile exterior. However, beneath her weather-beaten planks lies a powerful spirit and unique abilities granted by the Bird-Bird Devil Fruit, Model: Skimmer, which she consumed of her own will to save her captain, Garin. This sentient choice imbued Jetsky with an unbreakable bond to her captain, driven by loyalty and the instinct to protect.

Modes and Abilities:

Normal Boat Mode: Jetsky operates as a typical boat, though her sentient nature allows subtle self-maintenance and adaptation. The hydrophobic paint applied to her allows her to still function seamlessly in various conditions.

Skimming Boat Mode: Jetsky's hull sprouts large, elegant wings like a skimmer bird's, enabling her to glide just above the water. In this mode, she gains increased speed, maneuverability, and the ability to navigate with ease and silence. Ideal for swift, stealthy travel.

Full Skimmer Transformation: Jetsky takes on the complete form of a massive black skimmer bird, fully embodying the creature's natural abilities. In this form, she possesses enhanced speed, agility, and flight capabilities, making her a formidable and nearly untouchable vessel. The hydrophobic paint applied to her beak allows her to skim the water's surface, enabling precise movements and direct water interaction.

Special Trait – Sentience:

Jetsky's bond with Garin grants her a strong will to protect him and, at times, act independently for his benefit. This soul-driven loyalty is a rarity among Devil Fruit-empowered objects and grants her resilience, situational adaptability, and an almost unbreakable determination to fulfill her role as Garin's vessel.

Charlie's eyes widened in awe as he took in the sight of Jetsky's transformation, even with all the information he now had . The unassuming boat had morphed into a sleek, winged vessel that hovered effortlessly above the water's surface. The hydrophobic coating glistened in the morning light, giving Jetsky an almost ethereal appearance. It was a testament to the incredible abilities that existed in this world, and Charlie found himself once again marveling at the unexpected.

"She's... incredible," Charlie breathed, running a hand along Jetsky's still smooth surface. "I've never seen anything like it."

Garin chuckled, a hint of pride in his voice. "Jetsky's one of a kind, that's for sure. She's gotten me out of more scrapes than I can count." He patted the vessel affectionately.

As they neared the jagged cliffs of Rat's Haven, the faint shapes of ships loomed out of the fog. Dozens of Krieg's vessels were clustered in a cove, hulking dark figures against the silvered horizon, their masts like skeleton fingers reaching into the dawn. A smirk played on Charlie's face as he imagined the look on Krieg's face when he saw what was coming.

"Think he'll get the message?" Charlie asked, his fingers twitching in anticipation.

"Oh, he'll get it," Garin said, a dangerous glint in his eye. "Once we're close enough jump in the water, I'll make the first move. And when I do, be ready to follow through. We've got a lot to carry out, and we're not leaving empty-handed."

———

From the deck of his flagship, Don Krieg narrowed his eyes at the distant figure—a small, battered boat making its way toward his fleet. The old man standing at its helm was insignificant, laughable. But as the wind shifted and a massive wave swelled between the fleet and the lone boat, Krieg's attention wavered.

He watched as the wave obscured his view, expecting the boat to vanish beneath its power. But instead, something far more startling happened.

The boat didn't just ride the wave—it launched into the air, defying gravity and logic. At the peak of its arc, the craft began to twist in mid-air, its shape shifting, transforming. Wood creaked and stretched as the boat's form elongated into that of a massive bird, its beak sharp and extended like the skimmer it had consumed. Jetsky rotated furiously, its long beak gleaming with a deadly intent as it corkscrewed toward Krieg's fleet.

Garin, synchronized with the boat, leaped off with perfect timing, his body spiraling with incredible speed. Both man and boat became twin forces of destruction, spinning through the air with terrifying velocity. The hook from Garin's hand stretched by a metal wire to its full length, encased in the hardened black sheen of Haki. He spun through the sky like a blade, his rotation building momentum as he targeted the closest ship.

As Garin descended, his spiraling form crashed into the ship's deck with the force of a hurricane, the hardened hook slicing through the wood with a deafening crack. The ship split down the middle, the two halves groaning as they began to sink beneath the waves.

But that was only the beginning.

Jetsky, its beak now a razor-sharp point of hardened Haki, continued its wild spiral, accelerating even faster as it pierced through the air. The boat-turned-bird struck the second ship head-on, its long beak drilling straight through the hull. The combination of speed, rotation, and the hardened beak made Jetsky a weapon of unstoppable destruction. The ship buckled under the force, water pouring through the gaping wound in its side as it began to sink almost instantly.

Krieg watched in disbelief as the two ships collapsed under the combined assault. What had moments ago seemed like an insignificant threat was now a whirlwind of devastation. Garin landed with a powerful thud on the remains of the first ship, his hook retracting as he stood tall amidst the destruction, while Jetsky circled back, its beak glistening in the sunlight like the scythe of death itself.

Garin straightened, his gaze cool and unhurried as he surveyed the wreckage around him. 'Now,' he murmured, loud enough for his voice to carry over the splintered remains, 'let's see if Don Krieg feels like running.

[AN] I don't know why but every time I copy my chapter here the formatting goes to shit and its always annoying to fix but... IDK I just trying to vent for a bit...