Chapter 2: "Plot and Power"

As dawn broke, Xander stood on the deck of the ship, gazing at the approaching port town. The salty breeze carried a sense of purpose. Yesterday, his world had shifted drastically with the awakening of the Harem System, a tool that promised him strength and influence through one very specific path—gaining affection from the women of this world.

He tightened his grip on the ship's railing. This is the world of One Piece, he reminded himself, his earlier shock now replaced by determination. To survive and thrive, he had to grow stronger. The system had already made that clear.

The captain of the small pirate crew, a rugged man with a scar across his cheek, barked orders to his men. "We're docking at Shells Town. Resupply and get back here quickly. No trouble!"

Xander's thoughts were already elsewhere. He knew this place—Shells Town, a Marine-controlled town under the oppressive rule of Captain Morgan. This was where Zoro's story would intertwine with Luffy's years from now. But the timeline still eluded him. He needed to confirm when exactly he had landed in the grand saga of this world.

As the ship docked, Xander adjusted his worn pirate garb. He despised being associated with this crew, but for now, it provided a convenient cover. "Time to gather some answers," he muttered under his breath, stepping off the ship and onto the cobblestone streets.

---

Shells Town was alive with activity. Vendors called out to potential customers, townsfolk bustled about, and Marines patrolled with an air of authority. Xander moved through the crowd with purpose, his eyes scanning for anything that could clue him into the timeline.

His search brought him to a weathered notice board near the center of town. Among the faded posters and scraps of paper, a single bounty poster caught his attention. The ink was fresh, the paper crisp.

He stepped closer, his breath hitching as he recognized the face.

"Portgas D. Ace — Wanted Dead or Alive: 50,000,000 Berries."

Xander's heart raced. Ace's first bounty. That means it's been three years since he went to sea, and Luffy won't start his journey for another three years. A grin spread across his face. Finally, he had a clear understanding of the timeline.

The system's voice chimed in his mind, breaking his thoughts.

[Mission 2 Complete: Confirmed current location and timeline.]

Reward: +5 Strength, +5 Agility, +5 Charm.

Warmth spread through his body, the familiar sensation of growth and improvement. He clenched his fists, feeling the surge of strength and agility coursing through him.

The system spoke again.

[New Mission: Begin recruiting your allies. Build connections and prove your strength.

Objective: Earn the trust of at least one female resident of Shells Town.

Reward: Basic Observation Haki Awakening +5 to all attributes.]

Xander's grin widened. Observation Haki was no small reward. With it, he'd be one step closer to standing among the strong in this world.

---

Xander spent the next hour wandering the town, observing the dynamics between the townsfolk and the Marines. His attention was drawn to a small but lively tavern at the edge of the market square. Its wooden sign swayed in the breeze, the smell of food and drink wafting through the open door.

Curiosity got the better of him, and he stepped inside. The interior was cozy, with wooden beams and a warm fire crackling in the hearth. A few patrons sat scattered around, nursing mugs of ale and chatting in low voices.

Behind the bar stood a tall, confident woman. She looked to be in her mid-thirties, her auburn hair tied back in a loose bun. Her presence was commanding yet welcoming, her movements efficient as she served drinks and exchanged pleasantries with the patrons.

Xander took a seat at an empty table, observing her for a moment. Her smile was genuine, but there was a weight in her eyes, as though life hadn't always been kind to her.

She approached his table with a practiced ease, a mug of water in her hand. "Haven't seen you around before," she said, placing the mug in front of him. "What brings you to Shells Town?"

"Passing through," Xander replied smoothly. "Looking for opportunities."

Her eyes narrowed slightly, though her smile didn't waver. "Opportunities, huh? Well, you won't find much excitement here. Unless you count the antics of Captain Morgan's son."

"Helmeppo?" Xander asked, feigning ignorance.

Her brow arched in surprise. "So, you've heard of him."

"Just rumors," Xander said with a shrug. "Seems like the kind of person who thrives under someone else's shadow."

She chuckled, crossing her arms. "You've got him pegged. Name's Mari, by the way. I run this place."

"Xander," he replied, offering a hand. She hesitated for a moment before shaking it, her grip firm.

---

Over the next few hours, Xander ingratiated himself with Mari by helping her around the tavern. He carried supplies, cleaned tables, and even helped diffuse a minor scuffle between two patrons. Mari's initial wariness began to fade, replaced by a grudging respect for the young man's initiative.

"You're not like most pirates," she remarked as they stood behind the bar, wiping down glasses.

"Not really a pirate by choice," Xander admitted. "But I have my own dreams, and they don't align with the crew I'm currently stuck with."

Mari gave him a searching look, as though trying to gauge his sincerity. Finally, she nodded. "Fair enough. Just be careful. This world doesn't take kindly to dreamers."

Xander smiled, though his mind was already racing with plans. Mari was a good-hearted person, someone who could be a valuable ally in the future. Earning her trust wasn't just a mission—it was an investment.

---

By nightfall, the tavern had emptied, leaving only Xander and Mari. She leaned against the bar, a tired but satisfied look on her face.

"Long day," she muttered.

"Tell me about it," Xander said with a chuckle. "But if you ever need help, just let me know. I don't plan on staying with my current crew for long."

Mari glanced at him, her expression unreadable. "You're planning to go off on your own?"

"Eventually," he said. "But for now, I'm just trying to find my footing."

She nodded slowly. "Well, if you're serious about helping out, I won't say no. Just don't bring trouble to my doorstep."

"Deal," Xander said, holding out his hand. She shook it, a small smile tugging at her lips.

---

As Xander returned to the ship that night, he felt a sense of accomplishment. The system's voice echoed in his mind as he climbed into his hammock.

[Mission Progress: 70%.]

Earn the trust of Mari to complete the mission.

Reward: Basic Observation Haki Awakening +5 to all attributes.

Xander smirked. He was getting closer. With each mission, he could feel himself growing stronger. And soon, he would be ready to take on the challenges that awaited him in this world.

[Status overview]

Status:]

Name: Xander

Age: 18

Strength: 10

Agility: 9

Charm: 8

Haki: None (Locked)

Devil Fruit: None