Kenji woke up with a groan, every muscle in his body hurting—but this time, not the excruciating kind. This was a gentle soreness that came with satisfaction. Completion.
He slowly sat up, brushing dirt from his arms and allowing the wind to ruffle through the trees. The air was different somehow—cleaner, richer. He noticed things he hadn't: the scent of salt blown in from the sea, the sensation of morning sun on his skin, the distant rustle of birds and leaves.
There was a peaceful thought that occurred to him, and without trying, he raised his hand.
A golden flame started to flicker in his palm.
It didn't burn. It simply shifted there, peaceful and weightless, as if it were home.
Kenji smiled silently and curled his fingers, excising the fire. He edged toward the rising sun, cross-legged on the ground. He didn't speak a word. For a while, he didn't even breathe. Just observing. Just existing.
He wasn't that same guy who'd appeared here unable to stand after a 10km run. That kid had only managed to do a workout. This version of him… had changed.
The system interface opening, pale blue glowed before him.
Status Page
Strength: 6.6
Constitution: 5.3
Agility: 2.8
Haki: N/A
Devil Fruit Proficiency: 3%
So much space to expand, he thought. And he was on his way. Each step was genuine.
Later in the morning, Kenji returned to town. It was a small coastal town—not luxurious, but lively. He said hello to a few townspeople this time instead of avoiding them. Some gave him curious glances, others smiled. He sensed they could see something different in him.
His walk carried him past the neighborhood reward notice taped to the side of a building. He paused, reading over the crumpled paper posters on creased paper streaming in the wind.
WANTED – Red Jack
4,000,000 Berries
Crimes: Piracy, Assault, Extortion
WANTED – Ellion Sparrow
30,000,000 Berries
Crimes: Kidnapping, Arson, Murder
WANTED – Walker Ralf
15,000,000 Berries
Crimes: Smuggling, Weapon Trafficking
Kenji crossed his arms, quietly taking them in. Thirty days of training and he'd spent almost all his money—between the sword, the inn, and supplies, he was down to around 75,000 berries.
Not nearly enough.
He sighed. "Guess I'll have to be a bounty hunter for now."
Just as he turned to leave, a familiar voice called out behind him.
"Well, look who's back from the dead."
Kenji had turned to see Author coming with that same wide smile on his face.
"Been a while," Author replied. "Figured you might've keeled over in the woods."
Kenji grinned. "Almost did. But I made it."
There was quiet. Then Author spoke, nearly too lightly, "If you're actually going to build a crew. I'll join."
Kenji opened his eyes wide, surprised. "What prompted this?"
You said you were serious. I thought… might as well try and see."
Kenji nodded his head. "Bounty hunting on hold until further notice. Must work enough to afford a ship. Gear. Supplies."
Author scowled. "I'm not that good. I just managed to beat four goons last time I tried doing something."
Kenji waved it off. "It's alright. I'll take the difficult side. You work with what's left—use those for practice.".
Author raised an eyebrow. "Leftovers? The last time I saw you fight, it was you who was having the trouble."
Kenji grinned. "Yeah, well."
Author wasn't buying it, so Kenji tilted his head in a nod. "Come on. I'll show you."
They went out of town to a secluded clearing near the cliffs. Along the way, Kenji talked, casually dropping the bomb.
"I ate a Devil Fruit."
Author's eyes blinked. "Wait, what?"
They came into the clearing, and Kenji stepped forward.
"Stand back."
He took a deep breath, balled up his fists, and gave a simple punch—one so fast and strong that it cracked across the air like a whip.
He then focused, causing golden blazes about his feet and hands. The ground beneath him glowed hot. Every stride left coals of fire in his wake. He kicked between punches and strides, blazing the air in splashes of solar flame within mastery. Woods around him smoked from heat.
Author stood open-mouthed. "You weren't kidding…"
Kenji snuffed the flame with a puff of breath and turned around. "So?"
Author drew back… and smiled.
"Yeah. You're strong enough."
He raised a mock salute. "Captain."
Kenji smiled, shaking his head, as they started the walk back into town.
"Damn right."
Kenji and Author strolled back through town, the late morning sun warming the cobblestone streets beneath their feet. The town was modest, the people wary but welcoming—until you looked twice.
A yell broke the peace.
"I told you! Just a few more days!"
They turned. Down an alleyway, six men had pinned a fruit vendor who was elderly. The vendor's trembling hands clutched a basket of smashed apples, his stall half destroyed. One of the thugs had his collar.
Kenji froze, expressionless face.
Author didn't wait. He pushed forward, fists clenched. "Hey! Get off him."
The thugs turned, annoyed. One of them—tall, wiry, with a chipped blade tucked at his waist—snorted. "Oh? Who's this little hero?"
Author raised his fists. "Just someone who hates bullies."
The thug scoffed. "Then you're gonna hate this."
He lunged.
Author moved fast—faster than he knew himself. Ducking the punch, he jabbed the man in the stomach and then snapped him hard on the jaw. The thug reeled back and toppled over a crate of oranges.
The others stared. Author was panting, surprised himself. But another rushed up with a metal rod.
Author caught the swing awkwardly on his arm, wincing, but clenched down on the attacker's wrist and jerked his arm viciously—then swept his legs out. The second thug crashed onto the floor hard and didn't get up again.
That is when Kenji stepped in.
Four thugs were remaining. They attacked him together.
He did not move at first.
Then—
Crack.
His elbow landed the first one in the temple, and he went down at once. He turned, avoided a wild swing, and hit another one in the chest so hard the guy flew into the wall, spitting blood.
The last two were holding back—but Kenji wasn't.
In one swift motion, he hooked a leg behind one and took him down. The final thug raised his hands in surrender.
Too late.
Kenji's palm slapped his chest, and he shoved him back so hard the man crumpled against the alley wall, gasping.
The street was quiet.
Author leaned against the wall, panting, battered but upright. "Two. I got two," he snarled, chest puffed with pride in spite of the pain.
Kenji grinned, wiping his sleeve. "Not bad for my first crewmate."
The fruit vendor stuttered his thanks, eyes wide.
Kenji brushed it off. "Take care of yourself. And maybe hire someone who doesn't owe favors to thugs."
They walked away, the alleyway behind them with groaning bodies.
As they emerged back onto the main street, Author elbowed Kenji. "So… what do we do now?"
Kenji looked up at the sky.
"Bounties. We need money. And a boat."
"Back to the grind, I guess?"
"Not a grind," Kenji replied. "A start."
authors note: If you enjoyed the story, please consider leaving a review or voting! Your support means a lot and helps me know if I should keep going. Thanks so much for reading!