"System, can you tell me about this Zanpakutō's abilities?"
Katy was burning with curiosity about the blade she'd obtained. Skybreaker—a Zanpakutō that never appeared in the original story. What kind of power did it hold?
"Space. This blade's power is related to space. As for its specific effects… you'll have to discover those yourself."
The system's explanation was vague, but Katy's heart raced.
The foundation of the world rested on two things: space and time.
Space defined form. Time dictated change.
And she now held a blade that manipulated one of them.
This… this has to be top-tier.
Her consciousness drifted into the system's storage space, where Skybreaker gleamed—a sleek, silver-white weapon that called to her. If not for her current situation, she'd have pulled it out immediately, testing its weight, its edge, its power.
Ding!
*"Congratulations, Host! You have obtained: Basic Hand-to-Hand Combat Lv.3 (from Pirate Extra A)."*
Ding!
"Congratulations, Host! You have obtained: Basic Marksmanship Lv.2 (from Pirate Extra B)."
A barrage of notifications suddenly flooded her mind, lasting a full thirty seconds.
When it finally stopped, Katy checked her status screen—only to find ten new skills added.
The most intriguing was a swordsmanship technique called "Crescent Moon Slash."
And the most absurd?
A "Seduction" skill—ranked at a terrifying Lv.5.
"System, what the hell is this? What does 'Basic Lv.3' even mean? And why is there a plus sign next to each skill?"
"Skills are ranked by proficiency. 'Basic' is the lowest tier, followed by 'Advanced,' 'Master,' 'Grandmaster,' and so on. Each tier has ten sub-levels."
"The plus sign allows you to upgrade skills using Skill Points—earned by completing system missions. Though, diligent training can also raise skill levels."
Katy nodded. So, the system's tasks weren't optional. They were mandatory if she wanted to grow stronger.
"Host's determination confirmed. Issuing mission now."
Mission 1:
"A true pirate bows to no one. When insulted, strike back—immediately. Kill the pirate Hook with your own hands."
Reward: 2 Skill Points, 1,000 Exchange Points.
Mission 2:
"Patience is a virtue. Endure Hook's taunts and outlast him in this prison."
Reward: 1 Skill Point, 500 Exchange Points.
Katy barely needed a second to decide.
The system was pushing her to act.
With Skybreaker, killing Hook would be effortless. The real problem was the aftermath—Impel Down's guards, or worse, Magellan.
But Mission 2? Waiting in this hellhole, betting on outliving Hook? No. The rewards were halved, and the risk was higher.
"System. I choose Mission 1."
"Mission locked. Proceed at your discretion."
Her gaze settled on Hook's broad back. The urge to cut him down now was overwhelming—but she forced herself to wait.
The perfect moment would come.
And she knew exactly when: the day Luffy stormed Impel Down.
Unbeknownst to Katy…
That moment was closer than she thought.
A Marine warship sailed at full speed, just a day away from Impel Down.
Onboard: Boa Hancock, the Pirate Empress, Warlord of the Sea—and the only woman to ever make Luffy blush.
"Lady Hancock, we've arrived at Impel Down. Prepare to disembark."
Vice Admiral Momonga's voice carried through the door.
Inside, Hancock and Luffy exchanged a glance.
The Straw Hat captain scrambled into her dress, hiding just as the door opened.
"Lead the way."
Hancock's tone was ice—reserved for anyone who wasn't Luffy.
Momonga studied her, uneasy.
Something felt off about her behavior this entire voyage. But he couldn't pinpoint what.
"Is there… a problem?"
"No. We're entering Impel Down shortly. I called you out to prepare."
"Hmph."
Hancock's one-word replies did nothing to ease his suspicions. Yet, without proof, he had no choice but to drop it.
Impel Down – Level 1
The massive iron gates groaned open, releasing a wave of stale air and distant screams.
Then—chaos.
"HURRY! BUGGY THE STAR CLOWN HAS ESCAPED! FIND HIM!"
The prison erupted into frenzy.
For the guards, this was unacceptable. The only man to ever escape Impel Down was Shiki the Golden Lion—a stain on their reputation. They would not allow a second.
For the prisoners?
Hope.
"BUGGY! WHERE ARE YOU? FREE ME, AND I'LL SERVE YOU FOREVER!"
"BUGGY! BUGGY!"
The name echoed through Level 1. Every inmate begged for the clown's arrival.
Yet no one had actually seen him.
Katy's fingers twitched.
Skybreaker hummed in her soul, hungry.
Buggy's escape meant one thing: Luffy was coming.
The Summit War was thirty hours away.
This was her chance—to escape, to grow stronger, to change fate.
But first?
She had a mission to complete.
Hook's time was up.