Chapter 12 — Poker Joins the Crew
"What was that just now… Haki?!"
The blue-haired boy was stunned, and Carina's expression also shifted in shock. That overwhelming pressure… It wasn't something a common pirate could unleash. This Monkey D. Ash… Who exactly was he?
Ash approached calmly and extended a hand.
"Hey there. I'm Ash. Nice to meet you."
"Ah! Thank you for saving me. I'm Poker, hehe!" the blue-haired boy replied, scratching his head.
As the two began chatting, Tuan Tuan had already dragged several wolf carcasses into a pile and lit a fire. The aroma of grilled meat soon filled the forest.
Through conversation, Ash learned that Poker was a biology enthusiast. The more bizarre the creature, the more obsessed he became. The scattered potion bottles were paralyzing concoctions of his own making—capable of instantly knocking out both animals and people.
Ash raised an eyebrow. "You make potions?"
"Yep! I can brew all kinds. Medical, poison, neutralizers—you name it. I had to survive on my own, so I learned. An old doctor once tried to keep me as his apprentice, but I… kinda ran off."
Despite his casual tone, Poker's guilt was obvious. He still secretly sent supplies back to that doctor every year.
Ash grinned. "Then come with us. There's far more interesting stuff on the Grand Line. Heck, you might even meet a talking skull."
"For real?! (°▽°)/ Don't lie, Captain!"
"I'm dead serious."
"…Then I'm in! Please take care of me, Captain!"
Just like that, Poker joined the Smile Pirates.
"Hehe, welcome aboard! Party time! Gin! Tuan Tuan! Get the food and booze!" Ash declared.
"Let's goooo!" Tuan Tuan cheered. "This calls for a feast!" (≧▽≦)
In this world, nothing bonded people faster than a good party.
[Crew Member Added: Poker]
Role: Alchemist / Combat Support
Passive Bonding Bonus: +99 (Party Effect)
The celebration lasted deep into the night. Tuan Tuan, excited by a new crewmate, proudly announced his rank as Vice Captain. But while he ranted about his glorious exploits, he failed to notice Poker eyeing him curiously—like a rare talking specimen.
The next morning, Tuan Tuan woke up with a chunk of fur mysteriously missing.
---
"Captain! I found a weird fruit!" Poker shouted, shaking Ash awake and smacking a strange-patterned fruit into his face.
Ash blinked at it, yawned, and muttered, "Oh… Devil Fruit."
Then he stretched and began his usual morning training routine. Exercise was non-negotiable—even at sea.
"Devil Fruit?!"
Three voices echoed in unison. Carina's eyes sparkled with greedy joy. Gin stared hungrily, knowing how far behind he'd fallen in strength. As for Tuan Tuan… his entire body trembled in fear.
"No no no—keep that thing away from me!" Tuan Tuan shrieked and bolted. "Never again! My poor taste buds!"
Ash chuckled. "You can eat it or sell it. Either way, Devil Fruits are worth at least 100 million Berries. Your choice."
Poker stared at the fruit. "Hmm… Let's go with eat."
He took a small bite.
"BLARGH!!"
His face twisted in pure agony. Tuan Tuan wasn't exaggerating—it tasted worse than death.
Ten minutes later…
"Feeling anything?"
"Yeah… I feel stronger. And…"
Poker inhaled deeply, focused—and suddenly his body expanded like a balloon. His shirt tore apart, and in seconds, the once-lanky boy became a towering three-meter hulk of muscle.
Ash raised an eyebrow. "Well, that's new. Definitely not a bad ability."
[Devil Fruit Detected: Zoan-Type — Muscle-Morph Fruit]
Abilities: Enhanced strength, size alteration, durability boost
Host: Poker
Potential Development Path: Advanced Transformation, Partial Shifts, Rage Form
Ash handed Poker the nine-ring golden broadsword from a previous system draw and resumed training. Poker, now bursting with excitement, immediately began using himself as a research subject.
Step one? Draw his own blood.
Everyone left him to it. There was a long road ahead.
---
With the wind at their backs, the Smile Pirates continued their journey. The ship, powered by the system's advanced technology, sailed effortlessly across the Grand Line's ever-changing weather.
Poker marveled at the vessel. "This ship's amazing! So many clever functions! I could spend years studying it…"
Ash smiled silently. It felt good to have someone appreciate the ship's craftsmanship—even if it came from the system.
"Captain, I see an island ahead. But… something feels off."
Gin peered through the telescope, brow furrowed. "Lots of houses, no people."
"Poker, you recognize it?"
"Nope. I've only ever explored nearby islands before. This one's new to me ┐(´ー｀)┌"
Ash shrugged. "No big deal. Let's check it out. Who knows, maybe there's another Devil Fruit waiting."
The Smile docked on the coast. Ash jumped to the front of the group and scanned the treeline.
No one in sight.
But with Observation Haki, he sensed dozens of hidden auras. They were surrounded.
"Ambush! Stay alert!"
An arrow flew straight at him—but Ash casually caught it mid-air, his arm coated in black.
[Armament Haki — Activated]
In an instant, he launched himself toward the attackers like a cannonball.
From the trees, rooftops, and bushes, nearly a hundred men emerged—smirking with murderous intent.
"Well, boys! Kill 'em all!"
---
To be continued…