"What do I do? What should I do?"
Beads of sweat as big as beans rolled down Kaede's forehead. The stench in her nostrils was unbearable, and the atmosphere pressing in around her was enough to crush a person's spirit.
After an hour of careful observation, Kaede finally confirmed where she was and what was happening.
The sight before her was both familiar and alien—because this was Impel Down, the greatest prison in the One Piece world.
As a hardcore One Piece fan who had followed the series for over a decade, she knew this name inside and out—perhaps even better than most of the people locked up here.
The problem was, she had never once imagined that she would come here herself—let alone arrive through some dog-blood "world-hopping" accident without the slightest warning.
Just as Kaede was lost in thought, a voice suddenly rang out. One name in particular made her freeze.
"Hey, did you hear? Fire Fist Ace got caught a few days ago and was brought in."
"No way! He's the Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates and a Logia-type Devil Fruit user! How could they possibly catch him?"
"I heard the same thing, and it's true. He's locked up right here in Impel Down. Not sure which level, though."
The news left people stunned. That was Whitebeard's man! How could the Navy dare?
"My god… what are they thinking? Whitebeard is the strongest man in the world—don't they fear he'll tear Marine Headquarters apart?"
"Not necessarily. Whitebeard is strong, sure, but he's just one man—and he's not young anymore. The Navy's different. They've got the Three Admirals in their prime, Fleet Admiral Sengoku, Hero Garp, and if they bring in the Seven Warlords of the Sea… well, the outcome's not so certain."
"Oi, are you a pirate or a marine? Why are you siding with the Navy?"
"I'm just stating the facts!"
The group's argument quickly devolved into a loud, back-and-forth squabble—a way to pass the endless prison time.
Meanwhile, Kaede stood frozen where she was.
A moment ago, she had been praying there would still be ten years until the Marineford War. That way, she could quietly train in prison, then escape alongside Luffy during the breakout, maybe even join the war to save Ace and Whitebeard.
It was the perfect plan—fame, glory, and the fast track to a life of luxury. But now? Ace had already been captured. That meant the Marineford War was practically at the doorstep. If she was lucky, maybe she had ten days before it began.
With her current cannon-fodder-level strength, she had no business participating in that legendary battle. Luffy might not even bother taking her along.
"Arrival complete. Binding process initiated."
The mechanical voice rang suddenly in her head, jolting Kaede from her thoughts.
"Who's there? Who's talking?"
The moment the words left her mouth, Kaede regretted it. As the new inmate here, she was already under watchful eyes—she should have kept her head down. But her outburst shattered that plan.
All eyes turned to her, their stares cold and curious.
"Oi, newbie, you got a death wish or something? Shouting for no reason?"
A burly man glared at her, his tone hostile.
"Forget it, Hook. Don't bother with him. He's just some kid who probably got caught the moment he set foot on the Grand Line. No brains—don't waste your time."
"Ugh, just my luck to be stuck with useless trash like this."
Kaede kept her head down, silent, feigning fear.
Only when Hook turned away did she raise her head, a fleeting spark of killing intent in her eyes.
She didn't strike now—not because she was afraid, but because she had no guarantee of success. And besides… she was far more interested in that voice in her mind.
"Binding complete. Welcome to the God-Tier Ascension System. To ensure you don't die on your first day, the system has prepared a Novice Gift Pack. Would you like to open it now?"
Kaede pinched her thigh hard. The sharp pain confirmed she wasn't dreaming. She had a system now! With this… maybe the day would come when she could punch Akainu and kick Kizaru into the ground.
"Not just yet. First, tell me—what kind of help can you give me, and what do I have to do?"
"Under my guidance, the Host can randomly extract one ability from any person nearby. This can only be done once per individual."
"In addition, you have access to a 1,000-cubic-meter storage space. Anything can be stored—except living creatures."
"And finally, to ensure your growth, I will regularly assign you tasks. You may choose between two different tasks each time. Completing them will earn you generous rewards, including points for the System Shop."
"There are no punishments for failing or stalling a task… but you'll waste precious chances to grow stronger."
"In the end, whether you become a dragon or a worm is entirely up to you."
The voice faded, leaving Kaede's mind buzzing.
She didn't know why she had been sent here, but now that she was… she'd carve out her own legend. She'd do what she wanted, and she'd change this world's fate.
"System, open the Novice Gift Pack. I want to see what you've got for me."
"That will depend on your luck, Host. Even I cannot control what appears."
Kaede's face darkened. Her luck had always been average—not cursed, but far from blessed.
"Congratulations, Host! You've obtained the Zanpakutō — Kuzanagi no Sora (Skybreaker)!"
Today, it seemed, would be her lucky day. She didn't yet know what power her Zanpakutō would grant her, but just thinking about it sent excitement coursing through her veins.
A Zanpakutō! Once she mastered Shikai or even Bankai, she'd have a unique, formidable power. If she later got her hands on a strong Devil Fruit, she could be like a dual-ability monster. The possibilities were intoxicating.
Of course, she had yet to realize the true extent of the System's power. That… would come later.