Another night, another hangover.
Eli Winters woke up with a pounding headache for what felt like the hundredth time, buried under the warmth of his oversized bed. When he finally stumbled onto the deck, he was greeted by the dazzling sunlight and the sight of the Silver Dragon sailing smoothly toward their next destination Foosha Village.
"Morning, Filina," Eli greeted lazily, stretching his arms as he caught sight of her reading on the deck.
Filina looked up with a teasing grin. "Morning? Eli, it's already noon."
"What? Noon already?" He scratched his head, confused. With his current physique, he shouldn't even get hangovers anymore. Maybe Brother Tong had messed something up when enhancing his body?
Brother Tong's voice echoed in his mind: If your tolerance is low, train harder, lightweight.
"By the way, where's Big Pan?" Eli asked.
"They caught some weird fish this morning," Filina replied, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Chiyo's in the kitchen cooking it right now. I can't wait to try it!"
Eli chuckled but didn't join the kitchen chaos. Instead, he settled into his favorite lounge chair, letting the sun warm his skin as the Silver Dragon drifted closer to shore. After a hearty lunch prepared by Chiyo, they finally arrived at the harbor of Foosha Village.
Foosha Village was small but vibrant a place that had birthed more than its share of legends. From afar, dozens of massive windmills turned lazily in the breeze, standing tall like sentinels guarding this peaceful land. Stone paths weaved through the lush greenery, wildflowers painted the roadside in splashes of color, and the soft wind carried the scent of the sea and earth. It was a picturesque, storybook village calm, alive, and full of heart.
As Eli and his crew disembarked, a group of curious children came running, eyes wide and bright with wonder. Eli couldn't help but smile warmly at them.
Moments later, a thin but sharp-eyed old man approached with several strong young villagers at his back. Though frail in appearance, his voice carried authority. "Welcome, travelers. I'm the village chief of Foosha. You are guests here but remember, this is a peaceful village. No troublemaking, understood?"
Eli chuckled lightly. "Of course, Chief. We're just adventurers chasing our dreams, not looking for trouble."
The old man studied him for a moment, then nodded with a faint smile. "Good. If you need anything, come find me."
Not far from the docks stood a small but lively bar Party's Bar. The moment Eli stepped inside with his crew, the cheerful atmosphere washed over them. Behind the counter stood a young woman with a checkered headscarf Makino, the kind-hearted woman famous in the tales of Shanks.
Before Eli could even greet her, the door slammed open, and a little boy wearing a straw hat dashed in, colliding straight into him.
"Ah sorry!" the boy blurted, looking up with a grin as wide as the sea. Eli recognized him instantly Monkey D. Luffy, the future Pirate King.
"Well, this is a surprise," Eli thought, amused.
Makino hurried over, apologetic. "I'm so sorry, travelers. Luffy's always like this."
Eli smiled, ruffling Luffy's hair. "It's fine. Kids will be kids."
"I'm not a kid!" Luffy protested, puffing out his chest. "I'm gonna be the King of the Pirates!"
Big Pan burst out laughing. "You? A pirate? Do you even know what pirates are, kid? They're dangerous."
"I don't care! I'll be the freest man on the sea!" Luffy shouted proudly.
The entire bar erupted into laughter. Someone joked, "Luffy, better hope your grandpa doesn't hear that or you'll get another beating!"
Luffy's expression instantly deflated. The mention of Garp clearly struck a nerve.
Makino gently handed him a glass of juice, and in seconds, his grin returned. Kids always easy to cheer up.
Eli and his crew ordered drinks and snacks, settling into a quiet corner. But Luffy soon trotted back over, curiosity bubbling in his eyes.
"Whoa! Mister, your teeth are sharp! And you " he pointed at Simon, " you look like you could eat a tiger whole!"
Simon laughed. "I'm a fishman, kid. My teeth are just built that way. And no, I can't eat a tiger."
Luffy frowned in disappointment, then suddenly puffed up with pride. "Well, I can!"
Before anyone could respond, his mouth stretched impossibly wide, and his arm shot out like a slingshot, grabbing the snacks on the table. In one go, he devoured everything.
Filina and the others stared in shock. Eli's expression twitched. This little glutton… was that on purpose?
Big Pan gawked. "Boss… is this kid a Devil Fruit user?"
Eli nodded. "He is. Luffy's body is made of rubber the power of the Gum-Gum Fruit."
He didn't mention the truth about the Nika Fruit; that secret ran deeper than most could imagine.
After a while, Luffy's curiosity reignited. "So… are you guys pirates?"
Eli grinned. "Not quite. We catch pirates."
Luffy pouted. "Why not be pirates? You can eat meat, drink rum, and have fun with your friends all day!"
Eli laughed. "You don't have to be a pirate to enjoy life, Luffy. You can still eat, drink, and travel with great friends it's all about how you live, not what you call yourself."
"Maybe… but I promised Shanks I'd be the greatest pirate of all!" Luffy said, proudly touching his straw hat.
Eli groaned inwardly. "That red-haired bastard really tricked this kid into a pirate dream."
After their meal, Eli's group left the bar. Luffy, naturally, followed.
"Where do you live, kid?" Eli asked.
"At Dadan's place!" Luffy answered brightly.
"Mind taking us there?"
"Sure! I'll introduce you to Ace!"
"Ace?" Eli feigned surprise.
"Yeah! He's my brother super strong! Though soon, I'll beat him!"
Eli smiled. "I'm sure you will."
They trekked half an hour through the forest until a rough wooden house appeared Dadan's hideout on Mt. Corvo.
"Dadan! I brought guests! Let's have a feast tonight!" Luffy yelled as he barged in.
A loud, irritated voice roared from inside. "Luffy! How many times do I have to tell you not to bring strangers here?!"
Out stomped Dadan, a large woman with orange curls, gold earrings, and a perpetual scowl though that expression melted instantly when Eli handed her a brick-sized bar of gold.
"Well, why didn't you say so! Welcome, welcome! Luffy, go tell Ace to bring back more meat we're hosting guests tonight!"
Eli chuckled. "No need. We'll handle the food ourselves. Luffy, show us your hunting grounds."
Luffy cheered and led the way into the forest. Soon, Eli's Observation Haki detected Ace and another boy dragging a massive boar.
"Yo, Ace! Sabo!" Luffy called, running ahead.
Two boys turned one with fiery eyes and the other with calm blue ones. Both looked wary of strangers.
"Who are they?" Ace asked coldly.
"They're my friends!" Luffy said proudly.
Eli smiled. "You're cautious that's good. I'm Eli Winters, a traveling adventurer."
Ace frowned but didn't reply. Sabo, polite as always, nodded. "I'm Sabo. Nice to meet you."
"Hey! I'm the older brother!" Ace snapped.
"Really? Then I've got two older brothers now!" Luffy laughed.
Eli chuckled. "You three make quite the team."
Before they could talk more, a deep growl rumbled from the forest. A massive tiger emerged from the shadows.
"Whoa! A monster!" Luffy shouted in awe.
"Because you yelled again!" Ace grumbled, stepping in front of his brother.
Eli stepped forward calmly. "I'll handle this."
In a blur, he disappeared and the next instant, the tiger was sent flying by a single punch.
The boys stared in stunned silence.
"Wow! You're amazing!" Luffy shouted, his eyes sparkling.
Ace's gaze softened, a flicker of respect crossing his face. "You're strong."
Eli smiled. "You'll be stronger one day. I'm sure of it."
That night, laughter and firelight filled Dadan's house. Chiyo's cooking won everyone's hearts, and even the rough mountain bandits joined in the celebration. When Fiona was introduced as a master swordswoman, Ace and Sabo challenged her and regretted it dearly. Using her String-String Fruit, she made them dance ridiculous jigs until they were scarred for life.
The next morning, as the Silver Dragon prepared to leave, the three brothers stood waiting by the docks.
"You're leaving already?" Luffy called.
"Yeah," Eli said with a smile. "We've got a long journey ahead."
Ace scoffed, though the flicker in his eyes betrayed his feelings. "Hmph. Don't think I'll forget this! I'll beat you someday and that scary lady too!"
From behind Eli, Fiona's voice purred, "Scary lady?"
The color drained from the boys' faces.
"RUN!" Ace and Sabo yelled, bolting toward the village. "Luffy, the demon's here!"
Luffy waved back with a grin. "See you on the seas, Eli!" and slingshotted away with his rubber arm.
Watching them go, Eli smiled wistfully. "Three spirited kids… the future's in good hands."
Fiona shot him a look. "You say that like you're old."
Eli laughed softly though he knew she was right. He was only fourteen in this world, but in his heart, he'd lived lifetimes.
As Fiona went to wake the others, Eli's expression grew quiet. He looked toward the horizon and whispered, "Mom, Dad… I hope you're doing well."
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