Dawn of a New Journey

As the boat pulled into the harbor, I took in my first real view of Dawn Island. The town ahead wasn't much—just a small port with wooden docks, a few scattered buildings, and merchants yelling about fresh fish and supplies. But beyond it, towering in the distance, was the Goa Kingdom.

The same place where Luffy was born.

If I was lucky, this meant I was before the main story. If I was unlucky? I could already be in the middle of Luffy's journey. That was something I'd need to figure out fast.

"Alright, kid," the old fisherman said, handing me a small cloth bag. "It ain't much, but there's some food in there. You seem like a good kid, so be careful."

I took the bag, feeling a warmth in my chest. "Thanks. I owe you one."

He just waved me off. "Go make your own way, lad. And watch out—Goa ain't kind to outsiders."

I nodded and stepped off the boat onto the docks. As soon as I did, I could feel the change in atmosphere.

People here walked in two very distinct ways. The common folk moved with purpose, eyes sharp, like they were used to struggling every day. The nobles, though? The ones in expensive clothes? They walked like they owned the place, noses high, not even seeing the commoners around them.

This was One Piece's world in full force.

I needed information. And I needed Beli—money. But first, I had to test my powers again.

I slipped into a quiet alley and held out my hand. Letters floated in front of me as I focused.

"Strength."

The word glowed, then vanished into my body. Instantly, a surge of power ran through me. I clenched my fist and punched a nearby wooden crate. It splintered apart like it was made of paper.

I grinned. So I can enhance myself too.

Next, I tried something more complex.

"Speed."

I felt lighter. When I took a step forward, I moved so fast I nearly lost my balance. Definitely useful.

Then, I pushed my luck.

"Fly."

For a split second, I hovered an inch off the ground—before dropping flat on my face.

Okay. There were limits.

I dusted myself off and grinned. But this was already insane.

Stepping out of the alley, I headed for the market. If I was going to survive, I needed food and a plan.

But then, something caught my eye.

A group of thugs—five or six of them—were surrounding a kid near the edge of town. A scrappy-looking boy with messy black hair and a scar under his left eye.

No way.

Monkey. D. Luffy.

I barely had time to react before the biggest thug swung a punch straight at him.

My body moved before my brain caught up.

I dashed forward, words already forming in my mind.

"Speed."

The moment the glowing letters vanished into my body, I shot forward like a bullet. Before the thug's punch could land on Luffy, my hand snapped out, grabbing the guy's wrist mid-swing.

The man froze, eyes wide.

"The hell?!" he shouted, yanking his arm back—but I didn't let go.

Luffy, who had his usual fearless grin, blinked at me. "Oi, who're you?"

I ignored him for now, staring down the thug. The guy was big—way bigger than me—but I had Devil Fruit powers. I wasn't going to let some random low-life push me around.

"I'd walk away if I were you," I said, tightening my grip.

The thug growled. "Oh yeah? And who's gonna make me, brat?"

I let go of his wrist. Then, without hesitation—

"Push."

A single floating word appeared in front of my palm before it launched forward like an invisible force blast. It slammed into the guy's chest, sending him flying ten feet back, crashing into a stack of barrels.

.

.

.

Silence.

The other thugs stared at me in shock. Luffy just whistled. "Whoa, that was awesome!"

The guy groaned, pushing himself up, but his confidence was gone. "The hell kinda freak are you?!"

I smirked. "Just someone you don't wanna mess with."

The thugs exchanged glances. Then, deciding it wasn't worth it, they turned and bolted.

Luffy laughed, dusting himself off. "Man, those guys are always picking fights. You saved me some trouble!"

I turned to him, taking in his appearance. This was definitely kid Luffy, meaning I was before One Piece's main timeline. That was good—I still had time to grow.

"You alright?" I asked.

Luffy grinned, stretching his arms behind his head. "Yeah, those guys are weak anyway! I could've taken 'em."

I raised an eyebrow. "You sure? That punch was pretty close."

"Bah, I'm training to be a pirate!" Luffy declared. "One day, I'm gonna be the strongest in the world!"

I smiled. "That so?"

He nodded, then tilted his head. "Hey, what's your name?"

I hesitated for half a second. Then, I decided—if this was my new life, I was keeping my name.

"Ren."

Luffy grinned. "Nice to meetcha, Ren! Hey, you should come meet my gramps! He's super strong!"

My heart nearly stopped.

His grandpa? That could only mean one thing.

Monkey D. Garp.

Oh, shit.