Leaving louge town

Three weeks later*

Tavis took Karla for a check-up, and her pregnancy was confirmed.

Thus, my time in Log Town came to an end. I had just turned fourteen.

I had spent nearly two years here—exactly one year and eight months—transforming from a skinny, homeless child into someone strong enough to roam the East Blue without fear, as long as I didn't run into someone overwhelmingly powerful.

But my destination wasn't the China Sea—it was the Grand Line. Only two years remained before Enel obtained the Rumble-Rumble Fruit and destroyed Birka. I had to get that fruit before him.

I was torn between the Flame-Flame Fruit and the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, but in the end, the Rumble-Rumble Fruit was far superior. Its destructive power surpassed the Flame-Flame Fruit, and it would grant me lightning-fast speed—a terrifying advantage in battle. Aside from Kizaru, I would become the second-fastest person in the world.

Additionally, it would greatly enhance my Observation Haki through the use of electromagnetic fields. I also had dozens of creative ideas I'd seen in my past life. So, if I could obtain it, I wouldn't be like Enel, who only used lightning for direct attacks.

In comparison, the Flame-Flame Fruit had no real advantage. When Robin called it an "invincible fruit," she wasn't exaggerating.

But first, I would head to the [Low Sea Hell Island], the island where Ace found the Flame-Flame Fruit. Even though I didn't plan to eat it, there was no guarantee I'd get the Rumble-Rumble Fruit.

If I failed to obtain the lightning fruit, I would take the flame fruit instead.

---

After an emotional farewell with Tavis and Karla—and securing a promise that their unborn child would hear about me no matter what—I carried a huge bag and headed into the forest toward my ship.

When I reached the ship, the trees bent under my control, clearing a path. I jumped aboard and stored everything in its place. I unfurled the sail but tore it down after learning—through research—that its emblem belonged to a notorious merchant group in the Grand Line.

Sailing under it would only bring unnecessary trouble. Instead, I raised a green sail with a simple eagle insignia. I didn't make this sail myself—I stole it—so I didn't care about the symbol as long as it didn't cause problems.

I checked my current funds: 1,800,000 Berries. Most of it had been found on this ship. It wouldn't last long, so I considered hunting some weak pirates to replenish my money.

Then, I went to the main cabin and looked at myself in the mirror. I was 175 cm tall at 14 years old—I'd likely surpass two meters in the future. That was a height I never imagined in my past life, but in this world, two meters wasn't anything special.

My black hair reached my shoulders because I never cut it, despite Karla's persistent attempts to trim it for me. My features were ordinary, except for my sharp eyes. I wore random clothes and a long coat where I kept my nails. Simple sandals covered my feet.

(Image in the comments)

There were several expensive suits in the wardrobe—formal attire and flashy outfits—but I had no interest in wearing them.

I made the ship float under my control and gazed at the sky with my sharp eyes. "I have an immense desire for power, but without a goal... I hope to find something worth fighting for at sea. That would make me even stronger."

For now, my destination was Koh Island. I'd rest there briefly before heading to Arammbi Island. After another break, I'd search for that island—after inquiring, I'd learned it was near Arammbi. I looked back at Log Town with a hint of emotion. "Goodbye."

I checked the Log Pose pointing toward Koh Island and set sail.

---

Normally, traveling from Log Town to Koh Island takes between 7 to 9 days, depending on the weather. But after three days of flying, I arrived—cutting the time in half. As I approached the island, I lowered the ship onto the water and sailed normally to avoid suspicion.

When I reached the port, I heard the noise of the docks, dropped anchor, and stepped onto the pier, searching for the harbor guard. I found him quickly and paid him 65,000 Berries to watch my ship until the next morning.

Then, I entered the island. I headed to a restaurant for a proper meal, hoping to forget the three days of my terrible cooking. I picked a random diner, sat near the entrance, and a blonde waitress approached. "What'll it be, little friend?"

"Can I see the menu?"

"Sure, I'll bring it right away."

After a while, she handed me the menu. I ordered a large cut of meat and some juice, totaling 19,000 Berries. When the food arrived, I ate it eagerly.

As I paid, I gave her an extra 500 Berries and asked: "Can you point me to a place where I can find fixed compasses?"

(Fixed compasses always point to a specific island, regardless of the magnetic fields of other islands.)

The waitress tucked the 500 Berries into her cleavage, gave me directions, and bid me farewell sweetly. Following her instructions, I went to a small shop near the Marine base on the island.

I pushed the door open and saw a store filled with all kinds of compasses. A middle-aged woman sat inside, eyeing me. "How can I help you?"

"Do you have a fixed compass for Low Sea Hell Island?"

The moment she heard the island's name, she looked at me in shock. "What do you want on that abandoned island? Once you enter, you can't leave—the waves push ships in but never let them leave."

I ignored her question and repeated: "Do you have the compass or not?"

"No one makes fixed compasses for that island. But I have one for a small archipelago near it."

"That works. How much?"

"110,000."

After paying, I took the compass and left. I wandered a bit longer, and as night approached, I ate street food for dinner before returning to the ship to sleep. "I'll rest now and head for the archipelago tomorrow."