Chapter 29: Wish Audit & Regulator

The night air was crisp as Kai stood alone on the deck of the Going Merry. They were a day into their journey to Loguetown, and everyone else had long since fallen asleep. The gentle creaking of the Adam Wood hull beneath his feet felt almost musical, a stark contrast to the sterile silence of his Explorer-class ship.

"Red Queen, initiate Captain's Log: Day 368," Kai whispered, activating his wrist communicator. The small device glowed with a soft crimson light, illuminating his metallic red hair in the darkness.

"Captain's Log activated," Red Queen's familiar voice responded. "Secure channel established to orbital station. Would you like to access previous entries?"

"Yes. Display Wish Power usage over the past year. I need to audit everything." A dull throb began behind his eyes—a familiar warning sign of neurological strain when accessing his power for too long.

A holographic display materialized above his wrist, showing a detailed chronological record. Kai frowned as he studied the numbers.

"Something wrong, Kai?" Red Queen asked, her voice reflecting the emotional matrix upgrade he'd implemented back when they first arrived.

"Just making sure our records are accurate. I've been using Wish Power almost daily since the crash, but I need to ensure I haven't broken my own rules." Kai's heart-shaped tail swished thoughtfully behind him. "The stabilizer I'm building can't afford any miscalculations."

He massaged his temples, trying to alleviate the growing headache. The neural strain from prolonged Wish Power use had become more noticeable lately.

"I've maintained precise records as instructed," Red Queen assured him. "Day 1: January 7, 1521—crash landing. First Wish used to repair life support."

Kai nodded, recalling that desperate moment when he'd awakened in the wrecked cockpit, the emergency lights flickering as he'd discovered his unexpected ability—a power that seemed tied to his Devilukean heritage combined with his unusual dimensional transition.

"Display the rules I established," Kai instructed.

A new hologram appeared, pulsing with a soft red glow:

WISH POWER REGULATIONS:

- Daily Tiny Wish (≈1 unit energy): Maximum 2 per day

 * SIDE EFFECT: Minor fatigue, recovers within hours

- Medium Wish (≈7 units energy): Requires 3-day charge, limit 1 per week

 * SIDE EFFECT: Headaches, dizziness lasting 24-48 hours if overused

- Large Wish (≈30 units energy): Requires full month charge, limit 1 per month

 * SIDE EFFECT: Severe migraines, potential neural pathway degradation if overused

- No wishing for more wishes or unlimited power

- All wishes must be precisely worded and scope-limited

- Maintain Wish Ledger with energy expenditure tracking

Kai sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I've been pushing the limits, especially with those medium wishes. The dimensional storage ring alone cost me two weeks of stored energy."

"But it was necessary," Red Queen countered. "Without it, you wouldn't have been able to transport the Adam Wood that built this ship."

"True." Kai leaned against the railing, grimacing as another wave of pain shot through his head. "I've been ignoring the warning signs too long. These headaches are getting worse."

"Your last brain scan showed concerning neural pathway stress patterns," Red Queen noted. "May I suggest reducing Wish usage for the next week?"

"That's why I need this regulator to work." Kai gestured to a small device on the workbench nearby. "Let's review the major timeline events first, just to make sure everything's in order."

The hologram shifted to display a chronological record:

JAN 7, 1521 - Day 1: Crash landing on desert planet

FEB 6, 1521 - Day 30: Still repairing spaceship

MAR 8, 1521 - Day 60: Ship repaired, left desert planet

MAR 9-15, 1521 - Days 61-67: Alone in galaxy

MAR 15, 1521 - Day 67: Found One Piece planet

MAR 18, 1521 - Day 70: Reached planet orbit

MAR 19, 1521 - Day 71: Landed in Loguetown (Feb 7, 1521 in One Piece timeline)

MAR 23, 1521 - Day 75: Started sailing lessons with Taki

MAR 24, 1521 - Day 76: Joined Crimson Dawn to Hoko Island

MAR 25, 1521 - Day 77: Met Nami during pirate attack on ship

MAR 26, 1521 - Day 78: Landed on Hoko Island

MAR 29, 1521 - Day 81: Departed for Lost Island (2-week journey)

APR 12, 1521 - Day 95: Found Lost Island

APR 13, 1521 - Day 96: Explored Lost Island

APR 14, 1521 - Day 97: Departed Lost Island

APR 16, 1521 - Day 99: Returned to Hoko Island

APR 22, 1521 - Day 105: Left Hoko Island with Nami

MAY 17, 1521 - Day 130: Created Reality-Manifesting Paintbrush

MAY 18, 1521 - Day 131: Met Luffy at Foosha Village

MAY 19, 1521 - Day 132: Found treasure with Luffy, joined Strawhats

JUN 18, 1521 - Day 162: After one month training, departed for Nami's village

JUL 8, 1521 - Day 182: Arrived at Cocoyashi Village

JUL 9, 1521 - Day 183: Defeated Arlong, freed Nami's village

JUL 16, 1521 - Day 190: Seven-day celebration ended

JUL 19, 1521 - Day 193: Promised Luffy to meet in 6 months

AUG 19, 1521 - Day 224: Landed on Syrup Island (Usopp's home)

OCT 24, 1521 - Day 290: Revealed Doraemon-like gadgets to Nami

DEC 15, 1521 - Day 342: Settled in small cabin for final preparations

DEC 23, 1521 - Day 350: Luffy departed for sea earlier than canon timeline

DEC 28, 1521 - Day 355: Luffy encountered Alvida's ship

DEC 29, 1521 - Day 356: Luffy met Zoro at Shells Island

JAN 1, 1522 - Day 359: Luffy landed in Orange Town

JAN 4, 1522 - Day 362: Kai and Nami saw Luffy's wanted poster

JAN 6, 1522 - Day 364: Reunited with Luffy at Baratie restaurant

JAN 7, 1522 - Day 365: Traveled to Syrup Island for ship

JAN 9, 1522 - Day 367: Arrived at Syrup Island

JAN 10, 1522 - Day 368: TODAY - Strawhats preparing for Grand Line

"This is where things get complicated," Kai muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose as the headache intensified. "I've discovered we're in an alternate universe of the One Piece world I knew. Events are similar but not identical."

"Explain the discrepancies," Red Queen prompted.

"In my memories from Earth, Luffy met Zoro first, then Nami, then Usopp, and finally Sanji. But here, I've already changed things." Kai's brow furrowed. "Nami and I met Usopp before Luffy did. We saved Kaya and her parents from Kuro months before Luffy would have arrived."

A small red light blinked on his wrist device.

"Neural strain exceeding recommended parameters," Red Queen warned. "Consider rest period."

Kai waved dismissively. "Just a few more minutes. These timeline changes are crucial to document."

"Major divergences from your Earth memories of One Piece canon?" Red Queen inquired.

"Significant ones," Kai confirmed. "Luffy left Foosha Village months earlier than in canon. Kaya's parents survived Kuro's assassination attempt because we intervened. We defeated Arlong long before Luffy was supposed to, meaning Nami's already free."

"And the Going Merry was commissioned differently," Red Queen added.

"Exactly. In the original timeline, Kaya gave the Going Merry to Luffy after he defeated Kuro. Here, we used Adam Wood I acquired to build a superior version. The ship is three times larger and considerably more durable."

Kai pulled a small device from his pocket—a metallic cube no bigger than his palm. Its surface was etched with intricate circuits that pulsed with a soft blue light.

"This is the Wish Regulator," he explained, holding it up to the moonlight. "My most important creation yet."

"Purpose?" Red Queen inquired.

"To stabilize and optimize my Wish Power. I've noticed fluctuations in energy requirements—some days it takes more mental energy to create the same object." Kai turned the cube in his hand. "This will standardize the process, increase efficiency by 27%, and—most importantly—prevent the neural degradation that's causing these headaches."

He tapped a series of commands into his wrist communicator, and the holographic display changed to show a detailed molecular diagram of his brain.

"The last brain scan showed concerning patterns after that large wish I used to create the pocket dimension training room. Neural pathway degradation was 4% higher than predicted."

"Is it permanent?" Red Queen asked, concern evident in her voice.

"Not yet, but it's cumulative. Without regulation, I could eventually cause permanent damage." Kai held the cube to his forehead. "This regulator interfaces directly with my neural pathways, distributing the Wish energy more efficiently and preventing damage."

The cube glowed brighter as it synced with his biorhythms. Almost immediately, Kai felt the headache begin to subside.

"Another benefit—it will help me track my wishes better. Let's go through the major inventions to make sure they're properly logged."

The hologram shifted again, displaying a comprehensive list glowing in bright red:

MAJOR WISH CREATIONS (RED LIGHT = HIGH ENERGY COST):

🔴 Nanobot Efficiency Booster (×400%) - Medium Wish

🔴 Universal Translator Implant - Medium Wish

🔴 Red Queen Emotional Matrix - Large Wish

🔴 Emergency Teleport System - Medium Wish

🔴 Grav-Field Landing Upgrade - Medium Wish

🔴 Shipborne Nano-Forge Bay - Medium Wish

🔴 Personal Shield & Cloak - Medium Wish

🟡 Reflex Conditioning (+40%) - Daily Wish x5

🟡 Compact Weather Shield - Medium Wish

🟡 Water Purification System - Medium Wish

🔴 Self-Regulating Preservation Box - Medium Wish

🟢 Collapsible Cooking Table - Daily Wish

🔴 Dimensional Storage Ring - Large Wish

🔴 Replication Pen (24hr objects) - Medium Wish

🔴 Reality-Manifesting Paintbrush - Large Wish

🔴 Healing Spray - Medium Wish

🟡 Wrist Shield Generator - Medium Wish

🟡 Tactical Signal Jammer - Medium Wish

🟢 Non-lethal Strike Gloves - Daily Wish

🔴 Treasure Map (historically accurate) - Medium Wish

🔴 Pocket-Dimension Training Room - Large Wish

🟡 Translation Earpieces v2 - Medium Wish

🔴 Gravity Training Belts - Medium Wish

🟡 Star Chart (hybrid constellations) - Medium Wish

🔴 Dimensional Prison Book - Large Wish

🔴 Hybrid Explorer Cutter Upgrades - Large Wish

🔴 Wish Regulator - Large Wish (current)

"There's an issue with the Dimensional Prison Book," Red Queen noted. "That wasn't in previous logs."

Kai's expression grew serious. "I created it after we confronted Kuro. It was a necessary adaptation—I couldn't let him escape or continue threatening Kaya and her family."

"And it was used for Arlong as well?"

"Yes. It's essentially a pocket dimension that functions as a prison. They're alive and unharmed but contained where they can't hurt anyone." Kai's fingers tapped nervously on the railing. "I didn't want to kill them, but I couldn't risk them escaping either."

"What about the timeline discrepancies regarding Luffy's crew?" Red Queen asked.

Kai sighed deeply. "That's been bothering me. According to my Earth memories, Luffy was supposed to meet Zoro first in Shells Town. But here, Nami and I met Usopp first, then introduced him to Luffy." He ran a hand through his hair. "It started with small changes—helping Taki with his boat, saving a family from pirates in that coastal village. But those small ripples have created larger waves."

"The butterfly effect," Red Queen observed.

"Exactly. And now I'm concerned about how these changes might affect major future events." Kai activated another holographic display, this one showing a map of the Grand Line. "Events like the war at Marineford, or Luffy's confrontation with Kaido."

"You're worried about altering fate?"

"I've already altered it," Kai replied soberly. "The question now is whether these changes will lead to better outcomes or worse ones. In the original timeline, Ace dies at Marineford. I... I don't want that to happen here."

The Wish Regulator in his hand pulsed more intensely, responding to his emotional state.

"Tell me about the teleporter limitations," Red Queen prompted, changing the subject.

Kai seemed grateful for the shift. "Right. That was unclear in my early logs. The Emergency Teleporter has a range of approximately 500 kilometers, but it requires a 24-hour recharge period after each use. Additionally, it can only transport a maximum of two people simultaneously."

"And the Dimensional Storage Ring?"

"Current capacity is approximately 3 cubic meters—enough for essential supplies, but not unlimited. I learned that when I tried to store too much of the Adam Wood and it started destabilizing the pocket dimension."

Kai moved away from the railing and began pacing the deck.

"There's something else that's been bothering me," he admitted. "The Wish Power itself. I've been theorizing about its origin."

"You previously attributed it to your Devilukean heritage combined with dimensional travel," Red Queen noted.

"Yes, but there's more to it." Kai stopped pacing and looked up at the stars. "I've been having dreams—memories from my childhood on Deviluke. There was a ritual when I was five years old, something my parents did before they disappeared. I remember a glowing crystal and chanting in an ancient language."

"You believe they gave you this ability?"

"I think they knew something was coming—some danger that threatened our family. The ritual was meant to protect me." Kai's tail twitched anxiously. "But protection from what? And why did they disappear afterward?"

The Wish Regulator suddenly pulsed more brightly, its circuits flaring with energy.

"Calibration complete," it announced in a mechanical voice distinct from Red Queen's. "Neural interface established. Wish Power efficiency increased by 27.3%. Daily Wish limit locked to prevent neural degradation. Neural pathway repair protocol initiated."

Kai felt the last vestiges of his headache melt away as the regulator began its work. He carefully attached the small cube to his belt.

"With this regulator in place, I should be able to use my abilities more safely and avoid those debilitating migraines."

"What about the ship modifications?" Red Queen asked. "The Going Merry's upgrades aren't in the previous logs."

"Ah, yes." Kai's expression brightened as he gestured to the ship around them. "The Adam Wood made all the difference. In the original timeline, the Merry eventually breaks apart in the Grand Line because it wasn't built for those harsh conditions. But this version..."

He knelt down, running his hand along the deck. "Three times larger, reinforced hull, modified keel design for better stability in rough waters. I worked with Merry for weeks on the specifications. And I've added a few special features."

Kai stood and walked to a specific plank near the mast. Pressing a hidden switch revealed a small control panel.

"Stealth mode capability, though it drains significant power. Emergency shield generator for extreme weather. And of course..." He pressed another button, and a portion of the deck slid aside, revealing stairs leading down. "The secret workshop where I'll continue developing new inventions."

He descended the stairs, followed by Red Queen's holographic projection. The workshop was compact but efficiently organized, with various tools arranged neatly on the walls and a central workbench.

"This is where I'll build the next generation of gadgets," Kai explained. "I'm already working on plans for a climate control system to help us navigate the unpredictable Grand Line weather."

"And what about your relationship with Nami?" Red Queen inquired. "That's developed differently than in your memories as well."

Kai's cheeks flushed slightly, matching his crimson hair. "Yes, well... that wasn't exactly planned. In the original timeline, Nami joins Luffy's crew but maintains a professional relationship with everyone. Here..."

"You've become romantically involved," Red Queen finished.

"It happened gradually. Working together to defeat Arlong, freeing her village... we connected in a way I didn't anticipate." Kai smiled softly. "I didn't intend to change that aspect of the story, but I can't say I regret it."

A small alert chimed from his communicator.

"Dawn approaching," Red Queen informed him. "The others will be awake soon."

Kai nodded, ascending the stairs back to the deck. As he emerged, the first rays of sunrise were just beginning to paint the horizon with gold.

"One final check," he said. "Status of the orbital station?"

"Maintaining stable orbit. All systems functioning normally. Cloaking field active and energy reserves at 87%. Estimated self-sustainability: 14 months without maintenance."

"Good." Kai took a deep breath of the sea air.

"Tomorrow we'll reach Loguetown. That's where everything really begins in this alternate timeline—Luffy's confrontation with Buggy and Smoker, the first real challenge before entering the Grand Line."

"Will you intervene?" Red Queen asked.

Kai's expression grew thoughtful. "Only if absolutely necessary. Some events need to unfold as they were meant to. The Dragon will save Luffy from Smoker—that's a pivotal moment I shouldn't interfere with unless things go catastrophically wrong."

He deactivated the holographic display as the sky brightened further.

"Log entry complete," he instructed. "Save and encrypt."

"Captain's Log saved," Red Queen confirmed. "Day 368 recorded."

Kai turned as he heard movement below deck—the others were beginning to stir.

"Thanks for the audit, Red Queen," he said softly. "With the Wish Regulator in place and a clearer understanding of this alternate timeline, I feel more prepared for what's coming."

"Even though it differs from your memories?" she asked.

Kai smiled, watching as Nami emerged from the women's quarters, stretching in the morning light.

"Maybe that's for the best," he replied. "Some changes could lead to better outcomes for everyone. Kaya's parents are alive, Usopp joined us earlier, and Luffy set sail with stronger allies than before. And now that I understand the rules and limitations of my power more clearly, I can use it more wisely—without the crippling headaches."

The Wish Regulator at his belt hummed quietly, regulating the neural pathways that had been strained by his frequent wishes, as the Going Merry continued its journey toward Loguetown. The ship cut smoothly through the waves with its Adam Wood hull gleaming in the morning sun—a vessel built to withstand the harshest seas of an alternate universe, carrying a crew destined to reshape this world in ways even Kai's memories couldn't predict.