Harem in the world of One Piece

The wind was gently blowing on the deck of my boat as I scanned the horizon for the umpteenth time. It had been six days already since I had been sailing without encountering any trace of pirates or Marines. I had specifically invested in this ship in the hope of some exciting confrontations, but the ocean seemed desperately empty.

"I'm bored to death... Teleportation might have been a better choice," I sighed as I gazed at the azure sky.

Finally, on the eighth day, an island emerged on the horizon. A few boats were anchored near the shore - no pirate ships, just local fishing boats. But what caught my attention was the mysterious energy emanating from somewhere on the island, a few kilometers from the village.

"About time! I was on the brink of madness," I murmured, staring in the direction from which this intriguing force was coming.

Just thirty minutes later, I was maneuvering my boat into the port in search of a free berth. A man approached me confidently.

"Welcome, stranger! First visit to our island?" he greeted in a warm but scrutinizing voice.

"Indeed. Any issue?" I inquired.

"None at all. As the port manager, I simply need to know our visitors," he explained calmly.

"I completely understand."

"I have to go now. Feel free to ask if you need anything." His face darkened slightly. "A piece of advice, though, if you come across a young man in a black coat, keep your distance," he warned before leaving.

With my stomach growling after depleting my travel provisions, I wandered the streets in search of an establishment. Luck was on my side when I spotted a restaurant next to a weapons forge. Upon entering, the glances briefly converged on me before returning to their tasks. I chose a secluded table in a corner.

A young girl around thirteen approached, notebook in hand. "Hello, what can I get you?"

"Good day, miss. I would need two things: a full meal immediately, and if possible provisions for a two to three weeks' journey. Is that feasible?" I inquired.

"The provisions will take some time to prepare, but I can take care of your meal right away."

"Perfect, thank you."

I enjoyed my meal, deliberately ignoring the wary looks of the other customers. Once satisfied, the call of that mysterious energy grew stronger.

"I'm leaving," I announced to the young waitress.

"What about your provisions?"

"I'll come back for them later, don't worry."

The streets of the town, although picturesque, held nothing particularly captivating. I let myself be guided by this force that was drawing me inexorably. It led me to a solitary young man, exuding a fascinating aura. His black hair contrasted with his deep blue eyes, and his black coat fluttered lightly in the breeze. He stood under a tree, near a cliff offering a breathtaking view of the ocean. His expression betrayed deep melancholy.

"Hey! Why stay alone so far from the city?" I called out.

He turned around, visibly surprised. "A-are you not afraid of me?"

I couldn't help but laugh. Why fear a teenager? Certainly, I felt his strength, but nothing that could concern me. "Why should I fear you?"

His face hardened. "You should. Everyone fears me."

"I understand their fear, but why should I share it?"

My response unsettled him. I saw him summon his creature, his energy skyrocketing. Thanks to my Rokugan, I immediately identified the King's Haki.

"So, you too aspire to become a king? Fascinating, truly fascinating," I smiled.

[ POV of the young man ]

As my power manifested to summon Rika, the man in front of me displayed an intrigued smile, evidently fascinated by the situation.

"Fascinating... Not only do you possess a Devil Fruit, but you also master the King's Haki - even if you are not aware of it yet," he observed, his gaze shining with interest.

"Do you know the origin of my power and claim not to tremble?" I retorted, suspicious.

He partially removed the bandana covering his face, his expression suddenly turning more serious. "I may not show it, but my strength is... considerable."

"A piece of advice: it's better not to flaunt your power too much. The jealousy and mistrust of others may isolate you," I warned.

"The strong do not have to stoop to the level of the weak," he asserted categorically.

His words echoed in my mind when he suddenly proposed, "What if we put our strengths to the test?"

The proposition left me dumbfounded. We had just met, and he already wanted to clash. Yet, his constant boasting piqued my curiosity - who between us was truly the most powerful? His intense gaze awaited my response. With a resolute nod, I made my choice.

"Shall we begin?" he asked, a smile playing on his lips.