I didn’t ask to be reincarnated in ONE PIECE!

The air was thick with tension, a buzz of excitement from the crowd filling the arena. I stood at the edge of the ring, my fists clenched, my body buzzing with adrenaline.

This was it—my first real test. Across from me stood Jason, a pirate with a bounty of five million berries hanging over his head. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and had a grin that could send shivers down your spine. His eyes were cold, calculating. I knew immediately that this wasn't going to be a walk in the park.

The announcer's voice boomed through the arena. "And now, the first match of the tournament! Lucius, the 'Fish-Slinger,' versus Jason the Pirate! Let's see who comes out on top!"

My lips twitched being called 'Fish-slinger', what kinda nickname is that!?

The crowd cheered, the noise deafening. Jason cracked his knuckles and took a step forward, his heavy boots thudding against the ground with each move. I stayed still, my breathing steady, waiting for the right moment.

"You think you can beat me, boy?" Jason taunted, his voice dripping with confidence.

"You might have some fancy moves, but I'm a pirate! I've fought the toughest of the seas."

I smiled, bouncing lightly on my feet. "Well, I've fought a ton of fish, so I've got experience in tough battles too."

Jason scowled, clearly unimpressed, and lunged at me with a powerful punch. His fist was like a wrecking ball, but I was ready. I dodged to the side, the air whistling as the punch missed by a hair. Without wasting a beat, I dropped into a low stance, my left leg sweeping out in a low kick aimed at his knee.

"Not bad!" Jason grunted, staggering back just in time to avoid my kick. "You've got some moves, kid. But let's see how you handle this!"

He rushed at me again, faster this time, throwing a series of wild punches. I ducked, weaving in and out of his range, using my boxing footwork to stay light on my feet. I knew I had to tire him out before I could really land a solid hit. Jason wasn't quick, but every swing he took had the potential to knock me out if I wasn't careful.

He swung another wild punch, and I stepped in with a jab to his stomach, followed by a sharp uppercut that landed square on his jaw. The force of the punch knocked his head back, but he didn't go down. Instead, he roared in anger, his eyes burning with fury.

"You're a slippery one, huh?" Jason sneered. "Well, let's see how you handle this!"

With a sudden roar, he brought his fist down toward me in a powerful overhead strike, trying to squash me like a bug. I blocked with my forearms, the blow sending shock waves through my body, but I didn't falter. I used the force of the impact to pivot and slip behind him, driving a quick roundhouse kick into his back.

Jason staggered forward, clearly winded. But before I could follow up with another strike, he spun around, his eyes filled with rage. "You're going to regret that!" he growled.

I grinned, bouncing back into my boxing stance. "I wouldn't count on it."

The fight went on like this for a while— Jason throwing wild, heavy punches, and me dodging and countering with quick, precise strikes. His attacks lacked precision, but his power made up for it. Every time I got close, his big fists came swinging, and I had to dance around them with a mix of boxing and taekwondo kicks.

Finally, after one particularly wild swing, Jason overextended, and I saw my chance. I dashed in, slipping under his wild punch, and landed a solid right hook to his gut. He gasped, his eyes widening in shock as the air left his lungs. Before he could recover, I spun on my heel, delivering a quick spinning back kick to his chest. The impact sent him stumbling backward, and I could see the sweat pouring down his face.

Jason was breathing hard now, his confidence slipping away. I stepped back, my fists still raised, ready for the next move. But he wasn't ready for mine.

With one final push, I launched myself at him, my feet flying in a blur of taekwondo kicks and punches. I landed a series of quick blows—jab, cross, roundhouse, hook—until, with a final sweeping kick, I sent Jason crashing to the ground.

The crowd erupted in applause as Jason lay on the mat, groaning in defeat. I stood over him, breathing heavily but grinning from ear to ear.

"Looks like you're not the only one who's fought tough opponents," I said with a smirk.

The announcer's voice echoed across the arena. "And the winner is Lucius, the Fish-Slinger!"

The crowd cheered again, but I didn't let it go to my head. I had just won my first match in this world! Guess all that bashing from the old man helped me but I knew there were more to come. The next round would be even harder.

__________________________________

As I made my way out of the arena, a new face caught my attention. A tall, lean man with dark, sharp eyes and a long black coat.

He was leaning against a wall, arms crossed, watching me with a faint smile. His presence was calm but intimidating, like a predator just waiting for the right moment to strike.

"You've got some decent moves for a fish-slinger," he said, his voice smooth but cold. "But don't think this tournament's going to be all easy wins."

I raised an eyebrow, wiping sweat from my forehead. "And you are?"

"Name's Nathan," he replied, pushing himself off the wall. "Bounty hunter. I've been watching you."

I squinted at him. "A bounty hunter? Great. Just what I need. Another guy who wants to test my 'skills.'"

I looked at his belts, guns were around, mf's the "Hitman"

Nathan smirked. "You'll be seeing me in the next round. Don't get too cocky. I've got a reputation to maintain, and I don't plan on losing to some fisherman who fights like he's got a chip on his shoulder."

I chuckled with a tick mark, cracking my knuckles. "We'll see about that. I don't need a reputation. I just need to win."

Nathan's eyes glinted, his smirk never leaving his face. "Let's see if you can keep that confidence when we're in the ring. I'd hate to break it too soon."

He turned to leave, his footsteps echoing in the distance. I stood there for a moment, letting his words sink in. A bounty hunter, huh? This was going to be interesting.

The first round was over, but the tournament continues.

To be continued...