Chapter 18: Chapter 11: Surprise Visitors and New Beginnings - I
[Note:
" * " : Indicates abilities that can be upgraded with practice, experience, or unique opportunities.]
> System inner voice ["speaking"] <
> Ash inner speech "speaking" <
{}
The next morning, the sun was just beginning to rise, casting a soft golden light over the village. Ash and Uta sat at the corner of Makino's bar, quietly eating their breakfast. The warmth of the meal was a welcome comfort after the emotional departure of Shanks and his crew the previous day.
Ash glanced across the table at Uta, who was savoring the food in a relaxed silence. He felt a sense of peace he hadn't realized he was craving, knowing that both he and Uta had made the decision to stay behind.
"Thanks again, Makino," Ash said, taking a bite of his food. "Really appreciate you giving us a place to stay."
Makino, busy behind the counter, gave a warm smile in return. "It's no trouble at all, Ash. I'm glad you two decided to stay."
As Ash and Uta enjoyed their quiet moment, the door to the bar swung open, and in walked Lucy, her cheerful presence filling the room.
"Good morning, you two!" Lucy greeted, a bright smile on her face as she approached their table. "I hope you didn't eat all the good stuff without me!"
Lucy sat down at their table, her smile bright but a hint of melancholy in her eyes. "I'm not going to lie," she began, poking at her food, "I was pretty sad when I thought you two were leaving with Shanks and his crew. I guess I got used to having everyone around, and the thought of you both leaving... I don't know, it just made me feel like I was going to be left behind."
Ash and Uta exchanged a glance, both smiling softly at Lucy's words.
"But then," Lucy continued, her tone lightening, "you two decided to stay. And honestly, that makes me so happy. Even though I'll miss Shanks and the rest, knowing that you're both sticking around… It feels like I'm not completely losing everyone."
Ash and Uta smiled warmly at her, appreciating her sincerity. It was moments like these, simple yet meaningful, that reminded him of how much he had come to care for this village and its people.
As they continued talking, Ash couldn't help but share something with Lucy and Uta. "By the way," he said, glancing between them, "I got a couple of gifts from the voice yesterday. I couldn't really tell you both about them earlier." Lucy and Uta listened intently, their curiosity piqued.
Makino, overhearing from behind the counter where she was cleaning, raised an eyebrow. She had been present when Ash had given Shanks the Elixir of Eternal Restoration, so she was no stranger to the strange way things appeared out of nowhere.
Before Ash could continue, his mind drifted back to the previous night...
Flashback: The Night Before....
After dinner, Ash made his way to the room Makino had provided for him and Uta. They were separate rooms, of course, and after a long day, Ash was ready to unwind. He sank into the bed, the soft sheets comforting him as he stared up at the ceiling. His thoughts drifted back to the day's events, the departure of Shanks and his crew still weighing heavily on his mind.
As the quiet of the night settled in, Ash checked the lottery tickets he had earned. A small smile tugged at his lips as he thought about the unexpected gifts, wondering what he'd receive this time. With a quiet sigh, he turned his thoughts to Celeste.
"Celeste," he said, closing his eyes. "Can you do the lottery spin for me?" Ash requested Celeste seeing he has 20 tickets.
A soft, melodic hum sounded in his mind, and Celeste's voice filled his thoughts. ["Of course, Ash. I'm performing the first 10 spins now. You can see the rewards as they appear."]
Ash smiled, the familiar sensation of the system kicking in making his chest feel lighter. He sat up on the bed, eyes fixed on the air as the wheel of fortune seemed to materialize before him, spinning with vibrant colors. He watched as the wheel spun faster and faster, the items blurring together in a whirlwind of possibilities.
"Here we go," Ash murmured to himself as he waited to see what rewards would land.
First Set of 10 Spins:
[1]
Name: Basic Health Potion (x5)
Grade: Common
Type: Consumable
Description: Restores a substantial portion of the user's health instantly, healing minor to moderate injuries and ailments.
Effects: Instantly restores 50% of the user's health. Heals external wounds, bruises, and minor internal injuries.
Limitations: Does not restore stamina or cure curses/poisons. Cannot fully heal severe or long-term injuries
[2]
Name: Sea stone Shackles (Advanced)
Grade: Rare
Type: Equipment
Description: Specially crafted high-grade sea stone cuffs designed to nullify the powers of Devil Fruit users when secured. The shackles are reinforced to prevent tampering and come with a custom key for unlocking.
Effects: Completely nullifies Devil Fruit abilities when the shackles are applied. Prevents any use of powers while the shackles are intact.
Limitations:
Cannot be unlocked or broken without the key. Highly skilled individuals may find ways to escape using alternative methods. Prolonged exposure to the shackles may eventually grant immunity to the nullification effect for Devil Fruit users, allowing them to regain their powers after continued use.
[3]
Name: Devil Fruit Encyclopedia (True Version)
Grade: Legendary
Type: Knowledge Item
Description: A comprehensive compendium of all Devil Fruits, detailing their true names, abilities, weaknesses, and correcting historical inaccuracies (e.g., revealing the true identity of the Gum-Gum Fruit). Accessible exclusively to the wearer of a Soul-Bind Bracelet.
Effects: Provides detailed, true knowledge of all Devil Fruits. Reveals hidden or obscured facts about the fruits and their powers.
Limitations: Cannot be copied or shared with others directly. The knowledge is bound to the wearers who is having soul bind bracelets and cannot be passed on.
[4]
Name: Steel Fist Gauntlet (Soul-Bound, Upgradable)
Grade: Rare
Type: Equipment
Description: A close-combat gauntlet that can vanish and reappear at the wearer's will, greatly boosting melee damage and durability. It is bound to the soul of the wearer, ensuring only they can use it.
Effects: Boosts melee damage and durability significantly. Can vanish and reappear at the wearer's command.
Limitations: Can only be used by the soul-bound wearer. Upgradable only by using Equipment Upgrade Tickets.
[5]
Name: Minor Luck Charm
Grade: Common
Type: Accessory
Description: Slightly increases the chance of obtaining higher-grade rewards in battles, lottery, mystery boxes, or quest-based rewards.
Effects: Boosts the chance of obtaining higher-grade rewards by 25%. Lasts for 1 hour after activation.
Limitations: Must be equipped to take effect. Can only be used 5 times before it breaks.
[6]
Name: Purity Crystal
Grade: Legendary
Type: Consumable
Description: Emits a powerful cleansing light that purges spiritual or demonic curses, leaving Devil Fruit powers unaffected.
Effects: Purges curses or demonic influences (including Tot Musica's effect). Leaves Devil Fruit powers intact.
Limitations: Requires the user to be at least Level 20-25 for the crystal to resonate and work effectively.
[7]
Name: Training Manual: Advanced Physical Techniques
Grade: Rare
Type: Skill Book
Description: A detailed manual filled with advanced techniques for improving physical combat skills. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for refining movement, strikes, and defensive techniques, allowing the user to gradually master more advanced physical abilities. To fully unlock the potential of the manual, the user must commit time and effort to practice and training.
Effects:
Gradually increases proficiency in advanced physical combat techniques. Enhances agility, strength, and reaction time over time with consistent training. Can be integrated with existing combat skills to accelerate learning.
Limitations:
Requires the user to actively train to unlock the full benefits; passive learning is not possible. The manual can only be used once per person, but the user can revisit for further practice if needed.
[8]
Name: Ability Grade Upgrade Ticket (x3)
Grade: Rare
Type: Consumable Item
Description: A special ticket that allows the user to raise the grade of a single ability or skill by one rank. The upgrade boosts the skill's effectiveness, granting more power, versatility, or advanced effects. This ticket can be given to others as a gift, making it a valuable resource for enhancing a team or crew's overall capabilities.
Effects:
Increases the grade of an ability or skill by +1 (e.g., from Common to Uncommon, Uncommon to Rare, etc.). Improves the potency and range of the selected ability.
Limitations:
Cannot be used on Legendary or Mythic-grade abilities. One-time use per ticket; only applicable to skills or abilities with a grade lower than Legendary.
[9]
Name: Phoenix Feather
Grade: Legendary
Type: Consumable
Description: A rare and mystical item that grants the power to revive a fallen ally within 24 hours of their death. Upon revival, the ally returns with full health and vitality, though they will permanently lose their Devil Fruit ability (if they possessed one).
Effects:
Revives a fallen ally within 24 hours of death, restoring them to full health. If revived, the ally loses their Devil Fruit ability (if possessed one before dying).
Limitations:
Cannot revive someone after 24 hours have passed since their death. Cannot revive someone if their body is destroyed beyond recognition or completely decayed. One-time use per Phoenix Feather.
[10]
Name: Basic Inventory Bag (Soul-Bound) (x4)
Grade: Epic
Type: Utility
Description: A compact storage bag linked to the Soul-Bind Bracelet, offering 25 slots of static-time inventory space. Hot food stays hot, cold food stays cold, and identical items can stack up to 50 per slot. The bag can be upgraded for additional slots or features.
Effects:
Provides 25 inventory slots. Stacks identical items up to 50 per slot. Preserves items in their original state indefinitely. Can be upgraded to increase capacity or add functionality.
Limitations: Usable only by the soul bounded wearer. Cannot store living beings.
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Ash couldn't believe his luck as he looked over the 10 rewards Celeste had just spun out. His eyes widened in disbelief as he read through the list: Three Legendary items—that was rare even by his standards.
"Seriously? Three Legendary?" Ash muttered; his voice filled with excitement. He couldn't help but smile, feeling a surge of satisfaction. These weren't just any rewards—these were items with true potential, and he was lucky enough to get them.
Celeste's voice chimed in, light and almost congratulatory. ["Congratulations, Ash. You've secured three Legendary items."]
Ash nodded to himself, already considering how these items could impact the crew and their journey. The Purity Crystal, in particular, seemed like a lifesaver for Uta, especially with her ongoing struggles. If it could truly cleanse curses while leaving her Devil Fruit powers untouched... it was a game-changer.
Ash stared at the rewards, his thoughts drifting. He remembered the promise he made to Shanks just before the Red-Haired Pirates had left.
Now, as he looked at the Purity Crystal, one of the Legendary rewards he'd received, a small sense of awe washed over him. He hadn't expected to find the answer so soon. The same day Shanks and his crew set sail, he'd been given the means to help Uta. It almost felt like fate.
Ash couldn't help but smile. "Looks like I'll be able to keep my promise after all," he murmured to himself, feeling a sense of relief wash over him.
Ash glanced back at the description of the Purity Crystal, noting the required level of 20-25 to make it effective. A thought crossed his mind, and he smirked, feeling a surge of determination. "I'll need to help Uta level up," he muttered to himself, knowing the crystal would be of no use if she didn't meet the requirement.
He'd already promised Shanks he'd find a way to help Uta, and this felt like the perfect opportunity. If he could help her level up and unlock the crystal's full potential, he might be able to finally cure her curse without affecting her Devil Fruit powers.
He stood up from the table, a new sense of purpose filling him. "Alright, Uta. Time to get you stronger," he taught himself, his eyes determined. With this new plan in mind, he'd make sure to guide her through the training she needed to reach the necessary level.
He glanced at the list again, eyes scanning the items, already planning how to use them. With this kind of luck, Ash felt like the future was looking brighter for him.
Ash sat back down, still feeling the rush from the first batch of rewards. He turned his attention to Celeste, his voice calm but eager. "Alright, Celeste, let's go ahead and do the second set of 10 spins."
Celeste's voice responded with a melodic tone, ["Understood, Ash. Preparing the second batch now."] A moment later, the familiar sound of the lottery wheel began spinning, each click and whir making Ash's anticipation grow.
Second Set of 10 Spins:
[11]
Name: Iron Rod
Grade: Common
Type: Weapon
Description: A simple yet sturdy iron rod designed for effective blunt-force combat. Reliable and versatile, it is an entry-level weapon ideal for melee encounters.
Effects: Increases basic attack power for blunt strikes. Can withstand moderate physical stress without bending or breaking.
Limitations: Cannot be upgraded or enhanced. Less effective against armored or heavily fortified opponents compared to higher-grade weapons.
[12]
Name: Mask of Alteration (x5)
Grade: Rare
Type: Utility
Description: A magical mask that allows the wearer to alter their appearance, height, and voice entirely for up to 12 hours. Comes with a full-body cloak that enhances disguise capabilities, concealing the user's identity perfectly.
Effects: Grants complete anonymity by altering physical and auditory traits. Even advanced detection methods, including Observation Haki, cannot uncover the wearer's true identity.
Limitations: Usable again only after 48 hours of cooldown.
[13]
Name: Kashu (One of the Skillfull Grade Swords)
Grade: Rare
Type: Weapon (Sword)
Description: A katana of exceptional craftsmanship, classified among the 50 Skillfull Grade swords. Known for its perfect balance, sharpness, and cutting power.
Effects: Increases cutting power and speed, making it highly effective in combat. The craftsmanship allows for precision strikes and durability in battle.
Limitations: Requires a skilled swordsman to fully utilize its potential. Cannot be easily upgraded.
[14]
Name: Cloak of Shadows (Soul-Bound)
Grade: Rare
Type: Accessory
Description: Grants permanent invisibility to the wearer when activated. The wearer's location becomes undetectable by Haki. Only those with a Soul-Bind Bracelet can find the person using it.
Effects: Activates permanent invisibility when worn. User's location cannot be sensed by Haki while invisible.
Limitations: Invisibility is deactivated when the wearer attacks or takes damage.
[15]
Name: Training Boost Pill (x5)
Grade: Rare
Type: Consumable
Description: A special pill that enhances training efficiency by 20%, allowing faster skill progression for 6 hours after consumption.
Effects: Increases training efficiency by 20% for 6 hours, accelerating skill development.
Limitations: Can only be used once per day. Effects do not stack with other training enhancements. Cannot be consumed by anyone under Level 10.
[16]
Name: Complete Rokushiki Manual
Grade: Legendary
Type: Skill Manual
Description: A definitive guide to mastering the six Rokushiki techniques (Soru, Geppo, Tekkai, Shigan, Rankyaku, Kami-e). This manual provides detailed instructions on each technique's principles, applications, and methods for creating personal variations. Additionally, it introduces Seimei Kikan, a technique granting complete control over one's body and bodily functions for unparalleled adaptability and efficiency in combat.
Effect:
Grants mastery over the six core Rokushiki techniques or upgrades current proficiency to the highest level. Unlocks the potential to develop Seimei Kikan, enabling creative hybrid maneuvers by combining Rokushiki abilities.
Skills:
1) Soru (Shave): High-speed movement, making the user appear to vanish.
2) Geppo (Moonwalk): Aerial mobility through kicking off the air.
3) Tekkai (Iron Body): Hardens the body to resist powerful attacks.
4) Shigan (Finger Gun): A piercing strike delivered with a finger.
5) Rankyaku (Tempest Kick): Produces powerful air blades with leg movements.
6) Kami-e (Paper Art): Enhances evasive skills by softening the body to flow like paper.
7) Seimei Kikan: Complete control over the body's movements and internal processes, allowing maximum efficiency and flexibility during combat.
Limitations:
Mastery requires intense concentration and stamina; overuse may lead to exhaustion. Developing mastery over Seimei Kikan requires rigorous physical and mental training.
[17]
Name: Seed of Conqueror
Grade: Legendary
Type: Consumable
Description: Unlocks latent Conqueror's Haki potential in the user, even if they lack initial aptitude. Upon consumption, the user is transported into a mental challenge or illusion where they must confront their inner fears or unresolved conflicts. Only by conquering this mental trial will they fully unlock the ability to wield Conqueror's Haki.
Effects:
Unlocks the latent ability to use Conqueror's Haki. Triggers a mental challenge or trial to be conquered. The user remains in the illusion until the challenge is overcome.
Limitations:
The user is trapped in the illusion until they conquer their mental challenge. Progression in mastering Conqueror's Haki requires ongoing mental and emotional growth also significant training, combat, and mental focus.
[18]
Name: Crystal of Fortitude
Grade: Rare
Type: Consumable
Description: A rare crystal that grants a temporary surge in resilience, bolstering the user's resistance to both physical and elemental damage. When consumed, the crystal increases damage resistance by 25% for a duration of 30 minutes.
Effect:
- Physical Damage Resistance: Increases resistance to all forms of physical damage (blunt, cutting, piercing, etc.) by 25% for 30 minutes.
- Elemental Damage Resistance: Boosts resistance to elemental damage (fire, water, electricity, etc.) by 25% for the same duration.
- Duration: The effects last for 30 minutes from the time of consumption.
Limitations:
- Single-Use Only: The crystal can only be used once and is consumed upon activation.
- Temporary: The effects are temporary and wear off after 30 minutes, leaving the user vulnerable once again.
[19]
Name: Basket of Eternal Fruits
Grade: Mythic
Type: Artifact
Description: A unique and powerful artifact that allows the reincarnation of any Devil Fruit consumed by a user who dies within a 100-kilometer radius of Ash. Instead of the fruit appearing nearby, it is reincarnated directly into Ash's Basket of Eternal Fruits. This basket is exclusive to Ash and cannot be accessed or stolen by anyone else.
Effect:
- Reincarnation of Devil Fruits: If a Devil Fruit user dies within a 100-kilometer range of Ash, their Devil Fruit reincarnates in the Basket of Eternal Fruits in Ash's inventory, rather than appearing nearby.
- Fruit Duplication: If a non-Devil Fruit (e.g., a pineapple) turns into a Devil Fruit (e.g., Pineapple Fruit), the reincarnated fruit appears in the basket as a Devil Fruit, while the regular, non-Devil Fruit version will automatically appear as a separate fruit in a designated section of the basket.
- Exclusive to Ash: Only Ash can utilize the Basket of Eternal Fruits. No one else can steal, touch, or interact with the basket or its contents. The basket cannot be accessed, destroyed, or altered by anyone else.
Limitations:
Only Ash can access and use the basket. The basket remains hidden and undetectable to others, and its contents are only known to Ash. The basket will only reincarnate Devil Fruits that have been consumed by a user. Non-Devil Fruits or unused Devil Fruits cannot be reincarnated into the basket.
[20]
Name: Ship Enhancement Core: Eternal Repair Module
Grade: Legendary
Type: Utility
Description: A legendary enhancement designed to eliminate a ship's energy dependency while granting an automatic repair function. The module can repair damaged ship components if enough wood is provided or stored within the ship's inventory.
Effect:
- Energy Independence: Completely removes the need for external energy sources, ensuring the ship can function without relying on any fuel or power sources.
- Automatic Repairs: The ship will automatically repair its damaged parts (such as hull, sails, etc.) when wood is available or stored within its inventory.
- Training Book Integration (Time Dilation Room): When a physical training book (e.g., Physical Combat Book, Rokushiki Manual etc.,..) is placed inside the Time Dilation Room, the room activates a special slot that creates an action-based illusion. This illusion demonstrates the techniques in real-time, allowing the user to observe and mimic the actions as if they were physically performing them.
Limitations:
- Limited Repair Scope: The core cannot fully restore a ship if it is destroyed or if the keel suffers extensive damage.
- Wood Requirement: To enable repairs, the ship must have a supply of wood in its inventory.
- Training Book Illusion Limitation: Only physical training books can activate the illusion within the Time Dilation Room, and the effect is limited to the techniques described in the books placed inside.
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Ash's eyes widened as he stared at the new set of rewards. His heart raced with excitement, and before he could stop himself, he nearly shouted aloud, "Three Legendries and a Mythic?!" The sheer astonishment of his luck made him clamp his hands over his mouth, quickly glancing around to make sure no one had heard him. To ground himself, he pinched his arm, muttering, "Is this real? Am I dreaming?"
In his mind, Celeste chuckled, her tone playful. ["Seems like you're having quite the lucky streak, Ash. But remember, fortune often balances itself out. Don't be surprised if this luck comes with a twist—a little misfortune or an unexpected event to keep things interesting."] Her teasing tone left him feeling both thrilled and wary.
Ash sighed, shaking his head as a sheepish grin formed on his face. "Yeah, yeah, I get it. Can't have all the good stuff without a catch," he muttered. But deep down, he couldn't help feeling excited about what these rewards could mean for his journey. "Still, three Legendries and a Mythic... Maybe my luck stat isn't so bad after all," he thought, his grin widening despite himself.
Present time….
In the present time, Ash carefully laid out all 20 rewards on Makino's table, their glimmer and variety catching the light. Uta, Makino, and Lucy gathered around, their eyes wide with curiosity and astonishment at the diverse collection of items.
Lucy's eyes sparkled with excitement as she leaned closer, her enthusiasm bursting out. "Sugoi! Ash, there are so many things here!" Her gaze darted from one item to the next, her curiosity brimming. Then, tilting her head, she asked eagerly, "Is there anything here that I can eat seeing the basket of fruits?"
Ash couldn't help but chuckle at her innocent question. "Well, there are some things here for you," he admitted with a grin, "but they're not food—they serve other purposes."
Ash smiled warmly at their enthusiasm, the curiosity in their expressions reminding him of why he wanted to share these moments. "Alright then," he said, rubbing the back of his head with a sheepish grin. "Let me explain what each of these does. Some of them are for training, some for combat, and a few… well, they might surprise you."
As he began to sort through the items, pointing out their uses and effects, the group leaned in closer, eager to learn more about the treasures spread across the table.
To be continued...
Hey everyone! I'm always looking for ways to make this story even better, and I'd love to hear your ideas. What powers do you think should be available in Ash's store? Maybe you have some cool concepts for abilities, weapons, or items that could make the adventure even more exciting!
Feel free to drop your suggestions in the comments, and if there's anything specific, you'd love to see in future chapters, let me know! I might even integrate your ideas into the story.
Also, don't forget to give some Power Stones if you're enjoying the journey! Your support means the world. 😊