The sound of the waves gradually faded, along with the gentle sea breeze drifting through the window. Eventually, even the color of the wooden walls slowly disappeared.
Faced with this, Allen didn't panic. He slowly slipped out of Robin's embrace and stood up before walking toward a door that had appeared inside his cabin.
Upon reaching it, he opened it and saw an abyss of darkness beyond. He glanced back at Robin as if saying he'd be right back and stepped through.
When Allen opened his eyes again, he was sitting at his original setup.
He had started as a small content creator, spending his free hours after school making videos for an audience of 100 people.
Faced with the sudden wave of nostalgia, he could only smile.
"Well, how have you all been?"
Rebecca – Frustrated, lonely, and jealous! I want to be a pirate too!
Allen laughed.
"Don't worry, that can be arranged. However, as you already know, the rules have changed. Lucifer and I decided to keep outside intervention to a minimum to preserve the world in question as close to the original as possible."
Saeko – That only applies before your arrival, doesn't it?
Rias – Yes. From what we saw during Robin's flashback, no matter how ordinary you were before finding Lenalee, your life in that world still had repercussions.
Allen remained silent for a moment while leaning against his desk.
He was remembering his life in One Piece from the moment he gained consciousness there. His gaze slowly became much calmer and gentler.
"That's what it means to live..."
Erza – Doesn't it bother you? You know... because of Lucifer, you've basically lived two lives. It's completely different from our world, Saeko's world, or Eve's world.
Allen chuckled.
"At first, I had my doubts. Would this change me? Would living a second life make me lose who I am? But it wasn't like that. On the contrary, it made me appreciate the world even more. How should I put it... It feels more real."
In MHA, the previous world, Allen suddenly had countless close relationships with people he didn't know and had to pretend he did.
Of course, he eventually grew to care for and even love Nemuri, Mirko, and Kaina. However, he always felt guilty for not remembering the life he had supposedly shared with them.
Fortunately, he didn't have that problem in Fairy Tail and HOTD because he was practically a stranger to the people who interacted with him. But in MHA, it felt like he was lying to them.
There was something even worse.
Even now, in MHA, there was a fourth woman who had adopted him and perhaps considered him her son, but unfortunately, Allen hadn't even met her yet.
"On the contrary, in this world, I can feel from the bottom of my heart that I'm truly me. Every single thing I did, every person I met, every problem I caused... that's me. Not an empty body without a soul, but Allen. An Allen who was born in One Piece."
As he remembered the relief and happiness he felt upon reuniting with Robin, his sister, a completely genuine smile appeared on his face.
"I can say with certainty that it was worth giving up my human perception of time to make all of this real..."
The chat remained silent.
On one hand, they were surprised by Allen's honesty.
On the other hand, they could feel the affection he had for Robin. Even if, to them, she was a woman who had only recently appeared in the story, to him she was his sister.
The door to the room opened and MJ ran inside, hugging him from behind while pouting.
"But don't forget about us, okay?!"
Allen laughed and picked her up in his arms.
"Come on, haven't I made it clear enough how much I love you?"
MJ trembled under his sincere gaze and blushed furiously.
Far from loving her less as time passed, Allen seemed more mature, and his feelings had become deeply ingrained as part of who he was.
"I'll see you later. I need to make it clear to a certain redhead... maybe two of them... what they mean to me."
The people in chat were speechless.
This guy felt absolutely no shame in acting so lovey-dovey with his girlfriend in front of everyone.
On the other hand, there was more than one redhead in the chat who blushed upon hearing those words.
Allen carried MJ while Lenalee prepared to end the stream, but before leaving, he stopped and turned toward the camera.
"One more thing. This world has made me more aware of what I am now. I can assure you that I will never stop being Allen Walker, no matter how much power I obtain. I don't want to become an almighty god. I don't want to act like some transcendent being or an incomprehensible existence. I'm just Allen, with my flaws and mistakes."
The stream screen went black.
Many people who had been holding their breath finally exhaled.
No one had mentioned it, but people worried that so much power would corrupt Allen—or worse, turn him into something inhuman, whether for better or worse.
His friends and the women in his life didn't want that, and now they knew Allen himself had shared that concern.
Apparently, they could rest easy.
Allen had crossed the threshold, and power bordering on omnipotence had not changed him.
That brought a universal feeling of relief and happiness to everyone.
....
Once back in the world of One Piece, Allen blinked as he stared at the ceiling of his cabin.
"What a strange feeling..." Allen murmured.
"What is?" Robin asked.
"...!"
Allen jumped in surprise as he realized Robin had woken up.
"It's nothing. Just... I'm a little nervous. You know, my big sister is a very beautiful woman, and I'm a man."
Robin opened her eyes and blinked while looking at Allen before forming a lazy, mischievous smile. Then she sat up, climbed onto his chest, and lay on top of him.
"Do you see your sister as a woman?" she asked with a teasing smile and a faint blush on her cheeks.
– 999,999
Allen received massive damage from an attack like that.
He thought he had already developed resistance after experiencing Kaya's spiritual attacks, but apparently that wasn't the case. However, the future King of the World wasn't someone who would fall without a fight.
He wrapped his arms around Robin, taking her by surprise.
"A-Allen?"
Robin opened her eyes in embarrassment. She wanted to see Allen as her little brother, but it was difficult. Not only because they weren't truly siblings, but because he was already a man—and an absurdly attractive one at that.
"What are you doing?" Robin immediately regretted asking.
It had already been difficult to ignore the situation from the beginning, but now, in his arms, she became even more aware that her body was reacting the way a woman would react to a man she found attractive. However, he didn't let go.
Instead, he looked directly into her eyes.
"I'm sorry. If I'm being honest, I find you irresistible, and even now I can't help wanting to kiss you," Allen said with a smile. "But I won't do anything, because beyond those feelings lies the fact that you're the first real connection I ever had in this world. I'd do anything to protect you... So I'd never do anything that could hurt you."
– 9,999,999,999
Robin felt as if a thousand arrows had pierced her heart, while she turned completely red. It was critical damage, mortal damage of such magnitude that she couldn't resist and fell onto Allen's chest.
Then she hid her face there. She didn't want Allen to see her face and the silly smile that had formed on it. Beyond that, Robin felt a happiness she hadn't felt in twenty years. No, not even in her happiest times did she remember feeling this way.
"It's… unfair…" Robin murmured.
"What?" Allen asked, confused.
Had he gone too far? He was a natural con man, but ever since his life changed with Lenalee, he hardly lied anymore. He no longer saw the need, and even if he could, he wouldn't pretend with Robin.
A moment ago he had expressed his real feelings.
Robin lifted her face. Her face was red, one cheek puffed out, and tears were welling up in her eyes.
"I said you're unfair…"
Allen was struck once again. This beautiful mature woman was throwing a cute tantrum. The impact of seeing such a thing was so great that Allen had to look away.
Seeing this, Robin did the same.
Both remained embraced without looking at each other, only their hearts beating rapidly. With every second that passed, Allen became more aware of Robin's softness against his chest, and Robin began to feel her body growing hot.
This was very bad!
*Knock knock*
The door suddenly pulled them out of that embarrassing moment. Both separated and lay down at opposite ends of the bed.
"What is it?" Allen asked.
Vivi's voice came from outside. It sounded low, as if she didn't want to bother them.
"Captain, can we talk for a moment?"
....
Vivi, standing outside the cabin, felt nervous about what she was about to do. She had been thinking about it and realized she couldn't postpone the situation any longer.
When she didn't receive an answer, Vivi smiled bitterly. Of course, she knew that Allen probably didn't have his mind fully on her with Robin there, so she could only sigh and turn around.
"What's up, Vivi?"
Allen opened the door and stepped out. He looked agitated and had a drop of sweat on his cheek as if he had just finished exercising.
Seeing this, Vivi blushed. Was it what she was thinking?! She remembered that Robin wasn't Allen's real sister, so they might have been doing more than just sleeping.
Noticing the misunderstanding, Allen cleared his throat. "I was doing a bit of exercise because I couldn't sleep."
"Oh, I see," Vivi said, looking away.
Looking at her more closely, Allen was surprised.
Vivi wasn't wearing her usual clothes but a light white silk dress. Her hair was also loose and neatly combed.
He couldn't help but be stunned by her beauty. The girl had beautiful blue hair and her white skin reflected the moonlight, making her look like a fairy.
Noticing this, Vivi felt embarrassed but also happy.
"I followed your advice…" the girl said, playing with her hair, then looked at Allen with her head slightly tilted. "Do you like it?"
"...!" Allen was attacked once again. It was the second time that night.
[I can't watch this in silence anymore. Allen, act like a man! Is the future King of the World going to be intimidated by two beauties?! Just grab her in your arms and kiss her!]
Lenalee was frustrated, as if she were watching a Korean drama and felt powerless seeing that nothing was happening.
Allen clenched his teeth. Lenalee was right. He was acting too innocent. Who was he? The future King of the World!
"I think I was wrong…" Allen said with a serious look.
Vivi smiled with a pang of bitterness and disappointment, but still forced herself to smile. However, Allen wasn't finished.
"I think I was wrong. Five times more beautiful wasn't enough…"
Vivi opened her eyes in disbelief, then blushed as her heart beat rapidly.
"And what was it you wanted from me, Vivi?"
"I… I!… I?"
She lowered her head, not knowing what to say. Her entire plan had gone to hell. She couldn't even remember what she was going to say.
Allen remained silent, observing the girl. He would be a fool if he didn't understand that Vivi was more than just a simple Baroque Works agent.
It was too obvious that she had come a second time with other intentions. However, Allen didn't detect any malice in her eyes. On the contrary, for a Baroque Works agent, she gave the impression of being a "good girl."
He had been waiting for Vivi to take the initiative to speak, and she finally did.
[Considering we're close to Alabasta, it probably has something to do with that.]
Vivi bit her tongue slightly to concentrate. She couldn't let embarrassment stop her from doing what she had to do. This was her only chance.
Vivi lifted her face, her eyes meeting Allen's. They reflected a fervent determination.
"Allen-san, my name is Vivi Nefertari and I am part of the royalty of Alabasta—specifically, the only princess and heir."
"A princess?" Allen's eyes widened.
He expected Vivi to be someone special, but the princess of Alabasta herself?
"That's… unexpected," Allen laughed for a moment before looking at Vivi with mischief. "And what is Her Majesty doing as part of Baroque Works?"
Allen could already anticipate the answer after hearing what Crocodile was doing in Alabasta and his real objective. He wanted the Poneglyph, and only the royal family was supposed to know about it. He had to take the country to obtain the Poneglyph.
"Crocodile…" Vivi clenched her fists and tensed her jaw. "That man pretends to be a hero, deceiving everyone while secretly inciting a civil war."
"..." Allen let her speak.
Vivi immersed herself in her memories as her face twisted with anger, bitterness, and frustration.
"He wants our country, but as a Shichibukai he couldn't take it by force without getting in trouble with the World Government. But if the royal family—my family—falls into disgrace and loses the support of the people, he could appear as the savior who ends the civil war and takes the country with the people's support. But it's all fake! He's a false hero!"
Once Vivi finished speaking, she felt a sense of liberation. She had accumulated a lot of resentment in her chest. However, she quickly changed her expression when she realized she was being too emotional in front of Allen, who had nothing to do with it.
"No… I…"
Allen walked over to the ship's railing and leaned on it. Vivi hesitated for a moment before approaching and standing beside him.
"Princess, I have bad news. Crocodile wants something more than just your country."
"What?!" Vivi startled, but she wasn't stupid. After thinking for a moment, she remembered that Allen's sister was Crocodile's right hand.
Allen smiled, looking at her sideways.
"Crocodile wants the power to destroy the world…"
"...!"
Allen told her about Pluton, the ancient weapon, and the Poneglyph that the Nefertari family hid. Vivi leaned on the railing, feeling like she was going to collapse, but she managed to recover even though her gaze had become somber.
It took her a couple of minutes to recover.
"Princess, weren't you going to say what you came to say?" Allen said teasingly.
Vivi looked at Allen with mixed feelings. A pirate was destroying her country out of excessive ambition, and she was about to ask another pirate for help. It was a cruel joke of fate. However, at least in her eyes Allen was a better person than Crocodile. At least he was capable of caring for others and showing mercy.
"I, Vivi Nefertari, on behalf of my people, request the help of Captain Allen Walker," Vivi said, hiding her anxiety. If Allen rejected her, she wasn't sure she would have enough time before the civil war broke out to find another alternative.
Allen straightened up and turned toward Vivi. Due to the height difference, she had to look up at him, but she remained firm.
"Vivi, you know I'm a pirate, not a hero," Allen said with a serious look.
"Of course," Vivi nodded.
She knew Allen was someone constantly looking for treasures. She didn't know the reason—there seemed to be something more than greed involved—but she could understand that it was his priority. The second thing she had noticed was that Allen only recruited women into his crew.
Vivi blushed and looked up.
"Currently my people are in crisis and I don't think I have enough resources to pay what it would take to face a Shichibukai… but I promise that in the future I will gather enough to pay you for this."
To hire a mercenary, the payment had to be equivalent to the job.
A Shichibukai wasn't just an incredibly strong pirate; he had the support of the World Government. Facing him would bring many problems.
"Alright, but I have one condition."
Allen smiled with a look that made Vivi's body feel weak.
He grabbed her chin.
The girl felt nervous and a little scared, but that didn't stop her from remaining firm. Of course, she understood that money alone wouldn't be enough, so she had come prepared to offer the most valuable thing she had as a woman—her purity.
Vivi closed her eyes and prepared to be kissed. She convinced herself that this was for the good of her people. However, there was a strange feeling in the bottom of her chest. Was it expectation? No, that couldn't be true, right?
"The condition is that you become mine."
Vivi felt her heart race. It was embarrassing that this was happening when she was supposed to be sacrificing herself!
"Join my crew."
Vivi opened her eyes, confused. Where was the kiss?
"Huh?"
"Just like you heard. I'm not a hero. I only help two kinds of people: my subjects and my crew. So become part of my crew, and by doing just that, I'll help you!" Allen smiled confidently.
"..." Vivi remained silent, as if Allen's words were in another language.
"As the future King of the World, it's regrettable that I don't have large territories under my command. Just look at the Emperors of the Sea—they have hundreds of islands under their command and I only have two. It's pitiful. So if you become part of my crew, Alabasta will be the first kingdom under my protection, care, and glory. Isn't it wonderful?!"
Allen looked proud of his reasoning, and seeing Vivi's perplexed expression, he smiled smugly. She had been left in shock by his magnificence.
"What do you say?" Vivi trembled, clenched her teeth, and extended her hand toward Allen.
"It's a pleasure, Captain!" she said, huffing.
Allen shook Vivi's hand. She turned around and walked toward her cabin.
Vivi herself didn't understand why she was so angry. Clearly, her plan had worked. She had obtained Allen's help and hadn't even had to sacrifice her virginity. However, there was a feeling of frustration that wouldn't leave her alone.
'What's wrong with that guy? I'm clearly beautiful! Why did he just ignore me?!' Vivi didn't even realize how scandalous her thoughts were as she headed to her cabin.
As for Allen, he remained in place watching the beautiful princess leave.
[Coward...]
"Huh?"
[She practically threw herself into your arms. Why hesitate?]
"Huh? Hey, I know I'm not a good person, but I haven't fallen so low as to take advantage of a girl in need."
[Idiot. Do you really think she's forcing herself? She clearly likes you!]
"Huh?" Allen blinked, perplexed.
[You seriously didn't notice?! No, it's not entirely your fault. That princess probably hasn't even realized her own feelings yet.]
Allen opened his mouth. It was true that his attractiveness was enough to devastate the world, but had he taken down the princess without even realizing it? This made him feel arrogant and he crossed his arms.
"I can only say that Vivi has good taste~"
[-_- Forget it. Maybe I was wrong. She doesn't like you.]
"What?" Allen stumbled and got annoyed. "Hey, that's completely different from what you said before!"
[I'm just a cursed chest that doesn't understand human feelings. Just shut up and go to sleep.]
Allen was left speechless. However, he eventually returned to his room. Luckily Robin had already fallen asleep and there were no more situations that night.
....
(Near the coast of Nanohana, Alabasta)
Nanohana was a beautiful port city located in the southeast of Alabasta. It was known for its flower fields and perfume trade.
Near the coast were five ships belonging to Baroque Works. Among them was a peculiar one with a swan theme—a peculiar choice for a ship.
On the figurehead stood a man dressed in blue, wearing a leotard and a pink coat. He had heavy makeup on his face, but he was not to be underestimated. This was Bon Clay, better known as Mr. 2.
Despite being one of the strongest in Baroque Works, he currently had a drop of sweat on his cheek as he observed the sea through his telescope.
"Is that monster really coming?" a frightened subordinate asked.
"I don't know, but we won't run away. That is the Okama Way!~"
Bon Clay's subordinates had shining eyes and began cheering loudly. However, everything was interrupted by the shout of one subordinate.
"There it is!"
Bon Clay looked ahead and saw it.
A ship was sailing at great speed toward them. It looked majestic with its jet-black sails and obsidian-colored hull.
It was elegant, imposing, and chilling. It was the ship of that young monster who had arrived in the Grand Line with a bounty of 300 million—a total madness.
Bon Clay clenched his teeth.
"Don't be afraid and prepare for battle! Show them Okama pride! Show them the strength of Baroque Works! My soul friend Zero-chan needs me and I will be there for him, because that is My Camino Okama!"
BOOM!
A roar shook the sky and in an instant one of Baroque Works' ships exploded into thousands of pieces, leaving everyone in shock.
....
On the deck of his ship, Allen silently observed the minimap with four red dots on it, one had disappeared. There was no need to feel sorry for those who threatened his crew, and he wouldn't.
"What a welcome, Crocodile," Allen smiled mockingly. "Well, it was to be expected."
Just like with Arlong, he had come with hostility. As a Pirate Lord with a goal, "Crocodile", and that shot was a signal—a declaration of war between pirate lords.