CHAPTER 7 — THE AFTERMATH OF RED
The village settled into uneasy quiet after the Red-Haired Pirates departed. The sea carried their laughter and the clatter of their
departing ship, leaving only the faint smell of smoke, alcohol, and salt behind.
Ace and Sabo were silent for a long moment, staring at the horizon. Shanks had declined them—both too young, too weak in his eyes, untested in a world that demanded
Strength above all else. Even Luffy, with his new Devil Fruit powers, had been judged by the same standard.
I did not comment. I had no need. Observation Haki measured their disappointment, Ace's frustration, Sabo's quiet calculation, and Luffy's oblivious excitement over his newfound powers.
COUNTING THE SPOILS
Back in the forest, hidden among thick trees and twisted roots, I finally stopped. The weight of the stolen supplies pressed against my back and side. My extra arm flexed, balancing the load with ease.
I unwrapped the bundles slowly,
methodically, letting my eyes scan every item.
Gold coins: small, several stacks, heavy but portable. Enough to buy weapons or provisions later.
Steel tools: blades, chisels, sharpeners, and a small whetstone. Could be repurposed for training or enhancing swords.
Herbs and medicinal supplies: minor, but useful for recovery during prolonged training.
Small locked boxes: light, heavy enough to suggest something valuable inside. Could contain coins, trinkets, or rare crafting materials.
Three swords still rested at my sides. None had been lost or damaged during the theft. Each remained balanced, ready, and sharp.
My extra arm had only aided the task.
I touched each sword lightly, feeling the subtle vibration of Haki along the edges. They were extensions of myself now, not tools. Every blade harmonized with my arms, my mind, my senses.
ASSESSMENT
I tallied in my mind the advantages I now possessed:
Weapons: three swords fully functional, balanced, and connected to my Haki.
Supplies: medicinal herbs, steel tools, and
minor valuables.
Observation advantage: I had gauged Shanks' crew, their reactions, and the limits of their attentiveness.
No one had noticed. No one could have predicted it.
I was not yet stronger than Shanks' pirates. Not yet stronger than the world's major
Threats. But I had gained tools, knowledge, and a small measure of advantage. And that was enough.
COLD CALCULATION
Ace and Sabo approached quietly, curiosity and admiration flickering in their eyes.
"You… actually got some stuff," Ace said, trying to hide the awe in his voice.
Sabo nodded. "Efficiency. Calculated.
Silent. Clever."
I did not respond. Words were wasted on them.
Instead, I tested the balance of my swords again, the extra arm flexing slightly, swinging once, twice, three times.
Everything aligned.
Everything prepared.
And I already planned the next move.
The forest was quiet.
The village slept.
And I, three swords and one extra arm in perfect harmony, calculated my next step.
Not for fun. Not for recognition. Not for friendship.
For advantage.
For survival.
For mastery.