Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

This seemed to be a fairly prosperous fishing village.

You could tell by the neatly paved stone roads, the two- and three-story European-style houses, the generous piles of fish stacked outside the doors, and the casually placed fishing gear leaning by the walls.

Life here was probably peaceful most of the time, so peaceful that if someone at the far end of the village did something, folks at the other end would hear about it by lunchtime. The kind of place where gossip flowed with tea.

But now, all that peace had been utterly shattered.

A black flag adorned with a vicious-looking skull fluttered over the village square.

Screams, cries for mercy, and the cruel laughter that caused them echoed from every direction.

Blood flowed through the streets, soaking into the stone pavement, filling the air with the stench of iron and death.

The blood came from the villagers lying lifeless on the ground, faces twisted in pain or frozen in their final moments of terror.

This village was under attack by pirates.

🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️

All of this stunned Jasper, who had just returned from the convenience store, arms full of snacks. He pushed open the door to his home, and was greeted by a scene straight out of a nightmare.

Did I open the wrong door or something?

After a few seconds of dazed shock, he glanced around and quickly grasped the gravity of the situation.

Seriously? I just transmigrated, and you threw this at me? Way too much, don’t you think?

And just then, a lean, scruffy-looking pirate noticed him, a young man who looked completely out of place in this blood-soaked world.

Though tall and sturdy, Jasper had the kind of clean, handsome face that screamed, I’ve never suffered a day in my life.

A soft target.

The pirate grinned, spinning his blade to fling off the blood, then began striding toward him.

Jasper instinctively backed away. He knew how serious this was, this wasn’t a game. This was life or death.

His back hit a wall, and the pirate kept approaching. There was nowhere left to run.

Would he resign himself to fate, accept death right at the start, or hope for a last-minute miracle? Or would he fight back?

His hand brushed against something cold.

A fishing spear.

That answered the question for him.

Instead of waiting for a miracle, why not create one? If there was even the slightest chance of survival, he’d take it.

Adrenaline surged through his body. His vision turned red.

In that moment, the roles reversed, prey became predator.

With veins bulging and both hands gripping the spear, he lunged forward in a powerful stance.

There’s a saying: " An extra inch of reach, an extra ounce of strength. " A spear has the advantage over a short sword in both distance and force.

Just like those so-called swordmasters from a certain country, they say they use swords, but the blades get longer with every rank. God forbid anyone actually get close to them.

It was the same principle here. A spear or a fishing harpoon, length matters.

And in a fight to the death, a strong young man wielding a long weapon had no reason to lose to a scrawny pirate with a knife.

He couldn’t lose.

Maybe it was a clash of blades, maybe a desperate leg sweep that snapped bone, or maybe a full-force thrust.

When Jasper finally came back to his senses, the harpoon in his hands had pierced clean through the pirate’s throat.

Blood gushed from the man’s mouth. His eyes widened in disbelief.

Still impaled, with his legs broken, he looked like nothing more than a dead fish.

Jasper let go of the spear and collapsed, panting heavily.

People die when they’re killed.

In a desperate, no-holds-barred fight, it was his superior strength and physique that made the difference.

All those workouts hadn’t been for nothing.

But the problem was, this pirate wasn’t the only one.

The others had noticed what happened. But their expressions weren’t angry, instead, they mocked the fallen man with cruel amusement.

Pirates were only in it for the money. Who cared about bonds or loyalty?

One guy dies? Just means he wasn’t good enough. They’d find another.

One pirate, who looked like a squad leader, even tossed Jasper an olive branch.

“Hey kid, wanna join our crew?”

Some would say survival is the most important thing. Stay alive, bide your time, wait for the right moment to strike back.

But others would rather die than join scum like this. Like the martyrs who chose death over betrayal when captured.

There’s no right or wrong. Only choices.

Jasper chose the latter. He couldn’t stomach fighting alongside the people who’d slaughtered innocents.

He gave his answer with a single raised middle finger.

“What a shame,” the pirate leader said casually.

But his eyes were cold as he raised his pistol and pulled the trigger.

A burst of muzzle flash.

This time, he was done for.

Time seemed to freeze. Jasper could clearly see the rough, spinning bullet hurtling toward him.

[“Marine Partner Summoning System activated. Binding… Binding complete. Host has completed the beginner mission: ‘Defeat One Enemy.’ You have earned a summon. Would you like to use it?”]

A voice echoed in his mind, sparking a faint glimmer of hope.

“Use it,” he replied instantly.

[“Summoning in progress… Congratulations, Host. You have summoned: YoRHa Combat Android, 2B.”]

🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️

  [“Detected human lifeform below. Changing mission priority: locate and secure human.”]

[“Confirmed.”]

The aircraft shifted direction. Its new mission: find the human.

Breaking through enemy lines, 2B suddenly saw it, the ruined fishing village, the bodies, the target marked ‘Human.’

[“Human located. Updating mission priority: protect the human.”]

[“Confirmed.”]

Without hesitation, 2B leapt from the aircraft.

🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️

“Glory to mankind.”

With a whisper, time resumed.

A flash of silver swept through the air, the bullet was cleaved cleanly in half and fell harmlessly to the ground.

From Jasper’s perspective, all he saw was a flutter of black skirts, like wind parting the clouds to reveal a bright, full moon bathed in silvery light.

And just as quickly, the moon vanished behind the dark fabric once again.

It happened in an instant. His mind was still stuck on that breathtaking moonlit image.

No wonder Li Bai missed home when he saw the moon.

2B glanced back at Jasper to confirm his safety, then turned toward the stunned pirates.

Did that woman just cut a bullet out of the air?

[“Warning: multiple hostiles identified. Source: humanoid.”]

The voice came from the floating pod above 2B’s head, a sleek metal device shaped like a simple cube with two mechanical arms.

“No need to explain,” 2B said as she drew her sword.

Without another word, she launched forward, wielding her massive blade Virtuous Contract , moving so fast she left behind faint afterimages.

This was a harvest. Like a scythe sweeping through a wheat field, the pirates fell one after another.

They had no time to react. By the time they registered movement, they were already corpses.

Just as they’d mercilessly slaughtered defenseless villagers, now, the roles were reversed.

She was a relentless, unfeeling combat machine.

Panic spread. After the small-time leader fell, the rest began to scatter.

They weren’t soldiers. Just thugs and scavengers, the kind who preyed on the weak and fled from strength.

And when faced with a foe they couldn’t match, they didn’t even have the courage to raise a blade.

“STOP RIGHT THERE!”

A thunderous roar cut through the chaos. A massive spiked club swept out, sending several fleeing pirates flying like rag dolls, broken, bloody, and probably dead.

Blocking the road ahead stood a towering man over three meters tall, rippling with muscle, a savage scar cutting across his face.

Captain of the Scar Pirate Crew.

“Let a single woman scare you this bad? You worthless trash just dragged my ten-million-Berry face through the mud!”

Roaring, he charged at 2B with the massive club raised high, then brought it crashing down.

It was a blow packed with terrifying strength and weight, a strike that had crushed countless enemies and earned him his lofty bounty.

But as the weapon fell, he suddenly saw her split into four afterimages, dodging in all directions. Time seemed to pause again.

Then came the blade.

A thin red line stretched down from the top of his skull, past his nose, throat, chest, and stomach, until his body collapsed into a pile of meat.

Dead. Instantly.

With their captain fallen, the remaining pirates were so paralyzed by fear they didn’t even run. They just collapsed, trembling.

2B glanced at Jasper, as if asking:

Should I finish them off?

These humanoids who had moments ago been full of bloodlust.

She existed for mankind, and followed mankind’s will.

🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️

A/N: For those who don't know 2B is an android from NieR:Automata, an action role-playing game.

Chapter Text

In the face of the question, Jasper looked at the scum who deserved to die, pirates who had pillaged, burned, and murdered. Then he looked at 2B, standing amidst a blood-soaked plaza littered with corpses and severed limbs. Her pristine white outfit, untainted by even a drop of blood, fluttered in the wind like a blooming lily. She held her greatsword, Virtuous Contract , still poised.

He wanted to tell her to stop. To just capture them and hand them over to the local authorities.

So she wouldn't have to dirty her hands.

But this wasn’t something Jasper had the power to decide.

The surviving villagers, who had been hiding in their homes, heard the silence that followed the battle. When they saw 2B with her sword, saw the pirate captain split clean in half, and the rest of the pirates cowering in terror, how could they not understand what had just happened?

“Kill them!” someone cried. “Avenge the dead!”

“Damn pirates! They deserve to die!”

“Scum!”

“Slaughter them all!”

Their shouts rose like waves, brimming with fury.

 [“Only incapacitated enemies are good enemies. Based on battlefield assessment, lethal action is recommended.”]

2B remained unmoved. She waited for Jasper’s command.

At the same time, she casually swung her sword and sent a blast of energy slicing through the air, severing the arm of a pirate who had secretly reached for his weapon.

“Die!” A young woman, unable to hold back, jumped out a window, face twisted with rage. She plunged a dagger into a pirate’s chest.

With someone taking the lead, the rest of the villagers were spurred into action. Grabbing tools and weapons, they charged at the broken pirates, unleashing another wave of slaughter.

The terrified pirates, frozen in fear, had no power to resist. It was all over.

[“Enemy forces eliminated. No remaining life signs,”]

2B walked toward Jasper.

This wasn’t the place for conversation, blood, limbs, bodies... the grotesque aftermath made Jasper feel ill.

His face pale, he quietly led 2B away.

🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️

They arrived at an untouched beach, golden sands, coconut trees heavy with fruit, sparkling blue waves, and a gentle sea breeze.

It was one sun chair and a beach umbrella away from being a resort. Add sunglasses, a coconut with a straw, and a pair of oversized swim trunks, and it would be paradise.

Compared to the hellish slaughter of the fishing village just moments ago, this peaceful scene felt surreal.

Huuurgh, 

Jasper couldn’t hold it in any longer. He bent over and vomited, wishing he could expel every last bite of last night’s meal.

He had been born in a turbulent time but raised in a peaceful country. The most gruesome scene he'd ever witnessed was a butcher slicing meat at the market. This? This was on a whole different level.

It had shattered his psychological threshold.

He now understood just how cheap life could be.

A single harpoon could snuff it out in an instant.

But he didn’t regret it. He wasn’t afraid either. In a life-or-death moment, anyone would’ve made the same choice.

After vomiting, he wiped his mouth, but when he saw the bloodstains on his hands, he rushed to the shore to wash them off.

Once he was clean, he turned back to 2B, forced a smile, and held out his hand.

“Hi, I’m Jasper Riven.”

 [“This is known as a handshake, a gesture of goodwill commonly used among humans.”]

“I know,” 2B cut the pod off and reached out to shake his hand.

“Hello. I am 2B, YoRHa No.2 Type B, a general-purpose battle android.”

Jasper, of course, knew exactly who she was. She was the heroine of NieR: Automata , short silver hair, a black blindfold that screamed restrained allure, and a figure that could only exist in 3D fantasy. She was the goddess of the 3D Zone, practically a legend.

She alone had redeemed much of the game’s flaws. Countless players had picked up NieR just for her.

Especially that infamous staircase scene, from below, the visual impact of her skintight leotard left an impression that drove players wild.

And those curves, so perfectly accentuated by her outfit, it was no wonder she had become the dream of an entire generation of gamers.

She’d even kept Jasper company through many lonely nights back in university, draining his youthful vigor.

(He had to attend classes in the morning, so the only time to play was late at night.)

That long stretch of sleepless nights left him bleary-eyed in class.

In other words, she was his youth.

And now, a character he once only saw on a screen stood before him, real as life.

It was hard not to feel a bit overwhelmed.

“Really, thank you,” Jasper released her hand. “If it weren’t for you, I’d probably be dead from a pirate’s bullet right now.”

“Protecting humanity is our duty as androids.”

Having completed the game several times, Jasper knew the lore. To give androids a purpose and hope, the system fabricated the lie that humans still existed, so they would fight, reclaim Earth, and preserve the glory of mankind.

“So… I’m not the only human, right? What about those people earlier…”

“They weren’t human,” the pod interjected. “Although they appear similar, my scans and biological analysis show that they differ from humans on a fundamental level, like the difference between humans and chimpanzees.”

“Chimps? Isn’t that a bit much…” Jasper muttered. Probably just part of the system’s design. If he summoned 2B, there had to be a reason she’d fight for him , and not hesitate against others.

Of course, he wasn’t going to mention that he summoned her, or that he knew her backstory.

That secret was going with him to the grave.

“But seriously,” he asked, “are you really an android? You don’t seem any different from a real human.”

“I’m designed to mimic humans,” 2B replied. “While I appear human on the outside, my internal structure is completely different. For example, I don’t feel hungry and don’t need to eat for energy.”

“Of course, for the sake of realism, I do have functional digestive systems that can convert food into energy... but it’s highly inefficient, so we rarely use it.”

“Mimicking humans, huh…” Jasper nodded, then hesitated. He asked the next question carefully.

“So, uh… are you the same as humans in other ways?”

“What ways?”

“I mean… uhh… never mind.” He glanced at her hips, wider than her shoulders, and scratched his head, swallowing the question.

Like many Han Chinese men, he felt an inexplicable embarrassment about such topics, especially after just meeting her.

“To better emulate humans, and possibly continue the species, female androids are equipped with reproductive modules,” the pod answered helpfully, before he could change the subject.

“However, 2B’s reproductive module has not been fully activated. Only the base framework is functional. She currently cannot serve as a vessel for humanity’s future. Recommendation: do not expend unnecessary effort in this regard.”

“Sorry.” A faint blush colored 2B’s otherwise stoic face. She bowed slightly. “Forgive me for being unable to help carry on the glory of humanity.”

“Ahem. I wasn’t asking that ,” Jasper quickly waved his hands, a smile twitching at the corners of his lips. “I just meant… you know, convenience, like bathroom stuff.”

“Let’s… not talk about that anymore.” He changed the subject. “So, do you have any plans going forward?”

2B’s answer was calm and firm: “Fighting for humanity is my only mission.”

“The terrain, environment, and biological samples here do not match any records in my database,” the pod reported, scanning their surroundings with a beam of light. “Additionally, there is no communication with the YoRHa orbital base.”

“It is highly likely we are no longer on Earth. Therefore, the current priority should be ensuring human safety and attempting to re-establish contact with the orbital base.”

“Agreed,” 2B said without hesitation.

“Protect me, huh…” Jasper leaned against a coconut tree, gazing up through its leaves at a sky that seemed even bluer than before.

A soft smile spread across his sharp-featured face.

Chapter Text

From the moment Jasper saw the skull-and-crossbones flag fluttering from the pole in the village square, he had already guessed what kind of world he was in.

This had to be the world of One Piece .

Pirates running rampant. A Marine that masked corruption and cruelty behind the facade of justice. Tyrannical kingdoms. And the oppressive Celestial Dragons, ruling from on high, beyond reproach.

In a world like this, nothing brings peace of mind more than power.

Fists and force, those are the only guarantees in a world that devours the weak.

And that's exactly what Jasper needed most right now.

Especially after nearly losing his life during the pirate raid on the fishing village, he had stared death in the face.

So when 2B took the initiative to make his safety her top priority, it was nothing short of exhilarating.

Even better, it completed the system's assigned task.

🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️

Mission Log:

Opportunities are never meant for the weak. If you want favor, show your courage and prove yourself.

• Mission: Defeat one enemy (pirates, bandits, marines, regular soldiers, etc.)
  
  

• Status: Completed
  
  

• Reward: One summoning opportunity
  (Note: Summoned characters may not serve you willingly. If you want them as an ally, use your personal charm to convince them.)

Want to find the legendary treasure? Gather your crew and begin your new adventure!

• Companion Requirement: A swordswoman preferred (no extreme fetishes)
  
  

• Status: Completed
  
  

• Reward: 1 skill mastery point
  (Can be allocated freely. Once distributed, cannot be changed, choose wisely.)

New Mission: How can you set sail without a ship? Planning to swim to the One Piece?

• Ship Requirement: The bigger, the better. In a pinch, drifting in a barrel is acceptable (just don’t get swallowed by a Sea King).
  (Important: The ship must be your own, buy it or steal it, doesn’t matter.)
  
  

• Reward: +1 lottery draw
  (Mission deadline: 1 month. Miss it by a day and you'll get a week-long "kidney deficiency" debuff. Don’t slack off!)

🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️

Jasper pressed his lips together. This system didn’t just casually kill off its hosts for failing missions, but the punishments… They were particularly cruel for any normal man.

Snapping back to the present, he turned to 2B, who was waiting for his response.

“Then I’ll leave my safety in your hands from now on.”

2B saluted. “I will protect you with my life. Humanity’s honor shall not be tarnished.”

“You don’t have to be so formal,” he smiled. “We’re partners. Just act natural.”

“Partners…” 2B touched her sharp chin thoughtfully, then nodded. “Understood. But if you need anything from me, don’t hesitate to command.”

“Alright. Let’s head back,” Jasper said, turning toward the village. “We should see if there’s anything we can help with.”

Besides, he still needed to get a ship, and the village might be key to that. Given that they’d just saved everyone, getting a small boat shouldn’t be too hard.

But before they could even reach the village, a group of marines came running toward them, weapons drawn.

2B instinctively drew her greatsword and stepped in front of Jasper in a protective stance.

The marines stopped a short distance away, forming two neat lines, creating a corridor. From their ranks emerged a tall, mature woman with long pink hair and a cigarette between her lips. Her presence radiated authority and allure.

Her crimson suit was stretched tight across her chest, and the lone button straining to hold the fabric together looked like a desperate spider clinging to a collapsing bridge. One wrong breath, and that button might fly off, releasing an avalanche of snow-white curves.

Women in this world really did have extraordinary proportions.

She gave a cursory glance at the wary 2B, then said slowly, “You’re the ones who saved the village?”

“Yes,” Jasper replied, placing a hand gently on 2B’s wrist to lower her weapon. “That was us. Is something the matter?”

“Just confirming. You’re not from this village, correct?”

Hearing that, Jasper suddenly had a bad feeling.

He remembered, leaving port in this world required marine authorization. The government strictly controlled population movement. You couldn’t just sail off wherever you wanted.

Anyone who set sail without permission, be it pirate, adventurer, or bounty hunter, was considered a pirate.

Because sailing away meant escaping the crushing taxes imposed by the Marine, kingdoms, and Celestial Dragons.

That’s why, in this world, anyone with a shred of courage would rather take their chances at sea than stay on land and be exploited.

Jasper and 2B, one summoned from another world, the other created by the system, had no official identity, no documentation, no permit to sail.

In other words, they were no different from pirates.

Jasper met the woman’s gaze and gave 2B’s hand a subtle squeeze before slowly shaking his head.

The air tensed instantly, like a drawn bow.

“Ensign, ma’am, report,” a marine suddenly ran up and whispered in her ear.

“No match found among known pirate profiles.”

The pressure vanished in an instant.

The woman extended a hand. “I’m Tashigi. Thank you for saving this village.”

It really was her!

Even though her look here didn’t exactly match her portrayal in the original story, with her modest outfit and all, Jasper had guessed her identity the moment he saw the pink hair and cigarette.

A powerful user of the Kachi Kachi no Mi, a Paramecia-type fruit that lets her bind targets with iron shackles and summon metal spikes for ranged attacks. Not someone to be underestimated.

But from how the marine addressed her… Tashigi was still an Ensign ?

So this timeline must be before the Marineford War?

Jasper was curious, if 2B and Tashigi fought, who would win?

While these thoughts buzzed through his head, he still extended his hand and shook hers.

“Jasper. This is 2B. As for fighting those pirates, just self-defense.”

“Regardless of motive, you defeated them and saved the village. That's a fact.”

Tashigi released his hand after a light shake. “You’ll get the full bounty. I’ll make sure of it. You’re planning to stay in the village for a while?”

“Yeah. We’ll need a ship.”

“Then wait here for a few days. I’ll have the bounty sent over. As for the loot on the pirate ship, I’ve got men taking inventory. I’ll convert it to Berries and get that to you as well. I’ll be stationed here for a while, if you need anything, come find me at the docked battleship.”

With that, Tashigi turned and left with her marines, just as swiftly as she’d arrived.

Jasper watched her go. The word “Justice” on her Marine cloak fluttered in the breeze.

A bounty payout, help with looting the pirate ship, was this a rare stroke of good luck?

He was relieved that it was Tashigi, and not someone like Captain Nezumi, who colluded with pirates, or Axe-Hand Morgan, who oppressed civilians.

Was this just beginner’s luck?

Feeling optimistic, Jasper and 2B returned to the fishing village.

But upon seeing the devastation left behind by the pirate attack and the sorrow that still hung in the air, that good mood quickly vanished.

The surviving villagers rushed to thank them.

“Big brother, this is for you.”

Jasper looked down to see a little girl with a runny nose holding up a shopping bag he’d brought with him, one filled with snacks. She was stretching her arms as high as she could.

“Thank you,” he said, accepting the bag with a smile. He patted her head, then pulled out a pack of gummies, tore it open, and handed it to her.

These snacks were a finite resource. Once gone, they’d be gone for good.

Chapter Text

“This is one of the islands in the Conomi Archipelago of the East Blue. It's called Eel Island, or Eel Village, more commonly, famous for its abundance of eel.”

With a bandaged arm and a weathered face full of life, the village chief explained their location to Jasper while tending the stove and pulling tea leaves from a shelf.

“What kind of tea do you drink? We have floral, black, and matcha.”

“I'll have black tea.”

“Alright.” The chief brought the tea over and continued, “Thanks to you two stepping in, the village avoided more serious damage. We’re all deeply grateful.”

Jasper wanted to retort, more than ten people had died, and who knew how many were injured. How could that not be serious?

But then he remembered: different places have different standards. In some areas, the sound of gunfire signals war. In others, it means celebration. You can't lump them together.

Here, perhaps losing a dozen people in a pirate attack was considered relatively minor.

“Do pirate attacks happen often around here? Doesn’t the village have any kind of defense force or countermeasures?”

“We do. There’s a local guard unit and a few anti-pirate cannons, but only the guards know how to use them. They left just yesterday to attend a week-long training at the nearby Marine branch. We had to pay a hefty sum for that...”

The chief abruptly stopped. He had almost mentioned the large bribe in Berries they’d paid to that greedy rat, Captain Nezumi, at the Marine branch. But with Marine personnel now stationed in the village, albeit from headquarters, he couldn’t be sure if they were on Nezumi’s side.

Better to say less.

“They just left yesterday? By the way, which Marine branch are they training at?”

“Branch 16,” the chief replied as he poured the aromatic tea into two cups for Jasper and 2B. “The one headed by Captain Nezumi.”

“Hmm.” Jasper sipped his tea thoughtfully. Captain Nezumi, the corrupt scum who colluded with the Arlong Pirates to exploit and terrorize villagers, took bribes, turned a blind eye, and never reported the truth. He allowed the Arlong crew to run wild over the twenty villages in the Conomi Archipelago.

Given his character, it was obvious he was involved with the pirates that attacked this village.

What were the chances the guards left one day, and pirates attacked the next? That was no coincidence.

In fact, if the villagers had asked the Marine for help, Nezumi might’ve just used it as an excuse to extort them even more, or worse, forge a partnership with this pirate crew like the one he had with Arlong, exploiting the area together.

This village looked fairly well-off too. A tempting target.

That scum's schemes had clearly been thwarted by Jasper, 2B... and Ensign Tashigi.

Still, Nezumi might seek revenge. He couldn't touch someone like Tashigi, who was backed by Marine Headquarters, but two nobodies with no background? They were easy targets.

“By the way, what year is it now? How long since Roger died?”

“It’s the year 1519, 21 years since the death of Gol D. Roger,” the chief replied, giving him a strange look. It was common knowledge.

“I’d been training deep in the mountains with my companion. We only recently came down to the sea. Lost track of time.”

Jasper offered a reasonable explanation. But wait... wasn’t the protagonist of the original story supposed to set sail 22 years after Roger’s death?

If so, that meant the Axe-Hand Morgan and his tyrannical son were still oppressing people, and Arlong was still ruling over Cocoyasi Village in the East Blue.

“I see.”

“Yeah.” Jasper nodded and took another sip of tea. It was fragrant and rich, surprisingly good.

“Also, do you happen to have any boats for sale? Ours got damaged. Just a small sailboat, something two people can handle.”

“We do have boats, but don’t worry about buying one.” The chief waved his hand. “You saved our village. It's only right we give one to you as thanks.”

“Thanks.”

Jasper didn’t decline. Doing a good deed and receiving proper compensation, that was how positive cycles began. If every act of kindness ended in pain or loss, people would become disillusioned, even resentful. No one wants to help if the reward is just empty words or worse, trouble.

“There’s a sailboat ready to go now. But if you want a new one, even if our craftsmen start right away, it’ll take two to three weeks.”

“Let’s have a new one built. We’re not in a rush.”

“Alright then. While you wait, stay here in the village. I’ll have someone arrange a place for you.”

The chief leaned out the window and shouted a few names. Soon, a young man came over. After giving him a few quick instructions, the chief sent him off with Jasper and 2B to the local inn where traveling merchants stayed.

“One room is enough,” said 2B, quiet and composed. It was for Jasper’s safety, he was the only human, after all.

But the young man leading them clearly misunderstood. He gave Jasper a knowing, envious look and whispered, “Just try to keep it down tonight, alright? These walls aren’t very thick. No one’s in the room next door, but the street below isn’t exactly quiet.”

2B, a combat-only android, was clueless about such things. Once the man left, she asked curiously, “Why did he tell us to keep quiet?”

“According to the database, human reproduction, ”

“Stop.” Jasper knocked on the overly talkative support unit and explained, “He meant we shouldn't snore too loudly while sleeping. Humans sometimes snore.”

“Really?” 2B looked unconvinced.

“Really.” Jasper nodded and entered the room with her.

But after a moment’s thought, he decided not to treat the subject like some taboo most parents would fiercely guard against. For 2B, learning about human behaviors, even awkward ones, was part of growth.

So after weighing it over, he said, “Support Unit, go ahead and continue explaining to 2B. I’ll be out on the balcony getting some air.”

“Understood.”

He stepped onto the balcony and sat on a wooden chair, watching the Marine and villagers clean up after the pirate attack. His eyes wandered to the endless sea on the horizon.

After hesitating, he opened one of the few remaining cans of cola and took a sip.

Refreshing. If only it were cold.

While he had the time, he opened the system’s personal interface.

This was his first time checking it, and to his surprise, it didn’t display the usual stats like attack, health, or speed.

Instead, it only showed three simple traits: Weapon Mastery , Hand-to-Hand Combat Mastery , and Enhanced Recovery .

Jasper was briefly stunned but quickly understood why the system was structured this way.

This world’s power system was too chaotic.

There were Devil Fruits, martial arts, Haki... and most of them had a rock-paper-scissors dynamic depending on the matchups. Too many variables, numbers alone couldn’t define someone’s strength.

Even in the Enies Lobby arc, a “Power Level” system called Douriki was introduced, but it was quietly dropped in later arcs.

Most likely, Douriki only worked for those relying on physical strength. Once weapons and Devil Fruits got involved, the system became meaningless, at best, a rough reference.

Chapter Text

Since there were only three attribute categories to assign points to, there was no reason to hesitate, Jasper dumped all the points into Physical Skills.

In this world, whether it's Devil Fruit abilities or Haki, they're just support tools. Only physical prowess is truly irreplaceable!

But after doing so, he felt just the tiniest twinge of regret.

Wait... did Recovery Enhancement also include things like kidney function?

Eh, whatever. It should be enough.

Jasper had full confidence in his kidneys.

As his Physical stat increased, he suddenly felt his tendons and bones become more agile, like his meridians had been opened up.

He couldn't help but clench his fists and throw a few punches. Somehow, he was instinctively applying the proper technique. Even without an increase in raw strength, the force behind his blow created a subtle whoosh through the air.

There might not have been any dramatic transformation in his body, but the way he exerted strength had clearly changed. It was like unlocking the full potential of his physique.

Mastering how to exert force was the foundation of all physical combat.

And this was only the beginning. All three attributes were currently at Level 1. He had added a point into Physical, and when it reached 5, it would level up to LV2.

If he kept investing points into it, could it lead to a qualitative leap?

Like maybe learning the Marine's Rokushiki ?

He couldn’t help but feel excited for what the future might bring.

He threw a few more punches, getting used to how his muscles now moved differently and adjusting to the new way his body generated power.

That's when 2B opened the balcony door and sat down next to him.

Jasper glanced at her pale face tinged with a soft pink and asked, “Did you get the answers you were looking for from the support pod?”

“Mm.” 2B nodded, her full lips pressing together briefly. “Humans are strange. They go out of their way to waste so much energy just to experience fleeting moments of pleasure.”

“That’s what makes us human. We're imperfect, but it’s precisely because of these 'pointless' acts that society becomes rich and diverse.”

“Like this can of cola, it’s just water, sugar, and carbonation. But because it delivers that satisfying first sip, it’s become something many people can’t live without.”

“I don’t understand,” 2B said, shaking her head. Her hands, resting on her lap, curled into gentle fists. “But if you need to do those pointless things, I’ll go along with it.”

“Because I’m human?”

“Mm.”

“Alright then,” Jasper leaned back in his chair with a relaxed smile. “Tonight it is.”

He didn’t have some cultivation rule forbidding intimacy with women. He was a normal adult, with normal desires.

Whether or not 2B had actual feelings for him right now didn’t matter much. As long as they were compatible, emotions could be cultivated in twenty minutes or less.

Jasper was confident in that.

2B didn’t say anything, her silence was as good as agreement.

“Oh, right,” Jasper straightened his chair to face her. “Why do you always wear that blindfold? Can you take it off?”

He remembered that in the game, 2B's visor had two meanings: suppression of emotions, and deliberate ignorance.

Androids developing emotions was strictly forbidden, just like learning the truth about humanity’s extinction.

Getting her to remove her blindfold would be the first step toward allowing her to feel.

2B hesitated for a moment, but eventually complied, removing her visor to reveal eyes as clear and blue as the ocean.

For the first time, she wasn’t looking at the world through tactical optics, but with her own eyes. And that shift brought on a flood of unfamiliar emotions.

The scenery here was beautiful. The buildings were intact, not ruined or covered in vines.

Even though the people on the streets were tinged with post-disaster sorrow, they were also vibrant and full of new life, unlike the YoRHa orbital base, which had always felt cold and solemn.

Then there was the human in front of her, so handsome, with such sharp features and an inexplicable magnetism.

Yet so fragile... even weaker than the lowest-level machine lifeform.

But this was why she existed, what she fought to protect, the reason she would stake everything.

“You have beautiful eyes,” Jasper said, locking eyes with her. He gently placed a hand on her cool, beautiful face and stroked her lower eyelid with his thumb.

“With eyes like these, why hide them?”

“To avoid unnecessary emotions,” 2B tilted her head slightly, as if basking in the warmth of his touch. “It’s forbidden for androids.”

“To prevent feelings, huh? But what if I told you I didn’t want you to wear that blindfold anymore?”

“Then I won’t wear it. A human command takes priority.”

“That’s not really a human command… forget it. You’ll understand in time,” Jasper withdrew his hand. “But during combat, keep it on. Just take it off in private.”

“It feels strange being alone with you and not seeing your eyes. I can’t read your emotions. But right now, I can see it, you’re showing affection.”

“Affection?”

“Affection for me, or perhaps for humanity in general.” Jasper smiled. Being human made a lot of things simpler.

2B merely nodded. She was trained only for combat, so there were many things she didn’t fully grasp.

But if this warmth she felt, this desire to protect him, was what people called affection… then it had already filled her chest to the brim.

Staring at the dazed 2B, her trembling lashes, the soft look in her eyes, Jasper didn’t hesitate. He leaned in and gently kissed her full lips.

Her lips were cool to the touch. Back in college, he could only admire her through a screen, but now, he could finally experience it firsthand.

The kiss was brief, just a light contact, but it triggered an overload in 2B’s systems. The sudden rush of data and emotion caused her internal temperature to spike. Her cheeks flushed so red, she nearly crashed.

“You okay?” Jasper asked, startled by her reaction. Was her mouth some kind of sensitive trigger for androids?

He rushed into the room and grabbed the support pod from the bed.

“Quick, come check on 2B! I think something’s wrong!”

The support pod immediately flew out to the balcony, scanning her with full diagnostics. It then sprayed a cooling mist on her face, helping her calm down.

“Her information processing module experienced temporary overload due to excessive new data input,” the pod explained. “But don’t worry, now that the system’s adapted, this won’t happen again.”

“I see,” Jasper chuckled. “So basically, it’s the android equivalent of getting flustered after a kiss?”

This 2B... really is way too innocent.

Chapter Text

2B took quite some time to recover from the overwhelming amount of information she had just absorbed.

Now, her gaze toward Jasper had changed completely, especially when it came to his lips.

It had been nothing more than a brief contact, just lips brushing against lips. Yet somehow, it had disrupted the stability of her black box.

Is this what it means to be human?

Even as she tried to calm down, part of her wanted to experience that strange sensation again.

Catching Jasper glancing her way, 2B quickly looked away and put her visor back on, shielding her eyes to stop her thoughts from running wild.

It worked. With her eyes covered, 2B gradually returned to her usual calm demeanor, her flustered schoolgirl side giving way once more to the cold, composed woman she typically presented.

“Is there something on my face?” Jasper asked. “You were staring just now.”

“No. I was just observing how you differ from us androids.”

She wasn’t lying. She had been analyzing the differences between him and androids, he just hadn’t asked where she was observing or what conclusions she’d drawn.

And if he did ask, she’d be honest about it.

But Jasper let it go. He stood up, looking out the window at the reddening sky. Smoke curled up from chimneys across the village. “Are you feeling better now? Want to grab some food?”

He was low on money at the moment, but the Marine should be sending over his bounty earnings in a couple of days... assuming they kept their word.

Still, as the village's hero, he figured he could probably run a tab and settle it later.

“I’m an android. I don’t require sustenance,” 2B said plainly.

“Right, I forgot,” Jasper scratched his head. 2B’s behavior had been so natural, so human, that he'd momentarily overlooked the fact that she wasn’t.

“Still, come with me. It’s safer if we stick together.”

“Alright.”

Her pod chimed in: “Reminder: due to a lack of external energy intake, it is recommended that 2B consume food to supplement her system’s energy expenditure.”

2B nodded obediently. “Understood.”

“Is there anything you can’t eat?” Jasper asked. “Like certain kinds of fish?”

He recalled a story from the game, something about an android who died after eating a mackerel, its flavor so delicious it caused their bodily fluids to solidify and muscles to seize up.

“There is,” 2B replied, pinching her chin in thought. “I’ve heard rumors among androids that mackerel oil can interfere with neural conductivity. Supposedly, it can even be fatal.”

“That rumor is unsubstantiated,” the pod cut in. “The android digestive system is capable of breaking down both organic and inorganic materials, converting them into usable energy. There is no data confirming that mackerel oil is harmful to androids.”

“Still,” Jasper said, “lack of data doesn’t mean there’s no risk. Let’s skip the mackerel and try something else, how about grilled eel rice? It’s this village’s specialty, and it should taste great.”

Just the thought of it made him lick his lips. He had never eaten grilled eel before. Growing up in a small town, he’d only seen it in food videos, those golden-brown, sauce-glazed fillets that always looked mouthwateringly good.

Unfortunately, his hometown didn’t offer such delicacies. It had always been one of those small regrets.

They left the inn and wandered through the village. Many shops were closed due to the damage and casualties from the pirate attack earlier that day.

Only one place remained open, a tavern by the plaza, likely spared because it was a pirate favorite.

A few patrons were eating inside. The owner, who doubled as the bartender, spotted them and quickly bowed. “Saviors! Here to eat?”

“Yes,” Jasper nodded, taking a seat with 2B. “But first, do you allow tabs? I’ll pay in a couple of days when the Marine sends over my bounty.”

“No need for that,” the owner said with a wide smile. “As long as you're in the village, meals are in the house. It’s the least I can do to thank you for saving us.”

“Thanks,” Jasper grinned. “Then I won’t be shy.”

“Please don’t be. What would you like? I recommend the grilled eel rice, our local specialty.”

“Then let’s have that.”

“Coming right up.”

After a short wait, the much-anticipated eel rice was served in a large bowl, accompanied by grilled eel, deep-fried eel bones, assorted sides, and two tall glasses of wheat juice.

It looked amazing and tasted tender, savory, quite good, though not quite the earth-shattering experience he had imagined.

Still, not bad.

He glanced over at 2B, who sat there frozen, as if she really had eaten mackerel and was now experiencing system failure.

“You okay?” he asked, waving a hand in front of her face and gently shaking her arm.

That seemed to snap her out of it.

“I’m fine,” 2B said, staring at the eel rice in front of her. “It’s just... this flavor. It’s too good. It really does feel like my fluids are solidifying and my muscles are locking up.”

She immediately took another bite of the eel-covered rice noodles. Then another. And another. Clearly enjoying herself.

“As long as you like it,” Jasper chuckled. He used his chopsticks to place a piece of eel into her bowl, along with some seaweed and pickled vegetables. “Try mixing it all together, the flavor should be even better.”

“Thank you.” 2B followed his advice, and indeed, the combination added new layers to the taste.

After finishing the meal, 2B eyed the golden wheat juice. “What is this? Fuel?”

“It’s wheat juice,” Jasper said, taking a sip. “Really refreshing. But before you drink it, I should ask, how well do you tolerate alcohol?”

If he remembered correctly, 2B’s body mass was around 150 kilograms, almost double his own.

Her figure was perfectly proportioned, like a plump pear, soft in all the right ways, but in terms of weight, she was basically a walking tank.

If she got drunk, he definitely wouldn’t be able to carry her back to the inn.

“No need to worry,” the pod interjected. “Alcohol is actually an excellent fuel source for androids. 2B will not become intoxicated from consuming this beverage.”

“Good to know.”

Given the green light, 2B took a sip of the wheat juice, only to immediately start coughing, caught off-guard by the carbonation.

“Apologies. The texture and taste are... unfamiliar.”

“It’s alright,” Jasper said, handing her a napkin. “It’s carbonated. It takes a bit of getting used to. Like anything else in life, you get better with experience.”

Chapter Text

This was a small fishing village, and by nightfall, there weren’t many ways to pass the time.

At most, the villagers would gather at the tavern to drink, play cards, or simply go home, shut the windows, and... contemplate the meaning of life in their own private way.

By the time dinner was finished, the sky had already darkened. A few villagers invited Jasper to join them for cards, but he politely declined and left the tavern with 2B.

"Let’s take a walk by the sea," Jasper suggested. He wasn’t in a hurry to return to the inn, after all, the night was still young.

A little fresh air and a light stroll to help digest dinner sounded good.

"Okay," 2B replied, walking beside him. Her primary directive right now was to stay close and protect him.

It was quiet, 2B wasn’t exactly talkative, so Jasper took the initiative to start a conversation.

"2B, could you tell me a bit about yourself? Like… why do androids protect humans? What was your original world like?"

The floating pod nearby chimed in, “If I may, I can explain that, ”

“No need. I’ll handle it,” 2B reached out and gently pulled the pod to her side. For some reason, she found it unnecessary at the moment.

Choosing her words carefully, 2B began: “Aliens invaded Earth. They created an army called ‘Machine Lifeforms’…”

Jasper walked beside her, listening to her recount a familiar backstory.

From her words, he learned that she had been dispatched by the YoRHa orbital base to eliminate a massive Machine Lifeform. But during the mission, her pod unexpectedly detected human life signs and altered their course, which ultimately led her to this world.

Not bad at all.

By the time she finished speaking, they had arrived at the seaside.

The beach at night was a completely different scene from the daytime. The sea was no longer a bright blue but instead sparkled with glowing specks of light. Ribbons of luminous blue waves danced under the moonlight, and each step on the soft sand sent glowing particles scattering like something out of a fairytale, surreal and dreamlike.

But 2B didn’t seem moved by the sight. She stood motionless, like a loyal guardian unmoved by anything around her.

So, Jasper reached out and gently removed her visor.

The moment her eyes were exposed to the dazzling scene, they widened. Light danced in her pupils as she gasped, “It’s beautiful.”

“Right? I didn’t expect it to be this stunning either.”

“Why does the sea look like this at night?”

“It’s because of algae,” Jasper explained. “Some types glow in the dark. When they gather and move with the tide, they create this kind of effect.”

“Glowing algae… I’ve never seen anything like it.”

2B crouched down, brushed the seawater with her fingers, watching the glowing particles drift between them. It was fascinating.

They admired the view for a while, then continued walking down the glowing shoreline, shoulder to shoulder. As their hands occasionally brushed, Jasper simply reached over and held hers firmly.

2B trembled slightly, once again feeling the strange heat rise from her black box.

But unlike earlier in the day, she now had experience, her system didn’t overheat to the point of near-crash this time.

Still, without her visor and with her hand held tightly in his, her gaze began to drift.

She no longer looked at the breathtaking sea, instead, her eyes lingered on Jasper’s side profile… his lips.

A subtle urge stirred inside her.

Jasper wasn’t oblivious, he was a healthy young man, and he knew exactly what this moment called for.

He pulled her gently into his arms and kissed her.

But this time, it wasn’t just a simple brush of the lips.

He captured her slightly hesitant tongue and tasted the sweetness of the goddess he had once admired in college.

He felt the softness of her body, the smooth skin of her back pressed against him.

It was real. 2B was in his arms, returning his kiss deeply.

It felt like he had scooped the moon’s reflection right out of the water and held it in his hands.

And in a way, he had.

Soft enough that his fingers could sink right in.

As Jasper experienced 2B’s realness, she too was feeling the same.

This was a human, a real human, not a distant echo from a lunar base, not a fading broadcast playing on repeat. He was warm, alive, here.

His closeness caused her internal systems to overheat again. Her body reacted strangely, yet she didn’t want to pull away. She wanted more.

After a brief adjustment, 2B started to kiss him back, learning to respond, to feel the shape and warmth of a human being.

The moment could have easily turned into something much more… intimate, right there on that magical beach.

But it was still sand. Not exactly ideal for going further.

So after indulging in the moment, Jasper summoned the last ounce of his rationality and slowly pulled away from 2B’s lips, which lingered like a strand of silk.

“Alright. Let’s head back for now.”

For 2B, who had just experienced her first deep kiss, her first kiss with a human, it was clearly not enough. Still catching her breath, she looked up and murmured with concern, “Doing this… won’t harm your body, will it?”

“Harm my body?”

2B bit her lip and, hands trembling, carefully touched him through his clothes.

Jasper instantly understood. He rubbed her head gently and chuckled, “Did the pod tell you that too?”

“Yes. It said… once the process starts, it must be completed. Otherwise, the pressure builds up like an overloaded energy cannon and… explodes.”

“Explodes, huh? Bit dramatic, but not entirely wrong.”

“So then…”

“Let’s wait till we’re back,” he said, rubbing her head again. “No rush.”

“Okay.” 2B reluctantly stepped out of his arms and let go of his hand, but couldn’t help sneaking a few more glances.

What had just been concealed was now obvious… like a sword hilt protruding forward, and it made her worry.

On the walk back, 2B’s pace quickened noticeably.

She was more anxious than Jasper.

After all, a human’s health and safety had now become her top priority.

So the moment they entered the inn, barely closing the door behind them, 2B pressed herself against him again, kissing him urgently while her hands impatiently moved to undress him.

“Wait,” Jasper dodged her passionate kiss and looked into her glowing blue eyes, now tinged with pink. “Let’s shower first. We’re sweaty. It doesn’t smell great.”

“It doesn’t,” 2B said, burying her face in his neck and taking a deep breath. “You smell wonderful.”

“Be good.” He gave her a firm smack on the behind, making her hips sway.

“…Mm.” 2B obeyed. Under his firm hand, she paused her request.

But her hands didn’t stop.

Since they were going to shower, undressing was only natural.

Jasper followed suit.

As layers of clothing fell away, the beauty of their bodies was gradually revealed to one another.

The perfect contrast between softness and strength.

2B’s skin was snow-white and tender, her curves full and proud. A delicate touch of cherry blossom on her chest trembled lightly like petals in the wind.

Beneath that, a toned but not overly flat abdomen with subtle abs and a trace of softness, enhancing her allure.

And lower still, the most captivating parts of her. Wide hips, shapely thighs, and a figure begging to be claimed, to be adored.

As Jasper admired 2B, she too was taking in his physique.

She had already noticed earlier, during their embrace, how different a human body felt from an android's, much firmer, more defined.

Now, with nothing between them, she could clearly see each sculpted line of muscle, a powerful allure that drew her in.

Especially that , a part unique to humans, comprising a tenth of his height and meant for passing on genetic information, it held her gaze, unblinking.

She swallowed.

Starting today, this was her responsibility.

And it was a heavy one.

Her body temperature spiked again.

Chapter Text

Warning: Mature Content

Back at the Ouroha Satellite Orbital Base, although there was the need for bathing, they didn’t rely on such outdated methods like plain water, soap, and towels.

They had specialized cleansing pods, just lying inside, and a fine mist would dissolve all dirt, leaving one perfectly clean. Simple and efficient.

Now, bathing with just water in a regular bathroom feels quite cumbersome for 2B. But it wasn’t without its merits.

For example, she got to wash the human body in her care, feeling the unique warmth and contours that only a living human could have.

This was something no quick, efficient cleaning method could replicate.

After washing Jasper’s hair, 2B glanced down and said, “It seems to be getting worse.”

“That’s your fault,” Jasper turned to look at her. He saw 2B’s mature face flushed with a faint blush, quite the contrast from her usual reserved expression when she wore her blindfold.

“Mine?”

“You’re too tempting,” he said, planting a kiss on the corner of her mouth. Though he wasn’t some clueless virgin, 2B’s level of beauty was something he’d never experienced before.

“Sorry, I’ll take responsibility,” 2B said, reaching out cautiously to continue washing him.

Despite often wielding a sword, her hands were surprisingly soft and smooth, with not a callous in sight. Combined with the undeniable curves of her back, Jasper couldn’t help but sigh deeply.

This, this was life. This was living.

2B washed carefully, never diverting her gaze, meticulous and thorough.

After rinsing off the shampoo, she felt a strange sensation, similar to how the eel rice she had for lunch made her mouth water.

Recalling what the support drone had taught her, she hesitated briefly, then knelt before Jasper, opening her full lips.

He gently ruffled her short silver hair, she was so considerate.

Though this was a mechanical repetition for her, 2B showed no signs of boredom. Instead, she was eager, absorbed in the moment.

She saw the satisfied expression on Jasper’s face and took it as confirmation that she was doing right.

She even experimented instinctively, trying to please him more and more.

Until the thick substance suddenly went down her throat, causing her to cough a bit, like the bubbly beer they had earlier that afternoon.

Now she understood what Jasper meant by “getting used to it” in the beginning.

2B swallowed it all.

“Good job,” Jasper said, satisfied, gently stroking her hair. It wasn’t just physical satisfaction, there was a deeper sense of fulfillment.

Nothing felt better than having the unattainable goddess from his past kneel before him.

Many successful men returning to their hometowns use reunions as an excuse to find those once-unreachable high school crushes, to make them feel regretful or maybe take advantage of the situation.

Even if the goddess of the past had long lost her beauty, it didn’t matter.

For Jasper, this was a dream come true.

Pulling 2B up, he said, “Now it’s my turn to wash you.”

“Alright,” 2B obediently stood.

He cupped her full, rounded curves with his large hands, heavy, firm, impossible to grasp with just one hand.

With practiced skill, he began to wash her, leaving no inch untouched, making her skin whiter and smoother.

This made 2B’s body tremble, a sensation completely different from their kisses.

It felt as if, under Jasper’s care, she was swelling with fullness.

2B lowered her head, indeed, something about her body had visibly changed.

That small part of her had grown noticeably larger, something she had never experienced before.

“My body feels so strange…” 2B stretched her graceful neck and lifted her chin, “It’s like I’m leaking machine oil.”

“Leaking machine oil?” Jasper asked, reaching out to examine her and found the so-called oil and the ‘crack’.

“Is this what you meant?”

“Yes,” 2B bit her lip and nodded. It got worse when he touched it.

“That’s not leaking oil,” Jasper said, kissing her lips. “It’s a sign you’re ready… ready to carry on humanity’s glory.”

With that, he pressed 2B against the wall, aimed straight for the steadily leaking ‘crack,’ and resolutely filled it with himself.

2B opened her mouth, but only strange, meaningless sounds escaped.

Their bodies pressed close, intertwined deeply.

Jasper could only say it was incredibly realistic, too real to describe.

But the only way was to keep going.

Soon, their rhythmic movements echoed throughout the small bathroom, powerful and steady, occasionally punctuated by high and low moans, like a grand symphony in a concert hall.

As the ‘music’ intensified, 2B’s voice began to crack, no longer keeping pace with the rhythm, turning into wild, soaring cries.

Finally, at the peak, it all abruptly stopped.

But before Jasper could celebrate, an overwhelming consuming sensation followed.

Like a tiny boat caught on the edge of a whirlpool, sucked in without a trace.

Jasper’s eyes widened. This was a machine made purely for life’s continuation, utterly emotionless.

They stayed in that close embrace for a while, letting the hot water from the showerhead cascade over them.

When the lingering warmth faded, they separated, cleaned each other carefully, then wrapped themselves in robes and left the bathroom.

And the night was still long ahead.

🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️

They slept comfortably until the break of dawn.

When Jasper woke, sunlight was pouring through the window. 2B was sitting on the bed, watching him without blinking.

As a vigorous young man, he was full of energy in the morning.

“You know, you could have woken me up earlier, using a man’s favorite method,” he said with a smirk.

“The favorite method?”

“The things you did yesterday.”

2B understood immediately, leaned down, tucked her hair behind her ear, and began her playful ‘morning greeting’ again.

Satisfied.

With that problem solved, they headed to the bathroom to freshen up.

Looking at 2B’s flawless, pearly skin in the mirror, the gentle curves widening at the hips, he couldn’t resist his desires and embraced her from behind again, making her body sway with his passionate thrusts.

Only after their morning ‘workout’ did he settle down to wash properly.

2B noticed the dark stubble growing on Jasper’s chin after the night and pointed at it, asking, “What is this?”

“Beard,” Jasper said. “All human men grow it.”

“It’s my first time seeing one,” 2B said, touching it cautiously. “Male androids don’t have beards.”

“Just like you, female androids don’t have body hair?”

“Hmm?”

“Human women do grow hair,” Jasper pointed to 2B’s flat stomach. Apart from her head and eyebrows, her underarms and lower belly were completely smooth.

“Of course, some women have less body hair… but that’s rare. I like you just the way you are.”

Hearing this, 2B’s eyes curved in a smile, and she couldn’t help but tiptoe to kiss him.

Chapter Text

After washing up, Jasper went to retrieve the clothes hanging out to dry on the balcony.

They had been washed by the assistant machine while Jasper and 2B were discussing the meaning of life last night.

Like a meticulous housekeeper, the machine had washed and hung their clothes out to dry.

After a whole night of sea breeze, the clothes were completely dry.

They definitely needed to buy some more, wearing the same set repeatedly wasn’t ideal.

Jasper wondered if today’s bounty payment would come through... He’d already received a ship, plus free food and lodging. He didn’t want to keep asking the villagers for clothes.

Everyone needed income and a livelihood, after all.

Once ready, the two of them headed to the tavern to grab something to eat.

The fierce battle late into the night, plus the two rounds of exertion after waking, had left Jasper feeling quite famished.

But it wasn’t just about momentary pleasure or gain; he had also completed the system’s hidden task, “Opening the humble door for you today,” and earned a proficiency point.

After last night and this morning’s test, his stamina and recovery were fully sufficient, so he didn’t hesitate to put the newly earned point into physical combat skills.

Everyone knows it’s better to specialize than spread points thinly. Only by focusing on one skill can you truly maximize its potential.

Unlike the first time he upgraded, this time Jasper felt a power surging from within, as if his bones, muscles, and skin were all being reinforced, strength coursing through every fiber.

He felt an impulse to break something.

2B, blindfolded as usual, instinctively glanced at Jasper. Something seemed different about him, but she couldn’t quite put her finger on it.

Was it just a trick of the light?

At the tavern, breakfast was also served.

After greeting the owner, they ordered two servings.

The meal was a typical European-style fisherman's breakfast: milk, eggs, lettuce, and grilled eel. The bread on the table was free to eat, fitting the village’s simple coastal character.

As the owner served their breakfast, he said, “This afternoon, the village will hold a funeral at the church for those who died in yesterday’s pirate attack. Will you be attending?”

“Yes,” Jasper replied firmly. “We’ll be there.”

“That’s good.”

They only ate until half full, then left the tavern to go for a run outside.

Just as they were about to start, they ran into the village chief, who was heading toward the shore.

“Good morning,” the chief greeted cheerfully. “Did you sleep well last night?”

“Very well. Slept straight until dawn.”

“Good to hear. I’m heading to the village dock now. The shipwright should have started building your ship. Want to come take a look?”

“Sure!” Jasper happily changed plans. The ship was far more important to him now than a run.

Following the chief, they arrived at the fishing village’s dock.

Many fishing boats were moored, but the most eye-catching was the huge warship flying the Marine flagship’s banner.

It was far larger than the ten-thousand-ton destroyers Jasper had seen during the Marine Festival before, made entirely of wood.

Yet it radiated a heavier, more oppressive aura than a modern destroyer ever could, not a feeling of welcome, but one of looming power.

Perhaps this warship wasn’t meant to protect the villagers.

Jasper thought so silently.

In the morning sun, many marines were training, simple boxing drills, nothing fancy.

Watching them sweat under the sun stirred an urge in Jasper to spar with them, to test his own strength.

Following the chief further, they reached a small shipyard near the dock.

This was where the village usually built and maintained fishing boats.

A few burly shipwrights, each at least two meters tall, were gathered, discussing plans.

For a small village, having a shipyard and several shipwrights was quite a sign of strength.

Looks like eel was valuable in this world.

“Chief,” one shipwright called as they noticed the newcomers, then fixed his gaze on Jasper.

“Hey, come over here! We’re discussing which ship to build for you, and we were just about to call you.”

Jasper approached and glanced over the piles of blueprints scattered on the table.

Simple lines and sketches formed diagrams he couldn’t decipher, totally overwhelming for a layman.

He looked to the assistant machine for help. “Can you help me decide which ship is best?”

“Certainly, please wait a moment,” the machine’s sensors scanned the blueprints. After analyzing, it settled on one.

“Based on data analysis, I recommend this ship. While it’s not the fastest, its structure is the most stable and best suited to withstand rough seas.”

“Huh? You’re impressive,” the shipwright remarked curiously. “How can you instantly tell this ship’s strengths? Where did you get this?”

Jasper only smiled and tapped the chosen blueprint. “Then build this one.”

After confirming the ship to be built, they didn’t linger at the shipyard to avoid disturbing the shipwrights’ work.

Together with 2B, Jasper jogged off to prepare for a run around the island.

Passing by the dock where marines trained, he slowed down, observing again.

“Interested in this?” a voice called out.

Turning, Jasper saw Hina standing under a coconut tree, a lady’s cigarette in her mouth.

She wore the same outfit as yesterday, a Marine cloak with the word “Justice” embroidered, a dark red suit, and a tightly buttoned blouse.

Stopping, Jasper smiled and shook his head, politely declining Hina’s offer.

“I’m just curious about your training… I want to get stronger too.”

“Get stronger?” Hina sized him up from head to toe, not sparing any judgment.

His complexion was fair, his handsome face innocent-looking, like someone who had never been bullied. She doubted his toughness.

But Hina admired him nonetheless.

An unknown ordinary man who dared to take up arms and resist ruthless pirates was already impressive.

More so, he even managed to kill them.

And when surrounded by pirates, facing life and death, he refused to join their crew. His courage and spirit were hard not to respect.

He was an exceptional marine recruit material, mentally tougher and more aware than most of her troops.

With some training, he could easily become her right-hand man.

“If you want to get stronger, I suggest you join the Marine and undergo systematic training.”

Hina was beautiful and charismatic, with a great figure, a truly stunning superior officer.

Had this been before, Jasper would have agreed without hesitation, gaining security and a chance to develop their relationship.

But not now.

He had the system and tasks to complete. He couldn’t put shackles on himself by becoming a marine.

Besides, he didn’t have a very good impression of the Marine in this world.

Especially after Red Dog’s rise, it seemed like the Marine was just a group of cronies under the guise of justice, lining the pockets of the ruling elites.

🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️

A/N: This is before marineford arc… so Hina is still a captain here like how Tashigi is still an Ensign

Chapter Text

“Sorry, I still have some business to attend to, so I must decline your offer to join the Marine,” Jasper politely refused. “But if it’s about making friends, I’m more than happy.”

Hina’s lips curved into a faint smile as she mused, “Friends, huh?”

“What’s that supposed to mean? Captain Hina, do you not have many friends?”

“I do have plenty of friends, but none beyond that.”

Jasper understood the subtle implication. Such a mature woman, after a failed invitation, starting to talk about wanting something beyond friendship, besides interest, it was likely a gentle hint, a way to keep some hope alive, or to attract a suitor.

“Captain Hina, you’re so beautiful, finding someone wouldn’t be hard at all... So, if you’re free, how about dinner together tonight?”

Jasper wasn’t the type to grovel or test the waters; he simply invited directly. If she accepted, great, it was a chance for something more. If not, well, no harm done.

Hearing his straightforward invitation, Hina momentarily froze. The last time a man had asked her out like that was probably back when she was a young girl.

Back then, she was focused on her dreams, burdened by endless tasks and training, with no time to think about relationships. Rejection had been a frequent outcome, and as she rose through the ranks, those chances gradually disappeared.

Now, as a Marine Captain, Hina carried only the title of “beauty,” but in reality, she had no suitors. Maybe a few, but none with enough strength, status, or looks to impress her.

Years later, here was someone asking her out again, stirring the dormant girl’s heart inside her.

Though Jasper wasn’t powerful or influential, at least he was young, handsome, had good skin, a great figure, and a pure aura, all reasons Hina found herself admiring him more than once.

She had become a Marine Captain; it was time to seek something more in life.

Otherwise, she’d grow old alone.

Thinking this, Hina’s breathing grew heavier, her chest rising and falling more noticeably.

Then, as if a tiny spider had pulled on a thread too hard, the button on her shirt finally gave way under Jasper’s watchful eyes, shooting off and bouncing off his forehead, while her ample, snow-white curves burst forth like an avalanche!

A complete explosion!

Caught off guard, Hina’s face flushed a deep red, but her maturity stopped her from reacting like a teenage girl, clutching her chest and screaming.

Instead, she quickly grabbed both sides of her shirt, covering what had just escaped, and nonchalantly nodded:

“Then tonight, come to my ship. I’ll have someone notify you.”

“All right, then I’ll look forward to our date tonight.”

Without further conversation, Hina waved her hand gracefully and strode back to the ship, clutching her collar.

Watching her retreating figure, Jasper couldn’t help but smile, that... scale really did match her head size.

Comparing that with her detailed waistline, she was the perfect embodiment of a delicate yet well-formed figure.

Now, more than ever, he eagerly anticipated tonight’s date.

Jasper and 2B turned and started jogging along the coastline, leaving the Marine ship dock behind.

2B, who had been silent since earlier, suddenly asked, “Are you going to continue the glory of humanity with Hina?”

“Huh?” Jasper slowed his pace. “Why would you think that?”

“Just a feeling.”

Jasper was surprised. He had assumed 2B knew nothing about emotions, so he felt free to invite Hina openly.

He had to admit, female intuition was impressively accurate, even an emotion-ignorant android like 2B could sense this.

He wasn’t flustered or nervous. Instead, he nodded and openly admitted, “That’s right. But in human society, it’s normal for a man to have multiple partners.”

“According to data,” the assistant machine chimed in, “a man typically has more than one partner, with the number often reflecting his strength, like a dominant lion in a pride. Human emperors sometimes had dozens or even hundreds.”

Jasper silently gave a thumbs-up to the assistant machine. If only it ate food, he’d treat it to a giant chicken leg lunch for being so cooperative.

“Ah, I see,” 2B said and fell silent. After all, what mattered most to her wasn’t the number of partners, but whether humanity’s glory could be passed on.

“But I still advise you not to waste too much effort on humanoids here,” the assistant machine continued. “According to biological samples I’ve analyzed, though your genes are highly compatible, differences in chromosome structure and number mean there is reproductive isolation, they cannot carry on human glory.”

“I understand,” Jasper nodded. Reproductive isolation with this world’s women? That actually sounded like a good thing.

As for descendants and bloodlines, he didn’t care. If needed in the future, adoption was an option.

No kids of his own.

“Unable to continue humanity’s glory?” 2B sounded disappointed, unlike Jasper’s indifferent tone.

She quickly asked, “Are there no reproductive isolation issues with humanoids elsewhere?”

“Unknown at this point,” the assistant machine replied. “We need to sail out, find new humanoid settlements, and collect biological samples to know for sure.”

Under her eyepatch, 2B furrowed her brow thoughtfully. “Sailing out to find humanoid settlements...”

“Yes, but the chances of finding humanoids fully compatible with humans are slim.”

“Then we keep searching, for the sake of humanity’s glory.”

Seeing 2B’s passion, Jasper opened his mouth to say she didn’t have to be so serious about it, but then he thought, even as an android, she deserved to have something to strive for.

Just like how, after humanity’s extinction, androids were lied to about humans fleeing to the moon, to give them hope to survive.

Now, as the last human in 2B’s eyes, he couldn’t crush her spirit.

So he clenched his fist and encouraged her, “We’ll find them someday.”

“Mm.”

Feeling affirmed, 2B was filled with energy, eager to build the ship and sail in search of new humanoid settlements right away.

The topic passed, and Jasper picked up speed, shifting into an all-out sprint, an anaerobic burst.

2B refused to fall behind, and together they kicked up clouds of sand on the pristine beach.

Chapter Text

After nearly running full speed around the entire island, Jasper, slightly out of breath, finally stopped and found a clean, shady rock to sit on and catch his breath.

In contrast, 2B, who had run the same route alongside him, looked perfectly calm, her breathing was even slower than when she had been jostled earlier.

“Hm?”

“Nothing, I’m just curious. 2B, you don’t seem to get tired at all. You barely breathe hard.”

“I do breathe harder,” 2B answered seriously. “When my system heats up significantly, I increase my breathing rate to aid heat dissipation.”

“Like last night, huh.”

“Exactly,” 2B nodded, recalling what had happened between them. It had caused an unusual reaction in her system, her legs instinctively closed together. What was supposed to be simple physical contact had drained her energy even more than battle. Strange, indeed.

Jasper looked up at the coconuts hanging in the trees. “Want some coconut water? I can pick a couple for you.”

2B followed his gaze and saw the cluster of green fruit. “Coconuts?”

“A fruit with a tough exterior but plenty of water inside, great for cooling down and quenching thirst.”

Jasper cracked his knuckles, ready to climb and pick some.

He was confident in his body coordination now.

“I’ll do it,” 2B interrupted before he could move. She bent her knees, jumped straight up, and mid-air, she executed a double jump by stepping on the air, then grabbed a curved tree branch to pull herself up easily. Within moments, she plucked two coconuts.

Coming down was even easier. She grabbed onto the mechanical claws of her pod and floated gently to the ground.

“Impressive! You can jump that high?”

The coconut tree wasn’t straight but still stood about seven or eight meters tall. And 2B, weighing almost three hundred pounds, remembered how just hugging her last night was difficult, and could leap up like she was flying.

The power in those long, strong legs of hers was nothing like the light, floating characters in video games.

“What’s there to be surprised about?” 2B lightly tossed him a coconut. “This looks really tough. How do you eat it?”

“You cut off the outer skin and then crack the hard shell inside. That should be enough.”

Understanding, 2B held the coconut in one hand, drew her long sword, Virtuous Contract , and smoothly sliced the coconut open without spilling a drop of juice.

“Here.”

They exchanged coconuts and sat down to drink.

The coconut water was faintly sweet but not as good as wheat juice.

“2B, how high can you jump? Can you keep jumping in the air without ever touching the ground?”

Jasper remembered when playing games, 2B could chain combos to stay airborne endlessly, defying physics, the kind of thing that would make Newton’s grave spin.

But that was a game; airborne combos weren’t unusual there, except maybe for undead without knees. Many action games had similar mechanics.

Still, Jasper felt he needed to know for real now.

It felt similar to the “Geppo” technique from the Rokushiki, moving in midair.

“I haven’t measured exactly, but the first jump should reach about four meters. As for staying airborne, I think I can maintain it indefinitely.”

“Without using the pod’s support?”

“Without it.”

Saying that, 2B put down her coconut, walked over, bent her knees, and jumped. She then began a series of mid-air double and triple jumps, stepping on air to glide and sprint, an aerial ballet performed right before Jasper’s eyes, before gently grabbing her pod’s mechanical claws to land.

“Amazing,” Jasper applauded, “It’s like you’re flying.”

“That’s nothing,” 2B brushed aside a stray lock of hair. “Although I can stay airborne, my agility in the air is limited. In front of enemies, I’m basically a sitting target, so it’s not very practical in combat.”

“But it’s still impressive,” Jasper said, squeezing 2B’s long legs, defined by the stockings she wore, “You can do things most people can’t.”

2B enjoyed his touch. “Yeah, like picking coconuts, very convenient.”

“It also helps you evade enemies, approach them quickly from the sea. Most enemies here lack flying or anti-air capabilities. Their ranged weapons are ineffective.”

This was the East Blue, the weakest part of the sea. Using the Geppo here was basically a game-changer, like a dimensional drop attack.

Jasper recalled some online jokes about fighter jets carrying special ops soldiers to perform “hovering decapitation” strikes.

Maybe here it really could work.

Snapped back from his wandering thoughts by a sudden poetic moment, Jasper saw 2B had quietly removed her visor, her calm eyes fixed on him.

His hand was already holding hers, tracing up along her supple, long leg.

“Have you tasted the sweetness and wanted more?”

“What do you mean?”

“Nothing.” Jasper didn’t explain the phrase, wasting the perfect mood. Instead, he leaned in to kiss her, lips moist and fragrant with coconut sweetness.

2B actively cooperated, their lips and tongues entwined. She pressed down on the stone beneath them, bent her legs to wrap around his waist, raising her hips to give him better leverage.

Jasper was more than satisfied with her cooperation, just one night, and she already knew how to respond.

With no hesitation, he poured all his strength into this fertile ground.

The sound of waves and rustling leaves filled the air, like a tap dance on muddy roads, composing a beautiful symphony.

2B relaxed her body completely, while Jasper hovered at the spot closest to her black box, repeatedly brushing, touching, colliding.

Like a virus, it stirred her heartstrings, heating her system, her voice module losing control and emitting strange, unintelligible sounds; her visual module blurred and tilted upward.

Worst of all was the oil leak in her system, like a broken dam flooding her entire body, making her rigid.

Finally, her reproductive module activated, absorbing at least 135,000 trillion units of data from the invading virus.

Unfortunately, since her reproductive module was not fully operational, it couldn’t select or cultivate this vast data, and it was eventually broken down to become part of her energy supply.

Chapter Text

2B didn’t even break a sweat running around the island earlier.

But during the data transfer with Jasper, she finally started breathing heavily, her fair, delicate skin now damp with sweat, glistening as if oiled, adding an unexpected allure to her already voluptuous figure.

Jasper held her tightly, unwilling to let go, savoring the lingering afterglow of the moment.

After resting a while, once 2B’s body cooled down and her skin was no longer shiny with sweat, Jasper released her and began tidying up their clothes.

Though the beach was empty and shaded by trees and rocks, it still wasn’t the best place to linger too long.

Jasper glanced up at the sun. “It should be almost noon, right?”

The auxiliary machine responded, “Twenty-three minutes until twelve noon.”

“That’s not early anymore. Let’s go.”

Once ready, the two left the beach and headed toward the village’s church.

The church sat atop the highest hill in the village, a somewhat ornate European-style building easily visible from a distance.

On the way, they encountered many villagers also heading to the church for a funeral. Everyone greeted Jasper and 2B warmly, exchanging thanks and pleasantries.

By the time they arrived, most people had gathered, including Hina. Her little blazer’s button had been mended, but it was still stretched tight, like a spider’s web over a ferry, on the verge of snapping.

The two exchanged a brief glance and a nod, a silent greeting.

They found seats, and soon the church bells rang out. The pastor took the stage to speak.

After the pastor finished, he invited Jasper to say a few words. Unprepared, Jasper could only mumble some clichés like “The departed have passed on, the living must carry on.”

Hina, as a Marine Captain, naturally took her turn to speak. She vowed zero tolerance for pirates, then followed the pastor to the churchyard behind the building to lay flowers and oversee the burial.

With no customary meal afterward, they went to a tavern for lunch before returning straight to their inn.

They stayed at the inn until evening, when a Marine officer knocked on their door and escorted them to the captain’s quarters aboard the warship docked at the pier.

It was Jasper’s first time seeing such a wooden warship. Curious, he took a few extra glances around. Passing under the massive mast, he felt small and could only imagine the majestic sight of this giant carving through the waves.

How much wood must it have taken to build a ship this size?

“Knock knock~”

“Report, Captain Hina. I’ve brought Mr. Jasper and Miss 2B.”

“Come in.”

The Marine officer saluted and left as Jasper and 2B pushed open the door.

Hina stood by the porthole, dressed in her signature red suit, gazing out at the sea painted red by the setting sun.

Jasper couldn’t help but tease, “Weren’t we supposed to have a date? I thought you’d dress up nicer, at least put on a sexy dress or something.”

Hina just pursed her lips. “I thought you’d come alone.”

Having a third person along meant tonight’s date was basically off, making Hina’s expectations go to waste.

She wasn’t pleased.

“I’m here to protect him,” 2B explained.

“Protect? There’s no place safer than my ship in the East Blue.”

2B said nothing, crossing her arms and standing firm.

Even though she knew coming along wasn’t exactly appropriate, since Jasper wouldn’t let her stay behind at the inn, she couldn’t just decide on her own.

Besides, even if Jasper did let her stay, she’d sneak along anyway.

For 2B, nothing was more important than his safety.

“This is your bounty,” Hina gestured to a black briefcase on the coffee table. “The heads of those pirates, along with their ship and treasure, a total of thirty-six million berries.”

“Only thirty-six million?” Jasper was surprised. “That pirate captain alone must’ve been worth ten million, right?”

The ship’s value was an entirely different story. Jasper clearly remembered in the Water City arc, a used ship larger than the Merry was valued at over a hundred million berries.

For many pirates, the ship they sail is worth far more than the bounty on their heads.

This explains why so many hesitate to go out to sea, the value of the ship alone is enough to deter them.

It also showed how wealthy and generous this fishing village must be, giving them a brand-new ship as thanks.

Selling eel must be really profitable, no wonder pirates targeted them.

Hina settled on the sofa, crossing her long legs as she explained, “First, Marine recycles pirate ships as materials, so their value is much lower than regular vessels.”

“Second, taxes. Whether it’s pirate ships or bounty rewards, all income is taxed, by the World Government, the Kingdom… Here’s the paperwork, you can check.”

Jasper took the documents and was stunned when he saw the tax deductions.

Good grief, over half was taken!

Especially the Kingdom’s tax, it was the lion’s share!

His fists clenched, hardened with anger.

“So you see, after taxes, this is what’s left.”

Hina’s tone was equally frustrated. Though she didn’t have to pay taxes to the World Government or Kingdom on her salary, she still had to pay the ‘Heaven’s Tribute’, a mandatory monthly levy.

For ordinary people, the ‘Heaven’s Tribute’ to the Celestial Dragons plus Kingdom taxes together explained why the Kingdom’s cut was so large.

“I understand now,” Jasper slowly unclenched his fist. Such exorbitant taxation made it easy to see why so many took to the seas as pirates.

He understood.

But that didn’t mean they were right.

If people just escaped unbearable taxes to seek fortune at sea and became ‘pirates’ in name only, that might be acceptable.

But for most pirates, going out to sea meant looting, raping, pillaging, becoming scum.

How were such scum any different from the Kingdom or the Celestial Dragons?

“Oh, by the way, how much is the legal fee to go to sea?”

“One hundred million.”

“What!” Jasper was shocked for the second time that night. “That’s way too much!”

“Yes, so if you don’t have that kind of money, you’d better forget about going to sea,” Hina said, shooting him a sidelong glance. “Illegal sailing is considered piracy.”

Since they saved the village and prevented more casualties, Hina was willing to turn a blind eye this once.

But if they ran into other Marine officers later, there’d be no mercy.

Chapter Text

Although Jasper wasn’t exactly broke, the only money he had on hand was the 36 million Berry left after taxes, gifted by Hina.

But the cost to set sail legally was a whopping 100 million Berry, almost three times what he had.

Clearly, going the legal route was impossible.

So, illegal sailing it was.

Better to become a pirate and be chased by the Marine than suffer impotent frustration.

That was Jasper’s headache: the Marine was full of powerful people, and without enough strength, fighting them was just foolish.

Seeing his stubborn expression, Hina continued, “Besides paying the 100 million Berry, there is another way to sail legally.”

“What way?”

“With a Marine recommendation, or recognition from the branch offices, you can become a bounty hunter.”

Jasper’s eyes lit up. “Then…”

“But we’re not close,” Hina said in a mature, meaningful tone, “If you want my recommendation, you’ll have to give something in return, don’t you think?”

If Jasper’s morning invitation was a subtle hint of his feelings, then Hina’s words were a clear and unmistakable signal.

If he couldn’t understand such a direct message, then he deserved to go hungry forever.

This reminded Jasper of something he’d read online about why a certain Emperor Zhu preserved the record of his three years as a beggar.

Among many theories, one stood out: his “begging” was actually selling favors.

In chaotic times when food was more precious than gold, you had to pay a price to eat.

And business without capital is selling favors.

Of course, this was just a vulgar joke circulating online, but it applied to Jasper now.

This modest 36 million Berry was nothing to Hina, a Marine Captain.

What he did have was his tall, handsome appearance.

If he wanted Hina’s recommendation and had nothing else to offer, he could only deepen their relationship.

“Captain Hina is right, we’re not that close yet,” Jasper said generously as he sat beside her, reaching out to wrap his arm around her slender waist.

“How about we deepen our connection after dinner?”

Before Hina could reply, Jasper cupped her chin and kissed her deeply.

The sudden kiss caught Hina off guard, but after a few seconds, she relaxed and returned the kiss awkwardly but willingly.

Out of the corner of her eye, Hina glanced at 2B sitting opposite them, her face covered, expressionless, the perfect bodyguard.

“Knock knock.”

“Captain Hina, dinner is ready.”

Hina pushed Jasper away, their lips reluctantly parting, cheeks flushed. After tidying her clothes, she said, “Bring it in.”

“Yes, ma’am!”

The door opened and a logistics soldier rolled in a cart with finely prepared dishes and opened bottles of red wine.

“Leave now. No one enters without my permission.”

“Understood.”

After the soldier left, Hina locked the door and said, “Your kissing skills aren’t bad, I can tell you’ve practiced.”

“Yours, on the other hand, are too inexperienced, not as mature as your appearance,” Jasper teased, lifting his glass to compare with her red lips. “Could this be your first kiss? If so, I’m lucky to have stolen your first.”

“A fortress never breached is a good fortress.”

“True. But I wonder if your fortress can withstand my battering ram.”

Hina ignored his banter, sat down, and unbuttoned the top few buttons of her shirt, letting her full, pale skin breathe greedily.

“Beautiful,” Jasper complimented. “But instead of straining in that tight shirt, why not change into something more comfortable?”

“I’ve grown a size recently,” Hina replied, “and ruined all my fitted clothes. Once I’m back at Marine HQ, I’ll shop for some custom ones.”

“Marine HQ in the Grand Line?”

“Yes, I’m a Captain reporting directly there. This trip to the East Blue is for official business.”

Jasper nodded without pressing for details. He lifted his wine glass, toasting Hina and 2B, then enjoyed the exquisite meal.

Halfway through, Hina put down her utensils. “You two eat slowly. I’m going to the bathroom, don’t touch anything.”

Jasper nodded and watched as Hina stood, retrieved a slip dress and lingerie from the wardrobe, and disappeared into the bathroom.

She seemed eager.

After all, she was a woman in her thirties, still a virgin, and her desires were naturally strong.

Especially after that intense kiss, Hina barely paid attention to her food.

With Hina gone, silent 2B asked, “Should I give you some privacy?”

“Why?” Jasper offered her a glass of light, smooth red wine. He noticed 2B liked drinking, whether it was wheat juice at taverns or now this wine.

Maybe it was because alcohol could be converted into energy better? Or maybe she just liked the taste?

Either way, 2B was trending toward becoming a drunken swordsman.

“Privacy,” 2B said, taking a large sip. “My assistant told me humans don’t like others watching when they’re reproducing.”

“That’s true. But there are exceptions, if the onlookers are allies or have an interest.”

“Contradictory.”

“Well, then just follow my plan,” Jasper said, stroking 2B’s cheek, his thumb tracing the beauty mark just below the corner of her mouth, lightly pressing her lower lip.

“If you’re interested, you can join in.”

2B gently pressed her lips to his thumb, the tip of her tongue flicking it slightly, then nodded.

Jasper smiled, leaned in, and kissed her soft lips.

“There’s plenty of food on the table, eat more. The ingredients and flavors here far surpass tavern fare.”

“Okay,” 2B said, pouring the last of the wine into her glass.

Seeing that, Jasper pushed his nearly untouched glass toward her.

He didn’t like drinking, alcohol raised uric acid, damaged kidneys, and weakened abilities.

Especially tonight, with a seafood-heavy meal.

Chapter Text

After finishing dinner, Jasper lounged on the sofa for a while, flipping through the newspaper, headlines about some town being attacked by pirates, another pirate crew wiped out by the Marine, and new bounty announcements on fresh pirates.

Only when the sound of water from the bathroom stopped did Jasper put down the paper, eyes full of anticipation as he looked toward the bathroom door.

After a while, Hina emerged, her long hair still damp and not fully dry.

Having just showered, Hina changed into a white slip dress that barely covered her hips. Her ripe curves spilled over the tight fabric, like a half-ripe melon barely contained. Through the sheer material of the dress, the deep red of her chest was visible, as luscious as a strawberry, making one’s mouth water.

His gaze traveled down to her long, ivory-toned legs beneath the hemline. Though not as voluptuous as 2B’s, Hina’s legs were firm and slender, especially accentuated by the sexy black thigh-high stockings she wore, exuding a mature and irresistible allure.

Satisfied with Jasper’s lingering stare, Hina’s lips curved into a small smile. With a slow, deliberate sway, she walked over and perched on the edge of the bed, crossing her long legs. “What? Spellbound?”

“Of course,” Jasper sat down beside her, taking the towel from her hands to gently dry her silky, cherry-colored hair.

“By day, you’re this formidable, awe-inspiring Marine Captain. But by night, you transform into someone dressed like this, looking so tempting it makes me want to grab you by the neck and claim you. With such a stark contrast, how could I not be captivated?”

“Tempting enough to be grabbed, and such a strong contrast?” Hina chuckled softly. “You’re the first man who’s dared to speak to me like that.”

“Oh? So you’d rather I be all polite, proper, and respectful, treat you like a guest?”

Jasper dropped the towel, pulled the mature beauty into his arms, and flipped her gently onto the bed. “I don’t think you’re that boring, Hina.”

She wrapped her arms around his neck, locking eyes with his fierce, almost territorial gaze. “After dealing with rough sailors and pirates all day, isn’t it normal to crave some tenderness?”

“Tenderness? That’s not impossible.” Jasper softened his tone, showing the cultured, gentle side beneath his exterior. He met her eyes, taking in her noble beauty, the sharp nose, the delicate lips.

Hina’s cheeks flushed a soft shade that matched her hair, looking adorably shy. Slowly, he pressed his lips to hers.

Unlike the aggressive kiss before dinner, this one was gentle, savoring her like a forbidden treat, slow and deliberate.

But beneath his tender assault was a rough, fierce resistance.

Hina flipped him over, pinning his hands above his head and activating her Quake Fruit ability to bind him to the headboard.

Jasper struggled, eyes wide in surprise. “What are you doing?!”

2B, seated on the sofa, stood immediately, her expression unreadable beneath the blindfold. If Hina harmed Jasper, she would draw her blade without hesitation.

“You look amazing like this,” Hina breathed, kissing along his neck. “So gentle, with eyes so clear and innocent, like someone who’s never been bullied. It makes me want to teach you a lesson.”

Clearly, after dealing with rough sailors and pirates every day, Hina was powerless against this kind of innocence and gentleness. She wanted to possess him, to dominate him thoroughly.

Without a shred of politeness, she grabbed Jasper’s collar and yanked hard, revealing his flawless pale chest, so perfect it seemed unreal in this violent world where scars were inevitable, even among the best healers and warriors. Even Hina bore scars.

Yet he had none. From face to body, perfection.

Hina’s possessiveness exploded. She couldn’t wait any longer.

She wanted to claim this perfect man now.

She kissed her way from his neck down to his waist, preparing to undo the belt that got in the way, when she suddenly glanced back at 2B still in the room. With a flick of her hand, she drew the curtains.

2B remained unfazed. With her tactical blindfold, she didn’t rely only on sight but also on radar. If she wanted, no corner of the ship could hide from her.

But she didn’t activate it, not just to give them privacy but because the curtains were translucent. Though the details inside were blurred, their silhouettes were clear.

2B watched as Hina roughly tore Jasper’s pants, only to receive a sudden counterstrike: Jasper swung a stick and hit Hina squarely in the face. The sound echoed clearly even to 2B.

The blow stunned Hina, as if she was trying to figure out how he managed it when his hands were bound.

After a brief pause, Hina snapped out of it, grabbed him fiercely, and lowered her head to meet him intimately.

Only after she had fully avenged that hit, letting her throat voice out a triumphant moan, did she straighten up, flaunting the incredible curves of her waist and hips, taking him as her prize and adding him to her treasure trove.

Yet Hina let out a painful cry, her long neck arching, frozen for a moment.

2B clenched her fists, feeling a thrill of justice served.

Served her right!

After all, 2B had been uneasy about Jasper’s hands being bound by such a rough woman like Hina.

Jasper, as a human, was far more fragile than Hina’s powerful humanoid kind.

But soon 2B’s attention was pulled back as Hina’s astonishing curves lifted and then slammed down hard, their bodies colliding with a muffled thud that echoed through the room, marking the opening movement of tonight’s symphony.

The tempo quickened, like raindrops tapping incessantly on tree leaves outside.

Through the curtain’s reflection, the shaking branches and swaying fruit highlighted the storm’s ferocity.

And Hina, the bringer of this rain, was even more impatient than Jasper.

2B couldn’t help but wonder: when Hina was being thrust from behind by Jasper, did the full moon above sway just as wildly?

She pressed her own ample leg muscles, feeling inspired, matching the rhythm of the rain.

Remembering Jasper’s earlier words, “If you’re interested, you can join us.”

Together?

Chapter Text

Jasper had encountered rude women before.

But Hina, wild and rough like a cowboy from the wild west, was a first.

Handcuffed and gripped tightly around the waist like a horse, Jasper felt like a general living on the back of a steed, charging across the grasslands.

Two completely different worlds, just like southerners being poor horsemen and northerners not skilled at Marine battles, yet Hina made it look effortless.

Maybe it was just a matter of getting used to it, but once he figured out how to work with her waist and legs, all difficulties melted away.

Perhaps it was talent.

After all, Hina was a Marine Captain, a disciple of the great Admiral Zephyr, with exceptional physical skills.

Learning a simple power technique with her help was nothing.

The pair galloped down the muddy road at breakneck speed, splashing water everywhere, droplets hanging on the roadside bushes.

Hina’s stamina was unquestionable, but despite her rank and toughness, she was still a woman. As the pace intensified and her weaknesses took a beating, her vision blurred, and she started losing consciousness.

At the same time, Jasper’s eyes widened.

It felt like Sun Wukong’s magical headband tightening, round after round, from head to toe.

Hina’s breathy sobs and gasps were the incantation tightening that invisible hoop.

This sudden change made Jasper suspect his good buddy was also trapped, like his own hands cuffed to the headboard, caught by Hina’s power. She had truly put the collar on him!

No matter what, under this tightening spell, all he could do was grit his teeth and hold on, hoping it would end soon.

He had overestimated himself. Under Hina’s terrifying ability, he stood no chance. After struggling, he was utterly defeated and thrown out.

Gasping for breath, Jasper thought: Is this what it means to be a power user?

Terrifying.

Comparable to 2B’s reproductive module, just one was constriction, the other absorption.

Both equally dreadful.

Too intense.

He embraced Hina’s smooth back, savoring the lingering warmth.

Hina's power automatically released when she lost focus, a common weakness among many superhuman-type fruit abilities, closely tied to the wielder’s consciousness.

Like Moria’s shadow returning to its original form when he blacks out, or Sugar’s toys reverting after fainting.

Hina’s shackles were no exception.

By conquering Hina, he also completed a hidden system quest.

🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️

You can’t play both sides, how can you survive out here?

[Quest Objective: Seduce a Marine officer ranked Captain or above and reach a partnering agreement.] 

[Quest Status: Completed]

[ Quest Reward: 1 mastery point]

🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️

A complete surprise and much easier than being “horse and saddle” for so long.

Totally worth it.

With Hina’s matter settled for now, it was 2B’s turn.

Following Jasper’s words, if she was interested, she could join in.

So when 2B noticed the shadows behind the curtain were still, she climbed up and kissed Jasper.

Gently pushing a still-recovering Hina off him, she didn’t mimic Hina’s horseback riding moves.

2B knew her own weight, it wasn’t the time for that.

Jasper was more than happy. Once recovered, he threw all his strength into pleasure, working like a dock builder driving deep piles into the sea.

Hina quickly regained herself. Seeing Jasper’s wild motions, she swallowed hard, grabbed his strawberry-tasting hair, pulled his head up, and joined in.

Jasper didn’t hold back. Bypassing Hina’s slender waist, he grasped her snow-white curves firmly, fingers digging deep.

In his hometown dialect, it meant: “I want to squeeze it until it bursts.”

Truly impressive.

After savoring those ripe fruits, he layered them over 2B, letting the two stunning beauties, each with their own unique curves, press close, alternating attacks, holding each other tight, like a melodious, tearful song.

🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️

By morning, the air in the room was thick, a mix of various scents blending and evaporating.

To be honest, it wasn’t pleasant.

So Hina’s first act on waking was to open the window for fresh air. Standing by the window facing the sea, she lit a cigarette.

Last night had been wild, so wild she was still savoring every moment.

That bone-deep pleasure made all her past life feel wasted.

Finishing the cigarette, she glanced at the two still asleep in bed, then headed to the bathroom to shower and freshen up.

Her slender fingers traced over her wet skin, feeling, was it just her imagination?, that it seemed smoother and softer than yesterday.

She recalled conversations from past gatherings, so this was what they called “moisturizing”?

Not bad at all.

Hina was happy.

A slight smile curled her lips, and she even hummed softly.

No woman is immune to beauty, and Hina was no exception, especially when pleasure also made her more beautiful, killing two birds with one stone.

Mid-shower, the bathroom door was pushed open.

Hina instinctively looked over: Jasper, fully energized.

She pursed her lips. “Wasn’t last night enough?”

“Just making it convenient to get up,” Jasper replied, watching the beauty shower, exuding a commanding presence. But when finished, he didn’t leave, instead, he stood with her under the spray, holding her tight, fingers sinking into her full curves.

“Captain Hina, did I perform well enough last night?”

“Hm,” Hina lifted her head, leaning on Jasper’s shoulder. “Why don’t you join the Marine? I wouldn’t treat you badly.”

“Can’t be tied down yet,” Jasper kissed her deeply. “I have my own ambitions, just like your position in the Marine. Sorry, I have to refuse.”

Hina opened her eyes, dangerous glints shining within. “I really want to put a collar on you, tie you up, and keep you like a dog by my side.”

Jasper froze. That tone? Not joking.

“Ha ha ha...”

Hina covered her mouth, laughing, batting her eyes. “Just kidding. Look how scared you are.”

“That joke’s not funny at all,” Jasper said, slapping her full, round chest hard enough to leave a mark.

Then he grabbed Hina’s slender neck, pressing her against the bathroom wall, squeezing her ample curves between them, squashing them into a big, soft disk spilling out on both sides.

A direct hit to her weak spot!

For someone who makes careless jokes like that, a harsh lesson was necessary!

And Hina needed to realize who really deserved the collar, the one to be tied up and kept like a dog.

With that thought, Jasper delivered several more slaps, leaving his mark inside and out.

A/n: art

Chapter Text

Meat sauce noodles, bacon, fried eggs, fish fillets... Jasper was shoveling plate after plate into his mouth like a starving ghost reborn. The empty dishes piled up visibly fast beside him, leaving everyone in the mess hall utterly stunned.

Jasper was genuinely famished. To ensure he had enough energy last night to handle both 2B and Hina, two powerful fighters, he had spent all his skill points on recovery and enhancement.

The result was obvious: his skill cooldowns were halved, and his stamina fully restored, giving him the energy to keep fighting. He could even easily lift Hina up and stroll around the room in a lunchbox-selling pose, leaving their marks on the sofa, the table, and the windowsill.

At the time, no one noticed anything odd. Even in the morning, he could pin Hina against the wall and whip her without showing any signs of fatigue.

But after everyone tidied up and left Hina’s captain’s room, they went to the ship’s mess hall. After tasting the first delicious bite of breakfast, Jasper started to binge uncontrollably.

He was just that hungry.

No matter how much he ate, the food in his stomach was digested at lightning speed, all converted into energy his body needed.

Hina sat nearby, resting her chin on her hand, watching Jasper binge eat.

Only when Jasper let out a satisfied burp did Hina wave to the marine orderly carrying the food to stop.

After downing the last glass of milk, Jasper rubbed his belly and sighed deeply.

“Finally full.”

“You have great talent,” Hina praised. “Using food intake to acquire and store energy, that’s the essence of ‘Life Return.’ It’s also why many strong warriors can keep fighting endlessly.”

Hina finally understood how Jasper had fought two opponents alone last night without tiring, it was this technique.

This was also the first time Hina had heard someone apply this ability in such a way, and she thought it was a bit unconventional.

“What’s ‘Life Return’ exactly?” 2B asked. Though she also had the ability to gain and store energy through eating, she was an android, completely different from flesh-and-blood humans or humanoids.

“It’s a way to control every organ in your body to better mobilize internal energy,” Hina explained. “For example, speeding up digestion and storage, then channeling energy to every part of your body to perform superhuman martial arts.”

“If used properly, it can even give life to hair, making it as flexible as an arm.”

Hina demonstrated by infusing her long hair with “life,” trying to grab the cup of milk on the table with her strands.

Halfway through, the cup slipped through her hair, but she caught it smoothly and drank the milk in one gulp.

“I’m not very good at controlling hair, but that’s the idea. Beyond that, it can sharpen your fingers like bullets or deliver razor-sharp kicks. We in the Marine call these the ‘Rokushiki.’”

Jasper closed his mouth, which had been hanging open in shock.

“Can you teach me?”

“Yes, but only if you join the Marine.”

“Then never mind, I’ll figure it out myself.”

“Suit yourself,” Hina shrugged after being rejected again. “But if you stumble around on your own, you’ll waste years. Systematic learning is far more efficient.”

Jasper just smiled. He did have a system. As long as he invested skill points into martial arts mastery and recovery enhancement, learning the Rokushiki, or even surpassing them, was only a matter of time.

Mainly to avoid kidney exhaustion from failing missions.

What surprised him most was that the energy control method of Life Return was actually the core of martial arts in this world.

Come to think of it, this concept had appeared before in the Judicial Island arc, where a long-haired CP9 agent specialized in controlling his hair through Life Return, giving it vitality to unleash powerful finger guns.

In this world, binge eating until your belly looks like a round balloon, then quickly returning to your original shape, even regrowing missing teeth, was just another form of Life Return, a way to store energy.

This ability was basically the standard for all the world’s strong fighters!

“Let’s go. Now that you’re full, don’t just sit around. Come train with me.”

“Gladly.”

Jasper misunderstood Hina’s meaning this time. He thought ‘training’ meant returning to the room for some close-contact, flesh-to-flesh wrestling.

But Hina’s ‘training’ was the real deal.

On the dock, the marines were sweating under the sun just like yesterday.

“How about it? Want to spar with my men?”

“Sure,” Jasper stretched. “I wanted to get some exercise anyway.”

Also, he wanted to test his current strength and know exactly what level he was at.

Hina nodded and shouted, “Fall in!”

At her command, the marines immediately stopped what they were doing. Their heavy footsteps sounded in unison as they lined up neatly before Hina, standing tall and awaiting orders.

Hina paced around, then shouted, “Training isn’t just about swinging fists day after day. The important thing is real combat, using what you’ve learned to defeat your enemies and uphold justice!”

“Today, to give you a different experience than usual sparring with your comrades, I’ve invited a hero who saved a village from pirates to spar with you. Applaud!”

At her signal, the marines thundered applause, full of spirit.

But after the applause, a tall marine stepped forward.

“Captain Hina, the person you want us to spar with, it’s not that pretty boy, is it?”

The marines had heard quite a bit from the villagers about Jasper and 2B.

One descended from the sky and single-handedly defeated a pirate crew, even cutting down a white-haired swordswoman with a bounty of ten million Berry with one strike. The other, an ordinary person, killed a pirate with a harpoon at the last moment.

The difference was obvious. The white-haired swordswoman was clearly beyond the marines’ level, so the only feasible opponent was this pretty boy.

That remark sparked laughter among the marines.

To them, Jasper’s smooth face and arms with not a single scar weren’t manly. What kind of man was he? Just some pretty boy living under women’s protection.

2B’s brows furrowed in irritation at their loud laughter. She looked ready to punch their arrogant faces crooked.

Hina was equally displeased and shouted, “Silence!”

At her command, the marines quickly shut up, no longer daring to mock.

No one dared challenge Hina’s authority.

“Pick any marine you want to spar with,” Hina gestured. “Show me what you’ve got. If you don’t measure up, what I said last night won’t count.”

Hina was talking about the legality of going to sea. Though the East Blue was the weakest of the four seas, if you don’t have enough strength to defend yourself, setting sail is just a death sentence.

Even 2B was strong.

But could she always protect you, sticking by your side?

If criminals set their sights on you, they’d find an opportunity.

No strength means no chance at sea, you might as well be a dog tied by your side.

“Be careful,” 2B warned. “Wear your protective gear so you don’t get hurt.”

Jasper understood and, before choosing an opponent, quietly took protective gear from a wooden box and put it on.

This, of course, triggered the marines’ laughter again.

To them, only women wore protective gear during sparring.

Real men preferred bare-knuckle fights!

Their loud mocking again drew Hina’s disapproving glare, and they quickly shut up.

Notes:

A/N:
For backlogs and update check out my Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Vynthor
If you're enjoying the story, kudos are always appreciated. Thanks for reading!

Chapter Text

Wearing his protective gear, Jasper immediately pointed at the tall marine who spoke first, signaling him to step forward.

The marine was over two meters tall, muscular and sturdy, while Jasper, only a little over 1.8 meters and leaner, was noticeably smaller in comparison.

But this wasn’t a world where height and muscle automatically meant strength.

Having invested two points in physical combat skills, and his body still energized from a recent meal, Jasper was confident he could take on this guy without losing.

This fight was his chance to prove his strength, and earn the official permission to sail.

“Me?” The tall marine pointed to himself with a grin, stepping up without hesitation.

“Then I won’t hold back.”

Without waiting for any formal announcement, Jasper clenched his fist, bigger than a cooking pot, and launched a powerful punch with full force!

This punch carried all his anger. Rumor had it the pretty boy hadn’t left Hina’s room since yesterday evening, and the ship had been tense with hostility ever since.

Everyone was practically itching to tear the guy apart.

So when morning came, nearly every marine’s eyes were red with fury, just barely held in check out of respect for Hina’s authority. Mostly just sneers and sarcastic remarks, but now that an opportunity presented itself… could they really hold back?

That punch was meant to smash his face sideways!

🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️

Jasper clearly saw the fist rushing at him, moving at an incredible speed that would have rivaled the best boxers from his old world.

A punch he never could have dodged before, but now, it seemed slow.

Or rather, he had gotten faster.

He had enough time to react.

But what should he do?

Dodge? Block? Counterattack?

His eyes narrowed as he spotted an opening. The attacker’s guard was wide open.

He already knew what to do.

“Whatever you do, Tetsuzankou!”

Stepping forward in a bow stance, lowering his shoulder and releasing power, 

Bang!

A dull thud echoed in everyone’s ears. The marine, still wearing a fierce grin, flew sideways and splashed hard into the sea.

The onlookers gawked, disbelief frozen on their faces.

Just like that, it was over?

Even Hina and 2B looked surprised, they had been ready to jump in if Jasper couldn’t dodge, but now that wasn’t necessary.

Jasper himself was most shocked. He hadn’t expected the move to be that strong.

It was just a thought, a pose he threw out.

But his body moved as if it had practiced millions of times, natural, smooth.

Step, twist, shoulder, power, all in one seamless flow.

And it unleashed a strength even he hadn’t imagined.

As if he had mastered it completely.

“Help him!” someone shouted, snapping Jasper back to reality.

He watched as someone jumped into the water to pull up the now unconscious marine, who was coughing up blood.

The ship’s medic checked him over: the marine was just knocked out from the heavy impact, nothing serious.

For marines, this kind of injury was almost routine.

“Not bad,” Hina praised. “Where’d you learn that combat style? I’ve never seen it before.”

“From the internet, in videos by a guy named Makoto.”

As someone who spent all day surfing the web and watching videos, nothing was more addictive than the Tetsuzankou move.

If he wanted, Jasper could probably perform a whole routine right then and there.

He suspected the first point he put into his physical combat skill gave him the ability to learn fighting moves by watching videos, like some kind of mimic master from a Marvel movie.

Learning combat techniques directly through observation, skipping the hard practice, what a handy skill.

“Hm?”

“Nothing,” Jasper shook his head. “So, did I pass?”

“Not bad. At least you won’t get hacked to death by low-level pirates.”

“So?”

“You, come out,” Hina pointed to a female marine with a floral shoulder tattoo. “Fight her. Though you’re just starting Rokushiki, don’t underestimate her.”

“Yes, ma’am!” The female marine stepped forward and introduced herself. “I’m Jenny. Pleased to meet you.”

“Jasper, likewise.” He saluted seriously.

He didn’t underestimate her just because she looked young.They stepped apart, and with a command, Jenny charged!

So fast!

Jasper barely had time to react. He raised his hand just in time to block her whip-like kick.

A rising punch!

As he expected, his body instinctively corrected the motion for better power, a straightforward punch aimed squarely at her face.

The marine who’d been knocked out by Tetsuzankou was only unconscious because he’d been hit hard, people here were tough; no need to hold back.

But this wind-cutting punch missed.

Jenny’s body twisted oddly, like a paper doll, dodging the blow.

Rokushiki’ Paper Art?

“Finger Spear!”

Jasper barely rolled away to dodge. When he got back up, Jenny had vanished.

“Storm Kick!”

Her kick cut through the air like a sharp blade!

Jasper rolled again in a mess. When he stood up, he saw his chest armor sliced open, exposing the padding underneath.

Jenny circled him, keeping a perfect distance, launching occasional chilling slashes.

Jasper had no choice but to keep dodging, looking more and more battered.

It was a kite fight, a battle of attrition to drain his stamina.

He couldn’t keep this up!

Rolling away from another Storm Kick, he found an opening, stepped forward with a kick, 

“Heart Elbow!”

“Paper Art!”

Jenny paled and dodged the savage elbow strike, but before she could counter, Jasper grabbed her and slammed a heavy headbutt into her forehead!

This time, Jenny couldn’t dodge with Paper Art, and awkwardly used an incomplete Iron Body to defend.

The hit connected hard.

The force was mutual, like hitting an iron plate, it stunned Jasper’s head, ringing his ears.

Before he could strike again, Hina stopped him.

“Enough. You’ve won.”

Hearing that, Jasper let go of the dazed Jenny and stumbled like a drunk, leaning on 2B to steady himself.

“Won…” Jasper gasped, “So you don’t have any excuse to stop me from sailing now, right?”

“I do, beat me first.”

“I’ll fight you,” 2B said eagerly, a warrior ready for a real challenge.

“Forget it, I’m joking. Come here, let me put some medicine on your forehead, you’re bleeding.”

Jasper touched his forehead, wincing in pain.

That last hit was a little too strong.

Chapter Text

“Isn’t this document a bit too simple? It only has a single stamp and one photo. What if the Marine stops us and doesn’t recognize it?”

“This stamp uses a special ink developed by the Marine Headquarters,” Hina looked up, rubbing her face against the prized sword she was holding, “The process can’t be replicated, it’s got built-in anti-counterfeit features.”

“I see,” Jasper rubbed Hina’s hair affectionately. “But couldn’t you get me some kind of adventurer’s or merchant’s ID? Being labeled a pirate hunter sounds like it’d just attract trouble.”

“This is all I can give you,” Hina kissed the sword’s blade softly. “If you want an adventurer’s or merchant’s permit, you have to buy it from the kingdom.”

“A hundred million Berry?”

“Yeah,” Hina nodded, then opened her mouth and began to hum softly, gently polishing the sword’s edge with her hands.

Jasper examined the ink on the certificate, noting it looked like some sort of color-changing ink but revealing nothing else. He tossed the document on the table, then wrapped an arm around 2B’s waist and kissed her.

2B glanced out of the corner of her eye at Hina, who was still hugging the sword’s hilt. She reached out, plucked two strawberries growing side by side, and playfully bounced them. She couldn’t help but envy, those kinds of curves were just way too big for humanoid standards here.

Wouldn’t that get in the way?

Seeing this, Jasper slipped his hand under 2B’s shirt, grabbing the slightly smaller but still substantial ‘fruit’ she had, too big for one hand to hold, and started playing with her curves, gently urging Hina to work harder.

Hina obliged without hesitation, her cheeks hollowing as she exerted herself. From above, her face looked almost like a pea shooter, drawing in air like she was under pressure from a Marine Captain. Before long, she was coughing uncontrollably, even snorting through her nose, utterly disheveled.

🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️

In the afternoon, Jasper woke up holding the beauty beside him. Watching the white clouds drift past the porthole, he suggested, “Let’s go to the beach this afternoon. The sand here looks great. Hina, do you have a swimsuit?”

“The beach? Sure,” Hina agreed. Although she was a Devil Fruit user and contact with seawater made her weak, she could still enjoy sunbathing in a sexy swimsuit on the sand.

Sitting up, she reached for the pack of cigarettes on the nightstand, but remembering Jasper didn’t like the smell of smoke, she put it back down.

A man who neither smoked nor drank was truly rare in this world.

With plans set, the three got up to get ready.

Hina rifled through the wardrobe and tossed 2B a black swimsuit, just a few pieces of fabric barely bigger than a palm, held together by strings.

2B unfolded it and said, “What’s the difference between wearing this and not?”

“There is one,” Hina smiled, “You’ll look prettier and sexier.”

2B didn’t understand, but since Jasper said so, she went ahead and put it on.

It was a two-piece bikini with string ties. The swimsuit covered less than a third of her curves, leaving the rest of her pale skin exposed. Thin strings dug gently into her soft flesh, tracing the outline of her figure.

The bottom was just a few inches of fabric, barely covering her “steaming hot white buns,” with strings disappearing into the roundness beneath, like the moon obscured by drifting clouds.

Previously, she’d be “parting clouds to see the moon,” but now it was “twisting the moon to see the clouds”, a complete reversal.

Hina’s swimsuit was no less daring: a strapless piece that wrapped horizontally across her ample chest, resembling the contours of the Red Earth continent, majestic in the north, rounded in the south, all clearly visible.

Without shoulder straps, she moved like a nimble rabbit, bouncing constantly, capturing all attention.

Of course, after changing into swimsuits, they didn’t head out naked, they layered clothes back on to cover their alluring figures before leaving the ship for the beach behind the small island.

The beach was surrounded by trees and large rocks, providing excellent privacy and blocking outside views.

Still, Jasper activated the auxiliary radar, staying alert for anyone approaching and to keep an eye on any large sea creatures nearby.

Hina shed her suit jacket, spread out a blanket, lay down, and handed Jasper a small bottle. “Put some sunscreen on me.”

“Got it.”

Jasper loved this part and took it seriously.

He unscrewed the cap and slowly poured the cool, sticky sunscreen onto Hina’s back. Gently, his fingers spread it evenly, sliding over the damp patches that had spilled out from beneath her arms as she lay prone.

His fingertips traced down to the narrow half-inch gap between her legs and the abyss below, but that was as far as he went. His fingers danced around, like playing piano keys, pressing and gliding, teasing Hina’s senses.

She couldn’t stand the teasing. Not liking the sensation, she suddenly sat up and pinned Jasper down on the blanket just like last night.

Pouring a fresh dollop of sunscreen high above him, she declared, “Now it’s my turn to put some on you.”

But there was no expected cool feeling, Hina poured the sunscreen over her own chest, letting it flow down the full, beautiful curves, coating the smooth skin in a glistening sheen that sparkled under the sun.

Then she leaned down, pressing her body against Jasper’s face, making him feel a breathless pressure.

This was a luxury unlike any other.

From head to toe, Hina carefully rubbed sunscreen all over Jasper. Then, sitting on his hips, she moved skillfully, lifting, shifting, and using Jasper’s help to reach the hard-to-reach spots.

Though sunlight couldn’t reach some places, Jasper’s own warmth was a constant sun, bathing those hidden parts.

Seeing Hina’s curves sway like coconuts blown by the wind, Jasper hurried to support her, lest her slender waist be bent too far.

Lying flat on the soft sand made it hard to see what was happening above. Noticing this, 2B came over, lifted Jasper’s upper body, and rested his head comfortably between her soft thighs.

Now he could see the deep blue sea and sky meeting on the horizon, while Hina’s waist rose and fell like ocean waves, swallowing the unfortunate coconut tree rooted in the sand, sending up sprays of water.

2B tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, leaned down, and kissed Jasper softly.

Together, they enjoyed a leisurely moment on the beach.

Chapter Text

After their final intimate moment that morning, Hina left the island and headed toward the Grand Line.

This had always been Hina’s goal, she was just passing through here and happened to receive a message from the village to the Marine, so she stopped by to check things out.

Although this was Captain Nezumi’s jurisdiction, with the village under threat of pirate raids and possibly being wiped out at any moment, there was no time to fuss over official boundaries.

In theory, they should only stay for two days at most: tending to the injured villagers, helping repair damaged buildings, and searching the island thoroughly to ensure no pirates remained before leaving.

But because of Jasper, Hina had stayed an extra day, she was reluctant to leave behind this rare, delightful experience she had enjoyed after thirty years of wandering.

Now, she couldn’t delay any longer. On the morning of the fourth day, they raised anchor, set sail, and left the island that would remain unforgettable to her.

Jasper watched Hina’s warship vanish over the horizon, then looked down at the items in his hands.

A suitcase containing 36 million Berry, a legitimate pirate hunter’s license allowing him free and legal passage at sea, a Den Den Mushi phone connected to Marine communications, and a life card with Hina’s contact information.

It was a fruitful haul, definitely worth the hard work of these past days.

Once they reached the Grand Line, he’d have to properly thank Hina.

Putting away the license, the Den Den Mushi, and the life card, Jasper lifted the suitcase and prepared to go shopping with 2B, wanting to pick up some clothes.

Since Hina had shredded his clothes two nights ago, all he had left to wear was Marine uniform, and now that Hina was gone, that outfit felt out of place.

2B was still wearing the same battle suit she had arrived in, no extras.

They headed to the village’s only clothing store, where the clothes were simple but not unattractive.

He picked out some loose, durable shirts and pants, an outfit fit for a ranger.

For 2B, they chose several comfortable sets: puffed sleeve blouses paired with plain long skirts, transforming her from a cold, formidable warrior into a reserved, medieval village maiden.

Shoes were next. Jasper decisively chose leather shoes, real leather, breathable, unlike boots that would suffocate the feet after a day of wear.

2B didn’t have this issue, being an android, her cooling system differed from humans’, and she was used to fighting in high-heeled boots anyway.

Although the elderly shopkeeper didn’t want to accept Jasper’s money, he insisted, pulling Beli from his suitcase.

He wasn’t the same innocent traveler from before, he didn’t want to take advantage of the villagers any longer.

The ship they were building was enough repayment for the village’s kindness; greed had no place here.

They also bought a backpack to hold the new clothes and shoes, then returned to their inn.

🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️

Life settled into a routine for Jasper and 2B while waiting for the ship to be completed.

During the day, if they weren’t training, they’d either sunbathe on the beach, learn sailing and navigation from the fishermen, or practice swimming, preparing for their upcoming voyage.

At night, the only entertainment was intimacy with 2B, as Jasper spent the remaining energy of the day on her. 2B willingly reciprocated, even eager to engage at times.

Days passed like this.

One week later, Jasper received a call from Hina. She had arrived at the Grand Line and was resting at a nearby Marine base.

After chatting briefly and hanging up, the door was suddenly knocked on urgently.

“Boss, you need to pack up and leave! The Marine, the Marine’s here! ”

Jasper and 2B exchanged glances. The Marine?

Looking downstairs, they saw the inn surrounded by armed Marine soldiers jogging up, no chance to leave now.

“Let’s go see what’s going on,” Jasper said, gathering his belongings and heading downstairs with 2B.

The Marine officer leading them was a grim-faced man with a few scraggly mustache hairs, hands clasped behind his back.

The atmosphere was tense.

2B immediately recognized this group as not affiliated with Hina’s Marine faction, and she braced herself for potential conflict.

“I’m Captain Nezumi of the 16th Marine Division,” the officer announced. “I heard there are pirates here freeloading in this village. Young man, do you know where they are?”

Captain Nezumi?

The corrupt scoundrel colluding with pirates, plundering villagers, tarnishing the Marine’s reputation?

Jasper sneered, pulled out his ID, and tossed it to him.

“Pirates? No idea. Maybe ask the village chief. I’m just a passing pirate hunter.”

“Pirate hunter?” Captain Nezumi’s face darkened as he grabbed the license, shouting, “How dare you forge Marine documents! Seize him!”

“You dare!”

Before the sentence finished, a sharp sword tip hovered just inches from Captain Nezumi’s throat.

The disturbed air sliced his throat, red blood slowly trickling out.

And this was 2B restraining herself. If she had unleashed her full sword energy, Captain Nezumi would’ve been decapitated instantly.

The Marine soldiers froze, too intimidated to move, while Captain Nezumi shuddered, clutching his neck.

“You, you dare draw your blade on me? I’m a Marine Captain...”

“So what if you’re a Marine Captain?” Jasper stepped forward, took back the license, and slapped his face.

“If you kill me, you kill me. What, you gonna bite me?”

“The Marine, won’t let you go...”

“Yeah? And what if they kill me later? You think you’ll come back to life? Don’t flatter yourself. You’ve got only one life... and you’re nothing.”

With that, Jasper raised his fist and punched hard.

The blow sent Captain Nezumi flying several meters, knocking out several teeth.

The surrounding soldiers swallowed nervously, too frightened by 2B’s presence to even raise their weapons.

“How weak,” Jasper mocked, crouching before the retreating Captain Nezumi. “I don’t know how you got promoted to a branch Captain, or how you dare come looking for trouble. Was it by grabbing credit? Smearing others? Or just buying your rank outright?”

He took out his Den Den Mushi and called Hina.

“It’s me, Jasper.”

“Just hung up. Trouble?”

“No,” Jasper glanced at the trembling Captain Nezumi, “I ran into Marine inspection. He’s accusing me of being a pirate and says the documents you gave me are fake.”

Chapter Text

“Bang!”

A sharp slap echoed suddenly. The Den Den Mushi on the other end of the line furrowed its brows fiercely, its expression full of anger as it shouted:

“Who dares to do this?! To refuse to recognize credentials issued by the Marine Headquarters, are you trying to start a rebellion?!”

Captain Nezumi recognized the voice as coming from the Marine. Hearing who it was, he immediately scrambled to his feet and stammered, “S-Sorry! The sunlight was too strong, I couldn’t see clearly. I’m leaving right now, leaving right now.”

He didn’t even dare to speak harshly or identify himself, quickly scurrying away in a panic.

The World Government was a strict hierarchy. Without absolute power, no one dared challenge those with higher rank and authority.

Captain Nezumi was just a branch Captain. Compared to headquarters, his rank would drop at least one level, maybe two, especially since this was the weakest East Blue division.

So, Hina, a headquarters Captain, was someone far beyond Captain Nezumi’s reach. Hearing her voice had clearly terrified him into retreat.

“That sharp voice… so it was that guy causing you trouble?”

“Yes,” Jasper replied as he returned to the inn with 2B. “He even tried to accuse me of being a pirate. I punched him right in the face.”

“That guy’s dirty,” Hina said. “You’re currently in his jurisdiction. If you offend him, be careful when you set sail. He might try to get revenge or cause trouble.”

“Offend him? Of course,” Jasper said. “When they surrounded me, did you expect me to just surrender? And even if he’s a Captain in the Marine branch, he wouldn’t dare act openly, right?”

“Not so sure about that.”

“As long as he doesn’t collude with pirates to ambush me at sea, I’m good.”

Jasper said this half-jokingly, but he wasn’t taking it lightly.

In the East Blue, the Arlong Pirates, big bosses themselves, hadn’t been wiped out yet.

If they ran into them, it would be troublesome.

They were fish-men, masters of the sea, elusive and hard to catch. Fighting them on a ship was a major headache, especially since they could easily damage the vessel.

No matter what, running into the Arlong Pirates was a high risk in these waters.

Hina didn’t argue with Jasper’s “joke.” The Marine’s dirty secret of colluding with pirates for profit wasn’t public knowledge, but inside the Marine, it was hardly news.

Like how the Eel Village’s militia had just gone for training at the branch, only for pirates to come and raid the village, Hina suspected Captain Nezumi might be involved.

And now, the false accusation against Jasper might just be the Captain trying to seize the money Jasper has.

But dealing with fellow officers required solid evidence. Without proof, mere suspicion wasn’t enough to act.

“Be careful out there,” Hina warned. “If you run into trouble at sea, contact me. I’ll have nearby Marine forces come to help.”

“Thanks.”

🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️

Onboard the warship docked at the pier, the once terrified Captain Nezumi now wore a cruel and vicious expression. Spitting blood toward the village, he snarled fiercely:

“Captain, just let it go like this?”

“Let it go? My face still hurts, how can I just let it go?” Captain Nezumi sneered. “I thought the guy was just some nobody swordsman lucky enough to beat Scarface. I planned to shake him down while Hina was away. Didn’t expect he’d be a hidden master swordsman.”

“Arrogant because he’s got backing, doesn’t even take me seriously. Well then, don’t blame me for being ruthless... Let’s move out, head to Cocoa West Village!”

His aide swallowed nervously but saluted respectfully, “Yes, sir!”

🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️

After this little spat with Captain Nezumi, Jasper’s life returned to normal.

As time passed, the sailboat in the shipyard became more and more complete. With the help of fishermen, Jasper and 2B grew proficient at handling the sailboat, ready for their journey.

Two weeks later, on a bright morning, a young dockworker came to find Jasper having breakfast at the tavern, excitedly saying, “Mr. Jasper, your ship is finished. We can hold the launching ceremony now.”

Jasper finished his toast and downed a large glass of milk. “Let’s go hold the launching ceremony.”

It had been over three weeks since construction started, five days longer than planned.

The system gave one month to finish. Any longer and the boat would be nothing but a smelly fishing vessel.

Fortunately, it was done in time.

At the dock, what was once a pile of building materials was now a sleek two-masted sailboat standing at least ten meters tall from keel to masthead, a small sailboat by the world’s standards.

Much bigger than the fishing boats Jasper had practiced on, easily twice the size he imagined, roughly as large as the Merry from the original story.

The hull was painted in fresh blue and black waterproof coating. The slender, streamlined body promised excellent speed, with a low center of gravity for stability.

“Brother, are you satisfied with the ship?”

“Very satisfied,” Jasper said, fist-bumping the shipwright. “Thanks for all your hard work.”

“No problem,” the shipwright chuckled, waving it off. “You did the village a great favor, so this is nothing.”

“Let’s start the launching ceremony,” the village chief said. “By tradition, first name the ship, then smash the champagne, and finally push it into the sea... Have you thought of a name?”

“Name... hmm,” Jasper pondered. “Let’s call her Lexington.”

That name held special meaning for Jasper. He also hoped that if the ship ever gained a soul, it would be a black-haired elder sister with flaxen hair, a blue feather hairpin, dressed in a sailor uniform with black stockings.

“Lexington? Nice name.”

“Right?”

With the name decided, it was painted on the ship’s stern under the gangway.

With the name painted, champagne smashed against the hull. Amid cheers, the ship was pushed into the sea. Waves lapped around the hull as the ship floated steadily on the water.

Successfully launched.

Chapter Text

The night before their official departure, the village held a grand feast to wish Jasper and 2B a smooth and safe voyage.

The villagers were warm and enthusiastic, but rightly so.

They never held back their gratitude for the heroes who saved their village.

Amid the villagers’ blessings, even Jasper, who usually didn’t drink much, was persuaded to take a few drinks.

The celebration lasted deep into the night.

The next morning, with the villagers bidding them farewell, Jasper and 2B set sail, waving goodbye to the village where they had lived for almost a month, probably never to return.

🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️

The sails billowed in the wind under a vast, clear sky. Even the ocean currents seemed to flow in their favor. Everything was perfectly smooth sailing.

Captain Jasper stood atop the crow’s nest, the sea breeze brushing his face, feeling invigorated and full of spirit.

Their destination was Orange Town.

Though their sailing mission was completed on time, they needed to reach the town to claim their rewards, enter the lottery, and recruit new crew members.

Although there were other towns in their current sea area, like the Marine’s 16th Branch, these waters belonged to Captain Nezumi, and with the notorious Arlong Pirates Crew lurking nearby, it wasn’t wise to linger.

There were few people around now, and direct confrontation with the Arlong Pirates was best avoided.

It wasn’t the threat of attack that worried them, but the possibility of their ship being damaged.

Better to circle around the East Blue first, see if any missions trigger, gather allies, then head for the Grand Line later.

After gazing out at the ocean, Jasper made his way to the upper deck where the helm was located. The ship’s rudder was controlled by the auxiliary machine.

In a way, this was advanced artificial intelligence navigation, ahead of its time.

2B was there too, dressed in her black, high-slit gown with puffed sleeves, radiating an air of cool detachment.

But when she saw Jasper approach, that frosty aura melted like a glacier, replaced by a faint smile curling at her lips.

“Let’s rest in the cabin for a while,” Jasper suggested. “The auxiliary machine can handle steering and watch duty.”

“Okay,” 2B said, reaching out to stroke the sleek, polished head of the auxiliary machine. “I’ll leave it to you. Let me know if anything happens.”

“Got it.”

They descended to the captain’s quarters at the stern. Without waiting, Jasper eagerly wrapped his arms around 2B’s slender waist and kissed her sensuous lips.

Life at sea promised to be dull; there weren’t many ways to pass the time.

They could fish, play board games, or read books.

They could work out, the ship had a gym filled with fitness equipment Jasper had commissioned: butterfly machines, resistance bands, exercise bikes.

But compared to all that, Jasper preferred spending time doing things both he and 2B enjoyed together.

Clothes gradually fell away as they collapsed onto the bed. Jasper patted 2B’s full, rounded hips, and she intuitively turned over, raising her tail high, arching her back, the curves of her hips and waist forming a perfect, breathtaking silhouette.

Jasper caressed that flawless curve, feeling that after nearly a month of care and affection, it had grown even more plump and supple.

Although the auxiliary machine insisted 2B was an android and shouldn’t physically “grow,” its scans showed significant changes in her figure, whether it was the “snow mountain” or the “full moon,” both had noticeably transformed.

Even the auxiliary machine couldn’t explain it.

But in any case, it was a good thing.

Jasper lightly flicked the middle of her “sunflower,” shaking off the morning dew, then braced himself, slowly entering her.

2B clenched her toes tightly then relaxed, as if the sensation had both squeezed and soothed her.

This was the closest point to 2B’s “black box,” no matter how many times they’d been intimate, the feeling was always overwhelming.

It was a complete fulfillment of body and mind.

Jasper was no different, his movements growing loud and energetic, their sounds sometimes drowning out the waves breaking outside the cabin.

It was their first time like this on the new ship, a moment full of excitement and joy, like a scholar finally passing his exams and celebrating his wedding night.

Unfortunately, this wasn’t 2B’s first time.

And not entirely just that.

Jasper’s gaze fell on the blooming sunflower, opening and closing in the sunlight that streamed into the dim cabin, dampened by splashing waves. He pressed it gently with his thumb.

At that touch, Jasper noticed 2B’s body shuddered and warmed up, much like the brief system crash caused by slow data processing when they first became close.

“This spot... no, it can’t...” 2B murmured.

“Why not?” Jasper asked, feeling the warmth and contraction of the sunflower, grabbing her arm and pulling her upright to kiss her breathless lips.

“This isn’t part of the reproductive module... it’s connected to the digestive system, used for waste discharge...”

“But you don’t need to use it, do you?” Jasper’s thumb was fully inside now. “I’ve never seen you use it once.”

“That’s not according to protocol...” 2B bit her lip tightly, feeling an unprecedented pleasure, stronger than before.

“Protocols don’t matter. Lots of things don’t stick to their original design purpose.”

Jasper kissed her neck, his hands alternating with the life-data transmission device.

“For example, your mouth is meant for talking and eating, but you use it to kiss me and other things, don’t you?”

“That’s different...”

“It’s okay,” Jasper whispered in her ear, then shifted tactics.

His next target: the sunflower field.

2B was struck like a heavy blow.

Breaking from her original design, this strange taboo heightened her pleasure further, making her instinctively yield, better syncing with Jasper’s data transmission protocol.

Even if it was invalid data transfer, it would ultimately convert to energy absorbed by her body.

More than the result, 2B was learning to enjoy the process.

🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️

After completely expending his energy, Jasper didn’t want to move at all, holding the sweaty, flushed 2B and savoring the lingering sensations.

2B felt the same; the intensity was almost too stimulating for her.

They lay still for a long while before 2B sat up.

“It’s noon. What do you want to eat? I’ll get it for you.”

Since they were at sea, they had to stock up on provisions.

There was plenty of instant food, dried fish, bread, canned goods, jams, all packed full.

“Get me some bread and canned meat,” Jasper said.

He actually wanted meat sauce noodles, but since 2B didn’t have cooking experience and he was too lazy to move, dry food would have to do.

“Alright.” 2B wiped off their bodies with a tissue, tidied up, dressed, and left the captain’s cabin.

After a while, Jasper hadn’t seen 2B return with the food, but suddenly heard the auxiliary machine’s loud alarm blaring.

Chapter Text

The moment Jasper heard the alarm, he didn’t hesitate for a second. He threw on his clothes and dashed out.

Reaching the upper deck, he barked, “What’s going on?”

“Unknown underwater lifeforms rapidly approaching from multiple directions,” the support drone replied, projecting a holographic display. At the center was the Lexington , with six red dots closing in from all sides.

The Fish-Men from the Arlong Pirates?

They’re finally here!

Jasper frowned. “They’re not here for a friendly chat. Get ready for battle.”

“Understood,” 2B responded, strapping on her tactical visor and drawing her massive greatsword, The Virtuous Contract , prepared to engage.

By now, the shapes beneath the waves had become vaguely visible. Dorsal fins broke through the surface, slicing through the sea as the creatures surged toward the ship, then leapt into the air.

The moment 2B saw them, especially their weapons and the unmistakable hostility in their eyes, she didn’t hesitate. She swung her sword, unleashing a chilling arc of sword light.

Before the Fish-Man could even land on the ship, he was cleaved in two at the waist, a spray of blood following his screams as he crashed back into the sea.

At the same time, Jasper charged toward another incoming enemy, slamming into him midair before he could land.

“Tetsuzanko!”

The Fish-Man, still airborne, was sent flying back like a sandbag, smashing into the sea at even greater speed than he came.

The remaining Fish-Men landed firmly on the deck.

Seeing them up close, muscular, red- or blue-tinged skin, a grotesque fusion of human and fish, 2B frowned and asked, “What are these things?”

“They appear to be hybrid lifeforms,” the support drone explained. “From my observations, species in this world aren’t reproductively isolated. It’s not uncommon for entirely different organisms to interbreed and create new species.”

“Makes no difference to me,” 2B said, taking a battle stance. “We kill them all the same.”

“Watch the one near the stern in the martial robe,” Jasper warned. “He’s different from the others.”

That one stood over two meters tall, his torso like sculpted marble, his blue skin shimmering. The martial robe, combined with the fins on his elbows, made Jasper think of a certain Fish-Man karate expert from the Arlong Pirates.

One of the top three officers!

“You can tell he’s stronger than the others,” Jasper added.

2B didn’t waste words. With a swift slide, she closed the distance and attacked.

The Fish-Man, enraged by the death of his comrade, stomped down with explosive power, muscle bulging as he hurled a fist like a cannonball.

“Fish-Man Karate: Thousand Tile True Punch!”

He didn’t hold back. The earlier sword strike from 2B had already proven her strength, he was giving it everything he had.

“Too many openings,” she murmured.

With a slight tilt of her head, she dodged the punch that could pulverize boulders, and in the same motion, brought her blade down.

The strike was so fast he couldn’t even react.

His eyes widened as a cold sensation spread from his left shoulder down to his right abdomen.

Just one exchange... How could a weak sea like the East Blue produce such a monster?!

That damn rat fed us bad intel!

I underestimated her!

He was lucky. Thanks to the inherent toughness of Fish-Man physiology, he wasn’t sliced completely in half.

Even so, the sword had missed his heart by a hair. His liver, lungs, kidneys, shredded. Blood poured freely from his wounds.

Driven only by the stubborn will to survive, he staggered back two steps, flipped over the railing, and dove into the sea.

With their leader retreating, the remaining Fish-Men lost their nerve and tried to escape as well.

But the first one only got away thanks to raw leg strength and an unexpected move.

Now prepared, 2B wasn’t letting the rest go.

She swung her sword again, releasing a shockwave of sword energy in all directions. Those still trying to flee were sliced in half on the spot, dead before they hit the water.

2B sheathed her sword and stared at the calm sea. “One escaped.”

That final strike she’d held back on, afraid of damaging the Lexington . Even so, she’d expected it to be lethal. She hadn’t accounted for just how tough Fish-Man muscle could be.

“A shame, but let it go,” Jasper said. “With those injuries, he won’t last.”

Probably.

Jasper wasn’t entirely sure. He’d seen too many internet posts about fish surviving the impossible, just a head and a scrap of tail still swimming around.

Their vitality was no joke.

“Good thing they didn’t damage the ship,” 2B sighed in relief. “That would’ve been trouble... I’m not built for underwater combat.”

She could float, but her heavy body made her sluggish in water, far less effective than on land.

“Yeah,” Jasper agreed. “Maybe it’s because this is a new ship. They’re pirates, greedy. Damaging a valuable ship wouldn’t be in their best interest.”

“Instead of chatting about a finished fight, perhaps you should look to the two o’clock direction,” the support drone chimed in.

Jasper turned toward where it indicated. Dark clouds were rapidly gathering on the horizon, purple lightning dancing within. The waves grew rougher by the second.

A storm!

Jasper’s face paled. He rushed to the wheel and gripped the wildly spinning helm, fighting to steer the ship away from the incoming squall.

But no matter how advanced the Lexington was, it was still no match for nature’s fury. In no time, the storm caught up with them, tossing the ship violently in the waves.

“2B! Lower the sails!”

“Got it!”

The drone flew to assist, unfastening the ropes securing the sails. Just as the main sail was lowered and tied off, a wave higher than the deck itself crashed over them. 2B grabbed the drone and clung to the mast, preventing them from being washed away.

Against nature, even the strongest felt small and powerless.

As soon as the wave passed, 2B seized the moment, darting to the rear of the ship with the drone in her arms. Before the next wave hit, she managed to bring down the secondary sail.

Only after securing the sails did she take the helm, thrusting the drone into Jasper’s arms and shouting, “Get below deck! I’ll steer!”

Jasper looked her in the eye, then silently handed her his safety harness.

“Be careful!” he said, before heading into the cabin with the drone.

Outside, the storm howled. Thunder cracked, waves slammed into the hull, and the ship groaned under the strain.

The chaos continued from daylight into deep night.

Only when 2B, drenched and exhausted, returned to the cabin did Jasper finally relax.

Chapter Text

After being ravaged by a violent storm, the deck of the Lexington , which had only been at sea for less than a day, was left in utter disarray, strewn with seaweed, flopping fish, shrimp, and crabs. The storm had also caused considerable damage.

The mainsail had been torn to shreds.

Fortunately, the hull was sturdy enough to withstand the storm without taking on water or suffering structural damage.

However, with the mainsail in tatters, the ship had temporarily lost its propulsion and could only drift aimlessly on the open sea.

After a night’s rest, the first thing they did the next morning after breakfast was repair the damaged sail.

Jasper climbed the mast with sail repair tools in hand. With the assistance of the support drone, he spent most of the day patching it up, finally managing to restore the ship's mobility by sunset.

They spent another night at sea. Now, they faced a new problem, they had veered far off course.

Using traditional navigation tools he had learned from fishermen, sextant, compass, and map, Jasper finally pinpointed their location. It turned out they had drifted into the seas near Four-Leaf Island, carried along by the ocean current.

It was a far cry from their original destination, the Conomi Islands.

But there was no helping it. They needed to find the nearest town to dock, complete their mission, and properly fix the sail.

Jasper wasn’t a professional shipwright. The patch job on the sail was barely functional, good enough for now, but not for the long haul.

The nearest town was Shells Town, home of the Marine’s 153rd Branch.

Also, home to Axe-Hand Morgan.

The fearsome man who once made the legendary Marine hero Garp bleed with a single swing of his axe.

A corrupt Marine officer who bullied the townsfolk.

Jasper hesitated for a moment, glanced again at the awkwardly patched sail, then gripped the helm and steered the ship toward Shells Town.

After half a day’s sailing, they finally arrived.

Guided by the dockworkers, they moored the ship, dropped anchor, tied the ropes, and disembarked. Just then, a prompt sounded, signaling the completion of the second phase of the mission.

🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️

[You’ve braved the storm and left the novice village behind. Welcome to a new map.]

[ Mission Requirement: Acquire your own ship and set sail.]

[Status: Completed.]

[ Reward: +1 Lottery Draw (To be received upon arriving at the new town).]

New Mission: You’ve seen the sea’s unpredictable weather and shifting currents, by now, you must understand how vital a navigator is in this world.

[Companion Requirement: Navigator (Preferably female; no strange fetishes).]

[Status: In Progress.]

[ Reward: 1 Proficiency Point (can be freely assigned on your personal panel; irreversible once allocated, so choose wisely).]

🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️

The last companion-summoning mission had called for a swordsman, and the result was 2B.

Now, with the requirement being a navigator, would the summoned character be someone related to that role?

Who could it be?

Jasper tried to think of any well-known characters that matched the navigator profession, but nothing came to mind.

Looks like he’d have to summon them to find out.

But there was no rush. First, he approached the dock manager, who was walking over with a clipboard in hand.

“Hey, do you have any shipwrights here? Someone who can fix a sail?”

The manager looked up, frowned, and said, “That sail’s pretty badly damaged. Including docking and maintenance fees, you’re looking at a total of 100,000 Berries.”

Jasper didn’t know the local rates, but based on buying power, 100,000 Berries just to dock and patch up a sail seemed outrageous.

“That’s too much. How about 50,000?”

The manager beamed and quickly agreed, as if afraid he’d change his mind. “Deal. Pleasure doing business.”

Even at that price, he had overpaid.

Jasper signed the contract, handled the ship insurance documents, paid the deposit, then took his briefcase containing over 30 million Berries and left the ship with 2B.

As for the support drone, it stayed on board. It and 2B could communicate via wireless signal, and if anything happened, it could respond immediately.

Shells Town had a Marine base. From the main road, you could already see the massive Marine building in the distance, painted in dark blue and black, distinctively marine in style.

For a Marine town, freedom from pirate attacks should’ve been a huge advantage. One would expect it to be bustling with merchants from nearby islands, thriving with activity.

But all they saw were a few scattered pedestrians, not many shops, and the road was just a simple, packed dirt path.

Worse than the eel-fishing village they started in.

It was clear that Morgan’s rule as a Marine Captain had driven the place into decline.

Using brute strength and authority to oppress the people, how could prosperity follow?

Jasper didn’t want to meddle. Morgan would get what was coming to him soon enough.

Right now, he had more pressing concerns, his stomach.

After days of surviving on dry rations, it was time for some fresh, hot food.

He and 2B stepped into the nearest tavern and ordered two large servings of steak, two plates of meat sauce pasta, some vitamin-rich vegetable salad, and two glasses of wheat juice, 2B’s favorite.

The food wasn’t amazing, but after eating nothing but rations, it was heavenly. Jasper finished one portion and went back for seconds.

He ate as much as he could digest, simple as that.

2B did the same, ordering two more large glasses of wheat juice. It tasted better than the kind sold in the fishing village.

After the meal, they wandered around town but found little of interest. In the end, they bought some fresh fruit and returned to the ship.

By then, the sail had already been removed for repairs. Other than that, no signs of anyone entering the cabin.

The dockworkers were honest, no theft or shady business while no one was around.

Back in his room, Jasper couldn’t wait any longer. He called out in his mind, “System, use the lottery draw.”

[“Drawing... Congratulations, Host! You’ve obtained the character: The Great Astrologer, Astrologist Mona Megistus! ”]

🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️

As always, Mona blew through her manuscript royalties without a second thought.

Ancient tomes detailing lost astrological knowledge, brand-new high-end stargazing equipment, anything rare or expensive, she bought it all.

Sure, it left her penniless every month, surviving on mushrooms and wild greens, but to Mona, it was worth it.

Knowledge was priceless, not something as vulgar as money could ever compare to.

It was, in her mind, an excellent investment.

After signing for the latest delivery from the courier, she rushed home, eagerly changed into her research clothes, and began flipping through the new book, diving headfirst into the ocean of knowledge.

“Huh? What’s this?”

A strange note slipped between the pages caught Mona’s eye.

“This... looks like a kind of teleportation array? These characters... they’re really old... ‘Wealth’... ‘End’...?”

Curious, Mona instinctively extended a finger and traced the array in the air, channeling elemental energy as she went.

As the final stroke completed, the array glowed with a soft blue light.

Only then did Mona realize something was wrong.

“Oh no...”

A flash of blinding light filled the room, and when it faded, the girl was gone.

🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️

A/N: Mona Megistus is a Hydro astrologist from Genshin Impact . She's known for her sharp intellect, prideful personality, and being hilariously broke despite her talents. I’ve adapted her into the One Piece world with a twist to fit the setting!

Chapter Text

With a flash of dazzling blue light, the figure that finally appeared before Jasper was a stunning girl wearing a witch’s hat and twin ponytails.

What caught his attention even more was her outfit, an alluring bunny-girl costume paired with sheer black gradient tights. The moment he laid eyes on her, Jasper was dazzled.

The seductive outfit clung tightly to the girl's slender frame, revealing just a hint of her undeveloped but fair skin, the smooth contour of her flat stomach and navel visible through the tights. Below that, her curves were wrapped snugly in fabric, igniting the imagination and making one wonder what lay beneath.

Her thighs, encased in those gradient tights, were surprisingly full and firm, broad at the top, tapering below, radiating a healthy sheen that contrasted sharply with her delicate upper body.

Altogether, her appearance brought out every bit of her youthful charm.

No wonder this version of Mona was once among the most searched characters online and frequently featured in 3D fanworks of Genshin Impact .

She looked amazing .

🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️

After the brief disorientation from teleportation, Mona quickly realized she was no longer in her room.

Standing before her were a man and a woman, the man tall and handsome, the woman mature and cool. Both were staring straight at her, eyes fixed without a trace of subtlety.

Mechanically, Mona looked down and discovered that she was wearing her astrologer outfit, the overly revealing, open, and sultry uniform she only ever wore at home or while working to better attune to elemental forces!

Her cheeks turned beet red, and as if steam was about to shoot from her head, she let out a loud shriek and squatted down in embarrassment.

But squatting only made things worse. With her full thighs and slim calves, the tight squeeze caused the fabric to crease in suggestive ways.

Curvy. Rivaling even 2B.

Just a couple glances were enough for Jasper to realize this couldn’t continue. He hurriedly opened a closet, grabbed a white dress shirt, and tossed it to her.

“Here, put this on to cover up a bit. Once you're ready, come find me, we need to talk.”

With that, he left the cabin with 2B, giving Mona time to compose herself.

🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️

“How did that girl just suddenly appear on our ship?” 2B asked.

“No idea,” Jasper shook his head. “Let’s wait till she’s ready and ask.”

“Okay.” 2B recalled her own sudden appearance in this world after following traces of human presence, only to find herself unable to return.

Could this girl have experienced something similar?

The two leaned against the ship’s rail, letting the breeze wash over them. Before long, Mona emerged from the cabin, having pulled herself together and now wearing the oversized shirt like a makeshift dress.

The salty sea breeze was cool, but it couldn’t calm the heat still burning on her face.

Mona looked around warily and spoke first. “Who are you? And where am I?”

“Jasper,” he introduced himself. “This is 2B. You’re in East Blue, at the port of Shields Town, aboard my ship, the Lexington .”

“East Blue? Shields Town?” Mona frowned. She’d never heard of such places in Teyvat.

“Right. So, can you tell us what happened? How did you end up in my ship, and in my room, no less?” he asked. “You know, barging into someone’s quarters isn’t exactly polite.”

“I’m Astrologist Mona Megistus ,” she declared proudly, “which means ‘the great astrologer.’ I come from the continent of Teyvat, ruled by the Seven Archons…”

She gave a quick rundown of her background. “Anyway, I was casting a spell, and the next thing I knew, I was here.”

“Teyvat? Seven Archons? Never heard of it.” Jasper played dumb. “Maybe you’re no longer in your original world.”

2B nodded in agreement. “Same thing happened to me. I came from another world too.”

“That’s impossible!” Mona couldn’t accept it. “I can still sense elemental energy, if it were a different world, the elemental laws would be different!”

To prove her point, she opened her palm and began channeling water from the surrounding environment.

As a Hydro Vision wielder, Mona could manipulate and condense water element into magic for casting spells, enchanting weapons, and more. But the moment she began, she realized something was off.

The water element here was… far too lively. Far too easy to control.

It felt like a bunch of undisciplined soldiers who had just found a leader to follow!

In mere moments, the water she summoned exceeded her expectations, forming into a massive sphere several meters wide.

And it was still growing!

The sheer size made her face go pale. She quickly waved her hand to dispel it, launching the giant water orb toward the sea. It crashed into the ocean, erupting into a towering wave that rocked nearby ships.

Jasper’s jaw dropped. Wasn’t Mona just a support character in the game? How was she this powerful?

If that attack had landed on the Lexington , the whole ship would’ve sunk!

That water sphere might as well have been a Marine cannon blast!

“I believe you now,” Mona said, voice trembling. “This isn’t my world. I could never do anything like that back home.”

“Yeah,” Jasper nodded thoughtfully. Maybe because Mona is the only Hydro Vision holder here, she has absolute control over water elements. Calling her a water goddess wouldn’t be a stretch.

“So what are you going to do now?” he asked. “Want to become part of my crew? I’m recruiting, and the job comes with a good salary, food, and a place to stay.”

“I… don’t know…” Mona muttered. She was starting to realize that going back was unlikely.

She had already tried the teleportation array again in the cabin, there was no response at all.

No more bantering with that grumpy old woman.

No more gatherings with friends.

She hadn’t even finished reading the fortune-telling book she just bought.

But… free room and board didn’t sound bad.

At least she wouldn’t have to worry about rent or meals anymore.

“Then stay for now,” Jasper said gently, beginning to arrange things for the confused newcomer. “I’ve got a spare room. I’ll show you.”

“Oh, and Assistant Bot, come here too. Help explain this world to her.”

The assistant bot was a top-tier AI, far more advanced than anything like GPT. After spending some time in this world, it had gathered a lot of relevant knowledge, making it the perfect guide for Mona.

“Understood,” the assistant bot said, floating into the air and hovering near his shoulder. It began calmly and clearly explaining the basics of this world to Mona.

Intrigued, she listened intently, absorbing everything she could about this strange new place where she might be stuck for good.

Jasper led her to the navigation room he had prepared in advance for a future helmsman. After telling her to find him in the captain’s cabin below if she needed anything, he left the assistant bot with her and exited the room, 

Giving Mona the space she needed to take it all in.

Chapter Text

“Is Mona settled in?”

“Yes. I left her alone for a bit so she can get familiar with the world and process everything,” Jasper explained. “Coming to an entirely different world all of a sudden, it’s a lot to take in, especially for a young girl.”

“I didn’t feel that way,” 2B replied.

“You’re different,” Jasper said, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind and resting his hands on her soft stomach. “You’ve found a purpose to fight for.”

“Mm,” 2B leaned back gently into his embrace. “Protecting humanity is my mission. But isn’t it strange? Mona doesn’t have a purpose like that, yet she still ended up by your side.”

“Maybe people from different worlds are drawn to each other,” Jasper offered.

“Could be,” 2B nodded, accepting the explanation, thinking it was never her strongest suit.

The two stood together watching the sea as the sky gradually turned red with the setting sun. Sensing a change in Jasper’s demeanor, and the increasing boldness of his hands, 2B understood what he wanted.

“Should we go back to the room? Or… stay here?” she asked.

“Let’s stay.”

The captain’s quarters and the navigation room were adjacent, one on the main deck, the other just above. With a wooden ship like this, unless the sea was rough, any noise inside would be easily heard next door.

It wasn’t exactly ideal.

To avoid attracting Mona’s attention, they decided to keep things simple and quiet out on deck. Of course, they could’ve gone to the front cabin, but there was something uniquely romantic about being entangled in the open, under the setting sun.

2B, understanding without needing instructions, took the initiative.

🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️

Meanwhile, in the navigation room, Mona had just finished listening to the onboard AI’s explanation of the world’s dangers and was left in deep thought.

This era of grand voyages, filled with danger and exploitation, was clearly no place for ordinary people. Just surviving would be hard.

Thinking back to Jasper’s earlier invitation, Mona realized she had little choice. With no money and nowhere to go, she could only agree to join him.

At least she had food and shelter now, unlike her difficult start in Mondstadt.

She lay on the clean, soft bedding and turned over with a sigh, glancing at the floating assistant drone. “Can I ask you something? What kind of person is your captain?”

“He’s a good man.”

“I figured you’d say that,” Mona rolled her eyes. “No autonomous AI would call its master a bad person. Fine, let’s say he is a good guy, what kind of good?”

“That depends on your definition. For me, anyone who treats 2B well is a good person.”

“Fair enough,” Mona shrugged. “So, he’s got a ship, he’s out at sea, and recruiting crewmates. Is he trying to become a pirate?”

She didn’t have a favorable view of pirates, plundering, killing, burning. The word conjured nothing but crime and cruelty. Though she had heard of exceptions, like the Southern Cross Fleet, who acted more like Marine peacekeepers than true pirates.

“He’s a pirate hunter.”

“You mean like those who hunt down pirates for bounties? Sounds like an adventurer-type job.”

“Correct. We’ve already taken down a pirate crew with a captain whose bounty was ten million Berries.”

“Ten million? Impressive. But what’s the currency like here? For example, how much for a cabbage? Or a meal?”

“A high-quality, fresh cabbage costs 150 Berries. A large grilled eel meal would be around 1,000 Berries.”

To help her visualize, the AI projected an image of the eel dish.

“Gulp…” Mona, who hadn’t had a proper meal in days, swallowed hard. “A portion that big for just 1,000 Berries? That’s so cheap!”

Compared to Mondstadt’s prices, it was a steal. A cabbage there might cost 120 Mora, but a basic Fisherman’s Toast from a tavern could cost over 1,000 Mora.

“Are you hungry?” the assistant asked. “There’s dried eel and bread in the galley. I can bring you some.”

Flustered at being seen through, Mona blushed. “Huh? That’s… really kind of you.”

“No problem. The captain asked me to take care of you, it’s part of my job.”

The AI left the navigation room and, on its way to the kitchen, passed by the deck, where Jasper and 2B were… clearly still occupied.

Not wanting to interrupt, the assistant moved on quietly.

In the kitchen, it retrieved a piece of eel from the fridge, sliced it, added ginger, scallions, and garlic, then steamed it. While waiting, it also toasted slices of bread, spread them with sweet jam, and topped them with shredded cabbage. It even brewed a pot of hot tea.

Though the AI couldn’t make complex dishes, it could still whip up a decent meal.

Meal prepared, the assistant returned with the tray.

Crossing the deck again, it noticed the situation between Jasper and 2B hadn’t changed much. The water stain between 2B’s legs spoke volumes about the intensity of their… activity.

The deck would need a cleaning later.

“Please enjoy your meal.”

“Wow, this looks amazing! You made this?” Mona’s eyes sparkled.

“I only reheated it.”

She eagerly took a bite of the eel, her eyes narrowing in delight at the burst of flavor.

So delicious.

In this unfamiliar world, this small meal gave her a taste of happiness.

Mona didn’t eat much, two slices of toast, half a portion of eel, and a cup of tea filled her right up.

After a brief rest at the AI’s suggestion, Mona stood up with renewed determination and left the navigation room.

With the assistant's help, she found Jasper fishing at the back of the ship.

He looked back when he heard her approach. “Finished talking with the AI?”

“Yeah.” Mona sat beside him on the railing. “I’ve thought it through. Rather than wandering this strange, dangerous world alone, I’d rather stay and work with you. At least I’ll have food and shelter, and I won’t have to worry about survival.”

“A wise choice,” Jasper nodded. “But nothing’s free here. You’ll have to work. Of course, you’ll be paid accordingly.”

“Fair enough,” Mona agreed. “As long as it’s something I can do.”

“Well... I’m currently short a navigator. Do you know how to find directions using the stars? Understand ocean currents and wind patterns? The basics of a navigator?”

At that, Mona clenched her fist.

Chapter Text

Determining the direction of ocean currents, navigating by the stars, this kind of stuff is practically second nature to someone like Mona, who not only possesses a Vision but is also a professional astrologist!

She had already tested her water-element abilities upon arrival and discovered that her elemental affinity here was even higher than back in Teyvat. Sensing and predicting the flow and shifts of ocean currents? Piece of cake.

Same with wind direction. Sure, as a Hydro user, Mona can't control the winds like an Anemo user could, but with her elemental sight, she can see them clearly enough.

These are her natural advantages!

Mona might not yet know how to apply these skills directly to sailing, but she believed that with a little study, mastering them for maritime use would be no problem.

As for navigating by the stars? That’s Mona’s bread and butter. She's an astrologist, after all.

Even though the stars in this world weren’t the same as those in Teyvat, for someone with a solid foundation like her, adapting wasn’t a challenge.

To an astrologist, the navigation techniques required for sailing are practically fundamental.

In short, the role of navigator was practically tailor-made for Mona.

She couldn’t help but feel a spark of excitement, but didn’t show it outright. She adjusted the witch’s hat on her head and said thoughtfully, “A navigator, huh? It’s not exactly my specialty, but there are a lot of similarities. With some learning, I should be able to apply my skills at sea.”

“That’s fine,” Jasper replied, already having considered how Mona’s abilities would be useful for navigation. But since this would be her first time applying them in that context, it made sense that she’d need to learn.

“Besides that, we also need to talk about compensation... Apart from basic room and board, I should at least pay you a fair salary.”

“Of course,” Jasper thought for a moment. “How about 500,000 Berries per month? During your training period, though, it’ll be half. Once you're official, there’ll be performance bonuses too. Sounds good?”

“F-Five hundred thousand Berries?!” Mona’s eyes widened. Now that she had a rough idea of the value of Berries in this world, she couldn’t help but be stunned by Jasper’s generosity.

“Hmm? Is that too much?”

Jasper was a bit puzzled. In this world, Berries basically followed the same conversion rate as Japanese yen, so 500,000 Berries was about 230,000 yen, roughly average for a top-tier crew member.

And compared to Mora from her world, the exchange rate was about 1 to 100. That would mean 500,000 Berries equaled about 2.3 million Mora.

But Mona was supposed to be loaded! Sure, she often seemed poor, unable to pay rent or afford food, but that was because she blew her money on insanely expensive books. One casually discarded on a chair might cost 990,000 Mora!

Her place was filled with books like that.

There were even fans who had calculated: if each of Mona’s books were worth at least 990,000 Mora, then the total value of her library could easily exceed 400 million Mora!

And that wasn’t even counting her expensive astrology instruments.

So it was pretty strange for someone like her to be shocked by a salary of 500,000 Berries a month.

Then again, maybe Mona still wasn’t clear on the value of Berries?

That was probably it.

She hadn’t spent much time in this world yet, and the AI assistant hadn’t explained the economy properly, so her confusion was understandable.

“Ahem, it’s nothing,” Mona quickly covered up her reaction. “It’s a bit low, but considering your help earlier, I’ll accept it.”

Five hundred thousand Berries a month... If she converted that into eel rice bowls, she could buy at least 500 servings!

And in Teyvat, a single bowl like that would cost at least 5,000 Mora.

So doing a rough purchasing-power conversion, this meant she’d be earning the equivalent of 2.3 million Mora per month.

That far exceeded what she made writing for the Steambird Press.

She recalled that the ancient tome she’d excavated from a ruin, the one that cost her over a month of wages, was priced at 990,000 Mora.

But now, working as a navigator, she could earn that much in under two weeks!

Mona was already imagining a bright future. Of course, it wasn’t all about the money. As an astrologist, she believed in living simply. Too much wealth could cloud one’s perception of the truth.

She didn’t need riches for daily life, but her profession sure did.

Astrology books and equipment didn’t magically grow like mushrooms. They had to be bought, with money.

Knowledge is money, after all.

“By the way, you’ll be covering the cost of the books and equipment I’ll need to study navigation, right?”

“Of course. I’d never expect you to pay for that,” Jasper replied, dragging his eyes away from her black silk-clad legs, which had been happily swinging with excitement.

“It’s getting late, though. Rest up for tonight. Tomorrow, I’ll take you out to get the books you need, and some new clothes too. What you’re wearing now is a little... improper.”

“I know,” Mona blushed, instinctively tugging her robe tighter and pressing her legs together.

That small movement only drew Jasper’s gaze again. Her round, firm legs in black stockings really were quite a sight. Tomorrow, while they were shopping, he made a mental note to pick up some similar stockings for 2B.

“This outfit is just what I wear at home when I’m conducting experiments,” Mona explained. “It helps me better sense elemental energy... No one actually wears this sort of thing in public.”

“You can wear it on the ship.”

Her eyes immediately gave him a look. Realizing how that sounded, Jasper quickly corrected himself, “I mean, in your room. Wear whatever you want in your room.”

“Obviously,” Mona muttered. Still... was it just her imagination, or had he been stealing glances at her legs all this time?

She tugged at her shirt hem, trying to hide her thighs.

But the shirt was only so long. Even if she tore it, it wouldn’t help much.

“When 2B finishes her bath, have her help you find something decent to wear, something you can at least get by in. Maybe borrow one of her skirts.”

“Guess that’s the best option for now,” Mona said, resigned. Wearing a man’s oversized shirt with seductive black stockings made for a very awkward combination.

“Also, have you eaten yet? We’ve got dried eel on board. Steam it and drizzle some soy sauce, it’s surprisingly tasty.”

Ugh, eel. After spending nearly a month in the fishing village eating it every day, he was sick of the stuff. If the fishermen hadn’t insisted on sending him off with some, he wouldn’t have brought any at all.

“I’ve eaten already. The AI assistant gave me some earlier. I’m full.”

“As long as you’re fed.” Jasper felt a nibble on the fishing line. The rod dipped. He yanked it up, only to find the bait completely gone, with nothing on the hook.

Unbothered, he re-baited the hook and cast the line back into the sea. As he waited, 2B came over, her damp hair still not quite dry. He asked her to help Mona pick out something decent to wear for now.

He stayed there fishing, but ended the night empty-handed.

The fish near the shore had gotten too clever, they just wouldn’t bite anymore.

Chapter Text

Mona didn’t know the first thing about navigation, worse even than Jasper, so she hardly qualified as a proper navigator. As far as the system was concerned, the mission to recruit a navigator hadn’t been completed.

But there wasn’t any time limit, so it didn’t matter. She could learn as she went.

With the calm seas of the East Blue, the basic sailing skills he’d picked up in the fishing village were more than enough for now.

Jasper, once an Air Force officer, finished tidying up and was ready to shower and rest, finally winding down for the day.

He pushed open the door to the captain’s quarters and found that it wasn’t just 2B inside. Mona was there too, slim and delicate, her ribs faintly visible beneath pale skin, waist so narrow it could be held in one hand, but with a perky, well-rounded rear and strong, shapely legs.

Her skin was remarkably fair, with a soft rosy undertone.

Mona turned at the sound of the door, locking eyes with him for a few seconds. Jasper was quicker to react, shutting the door just in time to avoid a full-blown witch’s shriek.

Girls were such trouble, she’d been in there for over half an hour and still hadn’t decided on an outfit.

He leaned against the railing, enjoying the breeze, the stars overhead, and the sound of the waves crashing against the hull.

Eventually, the cabin door opened and Mona emerged, finally decently dressed.

She wore the same oversized white shirt of his on top, now tucked into a high-waisted ankle-length skirt. The tucked-in look drew attention to her waistline and gave her a neater silhouette.

Mona stormed over. “Why didn’t you knock? Didn’t you realize someone was inside?”

“It’s my room. Why would I knock?” Jasper said matter-of-factly. “Besides, you were the one taking forever to pick an outfit. And that’s my fault?”

“Even if I’m picking clothes, I still need to shower first, okay? That takes time!” Mona protested, then suddenly caught on to his words. “Wait... you said your room? Then what about 2B…?”

“We share a room,” Jasper said plainly.

“Ehh?!”

Seeing her shocked reaction, he raised a brow. “Didn’t you notice?”

“A little, I guess. But 2B’s so cold and aloof, like some emotionless swordswoman. She didn’t strike me as someone who’d care about relationships.”

“Don’t judge a book by its cover. 2B’s actually quite passionate.”

Especially in bed, not that he’d say that out loud.

“I would’ve never guessed… But, um, me being on the ship with you two, am I in the way or anything?”

“What are you worried about? You’re not the only one joining. We’ll gather more crew members in time. It’ll be a whole team.”

“Phew, that’s a relief.” Mona felt reassured. If those two were a couple and she was the odd single out, things could get real awkward.

There was an old saying back home, interrupting a couple gets you gored by a forest pig! Mona definitely didn’t want to be gored by a pig.

“It’s getting late. If there’s nothing else, get some rest,” Jasper said, turning around to lean against the railing again. “This world’s chaotic. Don’t go wandering off the ship alone, ever.”

“Of course I know that. Anyway, good night.”

Mona gave a quick wave and turned to head back to her room.

After a few steps, she suddenly remembered, he hadn’t even apologized for barging in on her getting changed! Was he just going to let that go?

She stopped and turned around, only to crash directly into a warm, broad chest.

“Why’d you suddenly stop?” Jasper caught her waist instinctively, steadying her, and sneaking a feel of her slender form.

Not very soft. Mona was too thin. Her ribs jabbed into him.

Mona scrambled out of his arms, her face bright red. “You, You just barged in on me changing and you’re not even going to apologize?”

“What do you want me to do about it?” Jasper gave her a weird look. “Let you look back at me, to make it even?”

“Pervert!” Mona jumped back a few steps, glaring at him. “Just apologize! At least do that! Or are you abusing your authority as captain?!”

“You want an apology?” Jasper raised a brow. “I didn’t even see anything. Just ribs, nothing but ribs.”

Being seen naked wasn’t even the worst part. It was being insulted after being seen that really stung.

Sure, Mona knew she wasn’t as voluptuous as 2B, but she definitely wasn’t just ribs!

She had a little, at least the size of a small fist!

Plus, her waist, hips, and legs were objectively great, slim, perky, round, with a nice thickness to them.

And all that got reduced to nothing but ribs ?

Her blood boiled. Clenching her fists, she charged.

“You jerk! I’ll make you pay!”

Jasper didn’t fight back. He just circled the mast, turning it into a game of cat and Nezumi like the old King of Qin dodging around a pillar.

Too bad for him, Mona was very good at games like this. With a smirk, she melded into a stream of water and rushed toward him in a blur.

This was a technique she’d mastered thanks to her teacher’s “run-or-get-whacked” training regime, transforming into a swift current to move at high speed.

It was called Phantom Flow .

In a blink, she closed the gap, emerging from the stream and tackling him to the deck.

Pinning him down and straddling his hips, Mona grinned triumphantly. “What now? Still think you can outrun me?”

“Alright, alright, I give up,” Jasper conceded. “My bad. I shouldn’t have made fun of you for being all ribs. You’ve got some nice curves, especially your hips and legs. Way softer than I expected.”

Mona jumped back like he was on fire, putting several meters between them. “You perv! You’re disgusting!”

“What do you want from me?” Jasper sat up, exasperated. “I insult you, I’m wrong. I compliment you, I’m still wrong. You’re impossible to please!”

“Just don’t comment on my body at all!”

“Fine, I was wrong. I shouldn’t have barged in without knocking, and I shouldn’t have made comments about your body.”

Jasper figured he’d better not push her too far, she might up and quit the crew.

Girls really were a handful.

“Hmph. That didn’t sound sincere at all,” Mona huffed, tossing her twin tails and storming off to her room.

Such a tsundere.

Jasper didn’t linger on the deck either. He headed back in to shower and rest.

Inside, 2B was maintaining her support drone. When he walked in, she looked up and asked, “How did it go with Mona?”

Jasper stepped into the bathroom, leaving the door open. “What do you think? Just a kid, we just fooled around a little.”

“I assumed you were attempting reproductive behavior.”

“Hmm?” Jasper glanced at the drone in front of her. “You mean... our genes matched?”

“No.”

“Oh.” He wasn’t surprised. They weren’t even from the same world. No way their genes would be perfectly compatible.

Besides, people from Teyvat were strange. Some were created by the Primordial One, some evolved from draconic lizards, and others were made from... womb-water.

Genetic isolation wasn’t exactly rare.

“None of the islanders matched either.”

“No rush. I’m still young. We’ve got time.”

“Mm.”

Still, 2B seemed a bit disappointed. She set the drone down on the desk, instructed it to stand guard for the night, then silently began slipping off her nightgown.

As she walked toward the shower where Jasper was, she said softly, “I’ll wash your back.”

Jasper knew exactly what she meant, and what she really wanted.

Author’s Note:
Please throw me some votes! Even a few coins would be nice...

Chapter Text

Mona wasn’t the kind of person who had trouble sleeping in unfamiliar places. Maybe it was the mental exhaustion of arriving in a strange new world, but she slept soundly that night. Neither the rocking of the ship, the crashing of the waves, nor the boisterous singing from the lower deck disturbed her.

She slept straight through to morning.

Still groggy, she got up, combed her hair, got dressed, and headed to the washroom. After freshening up, she made her way to the ship’s dining room.

Breakfast was already laid out: crispy bacon and eggs, toasted bread, fresh lettuce, steamed eel, and a glass of milk.

It was far more luxurious than anything Mona was used to.

Resources in this world were so abundant, it was only a matter of time before desire consumed people to the point they could no longer see truth beyond the stars.

Still, philosophical thoughts aside, Mona didn’t hold back. She spread jam on toast, layered it with lettuce, a fried egg, two slices of bacon, and two slices of eel. She topped it off with another piece of toast and took a big bite. The rich medley of flavors exploded in her mouth, pure bliss.

Her appetite was small, though, and after finishing that one lavish sandwich, she was already so full she let out a little burp.

“Drink your milk too,” Jasper said, gesturing to the large glass in front of her. “I went into town early this morning to buy that. You’re still growing, finish it.”

Mona remembered what he said the night before, that aside from her ribs, there wasn’t much to see, and suspected he was taking another jab at her figure.

Seeing the look of suspicion she gave him, Jasper didn’t even try to deny it. “You need more meat, eggs, and milk if you want to grow. Sailing’s hard work, you know? You’re all skin and bones. If you don’t bulk up, you’re going to suffer out at sea.”

“I just have… uneven fat distribution,” Mona muttered defensively. She wanted to say, “2B’s the same,” with her fuller hips and thighs compared to her upper body, but decided against it.

As an unmarried young woman, she couldn’t bring herself to casually discuss her figure with a man.

Blushing with annoyance, she grabbed the milk and downed half the glass in one go, any more and she’d burst.

After breakfast, they sat for a bit. When a shout came from outside, Jasper stepped out to find dock workers delivering the newly repaired sails.

Leaning on the rail, he chatted briefly with the foreman, asking them to top off the freshwater supply while they were at it.

Once the sails were up and the tanks refilled, he left the auxiliary unit behind to watch the ship and headed into town with 2B and Mona.

Their first stop: buying clothes for Mona. While she browsed, Jasper wandered into the women’s section to pick out some stockings for 2B.

Even though this world’s industrial tech wasn’t advanced, its textile craftsmanship was surprisingly good.

The stockings were made of cotton or real silk, not the synthetic fiber kind back on Earth, and were quite affordable.

He bought several kinds for 2B: black, white, tights, garters, fishnets, he didn’t hold back.

Watching him casually select women’s undergarments like it was nothing made Mona blush furiously. She pretended she didn’t know him.

This captain… seriously lacked shame.

Once they had clothes for Mona, the group headed to the town bookstore. They picked up sailing manuals, blank nautical charts, and other useful materials for the voyage.

Specialized books were never cheap, and after one circuit through the store, their cart was piled high with texts, costing Jasper over a million Berries. Quite a hit to the wallet.

But not all the books were about sailing. A good chunk were rare and expensive volumes on astronomy and celestial navigation in this world.

Jasper placed a hand on Mona’s head and gave it a firm rub. “Learn the sailing basics first. Don’t go flipping through the star charts until then, or I’ll tan your hide.”

“I get it already.” Mona moved his hand away. “I said I’d do it, so I will. Worst case, consider the astronomy books borrowed. Fair?”

“No need for that. Just don’t let me down.”

“Geez, stop saying things that sound so… ambiguous.” Mona grumbled, but deep down, she was happy.

Despite his teasing, this captain really wasn’t a bad guy.

They asked the shop owner to deliver the books and clothes to the ship, then headed to the market to stock up on daily necessities, fresh vegetables, fruits, and meats in preparation for departure.

Now that the sails were repaired, there was no reason to stay in town any longer.

With their supplies packed and scheduled for delivery, they checked the time and decided to grab lunch in town before returning to the ship.

They went back to the tavern they’d visited the day before.

Jasper ordered a massive platter of stew, enough for three, plus spaghetti with meat sauce as the main dish. Beer for 2B, milk for Mona, and juice for himself.

“Eat more meat, build up that protein,” he said, dropping a large hunk onto Mona’s plate. “If it’s not enough, just say so. Don’t be shy with me.”

Mona simply shot him a look. She couldn’t be bothered to argue anymore.

After a hearty meal, they got ready to leave.

But just as they stepped outside the tavern, a series of sharp dog barks rang out, followed by murmurs and hurried avoidance from passersby.

It was as if some plague had appeared in the street.

Sure enough, swaggering toward them was a man flanked by two Marines, leading a snarling wolf on a leash. His hair was a gaudy golden bowl cut, his face ugly and full of smugness, dressed in fancy clothes like a spoiled rich boy.

One look at the ridiculous hair and that repulsive face, and Jasper immediately recognized him.

Helmeppo .

The son of Axe-Hand Morgan, the infamous commander of Marine Base 153.

Of all the rotten luck, running into this guy just as they were about to leave.

What a pain.

Jasper had no intention of starting trouble. He silently stepped to the side, planning to let Helmeppo pass.

But it was hard to stay unnoticed. The three of them had striking looks and distinct auras. Even just standing there, they stood out like stars in the night sky.

Naturally, Helmeppo noticed them. His eyes lit up, and with a grin that could curdle milk, he strutted over, leading his snarling wolf.

His gaze locked on Mona.

“My lady, fate has brought us together. Let’s share a meal, shall we?”

Without waiting for a response, he reached out to grab her wrist!

Helmeppo, spoiled by his father's power, was used to getting what he wanted. He saw nothing wrong with his behavior.

Unfortunately, the one whose wrist was grabbed... wasn’t Mona.

It was his own .

“You dare stop me?!” Helmeppo’s face twisted in fury. “Do you know who I am? I’m the son of Marine Captain Morgan!”

“So what?” Jasper stepped protectively in front of Mona. “Do you have any idea what kind of death you’re courting with behavior like that?”

The aura Jasper gave off made Helmeppo freeze in fear. Before he could even react, 

WHAM!

A fist the size of a stewpot slammed into his ridiculous face like a meteor.

Helmeppo went flying.

Behind him, Mona looked up at Jasper’s sharply defined profile.

Her heart skipped a beat.

This captain... is way too handsome.

Chapter Text

Mona was just a young girl, and like many others, she often fantasized about a gallant prince who would one day stand up for her.

That punch, bold and unwavering, showed her that this slightly lecherous captain had more than just wealth and generosity. He had real strength and courage.

But her awe quickly turned into worry. She had overheard that disgusting man claim to be the son of a Marine Captain named Morgan.

According to the data from the auxiliary unit, the Marines in this world were the ones tasked with upholding order and justice.

Wouldn’t punching a Marine officer’s son cause serious trouble?

What if they were labeled as pirates?

"You... You actually dared to hit me?! Even my father has never laid a hand on me!" Helmeppo, the spoiled bully who’d ruled over the town by flaunting his father’s rank, shouted furiously while clutching his swollen face. "You two idiots! What are you standing around for? Arrest him! I demand the death penalty! Execute him immediately!"

But the two Marines accompanying him didn’t move a muscle.

They had families too, parents, wives, children. They were just ordinary men in uniform.

They had long grown sick of Helmeppo’s arrogant abuse of power. His bullying and harassing ways were not new to them, it had happened more times than they could count.

Yet because he was the son of Captain Morgan, commander of the 153rd Branch, Helmeppo could do whatever he pleased in the town, unchecked.

They had no power to resist, and all they could do was swallow their anger and shame as their sense of justice was trampled underfoot.

Now, seeing Helmeppo get a taste of his own medicine, finally!, they were more likely to cheer than to lift a finger to help. There was no way they would arrest Jasper for this.

After all, it was Captain Morgan they feared, not this pathetic son of his.

But Helmeppo’s wolf wasn’t so restrained. The beast had been snarling ever since its master got hit, and now that it received a command, it lunged at Jasper with its jaws wide open.

Jasper didn’t hold back. The wolf, infamous for bullying civilians around town, deserved no mercy. He raised his foot and delivered a solid kick to its midsection, sending it flying over ten meters.

Dogs might have strong skulls and tough limbs, but their waists were notoriously fragile. The kick crushed the wolf's abdomen, and even mid-air, it vomited a bloody mess of internal organs. By the time it hit the ground, its body was stiff, completely lifeless.

It died on the spot.

The sight left Helmeppo frozen in terror, and the two Marines quickly dragged him away without saying a word.

Once they were gone, the onlookers, who had been quietly watching, murmured anxiously.

"Kid, you just hit Captain Morgan's son. He’s not going to let that slide!"

"You’re not from around here, right? You’ve got a ship, don’t you? If I were you, I’d run fast, before Captain Morgan finds out!"

"But how? You can’t outrun a Marine warship on the sea!"

"Still better than sitting here waiting to die."

The townsfolk had already written off Jasper. In their minds, no one in the entire East Blue could match Captain Morgan in either power or influence.

"Why should we run?" 2B, on the other hand, seemed intrigued. "Is he that strong?"

In her experience, 2B had only met two people with the rank of Marine Captain: Nahi and Nezumi. Nahii exuded a pressure that even 2B found threatening. Nezumi, on the other hand, was barely stronger than the regular grunts on her ship.

The power gap between Captains could be enormous.

“Two years ago, Captain Morgan captured the captain of the Black Cat Pirates alive, even after the rest of his unit was wiped out! That guy had a bounty of sixteen million Berries!”

“Sixteen million?” 2B tilted her head. “That’s not much.”

She had fought pirates with ten-million-Berry bounties before. If the Black Cat Pirates’ captain was only six million more, he couldn’t be much tougher.

The crowd was stunned. Someone who could dismiss a sixteen-million-Berry pirate like that… How strong was she?

It was clear this sword-wielding woman, carrying not one, but two blades, was no ordinary traveler.

“We should set sail,” Jasper said after a moment of thought.

“I’ll talk to Nahi about Morgan. Maybe she can help. It’s better than provoking the local Marines any further and ending up on a wanted poster.”

After all, who knew if Morgan’s own soldiers were secretly dying to see him taken down? If they turned him in even after Morgan was defeated, it would be a huge headache.

“Okay,” 2B agreed without question.

As they made their way back, Mona glanced back at the towering Marine base at the center of town, her brow furrowed with concern.

“Aren’t the Marines supposed to maintain order? How can a Captain’s son get away with bullying people like that? Judging from the townspeople’s reactions, this isn’t even the first time.”

“There are rotten apples even in the Marines,” Jasper replied. “There’s no such thing as absolute justice.”

“I guess that makes sense,” Mona sighed. “But… won’t we be wanted for hitting a Marine Captain’s son?”

“Don’t worry. We’ve got people in high places.”

“You mean that Tashigi woman?”

“Yep. She’s a Captain in Marine Headquarters. Her rank is much higher than some branch Captain like Morgan.”

“Oh…” Mona didn’t ask any further. She was beginning to realize that the enemies in this world weren’t just pirates, there were corrupt Marines as well.

This world was far more dangerous than she had imagined.

Fortunately, she had someone who would protect her, a place to belong.

She looked up at Jasper and quietly followed in his footsteps.

Back aboard the ship, the books, food, and other supplies they had bought were already piled up, with the auxiliary unit sorting through them.

Jasper told Mona to help with organizing, then instructed 2B to raise the anchor and prepare to depart.

But just as the anchor was hoisted, a group of heavily armed Marines stormed the dock, muskets raised and aimed at them.

Leading them was a towering Marine with a steel jaw and a massive axe for a right hand.

It was Morgan, Captain Morgan, the Axe-Handed.

“Dad! That’s the guy who hit me!” Helmeppo shouted, his swollen face twitching with indignation. “I even told him who you were, but he didn’t care at all!”

“How dare he ignore the name of Captain Morgan…” Veins bulged across Morgan’s forehead. It was one thing to hit his useless son that he could overlook.

But to disregard his name?

That was unacceptable.

Here, no one disrespected Captain Morgan and got away with it.

“Seize him! I’ll execute him myself!”

“Yes, sir!”

None of the Marines dared defy Morgan’s order. At his command, they drew their swords and charged.

“2B,” Jasper said calmly, “use the back of your blade, just knock them out.”

“Understood.”

With a flash of silver, 2B unsheathed Virtuous Contract , leapt from the ship, and became a blur that sliced through the Marines like a gust of wind.

In an instant, every single one of them collapsed to the ground, groaning in pain.

Chapter Text

"Useless trash!"

Captain Morgan’s face darkened. “So many of you and not even one of you can defeat a single woman? What’s the point of keeping you around?”

“You lot, commit seppuku. That’s an order... This Captain has no use for worthless garbage.”

The marines who were still conscious but beaten lay trembling, their faces pale. Years of living under Captain Morgan’s oppressive rule had crushed their spirit. Reflexively, they reached for their swords, slowly positioning them for ritual suicide.

“Hey, you guys!”

Jasper, who had been lounging against the ship’s railing watching the scene unfold like it was a farce from the original story, couldn’t help but call out, “If you’ve got the guts to commit suicide, then why don’t you have the courage to resist?”

“Either way, you’re dead. But at least do something before you go. Vent your frustration, spit in his face if you have to. Don’t just die like dogs.”

“Y-Yeah…” His words jolted the marines from their stupor. Their once-dull eyes, long eroded by Morgan’s psychological manipulation, gradually cleared.

“If we’re gonna die anyway, why not take action?”

“At the very least... we should go out swinging!”

“We’re not trash! We’re sons and daughters, someone’s pride!”

Their eyes shifted, becoming fierce, wild, hungry.

They were like starving wolves suddenly awakened. Even if they died, they would take a chunk of flesh from the lion’s body!

“You…!” Captain Morgan actually took a step back, startled by the sudden change in their gaze. For the first time, he felt real danger from the men he had once ruled with fear.

But even so, he puffed himself up and shouted like always: “Filthy mutineers! You dare defy a direct order from your Captain?!”

“You! Drop that sword! Did you hear me?!”

The marine he pointed at didn’t flinch. Sword still in hand, his gaze locked onto Morgan with cold intensity.

“I said drop it!”

Morgan stormed over, raising his massive axe and swinging it down in a rage.

As the blade sliced across the marine’s chest, a twisted grin formed on the man’s bloodied face. Gripping his sword with both hands, he lunged, plunging the blade straight through Morgan’s gut and out his back.

“Gah!”

Captain Morgan coughed up blood, staring in disbelief at the dying man who had bitten back with his final breath.

Weren’t they just... worthless trash?

His eyes darted to the man leaning on the railing. If not for that silver-tongued bastard… they never would’ve dared betray me.

If I can just kill him…

Morgan struggled to reach for the pistol at his waist, but before he could aim it, a flash of steel flew past.

With a thud, his gun hand hit the ground, severed cleanly at the wrist. Blood spurted from the stump like a fountain.

The one who had cut it off was none other than his trusted lieutenant.

Before Morgan could process the betrayal, another sharp pain pierced his side, another sword through his body.

Then another. And another…

Until finally, the towering Captain Morgan resembled a human pincushion, his body bristling with swords like a porcupine swarmed by angry ants.

2B, seeing the scene unfold, realized there was no longer any need for her intervention.

She sheathed her blade, stepped back onto the ship, and resumed the voyage.

From the dock, the lieutenant who had severed Morgan’s hand bowed deeply toward the departing ship. 

“Thank you!”

“Thank you!”

As the marines on the pier followed suit, bowing with sincerity, Jasper waved them off with a shrug.

“No need for thanks. Just don’t follow in his footsteps. The world doesn’t need any more marines who abuse the people.”

“Yes, sir!”

They saluted the sailing ship until it disappeared over the horizon.

“Lieutenant… what now?”

One of the marines gulped nervously, eyeing Morgan’s corpse bristling with blades. “Killing a commanding officer… that’s not a light charge.”

“I’ll take responsibility,” the lieutenant replied, adjusting the brim of his hat. “I’ve spent the last two years gathering evidence of Morgan’s crimes, abusing civilians, raising taxes without cause. With this, we might just get away with a few years behind bars.”

“…Understood.”

🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️

A battle won without bloodshed, using another's blade to slay the enemy.

A flawless execution of strategy: take out the target without getting one’s own hands dirty.

[Hidden Quest: Eliminate Captain Morgan, oppressor of civilians and marines.]

[Status: Complete]

[Reward: 1 Mastery Point]

🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️

Unexpectedly completing a hidden quest was a welcome surprise for Jasper.

He immediately spent the point on physical training, choosing to max it out before investing elsewhere.

Muscles and bones grew stronger. A palpable strength surged from within.

The sensation was similar to before.

It seemed this so-called "physical technique" mainly improved bodily coordination and the ability to exert force, enhancing physical strength, like a body refinement technique from a cultivation world.

After savoring the changes in his body, he used a Den Den Mushi to call Hina, briefly explaining what had just happened.

🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️

“Captain Morgan from Branch 153? Understood. I’ll send someone to investigate. If what you say is true, abusing his power and authority, then the marines involved won’t be held responsible.”

“Glad to hear it. At least their sacrifice for justice won’t be in vain.”

After ending the call, Jasper looked over at Mona, who was leaning against the railing and stealing glances at him from time to time.

“Never seen a handsome guy before?” he teased. “If you’re that curious, come closer. You can stare all you like.”

“You’re so shameless,” Mona muttered, cheeks slightly flushed. “I’m just surprised, you actually have some skill. You’re not as pervy and reckless as you seem on the surface.”

“Me? A pervert?” Jasper raised an eyebrow. “I’ll have you know, I’m a proper gentleman!”

“A gentleman doesn’t constantly talk about how scrawny I look!”

“I’m the captain,” he replied solemnly. “It’s my duty to be concerned about the crew’s health.”

“Whatever. I’m going back to my room to read.”

She turned to leave but paused after a few steps.

“About this trial period,” she said, not looking back, “once I’ve mastered navigation and become a proper navigator, do I need to pass some test to make it official? You’re not gonna keep finding excuses to delay my promotion and pay me half-wages forever, are you?”

“Do you take me for some petty tyrant?” Jasper huffed, and with a swift flick, gave her a light smack on her firm, round backside. “Once you’re qualified, I’ll know. Don’t worry, I won’t shortchange you.”

After all, the system had a mission to recruit a navigator. Once that was complete, it would confirm Mona’s official status.

“You perv! I’ll get you for that!”

Mona charged back, fists flying in playful retaliation.

But just then, a wave rocked the ship, throwing her off balance.

She stumbled, but Jasper moved fast, catching her around the waist before she could fall.

This time, unlike the night before, Mona didn’t pull away like a startled kitten.

Instead, she stayed in his embrace, and even gently wrapped her arms around his strong back in return.

Chapter Text

Warning: Mature Content

Mona's sudden embrace caught Jasper off guard. "What's wrong?" he asked.

"Thank you..." Mona's voice was muffled. "Thank you for helping someone like me, who arrived in this world with nothing."

"It's nothing," Jasper replied understandingly, guessing she was still shaken by the earlier events.

He gently patted her back, reassuring her. "You ended up on my ship, that's fate. There's no need for such formality between a captain and his crew."

"I know... but facing such overwhelming power today, I truly wouldn't have known what to do without you."

"What's the big deal? Just beat them all up. Would you have surrendered meekly?"

"Definitely not, but then I'd become a pirate, living a life on the run, right?"

Mona could already imagine what would have happened if she hadn't agreed to join Jasper's crew and had wandered alone.

He pressed his lips firmly against hers, his skilled kiss parting her soft lips to capture her shy tongue. He entwined with it, savoring the taste of her mouth.

But clearly, such an intense kiss was too much for Mona at first.

Within moments, her breathing grew heavy and rapid. Jasper could feel her body gradually softening and weakening in his arms.

Knowing when to stop, Jasper released her lips, their connection lingering like a stretched thread.

Yet Mona, her appetite whetted by his practiced kiss, seemed unsatisfied. She even rose onto her toes, leaning in for more.

Just as Jasper sensed her desire and moved to grant it, Mona snapped back to reality and turned her head away.

"You're too... skilled at this..."

"What's wrong with being skilled?" Jasper tightened his hold on her. "I can teach you everything you don't know, nice and easy, so you don't have to suffer. Isn't that a good thing?"

"W-what suffering are you talking about!" Mona blushed crimson as she wriggled free. "You can kiss me like this, maybe, but don't even think about anything else!"

"I'm not thinking about it," Jasper said nonchalantly. "We'll let time do its work."

Now that they could kiss and embrace, what came next was inevitable.

Jasper planned to take advantage of Mona's dazed state after their kiss, wrapping his arms around her and exploring her body. Once she became aroused and lost in the moment, whether they took things further wouldn't be entirely up to her.

Resisting one's own desires wasn't easy.

Mona felt a pang of guilt and pressed her legs together, trying to hide her lips, which were glistening from their passionate kiss.

After stealing another glance at Jasper, she didn't dare continue chatting with the skilled captain and hurried back to her cabin.

Just as Mona returned to her room, 2B emerged from the lower deck, her timing impeccable.

"Is that all?"

"Huh? You could see?"

2B pointed to the Auxiliary Machine steering the ship. "My tactical visor can sync with the Auxiliary Machine's cameras."

"Peeping at others isn't polite," Jasper Shou'an said, slapping the full moon playfully before grasping it firmly in his hand, relishing the sensation.

2B removed her visor, revealing her azure eyes, now glistening with moisture. She, too, longed for a proper kiss.

Jasper kissed her directly again, but this time, he found himself pinned against the mast, nearly breathless from her passionate embrace.

"Let's go back to the cabin. We can try on those stockings we bought earlier."

"Okay."

The two returned to their cabin, leaving the Auxiliary Machine to continue steering the ship on the deck.

2B's legs were beautifully shaped, straight, fair, and voluptuous. Even her simple walk caused them to sway like waves, radiating pure sensuality.

For such shapely legs, both thigh-high socks that accentuated her absolute territory and tights that emphasized the curves of her hips and thighs would be perfect.

The tights 2B wore were black and designed to enhance her curves.

The thin, comfortable fabric first enveloped her delicate, rounded feet, then slowly crept upward, past her equally shapely calves. Suddenly, the tights stretched taut over her voluptuous thighs, becoming even more sheer and revealing the flesh beneath.

As if the tights had added a layer of highlight, they accentuated the fullness of her thighs and the texture of the fabric, enhancing her allure.

When she reached her thighs, 2B encountered difficulty. The tights wouldn't stretch any further.

After all, they were just standard-sized tights, but 2B's full, rounded hips were far more prominent than those of ordinary women.

Undeterred, 2B stood up from the edge of the bed. Hooking her thumbs into the waistband of the tights, she rose onto her toes, wiggling her hips as she simultaneously pulled upward with both hands. Finally, she managed to wriggle into them.

The result, however, was that the threads of the tights stretched taut, like a thin-skinned dumpling stuffed to bursting with meat filling.

With just the slightest touch, the thin skin would burst, and the savory meat filling would spill out.

Jasper couldn't resist these large, juicy meat buns with their thin skins and generous fillings. He hugged one close, burying his face in its soft warmth and savoring its substantial weight.

The way the filling oozed out with each gentle bite was simply divine.

He ate until his mouth was slick with oil.

Of course, Jasper wasn't selfish enough to keep all the deliciousness to himself.

While he devoured the juicy meat buns, he also made sure 2B got to sample classic Han State cuisine: the timeless trio of fried dough sticks, eggs, and soy milk. He wanted her to feel comfortable and enjoy the meal.

After their feast, the two collapsed onto the bed. 2B glanced at her flushed face in the newly purchased full-length mirror by the bedside and silently lifted her leg into a perfect split, striking a yoga pose.

Yoga offered numerous benefits, enhancing flexibility and maintaining a toned physique.

Seeing this, Jasper eagerly offered his assistance, helping 2B stimulate her digestive system.

Through the mirror, Jasper noticed 2B's slightly parted lips and the movement of her throat. He whispered, "Don't make a sound. Mona's upstairs. I don't want her to know what we're doing."

After all, he had just kissed her. It would be too scummy to immediately get intimate with someone else.

It would give Mona a bad impression.

Hearing Jasper's words, 2B glanced back. Her slightly parted lips pressed tightly together, suppressing the urge to release a sigh of pleasure.

Seeing 2B obediently biting her lip, Jasper grew even more mischievous.

He launched a multi-pronged assault, not only flanking her from front and back but also pinching her sides and even targeting her delicate, faintly flushed armpits.

Now under siege from all sides, 2B could no longer maintain her graceful splits. Her rounded toes, encased in black stockings, clenched tightly, her small feet swaying limply with the rhythm of the ship's rocking.

Her lips parted again, unable to obey the captain's command. Instead, she began singing a fervent battle hymn to accompany their intimate struggle.

In the Navigation Room, separated from the Captain's Quarters only by a floor, Mona was reading when she heard the plaintive, unfamiliar sound rising above the waves and wind.

What is that sound?

Where is it coming from?

Mona's gaze fell to the floor beneath her. A blush gradually spread across her cheeks, coloring them like a sunset.

Tch, that captain... he's truly shameless.

Chapter Text

After their intense battle of both body and mind , the two collapsed into a nap, entangled and exhausted. By the time they woke, the ship had already docked.

Jasper stepped out of the cabin after a quick cleanup and approached the standby assistant drone. 

"Why did we dock? Did something happen?"

The drone responded,

"This coastline has a naturally deep harbor. I recommended we rest here overnight to avoid potential disorientation from prolonged time at sea."

"Good point," Jasper nodded. "We’ve been on the water for days now, I definitely felt a bit off last time we went ashore. Let’s spend the night here, then."

With that, they began preparing for a night of camping on land. He lowered the gangplank and brought out the necessary gear.

Mona, for her part, was delighted. As someone on her first sea voyage, she had struggled a bit with seasickness, especially while reading aboard. Getting solid ground under her feet was a welcome relief.

By the time they pitched the tents, scattered repellent powder around the camp, and got a fire going, night had already fallen.

A pot hung over the fire, bubbling with thick, savory meat stew. Alongside it were bread and a freshly made salad of crisp vegetables, tonight’s dinner.

“Don’t lean in so close,” Jasper nudged Mona away from the fire. “You’re about to drool into the stew.”

“I wasn’t!” she protested, cheeks flushed, whether from embarrassment or firelight, it was hard to say.

“Self-restraint is part of an astrologer’s training. You think I’d drool over mere food?”

“In that case, I suggest you wipe the corner of your mouth before you preach.”

Out of reflex, Mona wiped her mouth. Finding nothing, she quickly realized she’d been tricked. With an indignant huff, she balled her small fists and gave Jasper a thump.

“Jerk.”

🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️

Dinner was delicious. Mona ended up having two big bowls of stew, fed directly by Jasper, and didn’t even need to touch the bread, she was full.

Washing up afterward was her task. With her Hydro Vision, she could manipulate water with ease, it only took a moment, and she didn’t even get her hands wet.

Jasper glanced at the glowing gem on her waist, the Vision that activated when she used elemental power.

“Mona, your abilities come from that gem at your waist, right?”

“This?” She patted it lightly. “It’s called a Vision. It's like an external elemental organ that lets me channel elemental energy.”

“Fascinating. If possible, though, I’d suggest you keep it in your pocket or under your clothes. Better not draw attention.”

“Worried someone might steal it?”

“Not exactly.” Jasper shook his head. “In this world, the only known way to gain powers like that is by eating a Devil Fruit. But Devil Fruits have a big downside, you lose the ability to swim, and seawater saps all your strength.”

“But you can control water without those side effects. If someone notices, it could cause trouble.”

“I see...” Mona nodded thoughtfully. “But what exactly is a Devil Fruit?”

“It’s a legendary fruit said to be possessed by devils. Whoever eats it gains conceptual power. For example, ” He pointed at the fire. “There’s one called the Flame-Flame Fruit. If I ate it, I could control fire or even turn my body into fire.”

Controlling fire? That kind of power becomes almost mundane in the later stages, so common that people joke even dogs wouldn’t bother with that Fruit anymore.

Mona’s eyes widened in amazement.

“Eat a fruit and become fire? That’s incredible!”

“Like Hina,” 2B chimed in. “Didn’t she use some kind of iron bars from her hands? She even used them to tie you up once.”

“Right. That was the Ori Ori no Mi. It lets the user trap people or summon iron spears to attack.”

“Turning concepts into powers... that’s amazing,” Mona said, visibly envious. “But those Devil Fruits must be super rare, right?”

“Very. Even a common one can sell for a hundred million Berries.”

“A hundred million ?!” Mona gasped. “If you got one, would you sell it or eat it?”

“Depends. If it suits me, I’ll eat it. Otherwise, I’ll sell.”

“What would you consider ‘suitable’?”

“Something that transforms me into a legendary creature, like a dragon.”

Jasper had a particular liking for Mythical Zoan-type Fruits. They offered not only enhanced life force and physical strength, but also elemental powers, like the Azure Dragon’s flames or Daikokuten’s frost.

Of course, to even get a good Devil Fruit, one must first find it, then identify it with the help of a Devil Fruit Encyclopedia, otherwise, it’s just wishful thinking.

“Turning into a dragon? That sounds insanely powerful.”

“Did you know?” Jasper leaned closer. “One of the Four Emperors, Kaido, ate a Fruit that lets him turn into a dragon.”

“Four Emperors?” Mona asked.

“Basically the kings of the sea. They’re, ”

And just like that, the three of them sat around the campfire, chatting casually deep into the night.

Eventually, it grew late. They returned to the ship to bathe and rest.

As before, Jasper and 2B shared one tent, while Mona had her own. The assistant drone remained on night watch.

After bathing, Mona didn’t go to sleep right away. She sat by the soft glow of the oil lamp, reading a nautical manual.

But she kept stealing glances toward the other tent. Clearly, her mind wasn’t on the book.

She couldn’t help but recall the soft, plaintive sounds from earlier that day. Could they be... doing that again?

She tried not to think about it. But curiosity lingered.

Just when she was starting to forget it, she heard footsteps, coming closer, stopping right in front of her tent.

Then, the zipper began to move.

Mona grabbed the flap quickly, voice alert.

“What do you think you’re doing?!”

“I just wanted to check if you were properly tucked in,” Jasper’s voice came from outside. “It’s a captain’s duty to care for his crew’s health, after all.”

What kind of excuse is that? Mona fumed.
“I’m not even lying down yet!”

“Oh. Then I’ll come back after you’re asleep?”

“Don’t even think about it!” She zipped the tent back up and added a magical seal for good measure.

But once it was all done, she hesitated.

Was I too harsh? Did I give him the wrong idea?

Worried she might’ve gone overboard, she undid the seal and quietly unzipped the tent flap to peek out, 

Only to see Jasper staring right back at her from a short distance away.

Startled, Mona yelped and scrambled to close the zipper again.

But he was faster.

He rushed forward, yanked the flap open, and slipped inside.

Startled by his sudden move, Mona instinctively kicked at his face. 

“Get out of here, now!”

“I just want to chat. Promise I won’t do anything.”

He didn’t mind her foot at all. In fact, he even nuzzled against it twice.

It was an exceptionally dainty foot, soft, pale, smaller than a palm. Her round little toes looked almost cartoonishly cute.

Chapter Text

Warning: Mature Content

"Are you a pervert?!"

Mona quickly withdrew her delicate foot, startled by the prickly sensation of Jasper's sparse stubble rubbing against her sole. She glared at him indignantly.

As a perfectly normal man with conventional tastes, Jasper refused to be slandered. "You were the one who stepped on me! I was just defending myself. How does that make me a pervert? Does that even make sense?"

"You were rubbing your face against my foot! Isn't that perverted?"

"I was defending myself."

"You were totally rubbing!"

"Fine, fine, you win," Jasper said, zipping up the tent. "Move over. We'll sleep together tonight."

"Get out!" Mona tried to shove him with her foot again, but remembering the earlier sensation of his stubble against her sole, she switched to pushing him with her hands.

But Mona's arms were so slender, how much strength could she possibly have?

Mona couldn't push him away; instead, Jasper pulled her into his embrace and they both slipped under the covers.

Surrounded by his warm, sturdy arms, Mona's lips curved slightly. Even so, she made a token struggle, protesting, "Let go of me."

"Stop fussing," Jasper said, tightening his grip around her waist, pressing their stomachs firmly together through their clothes. "You must be exhausted after today. Just relax and get some rest."

Mona fell silent. After a long moment, her face flushed crimson, she stammered, "Y-you're poking me..."

"Normal reaction. Can't help it."

Mona glared up at him, indignant. "You're clearly taking advantage of me!"

"Not at all."

"Then let go!" Mona struggled again. "How am I supposed to rest like this?!"

"Then why don't you take care of it for me?" Jasper lowered his head, tilted her chin upward, and met her bright eyes with a deep gaze.

Gulp. Mona swallowed hard, her heart pounding even faster. "H-how... how do I do that?"

"Whatever works. Figure it out yourself."

With those words, Jasper kissed Mona again, slowly claiming her lips and tongue, savoring her taste.

Mona preferred these unhurried, gentle kisses to the frantic, desperate ones they had shared at noon, where they had clung to each other as if trying to devour one another.

Under his slow, tender kisses, Mona began to respond hesitantly, her arms around Jasper shifting restlessly as she felt the firm contours of his muscles.

She was gradually finding her rhythm.

As the kissing continued, whether by intention or accident, their clothes gradually disappeared, tossed one by one from beneath the covers.

Finally, they lay naked in each other's arms, basking in the warmth of their bare skin.

Mona's skin was dewy and resilient, so supple it seemed a gentle pinch could draw water from it.

Unfortunately, her upper body was too slender, her breasts mere handfuls of flesh barely covering half a palm, the rest her ribs, uncomfortably prominent.

But below her waist, her figure blossomed into fuller, more rounded curves.

The small honey pomelo wasn't as large as 2B's moon-like breasts, which could engulf five fingers, but it was still firm, round, and full of elasticity.

A crack had formed in the pomelo, and juice began to trickle out.

Jasper's fingertip glided over the surface, pressing gently.

It was perfectly ripe, ready to be eaten at any moment.

However, Jasper, still stuffed from afternoon tea, wasn't hungry and saw no urgency in devouring the adorable girl before him.

In stark contrast, Mona was drooling with hunger, so ravenous that she mistook Jasper's fingers for her main course, desperate to fill her empty stomach.

Just as Jasper had anticipated, once she became aroused and lost in the moment, whether they took things further wouldn't be up to her.

He began to evade her, not even letting her keep his fingers for a taste.

Mona opened her hazy eyes, a flicker of reproach and urgency in their depths, as if asking why he wouldn't continue.

"Do it yourself," Jasper said, guiding Mona's hand to grasp the carrot that could satisfy a rabbit. "You're grown up now. Do you still expect to be fed?"

Hearing Jasper's words, Mona realized he was teasing her, deliberately making things difficult. The resentment in her eyes deepened, and her small hand unconsciously tightened its grip.

Seeing Mona's pouting expression, Jasper stopped teasing her. He skillfully brought the carrot to the edge of the rabbit's wet lips, allowing it to slowly nibble.

Jasper's movements were gentle, and he even distracted Mona with kisses, trying his best to keep her from frowning.

It wasn't as terrifying as she had imagined, but her discomfort was still evident. She couldn't quite describe the sensation, so she simply surrendered herself completely to him, letting him take whatever he wanted.

Mona was beginning to understand the benefits of having a skilled veteran carry her through the dungeon.

Newbies like her just needed to enjoy the fruits of victory and occasionally cheer him on when necessary.

But veterans had to consider many things: when to strike, when to increase attack speed, when to switch stances. Only by fighting methodically and adapting to the situation could they both reap greater rewards.

Under Jasper's guidance, Mona had reaped a bountiful harvest, so much so that she was stuffed to the brim, her eyes rolling back in exhaustion as she vomited the juice of victory all over the ground.

After completing the dungeon, Mona collapsed into a deep, exhausted sleep. Jasper rested briefly before rising to clean up the battlefield.

As a Hydro Vision user, Mona had no shortage of water. The blanket beneath her could be wrung out like a wet rag!

After changing the blanket and tidying Mona up, Jasper cradled her close and drifted off to sleep.

When Jasper woke up in the morning, Mona was still sound asleep, a faint smile playing on her lips as if she were having a pleasant dream.

Not wanting to disturb her, he grabbed his clothes and carefully slipped out of the tent.

2B, who was sitting by the campfire with her legs crossed, watching the sunrise, turned her head. After giving him a thorough once-over, she nodded. "Good morning."

"Good morning," Jasper replied, settling down beside her. He opened the kettle by the fire, saw it was filled with brewed coffee, and poured himself a cup.

"Hungry? Should I have the Auxiliary Machine prepare breakfast?"

"Let's wait a bit. I'm not really hungry yet."

"Alright." 2B knelt beside Jasper, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear as she obediently lowered her head to begin her morning service.

Jasper stroked 2B's soft, white hair, gazing absently at the vast ocean before him.

Last night, while consummating their relationship with Mona, he had also completed a hidden System quest called "The Humble Door Opens for You Alone," earning another mastery point.

It seemed this type of quest triggered whenever he reached a certain level of intimacy with a summoned character.

Two mastery points per character wasn't bad at all.

As before, this point was allocated to physical prowess. Just like yesterday, he felt his muscles and bones grow denser, a surge of power coursing through him from within.

He had grown stronger once more.

The overflowing sense of strength, combined with 2B's ministrations, stirred a restless energy within Jasper.

He lifted 2B effortlessly, cradling her 300-pound frame in his arms as he casually strolled along the beach.

Chapter Text

After the second upgrade to his physical abilities, lifting 2B’s nearly 300-pound frame was no longer difficult for Jasper, though it still took some effort.

However, after the third and fourth upgrades over the past two days, his strength had noticeably increased. Now, picking up 2B felt as effortless as lifting a few dozen pounds.

Easy.

At first, 2B had been worried when Jasper started carrying her around while selling lunchboxes. She feared he might hurt himself.

But seeing his calm and relaxed expression, completely unfazed, she gradually relaxed too. Eventually, she got into the rhythm, wrapping her arms around his neck and legs around his waist like a koala, letting herself enjoy this oddly pleasant morning workout.

Jasper was pleased as well. With his newfound strength, he could now do things that weren’t possible before, like unlocking new moves in a first-person shooter after progressing far enough in the game. No longer restricted to actions that required 2B's cooperation, he was finally free to act on his own.

He gave her that perfect round butt a playful smack, then tightened his grip and began walking toward 2B’s tent, all while still casually carrying her around.

Lying down on the blanket, he said, “You take the lead this time.”

2B looked at him, eyes hazy with emotion, realizing that his body was no longer as fragile as before.

Bracing herself against his chest, she mimicked the movements she’d seen Hina do before, smoothly shifting her hips along his body, guided by the firm points of contact.

She moved to her own rhythm, the pace and intensity just the way she liked it.

As if trying to twist herself into pieces, she poured herself into the moment, taking everything she could.

🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️

When Mona woke up, she was alone in the tent.

The lingering warmth beside her, along with the dull ache between her legs, confirmed that everything from the night before had not been a dream.

Thinking about what had happened, Mona felt a flash of annoyance. That captain really didn’t know how to consider others’ feelings.

Of course, the sensations he brought were also… unforgettable.

Even now, just recalling it made her legs tremble.

She lazily rolled out of bed and started to get dressed.

That’s when she noticed some swelling down below, her fair skin had turned pinkish-red. She didn’t need to guess the reason.

She conjured a small orb of water in her hand and gently applied it to the affected area.

Regardless of element, any magic, if applied correctly, could have healing effects. Although healing wasn’t her specialty, Mona had read and learned enough to handle minor pain and swelling.

Once everything returned to its usual smooth and soft appearance, she changed into a comfy pair of home shorts and a fitted white T-shirt, then stepped out of the tent.

Outside, Jasper was making breakfast. A pot simmered with milk and something else inside, and fresh sea fish was grilling nearby.

2B sat to the side, sipping a large glass of chilled wheat juice, completely relaxed.

Mona glanced at 2B, a little embarrassed, but said nothing about last night. She sat down beside Jasper and gestured to the pot. “What’s cooking in there? Some kind of milk stew?”

“Nope. Papaya in milk.”

Milk, rich in protein, was a staple. He had bought bottled milk, and thanks to the fridge on the ship, it could last for months.

The papaya was prepared specifically for Mona. Though the most effective way to encourage development was through massage and topical applications, a proper diet helped too.

So this morning’s breakfast was papaya in milk.

“That's such a strange combo. I've never heard of it before.”

“Never tried it? Then have plenty, it's actually really tasty.”

Mona didn’t think too much of it. She got up to go back to the ship to wash up, even taking a quick shower, planning to enjoy breakfast afterward.

When she returned, Jasper insisted she have two large bowls of the papaya milk stew.

After breakfast, Mona helped clean up the cookware and asked, “Are we setting sail now?”

“No rush. Let’s rest here for a few days, enjoy the sun and beach for a bit… There’s a nice stretch of sand on the other side of the island. We can go check it out later.”

Even though they were at sea as pirate hunters, that didn’t mean they had to chase pirates and earn bounties every day.

While the system hadn’t assigned any new missions and Mona still needed time to study navigation, it made sense to relax a little.

The past month had been packed: learning navigation, swim training, the recent voyage, and everything that happened at Shells Town, it had all been exhausting.

Living in this world was far more demanding than his previous life.

Pros and cons, as always.

“You’re the captain. Your call,” Mona said.

“Of course I decide,” Jasper said, patting her head. “Also, study hard. Ask me if anything confuses you. I’m not the best with theory, but I’ve got some practical experience.”

After all, he had been taught by veteran fishermen. While he hadn’t learned a ton, everything he did pick up was solid and useful, more than enough for general sailing.

“Just wait,” Mona said confidently, arms crossed. “I won’t let you down.”

To someone like Mona, who had mastered the complexities of astrology, navigation, with all its clearly marked instructions, wasn’t all that challenging.

She believed that, in just a few more days, she could prove her worth to Jasper.

2B had no objections to staying on the island for a few days either, so the plan was happily set.

🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️

Not having to sway with the waves on the ship, and instead lounging in swim trunks on a stable beach chair, feeling the cool sea breeze, this was the definition of pure relaxation.

“Caw caw~ Caw caw~”

Jasper opened his eyes to see a massive seagull wearing a postman’s cap perched on the chair’s armrest.

He recognized this type of bird, it was a News Seagull, responsible for delivering newspapers to sailors around the world.

Naturally, newspapers weren’t free. A copy only cost fifty Berries, about the price of a Chopper figurine. Quite reasonable.

He rummaged through his clothes on the ground, found fifty Berries, and handed it over to get today’s paper.

This was the East Blue, so the paper only reported news from this region.

There were updates on various kingdoms’ affairs, and the latest wanted posters for East Blue’s pirates.

Seeing those bounties, Jasper summoned his assistant device and told it to record all the wanted pirates, just in case they ran into them later.

One article in particular caught his attention:

A nearby town called Antia would be holding a gourmet cooking competition in a few days.

The grand prize? A whopping 20 million Berries .

🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️

A/N: Azure Dragon’s flames and Daikokuten’s frost are inspired by mythical beings from East Asian lore. These represent rare, legendary abilities tied to Mythical Zoan-type Devil Fruits, combining elemental control with the strength of legendary creatures.

Chapter Text

[New Mission: Food is the heaven of the people, and flavor is the soul of food.]

[Nothing brings joy during the monotony of a sea voyage quite like a delicious meal, provided , of course, that there’s a skilled chef onboard.]

[Crew Requirement: Chef (preferably female, no unusual fetishes)]

[ Mission Status: In Progress]

[ Reward: 1 Mastery Point (can be freely assigned on the personal panel; once assigned, cannot be changed, choose wisely)]

🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️

Jasper stared blankly at the sudden new side quest that popped up.

He hadn’t even finished the navigator recruitment task yet, why was there suddenly a mission to recruit a chef?

Shouldn't they be showing up in order?

And what about the character summon lottery?

Did the system sneakily swallow my chance?

The system, devoid of AI or emotion, was nothing more than a cold task distributor and had no way of answering his doubts.

So now, Jasper had two recruitment quests on hand: one for a navigator, one for a chef.

He glanced at the newspaper and noticed the ad for a culinary competition. After some thought, he turned to 2B, who was reclining nearby on a sun lounger, clad in a revealing swimsuit and soaking in the sun.

“Wanna enter a cooking contest?”

“Sure,” 2B answered without hesitation. She took the paper he handed over and skimmed through the food competition announcement.

“A prize of twenty million Berry... There’ll definitely be fierce competition. Winning won’t be easy.”

2B wasn't exactly confident in their cooking skills.

The support unit could steam fish, fry eggs, and handle basic breakfasts.

Jasper wasn’t much better. His skills extended just slightly further, maybe a stew or a roast, but that was it.

Even the tavern owner back in the fishing village could cook better than him.

With that level of skill, winning a contest with such a huge prize? The difficulty was obvious.

“Of course it’ll be tough. Whether we win or not is a different matter, we should at least sign up first.”

After seeing the contest announcement, the system had suddenly issued a chef recruitment quest. There had to be a connection.

So why not check it out and sign up?

The only catch: the entry fee was steep, 200,000 Berry.

Still, the decision was made. With over a week left before registration closed, there was no rush to leave immediately. Arriving two or three days early would be fine.

Having settled the plan, Jasper picked up a coconut from the table and took a sip. “Support unit, there aren’t any dangerous sea creatures around this area, right?”

“Scanning... please wait.”

The support unit quickly ran a radar scan of the surrounding waters and responded, “No dangerous sea creatures detected nearby. Swimming should be safe. However, remain alert for potential predators entering the area.”

“Got it.”

With that assurance, he let out a whoop, ran straight into the sea, and dove in, swimming freely like a fish in water.

Under the shade of a tree, Mona, who had no interest in the beach or ocean, was reading and studying. She glanced up at him, clearly exasperated.

Such a handful.

Then suddenly, a splash of salty seawater hit her square in the face.

“What the hell are you doing?!”

“Come join us!” Jasper called out from the water, splashing more in her direction. “Seriously, you’re reading on the beach? Don’t be such a buzzkill.”

“This is my job,” Mona shot back.

“Even so, you need to balance work and rest. You’ve been staring at that book for ages, your eyes need a break!”

“I just picked it up less than thirty minutes ago!”

“Well, even thirty minutes is long enough for a break… Not coming down? If you don’t, I’ll just keep splashing you.”

As he spoke, he scooped up more seawater and flung it toward her. Though she wasn’t close, his strength made it easy to make his point.

“You jerk!” Mona shielded herself. “Now I can’t even read!”

“Then come down here. If you do, I’ll stop.”

“Oh, so you want a water fight, huh?” Mona stood up with a smirk. “Fine. Let me show you what real regret feels like!”

With that, Mona transformed into a stream of rushing water, speeding toward him.

On land, you could still track her movements. But once she hit the ocean, her form melded perfectly with the waves, like a shadow vanishing into the night.

Jasper scanned the waters around him in confusion.

Then came a mischievous voice from behind.

“I’m right here, dummy!”

He turned around, only to get a full face of seawater.

Reflexively shielding himself, he blinked, she was gone again.

“This time I’m over here!”

Following her voice, he lunged toward it, splash!

He caught her!

No, she slipped away again!

Only now did Jasper realize how ridiculously overpowered Mona’s flowing-form ability was in the water.

Before he could react again, waves surged toward him from all sides, splashing him from every angle.

“I surrender! I give up!”

“Oh? You admit you're wrong?” Mona grinned, still manipulating the waves. “Wrong about what?”

“I shouldn’t have interrupted your reading!”

“And?”

“I shouldn’t have been so rough with you last night!”

“You, you idiot!” Mona’s face flushed red as she kicked him. “Don’t bring that up again!”

“Alright, alright! I was wrong, okay? I’ll never do it again.”

“Hmph. That’s more like it.” Satisfied, Mona called off the attack. “Just don’t bother me again. I’m going back to my book.”

With a dramatic toss of her still-dry twin tails, she turned and headed toward the shore.

But how could Jasper let her leave so easily?

Especially with how her swimsuit, now soaked and clinging to her skin, outlined her curvaceous figure. Her full hips swayed with every step, a mesmerizing sight.

He caught up, gently wrapped his arms around her slender waist, and teasingly whispered in her ear, “Why so eager to go? Stay and play a little.”

Mona shivered under the surprise touch, last night’s memories flooding back.

“P-Play what? Let go of me, or I’ll splash you again!”

“What else do you play in the sea?” he said, pulling her into a kiss.

“In the ocean, of course we play with water… what else?”

As he spoke, his hand slid down from her waist, skimming her soft skin, heading toward more intimate waters.

“N-No, not here,” Mona whispered, weakly trying to push him away. “2B’s right over there... she’ll see!”

“She’s blindfolded. Can’t see a thing.”

“Still, it’s the middle of the day,” Mona protested, barely resisting. She even forgot to slip away using her water form.

“I still need to study... let’s wait until tonight, okay?”

“Fine,” Jasper murmured, guiding her hand gently, “but how about a little help for now? Just a bit.”

Mona felt the heat in her palm, her heart racing, unsure what to do.

She was overwhelmed.

🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️

A/N: Who do you think he will summon next?

Chapter Text

Warning: Mature Content

Humans' greatest strength lies in their capacity for learning. From stone to steel, they gradually seized dominion over the planet, becoming its dominant species despite their fragile flesh, even wresting control from the jaws of colossal beasts.

Even if Mona had known nothing yesterday, having undergone a transformative growth, she now understood how to satisfy Jasper and earn his mercy.

Mona lowered her head, resting her forehead against Jasper's solid chest. She watched her small hand move slowly along a fixed path, mechanically repeating the motion.

After a while, she couldn't help but whisper, "Why isn't anything happening?"

"How long has it been? What reaction do you expect? Keep going. Persistence is key."

"But if I keep doing this, my hand will get sore..."

"Ready to give up?" Jasper's hands began to fidget, cupping the Honey Pomelo and slowly prying it open.

"N-no!" Mona quickly stopped him. "I-I'll try a different approach... You should squat down a bit."

Jasper complied, about to ask what she had in mind, but Mona answered before he could speak.

She straddled him, looking like a witch riding a magic broom. Her plump thighs squeezed tightly together as she began to move slowly.

The softness of her thighs and the distinct shape of her sea slug, clearly visible even through her swimsuit, left Jasper momentarily entranced.

Solving the problem this way wasn't bad at all.

After savoring the sensation, Jasper wrapped one arm around Mona's waist, kept the Honey Pomelo secure with his other hand, and straightened his legs.

Even with Mona's excellent leg-to-torso ratio and long, shapely legs, their twenty-centimeter height difference meant her legs couldn't possibly be longer than his.

As a result, Mona's small feet couldn't reach the seabed, leaving her completely suspended in the water and clinging to Jasper.

The inability to touch the ground panicked Mona, and she pounded Jasper's chest. "Put me down!"

"Stop squirming," Jasper said, tightening his grip on her Honey Pomelo. "If you keep moving, you'll have to go in."

Mona realized her swimsuit bottoms had already slipped slightly to the side, leaving her in dangerously close contact with Jasper.

Terrified, she stiffened completely, like a little zombie, afraid to move a muscle.

But Mona's stillness only irritated Jasper. He slapped her ass and demanded, "Why aren't you continuing?"

Mona bit her lip, glaring at him. "How can I continue like this?"

"No problem, I'll take over."

He cupped her Honey Pomelo again and began to slowly move his hands back and forth.

This time, Mona's tension reached new heights, her delicate little feet clenching tightly.

With Jasper's sliding movements, a single misstep could send him plunging into the deep-sea trench, like stepping off the continental shelf, until he reached its bottomless depths.

"Don't move," Jasper warned again. "If you do, I can't guarantee what might happen."

Mona glared resentfully at Jasper, daring not to move lest she provoke further complications.

She bit her lip, focusing on the subtle sensations of the sliding resistance.

Unlike the previous night's "intense" encounter, this gentler intimacy seemed more suited to her delicate constitution, which couldn't withstand strenuous activity.

Yet even this close, lingering contact stirred powerful feelings within Mona.

Jasper clearly sensed the unique properties of Mona's Hydro Vision, making him understand the true meaning of love like a tidal wave.

More than anyone else.

If they weren't underwater, the sheer volume of fluid released during this process would have soaked both their ankles.

Not to mention when the floodgates finally burst.

Like that blanket from last night, so drenched it could be wrung dry.

He loved Mona just like this.

After soaking in the sea long enough, Mona finally dared to come ashore. Avoiding eye contact with 2B, she hurried back to the shade of the trees and hid her flushed face behind her thick nautical guide, trying to conceal her inner turmoil.

That jerk tricked me! 2B didn't even cover her eyes! What a scoundrel to deceive a girl like that!

This is so embarrassing.

2B, however, didn't seem to find anything embarrassing about it. She glanced at Mona and asked, "What's wrong with her?"

"How should I know? It's best not to dwell on the mysteries of a girl's heart."

Jasper considered pulling 2B into his arms, but hesitated and decided against it. The deck chair was already straining under their weight; he didn't want to be the final straw that broke it.

"I don't understand," 2B said.

She didn't press the matter. Instead, she stretched languidly, showcasing her mature and beautiful figure.

This sight never gets old.

Jasper crooked a finger at 2B. Understanding his unspoken invitation, she leaned closer. He pinched her chin and kissed her full lips.

The morning passed in a haze of embraces. For lunch, they ate a simple seafood congee, and Jasper suggested everyone take a nap.

Mona seemed to sense something. Before Jasper could even ask her opinion, she transformed into a rushing stream and fled.

That's just how young girls are, Jasper thought. They're too shy to be as bold as a mature woman like Hina.

Reluctant to force her, he let Mona return to her tent and cast an intricate magical barrier at the entrance.

Jasper returned to his tent with 2B, lay down on the blanket, and patted her full, round bottom, still clad in her swimsuit. She immediately rolled onto her stomach, ready to "work out" and "ride" him to aid digestion.

"Not like that. Turn your back to me."

2B understood instantly. She flipped over, presenting her beautiful back and proud Full Moon to Jasper.

Leaning comfortably against the propped-up pillow, Jasper watched her magnificent Full Moon rise and fall rhythmically, alternating between the Sunflowers and Moon Lotus, each movement sending ripples through the air.

He felt like a cultivator in a fantasy novel, comprehending the Dao Resonance.

The two Dao Resonances brought Jasper distinct sensations. One contained the Water Dao Pattern, making comprehension as effortless as drifting downstream. The other held the Great Dao of Drought, like rowing a boat through sand, even divine dew could barely ease his struggle.

Amidst the rhythmic rise and fall of the Full Moon and his deepening understanding of the Dao Resonances, Jasper's cultivation advanced steadily. With a primal roar, he flipped over, embracing the Full Moon as his own, ultimately achieving great mastery deep within the Moon Lotus.

Having attained enlightenment, Jasper lay panting on 2B's back, savoring the damp smoothness of her skin and gently kissing her lips. Together, they basked in the lingering afterglow.

Compared to Jasper and 2B's blissful moment, Mona in the adjacent tent endured pure torment. Especially after 2B's transformation from girl to woman, the unrestrained, melodious sounds she emitted felt like ants crawling beneath Mona's skin.

Who would have imagined that the usually aloof 2B possessed such a passionate, uninhibited side?

Truly, appearances can be deceiving.

🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️

A/N: The cultivation metaphors in this scene (Dao Resonance, Water Dao, Moon Lotus) are intentional. They're used to poetically frame an intimate moment between Jasper and Mona, blending sensuality with xianxia-style (one of my favorite genre to read). 

Dao Resonance - like achieving climax

Water 

Chapter Text

Learning the art of navigation wasn’t as easy as it seemed.

Even after staying on the island for nearly a week, Mona still hadn’t finished reading the most basic navigation manual.

And it wasn’t just because the manual was long and complicated, Jasper kept interrupting her.

He dragged her into the sea to search for clams and shrimp, played beach volleyball with her in a team against 2B, built sandcastles, and even set up traps for hunting around the island.

It had been an incredibly fun few days, but she hadn’t learned much.

At first, Mona resisted, accusing Jasper of being an irresponsible captain who kept distracting his crew.

But eventually, she gave in. If even the captain wasn’t in a rush, why should a part-time crew member like her care?

So she decided, if he wanted to play, let him play. Whatever.

Three days before the Gourmet Contest was set to begin, Jasper finally set aside his playful mood, packed their things, and set sail.

Their destination: the town of Antia, where the contest was being held.

They set off in the morning and didn’t arrive until around noon the next day.

Mostly because they were sailing against the wind. If the winds had been favorable, they would’ve arrived much sooner.

Antia was a town famous for one thing, food.

Even before docking, the aroma of delicious dishes drifting from the island made their mouths water.

Because of the event, the harbor was packed tight with merchant and cargo ships from every town and sea.

Finding a place to dock took quite an effort. It reminded Jasper of trying to find parking during the holidays back when he used to visit crowded shopping malls.

Just like back in Shells Town, once docked, Jasper checked in with the harbor officials, paid the berthing and management fees, then left the assistant bot on board to watch the ship while he, Mona, and 2B headed into town.

“It’s so lively!” Mona looked around in wonder, clutching Jasper’s arm tightly so she wouldn’t get lost. “There are food stalls everywhere and chefs with fancy hats!”

2B nodded in agreement. “This place is much busier than the last town. So many foods I’ve never seen before… and alcohol too.”

“It’s not that special,” Jasper said, not as impressed as they were. “Honestly, it’s a lot like the night markets back home.”

“Night markets?” 2B echoed curiously.

“Yeah, marketplaces are held every evening, rain or shine.”

“Liar,” Mona said with disbelief. “If a market this big was held every night, how many people would the city need to support it?”

“Not that many. My hometown’s just a third-tier city. Only a few million people.”

“A few million? Only ?” Mona looked even more skeptical. “Don’t you have first- and second-tier cities above that? How many people live in those ? Don’t tell me it breaks a hundred million.”

“No, not that many,” Jasper said after thinking for a moment. “I think the most populated first-tier city is around thirty million.”

Mona rolled her eyes and gave up on continuing such an obviously ridiculous conversation. Instead, she dragged him toward a food stall.

It was a barbecue stand, the kind with skewers piled high on the grill. The meat was cut and served fresh as it cooked, golden-brown and sizzling with juice, irresistibly appetizing.

“You know,” Jasper suddenly said, “as an astrologist, part of your training involves resisting worldly temptations. Isn’t it a little improper to indulge so much in food?”

Mona froze, her cheeks gradually turning red.

She had been living too comfortably lately, eating meat every day, with no shortage of supplies, and had forgotten the core principles of being an astrologist.

Using money to satisfy unnecessary cravings was vulgar… and dangerous!

“Th-then what should we eat?” Mona looked around nervously. Her eyes landed on a nearby stall run by skinny, pale-faced chefs with hardly any customers.

It was a vegan stall.

Was she supposed to eat… salad?

Her stomach twisted in protest. Sure, salad used to be her favorite, but that was because she had no other choice back then.

Now, if she didn’t have to cook or pay for it herself, who wouldn’t prefer something tastier?

“Let’s go have some vegetable salad,” Jasper said calmly.

Mona felt a twinge of disappointment… but what showed up in front of them wasn’t salad at all, it was a delicious meat-filled wrap.

“This is your so-called ‘vegetable salad’?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

“What else?” Jasper took a big bite of his wrap. “The tortilla is made from wheat. The cow grew up eating grass. It’s filled with lettuce and tomatoes, and your juice is made from actual fruit.

So technically, it is a vegetable salad. Just in another form.”

“Ridiculous,” Mona pouted, but still happily took a big bite of her wrap.

So good.

After finishing their meal, the three made their way to the town’s central plaza, where the Gourmet Contest would be held, to register.

They followed the main road straight ahead.

A long line of contestants was already waiting, mostly chefs in tall hats and aprons, chatting in small groups. They all looked like seasoned pros.

“Maybe we shouldn’t enter after all…” Mona said hesitantly, seeing the crowd of culinary masters. “What a waste of 200,000 Berries. Couldn’t we spend it on something better?”

“I agree,” said 2B. “With our cooking skills, it’ll be hard to win.”

“True,” even Jasper wasn’t confident. But then he remembered the task to recruit a chef, and he couldn’t bring himself to give up just yet.

The system wouldn’t assign a task without reason, especially not the Navigator Partner Summoning System . There had to be a purpose behind it.

If the task was to recruit someone related to cooking, then surely there’d be some opportunity to earn the summon points here.

This was the only method he could think of.

He had to try. Besides, 200,000 Mora wasn’t a huge deal for him right now.

“I still want to give it a shot,” Jasper said firmly. “To be honest… I’ve always dreamed of becoming a chef. But because of family reasons, I was forced into other careers.

Even so, that dream, to cook delicious food for others, has never died.

Even without formal training, I want to stand tall like a real chef and compete against the best!”

“You said it, brother!” said a tall chef in front of them, turning around and giving Jasper a big thumbs up. “As long as your heart is set on cooking good food for others, you’re a real chef!”

“Thank you,” Jasper replied sincerely. “As long as you have the passion, anyone can be a chef.”

“I see,” said 2B, believing his heartfelt words. “If it’s for your dream, then 200,000 is worth it.”

Mona couldn’t bring herself to object either, even if she strongly suspected that “lifelong dream” was something he just made up on the spot.

Chapter Text

At the registration desk, the young lady smiled as she returned Jasper's entry form.

"Sorry, this competition is for teams only, at least four participants are required. You don't have enough people."

"Four people, huh?" Jasper leaned forward, hands braced on the table. "Come on, can't you make an exception, beautiful?"

His handsome face drew so close that she could practically hear his breathing. The receptionist blushed, but still shook her head firmly.

"Sorry, rules are rules."

"Then... would you be willing to, "

"Alright, enough," Mona cut in, tugging Jasper back by the collar. "Are you here to compete or to flirt?"

"Both. Is that a problem?"

She rolled her eyes at him, clearly unimpressed.

Jasper gave Mona’s little grapefruit a light smack, reminding her to show some respect to her captain.

Still, they were one member short. Now where was he supposed to find a beautiful, fair-skinned, curvy female chef to fill in?

What a pain.

🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️

[Side Quest Triggered: Culinary Showdown]

[Quest Objective: Win the Gourmet Championship.]

[Note: Current party size is insufficient. System grants one temporary summon.]

[Reward: Permanently retain summoned character (if failed, character returns to original world).]

[Warning: During the quest, data transmission with the summoned character is prohibited (does not include hugging, kissing, or deep kissing).]

Use summon now?

🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️

Just moments ago, Jasper was still racking his brain over where to find a chef, then the system chimed in. His eyes lit up.

Coming here to sign up had been the right move after all.

Even if the summon was temporary, it was enough to get them through this bottleneck.

Without hesitation, he mentally declared: “Use summon!”

[Drawing... Congratulations! You have summoned Tifa Lockhart, owner of Seventh Heaven Bar on Midgar’s Sector 7, and member of AVALANCHE.]

🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️

As the bar’s owner, bartender, chef, procurement manager, and janitor, Tifa's days were always full. She ran the bar at night and shopped for supplies during the day.

“We’re out of whiskey and liqueur. And the dinner menu…” she thought aloud. “Let’s go with curry rice and spaghetti today. That should do.”

After checking her inventory and jotting down a list, she pushed open the bar’s front door, 

And froze.

Gone were the rundown buildings, the familiar neighborhood, and the sky-blocking steel plates.

Instead, a bustling, vibrant street lay before her, lined with charming brick houses and infused with the aroma of delicious food.

This… wasn’t the slums.

Where was she?

Did she fall asleep at the bar? Was this a dream?

The sudden shift in scenery left Tifa stunned and confused.

Her figure, proud and curvaceous, paired with a delicate, classically beautiful face, made her stand out instantly in the lively crowd. It wasn’t long before a few unsavory types took notice.

Two petty thugs, looking to stir trouble under the cover of the event crowd, exchanged grins and approached.

“Hey there, sweetheart. Lost? Need a ride? We can show you around.”

Their voices drew Tifa’s attention. The sleazy look on their faces made her instinctively take a step back, raising her fists in a defensive stance.

“Who are you? What do you want?” she demanded.

“Relax, babe. Just wanna have some fun~”

One of them reached toward her, 

Bad move.

Tifa was no delicate flower.

She had been trained in Zangan-style martial arts since she was fourteen. Even in her hardest days, scraping by in the slums, paying off debts with steamed buns, she never stopped honing her skills.

Drunks and thugs couldn’t even lay a finger on her.

Today was no different.

Her eyes sharpened as she prepared to throw a punishing punch, 

But someone beat her to it.

A heavy fist slammed into the thug’s face, sending him flying with his jaw twisted at an awkward angle.

Jasper stood calmly in front of the remaining thug, whose knees were now trembling.

“Get lost,” he said coldly.

“Y-yes, sir!” The thug scrambled to pick up his unconscious buddy and fled like a kicked dog.

Watching them flee, Jasper turned to Tifa, giving her a brief once-over. This was the legendary "Seventh Heaven" of the 3D District.

“You alright?” he asked.

“I’m fine,” Tifa replied with a small smile. “Thanks for the help.”

“I’m pretty sure you didn’t need it,” he said, pointing to her toned abs. “Looks like you’ve got some serious strength. A martial artist?”

“Yes,” Tifa nodded proudly. “I practice Zangan-style martial arts. I’m pretty strong.”

“Good. Just be careful. This place is crawling with thieves, bandits, and pirates. It’s not exactly safe.”

He gave a casual wave and turned to leave.

“Wait.”

As expected, she called out. He glanced back. “Something else?”

Tifa hesitated, frowning slightly. “I think I’m lost. Can you tell me where I am?”

🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️

“This isn’t my world anymore?!”

In a private room near the coast, inside a cozy tavern, Tifa slammed her hand on the table in disbelief. The force of the motion sent her chest, barely restrained by a sports bra, into a fierce bounce, like two snowy slimes angrily jiggling in protest.

“Hard to believe, isn’t it?” Jasper said, trying to calm her. “But you’re not alone. Me, and these two, we’re all from different worlds.”

“That’s right,” said 2B with a nod. “I detected human signals during a mission and ended up here.”

“I was drawn in after triggering a magic circle hidden inside an old book.”

Tifa collapsed into her seat, as if all strength had left her body. Her eyes dulled, her face pressed against the table.

“I finally paid off my debts, took over the bar, and was ready to start a new life… now I’m here.”

“I know how that feels,” Jasper said gently. “Losing everything, starting over, we’ve all been there.”

From their conversation, he gathered that Tifa had just taken over Seventh Heaven, meaning the main events of Final Fantasy VII hadn’t begun yet.

That was a good thing. It meant he could avoid a whole mess of trouble that didn’t need to happen.

🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️

A/N: Tifa Lockhart is a main character from Final Fantasy VII. She’s the owner of the Seventh Heaven bar and a member of AVALANCHE, known for her martial arts skills, loyalty, and emotional strength. 

A/N:

Tifa Lockhart is a main character from Final Fantasy VII — a skilled martial artist and the owner of the Seventh Heaven bar. The “Seventh Heaven of the 3D District” is a playful nod to her iconic bar being a legendary hangout spot in this version of the setting.

Chapter Text

Jasper said nothing more. He quietly shelled peanuts, giving Tifa space to process everything in silence.

He had to admit, Tifa’s beauty, with its classical Eastern grace, was truly captivating. The way her eyes lowered and her brows furrowed ever so slightly exuded a kind of fragile elegance that could stir anyone’s heart.

But unlike the typical dainty charm of traditional beauties, Tifa had a body that was the perfect blend of East and West, sculpted arms, a full and shapely bust, a narrow waist, and hips that flared with strength and balance. Not an ounce of her figure was wasted, every curve was in exactly the right place.

No wonder she was considered a legendary figure, the kind of woman people joked would bring 3D gamers to Seventh Heaven. She was simply peak.

No matter what, he had to get her on board his ship, and not just for her looks or gentle, resilient spirit.

Tifa had power too.

She was a formidable martial artist, agile, precise, and fierce. Her fists were sharp, her kicks devastating. She was beauty and strength in one flawless package.

Sure, in the original story, Tifa’s strength didn’t go beyond trading blows with a First-Class Shinra soldier. But in the game? That was a whole different ballgame.

In-game, she was a monster: high damage, explosive bursts, lightning-fast Limit Breaks. Put her in a simulator, and it didn’t matter if you were a god or an apocalyptic final boss, if your HP bar lit up, Tifa could kick you into digital oblivion.

Even if this version of Tifa was closer to the original, it didn’t matter. With her tenacity, her solid martial arts foundation, and maybe a well-chosen Devil Fruit down the line, she could absolutely become a force to be reckoned with in this world.

Of course, best-case scenario? She’s the same Tifa who punted Sephiroth around like a soccer ball. 

His gaze fell to the two radiant gems embedded in her gloves.

Let’s hope.

About the time it takes to drink a cup of tea later, Tifa, ever resilient, sat up and said, “I understand now. No matter where you are… you have to keep living, right?”

She was doing a lot better than when she was fifteen, waking up gravely injured, learning her hometown had been destroyed, drowning in debt, stranded in a strange city with no friends, no family. Compared to that, waking up in a strange new world wasn’t all that different.

She’d survived worse. At least now she had a healthy body and no debt. In some ways, she was already in a better place than back then.

“I’m glad you understand,” Jasper said with genuine approval. Tifa wasn’t just beautiful, her inner strength was what made her stand out. She didn’t give up, even in her lowest moments, and that kind of spirit was something anyone could learn from.

“So,” he continued, seizing the moment, “if you’ve got nowhere to go, how about joining my crew as a cook? Fifty thousand Berries a month, room and board included, with bonuses and commission on the side. What do you think?”

“Don’t rush to say no,” he added, seeing Tifa about to speak. “Even if it’s not a long-term fit, it’s a roof over your head for now, right?”

“I’m not refusing,” Tifa said, concerned. “It’s just… cooking isn’t my strong suit. I’m not sure I’d be any good at the job.”

“Not good at cooking?” Jasper raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t you say you owned a bar and worked there as the only bartender?”

Tifa tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, looking a little embarrassed. “Yeah, we served food too… but mostly just stews and simple dishes. Cooking’s not really my specialty. I’m better at mixing drinks, and fighting.”

“Mixing drinks?” 2B, who had been silent until now, tilted her head. “You mean alcohol? Isn’t that something you just drink as-is? What’s there to mix?”

Tifa nodded, happy to explain. “Sure, you can drink alcohol straight. But mixing different liquors and ingredients with specific techniques creates completely new flavors and experiences.”

“I’ve never tried that,” 2B said, intrigued.

“Wanna give it a try?” Tifa asked, tilting her head slightly. Her silk-like hair slipped off her shoulder. “This is a tavern, right? They should have the tools here. We can ask to borrow them. As for the ingredients…”

“I’ll go with you,” Jasper offered. “I’ll pay if we need anything. I’d like to see your skills for myself.”

“Thanks.”

The two left the private room and headed to the bar.

Behind the counter stood a sharply dressed man with slicked-back hair and a tidy mustache.

Jasper knocked on the counter. “Hey there. My friend here wants to borrow some bar tools. Would that be alright?”

The bartender looked up. “This is a bar. If you want a cocktail, order it off the menu. We don’t lend out equipment.”

“Wait,” a loud voice cut in from the side. A burly blond man sitting at the counter gave them a mocking grin. “You mean this little girl’s the one who wants to mix drinks? What is she, twelve? Shouldn’t you be home drinking warm milk with your mom?”

“Hahaha!”

The whole tavern burst into laughter. Even the bartender cracked a smug smile.

Jasper glanced at the man, saw the oversized broadsword leaning against his stool, the skull tattoo on his bicep.

“A pirate, huh?”

“Sharp eye,” the man smirked, tossing his golden hair. “I’m none other than Goldmane, with a five-million-Berry bounty, ”

BANG!

Before he could finish, Jasper slammed his head into the counter with one brutal motion.

The solid wood bar shattered under the impact. The pirate’s face hit the surface with a sickening crunch, blood splattering everywhere. He dropped like a stone, unconscious.

The room went silent. The same people who were laughing seconds ago now stared, slack-jawed. Even the bartender looked stunned. Tifa, wide-eyed, could hardly believe what she’d just seen.

No one expected Jasper to throw a punch without warning, let alone one that instantly knocked out a five-million-Berry pirate.

“If you don’t have the skills, don’t go running your mouth. And stop bragging about your damn bounty.”

Jasper rummaged through the man’s pockets, pulled out a wallet, checked the contents, and tossed it to the shocked bartender.

“For the bar repairs.”

Just then, 2B and Mona came rushing in from the private room, alerted by the noise. 2B stepped in front of Jasper, ready to defend him if necessary.

“What happened?” she asked.

“Just caught myself a five-million-Berry pirate,” he replied casually.

“Ah. I see,” 2B said with a nod, no further questions.

After all, they were pirate hunters. It would be foolish not to collect walking piles of Berries when they showed up.

Over the past few days, 2B had come to understand just how vital money was in this world.

Food, supplies, ship maintenance, crew wages, all of it required Berries.

Without money, life here was impossible.

Five million wasn’t a fortune, and after taxes it wouldn’t go very far. But it was enough to keep them afloat for a while.

With that in mind, 2B scanned the tavern, eyes sweeping over the patrons.

Any other walking bounties in here?

She regretted not bringing her assistant drone, it had compiled a solid database of wanted pirates from the newspapers. With it here, not a single Berry would slip through their fingers.

Chapter Text

Whenever 2B went out, she always wore her tactical goggles, covering her eyes. But even so, under her cold scrutiny, the bar’s patrons all felt a chill run down their spines, as if they had fallen into an ice cave.

It was as if, in her presence, they were nothing more than walking piles of bounty money.

“Let’s go,” Jasper said, dragging the pirate out of the tavern like a dead dog. “We’ll hand him over to the Marine.”

On their way into the city, Jasper had already noticed a Marine warship docked at the harbor. After all, this gourmet tournament was a big event with a massive prize pool. To prevent greedy pirates from ruining the competition or trying to rob the prize, heavy security was a given.

Dragging a pirate down the street was bound to draw attention. Many passersby turned their heads; some even recognized the pirate, now slumped like roadkill. Others began guessing at Jasper and his group’s identity.

There were suspicious stares, fearful ones, mocking ones, a whole mess of reactions. But Jasper ignored them all and headed straight for the harbor.

Mona, however, wasn’t used to such attention. Instinctively, she clutched the edge of Jasper’s coat.

Tifa felt the same, unconsciously moving closer to 2B.

Once they left the crowded streets and reached the quieter harbor area, Tifa couldn’t help but speak up. “Is this really okay? Just beating someone up and handing them over to the Marine without a word... What if he had a reason for becoming a pirate?”

Back in her original world, Tifa had been a member of AVALANCHE, a resistance group fighting against the Shinra Corporation.

To put it bluntly, they weren’t all that different from pirates in this world: fugitives opposing the established power.

Tifa had joined AVALANCHE because of her belief in the Planet’s Lifestream, opposing Shinra’s endless extraction of mako, the planet’s very lifeblood.

Having not yet seen the darkness of this world, it was only natural that she’d view things through the lens of her own experiences.

Jasper understood. He knew Tifa was a kind-hearted girl, and that his sudden outburst might’ve seemed extreme to someone like her.

So, in response to her question, he simply asked, “If you were wanted, would you go around bragging about how high your bounty was?”

“Of course not,” Tifa said. “What’s there to brag about?”

“Exactly. What’s there to be proud of?” Jasper said, looking at the pirate still dragging behind him. “Unless he sees his bounty as something to show off, using it to scare people.”

“Oh…” Tifa blinked, realization dawning. “Sorry, I didn’t think about that.”

“It’s fine,” Jasper shook his head. Tifa came from a relatively safe world, and she had decent strength, too. It was understandable she didn’t grasp how dangerous this one could be.

“This world’s not safe. 2B and I landed in a fishing village that got raided by pirates. Over a dozen villagers were killed, and countless others injured. I almost died from a pirate’s gun.”

“The Marine here isn’t any better,” Mona added. “A Marine captain’s son tried to force himself on me. If Jasper hadn’t stepped in, I’d probably have been labeled a pirate and thrown in prison by now.”

“You’ve really been through a lot...” Tifa said, her pretty face filled with guilt. “I was too quick to judge.”

“No worries,” Jasper comforted her. “Different worlds, different cultures. It’s normal to be a little out of step at first.

“And sure, there are some pirates who were forced into it by circumstances. But you’ll never see them proudly flaunting their bounty.”

“In short, anyone who goes around bragging about how much they’re worth? Just knock them out. They’re rarely good people.”

“Got it,” Tifa said, clenching her fist. “I understand now.”

They reached the area where the Marine warship was docked. A few soldiers approached and asked for identification.

Jasper pulled out his bounty hunter license. “He said his head’s worth five million berries. Go by ‘Golden-something.’ I’m here to claim the reward.”

The soldiers checked the license and glanced at the unconscious pirate, then saluted. “Understood. Please wait a moment.”

One of them left and soon returned with an officer in formal attire.

After confirming the pirate’s identity against the wanted poster, the officer had a few men haul the poor bastard onto the ship and lock him up. Then, he handed over the reward on the spot.

Unfortunately, after taxes, the five million Berry shrank down to just two million.

A full 60% cut.

Jasper clicked his tongue. “That’s a brutal tax. No wonder people keep turning to piracy, who’d want to play by the rules with cuts like that?”

“Keep it down,” Mona tugged on his sleeve. “What if someone hears?”

“I checked first, no Marine around,” he replied.

He then took a stack of bills and peeled off two hundred thousand Beli, handing it to Tifa. “Here. Think of it as an advance. It’s hard to do anything without some money in your pocket.”

“Are you sure?” Tifa didn’t take it right away. “You haven’t even seen what I’m capable of. What if I can’t do the job?”

“Then you can help out on the ship,” Jasper said with a grin. “But your salary gets cut in half.”

“Thank you...” Tifa finally accepted the money.

From the tavern menu earlier, she’d gotten a rough idea of how much Beli was worth. This two hundred thousand was a decent sum, far more than what she used to earn after a month of hard labor selling buns. And she didn’t even have to use it to pay off debt.

“It’s not like I’m giving it to you for free,” Jasper added. “You’ll be paying it back with your body.”

That came out wrong. Tifa gave him a side-eye and said weakly, “You mean... work, right?”

“What else?” he replied. “You’ll be up early making breakfast for the crew. And don’t forget tea breaks and midnight snacks. It’s not an easy job.”

“Don’t forget cocktails,” 2B chimed in. Alcohol-based drinks were high-energy and more efficient for her to absorb than regular food.

“Oh right, cocktails!” Tifa perked up. That was one of her specialties. She could hardly wait to show off her skills.

She was determined to prove that hiring her for fifty thousand Beli a month was absolutely worth it.

“We’ll swing by the shops in a bit,” Jasper said. “Pick up some bartending tools, booze, ingredients for the ship, all that. But first, we need to go register for the Gourmet Showdown.”

Now that they had Seventh Heaven, there was no turning back.

No matter what, they had to win this competition.

Though now that he thought about it, even though Tifa had agreed to join the crew, the mission to recruit a chef still hadn’t been marked complete, probably because she was only considered a temporary member for now.

In any case, the answer was simple:

Win the competition.

Whether for Seventh Heaven, or for that little bit of skill mastery.

Chapter Text

Warning: Mature Content

Now that they had enough members, Jasper filled out the registration form for the Gourmet Battle Tournament without any further rejections.

After paying the 200,000 Berries registration fee, Jasper finally secured his entry ticket to the tournament.

With registration complete, the group went shopping for Tifa's bartending tools and various base liquors.

Apart from basic beer, alcohol prices here were steep, as it was a heavily taxed and regulated commodity. Combined with pirates' fondness for drinking, a decent bottle could easily cost tens or even hundreds of thousands of Beli.

Still, it was cheaper than the ten-thousand-Beli-plus drinks Jasper remembered from bars in his previous world.

After purchasing about a dozen bottles of good base liquors, syrups for cocktails, bartending tools, and other supplies, they spent nearly two million Berry, completely depleting the bounty they had earned from capturing pirates earlier.

After all, 2B loved to drink, and Tifa was skilled at bartending. Buying them these things was no different from buying Mona astrology books because she loved studying it.

They had the shopkeeper deliver the alcohol to their ship, then went with Tifa to buy other necessities like daily supplies and clothes.

Inside the affordable clothing store, Tifa and Mona were browsing through the racks, discussing which outfits were cute, stylish, and flattering.

Jasper, feeling bored, casually glanced at the clothes on the hangers. He picked up a white dress and held it up against 2B. "This one looks pretty good on you. Why don't you try it on?"

"Okay," 2B replied, taking the dress and heading toward the fitting room. Just as she was about to close the door, she noticed Jasper following her inside.

Having already been thoroughly "broken in" by Jasper, 2B instantly understood. In one fluid motion, she slammed the door shut, locked it, leaned against the wall, arched her back, and thrust her hips outward.

Jasper wasted no time. He lifted the hem of the dress, unhooked the thin fabric, and slipped into the familiar, cramped space. He began thrusting repeatedly into her thick, fleshy hips.

To prevent 2B from making any unnecessary noises that might draw attention, he pulled her arms back like reins, tilting her head back to kiss her deeply.

Their passionate kiss intensified.

Even so, the slapping sounds of skin against skin were unavoidable. Jasper slowed his movements, abandoning his usual vigorous rhythm.

Instead, he began with gentle, probing thrusts, followed by a few more before delivering a forceful one.

This new rhythm seemed to bring 2B even greater pleasure than his usual vigorous style.

Mona, who was helping Tifa choose clothes, glanced at the closed dressing room and smirked.

Those two... the moment they have free time, they're desperate to cling to each other.

It had been the same on the island. She'd barely look down at her book before the sound of crashing waves filled her ears. When she looked up, she'd find 2B being jostled by Jasper, her ample flesh jiggling wildly.

They were always finding ways to interrupt her studies, even trying to tempt her into joining their time-wasting antics.

Utterly shameless.

"Is something wrong?"

"Huh?" Mona snapped out of her thoughts and saw Tifa's concerned expression.

"You looked a little strange just now... like you were envious?"

"I-I'm not envious at all!" Mona's face flushed crimson as she pressed the panda T-shirt into Tifa's chest. "Try this on. I think it would suit you."

"A panda pattern? It's cute, but I don't think it's really my style."

"Why not?"

Tifa glanced around to make sure no one was watching before leaning close to Mona's ear. "Because I'd stretch it out of shape."

Mona caught a glimpse of Tifa's heavy breasts, pulled downward by gravity as she bent over, their depths seeming unfathomable. Her mouth widened slightly.

They're so big! she thought. Their true size must be far greater than what's visible under her sports bra.

What on earth does she eat to grow them so large?!

Yet Mona felt no envy.

Since arriving in this world, whether due to Jasper's nightly massages, abundant nourishment, or both, she could clearly sense her own growth.

Perhaps the changes weren't visually striking, but the difference in feel was undeniable, they were definitely growing.

Maybe I'll never reach Tifa's terrifying proportions, Mona mused, but I'm confident I can at least rival 2B's.

She had unwavering faith in that!

"Sorry, I didn't mean to show off," Tifa said, noticing the subtle shift in Mona's expression. She straightened up, preventing her breasts from dropping so heavily.

"But this panda T-shirt is really cute. It would make great pajamas on the ship. Here, take it."

After choosing the panda T-shirt, Tifa selected several more tops, shorts, and pants, all practical sportswear, along with essential sports bras. Carrying a full basket of clothes, she entered the fitting room.

This was a large department store with numerous fitting rooms, but Tifa happened to choose the one right next to Jasper and 2B.

Mona wanted to stop her, but fearing it would arouse unnecessary suspicion, she could only watch helplessly as Tifa entered the fitting room and closed the door.

Tifa was in good spirits. After all, what girl doesn't love new clothes?

However, years of debt repayment had instilled in her a frugal nature. She rarely splurged, and even when buying clothes, she opted for practical, inexpensive sportswear.

She couldn't even remember the last time she had gone shopping for clothes.

After inspecting the fitting room to ensure the partition was secure, Tifa confidently began struggling to remove her tight sports bra and sports bra.

The reason it was a struggle was that the moment Tifa took them off, the two massive melons hidden beneath her sports bra instantly expanded by more than a full cup size, freed from restraint, and began to bounce wildly.

Tifa sighed in relief, the sensation of being freed from the constricting sports bra was wonderful, even her breathing felt easier.

Wearing such a tight garment was unavoidable. After all, her breasts were already quite large, and without proper support, they would be a hindrance during work and exercise.

Looking at the pair of enormous, pale orbs in the mirror, their blue veins clearly visible beneath the skin, and her slender waist, Tifa's cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

This figure, a delicate frame supporting such ample curves, always felt a bit too... much, even more so than the ladies who strolled the streets of Wall Market at night.

After weighing the top in her hands, she pulled it from the basket, ready to try it on.

But then, a distinct slapping sound from the adjacent changing room caught her attention.

A mosquito?

Tifa tilted her head slightly, not overly concerned.

Before she could slip into the top, a second slap echoed through the room. A few breaths later came a third, then a fourth.

They seemed to follow a rhythmic pattern.

Chapter Text

Tifa couldn’t ignore it any longer. After a moment of hesitation, she pressed her ear against the partition.

This time, she not only heard the rhythmic slapping, but also the heavy panting and the wet, sticky sound like walking through mud on a rainy day.

Tifa wasn’t a naive little girl who didn’t understand anything, she was already twenty years old. Even if she hadn’t eaten pork, she’d at least read about pigs and knew what pork tasted like.

The realization hit her like an electric shock. Her eyes widened, and she instinctively took a step back, as if jolted by a sudden current through the wall.

Doing that kind of thing in a place like this? How shameless can you be!

Furious, Tifa wanted to open the door and leave, but then remembered that Mona was right outside. If she went out now and Mona asked what was wrong, what could she possibly say?

She couldn't just blurt out: “Someone’s doing something indecent in the next dressing room!”

Mona was still just a teenager, old enough to understand some things, but not quite ready to face the dirtier sides of the adult world.

Tifa bit her lip and slowly took her hand off the doorknob. Instead, she focused on trying on the other outfits.

Let’s just pretend they’re slapping mosquitoes in there.

With that comforting thought, she tried to tune out the sounds coming from next door.

That worked, until she heard two voices she recognized all too well.

“It’s coming... Just like that... So good...”

“Shh! Someone’s outside...”

Tifa froze.

Jasper and 2B?!

She was stunned.

Those two always seemed so refined, so aloof, and they were doing this in a clothing store dressing room?

She instinctively held her breath, unable to concentrate anymore. Her thoughts spiraled out of control, unconsciously tracing the rhythm and imagining what was happening on the other side of the wall.

She pictured them in that cramped space, moving with the rhythm, holding each other close, kissing, touching...

2B, curvy and firm, pinned against the wall, her expression hazy with pleasure, lips slightly parted under Jasper’s unrelenting advances.

Jasper moved slowly at first, steadily, then suddenly thrust with force, the impact loud enough to make the wall shake. 2B’s plush hips distorted under the pressure, only to bounce back with the recoil. He returned to that same slow pace again.

The slapping intensified, rapid, urgent, like the sound of raindrops hammering against the glass windows of her childhood village home during a storm. Water splashing everywhere.

The mental image in Tifa’s head sped up to match the rhythm.

It was a wild collision, so strong that 2B couldn’t even straighten her back. She had to cling to something to avoid falling over.

That kind of pace must take serious core strength...

And 2B, taking such powerful impacts, what did that feel like?

Tifa had no experience herself, but she was sure it wasn’t anything like what she did on lonely nights with her own fingers...

A long, drawn-out moan finally pulled her back to reality.

The dressing room fell silent again, save for the soft, lingering breaths.

Tifa let out a shaky breath herself, no longer tense with held-in air.

She looked in the mirror and saw sweat beading on her forehead.

Even between her thighs, there was a noticeable damp patch.

Well... I guess I’m buying these pants.

🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️

Jasper stepped out of the dressing room first, only to find Mona waiting at the door.

“What are you doing out here?” he asked.

“What do you think?” Mona raised an eyebrow. “Would it kill you to hold it in for once?”

“You know how I am, I’ve gotta let off some steam a few times a day. Got a bit too much energy,” he said with a sheepish smile.

Thanks to his Life Return ability, all the energy from the food he consumed got stored up. If he didn’t release it regularly, it made him feel restless, itching for a fight.

“Then can’t you pick a better place? This is a dressing room. Tifa was literally right next door! What if she heard you?”

Mona genuinely liked Tifa. She was a kind and beautiful big sister figure who made their long journey at sea a lot less lonely.

After all, 2B had that icy demeanor and never chatted. And Jasper? He was always messing around, grabbing people, disrupting others when they were reading or studying.

Not that Mona hated physical affection, she was fine with hugs, cuddles, and kisses. But come on, there's a time and place, right?

It was fine at night before bed to unwind a little. But in broad daylight? When people were just casually chatting? If Jasper tried something then, she wouldn’t entertain it.

After all, Mona had never known hunger. She was the kind of girl who could eat until she was stuffed and still overdo it. She had no idea what kind of desperation haunted a starving woman.

Tifa was a great travel companion, and Mona didn’t want her to leave the crew just because of something like that.

“She probably didn’t hear anything,” Jasper said, scratching his head. “She knows 2B and I were in there?”

“How should I know? Go ask her yourself.”

“She probably doesn’t, then.” Jasper sighed. “Anyway, no point thinking about it now.”

He certainly wasn’t about to go up to Tifa and ask if she heard anything suspicious from the dressing room.

That would be a confession in itself.

After a few minutes, Tifa finally stepped out, done trying on clothes.

Her expression was calm, as if nothing had happened at all.

Mona walked over with a smile. “How’d the clothes fit? Need to switch sizes?”

“Some were a little small, just need the next size up,” Tifa replied calmly.

As she passed Jasper, she even smiled sweetly and nodded at him, doing her best to act like she knew nothing about what he and 2B had done.

But inside, her heart was pounding like a drum. She just couldn’t wrap her head around how someone so gentle and scholarly could do that in a dressing room.

There must be some kind of misunderstanding… right?

Jasper caught the subtle shift in her expression. He understood immediately.

Tifa knows.

But she was pretending not to know, just so he wouldn’t realize she knew.

A kind-hearted girl.

After picking out her clothes, Tifa headed to the nearby shoe store to buy a few pairs of combat boots and casual sandals, then stopped by the grocery store to stock up on fresh ingredients.

They’d nearly used up the food they bought back in Shelz Town, it was time to restock.

They weren’t heading out to sea just yet, and they could eat dinner outside. But this would be a good test run for Tifa’s cooking skills, to see if she could handle being the ship’s chef.

Thanks to the town’s thriving food scene, the grocery store still had fresh produce even in the evening. Tifa haggled with the vendor and got a good deal, two full bags of supplies.

It was time to head back.

But before they could leave the shopping district, 2B, wearing her tactical visor, suddenly froze.

“Something’s wrong. Someone’s attacking our ship!”

“What?!”

Jasper’s expression turned sharp. He prepared to dash to the pier, but before he could move, both his and 2B’s wrists were seized by Mona.

“Tifa! Grab my hand!”

“Okay!” Tifa didn’t ask questions. She immediately reached out and took hold of Mona’s slender wrist.

Then, something unbelievable happened.

A deep, star-streaked blue magic circle lit up beneath their feet. The sound of rushing waves rang out as a huge orb of water engulfed all four of them.

The orb popped like a bubble, and they vanished.

On the bustling street, the few passersby stared in stunned silence at the slowly fading circle left behind on the cobblestones.

After a long pause, someone finally broke the silence.

“Where did they go? They just... vanished?”

Another stepped forward, cautiously nudging the remaining magical pattern with a toe.

“Was that... one of those Devil Fruit powers?”

“Must be. What else could make people disappear like that?”

Chapter Text

In this great age of exploration, ships are indispensable, not just as transportation, but as tools of value creation. Whether it’s shipping between islands, transporting goods, venturing out to harvest ocean resources, or pirates chasing their dreams, none of it is possible without ships.

A brand-new, slightly larger small sailing ship can easily sell for tens of millions of Beli. In most cases, these ships are so in demand that they practically sell themselves within a day of hitting the market.

This reality has given rise to a profession: stealing other people’s ships to survive.

Their targets are usually smaller sailing vessels, especially those with few crew members.

Fresh-faced rookies who set sail without knowing the first thing, leave only a couple of people on board to watch the ship while the rest go wild in town, basically inviting theft.

Ships without any guild or pirate flags flying are the absolute prime targets, rookie mistakes, plain and simple.

So, when it came to these naive greenhorns, Jack, known as the Osprey for his eagle-like appearance and deadly precision on the seas, couldn’t hold back. It was his job to teach these fools a lesson, show them just how cruel the world really is, so they don’t sail off to an early, clueless death.

A good deed, really.

After confirming there wasn’t a single person guarding the ship, Jack didn’t hesitate even for a second. He signaled his scattered crew on the dock and casually moved closer to the Lexington, using unsuspecting passersby as cover.

The plan was clear: steal the ship before the dock officials even notice, and disappear into the vast ocean.

Unfortunately for them, their movements were almost completely exposed by the auxiliary craft’s radar.

As soon as the Lexington detected someone approaching, it immediately sent a warning to 2B.

Before the brazen thieves could even use their grappling claws to board, a man and three women suddenly appeared on the deck, a place that should have been empty, fully prepared and on high alert.

The leader hesitated slightly, exchanged a glance with his companions, then nodded.

This wasn’t petty theft. They weren’t going to back down just because they’d been spotted.

As the saying goes: “Cut off someone’s livelihood, and you might as well have killed their parents.” If they were smart, they might get to live, if not, they couldn’t complain when blades cut deep.

With that in mind, Jack drew his saber and warned coldly, “Best keep quiet and tie yourselves up. Once we take this ship, we’ll leave a lifeboat for you. Otherwise, don’t blame us for being merciless.”

“One of the girls looks pretty good...” one of his cronies whispered.

“Yeah, yeah, I changed my mind. Kill the guy, and the girls...” another sneered.

Jasper cut them off, not wanting to hear their lecherous nonsense. “Tifa, can you handle them?”

“I can. Leave them all to me,” Tifa said, tapping her shoe thoughtfully. Hearing their filthy words made her sick and furious.

Rape, pillage, and every vile deed, these pirates were far worse than the street punks or Shinra soldiers she’d encountered before.

They were scum. Pirates.

With that resolve, Tifa’s gaze sharpened, and she lunged at the leader with a swift step.

Jack was no amateur; someone capable of murder and ship theft had to have some skill.

As Tifa moved, he didn’t hesitate to swing his blade down hard.

In this brutal world where the strong prey on the weak, there was no chivalry or mercy for women.

But Tifa expertly blocked the strike, precisely parrying at the weak spot of his wrist, denying him leverage.

At the same time, she countered with a spiraling strike, smashing her fist hard into his abdomen, causing him to curl up like a shrimp.

But she wasn’t done.

Executing a backflip, she dodged a side slash, landed smoothly, and immediately followed up with a flying kick right to the head of another attacker.

“Backflip kick!”

The enemy was knocked clean off the ship.

Tifa’s attention moved to the next opponent.

With a nimble sidestep, she ghosted in front of him, delivering a rapid flurry of punches that left him disoriented.

Then she leapt high and unleashed a fierce downward kick to the crown of his head.

The third one down.

As Tifa prepared to charge her next target, Jack, who was just recovering from a punch, roared, “Let me handle this!”

The other pirates, intimidated by Tifa’s skill, looked to their leader for guidance.

Wiping blood from his mouth, Jack admitted, “I underestimated you. But if that’s all you’ve got, this ends here.”

His aura surged.

Drawing another long blade from his waist, he charged like a predatory osprey aiming to tear Tifa apart.

But while his movements were fast, hers were faster.

She flipped backward, a blue aura of fighting energy swirling around her feet, creating a sudden suction that distorted the air.

The unexpected pull caught everyone off guard.

Jack staggered mid-air, his rhythm broken.

Is she a Devil Fruit user?

Before he could think further, Tifa became a blur, rushing him with her fists wrapped in spiraling blue energy.

Her devastating rising dragon punch landed squarely on his chin.

“Whirlwind Dive!”

Jack’s head snapped back, his eyes rolling.

But Tifa wasn’t finished yet, another sharp kick charged with blue energy smashed into his abdomen as she landed.

Seeing this, Jasper rushed forward and kicked the dazed leader off the ship, sending him sprawling onto the dock.

Even if Jack had survived Tifa’s blows, Jasper’s follow-up finishing strike ensured he was done for.

Unless he was the protagonist who could endlessly bounce back.

“Next time you fight, try not to damage the ship,” Jasper said lightly.

“Sorry,” Tifa replied, sticking out her tongue playfully. “This is my first real fight, I got a bit carried away.”

After seeing Tifa’s fighting prowess, the remaining pirates knew they had hit a brick wall.

Especially with their leader defeated so easily, their will to fight shattered completely.

They turned to flee.

“Stop!”

A voice filled with deadly intent froze them in place.

“If you move another inch, I’ll cut you down!”

This was no bluff.

2B had her greatsword drawn, and she meant business.

The pirates shivered all over, realizing this time, it really was over.

🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️

A/N: Tifa Lockhart is badass, they shouldn’t mess with her

Chapter Text

This group of pirates, who specialized in stealing and hijacking ships, had gained quite a notorious reputation in the nearby waters. Countless merchants and fishermen had fallen victim to their cruelty.

Taking down this entire gang naturally earned them a hefty bounty from the Marine.

After deducting the required taxes, the net bounty was still a staggering thirteen million Berry.

Their strength might not seem impressive at first glance, but their bounty was no joke.

Never judge a book by its cover.

After all, bounty isn’t only determined by strength, but also by one’s influence.

They had stolen so many ships and caused such havoc that the high bounty was well deserved.

With another suitcase full of Beli now in hand, combined with their previous savings, they had a total of forty-four million Berry.

Since Tifa and Mona had played crucial roles in this mission, it was only fair to give them their share.

Jasper was generous. Back on the ship, he handed four million berries over to Tifa.

Staring at the thick stack of money on the table, Tifa felt a bit overwhelmed. “That’s really too much… Are you sure? Even if I hadn’t stepped in earlier, with your strength, you could’ve handled them easily, right?”

Jasper thought it over. That actually made sense. So he took back a million and said, “Alright, let’s just split it evenly. I’m the captain, so I’ll take the bigger share. No objections?”

“No objections,” Tifa said, holding her tongue this time. After all, the ship was his, and he was the one trading the bad guys for Beli. The funds for supplies, repairs, and so on also came from him. Fair enough.

With no one objecting, Jasper was about to secure the rest of the money in the ship’s treasury.

“Hey, since we’re splitting it evenly, what about my share?” Mona interrupted, holding Jasper’s hand. “I helped too, you know?”

“I’m keeping yours safe for now. You can ask me for it when you actually need it,” Jasper gently pulled his hand away. “Don’t go blowing it all on useless stuff.”

“You!” Mona’s eyes widened in shock. “I’m not the kind of person who wastes money like that!”

Jasper gave her a calm look and said, “I saw a shop in town selling telescopes, astrology gear, and all sorts of weird stuff. When I passed by, you looked like you wanted to rush in and buy everything.”

Mona’s face flushed red, and she slammed her hand on the table, protesting, “That’s slander!”

Jasper didn’t believe her. Even Tifa gave Mona a skeptical glance and asked, “Is that true?”

“You’re free to have your hobbies, I’m not against that,” Jasper continued, softening his tone.

“But have you learned navigation yet? Have you finished reading those books on constellations you bought? Once you’re competent enough to handle things on the ship on your own, then you can indulge your hobbies. Of course, anything you want to buy has to be approved by me first, so don't waste the money we earned with so much effort.”

“No wasting money!” 2B chimed in, clearly backing Jasper.

“Hmph,” Mona pouted, arms crossed, and turned away, refusing to look at him.

Though she was annoyed, deep down she agreed. Their money wasn’t earned by writing or fortune-telling, it was earned by fighting and flirting with death. It would be irresponsible to spend it recklessly.

Mona knew herself too well, she was impulsive and prone to splurging on her interests. Having no money in her pocket was probably a blessing in disguise.

Still, being put in such an awkward spot was embarrassing.

Jasper reached out and gently ruffled Mona’s stubborn hair, then looked at Tifa. “It’s getting late. Let’s make dinner. Show us what you can cook.”

“Okay,” Tifa stretched and stood up, loosening her muscles. “Don’t expect too much. My cooking is pretty average.”

“That’s fine,” Jasper said. “Even if you’re not the best cook, your salary won’t be any less.”

Tifa smiled sweetly at him and went to prepare the ingredients for tonight’s meal.

Jasper put away the money in the captain’s safe, carefully recorded the day’s expenses and earnings in the ledger, and then returned to the dining area.

Thestove was already cooking rice and simmering stew. Meanwhile, Tifa was unpacking the cocktail tools she’d bought earlier at the water bar. 2B sat on a barstool, watching eagerly.

“Are you making drinks?” Jasper asked.

“Yeah,” Tifa nodded. “The stew still has some time to cook, so I thought I’d mix some cocktails. Want a drink?”

“I’d love one,” Jasper sat next to 2B. “Show me your bartending skills.”

“You won’t be disappointed.”

Though her cooking might be average, Tifa had full confidence in her cocktail-making.

She carefully measured and poured ice cubes, whiskey, cranberry juice, and other ingredients into a shaker. After a flashy shake, she poured out a deep red cocktail for them.

“Here you go, ‘Cosmo Canyon,’ a specialty from Seventh Heaven.”

“It smells completely different from the original whiskey,” 2B swirled the drink, took a gentle sniff, and then a small sip.

She closed her eyes, savoring the flavor blossoming in her mouth. “Delicious. Much better than plain whiskey.”

“I’m glad you like it,” Tifa smiled happily, then looked at Jasper. “Don’t you want to try some?”

“Sure,” Jasper lifted his glass. Through the cup, he admired the beautiful color of Cosmo Canyon, and beyond the glass, Tifa’s delicate, Eastern-beauty face.

“So pretty.”

This was a famous scene from Final Fantasy VII Remake. Jasper didn’t know what it meant in the original game, but what he was complimenting was Tifa’s exquisite, Oriental charm.

“Ah?” Tifa was caught off guard, unsure how to respond. She glanced around before saying, “I’m going to check on the stew. Excuse me.”

Jasper smiled softly. Expected reaction.

He took a small sip of the Cosmo Canyon, it really was good. No wonder Tifa’s cocktail helped make Seventh Heaven famous and earned her fans everywhere.

After tasting it, he finished the rest of the drink in one gulp. Then, cupping 2B’s chin, he kissed her deeply, passing the taste of the fine liquor to her.

Good wine is great, but better in moderation.

Knowing the flavor is enough.

A lover’s kiss is far more intoxicating.

2B’s eyes widened. Fueled by the sweet kiss and the lingering taste of the drink, she clung tightly to Jasper’s neck.

She loved this kind of kiss, the lively, searching tip of her tongue seemed to want to savor every last drop of the whiskey on his breath.

From the stove, Tifa glanced back at the two locked in a passionate kiss. When he said “pretty” earlier, did he mean just the drink?

They were already this close, and things had clearly progressed between them. If he was still saying inappropriate things about others, that would be pretty messed up.

But no, 2B had been watching him, and he didn’t seem like that kind of guy.

Best not to overthink it. If it really happened, she’d just say no.

Chapter Text

“You really aren’t a restaurant owner, are you?” Mona was stunned by the stew’s flavor. “Your stew is unbelievably good! So much better than the captain’s sloppy mess!”

“The flavor is indeed quite good,” Jasper didn’t bother arguing with Mona. “This tastes comparable to the signature dishes you’d find in a fancy restaurant.”

“That’s flattering,” Tifa blushed a little. “It’s just a simple beef cream stew. Compared to a high-end restaurant’s dishes, I’m sure there’s still a big gap.”

“No, I think it’s because you’ve never eaten at a real fancy restaurant. Honestly, their signature dishes aren’t much better... With this cream stew alone, you’ve got a very good chance at winning the contest.”

“Maybe,” Tifa wasn’t overly optimistic, especially after seeing those chefs burning with culinary passion.

Just based on presence alone, they were clearly outmatched!

“We’ll definitely make it,” Jasper was confident. Summoning Tifa wasn’t just for admiring Seventh Heaven’s beauty, after all. There had to be a reason.

🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️

After dinner, Mona stayed behind to clean the dishes while the others returned to their rooms.

There was apparently a festival happening in town that night, but after such a busy day, everyone was too exhausted to join in and decided to rest early.

Tifa went back to her room, the chef’s quarters attached to the dining area, to organize her things.

Clothes that didn’t need washing were folded away; the wet pants, however, were hard to ignore.

She carefully placed them at the bottom of her laundry pile, then carried the basket to the ship’s laundry room to wash, planning to take a hot bath afterward.

On a ship, hot baths were a luxury, but thanks to Mona’s ability to purify seawater quickly, bathing wasn’t quite so extravagant anymore.

It was one of the hidden perks on the ship, especially kind to the girls.

After bathing and hanging up her clothes to dry, Tifa returned to the dining room, but it was empty, so she headed straight back to her room to rest.

Yet, she couldn’t sleep. Too much had happened today.

That morning, she was just a struggling bar owner worrying about the dinner menu. By afternoon, she’d entered a dangerous pirate world, witnessed its horrors firsthand, and fought as a pirate hunter. Such a stark contrast made it impossible for her to relax.

At least the captain was a good person, and her companions were from another world too.

Not too bad after all.

After lying on the gently rocking ship for a while and failing to fall asleep, Tifa decided to get up and grab a glass of milk.

When she opened the door, she saw a large round moon right in front of the fridge.

Not really a moon, bent over with her rear raised high, 2B was rummaging through the fridge.

That “moon” was just an illusion caused by the fridge light illuminating 2B’s pale skin, her thong digging in, and her high heels emphasizing her already perfectly rounded, prominent backside.

Looking closer, there even seemed to be faint palm prints and bite marks on it!

Had she just been intimate with the captain?

Noticing the noise behind her, 2B looked back and said, “Did I wake you?”

“No, no,” Tifa awkwardly turned on the dining room light. “Are you looking for something?”

“I’m looking for milk and wheat juice... but the wheat juice isn’t where it usually is.”

The milk was for Jasper and Mona to replenish protein and calcium; the wheat juice was for 2B herself.

For 2B, nothing was better than following a night of intimacy with a can of wheat juice to restore lost fluids and energy before sleeping.

“Oh, I moved it to the lower shelf because it was taking up too much space on the original spot.”

“Thanks, found it,” 2B retrieved her wheat juice and finally stopped showing off that impressive “moon.”

“No problem. I didn’t say anything because I just rearranged your stuff without asking,” Tifa scratched her cheek awkwardly. “Want a cocktail? I can make you one. I can’t sleep anyway.”

“Thanks,” 2B put back the wheat juice and took two milks, sitting down on a bar stool to wait.

Mona hadn’t finished cleaning yet, and leaving early would only embarrass her. Better to wait a bit.

Mona was sensitive and still refused to hang out together, insisting on splitting up and wasting time.

Seeing 2B sitting there made Tifa more aware of the size of that “moon.”

It was so plump it overflowed; she couldn’t even fit fully on one stool.

But she quickly looked away. Even as a woman, such a stare was impolite.

At the bar, Tifa calmly pulled out her tools and began carefully measuring and pouring ingredients into the shaker.

But then she realized something different.

She wasn’t wearing a sports bra!

Normally, Tifa wore one for support during physical activity to avoid bouncing.

But now, after showering and ready to relax for the night, she wasn’t wearing that restrictive layer.

The freedom to breathe felt so good!

Yet, with the wide, sweeping motion of shaking the cocktail, and just a loose tank top on, wouldn’t her large assets practically bounce right out?

But 2B was a girl too, maybe she didn’t care?

She wasn’t walking around the ship in a thong and high heels like 2B, after all.

Tifa hesitated, about to shake the cocktail shaker, when the dining room door was opened from outside.

“No wonder you’ve been gone so long, so you’re drinking here.”

Jasper strolled in, wearing big shorts and bare-chested, his strong outline clearly visible.

He glanced at 2B’s half-moon shape spreading across the stool, then pulled out a chair and sat down beside her, taking a long sip of chilled milk.

Ahh, that’s nice~

He finished a whole bottle in one go, then looked at Tifa, whose tank top was stretched tight and her chest even bigger than during the day.

“What’s up?”

“Nothing,” Tifa bit her lip nervously. She wanted to say the shaking motion would definitely make things “shake,” but her modesty as a woman held her back.

Instead, she changed tactics.

She tossed the shaker up, spun around smoothly, caught it steadily, then faced away from them both and quickly shook the cocktail.

But she forgot one thing, the ship’s porthole near the bar, at night with indoor lighting, acted like a mirror!

Chapter Text

Through the mirror-like porthole, Jasper clearly saw Tifa’s front side.

Compared to Hina’s already impressive “justice,” Tifa’s ample curves bounced intensely with the rhythm of her shaking cocktail shaker, so much so that the movement could only be described as fierce and passionate.

It reminded Jasper of those little internet celebrities who wore low-cut tops while making hand-shaken lemon tea to attract fans and profit.

But Tifa was far more intense than any of them. If those were a flowing river, hers was undoubtedly a roaring ocean.

An ocean so fierce it threatened to burst right out of her clothes!

They were impressively large, yet they didn’t succumb to gravity and deform in an unattractive way.

Truly perfect!

At that moment, Tifa caught a glimpse of the porthole’s reflection out of the corner of her eye. The image showed one of her perfectly rounded curves popping out as she shook the cocktail shaker.

The embarrassment flushed her cheeks to her ears. She quickly sped up the shaking, and with a high toss of the shaker, took advantage of the distraction of the two people behind her to hook her top’s neckline and safely tuck her curves back in.

She then swiftly turned around, caught the shaker steadily, and placed it on the bar.

The whole sequence flowed smoothly, like a single well-rehearsed motion.

Breathing out, she poured the cocktail into two pre-prepared glasses, handing one to 2B.

Throughout this, Tifa kept her gaze lowered, too shy to meet Jasper’s eyes.

But because of that, she noticed a certain reaction in him, a reaction no baggy shorts could hide.

A terrifying bulge pushing against the waistband, showing its undeniable strength.

Tifa’s mouth dropped open in shock.

So powerful, far stronger than any description in books!

She wasn’t even drunk, but she suddenly felt her throat dry.

This was Jasper’s natural response to seeing Tifa’s bouncing curves, not intentional, just instinctive.

Noticing Tifa’s glance, Jasper instinctively scooted his chair forward, hiding himself under the bar counter to shield her from sight.

“Ahem, Tifa, do you know how to make a non-alcoholic cocktail? Make me one?” he asked.

“Y-yes,” Tifa stammered, snapping out of her embarrassment. She realized Jasper was trying to cover up the awkwardness between them, so she quickly grabbed some cocktail syrup and soda water and prepared a colorful non-alcoholic cocktail.

“Thanks,” Jasper smiled, taking the glass but didn’t drink right away. He swirled the ice cubes with a straw and said meaningfully, “Cocktails this beautiful, when they shimmer and sparkle, it’s hard not to catch someone’s eye. Even those not thirsty would find their mouths watering, wanting to taste it.”

Was he saying she was beautiful? Because of her shaking the shaker like that, making him feel embarrassed?

Tifa hesitated before replying, “You could just close your eyes to avoid distractions.”

“True, I could close my eyes, but wouldn’t that be missing the beautiful view? That would be disrespectful to the beauty itself,” Jasper said with a grin.

As he spoke, he quietly took 2B’s hand, and she immediately understood, skillfully and deftly kneading his hand to reduce swelling and ease pain.

Tifa didn’t notice their subtle exchange under the bar. She took a sip of her Starfall Gorge cocktail and wanted to say something but found no words.

After all, she wasn’t the only one who didn’t want to close their eyes and miss the beauty.

The atmosphere grew a bit awkward. After finishing her drink, Tifa placed the glass down and said, “I’m going to rest now. Just leave the used glasses here; I’ll clean up tomorrow morning.”

“Alright,” Jasper replied casually. As soon as Tifa’s room door closed, he couldn’t wait a second longer and kissed 2B’s lips.

That Tifa, wearing just a little tank top and shaking like that in the middle of the night, even shaking out some secret recipe, who could resist?

After tasting 2B’s lips, he wrapped his arms around her waist, nudging her back until she was perched on the chair with her thighs sitting on the stool, her rounded hips hovering in the air. Then he moved in close.

2B cooperated, arching her back, leaning on the bar with a slightly drunk, dreamy expression on her face.

Worth noting, the bar stools here were custom-made by Jasper’s craftsmen, designed to be just the right height to maximize his strength and allow him to launch intense attacks on whoever sat on them.

Back in her room, Tifa, just lying down, shivered at the faint rhythmic sounds.

No way.

They couldn’t have started fighting in the restaurant already, could they?

Thinking back to Jasper’s eager expression caused by her, Tifa felt an indescribable mix of emotions.

She couldn’t sleep, not because of the rocking ship or outside noises, but because her heart was restless.

Touching herself, she realized she was as wet as a lotus leaf covered in morning dew.

Curious, she finally couldn’t resist. Holding her breath, she tiptoed out of bed and quietly cracked open the door.

Unlike imagining sounds in the afternoon’s dressing room, this time Tifa saw it clearly.

2B sat on a high stool, leaning over the bar, her waist curved enticingly, face flushed and dreamy.

Behind her, Jasper displayed his core strength, his movements broad and forceful, generously delivering impact after impact.

His strong abdomen collided again and again against those glossy, full curves, sending waves radiating from the points of contact through 2B’s body. Her two sizable, full “melons” bounced against the bar with each impact.

During this fierce close combat, Tifa could even clearly see the sticky fluid dripping like an open faucet, splattering everywhere with each intense movement.

The scene made Tifa gasp involuntarily, which caught 2B’s attention. Their eyes met.

Startled, Tifa froze, afraid to move, but strangely there was no awkward urge to run away. 2B’s eyes softened again, as if the glance she’d just given Tifa was a mere illusion.

2B even parted her lips, humming a lovely tune in rhythm.

Jasper responded with a merciless slap that reddened her “full moon,” making it swing wildly and adding even more excitement.

“Don’t make a sound. What if we disturb Tifa’s rest?” Jasper whispered.

Tifa bit her lip. If they truly cared about disturbing her, they wouldn’t be doing this with only a thin wall separating them from her bedroom!

Ignoring Jasper’s rebuke, 2B’s humming grew even more enchanting under his hand.

But the only response was Jasper’s heavy slap and an ever more intense rhythm.

Their bodies, full of masculine vigor and feminine grace, performed a raw, primal dance of desire.

Even Tifa couldn’t help but clutch her ripe fruits, fondle her luscious berries, and caress her dew-covered lotus leaves.

Chapter Text

The night before, Tifa had a dream. She was sitting on a high barstool, savoring a fine drink, while Jasper stood behind her, holding her waist and launching a fierce attack.

Just like last night, only this time, she was the main character.

Waking up, Tifa was a bit overwhelmed, everything felt way too real. Both the dream and the physical sensations lingered vividly.

She had only just comforted herself before falling asleep…

Tifa lay still for a while, letting the aftereffects fade, then finally got up and changed clothes.

As the ship’s cook now, she had to prepare breakfast for everyone before eight o’clock.

She took her dirty clothes into the washroom, cleaned up, then scrubbed and hung her underwear to dry.

Next, she began making breakfast.

Tifa planned to prepare rice, tamagoyaki, grilled eel, salad, and miso soup.

Oddly enough, even though this world was different, many things were quite similar, even miso soup existed here.

So when she went shopping yesterday, she’d grabbed the ingredients without hesitation.

Before she finished cooking, 2B arrived in the dining room.

Like last night, 2B went to the fridge for a can of wheat juice, but instead of wearing the overly sexy thong from before, she wore a more modest long dress.

It was like night and day compared to last night’s provocative look.

Tifa remembered the awkward glance they exchanged last night, feeling a bit embarrassed, but still greeted her politely.

If she hadn’t greeted me, it might’ve been easier, but since she did, 2B immediately brought up what happened the night before.

“You were so absorbed watching last night. Why didn’t you join in? We’re comrades, you don’t have to be shy.”

“What, what are you talking about!” Tifa blushed furiously, eyes fixed on her cooking. “You and the captain are clearly a couple. Why would you invite anyone else?”

Tifa was a hopeless romantic, young and full of idealistic hopes for love. To her, 2B’s words felt like an attack.

“Why not?” 2B asked, confused. “Females are usually drawn to exceptional males, it’s true for humans and animals alike. It's a biological instinct. You’re attracted to Jasper too, aren’t you? I noticed your gaze lingering on his waist and abdomen yesterday…”

“That’s enough!” Tifa cut her off, her voice sharp. “That’s not the kind of love I want!”

“Oh,” 2B took a sip of her beer, not pressing further.

After a moment of calm, Tifa apologized, “Sorry for speaking to you like that earlier.”

“No problem,” 2B replied casually. “Everyone has their own way of seeing things. I shouldn’t force mine on you.”

“Thanks,” Tifa nodded, but 2B’s words stayed with her.

She could join in...

🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️

Mona knew exactly when she had fallen asleep, or rather, when she had passed out.

Just like now!

Awakening, Mona bit down on Jasper’s arm.

Pain shot through his arm, and he immediately stopped, saying, “Did you catch rabies from eating undercooked nightshade yesterday? Waking up biting people like crazy!”

“How many times do I have to say I don’t want to start my mornings like this? You make me feel drained all day!”

“Then rest,” Jasper said, his hips bumping into her small, firm curves with a pleasant sound.

“You’re off today.”

Mona shot him a glare but gave up resisting, turning her face away and grumbling softly.

Jasper happily rubbed her head, then grabbed her hair, pulling her upper body up like a little pony and giving her a quick pep talk.

Mona rolled her eyes, stuck out her tongue, and could only make incoherent noises.

Below them, a violent storm raged, sea waters flooding back into the city’s main roads, transforming it into a watery kingdom.

Such was the terrifying power of the Water God’s Eye in this world, the water element was overwhelming.

They could only swim vigorously along the waterways, splashing waves, occasionally diving deep to enjoy this watery paradise.

Not satisfied with the flooding, they even opened the sluice gates to fill the city with protein-rich spring water.

Feeling the warm water, Mona curled her soft toes tightly, and finally it was over.

Still wrapped in the afterglow, Jasper held Mona close, feeling her growth under his careful care these days.

“Your ribs are almost invisible now,” he said. “They were so obvious before, like you’d never eaten enough.”

“Sorry about that,” Mona growled. “A girl made of ribs, all hard, not soft, must be tough on you.”

“Not at all,” Jasper said, holding her now plump ‘pigeon breasts’ in his hands. “Without my sacrifice, how would you have gotten this fat so fast? But you still need to eat more. Even if you don’t get breasts like Tifa, at least you should be like 2B.”

“What’s the point? Blocking my view?”

“I like big ones. Is that an answer?”

“Who cares what you like… It’s not like I can just grow them…”

“Hm?”

“Hm what? Let go!” Mona struggled. “What time is it? If we don’t get up soon, and Tifa comes looking for us, won’t that be embarrassing?”

“Afraid of what?” Jasper let her go and stopped fussing. “If she sees, I bet she’d be even more embarrassed.”

He thought back to last night. If Tifa weren’t still an unofficial summoned character, he wouldn’t have casually carried 2B away when he noticed Tifa spying, and allowed her to watch the whole thing safely.

Mona didn’t want to talk about it. She grabbed some tissues to wipe off the thick soy milk that leaked after he left.

Seeing this, Jasper gave Mona’s small ‘grapefruit’ a squeeze. So weak! No wonder 2B, like a juicer, didn’t have this problem.

Telling Mona to clean herself up, Jasper dressed and headed back to his captain’s room to shower and wash up, then went to the dining room.

Today, Tifa was cooking breakfast, a change of pace he looked forward to.

His expectations were met when he saw the hearty meal. Tifa was definitely a valuable cook.

Beautiful and capable, and a great chef to boot, where else could you find such a cook?

Perhaps because of last night, Tifa only nodded and smiled softly when greeting, then blushed.

Adorable.

Chapter Text

Because the gourmet competition wouldn’t start until tomorrow, there were no plans for today. Still, they didn’t want to stay on the ship all day, so they decided to go back into town, stroll around, browse the shops, and enjoy the scenery.

Tifa agreed to the plan, and naturally, 2B had no objections either. But Mona refused.

“I’m going to stay on the ship and study. I’m not going to wander around with you guys.”

Jasper rubbed Mona’s head, a little dissatisfied. “Everyone else is going out to have fun, and you’re stuck studying? You’re really taking this seriously, huh?”

“What?!” Mona pushed his hand away. “This is my job! Do you even know what work means? You’re the captain, and all you do is play around, and you keep interrupting my studies. Can you just leave me alone for once?”

“Exactly,” Tifa chimed in seriously. “Interrupting someone’s work isn’t right, even if you’re the captain.”

“Alright, alright,” Jasper gave in. “If you don’t want to go out, stay on the ship and behave. I’ll have the assistant bot keep you company. If we’re not back by noon, find something to eat on your own. Don’t leave the ship alone, and contact us if anything happens.”

“Got it, you nagging old lady.”

“That’s because I care about you.”

After the reminders, Jasper left with 2B and Tifa, heading towards the town. Mona watched them go, then flicked her twin tails and went back to her room to study.

🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️

The streets were the same as yesterday, filled with the aroma of delicious food, actually even stronger than before.

But the looks from passersby toward the three of them had changed, mixed with something else.

After a night’s worth of gossip, news about the Arlong Pirates, including their leader, being rounded up and handed over to the Marine had spread throughout the town and the ships docked nearby. It quickly became the talk of the town.

People speculated about their identities, but since their ship flew no flag, there was no clear answer.

One thing was certain: they weren’t pirates, they were pirate hunters.

Only pirate hunters would capture enemies, then deliver them to the Marine for rewards.

In short, a group of strong pirate hunters had shown up in this town.

“That look again,” Tifa said, leaning closer to 2B. “It’s the same way people looked at us when we paraded those pirates down the street yesterday.”

“Most of these people aren’t as clean as they seem,” Jasper explained. “Especially with the big event going on, you never know how many pirates might be disguised as chefs or tourists, just looking for a chance to make a quick buck.”

“Isn’t the Marine stationed on the island? How do pirates still dare show up?”

“What’s there to be afraid of?” Jasper shrugged. “There are more pirates in the world than fish in the river. How can the Marine possibly control them all?

If they don’t have active bounties or blow their own cover, could you really tell if that cat or dog walking past you is a pirate?

Like that one-legged old man over there with the braided beard, he might just be a pirate himself.”

This wasn’t just casual talk. Jasper recalled that the old man was known as Red-Leg Zeff, a pirate famed for his brutal kicking style that dyed his feet red with blood.

But after losing his ship and right leg in a shipwreck, he retired and opened a popular sea-side restaurant in the East Blue.

Turns out he was here for the competition, too. Makes sense, he’s a chef, and with the high prize money and exposure, who wouldn’t want to compete?

“That old man?” Tifa glanced over, but quickly looked away when caught by the man’s fierce glare. Quietly, she whispered, “He looks pretty scary… could he really be a pirate?”

“Who knows?” Jasper replied nonchalantly. “I’m not rich enough to be chasing bounties all day. As long as they don’t cause trouble in front of me or brag about their bounty values, I don’t care.”

“Hmm, I didn’t expect you to have some principles.”

“What do you mean ‘didn’t expect’?” Jasper frowned. “What did you think I was?”

“At first, I thought you were a good guy, but then I realized you’re actually…”

“What?”

“You know what.”

“I know what you mean, ‘lecherous scoundrel,’ right?” Jasper laughed it off. “Everyone’s a bit lecherous. It’s natural, for men and women alike. Totally normal behavior.”

“Exactly,” 2B agreed. “I’m a lecherous one too.”

Jasper ruffled her head. “Well, you’re way worse than me.”

Tifa said nothing more. Clearly, they weren’t from the same world. Such behavior wasn’t popular where she came from.

Of course, it wasn’t unheard of, like the gang leader on Wall Street, who liked those bride-selection games. Total scum.

While they talked, Tifa accidentally bumped shoulders with a passerby.

“Sorry.”

The stranger barely glanced back and quickened their pace.

“Hey, Tifa, check your purse.”

“What?”

Jasper’s reminder made Tifa reach into her pocket, only to find the pants she bought yesterday had a torn pocket, and her purse was gone.

Her face fell as she spun around, shouting, “Stop!”

The thief naturally didn’t stop and bolted into a nearby alley.

Without hesitation, Tifa chased after them.

Jasper’s face turned grim. “Let’s go! Watch above and both sides of the walls carefully!”

“Got it,” 2B said coldly, drawing her Virtuous Contract blade and following.

At the alley entrance, a thick white smoke blocked the view inside. Whether it was dangerous or not was unknown, and the conditions inside were uncertain.

But for 2B, an android equipped with tactical goggles and radar, none of it was a problem.

She charged straight into the smoke, sword in hand.

Screams pierced the air from inside.

Soon after, 2B emerged carrying an unconscious Tifa in one arm and dragging a small-time thug who kept wailing in pain.

Jasper rushed over. “Is Tifa okay?”

“She’s fine. The smoke had a sedative effect. Tifa inhaled some accidentally and passed out.”

“Good.” Jasper quickly checked her over, no injuries, steady breathing, just asleep.

His greatest fear was exactly this: someone walking alone into an ambush in an alley, especially when sleep gas was involved. No matter how skilled in combat, a normal person couldn’t fight when knocked out.

But 2B was no ordinary person. She was immune to poisons, could speed up body cooling to hold her breath indefinitely, and her tactical goggles and radar made smoke completely useless against her.

The only way to defeat her outside direct combat would be through an electronic virus, something probably only Vegapunk could wield in this world.

After checking on Tifa, Jasper’s gaze landed on the thug 2B had broken a leg on, who kept screaming in agony.

It was time for some serious interrogation.

Chapter Text

At the alley entrance, Jasper sat with legs crossed atop a wooden crate, coldly staring at the struggling thug still wailing in pain.

“Speak. Who are you? What’s your purpose? And who sent you?” he demanded.

The thug didn’t answer, only continuing to cry out for help.

“Your leg hurts, right? No wonder, it’s nearly bent at a sharp angle... 2B, hand me the knife.”

“Here.”

Jasper took the heavy blade, the Virtuous Contract, and pressed it across the thug’s knee. “If it hurts so much, then let’s cut it off. No more pain once the leg’s gone.”

“Wait, wait! I’ll talk, I’ll talk!” The thug barely managed through gritted teeth, fighting the pain. “We’re slave hunters. That redhead over there is my big brother. We were just doing what we always do, picking targets.”

“So you picked us this time?”

“Y-yeah... Its the female fighter. If we catch her and sell her to the pirates, we can make a fortune.”

“Did you find a buyer?”

“No...”

“Then that’s that.”

Without hesitation, Jasper swung the blade down, one stroke, two, three, and the thug’s head rolled off, lifeless.

There were two kinds of people Jasper hated most: poison makers and drug dealers, and those who trafficked women and children.

For them, even a ten-minute execution was too lenient.

He wasn’t sure if poison makers existed in this world, but slave hunters and traffickers were definitely abundant, targeting ordinary folks and rare species alike, captured, locked in cages, then sold off at auctions to anyone from humble farmers to high-ranking nobles.

As long as the taxes were paid, slave traders went unpunished; at best, slave hunters got meaningless bounties on their heads.

But Jasper didn’t care about that. This was simply the way of the world, a ruthless, dark era.

The root was already rotten.

But attacking his crew?

That made him truly furious, so furious his whole body trembled.

One kill wasn’t enough. Raising the blade, he advanced toward the other traffickers who remained, some injured but still breathing, as the smoke began to clear.

The first to face him was the red-haired man.

Fear flashed in the man’s eyes as he scrambled back. “Wait, wait! I’ve got berries, I'll give you everything... Please spare me!”

“Berries? Save them for hell.”

Without hesitation, Jasper swung the blade again, one, two, three...

When all the slave traders in the alley were decapitated, heads rolling on the ground, he handed the Virtuous Contract back to 2B and hoisted the still-sleeping Tifa onto his back.

“Let’s go.”

Outside, the Marine was already gathering, surrounding the area.

Jasper glanced at the lead marine and said, “These were slave hunters. I killed them during the fight. Check their identities carefully, and don’t forget to send the bounty to my ship.”

“Yes, sir!” The marine saluted quickly, careful not to mention how Jasper personally beheaded the traffickers. “Thank you for your hard work. Once we verify identities, we’ll transfer all the bounty to your ship.”

“Thanks.”

They left the crowd and Marine behind and returned to the ship.

Mona, who had been reading in her room, heard the commotion and opened the door. “Already back? Shou’an, are you okay? Why are you covered in blood?”

“I’m fine,” Jasper steadied the rushing Mona. “That’s the enemy’s blood. We ran into trouble on the way.”

“And Tifa?” Mona sighed in relief but focused on the figure on Jasper’s back.

“She inhaled sleeping gas and passed out for a while.”

“Phew, good to hear,” Mona exhaled. “What exactly happened? How did things get so messy so fast?”

“We ran into a group of slave catchers,” Jasper explained. “Tifa’s wallet was stolen, so she chased after them into an alley and walked right into an ambush. She was knocked out, but 2B fought off the enemies and rescued her. That’s all.”

“Exactly,” 2B confirmed, “That’s what happened.”

“I see. Didn’t expect an ambush. That was careless.”

“You can never be too careful.”

In the original Final Fantasy VII Remake, the protagonists often have low alertness.

High offense but low defense “glass cannons” often get knocked out by unexpected attacks from minor characters, an infamous trope in that country’s anime and games.

To avoid such dramatic plot devices, many novels add awareness or protective shields, preventing the heroes from being caught off guard.

This also highlights the importance of “Observation Haki” in this world.

“Yeah,” Mona agreed, “it’s always safer to go out in groups. Going alone is too risky... You should put Tifa back in her room, then go take a shower and change, you stink.”

“No rush... I’ve got a better idea. I want to teach Tifa a lesson, make sure she learns to be more cautious and not repeat such a rookie mistake.”

🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️──🗡️

“I feel dizzy,” Tifa rubbed her forehead, groggily waking up.

Once the discomfort faded, she took in her surroundings.

She was in a room that looked like a ship cabin, the floor covered in straw. Her hands were shackled and chained to the wall.

She struggled twice, but the shackles were tight, there was no easy escape.

Her fighting gloves were gone, so no magic crystals embedded in them to use.

Looking down, she realized she was barefoot, unable to perform her signature kicking moves.

Most importantly, she had been changed out of her pants and shirt into a light, flowing dress.

Fear crossed Tifa’s face as she reached to feel the fabric, thankfully, there was nothing strange about it.

That was the only small mercy.

But her situation was grim.

She remembered what happened before passing out, her wallet stolen, chasing into the alley, the sudden smoke.

It had been a well-planned trap.

The dangers of this world had once again shattered Tifa’s expectations.

She wondered what those who captured her wanted, what awaited her, whether the captain could find her, and if she had any chance to escape.

Powerless, she curled up on the floor, hugging her knees like a helpless child.

At that moment, the cabin door opened.

Instinctively, Tifa looked up to see a cloaked figure wearing a white mask (2B) entering, followed by a finely dressed gentleman draped in a fur coat and a golden mask (Jasper).

“So this is your so-called ‘premium merchandise’?” The gentleman’s voice was sharp, as if strained, as his gaze appraised the crouching Tifa, as if seeing right through her clothes, lingering on her well-built figure.

“Not much to look at. Except for the big chest, nothing special... Dumb and busty, huh? No wonder you got caught by them.”

Chapter Text

"Yes, honored sir," the cloaked figure said in a cold, mechanical voice. "She is an exceptional fighter, a wild young mare with a strong body. I believe taming her will bring you considerable pleasure."

“Who are you? What do you want?” Tifa snapped, furious. She felt like nothing more than a commodity on display, an object to be examined, judged, and sold by her so-called “owners.”

Crack!

A sharp snap exploded near Tifa’s feet, blowing the nearby dry hay into dust. She jumped in surprise.

The cloaked man wielded a whip lined with barbs.

“Slave,” he said icily, glancing at her, “I hope you realize your place now. Next time, this whip won’t miss.”

“Bastards!” Tifa ground her teeth, her beautiful almond eyes burning with fury.

Just as the cloaked man raised the whip to strike her hard, a young nobleman stepped forward and stopped him.

“Don’t damage such beautiful skin,” the nobleman said slowly, advancing on Tifa. “It would be such a shame if a blemish ruined that flawless beauty. Heh heh heh…”

“What do you want?” Tifa backed away half a step. “If you come any closer, I won’t hold back!”

“Be careful, sir,” the cloaked man warned. “She’s wild.”

“That’s exactly what I like, wild is the real flavor.” The nobleman reached out with a gloved hand and gently stroked Tifa’s healthy, rosy cheek.

Tifa flinched and dodged, her eyes full of disgust and anger.

“She’s in perfect health,” the cloaked man continued. “If you buy her, sir, she’ll give birth to one for you in less than a year.”

“Indeed,” the nobleman said, trailing his hand down her neck and chest, suddenly grabbing one of her large breasts with a squeeze.

“Such a big one, imagine how big it’ll grow after giving birth. She’ll produce so much milk, you won’t be able to drink it all.”

“You can help with that,” the cloaked man said.

“I mean I couldn’t possibly drink it all,” the nobleman laughed.

“Bastard!” Tifa snapped. She ignored the consequences and unleashed a fierce side kick aimed at his head.

But the nobleman was no weakling. Though the kick was fierce enough to push him half a step sideways, he caught her foot with one hand and pressed forward, pushing her leg against her shoulder, pinning her against the wall in a split.

Because she was wearing a skirt, not only were her strong, muscular legs exposed, but even the purity covered by her undergarments was on full display.

“Well done, fighter,” the nobleman said with a leer. “Such flexibility makes for many interesting... possibilities. And this shape, heh heh, perfect for childbirth. Five babies in six years would be no problem.”

“She’s still a virgin, sir,” the cloaked man interjected. “I checked thoroughly. Absolutely clean.”

“Good! Good! That’s exactly what I like.”

“I swear I’ll never forgive you,” Tifa trembled with rage. “When my captain finds you...”

“Hahaha,” the nobleman laughed. “By the time your captain shows up, I’ll be long gone. You should blame yourself for being so careless and falling into someone else’s trap.”

The nobleman released her just in time, stopping before he took things further, but not before slapping her perfectly shaped body once more.

“Take her to my ship. I’m going to enjoy this thoroughly. Hahaha…”

“Yes, sir,” the cloaked man said, stepping forward to bind Tifa’s hands with rope and remove the shackles, then pushing her toward the ship’s hold.