Chapter 12: The Gusa Pirate Crew

I clenched my fist tightly and raised my Haoshoku (Conqueror’s Haki) with determination.

In an instant, my forearm hardened. The Haoshoku aura gradually spread across my arm, even beginning to darken the small knife I was holding, turning it pitch black.

It wasn’t quite at the level of the Eternal Black Sword, but I had reached a similar level of mastery.

(TL NOTE : Eternal Black Sword is a reference to an extremely high level of swordsmanship in the One Piece world)

And at just 9 years old!!

Seeing this, Nyong Granny could no longer ignore the situation.

“Hancock.”

“…What is it, Nyong Granny?”

“You, would you be willing to join the Kusa Pirates?”

(TL NOTE : Kusa Pirates is an all-female pirate crew from the One Piece universe, originating from Amazon Lily.)

“What??”

I stood there dumbfounded, unable to fully process Nyong Granny’s words.

She must know that I’m only 9 years old, right?

Even so, telling a 9-year-old to venture out to sea seemed more extreme than anything the original Hancock experienced.

If I recall correctly, the original Hancock left at around 15 or 16 years old and was sold into slavery by the Celestial Dragons.

Knowing this, would she really think I should go out there?

If I were captured by the Celestial Dragons, I would rather die.

Or perhaps, I’d stop playing altogether and be left alone.

I had even thought about it that way, so I had no intention of going out before I turned 20.

Yet, seeing Nyong Granny tell me to go out, I couldn’t help but feel bewildered. She seemed to care for me, so why this sudden change?

Was I misunderstanding something? I couldn’t help but wonder if she had gone mad.

“Ugh! You didn’t misunderstand! I’m asking you now, Hancock, if you want to leave this island and join the pirates!”

“Are you crazy? I’m still only 9 years old!”

“I know. But you possess strength that’s unimaginable for a 9-year-old.”

“…Oh… is that so?”

Nyong Granny nodded firmly.

“I’ll tell you this: this island, even the entire Amazon Lily, is too small for you! If you stay here, you’ll only waste your potential and your growth will stagnate.

But if you go out into that vast sea, your potential will explode and you’ll grow like never before! Who knows, you might even become the Pirate King of the seas!!!”

“Pirate King…”

“There’s nothing left for you to learn here! That’s why I’m asking you: will you go out? If you can, you’ll gain all sorts of experiences and grow even stronger!”

Her words stirred something within me. After all, the reason I came to the One Piece world in the first place was to gain strength.

It was the same reason I wanted to become powerful in other worlds too.

Nyong Granny’s words had the effect of pushing me forward.

‘…Thinking about it, since this is just a game, I can always abandon it if it doesn’t work out… Maybe I’ll go.’

With the power I had built up, I felt confident I could make a difference in this world. Moreover, to eat a Devil Fruit, I’d need to go out into the world…

‘Now that I think about it, this is exactly the period when the original story takes place.’

It was the time when Pirate King Gol D. Roger was going to be executed. I even started to consider watching that spectacle.

And so, after being swayed by Nyong Granny’s words, I finally made up my mind…

“Okay, Nyong Granny! I’ll go out as you said! But if I die, I’ll definitely blame you!!!”

“With your skills, you won’t die so easily. I’ll make sure to tell the Kusa Pirates. Prepare yourself!”

“Got it!”

I quickly packed my things, as Nyong Granny instructed, and waited. Soon, the Kusa Pirates returned from a successful raid, and under Nyong Granny’s guidance, I headed toward them.

“Please take care of this child. She’s going to be the next queen!!”

“If Gloriosa says so, then…”

“Is she really that capable? Isn’t she too young?”

“Yes. She doesn’t need to go out at such a young age…”

Only one of the three leaders of the Kusa Pirates nodded respectfully to Nyong Granny’s words.

The other two glanced worriedly at the 9-year-old Hancock standing behind her, clearly concerned.

It was understandable. A child like her heading out to the dangerous seas was something to worry about.

However, Nyong Granny just nodded as if she understood their concern.

But there was no need for concern. I wasn’t an ordinary child.

“There’s no need to worry. Hancock, show them your strength.”

“Got it.”

At Nyong Granny’s words, I unsheathed my sword, which I had tied to my back, and pointed it toward the sea.

─Whoooooosh!!

First form of Flower Breathing: The Blazing Wind!!

With that, I swung my sword toward the sea, unleashing a series of sharp blades that seemed to cut through the air like waves crashing.

The three leaders were left stunned, their eyes widening as they watched.

As the blades sliced through the water with a loud, splintering sound, the ocean floor was briefly exposed, and they couldn’t help but gasp in amazement.

“How is it? Didn’t I tell you I recommended you to the Kusa Pirates for a good reason?”

“…Wow, that’s incredible. No wonder Gloryosa said she’s the next queen.”

“Agreed! With this strength, she’s definitely worthy!”

“She may look young, but to be this strong… The next Amazon Lily will surely be prosperous!”

The leaders of the Kusa Pirates cheered, accepting my presence into their crew.

And just like that, I became a member of the Kusa Pirates.

“Take care, and make sure to gain as much experience as you can out there. Grow even stronger!”

“Thank you, Nyong Granny! I’ll be back!”

With Nyong Granny’s farewell, I set sail for the first time, leaving the island.

The Kusa Pirates, after finishing their preparations, unfurled their sails and began the journey ahead.

“Kusa Pirates! Set sail!!”

“Let’s gooo!!!”

“Set sail! Control the Sea Kings!!!”

The Kusa Pirates, made up of three ships, were preparing to set sail, each with a Sea King attached to the front, and they began to tie their reins to the Sea Kings to get ready.

I couldn’t help but be in awe at the sight. The Sea Kings, which looked like enormous dinosaurs, exuded an oppressive force that was beyond description.

‘This is a Sea King… And they use it to pull their ships? This is really the world of One Piece…’

Realizing this, I took a deep breath and climbed aboard the Kusa Pirates’ ship, ready to introduce myself.

“Alright, I’m the new member who’s joining today!! Don’t underestimate me just because I’m young! As you saw, I can make the sea split open with my sword!!”

“Whoooa!! That’s amazing!”

“Who is this kid? Whose daughter is she to have such power?”

“She’s so young, yet so strong! The next queen, for sure!”

One of the three captains, a lively woman with yellow hair and bikini armor, introduced me to the rest of the crew.

I bowed politely, and soon, the three captains introduced themselves as well.

“First, I’m Bellusa. Nice to meet you, Boa Hancock.”

A beautiful woman with black hair and a calm demeanor, dressed in a tank top and shorts, introduced herself as the first captain of the Kusa Pirates.

She was said to be the best fighter in the crew.

Next, a lively woman with short yellow hair and a leopard-like energy patted my back and grinned.

“I’m Grenda! Nice to meet you, newbie!!”

Lastly, there was a warm and motherly figure with brown hair, who gently patted my head.

“Hello, I’m Breina. If you ever need help with anything, don’t hesitate to call. I know you’re strong, but you’re still young. You’ll probably need an adult’s help sometimes…”

“Thank you.”

With Breina’s comforting, motherly gesture, I finished the introductions and began my life as a member of the Kusa Pirates.