The main reason I go on adventures, the thing I value most, is experience.
I'm talking about experiences and knowledge I can't get just from reading books or documents—what you might call "experiential data." That's why I brave the treacherous waters of the Grand Line, traveling far and wide to see things with my own eyes, touch them with my own hands, and live through it all firsthand.
Even hunting pirates as a bounty hunter contributes, since I get to read their logbooks and other documents. Though I wouldn't exactly call that a "true" firsthand experience.
When I have a really good "experience," my intellectual curiosity sparks, and that ignites my writing urge! I seize the moment, grabbing my pen before the excitement fades, and start working on a new novel.
Because I write with such momentum, my style and everything else tends to be influenced by the mood of the moment.
Even after a particularly vivid experience, that "fire" would burn for weeks. I'd find myself writing every day, churning out enough words to fill a novel. Honestly, there's nothing quite like firsthand experience.
That's why I'm always researching and scouting for promising places to have new adventures.
Still, I can't be on the road all the time.
Even I'd burn out eventually, and both time and money are limited. You have to use them wisely.
Between adventures, I take time to rest, recharge, and sometimes even focus on my writing. If a bounty target shows up during those downtime periods, I'll hunt them down to cover living expenses and fund my next expedition.
Think of it as a period of preparation, both mental and physical, for my next major adventure.
And right now, I'm smack-dab in the middle of that recharging phase.
"Ah... This is heavenly. There's nothing like soaking up to your shoulders in a proper hot bath..."
After a long, relaxing soak in the inn's hot bath, I changed into a bathrobe and settled onto the living room sofa.
I opened the window, letting in a cool, refreshing breeze.
The inn I was staying at was one of the finest in town, though not quite the very best. Naturally, the price was fairly steep.
But it was an amount I could easily afford.
Just earlier, I'd turned in a bounty target to the Marines and cashed it in.
Captured alive and neutralized, he netted me exactly 36 million Berry. Plus, I got to keep all the treasure and loot he'd been hoarding, so my pockets were feeling quite comfortable.
Bounty hunting really pays well, especially during this Great Pirate Era. The Grand Line is swarming with pirates carrying bounties—it's like shooting fish in a barrel.
If we can keep pulling off heists like this, snagging treasure so easily, it'll be like shooting fish in a barrel.
Of course, it's undeniably dangerous. One slip-up and we could end up dead, or worse... something far more terrible than death.
Especially for a girl like me.
Not to brag, but I'm pretty confident I've grown into someone quite... no, very attractive. I've gotten taller since my "Elite Slave" days, and let's just say I've filled out nicely in all the right places.
As for my face... hmm. Personally, I think I'm more cute than beautiful.
My hair's still shoulder-length, but it's grown a bit longer, now reaching just below my collarbones. It's thick and voluminous, which is both a blessing and a curse. If I don't brush and style it properly, it tends to puff out sideways, which can be a bit of a hassle.
To top it off, my usual clothes are fairly revealing and form-fitting.
Not that I have some weird fetish or anything... I just prioritize comfort and freedom of movement, okay?
And when I say "revealing," I don't mean plunging necklines or anything like that. It's mostly just my arms and legs that are exposed. I mean, I'm wearing pants, for crying out loud!
My go-to outfit is a sleeveless cutaway shirt with a long vest covered in pockets. I pair it with jeans-like capri pants and sturdy boots. It's the most practical thing for getting around.
I can layer up or add accessories and gear as needed.
Okay, I'm getting off-topic about fashion, but the point is, when you're on a pirate ship filled almost entirely with men—or, let's be honest, entirely men—you tend to get some... interesting looks.
If I screw this up, I'll end up in a real mess—the kind I wouldn't want my kids to see.
Luckily, I've managed to keep things mostly under control so far.
Well, no point dwelling on that now.
I took a long, relaxing bath, and the sun's already set. I guess I'll just chill in my room for the rest of the day.
I ordered dinner through room service and picked up today's newspaper while I waited.
I'd been out since morning chasing that bounty target, so I hadn't had a chance to read it yet.
Let's see what's in the news... Whoa!?
"Archaeological Island Ohara Annihilated..." So, it's happening right now.
If this happened, it means Robin's life on the run must be starting. Wait... ah, figures. There's a wanted poster tucked inside.
"Demon Child" Nico Robin... 79 million Berries for such a small girl? The World Government really goes too far, especially when they twist the truth like that.
Well, this happened in the West Blue, far from here, so it's not really my problem.
Truthfully, I've always wanted to visit a place like that—a haven for scholars brimming with forbidden knowledge.
Even if it wasn't strictly illegal stuff, there'd probably be tons of fascinating lore and records.
But it's not exactly a casual trip, and attracting attention from the World Government or the Marines would be a nightmare. So I quickly dropped the idea.
Maybe someday I could visit the ruins as a tourist? Though I doubt there'd be anything left by then.
And then... oh, this is getting a lot of coverage too.
"Golden Lion" Shiki remains at large after his escape from the Great Prison Impel Down. Marine Headquarters has apparently abandoned the search in the surrounding areas.
The escape itself was reported a while back, and it was front-page news everywhere. The supposedly impregnable undersea prison that had never allowed a single escape had finally been breached.
Impel Down... an undersea prison, huh?
"Maybe I should write a 'Prison Break'-style novel? ...Nah, I'd probably get in trouble."
Even as entertainment, anything that could damage the image of the Marines or the World Government would likely draw criticism. And even without official pressure, publishers would probably self-censor anyway.
Honestly though, I'm actually pretty interested in Impel Down itself.
I'd absolutely hate to end up there as a prisoner, but if I could, I'd love to see the inside... to investigate, to observe, to turn it into an experience.
Being completely cut off from the outside world like that, I bet it's brimming with unimaginable knowledge and experiences you couldn't find anywhere else!
...Well, I could do without the torture-related experiences.
But it's probably impossible anyway. In the One Piece original work, I remember them saying it's a facility where even approaching is strictly forbidden to outsiders. Even when Hancock of the Shichibukai went for a "visit," she was under heavy surveillance. There's practically no chance a regular person like me could ever get in.
Oh! There's also an article about the Kuja.
But... the captain's name isn't Shakuyaku anymore.
Did she retire and pass on the title? If so, she must be at Sabaody Archipelago by now, right?
If that's the case, I can't just go visit her... it's too far.
Still, I'd like to see her someday. She helped me out so much, and I'd want to say hello, let her know I'm still alive, all sorts of things.
Well, I guess I'll just have to be patient and wait for that day to come.
As I was pondering this, room service arrived.
I'd ordered a seafood gratin loaded with seafood.
When I lifted the cover, a cloud of warm steam rose up. It looked freshly made and utterly delicious.
Carefully avoiding burning my tongue, I continued reading the newspaper.
Then, in the events section, something caught my eye:
"Fireworks Island 'Fireworks'—Annual Grand Fireworks Festival Approaching... Sounds interesting."
Looking closer, I saw the festival was just around the corner, but the island seemed surprisingly spacious and not too crowded.
...Oh! It looks like there's a regular tourist ferry from this island. It's a bit pricey since it's peak season, but I don't really mind.
Fireworks... It's been ages since I last saw any after my reincarnation.
Sure, I've seen pirate ships and Marine cannons exploding now and then, but as a former Japanese person, I really miss those gunpowder masterpieces painting the night sky.
That *boom!* The way the air vibrates, that electric tingle in your gut... Nostalgic.
Looks like there'll be food stalls too. I could enjoy a proper festival vibe. Alright, let's go!
Hopefully, this will give me some experience to write about!
To be continued...