On the vast ocean, several black specks moved slowly across the horizon.
This was a merchant caravan from a small nation, traveling between the New World and Paradise. Crews aboard these ships were almost always replaced—some died, while others made a profit. Of course, those who profited were a rare minority; far more perished at the hands of pirates.
Inside a cabin on one of the merchant ships…
Yuno lay in bed, just waking up.
A day ago, Yuno had arrived in the pirate world.
Like many travelers across dimensions, he possessed an essential cheat: a "Super Check-In System." However, it hadn't successfully bound to him until now.
Yuno quickly familiarized himself with the system's functions: Daily Check-In and Task Check-In.
Daily Check-Ins required his active participation, while Task Check-Ins were triggered passively and at random.
> [Super Check-In System]
> Bound User: Yuno
> Daily Check-In: 1
> Task Check-In: None
> Inventory: Empty
Yuno couldn't bear to look at the sparse system interface. He was a complete beginner—worse than a novice.
He knew all too well how dangerous the pirate world was, especially for someone with no strength to speak of.
And this was the New World—the most treacherous and perilous sea region in the entire ocean. The pirates here were vicious, brutal, and overwhelmingly powerful.
Fortunately, the Daily Check-In offered Yuno his only glimmer of hope. Without hesitation, he chose to check in.
> "Ding! Today's check-in is successful!"
> "Host has completed the first day of check-in in the Pirate World. Reward: Newbie Gift Pack!"
Yuno rolled his eyes inwardly. So the system finally acknowledges I'm a beginner.
> "Use the Newbie Gift Pack!"
> "Ding! Host has used the Newbie Gift Pack and received:
> – Three Physical Enhancement Pills
> – One Devil Fruit"
> "Rewards have been stored in your inventory. You may review their descriptions at any time."
Yuno's heart leapt with excitement. These were exactly the items he needed to rapidly boost his strength.
> "Check item descriptions!"
He opened the system panel, navigated to his inventory, and examined the two rewards.
> Physical Enhancement Pills:
> Strengthen tendons, cleanse marrow, build muscle and bone, enhance physical strength, and comprehensively improve overall fitness.
> Logia-Type: Flame-Flame Fruit – Blue Lotus Earth Core Fire Variant
> This Flame-Flame Fruit has been system-enhanced, infused with a wisp of essence from a primordial "Strange Fire," transforming it into the Blue Lotus Earth Core Fire Form.
Yuno sat bolt upright.
It was a logia-type Devil Fruit—and not just any variant. The system had strengthened it by fusing it with a legendary Strange Fire, born of heaven and earth itself. Even a trace of such fire possessed temperatures far exceeding ordinary flames, dramatically amplifying the fruit's power.
And the Physical Enhancement Pills? They offered full-spectrum physical improvement—the essential first step toward true strength.
In the world of pirates, whether wielding Devil Fruit abilities or mastering the Three Colors of Haki, all power stemmed from one's physical foundation. Strength was the wellspring of everything.
With this realization, Yuno made up his mind. A pill materialized in his palm—perfectly round and gleaming white.
Wow, even the system's products look premium!
He swallowed it without hesitation.
A warm current surged through his abdomen, spreading steadily throughout his body. Waves of tingling numbness followed, and his physique began to change.
His once-ordinary frame now bore sleek, defined musculature—and he stood half a head taller than before.
While feeling amazed, Yuno took the remaining two pills of physical-strengthening medicine. After the effects wore off, he clenched his fists. As his muscles contracted, he could clearly feel that his strength had increased more than tenfold.
Yuno didn't stop there. A green, lotus-shaped fruit appeared in his hand, and he took another bite.
Eh? This Devil Fruit isn't as unpalatable as I imagined. In fact, it's incredibly sweet and juicy!
His eyes lit up. He devoured it in one breath, then licked his lips—still feeling a little unsatisfied.
If anyone who had eaten a Devil Fruit had witnessed this, they would have been utterly stunned. They'd never seen someone with such an intense palate!
"Blue Lotus Earth Core Fire!"
After swallowing the fruit, a fragment of knowledge surfaced in Yuno's mind. With a mere thought, his right hand became enveloped in a ball of green flame. The room's temperature spiked instantly, and all the wooden furnishings began to emit faint wisps of smoke.
Feeling the combined effects of the physical enhancement and his new fruit ability, Yuno couldn't help but smile happily.
This heat isn't much lower than volcanic lava—and it'll only grow stronger as I develop it.
Now, he finally had the means to protect himself at sea. With the help of the system, it was only a matter of time before he stood at the pinnacle of the pirate world.
Thinking of the legendary warriors of the sea from the original story, Yuno's heart swelled with fighting spirit. He couldn't wait to test his strength against them!
Bang!
Boom!
The thunderous roar of cannon fire exploded in Yuno's ears.
Immediately afterward, the entire ship shook violently.
"Ah! Ah! Pirates are coming!"
"It's the Rocks Pirates! We're doomed this time…"
"Run! Run! I don't want to die!"
Panic erupted among the passengers. Shouts, screams, and cries filled the air in chaotic succession.
The caravan leader's commands went completely ignored. Seeing the massive pirate ship already looming close, he trembled uncontrollably, despair creeping into his heart.
Ahead of the merchant convoy loomed a colossal vessel flying the infamous banner of the Rocks Pirates. On its deck, pirates waved their weapons with ferocious grins, their eyes gleaming with undisguised greed and cruelty.
"Aha! Looks like we're in for another great haul today!"
"Look at those ladies trembling—so satisfying!"
"Gas, you'll die on a woman's belly one of these days…"
"Compared to women, I prefer white Bailey…"
A burly pirate named Gas seemed to be the ship's leader. He leered lewdly at some of the women in the caravan, his eyes burning red with lust.
"Leave it to me, Gas, to welcome them properly!"
Yanking a massive blade from the deck, Gas leapt down with momentum and swung it downward in a brutal arc.
The entire merchant crew shut their eyes in terror.
Boom!
Sizzle!
Sizzle!
The air filled with searing heat!
A wave of intense flame melted Gas's blade mid-swing. Molten metal dripped onto the deck, scorching deep black marks into the wood.
"He… he stopped him!"
"It's Yuno—he's incredible!"
"It's so hot! What's happening?!"
Everyone aboard broke into a sweat under the oppressive heat.
Blue flame!
Yuno had appeared without warning, his blazing hands intercepting the descending blade.
"Your strength isn't that impressive, is it?" he said coolly, gazing at Gas.
The Blue Lotus Core Fire still flickered around his right hand. He raised an eyebrow slightly, as if genuinely surprised.
"You really don't know your place!" Gas snarled. "You ruined my mood, brat! Do you think you can judge my strength?"
"Even if I'm just a trainee crewman of the Rocks Pirates, it's not for some greenhorn like you to boss me around!"
Furious at this unknown youth who'd dared interfere, Gas let out a savage laugh. "Men! Start killing!"
"Ahahaha!"
The other pirates, electrified by the command, leapt from their ship one after another, eager to tear the merchant vessel—and everyone on it—to pieces.
In the New World, the Rocks Pirates symbolized the strongest and wealthiest pirate crew—a dream for countless aspiring pirates to join.
As a trainee, Gas did possess some skill… but he was far too overconfident.
Yuno had initially only wanted to intimidate them into retreating.
"Hmph!"
"Then don't blame me for being rude."
His eyes turned icy. A chilling aura of killing intent radiated from him.
"Ding! Mission check-in triggered!"
> "The path to the top of the world is paved with encounters against powerful beings. To facilitate interaction between the host and these formidable figures, please officially join either the Marine Headquarters or the Rocks Pirates. Upon successful enrollment and check-in, you will receive your reward!"
The sudden system prompt left Yuno momentarily stunned.