...
Lucas stepped forward, examining Yosaku condition before turning to Johnny. "If I'm not mistaken, he has scurvy."
"Scurvy? Big sis, what's that?" Johnny asked excitedly.
'Big sis?'
Lucas sighed, rubbing his temples. 'Too much to explain. Not worth it.'
"Luffy, Usopp," he called out instead. "Grab the oranges from our ship and give them to him."
"Got it!"
The two, knowing they'd messed up earlier, hurried off without complaint.
Nami knelt beside Yosaku, checking his symptoms before nodding. "Lucas is right. It's scurvy, common among sailors who lack plant-based nutrients. A few days of oranges should fix it."
"Ohhh, so that's it!" Johnny exhaled in relief.
Nami scowled. "This is basic sailing knowledge! How do you two even survive at sea?"
Soon, Luffy and Usopp returned, shoving green-skinned oranges into Yosaku's mouth like he was a garbage disposal.
"Luffy, Usopp," Lucas deadpanned. "If the scurvy doesn't kill him, you will."
The moment he spoke, Yosaku's eyes snapped open wide and alert as if he'd been electrocuted. He sprang to his feet.
"Partner!"
"Partner!"
The two grown men spun in circles like overexcited children. Lucas stared, baffled.
'Is everyone in this world insane?'
'Or am I the weird one?'
'No, definitely them. Adults shouldn't hop around like this.'
Nami gaped. "Wait, how are you already better?!"
Hearing her, Johnny and Yosaku froze mid-spin, suddenly adopting serious expressions.
"Let me introduce myself," Yosaku said, voice grave. "I am Yosaku."
"And I am Johnny."
"We're pirate hunters just like Zoro."
Lucas rolled his eyes at their dramatic shift.
'Ah, the legendary "Sword God" and "Sword Saint."'
'If not for Luffy holding them back, Hawkeye might've actually died in East Blue.'
"I know you two," Lucas said dryly. "Johnny the Sword Saint and Yosaku the Sword God."
They blinked, then...
"Whoa… this title...!"
"It fits us perfectly! Hahaha! So badass! As expected of Big Sis!"
'Big Sis?!'
Lucas kicked both of them. "I'm a guy, you idiots! Call me Big Bro or nothing!"
"Y-Yes, Big Bro!" They bowed in unison.
Zoro, leaning against the railing, shot Lucas a glance at the title but stayed silent.
Thud.
"Partner!!!" Yosaku collapsed again.
Lucas sighed. "Johnny, just let him rest."
That Night – Cabin Meeting
"Sailing's way more unpredictable than I thought," Lucas mused. "We need better prep."
Nami nodded. "Lesson learned."
Luffy, mouth full of food, slammed his fists on the table. "We need a chef!"
Usopp perked up. "Yeah! Fresh meals every day? No more scurvy!"
Zoro grunted in agreement unaware this future chef would become his eternal rival.
Johnny, silent until now, suddenly spoke up. "If you want a chef… I know a place."
"Where?!" Luffy's eyes sparkled.
Johnny stroked his chin, feigning wisdom. "It's very close to the Grand Line, and there are always rumors that Big Brother is looking for Hawkeye..."
"You mean the Baratie?" Lucas cut in, done with the theatrics. "The sea restaurant?"
"Big Bro!" Johnny wailed. "You ruined my moment!"
Ignoring him, Lucas continued, "Our current heading's north-northeast. Baratie's got the best chef in East Blue."
Luffy grinned. "Then we're going!"
Johnny, now irrelevant, crumpled to the floor in tears.
Lucas patted his head. "Go take care of your partner."
"Partner!!"
Watching Johnny drag Yosaku away, Lucas shook his head.
Later, the night was quiet, the crew asleep except for Zoro on watch. Lucas leaned against the railing, staring at the moon.
"System… can I go back to Earth?"
[Yes. This system is omnipotent.]
'Hah. Trash system's all talk.'
[Ding! Host's emotional fluctuation detected. Mood value +1.]
'That triggered it? Guess leveling up won't take long.'
'Imagine spamming Edo Tensei here. Wouldn't that be broken?'
'Wait...if I collect relics of legends like Whitebeard…'
'Would the world's strongest end up as my puppets?'
He shook his head, cutting off the power fantasy.
"System, how do I return?"
[Ding! Host and system permissions insufficient.]
"You scammed me!"
[Incorrect. System is omnipotent, but Host's level is too low. Grow stronger, and all becomes possible.]
"Hah! So you're not omnipotent—just a glorified motivational speaker."
Disappointed, Lucas lay back. Other systems granted instant power. His? Empty promises.
'Whatever.'
The sea breeze brushed past as he closed his eyes.
'Next stop: Sanji.'
'Time to taste the food that'll make me betray Nami's cooking.'
Then a thought struck him. He pulled out his phone, aimed at the sky.
Click.
The boys dorm on the Going Merry was cramped. Lucas preferred the open deck anyway.
Tonight, the breeze was just right.
.....