One Piece: Flirty System

The collapse of Arlong's castle had kicked up a thick cloud of dust, blanketing everyone nearby.

A small stone bounced off Zoro's head, and he scowled, clearly annoyed. "Is that your swordsmanship? Anyone can hack and slash. And you call that a chrysanthemum slash?"

Lynn sneered. "Some people just don't have vision. Didn't you see? I sliced right down the center."

Before Zoro could retort, a little boy suddenly ran up to him, eyes shining with excitement.

"Big brother, you were so cool just now! I want to be just like you someday. Can you take me out to sea?"

Lynn looked the kid up and down. What kind of joke was this? Take him out to sea?

But then Lynn caught sight of the boy's hat—a certain straw hat Luffy usually wore—and a mischievous grin crept across his face.

Clearing his throat, Lynn crouched down and gently ruffled the boy's hair. "Wait here a moment."

With a flick, Lynn swapped to a fake beard from the system and stuck it onto his face. He released a small but commanding aura, drawing curious looks.

"So, what's your name, young man?"

Luffy, who'd come running up, interrupted, "Hey! Who are you? Where's Lynn?"

Lynn lightly kicked Luffy aside and turned back to the boy, still smiling. "Ignore him. Now, what's your name?"

The boy blinked in confusion. "My name's Crossy."

Lynn's expression softened, mirroring the moment Shanks handed Luffy the straw hat. "Crossy, you're too young to sail the seas. We won't take you with us just yet."

He switched hats with another from the system—a crisp white Adidas cap—and placed it on Crossy's head.

"I heard your parents suffered under Arlong's rule. You've got to be strong. This hat is my most precious treasure. It's been with me through countless battles and desperate times. When Luffy asked for it, I was reluctant to give it up. But now, I entrust it to you."

"Crossy, this hat isn't just a hat. When you're lonely, it's your companion. When you're lost, it's your guiding light. When you're hurt, it's the medicine that heals."

"When you become a great adventurer—or better yet, an excellent pick-up artist—you'll return this hat to me. Deal?"

Luffy stood beside them, black lines of disbelief streaking across his face. This scene was all too familiar—and hilarious. But was everything Lynn said true?

"Wow, Lynn, you're amazing!" Luffy suddenly exclaimed, touched.

The villagers around them began crying, moved by the moment.

"So touching and romantic!"

"Lynn, you're a real man!"

"What a beautiful speech! So heartfelt…"

Lynn was confused. The villagers were so moved that he almost believed it himself.

Crossy raised his head, tears streaming down, and declared loudly, "Lynn, I promise to take good care of this hat! It's my partner now. Before I return it to you, I will keep it safe!"

Lynn nodded and smiled, wordless, then stood and waved his hand, walking away with the confident stride of a real man. No more pretending—he was satisfied.

Moments later, Crossy shouted after him, "Lynn, I've decided—I will become the Adventure King someday!"

Lynn nearly stumbled. Damn! He'd gotten way too into this role. If he now told the boy it was all a joke, the psychological damage would be huge.

Feeling queasy, Lynn forced a warm smile and turned back.

"Oh? Adventure King? So you want to surpass us?"

Crossy nodded firmly. "Yes! I'll find partners stronger than you and beat you all. I will definitely be the Adventure King!"

Sanji, Zoro, Nami, and the others exchanged strange looks. Pirate King? Adventure King? Somehow, it sounded… interesting.

Luffy, initially moved, now frowned. Imitation is shameful! Piracy is forbidden! We must protest!

Lynn's mood soured. From Crossy's words, he knew the kid was serious. But with his normal human body, wouldn't he drown at sea?

Lynn wanted to give him some supernatural skill but, sadly, the system forbade devil fruits, skills, or items to anyone but the host.

So Lynn kept pretending and said, "I believe in you."

Suddenly, an inappropriate laugh echoed.

"Chichichi… Are you all pirates? All that treasure has been confiscated."

Colonel Mouse, the sea area's enforcer, strode over, flanked by subordinates. He'd come to negotiate with Arlong but ended up gaining quite a haul—and no reason not to seize it.

Want to confiscate all that treasure? Impossible!

Nami stepped forward first. "Those treasures belong to the villagers. You have no right to take them!"

Lynn nudged the dazed Luffy. "Luffy, if you want fame, come out and introduce yourself. Then beat up that rat colonel! I guarantee you'll be known worldwide!"

Luffy's eyes gleamed. He rushed over to Nami.

"My name is Monkey D. Luffy, and I'm the man who's going to be Pirate King. And you are?"

Colonel Mouse laughed, "Pirate King? You really don't know your place. Did you beat Arlong?"

Luffy nodded fiercely. "Yes, I did."

Usopp wanted to join the talk but Lynn whispered, "Know the rules. Let the captain show off first."

Sanji asked, "If we beat him, will we become famous too?"

Lynn nodded. "Just follow my lead later, and I promise you'll all get bounties!"

Nami rolled her eyes. "Do you know how serious it is to have a bounty on your head?"

Lynn hugged Nami's waist, grinning. "As pirates, no bounty means no dignity!"

Colonel Mouse's men raised their guns at Luffy.

Lynn, Sanji, and Usopp stood behind Luffy, and the two sides faced off again.

If Luffy had his way, only he would get a bounty—but Lynn was not about to let that happen. He unleashed his Conqueror's Haki, stunning the gunmen and robbing them of the will to fight.

Then Lynn shouted, "Everyone, beat him up!"

"I told you to shut up, you stinky rat…"

"You stole my treasures! They all belong to me!"

"Hey, stinky rat! Look closely—my name is Sanji, and I'm gonna kick your ass!"

Colonel Mouse wailed, "I don't want the treasure anymore! Just please let me go!"

Lynn yelled, "Then hurry up! And remember, the ones who'll be beating you up are the Straw Hat Pirates!"

As Colonel Mouse fled, he shouted back, "I'll remember you, Straw Hats! You're in big trouble! Just wait—I'll be back!"

Lynn picked up Arlong's shoes, aimed at the retreating colonel, and shouted, "Go, Pikachu!"

Bingo…

-End Chapter-

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