Summoner in One Piece

Chapter 71: Chapter 71: Getting new crew Members



The inn room buzzed with the quiet satisfaction of a successful venture. Alex, Erza, Tsunade, and Olvia gathered, a map of Virelio Port spread across the table. "That was quite the haul," Olvia said, a satisfied smirk on her face. "More than enough for our needs."

"Indeed," Alex affirmed, his gaze already fixed on the South Sector on the map. "Our next step is clear. We need a ship that's not just magnificent, but versatile capable of exploration, combat, and carrying us through whatever this world throws our way."

They made their way to the Shipbuilding Quarter in the South Sector. The air here was thick with the scent of freshly cut timber, tar, and hot metal. The rhythmic clang of hammers on steel and the shouts of shipwrights filled the vast space. They found a discreet shipyard and met Master Kaito, a grizzled old man with hands like gnarled oak.

Alex outlined his vision: a vessel that was fast, durable, versatile, and easily upgradable for future modifications. Kaito stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Young Man, for such needs, we have a few ready-made ships here you can inspect, or if you're first-timers to the sea, I'd recommend a sturdy second-hand vessel. They're often quite reliable and cost-effective."

They inspected the ready-made ships, but none were to Alex's liking, lacking the specific qualities he sought. He also firmly denied the suggestion of a second-hand vessel. "We are not 'first-timers,' Mr. Kaito," Alex stated, his voice firm. "And we need a ship built for the challenges ahead, not one that's merely 'reliable.' We need it quickly, too. Is there truly nothing else you can offer in a short period, say, a few days?"

Kaito's eyes narrowed, a subtle glint appearing. He leaned in conspiratorially. "Well, if time is paramount, and you desire a truly formidable vessel in such a short timeframe, there are... other means. We can try getting a Marine ship, with a backhand deal and later it can be diverted and modified to your specifications." He hinted at a black market contact.

Soon after, they found themselves in a clandestine meeting with a shadowy figure known only as 'The Broker,' and, surprisingly, a representative from the Kingdom of Eldracia's royal family, who discreetly oversaw the Marine shipbuilding contracts. 

Olvia, with her sharp wit and formidable negotiation skills, took the lead. The discussions were tense, the price sharp, but in the end, an agreement was reached: they would acquire one of the best East Blue Marine warships currently being built. Kaito was commissioned to immediately revamp the ship, transforming its appearance to resemble the sleek, the Jackdaw from Alex's memories, and meticulously removing or changing anything that could possibly identify it as a Marine vessel.

While the ship was being modified, each member of the group focused on their own preparations. 

Tsunade spent her days at local infirmaries, acquiring necessary medical supplies and immersing herself in the unique medical practices of the One Piece world. 

Erza, meanwhile, dedicated her time to gathering intelligence on pirate crews currently active in the East Blue, their bounties, and their known territories. 

Olvia continued their lucrative inter-world trade operations, efficiently utilizing Tsunade's clones and her own storage scroll, while also gathering valuable tools and intel on the Grand Line and current events. 

Alex, for his part, focused on training his summons; he spent hours with Acronix and Happy, making Acronix hunt and kill fish in the nearby waters to gain combat experience and levels. During this time, Alex also made a discreet deal with Tsunade: they would target specific individuals from the black market for robberies.

After a few intense days, the newly modified ship, now a sleek, dark frigate, was loaded with supplies and ready to sail. Olvia meticulously checked the ship's readiness, making all final preparations for their departure. 

As they prepared to leave, Alex pulled Tsunade aside. "Have your clones continue robbing the black market for the next few days after we leave," he instructed. "They can stash the loot somewhere safe, and we'll claim it later." Tsunade smirked, a glint of mischief in her eyes. "Consider it done, Alex."

A few days into their sail aboard their new vessel, the Jackdaw, the calm of the open sea was broken. A minor pirate crew, their flag a crudely drawn skull, appeared on the horizon, heading directly for them.

"Battle stations!" Olvia's voice cut through the air, her hands already on the ship's wheel, expertly maneuvering the Jackdaw. 

Tsunade's clones sprang into action, manning the ship's cannons, their chakra-infused blasts tearing through the waves towards the enemy ship. The original Tsunade stood ready, chakra-infused kunai gleaming, intercepting incoming cannonballs with precise, almost casual deflections.

"Let's go, Happy, Acronix!" Alex roared, leaping onto the enemy ship's deck with Erza right beside him. 

Happy, the agile Exceed, was a blur of white fur, darting between pirates.

Acronix, though still small, moved with surprising speed using Tackle and spitting out Embers. 

Alex and Erza cut through the pirate ranks. They quickly overpowered the pirates, their coordinated assault overwhelming the surprised crew. After killing some of the more defiant pirates, the remaining eight quickly surrendered, dropping their weapons and begging for mercy.

After the naval encounter, they sailed for a few more days. During this time, Alex, using a subtle Genjutsu, ensured that the 8 captured pirates willingly joined their crew, their loyalty now subtly, yet firmly, bound to him. They were useful, if somewhat bewildered, additions to the Jackdaw's growing complement.

One sweltering afternoon, a lookout spotted a makeshift raft adrift in the vast ocean. As they approached, they found two shipwrecked men clinging to the meager planks. After rescuing them and bringing them aboard, a conversation ensued that quickly revealed their identities. One was a young man with a perpetually hungry look, and the other, with a distinctive mask. It was Portgas D. Ace and Masked Deuce.

"We appreciate the rescue," Ace said, wiping sea salt from his face, "but we're starting our own crew. You should join us instead!"

Alex chuckled, shaking his head. "I appreciate the offer, Ace, but I'm building my own crew. However, since we saved you, perhaps you could join my crew?"

Ace's eyes narrowed. "No way! I challenge you, Alex to the Davy Back Fight! " He grinned, confident in his own strength and that of his first mate.

Alex's smirk widened. "A Davy Back Fight, you say? Very well."

Round 1: Erza vs. Masked Deuce. 

Masked Deuce, a formidable fighter, charged with a Cutlass, aiming to end the fight quickly. Erza met him with a calm, almost bored expression. Her blade, a blur of motion, parried his first swing with effortless ease, the clang echoing across the deck. Before Deuce could recover, Erza executed a lightning-fast counter-attack, a precise kick to his midsection that lifted him off his feet, followed by a powerful, flat-handed chop to his neck. Masked Deuce crumpled to the deck, unconscious, defeated in just two swift moves.

As the winner of the round, Alex walked over to the unconscious Deuce. "Hahahahahaha, My prize," he declared with a satisfied grin, "is Masked Deuce. He's now a part of my crew. Hahahahahaha"

Alex thought, 'Now I feel I am in One Piece, Hahahaha.'

Ace's face contorted in anger, his flames flickering around his fists. "You cheated! Deuce is stronger than that!"

Round 2: Alex vs. Ace. 

Alex merely laughed, stepping forward. "Cheated? No, Ace. Just superior skill. Now, your turn. I'm Alex, and I'm a beast tamer. These are my loyal companions, Happy and Acronix!" 

He gestured to the two summons, who stood ready beside him. Ace, overconfident, scoffed. "A beast tamer? Hah! Surrender now, and I'll go easy on you!"

Alex simply laughed him off, a deep, resonant sound that irritated Ace further. Ace, fueled by his anger, launched himself forward, a powerful "Flame Fist" erupting from his arm, a torrent of fire aimed directly at Alex.

Alex met the attack head-on. "Fireball Jutsu!" he roared, channeling his mana and chakra. A swirling sphere of intensely concentrated fire erupted from his hands, colliding with Ace's Flame Fist. The impact created a miniature inferno on the deck, but Alex's Fireball Jutsu, boosted by his recent ninja training, the inherent power of his Goddess's blessing, and an elemental boost from the nearby, fire-attuned Acronix, visibly overpowered Ace's attack.

As the flames momentarily obscured Ace's vision, Acronix, seizing the opportunity, unleashed a thick "Smokescreen," engulfing Ace in a suffocating cloud. Ace started coughing harshly, disoriented and gasping for air. 

Happy, momentarily confused by the chaos, looked towards Erza for guidance. Seeing Erza's menacing glare, a silent command for action, Happy let out a powerful puff of air. With a sudden burst of energy, the small Exceed transformed into a towering, big white tiger, muscles rippling under his pristine fur. With a surprising burst of speed, the now colossal Exceed launched himself at the disoriented Ace, tackling him squarely over the ship's railing and into the sea.

Alex quickly moved to the railing. Happy, having completed his task, was now struggling in the water, having reverted to his small form after the exertion. Alex swiftly rescued Happy from the sea, then, with a mischievous grin, pulled a sputtering, soaked Ace back onto the deck.

"Well, Ace," Alex declared, a wide laugh "Hahahahaha" echoing across the ship, "it seems you lost. And as the winner, you are now to join me!"

Everyone joined alex in his laughter.


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