"The timing of the current is always shifting—sometimes long, sometimes short. It's been like that for centuries. If my calculations are right, it's coming today or tomorrow!"
"Five years. Five long years I've waited, playing nice with these villagers. And now, finally, the chance is here. If I succeed, I swear I'll live free. I'll never bow down to anyone again."
A sly grin twisted Arthur's handsome features. His eyes gleamed, holding a fierce, burning ambition.
....
On the distant beach, three fishing boats were moored, two or three men on each. Their fishing gear was ready.
Arthur boarded his boat. The anchors were raised, the sails unfurled, and they used the wind to head out to sea.
"Arthur, you're giving us half your catch today. The village is running low on food." It was Uncle Sam, a large, imposing man missing a tooth, a grin on his face.
Pirates often visited this village, buying up food and supplies.
Uncle Sam and his crew were pirates' descendants. They had the same greedy blood.
But Arthur didn't care. He believed in give and take. He had given five years, shared his catches. In return, he got the information he needed: the timing of the current.
Was it a loss? Not at all. To Arthur, it was a perfect deal.
If he didn't need them, he would have punched Uncle Sam and knocked out his remaining teeth.
"Sure thing... I can't eat it all anyway. Take as much as you want!" Arthur smiled, hiding the rage boiling inside him.
'Soon,' he thought, 'Once I get the fruit, I won't have to take this anymore!'
The three fishing boats sailed swiftly, helped by the wind. Uncle Sam threw a huge net into the sea, his powerful arms making it look easy.
Arthur watched with trepidation, his eyes twitching. He suspected Uncle Sam was no ordinary man. That strength was beyond even his own.
It was one reason he had endured the villagers' greed.
The world of One Piece was full of hidden talents. Many powerful people lived quiet lives, disguised as ordinary citizens.
The year was 1493. The New World was a storm of activity.
But only three people stood at the peak.
There was "Golden Lion" Shiki, captain of the Golden Lion Pirates, also known as the "Flying Pirate." There was Edward Newgate, "Whitebeard," captain of the Whitebeard Pirates. And there was Gol D. Roger, captain of the Roger Pirates.
Others, like the "Dark King," Silvers Rayleigh, were powerful but a step below. Even the famous "Red Count," Patrick Redfield wasn't quite on their level, though his individual strength was top-tier.
These men were legends. The future Yonko were not yet established. Kaido and Big Mom might have been active, but Arthur hadn't heard of them.
The current Marine Fleet Admiral was Kong. "Iron Fist" Garp was a Vice Admiral. Admiral Sengoku and Admiral Zephyr were at their peak.
And there were the monstrous newcomers: Sakazuki, Borsalino, and Kuzan!
....
This era was far more exciting than the later years. If Arthur didn't make his mark now, he'd be a disgrace to all transmigrators.
He might as well die rather than live a meaningless life.
"If my calculations are correct, Roger should be sick by now. We should hear about him leaving the New World soon." Arthur gazed at the clear sky, in high spirits.
"Dad, the water level seems off!" It was Kurta, Uncle Sam's son, also a large, strong man. He shouted suddenly.
"Oh?" Arthur's eyes lit up. He thought, 'Is the current coming? Were my calculations correct?'
"What's wrong?" Uncle Sam's face turned serious. He trusted his son's seafaring skills.
"Look, the wind is blowing from the island. The sky is clear. There's no change in the weather. But the water is flowing from the other direction. The boat can't move forward!" Kurta said urgently.
"What? Could it be the giant sea current?" Uncle Sam was shocked. He was a native of Jaya. He knew about the current.
"Quick, tell them to turn back! We're not going out to sea."
"Yes, Dad!" Kurta rushed to the bow and shouted at the other two boats, "The current is coming! Turn back to the island!"
The villagers on the other boats heard him. Without hesitation, they pulled up the sails and grabbed the oars, rowing back with all their might.
No one had ever survived the current. They valued their lives. They were terrified.
"Arthur, what are you standing there for? Start rowing! Do you want to die at sea?" Uncle Sam roared. Arthur was just standing there, smiling.
Arthur ignored him, facing the sea. He stretched out his arms. The wind tousled his long black hair. He was excited.
He had waited five years for this, and wouldn't turn back. He would either die or soar to the top. There were only two choices.
"Uncle Sam, it's too late. Look over there. A pirate ship is coming!"
"What?" Uncle Sam followed Arthur's finger. There it was: a pirate ship, at least ten times bigger than their fishing boats, approaching rapidly against the wind.
The deck was crowded with pirates, all armed and looking fierce.
The distance wasn't far. The pirate ship would reach them in less than a minute.
Pirates were greedy. They wouldn't pass up a chance to plunder.
There were a few exceptions, like Luffy, but they were rare.
Arthur didn't think he was that lucky.
'Just a little longer. If I can just hold out until the current arrives, it will all be worth it.'
"Damn it! Why are we running into pirates at a time like this?!" Uncle Sam and Kurta clenched their fists. They had given up on escaping.
'This old man is definitely not weak.' Arthur smiled, studying Uncle Sam.
Most people would be terrified, but Uncle Sam was calm, ready to fight. How could anyone believe he was just an ordinary villager?