Title: One Piece: Gacha Hunter of the Grand Line
Chapter 17 - Whispers of Resistance
The morning mist clung to the broken rooftops of Eldoradus like a stubborn veil. Ayman sat on the inn's creaky windowsill, watching the hazy sun rise. Downstairs, the rest of his crew enjoyed a meager breakfast—scraps salvaged from an abandoned bakery and water purified by Tsunade's careful medical know-how.
Yoruichi stepped in silently and tossed a scroll onto the desk beside him. "Map of the island. Found it in what's left of the mayor's office."
Ayman opened the brittle parchment. A red circle marked the central fortress atop a hill—Kraken Jaws' stronghold. Several small villages surrounded the town, now likely abandoned or occupied.
"We need allies," Ayman said, mostly to himself.
[New Mission Available: Find the Local Resistance. Reward: 250,000 Berries. Bonus Objective: Recruit a Resistance Leader. Bonus: 150,000 Berries.]
"So the system wants us to stir up trouble, huh?" Android 18 crossed her arms, leaning on the doorframe.
Ayman grinned. "Not trouble. Hope."
The group moved cautiously through the ruined town, keeping to shadows and alleyways. Tsunade disguised them with dirty cloaks and dust, while Yoruichi scouted ahead. The little girl from yesterday—Mina—had told them whispers of people still fighting back, hiding in the old aqueduct tunnels.
It took them hours, but eventually, Yoruichi's instincts led them to a crumbling well near the edge of town. Ayman dropped a pebble—it echoed with a faint splash far below.
"That's our invitation," Yoruichi smirked. "Ladies first."
Tsunade rolled her eyes and jumped in, landing with a solid splash. One by one, the others followed until they stood waist-deep in cold water under the cobbled streets. Moss clung to stone. Torches lined the tunnel ahead.
Then came a voice—low and rough. "Turn around or get turned into fish food."
From the shadows, several cloaked figures stepped out, spears and rusted swords at the ready. One of them, a tall woman with a burned sleeve and piercing green eyes, stepped forward.
"You're not from here. So what do you want?"
Ayman stepped forward, hands raised. "We want to free Eldoradus."
The woman laughed. "You and your cosplay squad? Go back to your ship. There's no saving this place."
"Maybe not," Ayman said calmly, "but I've got something Kraken Jaws doesn't."
He lifted his hand. A small spark of violet light flared and then faded—just enough to show he wasn't ordinary.
"Tch... flashy."
"We're not pirates. We're not marines. We're just people tired of bullies."
The woman stared for a long time, then sighed. "Name's Calla. Leader of the Black Lanterns. Or what's left of us."
[Bonus Objective Complete: Resistance Leader Recruited. +150,000 Berries.]
She led them deeper into the tunnels, where about two dozen ragged fighters warmed themselves by barrel fires. Their eyes lit up as Calla announced the newcomers.
"They're here to fight. With us."
A cheer rose up—quiet but real.
That night, as they camped near the tunnel walls, Android 18 sat beside Ayman, arms folded behind her head. "So this is your big rebellion plan? Hidden tunnels and pep talks?"
He chuckled. "It's not about the tunnels. It's about showing people that Kraken Jaws can bleed."
She smirked. "Well, good. 'Cause I'm getting bored of waiting."
Tsunade approached with a wine bottle she'd snatched from a pirate stash. "Celebration drink? Just one. We need to keep the crew... hydrated."
Calla sat nearby, polishing a dagger. "We've got a window to strike tomorrow. Supply wagons hit the south post at dawn. We intercept, steal their gear, and send a message."
Ayman nodded. "Then that's our next move."
[Mission Complete: Find the Resistance. +250,000 Berries. Total Funds: 600,000 Berries.]
The camera would have panned away, if this were a show, revealing a pair of glowing red eyes watching them from a crack in the stone...
Trouble wasn't far behind.