Kairo moved through the small port town without drawing attention. The place was forgettable — weathered docks, half-rotted ships, and crooked buildings leaning against one another like drunks. No one here looked twice at a stranger.
That suited him fine.
The Marines were nowhere nearby. Pirates came and went, most barely worth remembering. This wasn't a place of importance, but it was a starting point. Supplies were gathered quickly: food, maps, and a ship worth stealing. No need for names or deals.
The Template System stayed quiet, its functions solid and reliable. Kairo didn't waste time testing small abilities now. He knew what worked. Smoke obeyed him, his strength was monstrous, and the techniques he'd collected were sharp and efficient.
The world's mood was shifting. Whispers of big names traveled fast. The Rocks Pirates moved like a storm, gathering strength. New bounties appeared, some already famous, others promising chaos.
He paid attention.
Not because he cared about them.
Because one day, he'd have to cut them down.
Kairo secured a small ship by nightfall, the previous crew discarded like trash. No drama. No witnesses. The vessel wasn't impressive, but it would carry him where he needed.
He left the town without a word.
The open sea welcomed him again, vast and quiet.
Each day followed a rhythm. Sailing. Training. Occasional fights with pirates foolish enough to test him. None lasted long. The Gacha System rewarded him steadily, rare drops here and there — small artifacts, temporary boosts, nothing world-breaking yet.
He didn't care.
Power came with patience.
A few towns later, his name started appearing in hushed conversations. A figure dressed in smoke. A killer with no flag. Rumors warped the story, as they always did. Some called him a bounty hunter. Others, a mad pirate. None knew the truth.
That was better.
The world didn't need to know him yet.
Not until he decided to make it bleed.
Kairo charted a course toward the Grand Line, not in a rush, watching how territories shifted, how small powers rose and fell overnight. He saw the chaos, the weak pretending to be strong, and the strong waiting to be challenged.
The days blurred.
More abilities added to his collection.
Shadow Step. Iron Body. Keen Instinct.
Each integrated smoothly, his presence growing heavier with every acquisition.
The world would feel it soon.
Not a hero. Not a savior.
Just a force it could no longer ignore.
And Kairo was fine with that.