One Piece: Lost in the Tutorial #81

The salty breeze from the ocean filled my lungs as I stood at the port, looking out at the approaching marine ship. It had been several months since Law returned to Lvneel, and the changes I had implemented were already making a noticeable difference.

The kingdom was thriving, the people happier and more prosperous than they had been in years. The nobles who had once opposed me were no longer an issue thanks to Basil Hawkins, who was still rotting in his cell.

Beside me, Law stood with his characteristic calm demeanor, his eyes fixed on the horizon. "Who do you think the Marines sent?" he asked, his tone casual but his question loaded with anticipation.

"I can't say for certain," I replied, squinting at the ship as it drew closer. "But it's likely a vice admiral at the very least. Someone powerful and respected by their peers, no doubt. They wouldn't send just anyone after what happened with Onigumo...."

The soldiers I had personally trained stood at attention behind us, a testament to the reforms I had made in the Lvneel army. Many young men had been inspired to join, drawn by the incentives we offered and the rigorous training I oversaw myself.

My ultimate goal was to create a formidable group of Rokushiki users, but that was a long-term plan. For now, my focus was on solidifying my power and ensuring the security of the kingdom before proceeding to expand it and make my dream into reality.

I watched as the marine ship docked, the gangplank lowering with a heavy thud. Marines in crisp uniforms disembarked, forming a line on the pier. Their disciplined movements, reminded me of my days in the army before I came to this world.

A figure stepped forward, distinct from the others. She was tall and thin, with a commanding presence that spoke of experience and authority. I recognized her immediately: Vice Admiral Tsuru. A legendary marine, her reputation preceded her, marking her as a woman of both strength and integrity, respected and feared in equal measure.

"Vice Admiral Tsuru," I greeted her, inclining my head slightly. "I didn't expect it would be you. Welcome to Lvneel."

She looked at me with those sharp, calculating eyes before glancing at the soldiers behind me. "No one else wanted to come," she replied, her voice steady and unyielding. "Only one volunteered, and that person is known to cause a mess wherever he goes."

I frowned, trying to figure out who she was talking about. "Who are you referring to?"

"Vice Admiral Garp," she said, her expression blank and unreadable as ever.

I chuckled nervously. "Well, I'm grateful you volunteered to come instead."

Tsuru walked past me and stood in front of the soldiers, giving them an appraising look. "I grew up in North Blue," she began, her voice carrying over the quiet murmurs of the port. "I know these waters like the back of my hand."

She paused, her eyes scanning the soldiers again. Their straight backs, the way they held their muskets tightly, spoke of their dedication and training. "Lvneel has always been feared by pirates all over North Blue," she continued.

"Not because of the might of their army or navy, but because of how deep the pockets of the royal family went and how vengeful they were." She turned to face me, her expression unreadable. "Lvneel might be feared for other reasons in the future..."

"Not because of the might of their army or navy, but because of how deep the pockets of the royal family went and how vengeful they were." Vice Admiral Tsuru turned to face me, her expression unreadable. "Lvneel might be feared for other reasons in the future..."

I smiled, leaning casually against a nearby barrel. "The former king could have easily turned Lvneel into a great kingdom. He certainly had the resources to do so, but he was more interested in lining his pockets." I shrugged, a hint of bitterness in my voice. "The nobles weren't too different either."

Tsuru narrowed her eyes. "The same nobles who opposed your rule and wound up dead not too long ago?"

I met her gaze steadily. "The same... tragic ordeal, really..." I replied, not flinching. "But let's not dwell on the past. What I hope to accomplish here is what matters."

"And what is that?" she asked, her tone sharp.

"I've made many changes," I began, gesturing towards the bustling marketplace and the newly renovated buildings around us. "My first priority is to ensure the safety and prosperity of my people." I paused, my eyes scanning the horizon thoughtfully. "But I do have ambitions of my own. I wouldn't have taken up the World Government's offer otherwise."

Tsuru's curiosity was piqued. "And what might those ambitions be...?"

"They're not something that would inconvenience the World Government or the Marines," I said, choosing my words carefully. "Instead, they'll make your lives a lot less complicated."

She arched an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "And how do you propose to do that?"

I smiled, a hint of mystery in my expression. "North Blue has always been known as the most unruly and dangerous of the four Blues. My intention is to make it even more peaceful than East Blue."

Tsuru studied me for a long moment, realizing that I had no intention of revealing my full plans. Sensing the futility of pressing further, she turned to Law, who had been listening quietly. "So you're the kid Corazon talked about."

Law stiffened slightly at the mention of Corazon, his eyes flickering with a mixture of pain and determination. "Yes," he said simply.

Tsuru's gaze softened, just a fraction. "He spoke highly of you. Said you had a good heart, despite everything."

Law's expression remained stoic, but I could see the emotion simmering beneath the surface. "Corazon saved my life," he said, his voice low. "Everything I do is to honor his memory."

"So you say," Tsuru replied, shaking her head. "And yet here you are, a pirate, walking in the same footsteps of his brother..."

Law said nothing, but I can tell Tsuru's words weighed heavily on him. Clearing my throat, I interjected. "Well then, you must be tired after such a long voyage... please allow me to escort you to your lodging. Naturally, your subordinates will be accommodated to the best of our ability as well..."

...

Following behind Blake, Vice Admiral Tsuru couldn't help but be surprised by the fact that he chose to go on foot, alone and without any protective detail. It was a bold move, one that spoke volumes about his confidence and his connection with the people.

What surprised her even more were the constant greetings and the warm smiles on the people's faces. Merchants, craftsmen, and townsfolk alike all seemed genuinely pleased to see him.

Everyone remained unfazed and unflinching, despite coming face to face with a notorious pirate who had killed their king and usurped the throne not long ago. It was as if they had completely accepted him as their leader, a stark contrast to the fear and resentment she had expected to witness.

Even more astonishing was the sight of the gigantic wolf that began to follow Blake once they left the port. Its presence was imposing, yet the people seemed undisturbed. He called her Sif, and she padded along with an air of calm authority, her presence only adding to Blake's enigmatic charisma.

Tsuru's mind raced as she tried to make sense of the scene before her. Was Blake doing this on purpose to make her see how well he was received by the people? Was this all a calculated effort to win her over?

The thought lingered, but her chain of contemplation was instantly broken as a small child, a little girl, escaped from her mother and came waddling toward Blake and Sif.

Halfway through, she tripped and almost fell. Before Tsuru could react, Blake moved with incredible speed, using Soru to appear beside the child in an instant. He caught her just in time, his movements a blur to anyone watching. The little girl smiled beamingly at him, her eyes wide with admiration and trust.

"Careful there," Blake said gently, his voice warm and reassuring. The little girl giggled, reaching up to take a small flower from her hair and offering it to him. Blake beamed right back at her, taking the flower and tucking it behind his ear with a funny face that made the girl laugh even more.

Tsuru watched, her stern expression softening at the sight. Blake lifted the girl onto his shoulder and walked her back to her mother, who was rushing over with a look of relief and gratitude.

"Thank you so much, Your Majesty," the mother said, her voice trembling with emotion. "The little one would be crying my ears off all the way home if she got her new dress dirty...."

Blake waved off her concerns with a smile. "No harm done. Just keep an eye on her, alright?"

The mother nodded, taking her daughter from Blake's arms and giving him a deep bow. As they continued on their way toward the castle, Tsuru couldn't help but reassess the young king. Though his actions seemed calculated, the affection the people had for him seemed genuine.

The path to the castle was lined with more villagers, all eager to greet their king. Tsuru noted how Blake interacted with each of them, taking the time to listen to their concerns and share a few words. His approach was unorthodox for a pirate, and even more so for a king, but it was undeniably effective at winning over the people.