"Huh? What's going on? Could it really be a ghost?" Near the Shabondy Archipelago in the world of One Piece, there was an ordinary yet bustling town on a medium-sized island. Surrounding the edges of this town were forests and beaches. Today, this beach that was rarely visited by people welcomed an unexpected visitor. A black-haired, black-eyed child, who looked no older than four years old, sat on the beach staring at his hands and feet with a face full of fear and disbelief.
"I've really become smaller. Could that voice really exist? I'm not dreaming, am I? If all of this is true, then does that mean I've left Earth and come to the world of One Piece?"
When people face many sudden situations, they undergo various changes. Some become abnormally anxious and fearful, even doing terrible things. Others remain terrifyingly calm, analyzing their situation thoroughly. And Liu Mang was just such a person.
"If all of this is true, then if I am really in the world of One Piece, wouldn't I be in great danger? There are no so-called laws or moral constraints in this world. No, the most important thing now is to confirm whether this place is indeed the world of One Piece before I can make choices for my future path."
Liu Mang truly lived up to his name. Having grown up self-reliant from a young age, he did not lose his mind even in the face of such a situation but instead calmly analyzed what he should do.
"Hmm? These are footprints? It seems the owner of these footprints has been gone for some time. Following them might bring unexpected results." Jun Tianqi, who was desperately lacking information and eager to know where he was, immediately ran in the direction of the footprints with his already shrunken body.
During the run, Liu Mang did not stop thinking. Various thoughts and assumptions kept appearing in his mind. If he had really come to the world of One Piece, what should he do? Should he hide here as a weakling, or go out to sea as a pirate, or join the Marines?
These three different ideas kept spinning in his mind, and for a while, he could not decide. After all, deep inside every man lies a beast, or perhaps an ambition. On Earth, due to innate conditions and legal and moral constraints, such ambitions could only lie dormant deep within one's heart. But in this world of survival of the fittest, where the strong can own empires and recline on the knees of beautiful women while waking up with a sword in hand, once such thoughts arose, the ambition buried in Liu Mang's heart surfaced accordingly.
"It's strange. If what the owner of that voice said is correct, I have returned to being four years old. Although I have maintained physical exercise over the years, why is my breathing still so steady after running like this for so long, and my cardiorespiratory function so powerful?"
Just as Liu Mang didn't know how to choose, he suddenly noticed something he had overlooked. Starting from the beach, he had been running for about ten minutes at his previous long-distance running speed. Yet his four-year-old body had run for so long without breaking a sweat, which instantly filled him with joy.
"Is this what they call the 'cheat' in穿越 novels? Some have powerful souls, others have strong bodies, and some carry summoning devices. Mine seems to be a significant increase in physical potential. Judging by my current physical functions, I am at least stronger than when I was in my twenties. Good, at least I have a slight advantage over others. If I strengthen my training, I will at least have some self-preservation ability."
Although Liu Mang had not yet confirmed that this was the world of One Piece, he had basically believed and accepted this fact in his heart. Watching anime previously, although the anime world seemed so passionate, this world was extremely cruel. Encountering some crazy pirates could easily lead to death. Now, discovering that his body had become so much stronger, although compared to the people in this world he was still like an ant, this discovery made Liu Mang very happy.
Two hours later, following the footprints, Liu Mang finally found a human settlement. He had also roughly determined how powerful his body was. Compared to his previous body, his current one was at least 30% stronger. However, the two-hour long run still made him red-faced and breathless. If it weren't for the thought in his mind supporting him, he might have sat down to rest.
"This is really the world of One Piece. What should I do?" The moment Liu Mang entered this town, the previously calm him instantly became dazed because he saw some naval patrols. Their uniforms were exactly the same as those in the world of One Piece, along with bars, firearms, etc., all the same. These facts clearly told him that this was undoubtedly the world of One Piece.
"Changkong, what are you standing there dumbfounded for? Come over here quickly." Just as Liu Mang was at a loss and didn't know what to do, a voice that was tender yet melodious reached his ears, pulling him back to reality. Instinctively, he looked towards the source of the sound.
What met his eyes was a blonde girl not much older than himself. Her features were exquisitely delicate, making her look like a beautiful and cute Barbie doll. However, what surprised Liu Mang the most was that this girl, who looked no more than six years old, already had a trace of charm inappropriate for her age. She would undoubtedly grow up to be a beauty that could captivate the world.
"Hey, haven't you really gone crazy? Fishing made you stupid? You're just coming back now. Don't you know how worried I was about you?" Just as Liu Mang was wondering if this blonde girl was calling him, she walked up to him with small cat-like steps, took his hand, and led him towards a distant, dilapidated little house. While scolding him, her eyes couldn't hide her care and worry.
Facing such pure and unadulterated concern, Liu Mang, who had come to this unfamiliar world, felt an unusual warmth in his heart. It was like someone reaching out to help and care for him unconditionally when he was most in need of help and care. That was how Liu Mang felt right now.
"I... Changkong, are you calling me? My name is Liu Mang!" Liu Mang felt a warm sensation in his heart. On Earth, although he had attended a prestigious university, his orphan status and poor economic condition caused many people to look down on him. Those who could be friends with him were mostly in similar situations. However, the way this little girl looked at him was like how an older sister looks at her younger brother. This situation made Liu Mang, who had no parents in his past life, enjoy it immensely. He did not pull away from the little girl's hand but asked about his confusion.
"Rogue? Haven't you really gone mad? You forgot who you are? Ah! Could you have forgotten your sister too? Don't scare me. You are the last relative I have in this world. If anything happens to you, how will I live?" The blonde girl immediately looked panicked, afraid, and asked with a nervous, trembling voice.