Day 71 | Location: Preparing for Planetfall -- One Piece World
The morning begins with purpose---a crackling energy in my limbs that sleep couldn't diminish. I rise before the ship's artificial dawn cycle, already mentally mapping the day's preparations.
This isn't just another exploration. This is... personal.
Red Queen notices immediately. Her avatar materializes as I'm halfway through my accelerated training routine---a sequence of combat forms borrowed from Devilukean military drills but enhanced with my own modifications.
"Your cortisol and adrenaline levels are elevated," she observes, head tilted slightly. "Excitement or anxiety?"
I pause mid-form, sweat gleaming on my forehead. "Both. This planet is special."
"Because of the anomalies?"
I nod, not quite ready to explain why a fictional world from my first life suddenly appearing before me might be significant. "I need to be prepared."
And preparation means planning. Careful, methodical planning.
Descent Preparation Log:
Ship Status: Cloak system: Operational (96% efficiency) Landing gear: Fully repaired Emergency launch capability: Ready Defensive shields: Charged
Personal Equipment: Custom landing suit (Devilukean tech with Earth aesthetics) Universal translator implant Personal shield generator Emergency teleport beacon Nano-forge compact unit (wrist-mounted) Basic medical kit Three days' rations Communication link to Red Queen
The landing suit deserves special mention. Unlike standard Devilukean military gear with its sleek metallic look, I've redesigned mine to blend better with the world below. Dark blue fabric with reinforced joints, lightweight armor panels hidden beneath a more casual appearance. At a glance, I'd pass for an unusually dressed human---the suit includes a hood that can conceal my slightly pointed ears, and a special compartment for my tail.
I didn't want to arrive looking like an alien invader.
"Red Queen, final planet analysis. What's our best initial landing point?"
She brings up a holographic globe, various sites highlighted with pulsing markers.
"Based on biosignature density and cultural development patterns, I've identified three optimal landing zones."
The globe rotates, zooming in on a small island in what I immediately recognize as the East Blue. My heart skips a beat.
"First option: Small coastal settlement with a distinctive geological formation---an execution platform. Population approximately 40,000\. Cultural significance indicators suggest it may be a regional hub or historical site."
I can't help the smile that spreads across my face. "Loguetown," I murmur, knowing Red Queen wouldn't understand the significance.
"Pardon, Captain?"
"Nothing. Continue."
She rotates the globe, highlighting a bustling port city built on what appears to be massive pillars rising from the ocean. "Second option: Highly developed urban center with unique architectural structures. Population approximately 200,000\. Evidence of advanced shipbuilding facilities and what appears to be an aquatic transit system."
Water 7\. The shipwright paradise. Where the Straw Hats would gain Franky and lose the Going Merry.
"And the third?" I ask, already suspecting what she'll show me.
The globe shifts upward, focusing on a cluster of land masses floating impossibly in the sky. "Third option: Elevated settlements on cloud-based structures. Population approximately 10,000\. Distinct cultural development isolated from surface civilizations."
Skypiea. The island in the clouds where Luffy would ring the golden bell.
I study all three options, weighing them carefully. Skypiea would be fascinating but might draw too much attention if I arrived directly. Water 7 would offer more anonymity amidst its bustle, but its complex politics and potential CP9 presence made it risky.
"We'll go with option one," I decide. "The coastal town with the execution platform."
Red Queen raises a silver eyebrow. "May I inquire why? The other locations offer more technological advancement or unique environmental factors."
I run a hand through my hair, trying to formulate an explanation that doesn't sound completely insane. "That town has... historical significance. If I want to understand this world, that's where I should start. Plus, it's smaller. Less chance of causing a disturbance."
She doesn't look entirely convinced but nods. "Very well. Preparing descent trajectory for Coastal Settlement Alpha."
"And Red Queen?" I add, checking my equipment one last time.
"Yes, Captain?"
"Keep the Star Raven in high orbit. Cloaked. I'll teleport down alone first."
Her avatar crosses her arms, disapproval evident. "That's significantly more dangerous than a controlled landing."
"Maybe," I concede, "but an alien ship appearing in the sky might cause a bit of a panic. I'd rather not have the Marines or whoever else scrambling before I even set foot on solid ground."
"Marines? You have prior knowledge of this world's military structure?"
Oops. "Just... a guess based on the settlements we observed. Maritime civilization likely has a naval force, right?"
She stares at me for a long moment before responding. "Very well. Teleportation coordinates locked for the outskirts of the settlement. Emergency extraction protocols standing by."
I finish sealing my landing suit, checking each connection twice. The Devilukean design is sleek but with enough Earth-inspired modifications to pass as eccentric fashion rather than alien tech. The hood, when raised, would shadow my features enough to hide my slightly pointed ears. And the special compartment at the back keeps my heart-shaped tail comfortably secured---a feature I'd spent three days designing after remembering how much I hated my tail being compressed.
As I prepare for teleportation, Red Queen speaks again. "Captain, I've been analyzing your behavior patterns since we discovered this planet. Your reactions suggest significant personal interest beyond scientific curiosity."
I freeze mid-adjustment. "Is that so?"
"Your pulse elevates whenever we discuss certain geographic features. You've muttered names for locations we haven't officially designated. And you've been humming a song called 'We Are' in your sleep."
Damn her upgraded observational protocols.
"Maybe I've seen something similar in Devilukean records," I deflect, knowing the lie is thin.
"No such records exist in my database."
I sigh, shouldering my supply pack. "Red Queen, some mysteries have to stay mysteries. Just trust me on this, alright?"
Her holographic form studies me for a long moment, then softens slightly. "Be careful, Captain. This world, regardless of what you know or don't know about it, contains approximately one billion sentient beings who have never encountered a Devilukean before."
I nod, stepping onto the teleportation pad. "Keep an eye on me from up here. And Red Queen?"
"Yes?"
"If you see a guy in a straw hat causing trouble... let me know immediately."
Before she can question this bizarre request, I activate the teleporter. The world dissolves into light and data, my molecules breaking apart and reassembling across thousands of kilometers of space.