Consciousness begins to fade.
Luo Lan found himself in a strange state — somewhere between awareness and oblivion. In his mind, scenes flickered by like a lantern carousel, vivid and chaotic.
---
Twenty Years Ago — Marine Calendar Year 1498
A newborn Luo Lan drifted helplessly atop a shattered plank from a sunken ship, lost in the vast ocean. Towering above him was a monstrous beast that blotted out the sky — a creature with the unmistakable traits of a leopard, yet so massive that even the portion above the surface spanned hundreds of meters.
As a mere infant, escape was not only impossible — even the slightest movement was beyond him. But even if he were grown, how could anyone flee from such a behemoth in the endless sea?
The only thing he could do was watch as the creature opened its gaping, bloodstained maw, growing larger and larger in his sight.
Then — a figure appeared.
Tiny, compared to the leviathan, yet it placed itself between Luo Lan and the beast.
And that minuscule figure — with a single punch — sent the monster flying over a hundred meters, crashing violently into the ocean.
From the sky…
Scarlet rain began to fall.
---
Five Years Later
Luo Lan was no longer a helpless infant. At five years old, he was already training alongside adult marines.
"His progress is unbelievable," someone said.
"Yeah. Despite being born with a weak constitution, ever since he started training, his growth has been terrifying. In just one month, his power level rose from 2 to 5. At this rate, he'll catch up to our adult soldiers in no time!"
A rare smile appeared on the man's face.
Recently, he had heard rumors about a genius from CP9 — hailed as the greatest in 800 years, already accomplishing incredible feats at thirteen. All flashy words, he thought.
Compared to Luo Lan?
Not even close.
A five-year-old going from power level 2 to 5 in one month — now that was true talent.
If nothing went wrong, Luo Lan was destined to become a leading figure in the Navy's next generation.
But of course, something did go wrong.
---
Three Months Later
Despite Luo Lan's continued diligence, his progress suddenly... stopped.
"How is this possible?" the man muttered, stunned as he stared at the latest test results.
Power Level: 5.
No improvement. At all.
Over the next year, the man tried everything. He even spent his hard-earned military merits to exchange for a rare Ancient Zoan-type Devil Fruit — one of the most precious kinds, known to significantly enhance physical strength.
But the result?
Nothing.
Even after eating the fruit, Luo Lan's body showed no reaction. No boost, no transformation — not even the expected Devil Fruit ability. It was as if the power had been devoured by a black hole.
Eventually...
the man gave up.
---
The carousel of memories spun on.
Now nine years old, Luo Lan sat with a sullen expression as someone ruffled his hair.
"Luo Lan, I have to leave for a while. Take care of yourself, alright?"
"I don't know why," Luo Lan said, eyes rising sharply. "But I have this terrible feeling… that you won't come back."
A sudden image flashed in his mind — the man lying bloodied in a snowy field, lifeless.
Why did he see this? Where did it come from?
He had no answer.
All he could do was plead with the man who raised him — not by blood, but closer than any brother — not to go.
"I have to," the man replied, determined. "This mission… only I can do it."
---
Years Passed
In a spacious office…
"Old man, can't you trust me just once?!"
"All because of some 'bad feeling,' you want me to abandon our entire plan? Let your brother's years of work go to waste?! Guards! Lock him in solitary confinement for three days!"
"If anything happens to my brother, I'll never forgive you!"
Dragged away, Luo Lan roared in fury.
And three days later, as he stepped out of the detention cell…
He was greeted by a nightmare.
The brother who had raised him…
was dead.
And on that very day, Luo Lan's memories of his past life returned.
He finally understood the strange visions that had haunted him — glimpses of another life.
But it was too late.
---
Marine Calendar Year 1517 — Age Nineteen
Even with the memories of his previous life, enhanced spiritual strength, and extraordinary comprehension… Luo Lan had hit a wall.
His body — that of a human from Earth — had a racial limit he couldn't overcome.
Just like fourteen years ago, his Power Level remained at 5, unmoving.
Still, though weak in combat, Luo Lan had thrived in the Navy's strategy department. His wild, unorthodox plans had earned massive victories and military merit — enough to be promoted all the way to Colonel.
That was the ceiling.
To rise further required strength to match.
A man with a Power Level of 5 in the Navy's upper ranks?
Impossible.
---
In the same familiar office, Luo Lan now stood before the man again.
"If you insist on this path, then don't blame me," the man said.
"You're the Fleet Admiral. If you want to punish me, just issue the order."
Luo Lan's reply was calm, his expression cold.
Seven years had passed, and though he still called others "Aunt Tsuru," "Sister Gion," or "Old Man Garp,"
he had never again called this man "Old Man."
Just "Fleet Admiral."
Those words cut deeper than any blade.
After a long silence, the man spoke again:
"Fine. If you're that stubborn, go. You're being reassigned to Branch 157. If you still don't come to your senses, you can retire there."
"Yes sir. I will report to Branch 157 immediately."
With a salute, Luo Lan turned and left.
The man remained behind, staring silently at his desk.
---
And so the image froze:
Luo Lan, carrying a worn bag, stood before a dilapidated two-story building. The signage above was hanging askew, one corner broken off.
The words on it read:
[Navy Branch 157]
And on that very day…
Luo Lan activated his system —
The [Super Fortress Builder] System!