One Piece: My Name is Jack, I'm Very Resistant to Beating

Queen carefully examined Jack's body and exclaimed in amazement,

"Unbelievable. An eight-year-old brat with such incredible regenerative ability."

"You idiot," King retorted coldly. "Did you forget? It's precisely because Jack has such a strong physique and the abilities of an Ancient Zoan that Kaido-sama values him so highly."

"What did you say, you interrogation-loving freak?!" Queen snapped.

"Hmph. Jack, let's go."

Satisfied that Jack wasn't seriously injured, King turned on his heel. Jack shrugged at Queen, helplessly spreading his hands before following King.

"Hey! Jack!" Queen shouted after them. "Don't pick up any weird habits from that interrogation-obsessed lunatic!"

"And stop doing reckless things!"

"Got it."

Jack waved cheerfully at Queen from the doorway. Just as he turned, he felt something grab him, yanking him into the sky.

"King," Jack called out exasperatedly, "could you at least give me a heads-up before you fly off with me?"

Transformed into his pterosaur form, King's massive wings beat against the air.

"You've changed a lot these past few days, Jack," King remarked.

"Really? Haha, I guess I've just been trying to act my age. I am a kid, after all," Jack replied with a grin.

King's flight wavered slightly at Jack's comment, and the young boy shouted in alarm.

"King! Don't tell me you've been drinking! Flying while drunk is super dangerous!"

"Shut up, Jack!" King snapped, his irritation cutting through the air. Jack wisely decided to stay quiet.

When they landed on Onigashima, a group of subordinates hurried over to greet them.

"King-sama! Jack-sama!"

"Anything to report?" King's tone was sharp, causing the pirates to stand ramrod straight.

"N-No, sir! Except... Yamato-sama—"

"Ignore her," King interrupted dismissively. "Just make sure she doesn't leave the island."

"Understood, King-sama!"

"Jack, follow me."

Inside a room on the island, King waved his hand, sending a flicker of flame from the fire on his back into the fireplace. The cold room quickly grew warmer as the wood caught fire.

"Jack," King began, his voice firm, "Kaido-sama wants me to train you, but I don't think you should come to sea with me yet. You're too young. Your body hasn't fully developed, and your current strength isn't enough."

Jack immediately shook his head.

"That's not true! Don't forget—I've fought alongside you before. I've killed plenty of enemies! Sure, I'm young, but most pirates are no match for me!"

King stood abruptly, his gaze heavy with reminiscence.

"That was different, Jack. Back then, the Beasts Pirates were small. We didn't have enough manpower, so even kids like you had to fight."

"Now, under Kaido-sama's leadership, we've made a name for ourselves in the New World. We have thousands of comrades now. There's no need for you to risk your life like that anymore."

King's voice softened slightly.

"Kaido-sama sees great potential in you. That's why he gave you that rare Devil Fruit. You're strong for your age, but this is the New World. It's full of monsters. There are pirates out here even I struggle against. If we run into one of them, I can't guarantee your safety."

He looked at Jack seriously.

"If you die, we lose a valuable future ally. So stay on Onigashima for now."

Jack stood, his voice rising with emotion.

"King, it's because Kaido-sama values me that I need to go with you! I need you to train me properly!"

"Our crew respects strength above all else. Even though Kaido-sama has given me a high rank, the others don't fully accept me. I need to prove myself!"

"My Devil Fruit and my body make me hard to kill. If I encounter someone too strong, I'll just jump into the ocean. Don't forget—I'm a Fish-Man! I can survive underwater until you come get me with my vivre card!"

King stared at him for a long moment, his sharp gaze unreadable. Finally, he sighed.

"Fine, Jack. Do as you like. Rest today. Tomorrow, we're going to deal with some pirates who've been provoking us."

"Yes!"

The next morning, Jack woke up early, brimming with excitement. The thought of battle sent a thrill through his body. Maybe it was the nature of being a Fish-Man, or perhaps it was simply who Jack was. Either way, it didn't matter. He'd follow his instincts.

"Let's go, Jack," King called from the doorway.

As Jack ran to join him, the rising sun painted the ocean red, splitting the horizon. A salty breeze swept past, carrying the tang of the sea.

On the deck of the ship, Jack's bare chest and thin shorts stood out against the heavily bundled crew. Yet he showed no sign of discomfort, earning their silent admiration.

When they reached their destination, the anchor dropped, and King retreated to his quarters to wait.

Days passed, and Jack, restless from the monotony of ship life, decided to try fishing. In no time, he hauled a massive fish onto the deck. Just as he prepared to cast his line again, the lookout shouted,

"Spotted! It's the Mosbik Pirates!"

"Jack-sama, what do we do?"

Jack grinned fiercely.

"What do we do? We bring the ship in close!"

As the crew moved to obey, a strange voice echoed in Jack's mind:

"Congratulations, Host. Password correct. Unlocking Dock Master System."

Jack froze.

A system? Now? And it needed a password? What if I'd never said those words?

His thoughts raced as he tried to make sense of the absurd situation.

Dock Master System? What even is that?!