Strongest Possessor of One Piece

This was a modest cargo ship, primarily crewed by sailors and laborers. What stood out most was the ship's captain— a girl of about 16 or 17, with shoulder-length pink hair, a delicate and pure appearance. At the moment, she stood at the bow, quietly gazing at the calm sea ahead, her expression serene, as if lost in thought. 

Suddenly, a sharp cry echoed through the skies. The girl turned her head, her small mouth opening in surprise, a trace of astonishment flashing in her eyes. 

"That's—!" 

Before her eyes, an enormous white bird was plummeting from the sky. What shocked her even more was the figure sprawled across the bird's back—a young man. 

A sharp 'whoosh' sliced through the air. Just as the bird approached within a meter of the deck, it suddenly vanished like a phantom, dissipating into nothingness. 

With a heavy 'thud', the boy crashed onto the deck, causing the wooden boards to crack. A pool of fresh blood spread across the floor where he landed. 

"What's that?" 

"I saw a bird fall, but then it turned into this guy." 

"He looks hurt." 

Rojen's fall quickly drew the attention of the crew. They gathered around, curiosity evident in their expressions. 

The pink-haired girl's face changed as she took a closer look at Rojen. Without hesitation, she called out, "Where's the ship's doctor? Quickly, get the ship's doctor! Someone's injured!" 

Chaos erupted on the ship as shouts carried her command. Soon, an elderly man was dragged over by a younger crew member. 

"Sefiya, what now? You know this old man isn't in the best shape. My body can't handle you pulling me around like this," The doctor grumbled as he made his way through the crowd. 

Ignoring his complaints, Sefiya's clear voice rang out, "Fred, take a look at him— he seems seriously hurt!" 

Fred finally squeezed through the onlookers and saw the unconscious Rojen. His brows furrowed as he inspected the boy. 

"Where'd this kid come from? His clothes are clean, so he doesn't look like he washed up from the sea," Fred muttered. 

"From the sky! He fell from the sky!" Someone excitedly exclaimed, pointing upward. 

For the crew, a boy falling from the sky, paired with a beautiful captain rescuing him, was gossip-worthy material that could fuel their conversations for a month. 

"The sky?" Fred glanced up in confusion, then shook his head and crouched to examine Rojen's injuries. 

After a moment, Fred frowned and said, "His injuries aren't too severe, but he's lost a lot of blood. Fortunately, you found him early. If it had been a little later, even I wouldn't be able to save him." 

The human body has a minimum threshold for blood loss. Exceeding it meant even the gods couldn't intervene. 

"I'll stop the bleeding first. Looks like a sharp but blunt weapon pierced his shoulder, right through the artery." 

"This kid's lucky. A little later, and he'd have been a goner." 

Clicking his tongue, Fred began dressing Rojen's wounds with practiced efficiency. 

After a grueling hour, Rojen's injuries were tightly bandaged layer by layer. Wiping the sweat from his brow, Fred instructed the crew to carry the boy to a room. 

When he noticed they were taking Rojen to the ship's damp, dark basement, Fred frowned. 

"He's badly injured. A dark and humid basement won't help his recovery. He needs a well-ventilated place with plenty of sunlight." 

The crew exchanged glances but hesitated. The only sunlit room on the ship was Sefiya's cabin, and she was, after all, a young woman. 

"Put him in my room," Sefiya said decisively. "Saving his life is more important." 

After some hurried activity, Rojen was placed in Sefiya's cabin. 

When everyone had left, Sefiya stood by the bed, her eyes full of curiosity as she gazed at the unconscious boy. 

"A man riding a bird… and how did that bird disappear?" She murmured, her mind turning over the events. 

For the next three days, Sefiya cared for Rojen. 

The crew observed her attentiveness and began whispering among themselves.

"I think Captain San has taken a liking to that lad, the way she's caring for him so attentively," One of the crew chuckled. 

"You can't deny it— the kid's got a handsome face," Another added with a grin. 

"Ah, young love! Isn't it just natural at her age?" 

Amidst the lively gossip, the ship's old doctor, Fred, coughed twice, commanding attention. 

"That boy does have good looks, but there's also a subtle air about him, something unique. I reckon it's that aura that's drawn Sefiya in!" 

"And besides, Sefiya's at the perfect age to experience a beautiful romance. Isn't it perfectly normal?" 

---

Two more days passed. When Rojen finally opened his eyes, he found himself staring at an unfamiliar ceiling. His head throbbed painfully. 

"You're awake?" Sefiya's voice came with a mix of surprise and relief as she hurried over. 

"Where… where am I?" Rojen asked, his tone dazed. Had he somehow traveled through worlds again? 

"You're on my ship. You fell from the sky and passed out. I was the one who saved you," Sefiya explained quickly, handing him a cup of cool water. 

Rojen accepted the cup and drank deeply, though his body still felt overwhelmingly weak. Closing his eyes, he recalled the events before he lost consciousness. 

"The Marines!" 

His eyes snapped open, a sharp glint flashing in them before he regained his composure. 

"So it was you who saved me. Thank you so much!" Rojen said earnestly, his gaze finally settling on Sefiya. He couldn't help but pause for a moment. 

The girl before him had shoulder-length pink hair, skin as flawless as snow, and delicate, refined features. She exuded a natural elegance as if she were a snow lotus blooming in a winter storm— exceptional and breathtaking. 

"I'm glad you're awake," Sefiya replied with a warm smile. "I was so worried about you. Can you tell me your name?" 

"Rojen." 

---

Time passed quickly, and a week flew by in the blink of an eye. During that time, Rojen became well-acquainted with the crew. 

The sailors and workers, accustomed to life at sea, were cheerful and open-hearted. They had an ocean's worth of warmth and optimism. 

"Rojen, no date with the captain today?" Fred teased with a hearty laugh. Despite his age, the ship's doctor had a mischievous streak and took pleasure in bantering with Rojen. 

"Rojen Nii San, I can tell my sister really likes you! You've got to seize the opportunity!" Chimed in Sefiya's younger brother, Doron, his childish voice full of glee. At barely ten years old, his innocent remark set the entire crew roaring with laughter. 

Rojen's cheeks flushed red as he rubbed the back of his neck, his head beginning to ache. 

Sefiya was indeed wonderful, but did they have to tease him about it all the time? How was he supposed to muster the courage to confess naturally if they kept this up? 

Despite the embarrassment, the lively atmosphere aboard the ship made Rojen feel at ease. He was starting to truly enjoy this way of life. 

It was his first time at sea, but he'd already fallen in love with the sensation. 

He loved the sea! 

---

(End Of The Chapter)