One Piece: Starting at the War of the Best

"System, can you tell me about this Zanpakutō's abilities?"

Katie was burning with curiosity about the blade she'd obtained. Skybreaker—a Zanpakutō that never appeared in the original story. What kind of power did it hold?

"Space. This blade's power is related to space. As for its specific effects… you'll have to discover those yourself."

The system's explanation was vague, but Katie's heart raced.

The foundation of the world rested on two things: space and time.

Space defined form. Time dictated change.

And she now held a blade that manipulated one of them.

This… this has to be top tier.

Her consciousness drifted into the system's storage space, where Skybreaker gleamed—a sleek, silver-white weapon that called to her. If not for her current situation, she'd have pulled it out immediately, testing its weight, its edge, its power.

Ding!

*"Congratulations, Host! You have obtained: Basic Hand-to-Hand Combat Lv.3 (from Pirate Extra A)."*

Ding!

"Congratulations, Host! You have obtained: Basic Marksmanship Lv.2 (from Pirate Extra B)."

A barrage of notifications suddenly flooded her mind, lasting a full thirty seconds.

When it finally stopped, Katie checked her status screen—only to find ten new skills added.

The most notable was a swordsmanship skill called "Crescent Moon Slash."

And the most absurd?

A "Seduction" skill—ranked at a terrifying Lv.5.

"System, what the hell is this? What does 'Basic Lv.3' even mean? And why is there a plus sign next to each skill?"

"Skills are ranked by proficiency. 'Basic' is the lowest tier, followed by 'Advanced,' 'Master,' 'Grandmaster,' and so on. Each tier has ten sub-levels."

"The plus sign allows you to upgrade skills using Skill Points—earned by completing system missions. Though, diligent training can also raise skill levels."

Katie nodded. So, the system's tasks weren't optional. They were mandatory if she wanted to grow stronger.

"Host's determination confirmed. Issuing mission now."

Mission 1:

"A true pirate bow to no one. When insulted, strike back—immediately. Kill the pirate Hook with your own hands."

Reward: 2 Skill Points, 1,000 Exchange Points.

Mission 2:

"Patience is a virtue. Endure Hook's taunts and outlast him in this prison."

Reward: 1 Skill Point, 500 Exchange Points.

Katie immediately understood the system's nature—it wanted chaos.

The first mission was straightforward. With Hakū, killing Hook would be easy. The real problem? Dealing with Impel Down's guards afterward, possibly even Magellan. At her current strength, facing him meant certain death.

The second mission wasn't any better. "Outlasting" in Impel Down meant gambling with her life. The rewards were worse, too.

"System, I choose Mission 1."

"Mission locked. Complete it ASAP."

Katie's gaze lingered on Hook's defenseless back. She ached to cut him down now—but reason held her back.

The perfect opportunity would come soon.

When Luffy arrives.

Unbeknownst to her, that moment was closer than she thought.

A day's sail from Impel Down, a Marine warship raced across the sea.

Onboard was the only female Warlord, the ruler of Amazon Lily—Boa Hancock, the Pirate Empress.

"Lady Hancock, we've arrived at Impel Down. Prepare to disembark."

Vice Admiral Momonga's voice echoed through the door.

Inside, Hancock and Luffy exchanged a glance. The rubber-man quickly dove under her dress.

Once he was hidden, Hancock stepped out, her expression icy.

"Lead the way."

Even facing a Marine Vice Admiral, her tone remained frosty. (The only one who ever saw her smile was Luffy.)

Momonga stared at her room a beat too long.

Something felt off about Hancock this entire voyage—but he couldn't pinpoint what.

"Is there a problem?"

"N-No. We're about to enter Impel Down. I came to inform you."

"Mm."

Hancock's replies were monosyllabic. Momonga finally dismissed his suspicions. She had no reason to betray the Marines.

The massive iron gates of Impel Down groaned open, releasing a wave of rot and despair.

The screams of prisoners echoed like ghosts in the abyss.

Then—chaos erupted.

"Hurry! Buggy the Clown has escaped! Find him NOW!"

The prison, silent for years, exploded into panic.

The World Government would never tolerate another breakout—not after the shame of Shiki the Golden Lion's escape.

But it wasn't just the guards who were restless.

Every pirate in Level 1 stirred with desperate hope.

"Buggy! Where is he?! Open my cell—I'll serve you forever!"

"BUGGY! BUGGY!"

His name became a chant, a prayer for salvation.

Yet no one had actually seen him.

Katie watched Hook's frantic pacing, her fingers twitching toward Hakū.

Buggy's escape meant Luffy was coming.

The Summit War was thirty hours away.

This was her chance—her only safe path out of Impel Down.

But first…

She had a mission to complete.

Hook had to die.a

Katie immediately understood the system's nature—it wanted chaos.

The first mission was straightforward. With Hakū, killing Hook would be easy. The real problem? Dealing with Impel Down's guards afterward, possibly even Magellan. At her current strength, facing him meant certain death.

The second mission wasn't any better. "Outlasting" in Impel Down meant gambling with her life. The rewards were worse, too.

"System, I choose Mission 1."

"Mission locked. Complete it ASAP."

Katie's gaze lingered on Hook's defenseless back. She ached to cut him down now—but reason held her back.

The perfect opportunity would come soon.

When Luffy arrives.

Unbeknownst to her, that moment was closer than she thought.

A day's sail from Impel Down, a Marine warship raced across the sea.

Onboard was the only female Warlord, the ruler of Amazon Lily—Boa Hancock, the Pirate Empress.

"Lady Hancock, we've arrived at Impel Down. Prepare to disembark."

Vice Admiral Momonga's voice echoed through the door.

Inside, Hancock and Luffy exchanged a glance. The rubber-man quickly dove under her dress.

Once he was hidden, Hancock stepped out, her expression icy.

"Lead the way."

Even facing a Marine Vice Admiral, her tone remained frosty. (The only one who ever saw her smile was Luffy.)

Momonga stared at her room a beat too long.

Something felt off about Hancock this entire voyage—but he couldn't pinpoint what.

"Is there a problem?"

"N-No. We're about to enter Impel Down. I came to inform you."

"Mm."

Hancock's replies were monosyllabic. Momonga finally dismissed his suspicions. She had no reason to betray the Marines.

The massive iron gates of Impel Down groaned open, releasing a wave of rot and despair.

The screams of prisoners echoed like ghosts in the abyss.

Then—chaos erupted.

"Hurry! Buggy the Clown has escaped! Find him NOW!"

The prison, silent for years, exploded into panic.

The World Government would never tolerate another breakout—not after the shame of Shiki the Golden Lion's escape.

But it wasn't just the guards who were restless.

Every pirate in Level 1 stirred with desperate hope.

"Buggy! Where is he?! Open my cell—I'll serve you forever!"

"BUGGY! BUGGY!"

His name became a chant, a prayer for salvation.

Yet no one had actually seen him.

Katie watched Hook's frantic pacing, her fingers twitching toward Hakū.

Buggy's escape meant Luffy was coming.

The Summit War was thirty hours away.

This was her chance—her only safe path out of Impel Down.

But first…

She had a mission to complete.

Hook had to die.