Cursed Seas and Slashing Tides

Straw Hats and Secrets: The Pirate King's First Crewmate? part 1

In the middle of the sea, on a rainy day, a small wooden boat aimlessly drifted. A young teenager, wearing a straw hat, a red vest, and sandals, was starting to panic.

“Aaaaaaaaah! When am I going to find an island!?” Luffy exclaimed, his stomach growling. “I've been on this boat for hours, and I'm already starving!”

Beside him, an empty barrel—previously filled with food—lay on its side.

“Dammit! I just started my adventure, and I'm gonna die from hunger!? No way!” His voice picked up with energy. “I can't die before I become the Pirate King!”

As if fate was listening, an island appeared in the distance, emerging through the rain.

“Finally! Food! And maybe... crew members!” Luffy's eyes sparkled with excitement as he hurried toward the island.
…

Luffy docked his small boat and jumped onto the sandy shore. A local villager greeted him with a curious look.

“Hey there, kid! What are you doing alone on such a shabby boat?” the man asked. “Were you fishing or something? Though, I don't think I've seen you around here.”

“I got lost at sea,” Luffy admitted casually, rubbing his head. “But I'm glad I found this island.”

The villager smiled, pointing down the road. “Well, welcome to Heian Village. If you're hungry, the nearest restaurant is that way.”

Luffy grinned widely. “Thanks!” Without wasting any time, he dashed toward the village.
…

In the restaurant, a young man with a tall frame, appearing no older than 18, sat at one of the tables. His short pink hair contrasted with his piercing red eyes, which were accentuated by distinct markings beneath each one. He wore loose fitting clothes, his expression unreadable.

“Didn't have much luck today either.” The boy exclaimed with a sigh. “I don't understand why they just suddenly disappeared.”

Across from him sat a man in his sixties. He was of medium height, with striking green eyes. His white hair neatly framing his face. There was an air of quiet wisdom about him, though his posture remained relaxed as they shared the table.

“No need to feel so down about it. I'm sure you'll catch more fish once the bad weather clears.” the old man said.

“Hm, easy for you to say Albert. You're not the one fishing in the rain for hours just to return with nothing.”

“Hahahaha, I guess so! Well, it's good you're there to do my job for me.”

“You-!”

Just then the door swung open and the straw hat boy entered.

“Meat! Please bring me some meat!” he shouted.

“H-Huh? Alright, just a moment.” The lady at the bar responded and then went to the back.

“What's up with that guy?” The younger man asked.

“Don't know, never seen him before.” The elderly man replied.

The weird teenager sat at a table next to the two individuals, and once the food was brought, he instantly devoured it, leaving nothing but the plate.

“T-Thats quite the appetite young man.” Alfred said to the straw hat boy.

“Huh? Thanks, I guess! This might be enough for an hour or two.”

“Only an hour? Can you actually pay for so much food?” The other teenager asked.

“What do you mean, pay?”

Just then the waitress came up to the boy. ”Excuse me, do you want anything else?”