One Piece: Rise of the harem king

Xander stepped out of the blood-soaked tavern into the cool night air. The moon hung high above the horizon, casting a faint glow on the now silent town of Whiskey Peak. His katana, freshly cleaned of blood, gleamed faintly at his side. He allowed himself a small smirk as he glanced back at the building. The bounty hunters had been dealt with, and the only ones left alive were Princess Vivi and Igram.

As he walked back toward where Nami and Nojiko were pretending to be sleeping, a familiar sound echoed in his mind.

[Ding! New mission available: Help Vivi and save her kingdom. Reward: Vivi's affection.]

Xander stopped in his tracks, his smirk widening. "So, it's her turn now," he muttered under his breath, crimson eyes gleaming with amusement. He turned back toward the tavern, already knowing what he had to do.

Leaving the tavern, he saw Vivi and Igram still standing among the carnage. Vivi looked pale, her expression conflicted, while Igram stood protectively at her side, his grip on his sword tight.

"You're still here," Xander said casually, his voice breaking the tense silence.

Vivi's head snapped up, her blue eyes locking onto his crimson gaze. "You... spared us," she said, her voice trembling slightly.

Xander crossed his arms, leaning against the doorframe. "I did. But don't mistake my mercy for kindness. You're lucky I know who you are, Princess Vivi."

"You... how do you know that?" She asked him first she didn't pay attention to it and afraid of him and her mind wasn't working well.

Xander chuckled, his tone cold but calm. "Let's just say I know more than you think. And I also know why you're here—why you infiltrated Baroque Works and why you're desperate enough to ask for help from someone like me."

Vivi and Igram exchanged a startled glance. Igram stepped forward, his expression wary. "What exactly do you know?"

"Everything," Xander replied simply. His gaze shifted to Vivi. "You're trying to save your kingdom, aren't you? Alabasta, the desert nation, is on the brink of civil war. And the one behind it all is none other than Crocodile, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea."

Vivi gasped, her hands clutching the edges of her cloak. "How do you know that?"

Xander shrugged, his nonchalant demeanor only adding to the mystery. "Does it matter? The important thing is that I know the truth. And I'm guessing you need help to stop him."

---

Vivi hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward, her expression shifting from surprise to determination. "You're right," she said firmly. "I do need help. That's why I'm here."

Igram looked alarmed. "Princess, are you sure—"

"Igram," Vivi interrupted, her voice steady. "We don't have a choice. We've been trying to fight this battle alone, and it's not enough. If he already knows so much, maybe he can help us."

Xander raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her sudden boldness. "Go on, then. Tell me your story."

---

Vivi took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. "My name is Nefertari Vivi, and I'm the princess of Alabasta. My kingdom has always been a peaceful place, but for the past few years, everything has been falling apart. Crocodile has been secretly manipulating the people, turning them against the royal family. He's pushing the country into chaos, and if we don't stop him soon, there will be a full-scale civil war."

Her voice trembled slightly, but she continued. "I joined Baroque Works with Igram to uncover Crocodile's plans and gather information. We've been trying to sabotage his efforts from the inside, but it's not enough. He's too powerful, and his influence is spreading too quickly."

Xander listened intently, his expression unreadable. He already knew everything she was telling him, but hearing it from her gave it a new weight. He could see the desperation in her eyes, the burden she carried for her people.

---

"And now," Vivi said, her voice softer, "I don't know what else to do. We need allies—someone strong enough to fight Crocodile and his organization. That's why I'm asking you for help."

Xander tilted his head, studying her carefully. "You're awfully quick to trust someone you just met," he said. "How do you know I won't betray you?"

Vivi met his gaze, her blue eyes unwavering. "Because you could have killed us back there. If you were truly our enemy, you wouldn't have spared us."

A faint smile tugged at Xander's lips. "Fair point."

---

Igram stepped forward, his expression stern. "Princess, you can't seriously be trusting this man. We know nothing about him."

"Igram," Vivi said firmly, "we don't have a choice. He's our best chance."

Xander sighed, running a hand through his long black hair. "Relax, old man. I'm not interested in overthrowing kingdoms or causing chaos. But I do have my own reasons for going after Crocodile, so I suppose I can help you

Vivi hesitated, then nodded. "Thank you."

---

Xander pushed himself off the doorframe and extended a hand toward her. "Then we have a deal, Princess."

She stared at his hand for a moment before reaching out and shaking it.

[Ding! Mission progress: Vivi has become an ally. Complete the mission to gain her affection.]

Xander smirked inwardly, already planning his next steps.

---

The rest of the night passed in relative silence as Vivi and Igram cleaned up the tavern. Xander returned to the ship, where Nami and Nojiko were waiting for him.

"What took you so long?" Nami asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Just tying up some loose ends," Xander replied vaguely.

Nojiko glanced at him, her eyes narrowing. "You're planning something, aren't you?"

Xander chuckled. "Always."

The three of them settled in for the night, knowing that the real journey was only just beginning.

The next day, Xander, Vivi, and the rest of the crew, set sail for Alabasta, ready to face the challenges ahead.

To be continued...

---

Chapter 25: Bonds of Trust

The days aboard The Dawnbreaker passed steadily, each one filled with purpose and preparation. While the destination, Alabasta, loomed heavy in their minds, the time spent at sea was an opportunity for reflection, growth, and strengthening bonds. For Xander, it was the perfect chance to ensure both his crew and Vivi were ready for the challenges that awaited them.

From the moment she set foot on The Dawnbreaker, Vivi had been an intriguing mix of determination and vulnerability. As a princess, she carried the burdens of her people on her shoulders, yet her trust in Xander grew with each passing day. Despite her noble upbringing, she willingly participated in the rigorous training Xander imposed, showing her resolve to become stronger.

On one such morning, Xander watched as Vivi sparred with a wooden staff on the deck. The ship rocked gently on the waves, but her balance faltered as she tried to execute a swift strike.

"Stop," Xander said, stepping closer. His voice was calm but firm, the way a teacher might address a student.

Vivi turned, her blue hair catching the sunlight, and looked at him with a mix of frustration and determination. "What am I doing wrong?"

Xander chuckled softly. "Your stance. You're not rooted properly. If you can't find balance, every strike you make will leave you open."

He stepped beside her, his hands briefly guiding her arms and legs into the correct position. His touch was light but firm, and Vivi felt a flicker of warmth at his proximity.

"Now, try again," Xander instructed, stepping back to observe.

This time, her strike was much more precise. She turned to him, her eyes bright with a mix of pride and gratitude. "Thank you, Xander."

He smirked. "You're getting there, Princess."

Vivi rolled her eyes at the title but didn't argue. She was beginning to understand Xander's unique way of encouraging those around him.

Training and Trust

Over the next few days, their training sessions grew more intense. Xander pushed Vivi to her limits, knowing that she would need every ounce of strength and skill when they faced Crocodile and his forces. Despite the challenges, Vivi never complained. She took every piece of advice, every correction, and every challenge as a step toward her goal of saving Alabasta.

"I don't know how you do it," Vivi admitted one afternoon, wiping sweat from her brow after a particularly grueling session.

"Do what?" Xander asked, handing her a flask of water.

"Lead people," she said, her voice thoughtful. "You make it look so easy."

Xander leaned against the railing, looking out at the endless sea. "It's not about making it look easy. It's about knowing why you're doing it. For me, it's my crew. For you, it's your kingdom."

Vivi nodded, his words resonating with her. She was beginning to see Xander not just as a pirate, but as a leader and someone she could trust.

While Xander worked with Vivi, he also made time for his crew. Nami and Nojiko often lounged on the deck, their banter lightening the mood of the ship. Kaya and Mari worked tirelessly in the kitchen, ensuring that everyone was well-fed and cared for. Lana, ever the warrior, sparred with Xander in their downtime, her competitive nature pushing him to stay sharp.

"You're slacking," Lana teased during one of their matches, her blade clashing against his.

Xander smirked, parrying her strike effortlessly. "And you're predictable."

Their exchanges often drew the attention of the others, who would watch with a mix of amusement and admiration. Even Igram, who had been wary of Xander at first, began to warm up to him.

"Your captain is… unconventional," Igram admitted to Nojiko one evening as they watched Xander interact with Vivi.

"That's an understatement," Nojiko replied with a laugh. "But he's the best person to have by your side when things get tough."

One evening, as the stars lit up the night sky, Xander found Vivi standing alone on the deck. She leaned against the railing, her gaze fixed on the horizon.

"Can't sleep?" Xander asked, approaching her.

Vivi turned, startled for a moment before relaxing. "Just… thinking."

"About Alabasta?"

She nodded, her expression heavy with worry. "Everything. My father, my people, the rebellion… It's overwhelming."

Xander placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You're doing everything you can, Vivi. That's more than most people would do in your position."

Vivi looked up at him, her eyes glistening. "Thank you, Xander. I don't know what I would've done without your help."

The moment was interrupted by the faint chime of the system in Xander's mind.

[Ding! Vivi's affection increased: +40%]

[Reward: +40 HP]

He smirked inwardly but said nothing, focusing instead on the gratitude in Vivi's eyes.

As the days went on, Xander found opportunities to deepen his connections with his crew. Whether it was sharing a quiet moment with Kaya over tea, laughing with Mari as they cleaned up after a meal, or engaging in friendly banter with Nami and Nojiko, he ensured that each member felt valued.

Lana, always eager for a challenge, often sparred with Xander under the moonlight. These sessions were intense, their mutual respect for each other growing with every strike and parry.

"You're not holding back," Lana remarked, her breath coming in short bursts after a particularly fierce match.

"Neither are you," Xander replied, his tone teasing.

Their camaraderie was evident, and the others often teased them about their competitive streak.

One night, as the ship rocked gently on the waves, Xander took a moment to reflect. The bonds he had forged with his crew and Vivi were strong, and he knew that these connections would be crucial in the battles ahead. The soundproofing of the ship offered privacy, allowing him to spend uninterrupted time with each of them, strengthening their trust and unity.

---

As the evening wore on, Xander stood on the deck of The Dawnbreaker, the salty breeze ruffling his dark hair. He gazed out at the vast ocean, feeling a quiet satisfaction as he watched the stars flicker in the night sky. His thoughts wandered to Vivi and her growing trust in him, the bond between them becoming something deeper with every passing day.

The gentle creak of the ship's wooden boards beneath his feet seemed to echo his thoughts. He decided it was time to take a moment for himself, to assess his progress and reflect on how far he had come.

Reaching into his mind, Xander activated the system, his eyes narrowing slightly as the familiar interface appeared before him. He was always curious about the changes, about how much stronger he had gotten.

Name: Xander

Age: 20

Strength: 345 (Max: 700)

Agility: 324 (Max: 700)

Haki:

Conqueror's haki lvl: 49 (Max: 100)

Advanced Armament Haki Level: 47 (Max: 100)

Basic Observation Haki Level: 95 (Max: 100)

The numbers blinked in front of him, and Xander couldn't help but smirk. His physical strength and agility were impressive, but there was still much room for improvement. The progression of his Haki was something that intrigued him, especially since his Basic Armament Haki was so close to reaching its maximum potential.

Swordsmanship: Advanced

Devil Fruit: Water-Water No Mi: lvl: 40

Harem:

Mari: 120% Affection

Kaya: 109% Affection

Nami: 99% Affection

Nojiko: 103% Affection

Lana: 134% Affection

Not Yet Harem:

Vivi: 40% Affection

Xander paused for a moment, studying the affection percentages of his crew. Each of his five girls had made considerable progress, especially Lana, who had exceeded all expectations. The connection between them had grown deeper, and he couldn't help but appreciate the bond they shared. Vivi, still at 40%, had room to grow, but the reward for her affection was only a matter of time.

HP: 3,345,040

The sheer amount of Harem Points he had accumulated surprised him. He had been so focused on his goals and the journey ahead that he hadn't fully realized how much progress he'd made. It was a testament to his efforts and the trust he had earned from his crew.

Bounty:

Dead or Alive

Name: Storm Xander

Bounty: 50,000,000

His bounty, now set at 50 million, was a constant reminder of the path he was treading. Xander was no longer just a pirate; he was becoming a force to be reckoned with. It was only a matter of time before his actions would attract the attention of the World Government and the infamous Seven Warlords of the Sea.

A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. It was amusing to him. So far, he had managed to stay one step ahead of everyone, but this bounty, this mark on his head, was only the beginning. He would make sure that everyone knew the name Storm Xander—and that they feared it.

As the moonlight danced on the surface of the ocean, Xander closed his eyes, feeling the weight of his decisions settling over him. The journey ahead was uncertain, but he was ready for whatever challenges lay in wait. His crew was strong, and he knew that together, they could face anything. With Vivi by his side, the upcoming battle in Alabasta would be one step closer to securing the peace she so desperately needed for her people.

Xander took a deep breath, focusing on the task at hand. It was time to prepare for what was coming. And with his status reflecting his growth, there was no turning back.

---

As the ship sailed steadily across the sea, Vivi's pet, Karoo, waddled across the deck with his usual clumsy charm. The large duck, with his distinctive feathers and wide, expressive eyes, had become a beloved part of the crew. His goofy antics never failed to bring a smile to anyone who saw him, and today was no different.

Xander, who was leaning against the railing, watching the horizon, turned as he heard the soft quack of the duck. Karoo waddled up to him, tail feathers flicking excitedly as he approached.

"What's up, Karoo?" Xander chuckled, crouching down to give the bird a scratch behind the ear. Karoo let out a contented quack, nuzzling into Xander's hand.

Vivi, who had been watching from the corner of the deck, smiled softly at the scene. She approached slowly, her steps light, not wanting to disturb the peaceful moment.

"Karoo's become quite attached to you," she said, her voice gentle but full of warmth.

Xander looked up, his smirk softening into something more genuine. "I can't help it. He's a good companion."

Vivi knelt beside Xander, reaching out to pet her beloved duck. Karoo responded with another contented quack and waddled back to her, nudging her hand for more attention.

"He always knows when I need cheering up," Vivi added, her gaze distant as she watched the sea.

"Well, he certainly knows how to make an entrance," Xander remarked, glancing at Karoo, who was now waddling back and forth in a small circle, excitedly flapping his wings.

Vivi laughed softly, the sound light and genuine. "He has a way of doing that."

As the evening wind tousled Vivi's hair, Xander stood and offered her a hand. "You should take a break, Vivi. You've been working hard."

Vivi nodded, but as she stood up, Karoo hugged her body, making her giggle. The duck stayed there comfortably, his large eyes twinkling with his usual mischievousness.

"Guess he's sticking with me, huh?" Vivi smiled at Xander as she adjusted her grip on Karoo.

Xander agreed, a soft chuckle escaping his lips.

With the addition of Karoo's playful presence, the crew felt like a true family. Their journey was far from easy, and the challenges ahead were daunting, but with each passing day, their bond grew stronger. The quiet moments like this, shared with those they trusted, were the ones that gave them the strength to keep moving forward.

---