Chapter 3: Straw Hat = Idiot?Two years passed in the blink of an eye.The depths of the original dense forest had transformed into a spacious clearing. Although it appeared vibrant now, overgrown with weeds, details revealed that a large-scale fire had once occurred here."Gurgle~~"A loud rumble of a stomach drifted across the clearing, reaching deep into the forest and echoing through the trees.If a stomach could be this powerful, one could only imagine how staggering this person's physical fitness was.Step, step!The sound of intermittent footsteps echoed in the woods.A wild man, nearly two meters tall with wheat-colored skin and muscles as sharp as if carved by a knife, slowly approached. He was draped in animal skins and carried a massive three-meter-tall black bear on his shoulders, his long hair messy and windblown.The newcomer was none other than Rex!"Sigh~!""Two years in the blink of an eye..."A helpless sigh escaped Rex's mouth.Two years is so damn short, just like this black bear.Thinking of this, Rex waved his hand, and a ball of fire appeared out of thin air at the bear's crotch, burning the tiny 'matchstick' and 'green beans' there to ashes.Out of sight, out of mind!What have I done these past two years?Emm~I focused on improving my physical fitness; I only had time for the preliminary development of the Dark-Dark Fruit...One couldn't say Rex's progress was slow; tempering his body took up most of his time.After all, fruit abilities rely heavily on the user's stamina. If the physical foundation isn't strong enough, it simply can't withstand the reckless use of techniques.Rex knew this couldn't be rushed, so for two years, he trained his body like a madman.Fortunately, his physical talent was exceptional. His strength had skyrocketed over these two years, and he had yet to hit a bottleneck.Besides physical tempering, there was the preliminary development of the fruit.Every day after training, he would shoot flames like a maniac. The temperature had risen from over two hundred degrees initially to nearly seven hundred degrees now, and his endurance was top-notch!Even if a Teddy from his past life came here, it would have to express its admiration.His application of the fruit had reached a certain level. Like Luffy's Paramecia-type fruit, controlling flames had become an instinct.Regarding fruit development, the most important issue was the fruit's weakness—being a 'landlubber'.Based on the original work, several rules could be summarized:1. This feeling of weakness for ability users can be mitigated and overcome.2. The Elementalization of Logia types is very intelligent. Besides choosing to actively elementalize, it can also be passively triggered by harmful attacks.This passive mechanism is on by default but can be manually turned off, meaning one can choose to be hit if they wish.3. In water, abilities are suppressed but can still be used.(If readers have objections, refer to scenes like Luffyat the bottom of the sea in Arlong Park, on Sky Island, or when taming the Kraken underwater, as well as Aokiji freezing the sea or Oven boiling it. Their abilities still worked effectively, they just became much weaker.)4. Blackbeard's Dark-Dark Fruit, however, nullifies fruit abilities, similar to the effect of Sea Stone.Over these two years, Rex repeatedly went into the sea and attempted to train in the water, using it to constantly break past his limits.Additionally, he became friends with the beasts on the island. They helped him improve his physical techniques and compensated for his lack of combat experience.So, unless absolutely necessary, Rex would never eat his 'friends'—unless he couldn't help himself.This black bear was a 'good friend' Rex had made recently. Originally, he didn't want to kill it, but its white fur happened to look like a pair of suspenders!This appearance triggered Rex's homesickness, so to stop missing home, he had to bid it a tearful farewell!After a moment of sentimentality, Rex quickly processed the bear—scraping the fur, skinning it, and removing the tendons in one smooth motion—before setting it over a fire to roast slowly.Suddenly, the weather on the island changed. A waterspout appeared in the distance, carrying a massive amount of moisture as it swept toward the island.In the East Blue, the climate wasn't as crazy as the Grand Line, but then again, you never know.Seeing the approaching tornado, an outrageous guess suddenly flashed through Rex's mind..."Aaaaaah~~~~"A muffled cry followed, completely confirming Rex's ridiculous suspicion.As soon as Rex looked up, he saw a beer barrel hurtling toward him. He felt a surge of speechlessness..."Damn it, old man, if this wasn't your doing, I'll definitely chop your thing off and feed it to the dogs!!"After finished complaining, Rex quickly shouted: "Passionate Eel!!"Simultaneously, Rex extended his right hand, pressing his index and middle fingers together into a sword gesture. With his fingertips facing up, he hooked his fingers upward.Then, two pillars of flame, one large and one small, erupted from the ground with a life of their own.The small pillar spiraled, locked onto the beer barrel, and shattered it with a boom.The other massive pillar of fire slammed into the tornado, knocking it off its original course.However, Rex didn't go too far. He waved his hand and threw out a fire net, firmly catching the fragments of the beer barrel before tossing them aside.The fire net was inspired by the flame tunnel Acereleased after breaking free from his handcuffs during the Marineford War in his previous life.If the fire is made strong enough, it can support a person. Moreover, fire can be heated or cooled; for the current Rex, precisely controlling temperatures within a few hundred degrees wasn't difficult.Thud!Thud!The sound of falling wood was chaotic.A young man with a Straw Hat hanging behind his head, large and lively eyes, and a scar under his eye stood up shakily: "So dizzy, so dizzy, I feel sick..."Rex's attention was entirely focused on this person. He wanted to take a good look at the man he had followed for over ten years in his previous life.Rex's gaze swept from top to bottom, finally focusing on Luffy's feet.That's it, the Supreme Grade Sandals!!Looking at those straw sandals, Rex's eyes were full of envy.In the past two years, his clothes and shoes had long since rotted away.He only used a leather loincloth—more accurately, a leather skirt—to cover his 'little brother'.Suddenly, Rex's eyes flickered; he seemed to have a good idea."Hey, Straw Hat!""This is my territory!""Hand over everything valuable on you!"Rex casually picked up a wooden stick, pointed it at Luffy, and shouted.Hearing this, Luffy shuddered. He then reached out, grabbed his Straw Hat, pulled it onto his head, and pressed down with his fingers, the brim obscuring his eyes.This was Luffy's signature move when he was about to get serious."Are you a pirate too?""Since you're ready to fight, then prepare to be sent flying by me!" Luffy said in a serious tone.Rex wasn't annoyed by these words; instead, he felt this was very 'Luffy'. Besides, this guy seemingly never actively killed anyone; he just sent them flying.At this moment, the corners of Rex's mouth curled up slightly:"Yo-yo-yo-yo! Is this how you treat your savior?""Do you know who saved you and brought you ashore?""Do you know how much I sacrificed to save you from that waterspout??"While speaking, Rex turned slightly, secretly elementalizing his right hand. He then pulled a piece of fur from the side to cover his right shoulder and stealthily smeared some bear blood onto it.After this simple setup, Rex appeared to have lost his right arm, with blood dripping down incessantly.Tsk tsk tsk, that really looks painful!Seeing Rex's right shoulder, Luffy looked as if he had been struck by lightning, his expression instantly changing."Gomen nasai!! Your arm! Your arm!!"Luffy clutched his head and ran around in a panic.Seeing Luffy's panicked state, Rex raised an eyebrow:"You wanted to send your savior flying just now?""You were the one who trespassed into my territory, right? I was the one who saved you, right? And you still want to beat me up??"Drama King Rex was officially online!Rex controlled his micro-expressions, straining his eyes to let the wind hit them until they turned red and watery.Seeing Rex like this, Luffy lowered his head even further: "I'm sorry!""Tell me, is it too much for me to ask you to hand over your valuables?""I saved your life; is it too much to ask for something in return??" Rex said, sounding 'utterly heartbroken'.Because he hadn't blinked for a long time, tears actually started flowing.Luffy panicked even more. His eyes bulged, his nostrils flared, and he issued a string of sincere apologies: "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry..."Seeing that the desired effect had been achieved, Rex suddenly dropped the act and, with a fierce look, landed a heavy overhead punch on Luffy's head.Although he knew Luffy likely wouldn't fight back, he added:"My blood is almost drained, and you're still making such a racket!"Luffy pulled his head out of the ground. After shaking off the dirt, he was perfectly fine and didn't show any resentment. He continued to apologize, even kneeling on the ground with wide, blinking eyes, biting his lip deeply, looking completely innocent and guilty.Rex wasn't lying; the blood really was almost drained. However, he didn't say whose blood it was!Looking at Luffy's proactive attitude in admitting his mistake, Rex didn't rush to speak. Instead, he rubbed his chin with his 'remaining' hand and fell into thought.Perhaps joining Luffy's ship would be a good choice...With this thought, Rex looked up at Luffy.Except, at this moment, Luffy was quietly extending his arm, reaching for the bear meat on the fire.Seeing this, Rex couldn't help but curse: "Damn it, I haven't even settled the score with you yet, and you dare to steal my meat??"Rex stomped his right foot, causing the ground to cave in instantly. He shot forward and swung another heavy punch with his left hand at Luffy's head, this time using his full strength.Boom!Luffy's head was sent flying instantly, and his body was dragged along by his head, his neck stretching incredibly long.Crash! Bang! Thud!A series of collisions echoed through the forest. Trees along the path snapped in half, and the massive vibration startled the birds and beasts, causing a commotion in the forest.Tiger: "Run, run! That beast of a man is eating his friends again!"Black Bear: "Tell me about it! My great-uncle is over there sizzling and dripping oil. Smells delicious!!"---Even though Rex was just faking it and wasn't actually injured—and saving Luffy was debatable—That didn't stop him from being genuinely angry! And it didn't stop him from really beating up Luffy!Luffy bounced up from the debris, feeling even more panicked, cold sweat dripping down his face.Seeing this, Rex's anger subsided, but he still wanted Luffy to apologize!"Well? How are you going to compensate me?""I don't have any money!!" Luffy immediately put his hands on his hips and said righteously!"No money?? Then strip off your hat and clothes and give them to me," Rex said with a raised eyebrow and a playful expression."My hat?? No way, no way!!" Luffy suddenly raised his hands to cover his Straw Hat, looking at Rexwarily and resistantly."This hat is my most important treasure!!"Rex wasn't annoyed; it was to be expected. It would be strange if Luffy actually gave it up!"You don't have this, and you won't give that. What do you want then?? Huh?" Rex, the master of expression management, instantly put on a sour face again.Luffy broke into a cold sweat again, his whole body trembling.Suddenly, a bright lightbulb appeared over Luffy's head.Rex: "---"Emm~~ This... is quite logical.Then, Luffy jumped up from the ground and smacked his right fist into his left palm:"I've decided! I want you to be my crewmate!!"Hearing this, Rex immediately took a sharp breath!Although this was one of his goals.After all, humans are like that—even when they've made up their minds, sometimes they just can't lose face, or they always like to position themselves as the victim.But Luffy's wild move really stunned Rex.Are the men who would be Pirate King all this wild?Seeing Luffy's cheerful and smug look, Rex could guess what he was thinking without even trying.It was nothing more than: 'I'm so smart, I'm so clever.'This way, he wouldn't have to compensate Rex, and he'd have a crewmate too.Perhaps Luffy was impressed by the strength Rexjust displayed, or perhaps Luffy didn't care about strength at all when looking for crewmates.But one thing was certain: Luffy didn't doubt a single word Rex said!Rex had a headache; such a Captain was truly 'top-notch'!He didn't respond to Luffy but instead walked straight to him and forcibly pulled off his Supreme Grade Sandals.This was his ultimate goal!Who wouldn't want a pair of Supreme Grade Sandals that never wear out or break?Then, he happily put the sandals on his feet. Ignoring Luffy, he turned and walked toward the bear meat he hadn't had a chance to eat yet, a thoughtful look on his face."Hey! Do you agree with what I said or not???""Forget it~! It's settled then!"After talking to himself for a bit, Luffy also walked toward Rex—or more accurately, toward the bear meat next to Rex.
Chapter 4: Officially Joining"Crackle crackle~"The sound of wood burning was particularly sharp, echoing through the forest and lingering in the ears.After all that commotion, the sky had darkened.The two of them sat around the campfire, staring intently.One looked preoccupied, thinking: "I'll probably leave tomorrow to start a new life. How should I integrate into this world?"Rex felt that if he joined the Straw Hat Pirates, he would find it hard to fit in.Even today, he still viewed this world from a God's perspective.This wasn't his fault.Knowing what would happen in the future while trying to blend into a familiar yet strange group makes it hard to develop feelings.The other also looked preoccupied: "Is it cooked yet? Why isn't it done? Should I sneak a bite?"Rex wasn't so heartless this time. This was the third time they were roasting meat, and he pretended not to see Luffy sneaking bites, making Luffy think he hadn't been caught.Seeing the last pair of bear paws were almost done, Rex picked up the seasoning beside him.This was his homemade BBQ seasoning from the past two years; actually just some spicy plants from the island dried and mixed with sea salt.Poisonous? No, no, no, his brothers ate it and were fine.After sprinkling the seasoning and roasting it a bit more over the fire, smelling the aroma, he tossed the well-colored bear paw to Luffy.This made Luffy very excited. The first two times he ate it plain. He wanted to ask for seasoning several times but hesitated, acting cautiously.Looking at Luffy like this, Rex wanted to laugh.Luffy isn't a meticulous person; he's more of a wise fool. But was he afraid of Rex? Not necessarily, probably just embarrassed.Rex interrupted Luffy's state of being so delighted by the food that his eyes were glowing."You just asked me to join your ship?""Give me a reason."Although the beasts of this world are delicious and Sea Kings even better, the most urgent thing is to find a reliable camp and then enjoy life.Hearing Rex's question, Luffy rarely stopped eating and fell into deep thought.It must be said, Luffy doesn't have a scheming bone in his body, but he's never vague about big matters.Rex waited quietly for Luffy's answer."I want to be the Pirate King, but I can't do it alone. I need many strong and reliable companions!""Join my ship!" Luffy took off the Straw Hat from his head, staring straight at the hat in his hand, then looked at Rex with burning eyes and said seriously."That's a really serious answer," Rex didn't expect this.He thought Luffy would be like before, willfully saying: "I've already decided, blah blah blah."Observing Luffy inviting others, you couldn't say he wasn't serious, but it definitely wasn't as serious, formal, and solemn as this time!"Alright! I'll join your ship for now. But let me say this first: if you or this ship fails to satisfy me in the future, I will leave without hesitation!" After a brief thought, Rex stood up and said solemnly.He wasn't sure if he could fit in; in his previous life, he was quite a loner.Then, he made his hand grow back.Hearing Rex agree, Luffy jumped for joy, ran to his side, and slapped Rex's shoulder rapidly."What! Hahaha! I knew you'd agree!""Ahahahahahaha!""Hahahaha... gah?" Seeing Rex's arm restored, Luffyimmediately showed what it meant to be dumbfounded, showing a "Holy crap! Awesome!!" expression.He didn't care if Rex lied to him; instead, he was happy because Rex's hand was fine.Although these scenes were within Rex's expectations, seeing Luffy's sincerity, this twenty-first-century youth almost couldn't handle it.In his previous life, let alone being treated sincerely, not being stabbed in the back at a critical moment was already good!Actually, this choice isn't bad, is it?The corners of Rex's mouth curled up slightly. He stood up slowly and explained: "I am a Mera Mera no Mi user. Like you, I ate a Devil Fruit. Ordinary attacks can't hurt me at all.""---"After a few more words with Luffy, Rex said goodbye to pack his luggage.Luffy sat cross-legged on the ground, swaying side to side, grinning brilliantly like a fool!That night, in the forest, the roars of beasts echoed everywhere—whether it was the distortion of human nature or the loss of morality.---"Rex's current optimal combat temperature for flames is nearly eight hundred degrees, but if he consumes a lot of physical strength and energy, he can burst out even more terrifying temperatures.Actually, he didn't have much to pack, besides the reluctance to leave his good brothers, there was the gold in their dens.Ships often wrecked here, so his brothers collected a lot of gold, just enough for Rex to melt into a handy Golden Staff.For the leftovers, Rex melted them into small leaves for daily expenses.A few days ago, his limit temperature couldn't melt gold. Now, it seems Rex's strength has risen again, breaking a thousand degrees.Rex carried the staff on his back, with the Gold Leaves strung into a chain hanging from his waist, walking leisurely and humming happily: "Gong xia mi, ni ai wa---"Today is truly a good day!Then, Rex called Luffy to help drag the huge raft he had built over the past two years.Although the sail was made of wood chips and vines, Rex didn't plan to use wind power. Wouldn't it be better to use a low-temperature Fire Fist for acceleration?Luffy had no complaints about being in charge of dragging the boat. However, he kept eyeing Rex's Golden Staff. His eyes sparkled the whole way, making Rex uncomfortable, so he quickly melted a section of the staff to make Gold Gauntlets, the kind where the fingers are exposed.Only then was Luffy satisfied, playing with his gauntlets.On the raft, Rex looked at a tiger on the boat and fell into deep thought.He remembered he told Luffy to hunt a deer; a deer wasn't his brother!"E-hahahahaha""E-hahahahaha"Luffy laughed towards the sky, taking Rex's shock as admiration for his strength.But Rex didn't mind. After all, this was the last brother.It would be quite cruel to leave it here alone, wouldn't it?After figuring it out, Rex carried three large boxes of dried meat he had roasted onto the boat.A single Fire Fist to start the new journey!!!It's worth mentioning that Luffy also brought two human-sized beer barrels onto the boat. When asked, he said: "It's my lifesaver!"