The True King In One Piece

Michael's senses slowly returned as he felt a sudden weight beneath him. Blinking his eyes open, he found himself sitting in an unfamiliar room. The space was vast yet devoid of any real structure—a seamless, endless expanse of white stretching infinitely in all directions. Despite the stark emptiness, it didn't feel cold or unwelcoming. It was simply... neutral.

He slowly stood up, glancing around. His last memory was of the void, the old man's cryptic words, and then—darkness. Am I dead? The thought sent a chill down his spine. Or is this some kind of afterlife?

A deep sigh escaped his lips as he ran a hand through his hair. He was in the void a moment ago—this must be connected to that place. There was no other explanation.

Just as he was about to take a step forward, a familiar chuckle echoed through the space. He turned sharply, his body tensing on instinct. Sitting across from him, legs crossed in a relaxed posture, was the same old man from before. The being's deep-set eyes held an amused gleam.

"You're adapting faster than I expected," the old man mused.

Michael narrowed his eyes. "You again."

The old man chuckled. "Indeed. You may call me Rob."

Michael exhaled, taking a seat on the smooth, unseen surface. He had a million questions, but one pressed harder than the others. "What is this place? And why am I here?"

Rob stroked his long beard. "This is a transitional space, a room beyond life and death where souls are processed before their next journey."

Michael's mind spun. "Next journey? You mean reincarnation?"

Rob nodded. "Precisely."

Michael clenched his fists. This was too much to take in. Just hours ago, he was rushing home to watch One Piece, and now he was having a philosophical discussion about life after death. "Why me? People die all the time. What makes me so special?"

Rob's expression turned serious. "Karma."

Michael raised a brow. "Karma?"

Rob leaned forward. "Your actions in life, both good and bad, create an energy that determines your fate. You, Michael, built a business that provided shelter, food, and support to thousands of homeless people. You didn't do it for fame, nor for profit—you did it because you genuinely wanted to help. That alone earned you enough karma to be granted a choice."

Michael felt a lump form in his throat. He had never thought about it like that. He had simply wanted to make a difference, to help where he could. But now that he thought about it, had his actions truly been selfless? Or was he just trying to add meaning to his own privileged life?

Rob's eyes softened. "There is another reason. Your son."

Michael's breath caught. "My... my son?"

Rob nodded. "Your child was destined to be one of the heroes who would save Earth on his seventeenth birthday. His presence in the world changed the fate of millions. You may not have been there to raise him, but his existence alone was enough to shift the balance of karma in your favor."

Michael felt his chest tighten. His son—his child he never got to meet—was a hero? A wave of sorrow washed over him. He had died before he could even see his baby born. Never held him, never guided him, never been there when it mattered most.

He clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms. "I didn't even get to see him..." he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

Rob let the silence linger for a moment before continuing. "I understand your grief, but I do not have time to waste. You have three choices before you. Choose wisely."

Michael took a deep breath, wiping away the tears threatening to form. "What are they?"

Rob held up a finger. "First, you may ascend to Heaven. Your karma is sufficient for you to pass on to eternal peace. No suffering, no burdens—just rest."

Michael nodded slowly. Eternal peace sounded... tempting. No more uncertainty, no more questions about whether he was worthy or not.

Rob lifted a second finger. "Second, you may reincarnate back on Earth with your memories intact. You will have another chance at life, to live again among those you knew."

Michael's heart skipped a beat. He could go back? See his parents again? Maybe even find a way to be there for his son? The possibility filled him with hope, but at the same time, something didn't sit right.

Then Rob raised a third finger. "Third, you may participate in the Tournament of Power."

Michael frowned. "Tournament of Power?"

Rob smiled. "A grand competition held across the multiverse. Only those who have accumulated immense karma, like yourself, are given this option. The competitors are souls from various worlds, all given the chance to prove themselves in combat. The winner receives the ultimate prize: their greatest wish" Michael's mind raced. "So if I win... I could choose any wish."

"Exactly."

Michael hesitated. His first instinct was to choose Heaven. After all, hadn't he wanted a peaceful end? But then, a memory surfaced—his own words, his own doubts.

Would I have succeeded without my advantages?

If he chose Heaven, he would never find out. He would fade into nothingness without ever knowing if he had the strength to make something of himself.

If he chose Earth, he would return to the same circumstances that had shielded him his whole life. The same privilege, the same comforts. Could he really call that a challenge?

But the Tournament...

It was the ultimate test. A battle to prove himself not as someone born into success, but as someone who earned it.

He exhaled sharply, determination setting into his eyes.

"I choose the Tournament."

Rob's smile widened. "Good. Then let the trials begin."

And with that, the room disappeared in a flash of light.