Conquering Heroines: Starting From A World Of Zombies

Morning arrived without incident.

Robin, after spending the whole night steering the ship, finally returned to the cabin to rest. Before heading off, she made sure to instruct Ryuji to keep an eye on the compass and wake her if anything seemed off. She trusted him enough for that—at least when it came to watching a dial.

Left alone on deck, he gazed out over the endless sea.

And felt…

Bored.

That was the only word for it. At first, he'd felt a little excitement—sailing across the open ocean was the stuff of fantasy, after all—but the novelty wore off quickly. The longer he stared at the waves, the more his enthusiasm drained away.

There was nothing out there.

Aside from the occasional fish leaping from the water, the sea was just an endless expanse of blue and white noise. The sound of the waves, the cawing of distant seagulls—it all blended into a constant, meaningless drone.

Compared to the zombie-ridden chaos of the 7 Days to Die world, this felt far more isolating. At least in that world, there were threats to face, things to build, a sense of movement and danger. But here? On this gently rocking boat in the middle of nowhere?

He couldn't move much. Couldn't train. Couldn't even go for a walk.

"In this kind of environment, it'd be a miracle to not go crazy. No wonder there are so many lunatics in this world."

Ryuji scratched his chin and muttered to himself, having reached a firm conclusion.

The loneliness was overwhelming. The ceaseless sound of the waves, the isolation, the lack of stimulation—it was driving him mad. And he wasn't exactly the type who enjoyed sitting quietly with a book and a cup of tea.

He tried to focus on studying for a while but quickly grew irritated. His attention wandered. His mood soured.

So, naturally, he turned to games for a distraction.

That didn't last long either.

Even gaming felt dull in the middle of the ocean. Sailing, it turned out, was far more boring and monotonous than he'd expected. If he had the choice, he'd rather go back to the zombie apocalypse or grind skills in Minecraft. At least there, he could train and build without worrying about seasickness or claustrophobia.

"Ugh. Fine. I might as well use this time to organize my skills."

With a deep breath, he forced himself into a more productive mindset and began reviewing his abilities.

In the beginning, he hadn't been picky—his strategy was simple: get any power, no matter what it was. He'd just grab whatever came his way. After all, beggars can't be choosers.

But now that he had a small arsenal, he was beginning to notice something:

The laws of each world were different.

Magic, for example, varied wildly depending on where you were. And unfortunately, in some worlds, it became so complex and convoluted that learning it as an outsider was nearly impossible—at least in a short time.

So, after reviewing everything he had at his disposal, he came to a clear conclusion.

"Looks like I'm best off going with the elemental warrior route."

That meant enhancing his weapons and attacks with flame or frost, then charging into battle with a blade in hand—brute force plus elemental finesse. He could mold fire into various shapes, manipulate water, maybe even pull off some high-level elemental tricks if he kept developing his techniques.

Maybe. Possibly…

"This is… pretty similar to the combat style in Toph's world,"Ryuji muttered to himself as he pieced things together.

In Toph's world, elemental manipulation—bending—was crucial. But whether it was Zuko, Azula, the Avatar, or Toph herself, they all combined elemental skills with martial arts. Azula's refined techniques were backed by serious training—each move had a corresponding stance and rhythm. Toph's style looked like Mantis Fist, and Azula's resembled the Southern Shaolin style. The Water Tribe's moves were practically Tai Chi, and as for Airbending, though Ryuji hadn't seen much of Aang's techniques, the secret scrolls suggested they were based on Baguazhang.

In essence, every attack wasn't just a punch or a kick, but a coordinated strike infused with elemental force—flames, water, wind—whatever suited their nature.

And in the world of One Piece, it was even more common. Devil Fruit powers were regularly blended with martial arts. From Luffy's Gum-Gum techniques to the CP9's Rokushiki, and even to elemental fruits like the Flame-Flame Fruit—combining powers with close combat was the standard.

The Flame-Flame Fruit, though now seen as a bit of a joke because of Ace's death, was actually incredibly powerful. The problem was never the fruit—it was that Ace's development and strength hadn't matched someone like Akainu's.

"So… that means…"

Ryuji glanced at the interface showing the cost of returning to the Arad world. It'd take about two months. That gave him time. Maybe…

"Should I find a teacher while I wait? And speaking of which, I wanted to hook up with Nami, but… can I really take down Arlong right now?"

He asked himself this seriously.

Originally, his plan had been to find Garp.

Yes, that Garp—the Marine Hero himself. Say what you want about the man's flaws, but he was undoubtedly a good person. And for someone like Arlong, who was clearly evil, Garp would have no problem stepping in.

After all, the East Blue was only the "weakest sea" because Garp kept going home for family visits. By the time Luffy set sail, the sea was filled with small fry. Even the supposedly strongest, Don Krieg, was just a chew toy for Mihawk. Calling Krieg a "toy" was generous—Mihawk could have killed him with one casual swing if he wanted to.

So…

"Yeah, I definitely need someone powerful and insightful to give me advice, train me, and help me survive here."

Ryuji nodded to himself. Now the question was: who?

He opened his phone. Thanks to the Food Wars world having plenty of anime, he had access to One Piece data as well. He flipped through character bios, combat summaries, and abilities, thinking it through.

Then it came to him.

No—he'd had this idea from the start. He just hadn't dared to commit to it before.

"But I think… it might just work. Roger…"

Gol D. Roger. Pirate King.

The man wasn't exactly good… but he wasn't evil either. He was a pirate, sure, but one who had earned even Garp's friendship. That alone said a lot.

"I could try him. The other option… would be Oden."

Ryuji stroked his chin, thinking of the so-called "hero among men," Kozuki Oden. But he shook his head. Unless Yamato was here, Oden was a lost cause. That guy was too much of a lunatic to have a normal conversation with.

If Roger was a balance of light and dark, Ryuji could at least negotiate with him. Even if Roger tried to strong-arm him, Ryuji could play the long game. Power up, come back later, beat Roger half to death, kill Ace in front of him, and sleep with his wife.

...Okay, that was harsh. But at least Roger wasn't an idiot.

"So… do I resurrect him?"

Ryuji hesitated. Roger's strength far outclassed both him and Robin. If things went south, he couldn't win. And it wasn't like he needed a teacher. All he really needed was more time.

But still…

It would be fun, wouldn't it?

To talk to a pioneer of an era. To watch that legend clash with the World Government. To see someone who couldn't be killed as long as their lifespan remained—what a powerful buff for someone like Roger.

Plus, even if Roger was killed, Ryuji could just summon him again.

In theory… with the right planning, he could take down the World Government now.

That thought struck him like lightning. The true nature of his ability to resurrect with full vitality and lifespan—it was terrifying.

It was basically a new form of Edo Tensei, but better. Unlike that jutsu, his revived wouldn't be puppets. They'd be alive. Fully, truly alive.

And while Edo Tensei made obedience mandatory, it also robbed the dead of their will. His version—Real Resurrection—was weaker in control but infinitely stronger in realism.

"Alright then… let's give it a shot! Just for two minutes. I'll resurrect Roger for two minutes!"

Golden light bloomed from Ryuji's palm.

The next instant, a man with a long, wild beard and a crooked outfit appeared in the glow. A pirate's coat draped over his shoulders, and atop his head sat a tricorn hat like something from an old naval painting.

As he materialized, the man blinked in surprise—then burst out laughing.

"HAHAHAHA! The sea never stops being fun, huh? To think I'd get summoned by such a wild power. Alright, kid—what do you want? I can't do much in just a few minutes, though!"

Roger seemed delighted. He probably thought this was some new form of Devil Fruit power—maybe something like a resurrection fruit. In this world, Devil Fruits could be anything. Power adapted to desire. It wouldn't be shocking if one let you become a god… or brought back the dead.

"Ahh, as expected of the Pirate King," Ryuji said. "I need your help taking out a thug—someone who's taken over a few villages. However long you help me, I'll give you an equal time to be alive and free. Or, if you prefer, I can resurrect your wife so you can see her and your son."

He was blunt. No games.

"But of course, I'd also like to know how I can trust you. You are a pirate, after all."

Roger scratched his head and made a face.

"Hmm. Fair point. I guess I don't have a perfect answer. But you did resurrect me… Doesn't that mean you already trust me?"

He wasn't wrong.

Roger could feel it—his body was at full power. No sickness, no wear or tear. In fact, this was stronger than he had ever been in life. Not even the legends of him at his peak matched what he was now.

"Still," Roger said, voice dropping into a serious tone, "I gotta say, kid… you've got guts. You're still weak, yet you dared to summon me. Ever think of joining my crew?"

Ryuji's eyes narrowed. Ah. So that's what he was after.

Roger wasn't planning to rob him. He wanted him.

Classic Pirate King.

"Heh. Planning to live forever, Roger? Sorry, I can't give you that," Ryuji said, smiling faintly.

But Roger shook his head, his expression turning grim.

"No. That's not it, kid. Actually…"

A heavy, invisible pressure radiated from Roger and weighed down on Ryuji, his heartbeat pounding wildly.A primal fear surged through him—as if he were prey in the presence of a natural predator.

"If the first thing out of your mouth had been about overthrowing the world or asking for my treasure," Roger said, his voice cold and razor-sharp, "I would've cut you down without hesitation."

His eyes were dead serious.

"Oh? And why's that?" Ryuji asked calmly, though he already had a guess.

Roger's gaze didn't waver."My era is over. My life has run its course. Like it or not, this world belongs to the younger generation now. For someone like me to cling to the tides of a new age… it's pathetic."

He meant every word.

Ryuji chuckled, nodding in understanding. Without a word, he tossed Roger a can of rum—he'd prepared it in advance, knowing the Pirate King's reputation—and quietly added a day to Roger's lifespan.

"I figured you'd say something like that," Ryuji said. "Don't worry—I didn't summon you to start a revolution or beg for treasure. I just need a bit of training... and maybe help roughing up some scumbags. If not you, I was gonna ask Garp."

Roger caught the rum and took note of the single-day extension to his life. He smirked, unimpressed.

"Heh. Kid, you've got guts… but you're still far from a true pirate."

Ryuji gave a small grin and then revealed the real reason he'd chosen Roger.

"I just don't believe that someone who became the Pirate King could be an impulsive idiot."

This world wasn't his home. Even if Roger tried to control or betray him, he could always return to Toph's world. At worst, he'd just negotiate a way out and have Robin retreat temporarily.

And if Robin died? He could just resurrect her.He had conceptual lifespan. Unless the will of the world itself intervened, he wouldn't die—not even from severe injury. Even if he ended up crippled, he'd survive.

And being crippled? That was a solvable problem—just needed a World Fragment.

In truth, summoning Roger wasn't risky at all. Summoning Oden, on the other hand... now that was a risk.

Oden was just plain dumb.

"Ah… though I'm pretty sure my first mate would have a different opinion on that 'not an idiot' comment," Roger said sheepishly, scratching his head.

After all, "reckless idiot" was practically his middle name. But looking at Ryuji, he simply shook his head and sighed.

"Still, if you're hoping to learn anything from me… you're gonna be disappointed. I'm not exactly teacher material. Kaido and Rayleigh are way better mentors than me. And besides…"

Roger's eyes grew sharp again.

"You're way too weak!"

Ryuji didn't even flinch. He was well aware. Sure, he had a bunch of flashy powers, but if he returned to the Arad world right now, he wasn't even confident he could beat Chobung or Miss Sizki.

Their physical strength and combat instincts far surpassed his.His experience with zombies had only dulled his fear of gore and death—but against real fighters? He was still green.

"Yeah, I know. That's why I want your guidance," he replied, scratching his head in exasperation.

He'd considered summoning Rayleigh instead, even though the internet kept calling him a "useless teacher." But without Rayleigh's basic training, Luffy wouldn't have improved so quickly.

Besides, let's be honest—

Luffy's brain wasn't built for theory.

The only way to teach him was by letting him grow like a wild weed.

"Hmm... even so," Roger muttered. "Alright, let's start with the basics—eat well, train hard, sleep like a log."

He scratched his head again. Honestly, Ryuji's situation was too beginner-level for him to relate. Roger's own training?

He didn't really have any.

Rayleigh had once called him a "feral type."Roger just fought—ate like a beast, brawled without limits, passed out, woke up, and did it all again. Even his famed technique, Divine Departure, wasn't the result of strict practice.

He just kept swinging his sword until it worked.

Because in his world...Failing meant death.

"…That doesn't give me much confidence," Ryuji muttered. He was starting to worry he'd resurrected a super-powered Luffy.

"Just do as I say and you'll be fine!" Roger laughed. "If you really want to learn from me, start by swimming while dragging this ship behind you!"

Then he paused, rubbing his chin."Oh, right. Where are you taking this ship anyway?"

"To the East Blue. I'm headed to Cocoyasi Village," Ryuji replied without shame, "to take the virginity of two beautiful girls."

"…That's a pretty lackluster goal," Roger deadpanned.

Ryuji scowled.

"Listen here, Roger. For me, beautiful girls are the treasure. I'm chasing treasure too, dammit!"

Roger looked at him for a beat—then suddenly grew solemn, nodding in agreement.

"…Now that fires me up."

He turned back toward the sea, more determined than ever.

"In that case, you'd better work hard. Now go! Drag this ship across the Calm Belt!"

Ryuji: "..."

Does he even remember what manga he's in?!

Ryuji stared at the calm waters ahead. "This little ship isn't remotely equipped to cross the Calm Belt! Even if I could drag it through... how long would that even take?!"

He glanced toward Roger—and immediately noticed the man was completely distracted.

Roger didn't seem to care about being alive or dead. Expecting this guy to seriously help him out was wishful thinking at best.

The proof? He hadn't even bothered to ask Ryuji's name.

So...

"Hey, in your household, does your wife have the final say, or do you have the final say?"

Roger puffed out his chest, proud.

"Of course it was me!"

"Perfect."

Golden light suddenly sparked in Ryuji's hand.

Roger's expression shifted instantly. His eyes widened as he roared in panic.

"Wait—WAIT! KID! DON'T YOU DARE—!"

He lunged forward, trying to punch Ryuji and interrupt the summoning—but it was too late.

A silhouette appeared in the light.One Roger would recognize anywhere.

Portgas D. Rouge.

His wife.

"Urgh… damn kid…" Roger staggered back, fury flashing in his eyes as he glared at Ryuji.For the first time, real killing intent radiated from him.

But Rouge had no time for any of that.

The moment she saw Roger, everything else melted away.

She didn't care that she only had one day to live.

She threw herself into his arms with tears in her eyes, scattering his anger like dandelions in the wind.

"Roger! Is it really you?! I missed you so much! —Ah! Ace! What about Ace?! Is he safe?!"

At the sound of her voice, Roger knew.

Ryuji had found his one true weakness.

Alone, Roger could pretend to be indifferent to life and death.But now, with his wife alive and clinging to him, even the Pirate King couldn't remain cold.He could live with not seeing his son—but making his wife suffer through that loss again?

Impossible.

The right to see her child, to hold him—even just once—that was a mother's right.Not even the Pirate King had the authority to take that away.

Ryuji saw the murderous glare Roger shot him, but smiled and casually waved.

"Well, I'll leave things to you for now, Mr. Roger. Just make sure we stay on course."

With that, he walked off toward the ship's cabin, leaving the couple behind.

Roger sighed and held Rouge closer.Originally, his plan had been simple: laze around on Ryuji's ship, mooch food and booze, host a party or two, scare off the occasional Navy ship, and once Ryuji got fed up, laugh in his face and vanish from the world once more.

That was the plan.

But the moment Ryuji summoned Rouge, he had forcefully restarted Roger's journey.

Not as a pirate.But as a husband.As a father.

The two titles Roger feared most.

"I really should've cut that cunning brat in half, Rouge…" Roger muttered, exasperated.

Rouge, of course, understood his feelings.But her longing to see her son—their son—surpassed even her love for Roger.

That was her child.Before, she'd had no choice but to give up that hope.But now that she had a chance—even just a fleeting one—she had to take it.

Even if it was just for a glimpse.

"I'm sorry, Roger," she whispered, resting her head against his chest.

"It's alright," Roger sighed, scratching the back of his head. "Just means I owe someone a favor now."

He looked out to the horizon, unsure of how to deal with the consequences.

"Marriage really is the grave of a free man…"

He let the words slip, only to notice Rouge narrowing her eyes dangerously.

"Oh? Are you saying marrying me was a mistake?!"

"NO! Absolutely not!"

Later, on deck—

Roger, now rum-less, pointed toward the Calm Belt.

"Alright. Jump."

Ryuji blinked. "Excuse me?"

Next to him, Robin was staring blankly at the sea.She had only taken a nap—and somehow, in that time, they had already reached the Calm Belt?!

"I, uh… I can't swim," Ryuji admitted nervously.

He glanced at the smiling Rouge and the vengeful sparkle in Roger's eyes.Then he looked down at the water… and saw them.

Sea Kings.Their eyes alone were bigger than the boat.

Gulp.

"So I was thinking maybe we could, uh, ease into this—"

But Roger had no intention of easing anything.

Without hesitation, he kicked Ryuji square in the back, sending him screaming into the sea.

"DOWN YOU GO!"

Roger might not have known exactly what kind of training Ryuji needed…

But he could see one thing clearly:

Ryuji—

Still believed he had all the time in the world.

~~~~~~~~

Bonus chapter every 200 Power Stones.