This Bites! is an isekai/self-insert fanfic that is clearly a work born out of genuine love for One Piece.
The story is long — extremely long — with massive arcs packed full of details, references, callbacks, and easter eggs. Because of that, it can sometimes feel a little dense, especially if you are not binge-reading it. Taking breaks between arcs may require going back to reread earlier chapters to remember certain details and setups.
Unlike many self-insert fanfics, This Bites! is not a simple power fantasy.
The main character does not gain an overpowered Devil Fruit or instantly master Haki. Instead, he starts near the bottom of the power scale and survives through strategy, tactical thinking, and clever decision-making without overshadowing the original cast.
One of the things I enjoyed most is how much effort the story puts into capturing the sense of wonder that defines One Piece. The world feels alive, colorful, strange, and full of adventure in a way that many fanfics struggle to portray.
The story also gives significant attention to the expanded Straw Hat crew and supporting characters, with people like Vivi receiving much more focus and development.
For a long time, the fic stays relatively close to canon, only making gradual changes through the protagonist’s interference. However, every advantage gained tends to create new risks and higher stakes, which helps the story remain tense and engaging.
The major divergence from canon truly begins around the Alabasta arc.
Another aspect I really enjoyed is the political side of the story. The protagonist ends up influencing hidden factions within the Marines and even unintentionally helps spread the Straw Hats’ reputation across the world in fascinating ways.
The action scenes are also a major highlight. Some battles take entire chapters and are filled with chaotic survival, desperate improvisation, and the characters struggling against enemies far stronger than themselves.
More than anything, This Bites! made me fall in love with One Piece all over again.
It is funny, dramatic, respectful to the original characters, and full of moments that genuinely made me laugh out loud and tear up emotionally.
Original Work Link
https://archiveofourown.org/works/4833515/chapters/84444544?view_adult=true
Original Summary
Sea Kings, seasickness, sunburns, a 95% genocidal Navy and more than a million and one other assorted ways to die. It’s official: Being inserted into an anime sucks ass… Buuut I guess it could be worse. I mean, look on the bright side: At least I’m sailing with the future King of the Pirates.