The morning sun pierced through the thinning fog like a golden blade, casting long rays over the sea that shimmered with promise. Despite the lingering damage to the Baratie, the mood had shifted. The winds were calm, the waves gentle. There was stillness—but also purpose.
On the deck of the newly repaired ship gifted by the Baratie crew, Luffy stood at the helm, straw hat casting a shadow over his focused expression. His hands gripped the wooden wheel tightly. This wasn't just a journey—it was a rescue mission.
Behind him, Zoro leaned against the railing with his arms crossed, three swords at his hip, polished and gleaming. His gaze was locked on the sea, unwavering.
Sanji had just finished loading the last crate of rations, tightening the ropes with practiced ease. A cigarette hung from the corner of his lips, its smoke drifting upward into the morning breeze. He turned to look toward the kitchen staff who stood assembled near the edge of the Baratie's deck, waving silently.
Zeff stood apart from the others, arms crossed, wind tugging at his chef's coat. His one good eye met Sanji's. No words were exchanged. None were needed. Sanji gave him a small nod—one of thanks, of respect, and of farewell. Zeff answered with a faint smirk.
"You better not die out there, idiot," Zeff muttered to himself.
Usopp stumbled out from below deck, a pair of binoculars dangling around his neck, a slingshot holstered at his waist. He yawned loudly but quickly straightened up, catching the intensity in the air.
Luffy turned to face his crew. "We head east. Nami's out there, and she needs us."
"Right," Zoro said with a nod.
"Let's bring her home," Sanji added.
With a strong gust of wind at their backs, the ship lurched forward, sails catching full wind. Shadows flickered faintly around Luffy's feet—an echo from the system, quietly acknowledging his intent.
They cut through the waves swiftly, silence mostly reigning over the deck. Each crewmember was deep in their own thoughts.
Usopp finally broke the silence. "Do you think she's okay?"
Sanji, still smoking near the mast, glanced skyward. "She's Nami. She's smart, tough... but scared. You saw her eyes. Whatever she left to face—it's personal."
Zoro's voice was low, steady. "She doesn't want us there. But that doesn't mean we're letting her handle it alone."
Luffy said nothing. He never took his eyes off the horizon, as if staring hard enough would bring her closer.
Hours passed.
The sun rose higher, but dark clouds brewed in the distance. The sea grew restless. The breeze shifted from warm to biting. A storm was forming, churning on the eastern horizon.
Then—
"Land ho!" Usopp shouted from the crow's nest. He gripped the binoculars tightly, eyes scanning. "Reef ahead—there's a village... and... smoke!"
Luffy's stomach dropped.
A thick column of black smoke twisted into the sky like a warning.
"Faster!" he barked.
Zoro and Sanji moved to adjust the sails. The ship surged ahead, crashing through growing waves. Rain began to patter. The coastline grew closer, revealing farmland, palm trees... and a small village surrounded by partial walls. What remained of the gates hung in pieces.
They dropped anchor just offshore.
Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, and Usopp climbed into a small landing boat and paddled toward the beach. As they got closer, the devastation became clearer. Burned rooftops. Cracked stone roads. People cowering behind rubble. Fish-men in armored vests patrolling with weapons made of bone and steel.
They reached the shore silently. Luffy was the first to step onto the sand, his sandals pressing into wet soil. A pulse of shadow energy flickered across his arm and disappeared.
Zoro cracked his neck, his hand hovering near his swords. "This place is crawling with them."
Sanji narrowed his eyes. "Fish-men. So this is Arlong's domain."
Usopp gulped. "We are definitely not welcome."
As the group began to move through the outer edge of the village, they came across an old man sitting on a toppled cart. He clutched a bleeding arm, his eyes wide with fear until they landed on Luffy and the others.
"You... you're not from here," the man said weakly.
"No," Luffy replied. "But we're here to help. Where's Nami?"
The old man looked away. "She went to the graveyard on the hill. To her mother's grave. She always goes there when it gets too much..."
Luffy's expression hardened. He didn't waste another second. "Stay safe. We'll handle the rest."
The old man nodded slowly. "If you're serious about helping... take him down. Arlong. We've suffered long enough."
In the distance, near a small cemetery on a hill, Nami knelt alone. Her orange hair was loose, her clothes damp from the sea. Her fingers trembled as she laid her hand on a grave—one of many.
Tears streamed down her cheeks, but she made no sound. Only the storm and the distant footsteps of something heavy filled the air.
A towering figure approached her. Blue-skinned, gilled neck, wide jaw lined with teeth sharp as daggers. Arlong.
He stopped a few paces from her, arms crossed. "Nami. It's time you came back where you belong."
Nami's hand tightened into a fist on the grave.
Luffy, from below the hill, stared with a burning fire in his chest.
"I don't think so," he growled.
—To be continued.
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