After realizing what I needed to do for my future, I felt a clarity in my mindset. Unlike before, I was no longer burdened and confused about facing a life full of uncertainty. My worries about an unclear future and the dangers that lurked, including the possibility of being captured again by cruel pirates like Black Skull, still haunted me.
Taking a deep breath, I realized that I had to remain cautious. The world of One Piece had now become a reality for me. Although I had knowledge about the story and important characters in this world, it didn't guarantee my safety. My early experience of being captured by ruthless pirates had taught me that this world was full of unpredictable variables. Even a small mistake could cost me my life.
After reflecting on everything I needed to achieve my future goals, I closed my eyes and went back to sleep. My body still needed recovery after enduring severe malnutrition.
I woke up from my sleep as a refugee woke me up. He informed me that it was time for dinner and asked me to get ready to go to the cafeteria again.
After a while in the bathroom, taking care of my needs, I got ready to go to the cafeteria. On the way, I encountered some members of the Navy who were also heading to the cafeteria. They smiled and gave a warm welcome as we walked together.
Arriving at the cafeteria, I saw soldiers relaxing, enjoying dinner, or chatting with each other. They all seemed to release their fatigue after working hard on the ship all day.
I took an adequate amount of food and thanked the food service officer who served me. He simply nodded and asked me to start eating.
Sitting alone at a secluded table, I looked around with an awkward feeling. However, the longer I stayed, the more comfortable I felt in this new environment.
When dinner was over, I cleared my plate and thanked the food service officer. Then, I joined the other navy members, continuing our journey on the ship.
As I enjoyed the night atmosphere on the ship, someone approached me. he body was large and muscular, making me feel small. From my observation, he were about 2 meters tall. he looked like a giant standing in front of me, and I felt that my height was only up to her thighs.
I immediately recognized the person. everyone on board would have instantly recognized himthe figure standing before me. His characteristics were unique, with several medals adorning his clothes and a few cigars adorning his attire. His hair was white, and he was smoking two cigars at once. I was momentarily amazed as I looked at him. Yes, that person was the captain of this ship, the possessor of the Logia-type Devil Fruit power Moku-Moku no Mi (Smoke-Smoke Fruit). His name was Smoker, or commonly known as Captain Smoker.
"Captain Smoker," I greeted respectfully as I stood before them.
Him turned to me, exhaling smoke through him nose as he breathed out. He eyes stared at me sharply. "What are you doing, kid?"
With nervousness, I looked at the intimidating Captain Smoker. Him large physique made me feel small and scared. Gathering courage, I answered tremblingly, "Captain Smoker, I am considering going to Shimotsuki Island."
Smoker's face seemed to contemplate for a moment. "Shimotsuki Island? that's not where you come from, kid?
I nodded hesitantly, "Yes, Captain Smoker. But I want to go there. I've heard from my parents that the island has a famous dojo for sword training. I want to become stronger, to prevent being captured by those evil pirates again, and I want to become strong to protect the people I care about."
my heart is beating fast, sweat started to trickle down my forehead and hands. I felt incredibly nervous in front of Captain Smoker. But I kept talking, looking directly into he sharp eyes.
After listening to my explanation, Captain Smoker glanced at me with their indifferent gaze. There was a moment of silence before he finally spoke. "Shimotsuki Island happens to be on the same route as this ship. So, the ship can make a brief stop at that island."
I was astonished to hear Captain Smoker's words. Did he really say that him would take me to Shimotsuki Island? I fell silent, unable to believe what I was hearing. I was just a powerless kid, and he didn't know me at all. Yet here Captain Smoker's, offering unexpected help.
Mixed emotions gripped my heart. Deep gratitude blended with fear and excitement. I looked at Captain Smoker with profound respect. "Thank you, Captain Smoker. I truly appreciate your assistance. I will do my best not to trouble you during this journey."
Captain Smoker simply nodded briefly. "Make sure you stay on the right path, kid. The journey to Shimotsuki Island won't be easy, but if it's your dream, then fight for it with all your heart."
My heart and mind were filled with surprise and newfound hope. Though there was still fear within me, I was ready to face the challenges ahead. With Captain Smoker's permission and assistance, I would embark on the journey to Shimotsuki Island and undergo swordsmanship training that would shape my destiny.
After several days of a long voyage, the Navy ship finally arrived at Shimotsuki Island. As we beheld the beautiful sight of the island with its lush trees and fresh air, excitement stirred within me. I looked towards Captain Smoker with deep gratitude, but they only gave a brief nod as a sign of approval.
We docked at a small port on Shimotsuki Island, and I stepped off the ship, observing the simple surroundings of the harbor. The island exuded an aura of peace and simplicity. The villagers looked at us with amazement and curiosity, as the Navy rarely visited their island due to its relative peace without any conflicts.
However, I greeted everything new on this island with enthusiasm and a smile. It felt like this was where the story of my life's journey began.
The Navy members disembarked one by one, each busy buying simple supplies like food and water. I also helped as much as I could, carrying provisions back to the ship. After a few hours, the ship was ready to set sail again.
On the way back to the ship, I couldn't contain my feelings of gratitude and joy. Shimotsuki Island had given me a chance to explore new places, meet different people, and discover my potential. I promised myself that this journey would be the starting point of change and growth.
Captain Smoker saw me and gave a brief nod. I felt increasingly motivated to keep learning, growing, and surpassing my limits, to achieve my goals in this world.
As the ship prepared to sail again, I stood at the small harbor with my modest supplies. But in my heart, the emotions I felt were far more profound than words could express. Watching the ship that had been my home for a few days, filled with many warm moments in such a short time, the Navy members who had become heroes to me, the Navy soldiers who had saved me from the abyss of despair, uncontrollable tears streamed down my cheeks.
I cried softly as I saw the ship start to unfurl its sails. My emotions were a mix of gratitude, joy, and hope, all mingled into one. My heart was filled with deep gratitude.
As the ship slowly drifted away from the island,
the feelings of gratitude and thankfulness still surged within me. I knew that my new life had begun, and I was ready to face any challenges that would come my way. With a heart full of enthusiasm, I gazed at the ship growing smaller on the horizon, letting it carry my hopes toward an uncertain destination.
Thank you, Navy, for saving me and bringing miracles into my life.