The Dragon Pirates' ship, with its sails catching the gentle sea breeze, glided gracefully over the vast, endless waters of the East Blue. On the main deck, Atharva was in the middle of an intense workout, doing pushups with his characteristic determination. Sitting comfortably on his back were Lillie and Miko, their giggles filling the air as they made a game out of his exercise.
Miko, his small hands resting on Atharva's shoulder, was counting each pushup in an adorably serious tone. "Twenty-one, twenty-two, twenty-three..." Meanwhile, Lillie lounged comfortably, her chin resting on her hands as she smiled at her brother's strength.
At the same time, Nojiko worked in the ship's modest kitchen, the delicious aroma of breakfast wafting out, mingling with the fresh scent of the sea. Nami leaned against the mast nearby, her eyes warm as she watched the playful scene.
The world had already begun taking notice of the Dragon Pirates, their presence becoming a ripple that promised a future storm. Despite the growing recognition—and the dangers that came with it—Atharva remained resolute. He had no intention of letting the world dictate his path. He would follow his own ideas, carving his destiny with unwavering conviction.
Just as Miko's enthusiastic counting reached "thirty," Nojiko's voice called out from the kitchen. "Breakfast is ready!"
Hearing this, Atharva finally stopped, exhaling deeply. "Alright, let's go eat," he said with a grin. Lillie and Miko squealed with joy, jumping off his back and racing toward the kitchen.
Nami walked over to him, holding a towel. She smiled as she handed it to him. "Here," she said softly.
Atharva took the towel, his grin widening as he wiped the sweat from his brow. Nami hesitated for a moment before leaning into his arm, her expression turning serious. "Do we really have to leave the East Blue so soon? Can't we wait a little longer?"
Atharva let out a sigh, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "We can't afford to stay on one island for too long, Nami. At least not until we're strong enough to face the powerhouses out there."
Her face clouded with worry as she sought comfort in his embrace. Resting her head against his chest, she whispered, "Then we'll just work harder. We'll get stronger together."
Atharva chuckled, his hand gently lifting her chin. His golden eyes softened as he brought their faces closer. "Don't worry too much. I'll protect all of you, no matter what." He pressed a light kiss to her lips, his voice filled with confidence.
Nami's concerns melted away, replaced by a warm smile.
Hand in hand, the two walked into the kitchen, where Nojiko was setting plates on the table. Lillie and Miko were already eating, their laughter filling the room. Atharva took a seat, his own smile growing as he watched the lively atmosphere. For now, it was moments like this that made the challenges ahead worth facing.
The Marines Mobilize
The scene shifted to Lieutenant Asta's ship, cutting through the waves near Conomi Island. Asta, standing on the deck, had just received a call from Captain Smoker. The words still echoed in his mind:
"Vice Admiral Garp, the Hero of the Marines, is heading to Conomi Island."
The news left Asta deep in thought, his brow furrowed. Why would Vice Admiral Garp, of all people, come here? What could possibly warrant his attention?
The officer holding the Den Den Mushi snapped Asta out of his musings. "Sir," the officer said.
Asta blinked and responded, "Yes. Call Lieutenant Aron."
The officer nodded and began dialing. After a moment, the Den Den Mushi crackled to life, Aron's voice coming through. "Yes, Asta?"
Asta sighed before answering. "Vice Admiral Garp is coming to Conomi Island. I'll be joining him there. Once we're finished, you'll join us as well."
There was a long silence on the other end before Aron replied, "Understood. I'll wrap up my work here."
The call ended, and Asta leaned against the railing, his eyes scanning the horizon. He couldn't help but feel unsettled. What's going on? Why hasn't Commodore informed me of anything?
Conomi Island
On Conomi Island, in the familiar setting of Cocoyashi Village, Lieutenant Aron sat in the shade, hidden from the villagers. The call with Asta had left him shaken. The news of Vice Admiral Garp—the Navy Hero himself—heading to this small island sent his thoughts into overdrive.
"What the hell is going on?" he muttered to himself, his hand gripping the Den Den Mushi tightly. "Why would a Vice Admiral like Garp come here? And why wasn't I told about this earlier?"
His mind raced. The bounty poster of Gadgil D. Atharva flashed in his thoughts. What was so special about this boy to draw Garp's attention?
A villager's voice interrupted his thoughts. "Aron! Are you there? We need your help!"
Startled, Aron quickly stashed the Den Den Mushi inside his coat and composed himself. "Coming!" he called out, setting aside his confusion for the moment.
The Encounter
Ten days later, Asta's ship neared Conomi Island. As the crew worked, the lookout spotted a large ship approaching from the horizon. The sheer size and presence of the vessel made it unmistakable.
"It's Vice Admiral Garp's ship!"
The warship was a sight to behold. At its bow, a massive dog-shaped figurehead snarled defiantly at the sea, symbolizing the unrelenting loyalty and strength of its commander. The ship's sails were pristine, emblazoned with the symbol of the World Government. Marines on deck moved with precision, their discipline a testament to the standards Garp upheld.
Asta stood at the railing, his expression serious as he watched the legendary ship draw closer. His thoughts churned with questions.
What is Garp planning? And what does this mean for Conomi Island?
To Be Continued...