Chapter 4: The Island Encounter
After setting sail from the scene of his victory, Arthur spent two weeks navigating the open sea, honing his skills further. The journey was peaceful, giving him time to plan his next steps. Finally, he spotted an island on the horizon and steered towards it.
The island was bustling with activity, a small town nestled along the coast. As Arthur docked his boat and stepped onto the pier, he noticed a commotion in the town square. Curious, he made his way towards it.
A group of rough-looking men were harassing a young woman, their intentions clear and sinister. Before Arthur could intervene, a sharp gunshot rang out, and one of the men fell, clutching his leg.
"Back off," a calm voice commanded.
Arthur turned to see a young man, around twenty-one years old, standing with a smoking pistol in hand. His stance was relaxed, but his eyes were cold and focused. The remaining thugs hesitated, then fled, dragging their wounded comrade with them.
The gunman holstered his weapon and approached the woman, who thanked him profusely before hurrying away.
Arthur stepped forward, intrigued. "That was impressive," he said. "I'm Sergio D. Arthur. And you are?"
The young man looked him over before nodding. "Alex D. Grey. Just doing my part to keep the peace."
Arthur felt an instant connection to Alex. "You've got skills. Ever thought about joining a pirate crew?"
Alex raised an eyebrow. "A pirate crew? Not really my style."
Arthur smiled. "Maybe I can change your mind. I could use someone with your abilities. And I think you'll find we have more in common than you might think."
Over the next few days, Arthur worked to gain Alex's trust. They shared stories and experiences, and Arthur learned about Alex's dark past. Alex had once been part of a revolutionary group, fighting against oppression. However, his group had been betrayed, leading to the death of many of his comrades. Haunted by guilt, Alex had become a wanderer, helping where he could but never staying in one place for long.
Arthur listened intently, his respect for Alex growing. "I understand your pain," he said quietly. "But I believe we can make a real difference together. I need someone like you by my side."
Alex was silent for a long moment before nodding slowly. "Alright, Sergio. I'll join you. But I want to see real change. No empty promises."
Arthur grinned. "You have my word."
He handed Alex one of the Pill of Strengths he had received from the system. "This will make you stronger. We'll need all the strength we can get for the challenges ahead."
Alex took the pill, feeling the surge of power as it took effect. "Looks like you're full of surprises, Captain."
With his first crew member by his side, Arthur felt more confident than ever. Together, they set sail from the island, ready to face whatever the Grand Line had in store for them.
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