Chapter 17: A Journey to Reverse Mountain
With the threat of Hellfire Island behind them and a new sense of camaraderie with the Whitebeard Pirates, the Silverhair Pirates set their sights on a new destination: Reverse Mountain. This natural marvel marked the entrance to the Grand Line, and navigating it was a rite of passage for all pirates aspiring to make a name for themselves.
Reverse Mountain was a towering, jagged peak with waterfalls that defied gravity, flowing upward towards the summit. The mountain's sides were steep and treacherous, covered in mist that obscured the path. The only way to enter the Grand Line from the four Blues was through a narrow canal at the base, where the ocean currents converged and pushed ships upward with incredible force.
As they sailed towards this formidable landmark, the mood on the Silverhair Pirates' ship was a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation.
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On the Deck of the Silverhair Pirates' Ship
Arthur stood at the helm, his eyes fixed on the horizon. "Reverse Mountain is ahead. Get ready, everyone."
Lisa, their skilled navigator, was busy charting the course. "We need to hit the canal perfectly, or we'll be dashed against the rocks. It's all about timing and precision."
Surv was in the kitchen, preparing snacks for the crew. "I made some sandwiches and tea. We'll need the energy."
Alex, ever the hunter, was adjusting his gear. "I'll keep an eye out for any dangers. We don't want to be caught off guard."
Hiroshi was practicing his sword techniques on the deck. "I've heard tales of ships being wrecked here. We'll need to be at our best."
Rio, their sharpshooter, was cleaning his rifle. "I'll be on lookout duty. If anything moves, I'll see it."
As they approached the base of Reverse Mountain, the crew gathered on deck, watching in awe as the waterfalls cascaded upwards. The sound of rushing water was deafening, and the sheer scale of the mountain was intimidating.
Arthur took a deep breath. "Alright, everyone. This is it. Lisa, take us in."
Lisa nodded, her hands steady on the wheel. "Aye, Captain."
The ship entered the canal, and the current immediately seized it, propelling it upward with incredible speed. The crew clung to the rails as the ship was pushed higher and higher, the wind whipping through their hair.
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Navigating Reverse Mountain
As they ascended, the ship bucked and rocked, the force of the current testing its limits. The crew worked together, their trust in each other evident in their seamless coordination.
Lisa shouted over the roar of the water. "Hold steady! We're almost at the top!"
Arthur gripped the helm, his eyes focused on the path ahead. "We can do this!"
The ship reached the summit, where the water leveled out before plunging down the other side. For a moment, they were suspended in mid-air, the view from the top breathtaking.
Surv, always optimistic, couldn't help but laugh. "This is amazing!"
Alex grinned, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "I've never seen anything like it!"
Hiroshi, usually serious, allowed himself a rare smile. "We made it."
Rio, always the sharpshooter, kept his rifle ready. "Watch out for the descent. It's going to be rough."
As the ship began its descent, the crew braced themselves. The downward plunge was even more intense, the speed exhilarating and terrifying at the same time. They hurtled down the other side of Reverse Mountain, the ship holding together through sheer willpower and expert navigation.
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Just as they reached the base and entered the Grand Line, they spotted another ship anchored nearby. It was an old, weathered vessel, and standing on its deck was a figure they recognized from the legends.
"Is that…?" Arthur began, his eyes widening.
Lisa gasped. "It can't be… Scopper Gaban from the Roger Pirates?"
Scopper Gaban, one of the key members of the Roger Pirates, stood tall and imposing, his presence commanding attention. He waved to them, a friendly smile on his face.
"Ahoy there!" he called out. "Welcome to the Grand Line!"
Arthur guided their ship closer, the crew gathering at the rails to get a better look. "Scopper Gaban! It's an honor to meet you."
Gaban laughed, his voice deep and hearty. "No need for formalities. I've been keeping an eye on you lot. Heard some interesting stories."
Arthur couldn't believe their luck. "What brings you here?"
Gaban's expression turned serious. "I've been looking for something. There's a lot of history in these waters, and not all of it is in the past."
Arthur nodded, understanding the weight of his words. "We're on a journey of our own. Any advice for newcomers to the Grand Line?"
Gaban grinned. "Stick together and trust your crew. The Grand Line is unpredictable, but with the right people by your side, you can overcome anything."
The crew listened intently, their respect for the veteran pirate evident. Gaban's presence was a reminder of the legends that had come before them, and it filled them with renewed determination.
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As they prepared to part ways, Gaban reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, wrapped package. "Here, take this. Consider it a gift from an old pirate to a new crew."
Arthur accepted the package, curious. "Thank you. What is it?"
Gaban winked. "Open it and see."
Arthur unwrapped the package to reveal a peculiar-looking fruit. It was bright red with swirling patterns, unmistakably a Devil Fruit.
The crew gathered around, their eyes wide with curiosity. "A Devil Fruit?" Lisa exclaimed.
Arthur held it up, examining it. "What kind is it?"
Gaban shrugged. "That's for you to find out. Every Devil Fruit has its own story. Just be careful. Eating one changes everything."
Arthur nodded, grateful for the gift. "Thank you, Gaban. We'll make good use of it."
With that, Gaban bid them farewell, his ship disappearing into the mist. The Silverhair Pirates were left with a sense of awe and excitement. They had met a legend, and their journey into the Grand Line had officially begun.
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**Settling Down and Unfolding the Mystery**
As they sailed away from Reverse Mountain, the crew gathered on the deck to discuss their next steps. Arthur held the Devil Fruit, contemplating its potential.
"We need to decide what to do with this," he said, holding it up. "Any volunteers?"
The crew exchanged glances, each considering the implications. Finally, Hiroshi stepped forward. "I don't need it . With my swordsmanship, having a Devil Fruit power could be a huge disadvantage."
Arthur nodded, say. "There no need to take this devil fruit now we will discuss it later." He knows that real strong people don't need devil fruit power.
As Hiroshi turned to , Arthur turned to the rest of the crew. "We also need to figure out what Shiki's warning meant. The Marines' new weapon could be a serious threat."
Lisa, always the planner, spoke up. "We should start by gathering information. There are plenty of islands in the Grand Line where we can learn more."
Alex nodded. "I agree. We should also keep training. We never know what we'll face next."
Surv, ever the optimist, added, "And we should enjoy the journey. We're here to make our mark, but we're also here to live."
Rio, the sharpshooter, remained vigilant. "I'll keep an eye out for any signs of trouble. We can't afford to be caught off guard."
With their plan set, the crew settled into their roles, each contributing to the ship's operations. The camaraderie and trust among them were evident, and it gave them the confidence they needed to face the challenges ahead.
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The days passed in a blur of training, planning, and exploring. The Grand Line was filled with wonders and dangers, and the Silverhair Pirates embraced every moment. They encountered strange islands, battled fierce sea creatures, and met a variety of interesting characters.
One evening, as they sailed under a starry sky, Arthur gathered his crew on the deck. "We've come a long way, and we've got even further to go. But together, we can overcome anything. Let's keep pushing forward and make our mark on the world."
The crew cheered, their resolve strengthened. They knew they were ready for whatever came next.
As the night grew darker, the ship sailed on, the crew united in their resolve. They were the Silverhair Pirates, and they were ready to take on the world.
But even as they celebrated, a shadowy figure watched from a distant cliff, a sinister smile playing on his lips. The storm was far from over, and the real battle was yet to come.
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