I, Fuuma, am a fisherman. I'd wake up before dawn, check my nets, and push off from shore just as the first light began to break. Out there, on the East Blue, it was peaceful—just me, the sea, and the quiet promise of a good catch.
By the time evening came around, I'd be back on shore, unloading the day's haul and mending any nets that had taken a beating. It was a simple life, one I shared with my sister, Sakura. She always waited for me to return, her face lighting up when she spotted my ship on the horizon. In this life, she was my constant, and I was her protector.
I have my mates and all but family, I have no one except my little sister and I would give my life for her. See, when we both were abandoned by our parents... she was the shining light in my life, she was the one who kept me from the wrong path.
I heard repetitious knocks at the door. "Fuuma, are you there?!" Someone asked, a tone of panic evident in his voice. I pushed myself up from the bed, legs feeling heavier than they should, and made my way to the door. When I was about to open it, I could only make out a shadow. My chest tightened as I tried to imagine who might be visiting at this hour.
I opened the door and saw my mate, Francis. "Fuuma, our mate, Akutami ventured onto the sea alone and came across a Sea King, one of the fishermen coming home identified him!"
Francis's face was pale, his eyes wide with a fear I'd rarely seen in him. He looked like he'd seen the devil himself.
"A Sea King?" I repeated my voice barely a whisper.
He nodded quickly. "Aye, Fuuma. Akutami saw it with his own eyes—a massive beast, scales glintin' like steel and eyes that could pierce through the darkest waters. The fishermen knew it as soon as they laid eyes on it. They say it's an ancient creature, been lurking 'round these waters for generations."
I clenched my fists. Sea Kings were the stuff of legends—mighty beasts of the ocean. Many pirates feared them, and for good reason. But I'd never seen one myself. I looked back at Francis, who was anxiously tapping his feet.
"Where is Akutami now?" I asked. "He is at the far west side of the nearby sea. You are the strongest we have, mate. You gotta hurry and try and save Akutami." He said.
I heard footsteps behind me as I turned back. It was Sakura. "Big brother, what happened?" She asked while letting out a yawn. "Nothing for you to worry about, Sakura. Sleep, it's already late." She shook her head as she asked, "Ok but then why are you not sleeping?"
I forced a smile. I couldn't let her see the fear I carried. "Ah, Sakura," I said, patting her head gently. "I just had to check on something with the crew. You know, big brother things."
She narrowed her eyes, "You're always looking out for everyone else, Fuuma. But who's looking out for you?"
I chuckled softly, not wanting her to see just how close to home her words hit. "You, of course," I said, ruffling her hair. "You're the light that keeps me steady. Now go on, off to bed before you catch a cold out here."
She sighed but smiled, letting her eyes linger on me a little longer, as if trying to understand everything I wasn't saying. Then, with a final yawn, she turned and headed back toward her cabin.
As I watched her go, I felt a strange comfort settle over me. She was the reason I'd fight any Sea King or storm that dared to cross my path.
"I have this one little task that I gotta complete. I'll be back soon." I assured her. She nodded as she went back into her room.
"Get the ship ready at the shore. I'll get my daggers." I told Francis.
Francis nodded and sprinted off to prepare the ship. I took a deep breath, trying to calm down. Akutami was one of us—a brother, a comrade. And if he was in danger, there's nothing that I wouldn't do to save him.
I grabbed my daggers from the chest by my bed.
I hurried down to the shore, where Francis was already waiting, struggling against the waves as he secured the ship. The night was dark, and the storm was ferocious. It was also the beginning of the winter season so things were getting pretty cold that month.
I quickly hopped onto the ship as Francis let down the sails.
I gripped the side of the ship as Francis worked the sails as he steered us through the churning waters.
"Far west, you said?" I called.
Francis nodded. "Aye! Akutami's out near those jagged rocks where the sea meets the cliffs. That's where the fishermen spotted him last!"
I clenched my jaw, bracing myself for what was to come. Akutami was out there, possibly alone and face-to-face with a Sea King—a creature that could crush a ship with a single movement. The waters grew rougher as we neared the far west side of the sea, the waves crashing higher as if warning us to turn back.
As we approached, the sea fell into a mysterious calm, the only sound being the creak of our ship. There, looming in the moonlight, was Akutami—perched precariously on his boat, staring down at the water with wide eyes.
"Akutami!" I shouted, trying to keep my voice steady.
He looked up, his face pale as he told us to stop. "Fuuma! Don't come any closer!"
But before I could respond, the sea around him began to bubble, a massive shadow rising slowly from the depths. The Sea King. It was bigger than anything I'd imagined.
I tightened my grip on my daggers, my heart pounding. The creature's gaze shifted from Akutami to our ship. But instead of attacking, it merely watched, as if assessing us.
With a deep breath, I lowered my daggers and stepped forward. "We mean no harm," I said, my voice firm. "We're here for our friend, and we don't wish to fight."
The Sea King's eyes lingered on me, and for a tense moment, it felt as though the entire world held its breath. Then, with a low, rumbling sound, the creature dipped its massive head, acknowledging us before sinking back into the depths, its form disappearing beneath the waves.
I exhaled, the tension melting away as I motioned for Akutami to get into the boat. He scrambled over, his hands trembling, but he managed a smile. "Fuuma… you came for me."
I clapped him on the shoulder, my voice warm. "Always, mate. We look out for each other."
Suddenly the Sea King shot out of the sea with his mouth wide open, as if to eat all of us at the same time.
"Get down!" I yelled, adrenaline surging through me as I grabbed Akutami and Francis, pulling them to the deck. The beast's jaws snapped shut, barely missing us, the force of its bite creating a shockwave that rocked the ship violently. I gripped my daggers tightly as I commanded Francis and Akutami. "Set sail, now! Leave without me. OR else, it will follow us to the village."
Francis nodded reluctantly as Akutami hugged me. "Good luck, mate. I am hoping for a Sea King feast tomorrow.
"Alright, alright, carry on." I patted him on the back. I turned to the Sea King who was encircling the ship. Just as it got ready to attack, I jumped out of the ship, getting its attention towards me. I dived underwater as I faced off with the Sea King.
It roared, its massive jaws stretching wide, rows of sharp teeth gleaming as it surged forward. I kicked hard, pushing myself away from its direct path, and narrowly avoided its teeth by diving beneath its jawline. As I passed under, I slashed at its scaly hide with one dagger, the blade leaving only a shallow cut, barely enough to draw blood.
Before he could get away, I plunged my daggers deep into its flesh. I used it as a handle and held onto it. The Sea King roared, twisting its massive body, and dragging me through the water. As the Sea King began losing blood, I was on the verge of passing out due to the lack of oxygen. I steered the Sea King in a way that he was going to go out of the water. It shot out of the water, giving me some much-needed oxygen.
Then, It dived again. I climbed the Sea King's body by planting my daggers into it. I then reached its eyes. It shook its head violently as if predicting what was gonna happen. I plunged my daggers into its eyes, making it blind. It shrieked in pain as it trembled.
It folded its tail and kicked me off of it. It can now only rely on its nose and ears. I stealthfully swam behind it. I left a slash on its tail as I swam away from it. I could sense, it was only a matter of time before the it gave out because of blood loss.
The Sea King's blood clouded the water around us. Despite its immense size and strength, I could feel its energy waning, each movement slower than the last. The creature, now blind, lashed out wildly, desperately trying to sense my location. I held my breath, hovering just out of reach.
It twisted its head, straining to pick up any sound, any scent. Its enormous tail swept through the water.
When it turned in my direction, I remained motionless, minimizing my presence in the water to avoid drawing its attention. As it turned away, I slashed at its thick, muscular tail, leaving a deep wound that bled profusely.
The Sea King let out a weak, enraged roar, its body trembling with pain. I could see it slowing, the strength in its movements fading with each passing second. It was running on sheer desperation, but the blood loss was finally taking its toll. The once-mighty creature was growing sluggish, its massive form starting to drift aimlessly.
With one last effort, I swam toward it, careful not to make a sound, and waited, hovering just below. I knew it couldn't hold out much longer. Its body convulsed, shuddering as it tried to draw in one more breath. Then, with a final, guttural groan, the Sea King stilled, its massive body sinking slowly toward the depths, defeated.
Oh, I promised a Sea King feast for them, I should not let it be lost to the sea.
I had fought Sea Kings in the past but none as gigantic as this one. I swam towards the surface while gripping the Sea King's tail. I reached out to Akutami's boat and climbed it, gasping for air. I went to the storage, where 30 feet of rope were present, I took the rope and attached the back of the boat and the Sea King.
I set down the sails and rested at the wheel, tired. I wonder if my sister was asleep yet. I soon saw the village, Akutami and Francis waiting at the shore.
As I guided the boat closer to shore, my exhaustion turned to curiosity. The whole village was there, torches lighting up the beach like a festival. I could see Akutami and Francis grinning widely, and behind them, the familiar faces of our neighbours, everyone buzzing with excitement.
Francis waved at me. "Fuuma! You brought back the whole beast!" His voice was full of pride, and he looked like he was ready to feast already.
I chuckled, letting out a sigh as I brought the boat to a stop. The villagers gathered around as I stepped onto the sand, pulling the rope taut so the Sea King's enormous body was hauled partially out of the water. I saw their faces light up with amazement, mixed with a little fear—they'd probably never seen a Sea King up close like this.
Akutami nudged me, his eyes wide. "Fuuma, that'll feed the whole village for days! You really outdid yourself."
I glanced around, looking for my sister, and there she was—Sakura, standing near the edge of the crowd, a worried look on her face. As our eyes met, she rushed over.
"Big brother! You're hurt!" she scolded, examining the cuts and bruises I'd earned in the fight.
I gave her a reassuring smile, patting her head. "Nothing serious, Sakura. Just did what I had to do. And didn't I tell you to sleep?"
She raised an eyebrow and responded, "And miss this big of a feast? No way." I chuckled lightly as I kissed her forehead.
I glanced back at the Sea King, feeling a mixture of pride and exhaustion. "Now, let's get this feast started."