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Chapter 21 - Chapter 21:Rising from the Ashes

Jason jolted awake, drenched in a cold sweat, his heart racing as the haunting memories of yesterday's battle replayed in his mind. The vivid images of blood and chaos surged through his thoughts, each one more vivid than the last. He could still hear the screams of the pirates and feel the weight of their lifeless bodies. Gritting his teeth, he took a moment to calm himself, recalling the soothing words of his parents.

"Strength is not just in power but in understanding," Rayleigh had said. "You must learn to carry the weight of your choices, Jason."

Taking a deep breath, Jason reflected on the events that had transpired. He remembered the harm those pirates had caused innocent people, how they had terrorized the weak and exploited their suffering. He understood now that this was a cruel world, one that demanded strength to survive. Adjusting to this reality was no small feat, but he was determined to do so.

The battle with the Ape King Pirates had been a turning point. It wasn't merely a test of his abilities; it was a harsh introduction to the reality of his chosen path. As he recalled how he had fought against Captain Kong and his crew, a whirlwind of emotions washed over him. Initially, he had been filled with fear and adrenaline, but once the fight ended and he was left with the silence of victory, a sickening feeling settled in his stomach. For the first time, he had taken lives. The gravity of that action weighed heavily on him, and he found it difficult to reconcile his actions with the boy he used to be.

But in that moment of uncertainty, he had remembered the words of his parents and the responsibility that came with his newfound strength. He had made a choice, and that choice was to stand against those who brought suffering. The pirates he hunted were not just faceless enemies; they were symbols of chaos, and he could not turn a blind eye to the suffering they caused. With renewed determination, Jason promised himself that he would protect the innocent and ensure that no one else would have to face the horrors he had witnessed.

Over the next few years, as the three-year time skip continued from the moment Boa Hancock set sail, Jason dedicated himself to honing his skills and growing stronger. He took on the mantle of a bounty hunter with fierce determination, his reputation as the Phantom Blade spreading across the Sabaody Archipelago like wildfire. Each new challenge he faced sharpened his skills further, his mastery of Haki growing steadily. The knowledge that he could stand against those who would harm the innocent spurred him on.

Word of his ruthless efficiency in dealing with pirates preceded him, earning him the respect and fear of both his enemies and allies. Tales of a young boy who could slice through foes with unmatched speed and skill spread across taverns and docks, and his name became synonymous with fear for those who preyed on the weak.

He immersed himself in training every day. He spent hours with his sword, practicing different techniques and honing his Haki. His parents were always there, offering encouragement and guidance, even as he pushed himself beyond his limits. Jason's resolve hardened. He had to sharpen his will through combat. Fighting was not just a means to an end; it was a way to grow, to learn, and to protect those who couldn't defend themselves.

One day, during a particularly brutal hunt, Jason received an unexpected proposition. A group of Marines, impressed by his prowess and growing notoriety, approached him with an offer to join their ranks. They were eager to harness his talents, believing that together they could make a more significant impact on the pirate-infested seas.

"Join us, Phantom Blade," the officer said, an earnest glint in his eyes. "With your skills and our resources, we could bring a new order to these waters."

Jason met the officer's gaze, his expression unwavering. "I'm not interested," he replied bluntly, his voice steady.

The officer's brow furrowed in confusion. "But think of the power you could wield with us!"

"I have my own path to follow," Jason said firmly. "I'm not about to let the World Government dictate my future."

With that, he turned away, leaving the stunned Marines behind him. The conviction in his voice had surprised even him. He knew the Marines might have resources and support, but his ultimate goal was to build the greatest pirate crew, to challenge the existing order, and to change the world for the better. Joining the Marines would mean compromising everything he stood for.

As the third year passed, Jason found himself reflecting on his accomplishments. He had earned a staggering 3 billion berries through his bounty hunting exploits, a feat that would have seemed impossible just a few years ago. Additionally, he accumulated 30,000 system points, each representing another step towards his dreams of becoming stronger.

With the sun setting on the horizon, Jason stood on the edge of the dock, gazing out at the vast sea before him. He could see the silhouettes of ships drifting in the distance, each one a reminder of the adventures yet to come. The weight of his past was still heavy on his heart, but with every battle, he felt more at ease with himself. He had chosen this path, and he was determined to see it through.

The night air was cool against his skin, and he closed his eyes, letting the sound of the waves wash over him. He remembered his dreams of sailing the seas, gathering a crew of loyal friends, and facing the World Government head-on. It was a daunting task, but he knew he was not alone. His parents believed in him.

As he turned away from the ocean, Jason's mind was set on his next target. With newfound resolve and the spirit of a true warrior, he stepped off the dock, ready to embrace whatever challenges awaited him.

Jason had found his purpose in the chaos, and he would rise from the ashes, forging a new destiny not just for himself, but for all those who dared to dream of freedom.