The days following Franco's trial at the altar were quieter but no less intense. He spent the time honing his newfound harmony, training his haki and lightning together in perfect sync. The woman, still enigmatic, continued to guide him, though her instructions became less frequent. It was clear she believed he had begun to understand the essence of his power.
One morning, as the sun rose over the forest, Franco stood at the edge of the ravine. The storm within him had settled, his haki sharper than ever, but he knew he couldn't remain here forever. His ambitions pulled at him like the tide, urging him to step beyond the forest and into the vast world beyond.
The woman approached, her steps silent as always. "You're ready," she said simply, her eyes scanning the horizon. "Your training here is complete. What lies ahead will test you far more than anything I've put you through."
Franco turned to her, a towering figure with newfound confidence. "I appreciate everything you've done for me. But it's time I start forging my own path."
She nodded, her expression unreadable. "Then go. The sea waits for no one."
---
The Journey Begins
Franco made his way down from the forested hills, his massive frame causing small animals to scatter in his wake. The land eventually gave way to a small port town, bustling with activity. For the first time in weeks, Franco was surrounded by people—humans and a few other races, all going about their business.
He drew more than a few stares. At over 60 feet tall, his size made him impossible to ignore, but it wasn't just his height. The way he carried himself, the faint hum of electricity in the air around him, made even the bravest men step aside.
Franco approached the docks, his gaze sweeping over the ships anchored there. Most were small fishing vessels, but one caught his eye—a larger, sturdier ship with a crew that looked rough around the edges. A man standing near the gangplank eyed Franco warily.
"You lookin' for a ride, giant?" the man asked, his voice gruff.
Franco crouched to meet his gaze. "I am. Where's this ship headed?"
"Anywhere there's profit," the man replied, crossing his arms. "But a man like you doesn't seem like the merchant type. What's your deal?"
Franco's lips curled into a small smile. "I'm looking for strength. And the sea is the best place to find it."
The man studied him for a moment before nodding. "We'll take you as far as the next island. After that, you're on your own."
---
Aboard the Ship
The crew was clearly nervous around Franco, though they tried to hide it. The ship was sturdy, but it groaned under the weight of the giant as he settled on the deck. Franco paid them little mind, his focus on the horizon.
As the ship sailed, Franco practiced his haki, extending it outward to feel the presence of the crew and the sea creatures beneath them. He noticed a subtle tension among the sailors—whispered conversations and nervous glances at the sky.
"What's the problem?" he finally asked, his voice rumbling like distant thunder.
The captain, the same man who had spoken to him earlier, hesitated before answering. "We're headed into dangerous waters. There's been talk of a pirate crew operating in this area—a nasty bunch."
Franco's interest was piqued. "Pirates?"
"Aye," the captain said. "They've been targeting merchant ships. Fast, ruthless, and well-armed."
---
The Pirate Attack
As if summoned by the captain's words, a distant ship appeared on the horizon. Franco's haki flared, sensing multiple hostile presences. The pirate ship was sleek and fast, its black sails bearing a skull insignia with twin swords crossed beneath it.
The captain barked orders, the crew scrambling to ready their defenses. Franco remained calm, rising to his full height and scanning the approaching ship.
When the pirates were within range, cannon fire erupted. Franco's haki warned him moments before the first volley, and he stepped in front of the mast, deflecting the incoming cannonballs with arcs of lightning.
The crew stared in awe, but Franco didn't wait for their reaction. He leaped from the ship, landing in the water with a massive splash that rocked both vessels. Electricity crackled around him as he walked toward the pirate ship, the seawater hissing and steaming under his feet.
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The First Real Fight
The pirates were stunned by the sight of a walking giant, but their leader—a tall man with a jagged scar across his face—shouted orders to attack. Gunfire erupted, bullets whizzing through the air, but Franco's Busoshoku Haki coated his skin, deflecting the projectiles harmlessly.
With a single swing of his arm, Franco sent a bolt of lightning arcing toward the pirate crew. The blast struck the deck, splintering wood and sending several pirates flying. He reached the ship in moments, grabbing its side and hoisting himself aboard.
The pirate captain drew his cutlass, its blade glowing faintly with an unnatural light. "You've made a big mistake, giant!" he snarled, lunging at Franco.
Franco met the attack with a fist coated in Haki, the impact sending a shockwave through the ship. The captain staggered but recovered quickly, his movements unnaturally fast. Franco realized the man was using Soru, one of the techniques of the Rokushiki.
The captain attacked again, his blade flashing toward Franco's neck. This time, Franco dodged, his Kenbunshoku Haki guiding him. He countered with a sweep of his hand, a surge of lightning crackling toward the captain. The man dodged, but not quickly enough—a glancing blow sent him crashing into the mast.
"You've got some power," the captain admitted, coughing as he rose to his feet. "But let's see how you handle this!"
The captain activated his Devil Fruit, his body transforming into a swirling vortex of wind. He launched himself at Franco, blades of compressed air slicing through the ship.
Franco planted his feet, letting his haki and lightning flow together. When the captain attacked again, Franco unleashed a concentrated burst of energy. The lightning met the wind head-on, the clash of their powers lighting up the sky.
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The Finishing Blow
The battle raged across the pirate ship, each clash of their powers threatening to tear it apart. Franco knew he needed to end it quickly. As the captain lunged for another attack, Franco focused all his energy into his fists, channeling both his lightning and haki.
With a roar, he unleashed a devastating punch, the impact sending a massive surge of electricity through the captain's body. The man screamed as the energy overwhelmed him, his wind powers dissipating as he collapsed to the deck, unconscious.
The remaining pirates, seeing their leader defeated, surrendered immediately.
---
Aftermath
Franco stood amidst the wreckage of the pirate ship, his chest heaving. The fight had tested his limits, but he had emerged victorious. The sailors from his ship cheered as he returned, their earlier fear replaced with admiration.
The captain approached him, his expression a mix of awe and gratitude. "You've saved us, giant. We owe you our lives."
Franco simply nodded, his gaze fixed on the horizon. The battle had only reinforced his resolve. If he wanted to become the strongest, he would need to face opponents far stronger than this pirate.
As the ship continued its journey, Franco felt a new sense of purpose. The world was vast, and his journey was just beginning.
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End of Chapter 16
This chapter introduces Franco's first encounter with pirates, showcasing his growing mastery of his powers and haki. The battle serves as a significant milestone, testing his resolve and hinting at the challenges to come.
Would you like to proceed to Chapter 17?