The merchant ship finally docked at a bustling island port after two days of sailing. The island, named Ravina, was a prominent trade hub, where merchants, adventurers, and bounty hunters alike gathered. Its sprawling port was filled with colorful sails, dockworkers shouting orders, and vendors hawking their wares.
Franco stepped off the ship, his massive frame drawing immediate attention. The crowd parted instinctively as he moved, whispers spreading like wildfire.
"That's a giant! But he's not from Elbaf."
"Look at those sparks—did he eat a Devil Fruit?"
"Must be a bounty hunter. No merchant walks around like that."
Franco ignored the chatter, his focus on the city beyond the docks. Towering buildings made of stone and wood stretched into the distance, with banners advertising various businesses and guilds. He could sense the strength of the individuals around him—some weak, some stronger—but none who seemed to match his level. Still, he knew the world was vast, and appearances could be deceiving.
---
Finding Allies
Franco had come to Ravina for one reason: to find individuals with extraordinary potential to join his crew. He had no illusions about the journey ahead—conquering the seas and becoming the strongest would require not just his own strength but the aid of talented and loyal companions.
He wandered the streets, his haki passively scanning for strong presences. The city was alive with energy, and Franco was struck by the diversity of its inhabitants. Humans, fishmen, minks, and even a few dwarves moved through the crowds, each busy with their own affairs.
As he explored, Franco came across a large plaza where a fight was taking place. A ring of spectators had formed, cheering as two fighters squared off in the center. One was a burly human wielding a massive spiked mace, while the other was a slender mink with the features of a lynx. The mink moved with incredible speed, darting around the human and landing quick, precise strikes.
Franco stopped to watch, intrigued. His haki told him that the mink was strong, though perhaps not yet fully aware of her own potential. The fight ended quickly, the lynx mink delivering a swift kick to the human's chest that sent him sprawling to the ground.
The crowd erupted in cheers as the mink raised her fists triumphantly. She glanced around, her sharp eyes scanning the crowd until they landed on Franco. She froze for a moment, clearly startled by his size, before narrowing her eyes in curiosity.
---
A Conversation of Intent
After the crowd dispersed, Franco approached the mink, who was now sitting on the edge of a fountain, drinking from a canteen. Up close, he could see that she was younger than he'd expected, probably in her early twenties, with fur that gleamed like polished gold in the sunlight.
"You're strong," Franco said simply, crouching down to her level. "But you could be stronger."
The mink raised an eyebrow, her tail flicking behind her. "And who are you to say that, giant?"
"My name is Franco," he said, his voice calm but firm. "I'm building a crew. I need people with potential, and you've got it."
She snorted. "Building a crew, huh? Sounds like a pirate thing to me. I'm not interested in pillaging and looting, if that's what you're after."
Franco shook his head. "I'm not looking for thieves. I'm looking for warriors. People with ambition. People who want to be the best."
The mink tilted her head, considering his words. "And what's in it for me?"
"Strength," Franco said. "The kind you can't achieve on your own. Stick with me, and you'll face challenges that will push you to your limits. You'll grow stronger than you ever thought possible."
She stared at him for a long moment before finally nodding. "Alright, Franco. My name's Lynara. I'll give this a shot, but don't think I'll follow you blindly. You'll have to prove you're worth following."
Franco smiled faintly. "Fair enough."
---
The Tavern Meeting
With Lynara in tow, Franco continued his search. They eventually found themselves at a large, rowdy tavern near the docks. The place was packed with sailors, bounty hunters, and mercenaries, the air thick with the smell of ale and grilled meat.
Franco's arrival caused an immediate stir. Conversations died down as heads turned to gape at the towering giant. Lynara smirked, clearly amused by the reaction.
"You've got a way of making an entrance," she said.
Franco ignored the stares, his attention focused on a figure sitting alone at a corner table. It was a fishman, his skin a deep blue with streaks of silver along his arms and neck. He was lean but muscular, with sharp eyes that glinted with intelligence.
Franco's haki told him everything he needed to know—this fishman was strong, far stronger than anyone else in the room.
The fishman noticed Franco's gaze and met it evenly. He didn't flinch or look away, which impressed Franco. He approached the table, Lynara following close behind.
"Mind if we join you?" Franco asked.
The fishman shrugged. "If you don't mind cramped seating."
Franco chuckled, sitting cross-legged on the floor while Lynara took a seat opposite the fishman. "I'm Franco," he said. "This is Lynara. We're building a crew."
The fishman raised an eyebrow. "A crew, huh? What makes you think I'm interested?"
"You're strong," Franco said. "But I bet you've got unfinished business. Something you're fighting for."
The fishman's expression hardened, but he said nothing. Franco continued, his tone calm but firm. "I'm not just gathering people for the sake of it. I'm looking for individuals with ambition. People who want to make a mark on the world."
The fishman leaned back in his chair, studying Franco carefully. "You've got guts, I'll give you that. My name's Taro. And you're right—I've got unfinished business. But if I join you, it'll be on my terms. I don't take orders blindly."
"I wouldn't expect you to," Franco said. "All I ask is loyalty. In return, I'll help you get stronger—and closer to whatever it is you're after."
Taro considered this for a moment before nodding. "Alright, Franco. I'll give it a shot. But don't think for a second I'll tolerate any nonsense."
"Deal," Franco said, extending a hand. Taro shook it, sealing the agreement.
---
The Journey Continues
With Lynara and Taro now part of his crew, Franco felt the first sparks of his dream coming to life. They spent the rest of the day preparing supplies and gathering information about the next destination. Ravina was just the beginning—a stepping stone on a much larger journey.
As they stood on the deck of a rented ship, setting sail for their next adventure, Franco looked out at the endless horizon. The sea was vast, and the challenges ahead would be formidable. But he was no longer alone.
His crew was small but promising, and Franco knew that together, they would carve their names into the annals of history.
---
End of Chapter 17
This chapter focuses on Franco's first successful recruitment efforts, introducing two key members of his crew and setting the stage for their journey. The dynamics between Franco, Lynara, and Taro hint at the challenges and growth to come as they begin to form a bond.
Would you like to proceed to Chapter 18?