With their small crew now assembled, Franco, Lynara, and Taro sailed away from Ravina. The rented ship was modest, barely large enough to accommodate Franco's enormous size, but it served its purpose. As they moved farther from the bustling port and into open waters, a sense of quiet settled over the group.
Franco leaned against the side of the ship, his massive hand trailing in the water as he watched the horizon. The sea stretched endlessly before them, shimmering under the midday sun. Lynara perched on the ship's mast, her keen eyes scanning for any signs of danger, while Taro remained near the helm, his expression unreadable.
"So, captain," Lynara called down, a teasing lilt in her voice. "What's the plan? Or are we just drifting aimlessly until trouble finds us?"
Franco glanced up at her, unbothered by her tone. "There's an island not far from here. I heard it's a hotspot for bounty hunters and mercenaries. We'll start there—see if there's anyone else worth recruiting."
Taro grunted in agreement. "Makes sense. But we'll need to be careful. A place like that attracts all kinds, and not all of them will be friendly."
Franco smirked. "Good. I'm counting on it."
---
The Island of Serok
By nightfall, the island of Serok came into view. Unlike Ravina, which had been a bustling trade hub, Serok had a rough, dangerous edge. The port was smaller, with fewer ships docked, and the buildings were weathered and unkempt. The air smelled of salt and smoke, and the streets were alive with activity—though the energy was more tense than welcoming.
Franco's arrival caused an immediate stir. As he stepped off the ship, the ground seemed to tremble beneath his weight, and the chatter of the crowd quickly died. Lynara and Taro followed close behind, their wary eyes taking in the stares and whispers around them.
"Looks like we're already the main attraction," Lynara muttered, her ears twitching.
"Let them look," Franco said, his voice calm but firm. "We're not here to hide."
The trio made their way into the heart of the town, their presence impossible to ignore. The streets were lined with taverns, weapon shops, and bounty boards, each establishment catering to the rough crowd that called Serok home. Franco's haki was on high alert, picking up dozens of strong presences in the area.
---
The Tavern Encounter
They entered a large, dimly lit tavern called The Iron Fang, its interior alive with noise and chaos. The room was packed with bounty hunters boasting about their exploits, mercenaries arguing over contracts, and sailors drinking away their earnings. The air was thick with the smell of sweat and ale.
As Franco ducked through the doorway, the entire room seemed to pause. Conversations halted, heads turned, and the clink of mugs on tables grew quieter.
Lynara sighed, rolling her eyes. "Subtle as always, big guy."
Franco ignored her, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. His haki flared slightly, and he immediately identified the strongest individuals in the room—a muscular human sitting at a corner table with a massive broadsword strapped to his back, a masked figure cloaked in shadow near the bar, and a towering fishman with jagged teeth and a harpoon slung over his shoulder.
The bartender, a grizzled old man with a scarred face, approached cautiously. "What can I get for you?" he asked, his voice steady despite the tension in the room.
Franco leaned down, his voice low but firm. "Information."
The bartender hesitated, then nodded toward the corner table. "If you're looking for strength, start there. That's Markus—the strongest mercenary on Serok."
Franco nodded in thanks and turned toward the table, his footsteps heavy on the wooden floor. Lynara and Taro followed, both on high alert.
---
Markus the Mercenary
Markus looked up as they approached, his sharp green eyes narrowing. He was a massive man, nearly seven feet tall, with muscles that seemed carved from stone. His broadsword, easily as tall as a full-grown man, leaned against the table beside him.
"You've got some nerve, walking up to me like this," Markus said, his voice a low growl. "Who are you, and what do you want?"
"Franco," the giant replied. "I'm building a crew. I hear you're strong."
Markus barked out a laugh, the sound loud and abrasive. "You've got guts, I'll give you that. But strength isn't free, giant. If you want me to join you, you'll have to prove you're worth my time."
Franco nodded, his expression calm. "Name your terms."
Markus stood, the room falling silent as he hefted his massive sword. "A fight. Right here, right now. If you can beat me, I'll consider it."
---
The Fight
The crowd quickly cleared a space, eager to witness the spectacle. Markus moved with surprising speed for his size, swinging his broadsword in a wide arc. Franco dodged, the blade missing him by inches and slamming into the wooden floor, splintering it.
Franco countered with a swift punch, his fist crackling with electricity. Markus blocked with his sword, the clash sending sparks flying. The room shook with the force of their attacks, and the crowd roared in excitement.
Markus pressed the attack, his broadsword moving like a whirlwind. Franco relied on his haki to predict the strikes, dodging and deflecting with precision. When Markus lunged for a heavy overhead swing, Franco sidestepped and delivered a powerful kick to the man's side, sending him crashing into a table.
The mercenary recovered quickly, his eyes blazing with determination. He charged again, but Franco was ready. As Markus swung his sword, Franco coated his arms in Busoshoku Haki, catching the blade with his bare hands. The crowd gasped as Franco's haki-clad grip held firm, the massive sword unable to budge.
With a roar, Franco unleashed a surge of lightning, the energy coursing through the sword and into Markus. The mercenary cried out, dropping the blade as he collapsed to his knees.
Franco stepped back, his gaze steady. "Do you yield?"
Markus looked up, his expression a mix of pain and grudging respect. After a moment, he nodded. "I yield."
---
The Aftermath
The crowd erupted in cheers and applause as Markus rose to his feet, his movements unsteady. He extended a hand to Franco, who shook it firmly.
"You're the real deal, giant," Markus said. "If you'll have me, I'm in."
Franco nodded. "Welcome to the crew."
As the group left the tavern, now four strong, Franco couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. His crew was growing, and with each new member, his dream felt closer to reality.
But he knew this was just the beginning. The world was vast, and far greater challenges lay ahead.
---
End of Chapter 18
This chapter highlights Franco's first major test in recruiting a human ally, showcasing his strength and leadership. It sets the tone for future challenges, as Franco begins to earn the respect of others through his actions.
Would you like to proceed to Chapter 19?