The crew sailed on, their ship battered but holding steady. The battle with the pirates had taken its toll, but it also solidified their resolve. Franco, now standing at the helm, kept his eyes on the horizon. They were nearing their destination—a small island chain rumored to house a legendary weapon master.
"This weapon master," Markus began, leaning against the ship's railing, "what's his deal? Why are we risking this trip for him?"
Franco crossed his arms, his massive form towering over the others. "From what I've heard, he's a master of all weapon types, skilled beyond measure. But he's not just a fighter—he's a teacher. If he joins us, we'll not only gain his strength but also improve our own skills."
Lynara, perched on a barrel, flicked her tail thoughtfully. "Sounds like someone who doesn't want to be found. What makes you think he'll even give us the time of day?"
Franco smiled faintly. "We'll convince him."
Taro, always the practical one, steered the conversation back to reality. "Let's just hope we make it there in one piece. The ship won't survive another battle like that."
---
Arrival at the Island Chain
By mid-morning on the third day, the island chain came into view. The islands were small and rocky, with jagged cliffs and dense forests. The water around them was turbulent, the waves crashing against the sharp rocks. It was a natural fortress, difficult to navigate and even harder to land on.
"Looks welcoming," Lynara said sarcastically, peering through a spyglass. "I don't see any docks or settlements."
"There won't be," Franco said. "The weapon master is said to live alone. We'll have to find a way to land without wrecking the ship."
Taro studied the coastline, his hands steady on the helm. "There's a small cove to the east. It'll be tight, but I think we can make it."
"Do it," Franco said. "We'll go ashore and search from there."
---
The Journey Inland
After anchoring the ship in the secluded cove, the crew set out on foot. The island was wild and untamed, its dense forest filled with towering trees and the distant calls of unseen creatures. Franco took the lead, his immense size making a path where there was none.
The air was heavy with tension. The crew moved cautiously, their senses sharp. Franco's haki was active, constantly scanning for signs of danger.
"You think this guy knows we're coming?" Markus asked, his broadsword resting on his shoulder.
"He'll know," Franco replied. "Someone this skilled doesn't live in isolation without being aware of their surroundings."
The group pressed on, the terrain growing steeper as they approached the island's center. After hours of climbing and navigating treacherous paths, they reached a clearing. At its center stood a modest wooden cabin, surrounded by a ring of polished stone markers. Weapons of all kinds—swords, spears, axes, and more—were embedded in the stones, their blades gleaming in the sunlight.
"This must be the place," Lynara said, her voice low.
---
The First Test
As the crew stepped into the clearing, a voice rang out, sharp and commanding. "That's far enough."
From the shadows of the cabin emerged a tall, wiry man with silver hair tied back in a loose braid. He wore simple clothing—a sleeveless tunic and sturdy boots—but his presence was anything but ordinary. His sharp, piercing eyes scanned the group, and his hands rested casually on the twin swords at his hips.
"I am Kael," the man said. "Why have you come here?"
Franco stepped forward, towering over the weapon master. "I'm Franco. I'm building a crew of the strongest fighters in the world. I've heard of your skill, and I want you to join us."
Kael raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Bold. But strength alone doesn't interest me. If you want me to consider your offer, you'll have to prove your worth."
Franco nodded. "Name your challenge."
Kael's lips curved into a faint smile. "You'll face me in combat. All of you, together. If you can land a single blow, I'll hear you out."
The crew exchanged glances. Markus gripped his broadsword tightly, and Lynara's ears flattened. Taro stepped forward, his trident at the ready.
"Let's do this," Franco said, his voice steady. "Stay focused."
---
The Fight with Kael
Kael moved first, drawing his twin swords in a blur of motion. He was impossibly fast, closing the distance between himself and the crew in the blink of an eye. Franco barely managed to raise his arms in defense as Kael's blades clashed against his haki-coated forearms, sending a shockwave through the clearing.
Lynara darted to the side, her claws flashing as she aimed for an opening. Kael anticipated her move, twisting his body to avoid her strike while deflecting Markus's broadsword with a single blade. His movements were precise, almost effortless.
Taro lunged with his trident, but Kael sidestepped, using the momentum of the dodge to sweep Lynara off her feet. Franco took the opportunity to charge, his massive fist crackling with electricity. Kael turned at the last moment, crossing his swords to block the attack. The impact forced him back slightly, but he remained unscathed.
"You're strong," Kael admitted, his tone calm. "But strength without strategy is useless."
Kael shifted his stance, his movements becoming even faster. He disarmed Markus with a quick strike, the broadsword clattering to the ground. Lynara, recovering from the earlier sweep, leaped at him again, only to be deflected mid-air. Taro tried to flank him, but Kael's twin swords moved like extensions of his body, blocking every attack.
Despite their combined efforts, the crew couldn't touch him. Kael's mastery was undeniable.
---
Franco's Resolve
Franco gritted his teeth, his frustration mounting. Kael was faster and more skilled than any opponent he had faced. But Franco wasn't one to give up. He closed his eyes for a brief moment, focusing his haki. When he opened them again, his resolve was clear.
"Lynara, Taro, Markus," Franco said, his voice firm. "Fall back. I'll handle this."
The crew hesitated, but Franco's tone left no room for argument. They stepped back, giving him space.
Kael raised an eyebrow. "You think you can defeat me alone?"
Franco didn't respond. Instead, he charged forward, his body crackling with electricity. Kael met him head-on, their clash sending a shockwave through the clearing. Franco's haki was sharper now, his movements more deliberate. He anticipated Kael's strikes, dodging and countering with precision.
For the first time, Kael's expression shifted—just slightly. Franco's growth in the middle of the fight was unexpected.
Finally, Franco feinted a punch, drawing Kael's swords to one side, and unleashed a sudden bolt of lightning with his other hand. The electricity grazed Kael's shoulder, forcing him to step back.
Kael lowered his swords, a faint smile on his lips. "Impressive. You've passed."
---
End of Chapter 20
This chapter focuses on the crew's encounter with Kael, highlighting his incredible skill and testing their teamwork. Franco's leadership and adaptability shine as he manages to land a blow, earning Kael's respect and setting the stage for his potential recruitment.
Would you like to proceed to Chapter 21?