The days and weeks passed quickly, and soon a year and a half had flown by on Roger's ship as if it were filled with moments of madness and adventure, moving from one island to another in this vast world.
The entire crew was always on the move, engaging in battles, defeating enemies, and forming allies. With every victory, joy lit up their faces, as if they were inching closer to their dream, step by step.
Peter, despite everything, never forgot his daily training. Every morning, he stood on the ship's deck under the warm sun, gripping his sword, practicing strikes that became an extension of his body and soul. His eyes were always focused, and his movements were fluid, like dancing with the sea breeze. With each day, he improved, and his progress earned the admiration of the crew.
With every new island, they encountered new friends, people who welcomed them with love, curiosity, or even caution. Peter often joined young Shanks in exploring these islands, searching for rare items or challenging themselves with little games, while Buggy roamed alone, searching for treasures—the dream he never stopped talking about.
With each battle the crew fought, Peter discovered new meanings of strength and courage. He observed Roger and his seasoned crew, learning from their unbreakable spirit and confidence, even in the darkest moments.
Until that day arrived!
Peter's Perspective
It was evening when we reached the island pointed to by the Log Pose—a place called "Road Star." No one had ever set foot on it before. Everyone, from Roger to the last member of the crew, was filled with an indescribable sense of joy. We all felt like we had accomplished a legendary feat. We were the first crew to sail around the world and navigate every ocean, as if we had reached a dream that only a few could achieve. The air was filled with cheers, with eyes sparkling in the glow of victory, laughter and shouts echoing all around.
But amid all this celebration, Roger stood still, confused. He stared at the Log Pose, which, instead of pointing to a new location as usual, kept spinning endlessly, like it was lost or unable to indicate the next destination. This scene made us all realize that "Road Star" was not the end of our journey. Roger, with his confident gaze and a smile full of deeper meaning, understood that this island was not the "final island."
There was another island, far and mysterious, looming on the horizon of the oceans—a place no one had ever reached.
Realizing this, we saw a new dream in his eyes; a distant goal beyond what we had achieved so far. The goal was not just crossing oceans or gaining fame; it was something deeper, something that pulsed in his heart as a pirate seeking to reach what no one before him had ever attained.
In his quest to reach that lost island, Roger bravely led his ship through a sea of thick fog, knowing that every step in this fog could be a gamble. It was as if the fog was a living entity, devouring sunlight and isolating them from the outside world; the crew could barely see the edges of the ship, as if they were trapped in a translucent world with no beginning or end.
The fog grew thicker around them, making each step feel like it led to nowhere. Roger realized it was impossible to continue without losing their way. The crew turned back, and when they emerged from this bewildering world, it seemed as if the sought-after island didn't exist, as if it were deliberately hidden behind an impenetrable veil.
Days later, Roger and his crew arrived at Whole Cake Island, a strange place transformed into her kingdom by Big Mom, Linlin. Linlin, two-faced as ever, welcomed both enemies and friends with a smile full of deceit, caring only for what she could gain from them. The air was filled with the aromas of cakes and sweets, enticing anyone who set foot there, stirring up an irresistible appetite.
Big Mom hosted a grand tea party, like an enchanting festival of sweets, with tables stretched out, overflowing with every imaginable kind of cake, meringue, caramel, and colorful candies, alongside cascading chocolate fountains. Everyone was absorbed in enjoying their surroundings, even Roger's large crew found themselves immersed in the abundance of sweets and delicious dishes. The atmosphere was unusually festive, offering rare moments of peace and calm amidst their never-ending journeys.
While the crew was busy celebrating, Peter quietly slipped away, determined to carry out the mission Roger had assigned him. He moved swiftly through the shadows, taking advantage of every corner and narrow passage, avoiding the guards patrolling the castle. The castle was full of vibrant colors, yet behind this striking beauty was a sense of constant danger, as if the very walls were watching those who passed by.
Peter was cautious with every step, occasionally hiding behind a large statue or ornate wall, dodging Big Mom's heavily armed guards without raising any suspicion. He knew his destination well, guided by his prior knowledge of this world from the manga he had read, until he reached that secret spot where Linlin kept the red Poneglyph, a massive stone tablet hiding dangerous secrets.
The Poneglyph stood tall, adorned with ancient carvings that concealed within their lines a roadmap. Peter took a deep breath, then quickly pulled out his tools and began copying the carvings with care. The process didn't take long, but he approached it with precision, carefully placing the copy within the folds of his loose clothing, hiding it from any prying eyes.
After completing his mission successfully, Peter quickly made his way back to the party. He slipped back among the shadows like a whisper, returning to where everyone was engrossed in sweets and lively music. No one noticed his absence, and as soon as he rejoined them, he gave Roger a small reassuring nod.
When the ship departed from Whole Cake Island, the crew's voices rose in laughter and unrestrained pride. Roger gazed at the copy Peter had brought from the red Poneglyph with eyes full of excitement, as if the flame of adventure had been reignited within him more than ever before. He held that copy cautiously, understanding the magnitude of their accomplishment; it was another thread leading them closer to their goal, another step in their epic journey.
The crew gathered around Peter, patting his shoulders and playfully nudging him, expressing their gratitude and pride. Rayleigh gave him a calm smile and said, "You've truly proven yourself today, Peter... I guess we no longer need to call you a 'trainee.'"
Shanks and Buggy laughed, taking turns congratulating him, each expressing their admiration in their own way, whether with small challenges or boastful gestures.
As for Roger, he raised his cup with his signature boisterous laugh and said, "To Peter! Our new partner, who knows how to slip through like the breeze and return to us like a hero!"
The echo of his voice resonated across the ship as the crew joined in, chanting his name and clinking their cups in a communal celebration, as if celebrating the birth of another legend among their ranks.
Under the moonlight, with the sea wind whipping their hair and clothes, the celebration continued aboard the ship. Peter was among them, laughing and feeling that this journey was his destiny, that he had finally found his place among these fearless heroes.
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