The night was quiet—too quiet—when Jackson was suddenly jolted awake by the frantic ringing of the bell. The shrill sound cut through the peaceful night, snapping him out of his sleep. His heart raced, disoriented as he tried to shake off the grogginess. For a few moments, he just lay there, trying to make sense of what was happening, blinking into the darkness of the ship's interior.
Then, the voice of the night watchman rang out, sharp and panicked. "Pirates! Pirates, we're under attack!"
Jackson's body went cold. He shot up, heart hammering in his chest. Pirates? In the East Blue? He hadn't expected any trouble this early into their journey. His mind scrambled as he threw on his clothes, his pulse quickening with every second that passed.
The sound of cannons booming across the water reached his ears, followed by the sickening thud of Bell Leah being struck. The ship shuddered beneath him, and the crackling sound of splintering wood filled the air.
"Get to the deck!" a voice shouted outside his cabin.
Jackson didn't need any more encouragement. He bolted out of his quarters, running down the narrow hallways of the ship, the frantic yells of the crew echoing around him. His legs were still heavy with sleep, but adrenaline quickly kicked in, pushing him forward. As he stumbled up the stairs to the main deck, the chaos above was already in full swing.
The air was thick with smoke and the sound of shouting. The crew was scrambling, trying to manage the ship as best they could. The pirates had already launched their first volley of cannon fire, and several of the crew members were rushing to put out the fires that had started below deck. Jackson made his way quickly toward the main deck, where the heart of the chaos was.
"Shadow!" Griff shouted from the deck, his voice barely audible over the roars of the cannons. "Get up here! We need help!"
Jackson didn't need to be told twice. He ran up the last set of stairs, emerging onto the open deck, where the scene was nothing like he had imagined. The moonlight barely cut through the smoke, but he could see the pirate ship in the distance, looming ominously as it drew closer.
"Prepare to board!" a voice shouted, and Jackson saw the pirates starting to make their move.
The Bell Leah had been struck in the hull, and the pirates had hooked their ship onto theirs. The crew was already scrambling, some trying to untangle the ropes, others preparing their weapons. Jackson's eyes quickly scanned the scene, his heart still racing, but his mind sharp. He wasn't a seasoned fighter, but he was stronger than most of the crew, and he'd spent enough time on this ship to know what to do in a crisis.
As the pirates boarded, leaping across the gap between the two ships, Jackson grabbed a nearby sword. He didn't know if he was ready for this, but there was no backing down now.
A pirate leader, tall and broad-shouldered with a scar across his face, led the charge, shouting orders to his crew. They were dressed in ragged clothes and armed with cutlasses, their eyes glinting with malice. Jackson clenched his sword tightly, ready for the fight.
"Get ready, kid," Griff said as he stood next to Jackson, holding his own weapon. "They'll be coming fast. Stay sharp."
Jackson nodded, feeling the weight of the sword in his hands. This was real now. There was no training for this kind of fight. He'd watched the crew defend the ship from the dock, but now it was his turn.
The pirates hit the deck hard, charging at the crew. The first pirate swung a cutlass toward Griff, but Jackson reacted instinctively, swinging his sword in a fluid arc and knocking the attack aside. The pirate stumbled back in surprise, and Jackson took the opportunity to shove him away with a quick push. "Get back!" he shouted, pushing his way into the fight.
The pirate was taken aback but quickly regained his stance, swiping at Jackson's chest. Jackson ducked under the blow and retaliated, landing a quick strike to the pirate's side, knocking him to the ground.
"Nice one, kid!" Griff shouted from behind him, but Jackson barely heard it. His focus was sharp, and his heart was pounding in his chest. More pirates poured over the side of the ship, and the chaos only intensified. The Bell Leah was caught between defending the ship and preventing the pirates from overrunning them.
The pirate leader, seeing Jackson and the crew standing their ground, pushed forward. "Take them down!" he yelled. The pirates surged forward like a wave, overwhelming the crew.
Jackson gritted his teeth and swung again, his blade cutting through the air with precision, forcing the pirates back. He didn't know how many more he could take on, but he wasn't going to back down. This was his first real fight, and he was determined to prove that he belonged here.
As the fight raged on, Jackson saw the captain, William Fox, barking orders from the back of the deck. "Get the cannons reloaded! We need to send them packing!"
But the pirates weren't going down easily. Jackson glanced over at the crew, who were now standing shoulder to shoulder, weapons raised, ready to defend their ship with everything they had. The battle was only beginning, and Jackson knew that this wouldn't be an easy victory.
The Bell Leah was taking damage, but the crew was fighting back, and Jackson was right in the middle of it. With every swing of his sword, he could feel himself getting closer to the man he wanted to become—a warrior who would stand tall no matter the odds.
As the battle raged on, Jackson's heart filled with a mixture of fear and excitement. He was on the frontlines now, and this was just the beginning of his journey into the dangerous world of the sea.
The Bell Leah was in chaos. The night had descended into a frenzy of flashing steel and shouting voices. Jackson's heart raced as he found himself thrust into the thick of it, the pirates swarming onto the ship like a flood of locusts, intent on overwhelming the crew. His mind was sharp, but his body felt like it was running on pure adrenaline as he swung his sword, knocking back one pirate after another.
The sword he had grabbed wasn't the one he had been training with, and it showed. It was heavier than he was used to, its edge not as sharp, and the strain of fighting quickly began to take its toll. As he swung again, trying to deflect an incoming blow, the blade cracked. A sharp snap rang out through the air as the sword broke in half. Jackson's eyes widened in disbelief as the pieces of the broken blade clattered to the deck.
"Damn it!" Jackson cursed under his breath. He had no time to think. The pirates were still pressing in, and he had to act fast. He couldn't let this be the end of it—not when he was so close to proving himself.
Without hesitation, he discarded the broken sword and leapt into the fray, his body now relying on his martial arts training. He wasn't just a swordsman—he was a fighter. He'd spent years training with the best, learning the six styles of Rokushiki, and now, he would put them to use.
First, he dropped low to the ground and used Soru, the technique that allowed him to move at lightning speed. In the blink of an eye, he was behind a pirate who was about to strike Griff with a sword. Jackson's fist collided with the pirate's back, sending him stumbling forward, crashing into another pirate.
"You're slow," Jackson muttered under his breath, his voice steady as he surveyed the next threat. He had no time to be impressed with his own moves—he had a job to do.
Another pirate came at him, swinging his sword with the intent to end this quickly. Jackson reacted instantly, using Geppo, the technique that allowed him to jump through the air with ease. With a powerful push off the ship's deck, Jackson soared over the pirate's head, landing gracefully behind him. He didn't wait for his opponent to turn around; Jackson's elbow crashed into the back of the pirate's skull, sending him crumpling to the deck in an unconscious heap.
"Not bad, kid," Griff said, a grin creeping onto his face as he fought alongside Jackson.
Jackson barely acknowledged him. He was too focused. The Bell Leah was under attack, and he wasn't going to let this opportunity slip by.
Another pirate lunged at him with a dagger, but Jackson used Tekkai, his body hardening instantly as the pirate's blade struck him with full force. The sound of metal against steel rang out as the blade snapped, unable to pierce Jackson's hardened form.
"Is that all you've got?" Jackson taunted, his voice laced with calm confidence. He grabbed the pirate by the wrist, twisted, and slammed him into the ground.
Before Jackson could even catch his breath, a roar rang out across the deck. The chaos continued, but now, it was clear that their enemies weren't just ordinary pirates. He turned and saw the pirate captain—the one leading the charge—standing at the edge of the ship, watching the battle unfold with a calculating grin.
The captain was a large man, his features twisted in a menacing sneer. His eyes gleamed with predatory hunger. But as Jackson watched, something strange began to happen. The pirate captain's body started to shift, to twist. His muscles grew larger, his body expanding, and his posture became more hunched as his hands elongated into claw-like appendages. His mouth widened into a grotesque grin, filled with sharp, jagged teeth.
The crew around Jackson stopped, staring in shock as the pirate captain's transformation continued. His body now looked less human and more beastly. His face had lengthened into a monstrous snout, and fur sprouted across his skin. In a few moments, he had become a hulking, terrifying creature with the body of a man and the features of a hyena.
Jackson's stomach dropped as the transformation unfolded. He had no idea what kind of power this was, but he recognized the pattern. A Zoan-type Devil Fruit user. From the anime and manga of his previous life, Jackson had seen this kind of transformation before. He remembered the stories of Devil Fruits—the strange, powerful fruits that granted the eater supernatural abilities. Zoan types allowed the user to transform into an animal, or a hybrid between man and beast. But seeing it in person was something else entirely.
Shit, Jackson thought, feeling a cold shiver run down his spine. This wasn't just a regular pirate captain. This was something else entirely.
The pirate captain, now fully in his monstrous hyena form, bared his teeth and let out a bone-chilling roar. His claws dug into the deck of the Bell Leah, leaving deep gouges in the wood. The crew was paralyzed with fear, unsure of how to handle this new, terrifying threat.
"You dare challenge me, boy?" the pirate captain growled, his voice now deep and guttural, filled with the savage hunger of a wild animal. "I'll tear you apart!"
Jackson's body tensed, his mind racing. A Devil Fruit user. He knew the legends, but this was the first time he was facing one. His heart pounded, but he pushed his fear aside. He couldn't afford to hesitate. Not now. He had come too far.
"Come on, then," Jackson said, his voice steady despite the danger. He took a step forward, feeling his body ready for the fight. "Let's see what you've got."
With a wild snarl, the pirate captain lunged at him, claws slashing through the air with terrifying speed. Jackson didn't wait for the attack. In an instant, he used Soru, vanishing from the spot and reappearing behind the pirate captain.
But the captain wasn't fooled. He spun around with the agility of an animal, his claws swiping through the air just inches from Jackson's face. Jackson's heart skipped a beat, but he was already moving again, using Geppo to leap high into the air, just narrowly avoiding the captain's attack.
"Is that the best you've got?" Jackson called out, trying to bait the captain. "You're not so tough."
The pirate captain roared in fury and lunged once more, his monstrous strength sending shockwaves through the ship. Jackson was ready, his body already tense. He used Tekkai again, hardening his body just as the captain's claws collided with his side. The impact was massive, but Jackson barely flinched, his body withstanding the blow.
The captain snarled, his eyes glowing with rage. "You think you can stand up to me, boy? I'll show you the true power of a Zoan!"
Jackson gritted his teeth. He had to end this now before the pirate captain could overwhelm him. In a flash, he thrust his finger forward, using Shigan. His finger shot out like a bullet, piercing through the air with deadly precision, aiming directly for the pirate captain's chest.
But just before the Shigan could land, the pirate captain's body began to change again. His muscles expanded, his form becoming even more monstrous. His size doubled, then tripled, and with a guttural roar, he grew even larger, towering over Jackson.
Jackson's eyes widened in disbelief. "What the hell?!"
The captain now stood as a gigantic, hulking beast with hyena-like features, snarling and growling as his claws scraped against the ship's deck. The captain had fully embraced his Devil Fruit powers, turning into a grotesque monster that dwarfed Jackson.
With a final, deafening roar, the pirate captain leapt at Jackson, claws poised to strike.
Jackson barely had time to react.
And the battle was far from over.
The pirate captain's hulking form slammed toward Jackson, his monstrous claws outstretched like blades, ready to rip through flesh. Jackson's heart hammered in his chest, his instincts screaming at him to move. He didn't have much time. The ship beneath him creaked as it rocked violently, the chaos of battle still echoing in the background.
I need to act fast.
With a swift movement, Jackson activated Soru, vanishing from the spot just as the pirate captain's claws slashed where he had been standing. The air around him rippled from the captain's speed, but Jackson was already behind him. In an instant, he threw a punch toward the captain's exposed back, aiming for a vulnerable spot.
The punch landed, but it barely fazed the pirate captain, who spun around with astonishing speed for his size. His claws lashed out, catching Jackson off guard and striking him across the chest. Pain exploded through Jackson's ribs as the claws tore through his clothes and skin, blood staining his shirt.
Jackson gritted his teeth, refusing to fall back. He used Geppo to push himself off the deck, soaring into the air, but the captain leaped after him, moving like a predator hunting its prey. The gap between them was closing, and Jackson could feel his body tiring, the fight becoming more intense with each passing second.
"You can't escape, boy!" the pirate captain growled, his voice now a distorted, guttural roar. "You think you can dodge me forever? I'm the hunter here!" His claws swiped through the air again, forcing Jackson to twist and dodge with all his might.
I need to make a decisive move, Jackson thought, his mind racing. He was pushing his body to its limits, using Soru, Geppo, and Tekkai to avoid the captain's deadly claws. But no matter how fast or tough he was, the pirate captain's power was overwhelming. His blows hit harder than anything Jackson had felt before. Every strike seemed to send shockwaves through the deck.
Jackson's vision blurred from the pain, but he shook it off. This was it. He couldn't keep dodging forever. He needed to end this now.
The pirate captain's wild eyes narrowed, and with a wicked grin, he lunged again, slashing with both claws in a wide arc. Jackson took a deep breath, anticipating the movement. This time, he didn't dodge.
He slammed his body into the attack, using Tekkai to harden his muscles. The claws collided with him in a brutal clash, the force of the impact rattling his bones. But Jackson's body remained unyielding. At the same time, he used Shigan, driving his finger straight toward the captain's exposed neck.
With lightning speed, Jackson's finger shot out like a bullet, aimed directly for the captain's throat. But just as it was about to land, the pirate captain twisted his body, using his new monstrous form to turn in mid-air, avoiding the strike by an inch. Jackson's finger just missed, and the pirate captain's claws raked through Jackson's side, ripping open a new wound.
Jackson's breath hitched in pain, but he didn't stop. With everything he had left, he pushed himself away from the captain using Geppo, aiming to get distance, but the pirate captain was relentless. His body was enormous now, thrashing with raw strength, and he swung wildly, forcing Jackson to leap high into the air.
"You'll never be faster than me!" the pirate captain shouted, his voice like thunder. "You're just a boy playing with the big dogs! I'll tear you apart!"
Jackson, panting and bloodied, finally found his chance. As the captain swung his claws down with tremendous force, Jackson used Soru one last time, speeding toward the captain with the intention of knocking him off balance. He aimed for the captain's midsection, using the full weight of his speed and Tekkai.
Bang!
The impact was explosive.
Jackson collided with the pirate captain, and both were launched off the ship, the force of the blow sending them flying into the dark sea below. The sound of the ocean crashing against them was deafening, and for a moment, everything went still.
The pirate captain let out an enraged howl as they plummeted into the water, the sea swallowing them both. Jackson struggled to break free from the captain's grip as they sank deeper into the cold, dark water. His chest burned with pain, and the weight of the captain's monstrous form made it hard to move.
For a brief moment, everything was dark and disorienting. The chaos of battle above deck was replaced by the eerie silence of the sea, the pressure of the water building around them as they sank deeper into the cold abyss.
Jackson gasped for air, but the weight of the pirate captain's transformed body was dragging him down, holding him under. His legs were starting to burn with exhaustion, and his chest ached from the lack of oxygen. The pirate captain's massive claws dug into his leg with terrifying force, and Jackson screamed in pain as the sharp claws pierced his flesh.
Damn it, I need to get free, Jackson thought desperately, his mind racing even as the coldness of the water began to sap his strength.
The captain's grip was like iron, pulling him further and further into the dark depths. Jackson kicked and struggled, but it was no use—the pirate captain's monstrous form was far too strong. The pressure of the water increased with every passing second, and Jackson's vision started to blur as his breath became shallow and frantic.
His lungs screamed for air, but there was no way to break free.
The pirate captain, his monstrous claws firmly latched onto Jackson's leg, continued to drag him down. Jackson fought harder, using every ounce of energy to kick free, but the captain's claws were relentless, tearing deeper into his flesh with each desperate struggle.
No, no, no… Jackson thought as his vision started to fade. His body was growing heavier with the increasing depth of the water, and the captain was pulling him down, further away from the surface, further into the darkness.
With a burst of strength, Jackson kicked out with everything he had, breaking free from the captain's grip just long enough to push off the captain's body, propelling himself upward toward the surface. His legs burned with the effort, his head spinning, but he knew he couldn't give up—not now.
As he surged toward the surface, Jackson glanced down to see the pirate captain still sinking beneath him, his form monstrous and hulking in the water. The captain didn't move to chase him immediately, but Jackson could feel the tension rising. The pirate captain would be coming for him, and he knew he didn't have much time.
His chest ached with the need for air as Jackson pushed himself faster, fighting against the sinking pressure. The surface of the sea was so close, but the weight of the struggle felt unbearable. Every second felt like an eternity as he kicked harder and harder, his lungs burning with the need to breathe.
Finally, he broke through the surface, gasping for air, his body trembling from the cold and exhaustion. But he barely had a moment to recover before he felt the water shift beneath him. He looked down.
The pirate captain was already there, his massive form emerging from the depths, his claws still extended, sharp and deadly.
The fight was far from over.
Holding his breath was nothing new to Jackson. He'd trained to do it since he was seven, pushing his limits in the deep waters near Shimotsuki Village. But this was different—this wasn't just training in the calm, controlled environment of a peaceful bay. The pressure of the ocean was threatening to crush him, and the pain from the pirate captain's iron-like grip on his leg was unbearable.
Jackson struggled against the captain's hold, kicking and thrashing with everything he had, but the pirate captain's claws dug deeper with every move. It felt like the captain's claws were pulling him further into the dark abyss of the sea. The weight of the water and the captain's grip combined was starting to feel like too much.
But Jackson knew one thing—Devil Fruit users had a weakness in the water. They can't swim. They're done for when they're submerged. Jackson had learned that from his previous life, watching the battles unfold in the stories of the One Piece world. That knowledge gave him the strength to keep fighting. The pirate captain was stronger than he expected, but if he could just break free, the fight would turn in his favor.
With a burst of energy, Jackson planted both feet and pushed against the pirate captain, sending a powerful kick directly to the captain's face. The impact was enough to make the captain reel back in shock, his grip loosening just enough for Jackson to break free.
Now!
Jackson kicked once more, launching himself away from the captain with a final desperate push. He swam upward, his legs screaming in protest from the exhaustion. The sea around him was dark and cold, and the pressure felt like it was crushing his chest, but he fought through it, knowing that the captain would be coming after him.
I've got to make it to the surface, Jackson thought, the fire on the ship a faint but crucial point of light that guided him upwards. The only reason he knew which way was up was because of the distant glow. He didn't dare look back, but he could feel the presence of the captain beneath him, the monstrous figure still lurking in the depths. If the captain caught up to him, this would be over.
Every stroke felt like it took an eternity. Jackson's lungs were on fire, his body growing weaker with every second he held his breath. His vision began to blur, but he didn't dare stop. He kept swimming, kept pushing, his arms and legs growing heavier as the surface slowly crept closer.
The firelight above grew brighter, and with one final, desperate push, Jackson broke the surface, gasping for air. His lungs burned as he took in a deep breath, coughing and sputtering, the saltwater flooding his mouth.
But there was no time to rest.
Geppo.
Jackson activated the technique, propelling himself out of the water with a single powerful push. The water seemed to resist him, but he pushed harder, his body catapulting over the edge of the ship with one final surge. His legs slipped across the slippery surface of the ship's deck, and he tumbled forward, slamming into the wood with a painful thud.
He didn't even have the strength to move. His body trembled, adrenaline fading as exhaustion and pain finally took over. He had survived. The pirate captain was still in the water, and Jackson had escaped. But his body was on the verge of shutting down, his muscles seizing, his vision dimming as everything went black.
Before he could even think to get up, his body gave out, and Jackson collapsed onto the ship's deck, unconscious from the brutal battle.
The chaos on the ship continued, but for Jackson, the world had slipped into a quiet darkness, his body completely drained. The battle wasn't over, and the dangers of the sea were still looming—but for now, Jackson had survived.