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The sea stretched endlessly around the Eclipse, its black hull cutting through the waves with ease. The wind filled the sails, and the creak of the ropes blended with the rhythmic crash of the water against the bow. Michael stood at the helm, his hands steady on the wheel as he guided the ship forward. Lia was nearby, sitting cross-legged on the deck with a notebook in her lap, sketching details of the ship's design.
"This feels different," Lia said after a while, her voice soft but filled with wonder. "The sloop was… fine, but this? This feels real."
Michael smiled faintly. "That's because it is. The Eclipse is ours—something we built, something we earned. It's not just a ship; it's the start of something bigger."
Lia nodded, her gaze drifting toward the horizon. "So, where are we headed first?"
Michael glanced at the map spread out beside him. "We'll stop at the nearest port for supplies and information. Then… we'll see. The Grand Line is still the goal, but we need to be ready for it."
The Eclipse moved swiftly, its speed and agility a testament to Declan's craftsmanship. Every part of the ship was designed with purpose—from its reinforced hull to the hidden compartments that would keep their most valuable possessions safe. It wasn't just a vessel; it was a weapon, a home, and a symbol of their determination.
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By midday, they spotted a small island on the horizon. It wasn't marked on the map, but Michael decided to investigate. If it had a port, it might offer supplies or information. If it didn't, it could still serve as a place to rest and strategize.
The island was small but lively, with a modest port and a bustling marketplace visible from the docks. Michael and Lia anchored the Eclipse and disembarked, their footsteps echoing on the wooden planks of the pier.
"Stay close," Michael said, his eyes scanning the crowd. "We don't know what kind of people are here."
Lia nodded, falling into step beside him. She had grown more confident in the past weeks, her movements more assured, her gaze sharper. But Michael still felt the weight of responsibility. She was strong, but she was still young, and it was his job to make sure she stayed safe.
The marketplace was a chaotic swirl of colors and sounds. Merchants shouted their wares, children darted between stalls, and the scent of fresh fish and spices filled the air. Michael stopped at a fruit vendor, inspecting the produce.
"How much for these?" he asked, gesturing to a bundle of bananas.
"Fifteen berries," the merchant replied, eyeing him warily.
Michael handed over the money, adding the fruit to their growing collection of supplies. Lia wandered to a nearby stall, where a blacksmith was displaying an array of knives and tools. She picked up a small blade, testing its weight in her hand.
"That's a good one," the blacksmith said, his tone gruff but friendly. "Light but strong. Easy to carry."
Lia glanced at Michael, who nodded. "Go ahead," he said.
She paid for the knife, slipping it into the sheath at her side. "Thanks," she said to the blacksmith, her voice confident.
Michael's attention was drawn to a commotion near the center of the market. A group of men surrounded a merchant's stall, their voices raised in anger. The merchant, a wiry man with a nervous expression, held up his hands in a placating gesture.
"I told you, I don't have what you're looking for!" the merchant said, his voice trembling.
"You'd better find it," one of the men growled, slamming his fist on the counter. "Or we'll make sure you regret it."
Michael's jaw tightened. He didn't like getting involved in other people's problems, but he couldn't stand by and watch someone be bullied. He moved toward the group, his steps deliberate.
"Is there a problem here?" he asked, his tone calm but firm.
The men turned, their eyes narrowing as they sized him up. The leader, a stocky man with a scar across his cheek, sneered. "Who's asking?"
"Someone who doesn't like bullies," Michael replied. "Leave him alone."
The leader laughed, a harsh sound that made the other men grin. "You've got guts, I'll give you that. But you're outnumbered."
Michael's expression didn't change. "Doesn't matter."
The leader's grin faded, replaced by a scowl. "You're making a big mistake."
Michael didn't wait for him to act. He moved quickly, closing the distance between them and grabbing the man's wrist as he reached for his weapon. A swift twist disarmed him, and Michael stepped back, keeping his stance loose but ready.
The other men hesitated, glancing at each other uncertainly. The leader growled, rubbing his wrist. "Get him!"
Two of the men charged at Michael, their movements clumsy but aggressive. Michael dodged the first, delivering a sharp elbow to his ribs, then pivoted to disarm the second with a quick strike to his hand. Both men stumbled back, gasping.
The remaining two hesitated, their confidence clearly shaken. Michael took a step forward, his gaze cold. "Still want to keep this up?"
The leader cursed under his breath. "Let's go," he barked, motioning to his men. They retreated quickly, disappearing into the crowd.
The merchant sagged with relief, his hands trembling. "Thank you," he said, his voice shaky. "I don't know what they would've done if—"
"Don't worry about it," Michael said. "Just be careful. People like that don't give up easily."
The merchant nodded, his gratitude evident. "If there's anything I can do to repay you…"
"Information," Michael said. "We're looking for anything about the Grand Line."
The merchant frowned thoughtfully. "Not much reaches this part of the sea, but I've heard rumors. A trader came through last week talking about a shipwreck off the coast of a small island. Said it belonged to someone who tried to cross into the Grand Line but didn't make it."
Michael's eyes narrowed. "Where?"
The merchant pointed to a spot on Michael's map. "Here. Be careful if you go, though. The waters around there are dangerous."
Michael nodded. "Thanks."
As they returned to the Eclipse, Lia glanced up at him. "Are we going to check it out?"
Michael nodded. "If there's even a chance of finding something useful, we can't ignore it."
Lia's expression was serious. "Then let's do it."
As the Eclipse set sail once more, Michael felt the familiar weight of purpose settle over him. The Grand Line was still a distant dream, but every step brought them closer. With the Eclipse beneath them and their resolve stronger than ever, Michael and Lia were ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.
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