---
The morning sun rose over the island, casting its golden light on the now-familiar beach where the Eclipse was anchored. The once-untamed jungle that had seemed so threatening now felt like an old rival—a constant challenge that Michael and his crew had faced and conquered over the last two years.
The beach itself bore the marks of their training. Smooth patches of sand were pitted with craters from explosive sparring matches. Rocks worn smooth from constant use as weights were piled neatly near their campsite, which had grown into a more permanent settlement with sturdy tents and even a small wooden shack for supplies.
Michael stood at the edge of the water, his silhouette tall and steady against the light of the rising sun. He took a deep breath, his senses stretching outward. The sea breeze carried the familiar scents of salt and foliage, but beyond that, he could feel the faint rustle of leaves in the jungle and the distant sound of the massive creature that still called it home.
His Observation Haki had grown sharper over the years, and he could now sense life all around him, even without looking. This morning, though, his focus was on his crew.
Behind him, Lia sprinted across the beach, her steps light and her movements fluid. She had grown taller and leaner, her once-awkward enthusiasm tempered into confident determination. As she ran, she dodged wooden stakes that had been driven into the sand, each step perfectly placed.
"Faster, Lia!" Amara called, standing nearby with her arms crossed. She had changed, too—her sharp eyes now carried an edge of experience, and the calm confidence in her movements made her every action seem deliberate.
"I'm trying!" Lia shouted, her voice steady despite the exertion.
Michael turned to watch, a small smile playing on his lips. "She's gotten faster," he said.
"Still not fast enough," Amara replied, though her tone carried a hint of pride. "But she'll get there."
---
After the morning drills, the crew gathered around the campfire for breakfast. The once simple meals of rations had improved over time, with Lia learning to cook using the wild fruits and game they hunted. Today, she served roasted fish seasoned with herbs from the jungle.
"It still amazes me we've been here for two years," Lia said, handing Michael a plate. "It feels like we just got here."
Michael took the plate, his expression thoughtful. "Time flies when you're fighting for your life every day."
Amara smirked. "Or when you're dodging a giant monster in your backyard."
The creature, which they had come to call "The Warden," was still a constant presence on the island. Over the years, the crew had learned to coexist with it—encountering it less as a threat and more as a sparring partner. The Warden had pushed them to their limits, forcing them to adapt and grow stronger with every encounter.
"How's your Haki coming along?" Michael asked Lia.
She shrugged, though there was a spark of pride in her eyes. "Better. I can sense small animals in the jungle now, and I can feel when Amara's about to yell at me during training."
Amara snorted. "Good. Maybe you'll finally stop being surprised when I do."
Michael chuckled. "It'll get stronger. Observation Haki isn't just about sensing danger—it's about feeling the world around you. The more you use it, the sharper it'll become."
"What about you?" Lia asked. "How's your armament coming along?"
Michael held up his hand, focusing his energy. A faint, black sheen began to cover his skin, the surface shimmering like polished metal. It wasn't perfect yet, but it was progress.
"Still working on it," Michael admitted. "But it's enough to block a strike from The Warden."
Amara raised an eyebrow. "You mean deflect it. Blocking isn't an option with that thing."
Michael smirked. "Fair point."
---
Later that day, the crew ventured into the jungle for their sparring session. The Warden's territory was vast, and the dense foliage provided an excellent training ground. The crew had developed a routine of fighting in pairs, testing their strength and reflexes against each other while keeping an eye out for the creature.
"Ready?" Michael asked, standing across from Lia.
She nodded, her stance firm. "Let's do this."
They moved quickly, their sparring almost a dance. Lia's movements were faster and more precise than ever, her attacks sharp and deliberate. Michael countered with equal speed, using his Observation Haki to predict her strikes and push her harder with every exchange.
"Good," Michael said, sidestepping her punch and sweeping her legs out from under her. "But you're too predictable when you get frustrated."
Lia rolled to her feet, her eyes blazing with determination. "Then I'll stop being predictable."
Nearby, Amara was working on her own. She had taken to training with heavier weapons, using large branches to simulate the weight of an actual opponent's blade. Her strikes were precise, each one delivered with a force that left deep gouges in the trees.
"Your aim's better," Michael said, watching her for a moment. "But you're overcommitting. Watch your balance."
"I've got it," Amara replied, her tone curt but focused. She adjusted her stance and delivered another powerful strike, this one perfectly controlled.
---
As the sun set, painting the jungle in shades of gold and crimson, the crew returned to the beach. They were bruised and tired, but there was a sense of accomplishment in the air. Two years of relentless training had forged them into a formidable team, and they were ready for whatever the Grand Line had in store.
Michael stood at the edge of the water, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "It's time," he said, his voice steady.
Lia and Amara joined him, their expressions a mix of anticipation and resolve.
"Time for what?" Lia asked.
"To leave," Michael said. "We've done what we came here to do. We're stronger, faster, sharper. We've pushed ourselves to the limit, and now it's time to move forward."
Amara nodded, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "The Grand Line's not going to wait for us."
Lia grinned, her excitement bubbling over. "Then let's go! We've got a lot to do."
The crew set to work preparing the Eclipse for departure, their movements efficient and practiced. As the ship's sails unfurled and the anchor was raised, Michael felt a sense of pride and determination.
Two years of training had transformed them into a crew that could face anything. The Grand Line awaited, its challenges vast and unpredictable, but the Eclipse was ready. Together, they would carve their path through the most dangerous sea in the world.
The journey was only beginning.
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