---
The days on the isolated island passed with rigorous training and steady progress, but Michael's mind buzzed with a new idea. He had spent years relying on his combat skills, but their recent battles—especially against Doflamingo—had shown him the need for innovation. The crew was growing stronger, but they needed better tools if they were going to keep up with the escalating dangers of the Grand Line.
One evening, as the firelight danced across the campsite, Michael turned to Lia, who was busy tinkering with a small mechanism made of metal scraps.
"I've got an idea," Michael said, his voice cutting through the quiet.
Lia looked up, her curiosity piqued. "What kind of idea?"
"A weapon," Michael said, leaning forward. "A pistol. Silent, efficient, and deadly. Something that can hold more ammunition than any weapon we've seen so far. With your Devil Fruit abilities, I think we can make it happen."
Lia's eyes lit up, the challenge sparking her enthusiasm. "A suppressed pistol with an extended magazine? That's ambitious. But I like it."
Amara, who had been sharpening her blade nearby, raised an eyebrow. "A silent pistol? Sounds sneaky. I'm interested."
Michael smirked. "Good. Because we'll need materials—and a lot of them. The island doesn't have what we need, so we'll have to sail to a trade hub."
Lia nodded, her excitement barely contained. "I'll start drawing up designs. We'll need high-quality iron, components for precision parts, and plenty of gunpowder."
Michael stood, his resolve clear. "Then we leave tomorrow. Let's make this happen."
---
The Eclipse sailed for several days, guided by Lia's navigation and Michael's keen instincts. Their destination was a bustling trade hub known as Windspire, a city of merchants and craftsmen renowned for its diverse selection of goods. The towering spires of the city came into view as the sun rose, casting long shadows over the docks.
Windspire was a chaotic yet vibrant place, its streets lined with stalls selling everything from exotic spices to rare metals. The air buzzed with the sounds of haggling merchants and the clatter of tools from nearby workshops.
Michael addressed the crew as they prepared to disembark. "Lia and I will handle the materials. Amara, keep an eye on the ship and make sure we don't attract unwanted attention. This place is busy, but it's not without its dangers."
Amara nodded, her smirk faint. "I'll make sure no one gets any ideas."
---
Michael and Lia moved through the crowded marketplace, their eyes scanning the stalls for the materials they needed. Lia carried a list, her handwriting neat and meticulous, while Michael kept his Observation Haki subtly active, alert for any signs of trouble.
They found a blacksmith's stall overflowing with iron bars and sheets of high-grade steel. Lia's eyes lit up as she inspected the metal, her hands brushing over its surface.
"This will work," she said. "It's pure and malleable—perfect for precision parts."
Michael negotiated the price with the merchant, securing a fair deal before moving on to the next stall. They found components for the suppressor and extended magazine at a mechanic's shop, where Lia spent several minutes explaining their specifications to a bewildered craftsman.
"Never seen anything like this," the craftsman muttered as he handed over the parts. "What are you building, anyway?"
"A better future," Lia said with a grin, leaving the man scratching his head.
Their final stop was a munitions supplier, where they purchased gunpowder and a variety of casings. The merchant eyed them suspiciously but didn't ask too many questions, satisfied with the hefty payment Michael offered.
By the time they returned to the Eclipse, their arms were laden with supplies. Amara greeted them with a smirk, her sharp eyes flicking to the haul.
"Looks like you raided half the city," she said.
"Just the essentials," Michael replied. "Now comes the hard part."
---
Back on the ship, Lia and Michael set up a makeshift workshop on the deck. Lia spread out her tools and materials, her focus intense as she sketched the final designs. Michael leaned over her shoulder, his input grounded in his knowledge of firearms from his previous life.
"The suppressor has to be compact but effective," Michael said. "It needs to muffle the sound without sacrificing power."
Lia nodded, her pencil moving swiftly across the paper. "And the magazine—if we reinforce it with the right alloys, we can hold up to twenty rounds without compromising its integrity."
They worked tirelessly, their combined expertise creating a synergy that pushed the project forward. Lia shaped the components with her Metal-Metal Fruit, her precision unmatched as she manipulated the steel with effortless control. Michael focused on the assembly, his hands steady as he pieced together the intricate mechanisms.
Amara occasionally wandered over to watch, her interest piqued by their progress. "How long until it's ready?" she asked.
"Soon," Michael said, his tone focused. "This is more than a weapon—it's a game changer."
---
After several days of relentless work, the first prototype was complete. The pistol was sleek and compact, its matte black surface reflecting their attention to detail. The suppressor fit seamlessly, and the extended magazine clicked into place with a satisfying snap.
Michael held the weapon, his expression thoughtful as he tested its weight. "Feels good. Balanced."
Lia grinned, her excitement palpable. "Let's see if it works."
They set up a makeshift firing range on the island, using empty crates and barrels as targets. Michael loaded the magazine, the metallic click echoing in the quiet. He aimed carefully, his focus unshaken as he pulled the trigger.
The shot was almost silent, the suppressor muffling the sound to a faint thud. The bullet struck the target dead center, splintering the wood with precision.
Amara let out a low whistle. "That's impressive."
Michael nodded, his satisfaction evident. "It's more than I expected. Lia, you outdid yourself."
Lia beamed, her pride unmistakable. "We did it together."
They spent the next few hours testing the pistol, refining its design and ensuring its reliability. By the end of the day, they were confident they had created something revolutionary.
"This isn't just a weapon," Michael said as they packed up the workshop. "It's a symbol of what we can accomplish when we work together. This is just the beginning."
Lia held the pistol, her fingers brushing over its surface. "Imagine what we can build next."
Michael smirked. "Let's take it one step at a time. For now, this will do."
---
As the Eclipse set sail once more, the crew felt a renewed sense of purpose. The pistol was a testament to their ingenuity and determination, a reminder that they could adapt and thrive no matter the challenges ahead. With each step forward, they grew stronger, their bond unbreakable.
The Grand Line was vast and unpredictable, but with their newfound tools and unwavering resolve, the crew of the Eclipse was ready for anything.
---