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The Eclipse's Shadow sailed smoothly through the Grand Line, its crew alive with curiosity as Lia finally emerged from her workshop. For weeks, she'd been holed up, tirelessly working on a project that had the entire crew speculating.
Lia stepped onto the deck, her face streaked with grease but glowing with pride. In her arms were a collection of devices, carefully crafted with her trademark precision.
"Alright, everyone," she called out, her voice tinged with excitement. "Gather around! I've got something special to show you."
The crew assembled on the deck, their anticipation palpable. Lia laid out the gadgets, each one carefully wrapped in cloth, and took a deep breath.
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"First," Lia began, unveiling a sleek, black-barreled rifle, "is the Eagle Eye Sniper. Inspired by Michael's stories about Earth, this weapon has unparalleled range and accuracy. With the right vantage point, you could hit a target from over a mile away."
She handed the rifle to Michael, who inspected it carefully. Its weight was perfectly balanced, and the craftsmanship was flawless. "This is incredible," he said, testing the aim. "You've truly outdone yourself, Lia."
Lia smiled, her pride evident. "I designed it for you. Your Observation Haki and marksmanship will make this weapon unstoppable."
Michael nodded, appreciating her faith in him. "I'll make it count."
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Next, Lia revealed a pair of sleek earpieces. "These are communication devices," she explained. "They'll let us talk to each other over a long range, even in the heat of battle. No more shouting or guessing."
Saria picked one up, her green eyes lighting up with interest. "This will make a huge difference in coordination."
Lia nodded. "Exactly. We're only as strong as our teamwork."
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From another bundle, Lia produced a set of small but deceptively heavy weights. "These are dense training weights, adjusted on a subatomic level. They're tiny, but they weigh as much as conventional equipment. Perfect for strength training without taking up space."
Amara tested one, her eyebrows raising at the unexpected weight. "Damn, Lia. These could make anyone a monster in no time."
"That's the idea," Lia said with a grin.
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She then revealed a gleaming katana, its blade etched with intricate patterns. "Amara, this is for you," Lia said, handing it over. "It's near unbreakable, incredibly sharp, and balanced for precision strikes."
Amara unsheathed the sword, running her fingers along the blade. "This is... perfect. I can't wait to test it."
Lia chuckled. "Just don't break the training dummies. They're not as tough as the sword."
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Next, Lia revealed a pair of twin suppressed pistols. Their sleek design and polished barrels reflected her meticulous craftsmanship. "Michael, these are yours. Lighter, quieter, and more accurate than your current set. I also reinforced the firing mechanisms for durability."
Michael took the pistols, appreciating their feel in his hands. "You're spoiling me," he said with a faint smirk.
Lia shrugged. "You've got the skills to make the most of them."
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Finally, Lia unwrapped a pair of sleek gloves. The dark material shimmered under the light, and small, retractable claws extended from the fingertips with a soft click. "Saria, these are for you," she said, handing the gloves to the mink.
"They're modeled after something from Michael's stories—'Wolverine,' I think? The claws are sharp, retractable, and reinforced with the same alloy as Amara's katana. They're perfect for close combat."
Saria slipped on the gloves, flexing her fingers and testing the claws. "They're incredible," she said, her voice tinged with awe. "I can feel the strength in them."
"They're also lightweight, so they won't slow you down," Lia added. "You'll still be just as fast—and now, a lot more dangerous."
Saria's green eyes sparkled as she extended the claws again. "Thank you, Lia. These will make a huge difference."
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Lia saved her most ambitious creation for last: a mechanized exoskeleton. The sleek armor gleamed in the moonlight, its design both functional and striking. A sharp, articulated tail extended from the back, and small mounted guns rested on the arms.
"This is for me," Lia said, her voice steady but proud. "I know I'm not as strong as the rest of you, so I made this to balance the scales. It enhances my strength, speed, and agility. The tail adds an extra weapon, and the guns give me ranged options."
The crew watched in awe as Lia demonstrated the exoskeleton's capabilities. The tail moved with precision, striking targets and deflecting blows. Her movements were fluid and fast, and the built-in enhancements made her strikes powerful.
"You've never been weak, Lia," Michael said, his tone firm. "But this? This is remarkable."
Lia smiled, her cheeks flushing slightly. "I just wanted to contribute. Now, I can keep up with everyone."
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The crew spent the rest of the evening testing Lia's creations. Michael quickly adapted to the sniper rifle, hitting distant targets with pinpoint accuracy. Amara sparred with her new katana, marveling at its sharpness and balance. Saria practiced with her claws, her speed and precision making her a fearsome sight.
By the time the stars blanketed the sky, the crew gathered on deck, their spirits high.
"Lia," Michael said, his voice steady, "you've given us more than tools. You've given us an edge—and a reminder of what we're capable of."
Lia smiled, her pride evident. "We're stronger together. That's all that matters."
As The Eclipse's Shadow sailed into the night, the crew felt more prepared than ever for the challenges ahead. With Lia's innovations and their unbreakable bond, they were ready to take on the Grand Line's dangers, united in purpose and strength.
The legend of the Boogeyman and his crew grew with each passing day, their ingenuity and resilience setting them apart from anyone else on the seas.
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