The Going Merry drifted steadily away from the harbor of Loguetown, its sails catching the strong winds that would guide it toward the Grand Line. The sun shone brightly overhead, casting its golden glow over the vast, endless sea, marking the start of a new chapter in their adventure.
Standing at the stern, Nami looked back toward the fading sight of Loguetown. The town, once bustling with people and chaos, now appeared small, insignificant against the grand expanse of the sea. This was it—the last stop in the East Blue before entering uncharted waters filled with unpredictable dangers.
"You okay, Nami?" Sanji asked as he walked up beside her, offering a warm smile.
She turned to him, a smirk playing on her lips. "Just thinking. From here on out, things will be different. More dangerous."
Sanji lit a cigarette and exhaled the smoke into the wind. "We knew what we were signing up for. No turning back now."
Meanwhile, Zoro stood near the main mast, tightening the bandages around his arms. The fight in Loguetown had reminded him how much stronger he needed to become. The Grand Line was home to the world's greatest swordsmen, and he wasn't going to let himself be outclassed.
Usopp, on the other hand, was busy securing supplies and checking their weapons inventory. "We don't know what's waiting for us in the Grand Line," he muttered, scratching his head. "Maybe sea monsters? Giant whirlpools? Oh, man, what if we get swallowed by a Kraken!?"
Luffy, sitting cross-legged on the figurehead of the ship, laughed loudly. "Then we'll just punch our way out!"
His carefree attitude was infectious, and despite their worries, the crew couldn't help but feel excited. Their destination: Reverse Mountain.
The journey toward Reverse Mountain was smooth at first, the waves gently carrying them forward. The wind was in their favor, pushing the Going Merry at a steady speed.
As the hours passed, the crew took turns managing the sails and keeping an eye on their surroundings. Nami, as the navigator, ensured they stayed on course, frequently checking the Log Pose attached to her wrist.
"According to the map, Reverse Mountain is just beyond this point," she announced, pointing to the horizon. "Once we see it, we'll need to steer carefully. The currents are extremely dangerous."
Zoro leaned against the railing, glancing at the sky. "It's been too quiet. I have a bad feeling about this."
His words proved prophetic.
Without warning, the sky darkened, and the winds turned violent. Thick storm clouds rolled in, and within minutes, rain poured heavily upon them. The waves grew monstrous, rocking the ship dangerously.
"Storm incoming!" Usopp screamed, clutching onto the mast for dear life.
Nami's eyes widened in alarm. "This is bad! We weren't supposed to hit a storm this soon!"
Sanji and Zoro rushed to secure the sails, while Luffy stood at the helm, gripping the wheel with a wild grin on his face. "This is awesome! The sea's testing us already!"
Lightning cracked across the sky, illuminating the monstrous waves towering over the ship. A powerful gust of wind threatened to knock them off course, but Luffy held firm, his grip unwavering.
"Nami! Which direction!?" Luffy shouted over the roaring storm.
"Keep going straight! No matter what happens, don't let the ship turn!" she yelled back.
The Going Merry rode the massive waves, rising and falling like a leaf caught in the wind. The storm showed no signs of relenting, and the crew struggled to maintain their footing.
Then, from the depths of the ocean, a massive shadow appeared beneath them.
A deafening roar pierced through the storm, sending shivers down the crew's spines. A pair of glowing eyes emerged from the water, followed by a monstrous head covered in jagged scars.
"What the hell is that!?" Usopp screamed, pointing at the beast.
Nami's face paled. "A Sea King! We're in its territory!"
The gigantic creature lunged toward them, its massive jaws wide open, ready to crush the Going Merry in one bite.
Luffy's eyes narrowed. "Not today!"
In a blur, he launched himself forward, using Soru from the Marine Six Styles to propel himself into the air. As the Sea King snapped its jaws, Luffy dodged effortlessly, reappearing on the beast's snout. With a grin, he clenched his fist, coating it in Armament Haki, and delivered a devastating punch straight between its eyes.
A loud boom echoed across the sea as the Sea King let out a pained howl. Blood sprayed into the air as the monster recoiled, sinking beneath the waves with a final, agonized roar.
The storm, as if respecting Luffy's strength, began to subside. The skies cleared, and the waves calmed. The Going Merry continued forward, its crew catching their breath after the unexpected battle.
As the morning sun rose, a towering landmass came into view—Reverse Mountain. A massive waterfall-like current rushed upward along its surface, leading to the entrance of the Grand Line.
"There it is…" Nami whispered, awe-struck by the sheer size of the mountain.
Luffy grinned. "This is it, guys! The real adventure starts now!"
But just as they began preparing to navigate the treacherous currents, another presence made itself known.
A fleet of Marine ships.
Leading them was a familiar figure—Captain Smoker.
The Straw Hats tensed as the Marine captain stood at the bow of his ship, cigar in hand, eyes locked onto Luffy.
"You thought you could just leave so easily?" Smoker called out. "You're not going anywhere, Straw Hat!"
Luffy cracked his knuckles, his grin widening. "Oh, yeah? Then come and stop me!"
As the Marine ships began their pursuit, the Straw Hats braced themselves for yet another battle before they could enter the Grand Line.