Chapter 21: Heading to Syrup Village – The Promise of the Sniper
The Freedom Rider sailed steadily across the calm waters of the East Blue, its crew hard at work on their daily training routines. Every member of the crew had become accustomed to the rhythm of life on board: intense training, practicing their Haki, refining their combat techniques, and growing stronger by the day. The journey had not been easy, but the bond they shared and their shared goals had kept them motivated.
Lucky stood at the helm, his eyes scanning the horizon. He had seen the future, knew the path ahead, and was patiently guiding his crew toward their destiny. He was the only one who knew the significance of their next stop. Syrup Village. They would soon meet someone important—someone whose role in the crew was critical for the challenges ahead. But the crew didn't know that yet.
Luffy, ever enthusiastic, stood at the bow of the ship, his usual carefree grin plastered on his face. "We're almost there! I can't wait to see what this island has in store for us!" he shouted.
Zoro, sharpening his swords, nodded but remained focused. "Don't get too excited. We still have work to do. Keep your head in the game."
Zane, who had been refining his abilities with the King Kong Fruit, looked up from his training. "We'll see what kind of challenge this island brings. I'm ready for anything," he said confidently, his voice steady.
Coby, who now had the Water Water Fruit, stood nearby, his focus unwavering. He had grown significantly over the past few months, his abilities evolving rapidly as he mastered his fruit's powers. His ability to control and manipulate water made him incredibly versatile, adding a new dynamic to the crew's strength. He could summon torrents of water, create waves of force to push enemies back, or even manipulate water to enhance his physical power. His strength had already surpassed the average Marine, but he was still striving to improve.
Nami, whose control over the Wind Wind Fruit had improved tremendously, glanced over at Lucky. She still hadn't fully opened up to the crew, but she trusted him. She knew the kind of strength she was seeking—strength to get revenge on Arlong—and Lucky had promised her that he would help her become strong enough to take that revenge on her own.
Lucky had spoken to her one night, when everyone else was asleep, his voice low but filled with conviction. "You don't have to rely on anyone else. I'll train you to be strong enough to take your own revenge. You have that power within you. But you'll need to trust the crew, and most importantly, trust yourself."
Nami had agreed, and since then, her training had been intense. Each morning, she trained alongside the rest of the crew, mastering her powers and developing the strength she would need for what was to come.
"Lucky," Nami said, her voice firm as she approached him at the helm, "how much longer until we get there?"
Lucky turned his gaze toward the distant island that was coming into view. "We'll be there in a few hours. Use the time to prepare. I have a feeling this island will bring some new challenges."
"I'm ready," Nami replied. Her voice was steady, but her mind was focused on the task ahead. She didn't know what to expect from this island or the people they would meet. She didn't even know why they were stopping here. But Lucky had always been right in his decisions. She trusted him.
Luffy bounded over, grinning. "Who knows? Maybe we'll meet someone with some crazy skills. Maybe a swordsman or a chef!" He laughed, but Zoro shot him a sideways glance.
"We don't need to meet anyone with a big mouth," Zoro muttered under his breath, his eyes narrowing. "But if they've got skills, I'll be the judge of that."
The crew chuckled, knowing well that Zoro's confidence and pride in his abilities were a constant source of humor—but also respect. He was growing stronger every day, but the gap between him and the rest of the crew was still noticeable.
Lucky turned away from them, focusing his mind on the future. He knew the potential of each crew member, even if they themselves didn't fully realize it yet. He had guided them so far, but there was still much work to be done. Syrup Village was just the next step.
As the crew continued their training and prepared for their arrival, Lucky kept his mind sharp. He knew the importance of their next recruit, and he also knew that soon, they would need to face challenges that would push them even further. But for now, all they could do was wait for the island to get closer, and prepare themselves for what was coming.