(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited
smoothly. sp.atreon/INeedRest)
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The wheels of fate had begun turning, unstoppable in their motion.
And this ti, in the distant New World, a mysterious force fanned the flas, shifting destinies and adding complexity to an already chaotic path.
****
In the tranquil waters of East Blue, Monkey D. Luffy, now 18, stood at the helm of his newfound ship, a straw hat perched confidently on his head.
With his departure from Windmill Village, he took the first step toward his ultimate dream: becoming the Pirate King.
Initially, fate had dictated a simple path for him: recruiting Zoro, his first and most loyal companion, through sheer determination and charisma.
Soon after, Usopp, with his talent for strategy and resourcefulness, would join alongside his ship.
Together, they would form the foundation of the Straw Hat Pirates, transforming Luffy's humble beginnings into sothing greater.
However, fate's script had been rewritten.
Nami, destined to serve as the crew's skilled navigator, had been stolen away by an unseen force.
In the wake of her absence, destiny compensated Luffy with another ally: Carina, a talented navigator with her own aspirations and secrets.
Carina, a future star and master thief, had once been fated to leave the East Blue alongside Nami.
But due to the intervention of a shadowy figure, she remained behind.
When danger struck and enemies pursued, Luffy rescued her, earning her loyalty and securing her place aboard the Going rry.
****
With his crew growing stronger, Luffy and his companions embarked on a series of adventures that ultimately led them to the floating sea restaurant Baratie.
Amid the lively clatter of chefs and diners, a fateful eting occurred: Zoro stood face-to- face with Dracule Mihawk, the world's greatest swordsman.
Zoro, unyielding in his ambition, stepped forward with determination burning in his eyes. "I challenge you to a duel, Mihawk!"
The swordsman's golden eyes narrowed as he regarded Zoro with mild curiosity. "You are too weak," Mihawk said bluntly, his voice calm but firm. "I have no intention of crossing swords with you."
Zoro clenched his fists. "What's the matter? Afraid I'll take your title as the greatest swordsman?"
A quiet chuckle escaped Mihawk's lips. "Such bravado for soone from the weakest sea. Your skills are comndable, but the gap between us is vast-like the distance between the skies and the land."
Mihawk's gaze turned sharp, his voice taking on an edge. "And besides, it's not easy to take the title of the strongest."
****
Unmoved by Mihawk's words, Zoro drew his swords and charged, the clamor of steel echoing across the restaurant.
Mihawk responded by drawing a blade so small it seed insulting-a fruit knife.
Despite the mismatch in weaponry, the duel unfolded in a flurry of strikes and clashes. Yet, it ended as quickly as it began. Mihawk's tiny blade pierced Zoro's defenses and struck true, leaving him bloodied and on the ground.
Even so, Zoro rose to his feet, sheathing his swords with trembling hands. He stared at Mihawk, his voice steady despite the pain. "Finish it. A scar on the back is a swordsman's greatest sha."
He had tried his best, and now he knew his limit.
Mihawk's expression shifted, a glimr of respect crossing his face. "You have resolve. Such determination is rare and worthy of recognition."
He prepared to strike a blow that would serve as a lasting lesson for Zoro-a mark of both honor and defeat.
However, before his blade could descend, the shrill ring of a Den-Den Mushi interrupted the mont.
****
With a frown, Mihawk answered the call.
"Who's disturbing at such a ti?"
A familiar voice greeted him from the other end.
"Is that how you greet an old friend, Mihawk?" It was Kisa, his tone casual yet laced with
intrigue.
"What do you want, Kisa?" Mihawk's irritation was evident.
"I hear you're in the East Blue," Kisa said smoothly.
"And I have so information you might find... intriguing."
Mihawk's grip on the Den-Den Mushi tightened.
"You an-"
"Yes," Kisa interrupted. "The one responsible for that sword attack from back then that
you've been chasing. I can tell you more, but there's a small price to pay."
Mihawk's golden eyes glead with a mix of caution and eagerness.
"Na your terms."
Kisa chuckled, the sound low and ominous.
"Oh, it's nothing difficult. Just deliver a ssage to a certain young man."
"The ssage is this..."
Before Mihawk could respond, Kisa ended the call after he said the ssage, leaving him
with no choice but to comply.
****
Turning back to Zoro, Mihawk regarded him with a calculating expression.
Without warning, he grabbed the swordsman by his collar and dragged him toward Luffy, and
dropped him.
The diners scattered in fear, leaving only Luffy to face Mihawk's imposing presence.
"What's your na?" Mihawk asked, his tone demanding.
Luffy tilted his hat back with a grin.
"Monkey D. Luffy! And I'm going to be the Pirate King!"
For a mont, Mihawk stared at the straw hat atop Luffy's head.
His expression softened briefly before he steeled himself.
"Soone asked to deliver a ssage to you, so, listen well," Mihawk said, his voice low
and foreboding.
"Don't forget the bet you made. If you fail to beco the Pirate King, you must hand over that
hat."
Without waiting for a response, Mihawk turned and walked away, his coat billowing behind
him as he boarded his ship.
****
The crew, battered and confused, struggled to process the cryptic ssage.
For Luffy, however, it was rely fuel for his resolve.
"I won't forget!"
The wheels of destiny continued to spin, carrying the Straw Hat Pirates forward into an
uncertain future.
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