Once Zoro and Sanji were done glaring at me after the whole Heartless incident, I shifted back to my normal appearance, letting the atmosphere lighten. We left the ship and walked along the beach, our steps sinking softly into the damp sand.
Zoro broke the silence first."I've got a question… why the double identity, Jordan?" he asked, his tone firm but not accusatory—more curious than anything.
I turned to him with a smile."Just a precaution, for now. You've seen how high Sora's bounty is. And it's only going to get higher as the Heartless keep spreading. But that bounty isn't so high because they're dangerous—you saw that yourself. It's because they're doing the job the Marines won't."
Zoro frowned, but I raised a hand to cut him off."I'm not strong enough yet to take on a direct conflict. So, by playing the part of an impulsive guy, I completely separate myself from the strategist… from Sora."
A short silence followed, until Kuina, floating by his side, gave a tender smile."No wonder you became vice-captain… It's scary how far ahead you think."
I relayed her words to the others, and each of them nodded, impressed. Even Luffy, who usually steered clear of complex thoughts, just smiled proudly."Hehe, that's why you're my strategist!"
As we reached the shore, a dark figure emerged from the shadows: the Heartless born from Zachary, derived from Ammit. Its aura was heavy, and Zoro instinctively rested his hand on his sword hilt.
"Stay calm," I said, raising my hand. "It's not hostile."
The creature didn't speak, but its gesture was clear. Its clawed hand lifted, pointing first to Kuina, then to Zoro.
I stepped closer, intrigued."You're saying… you can make Kuina appear by drawing energy from Zoro?"
The Heartless slowly nodded.
Zoro didn't think twice. His eyes met Kuina's, and he gave a firm nod."Do it."
The creature raised its hand, and unlike Zachary's brutal assault, the energy now flowed gently. A faint emerald glow seeped from Zoro's body, forming a luminous trail that wrapped around Kuina. Her body became tangible, her figure slowly solidifying until her bare feet touched the sand.
Nami raised her hand to her mouth, eyes glistening."She… she's really here…"
Usopp, jaw hanging, scratched his head."She's not gonna vanish this time, right? We can actually shake her hand?"
Koby, who had never known Kuina, watched the scene with reverence—almost like he was witnessing a divine apparition."This is… incredible. It's like death itself was pushed back."
Kuina smiled shyly, clenching her fists as she once again felt the warmth of the living world."…It feels so good to feel the wind on my skin."
I turned immediately to Zoro."How do you feel?"
He inhaled deeply, focusing on his senses."Surprisingly fine. If Zachary had stolen a third of my strength before… now it's more like a tenth, maybe less. It's manageable. And most importantly…" He glanced at Kuina, a rare, genuine smile spreading across his lips. "She doesn't fade. As long as she holds onto that piece… she can stay."
Kuina lifted her gaze to him, her cheeks flushing faintly."So… I'm no longer stuck in a cycle of disappearing and reappearing?"
Sanji, regaining his composure, lit a cigarette and blew the smoke to the side."Tch… if this isn't a miracle… then maybe I really should start believing in fairy tales."
Luffy burst into laughter, slapping both of them on the back."Awesome! The more, the merrier! And you, Zoro—now that Kuina's by your side, you've got no excuse to lose anymore!"
We walked on, laughing, the sea breeze at our backs, heading toward the area that would soon become our future town. The sand crunched under our feet, and in the distance, three figures came running toward us: Nojiko, Octy, and Jerry.
The two sisters immediately threw themselves into each other's arms, their laughter and sobs blending in a pure, heartfelt moment. And then, the light came. Just behind them, the air shimmered, and a familiar figure slowly took shape: Bellemere. She reached out her arms, her face glowing with tenderness, and the two girls instantly felt her presence.
"Mom…" Nami whispered, tears filling her eyes.
Nojiko held her even tighter, unable to speak.
Beside them, my gaze caught another form. Frailer, more fragile—Jerry's father. His figure trembled like a flame on the verge of being snuffed out. And Jerry himself… had changed. His frame looked sturdier despite his young age, his features sharper, almost as if he had suddenly grown older in an instant.
Then I understood. His father hadn't returned to stay. He had chosen to give him what was most precious.
I placed a firm hand on the boy's shoulder."Jerry… listen. Your father can't come back the way Bellemere did. But he made a choice."
The boy looked up at me, eyes wet."W-What choice?"
"He gave you his strength, his energy. Everything he was… so you could keep moving forward." My voice softened, yet remained steady. "You are his living legacy."
Jerry clenched his fists, his throat tight."But… I just wanted him to stay…"
At that moment, Nojiko—still trembling from her reunion with Bellemere—knelt gently before Jerry. She wiped away his tears with a motherly touch."Your father hasn't left you. He lives inside you, in every action you take, in every smile you'll ever give. And us… we'll be here for you. You're not alone."
Jerry nodded, unable to hold back his tears, and threw himself into her arms. Nojiko hugged him tightly, rocking him gently.
I turned my head slightly, my chest tightening. The soul… it's truly something strange and beautiful in this world.
Behind us, Ammit stepped forward, imposing even in silence. He raised a clawed hand toward Nami, Nojiko, and Hachi, his abyssal gaze locking onto mine.
"Really?" I asked quietly, uncertain.
The creature gave a slow nod. And this time, Nami's eyes lit up in pure ecstasy."You mean… we can?"
She quickly explained it to Nojiko and Hachi. The two of them accepted without hesitation, almost with hope. Then Ammit repeated the miracle. He drew only the tiniest fragment of their energy, no more than a breath, a mere tenth, and the luminous streams converged to form a silhouette.
A burst of light, a warm gust of air—and Bellemere fully materialized, her familiar features marked with boundless tenderness.
"Mom…" sobbed Nojiko.
"I missed you, my daughters," Bellemere replied, pulling them both close, Nami on her other side, their laughter and tears mingling as one.
The scene was so moving that I simply smiled in silence. We slipped away discreetly, leaving them to savor their family reunion.
Sanji, awestruck, was the first to shake it off. I showed him the storerooms and kitchen, and he immediately claimed them as his domain, Luffy on his heels, already eager to taste whatever dish he could.
Usopp and Koby, meanwhile, disappeared toward the training grounds, their voices echoing as they challenged each other.
As for me, I headed in another direction. My steps carried me to the terrace, where the sea breeze mixed with the scent of flowers recently planted. My little sister and grandmother were basking in the sun, comfortably seated in wicker chairs, each with a colorful fruit cocktail in hand. Peace reigned there, broken only by the rhythmic crash of waves.
I approached and gently lifted the baby into my arms. Her tiny, chubby hands immediately clutched my jacket with surprising strength, trying to shove one of my buttons into her mouth.
"How are you, little sister?" I murmured tenderly.
The baby burst into crystalline laughter, her eyes sparkling with innocence.
"You can't, little rascal." I chuckled, lightly tapping her nose with my finger. At once, she frowned and pouted, which only made me laugh more.
"She certainly has plenty of energy, this little one," said Grandma Heartless with amusement. She lifted her glass and took an elegant sip, her eyes gleaming with wisdom behind her age-marked features. "I had a meeting with a young man—the one you call a Nobody." She paused, letting the mystery linger. "He's decided to explore the island. But he mentioned he wants to speak with you about something important when you have the time."
I nodded, intrigued, but was quickly distracted by another burst of laughter from my baby sister, who was now tugging on my lock of hair as if it were a priceless treasure. Grandma's smile softened as she watched us.
"She has more energy than most children I knew when I was young, Jordan. But then again, I suppose you were probably the same at her age," she said with a gentle laugh.
I didn't even have time to protest when a familiar voice made me look up.
"Jordan! Wait! Can I stay here with you for a while?" Koby shouted as he came running, nearly out of breath. His cheeks were red, and he clumsily wiped his forehead before stopping in front of me.
"Of course," I replied, raising an eyebrow. "But tell me… did something happen? I thought you went off to train with Usopp."
Koby shivered slightly and looked away."Uh… well… let's just say… Kaya didn't really appreciate Usopp running off to train without even taking the time to say hello to her."
I burst out laughing, immediately understanding the situation."Oh no…" I said, hugging the baby against me. "Poor Usopp, he's in for a rough time."
Koby nodded gravely, as if confirming a death sentence."She gave him a look… Jordan, a freezing look. I think even the greatest pirate in the world would tremble at that."
Grandma laughed heartily, her warm chuckle almost covering the baby's happy clapping."Women always find a way to remind men of their priorities. That poor boy is about to learn that the hard way."
I rolled my eyes, amused, and gently patted Koby's shoulder."Well, let's hope Kaya goes easy on him. But something tells me Usopp's going to need a little healing after this 'sentimental punishment.'"
Koby chuckled despite himself, comforted by the lighthearted atmosphere around us.
I let Koby relax with my family, listening to him laugh softly with Grandma and my little sister. Deep down, I was starting to think of him more and more like a younger brother. The idea of making him a disciple, like I once said… it felt too serious, too rigid. No. Family—it sounded better, warmer, freer.
My steps eventually carried me farther, to the open area set aside for the first homes. There, I found Hector, already tracing out the foundation of a small cabin with rough planks and makeshift tools. His muscular arms, still bearing scars of past fights, were covered in sweat, but his focus never wavered.
I approached casually, hands in my pockets."Need a hand?" I asked with a friendly tone.
Hector looked up, a little surprised, wiping his forehead with his forearm."If you've got time to waste, I'll take it," he said with a nervous laugh.
I tilted my head toward the Heartless wandering nearby—some already carrying crates, others patrolling like sentries."You know… you could ask them for help," I said, pointing at a group of large Soldiers and Fat Bandits. "The stronger ones are smart enough to follow simple orders. They're not just here to scare people or guard the perimeter."
Hector blinked, skeptical."Seriously? I thought they only acted like guards… I've seen them moving in patrols, like trained watchdogs."
I encouraged him with a nod."Try it. You'll see. As long as you're clear and firm, they'll listen."
A little hesitant, Hector stepped toward one of the larger Heartless. Its sheer size still intimidated him, but he took a deep breath and pointed at the beams he had prepared."Uh… pick that up… and put it over there, by the foundation."
The Heartless tilted its head, then silently obeyed, lifting the beam as if it weighed nothing. Hector froze, wide-eyed."… It actually works," he whispered, a disbelieving smile spreading across his face.
I couldn't help but chuckle softly."See? Now you know you're not alone in this. Use them wisely, and your cabin will be finished in no time."
Hector nodded, his eyes glowing with renewed enthusiasm."Thanks, Jordan. I thought I'd have to do everything by hand. This changes everything for me here…"
I patted his shoulder before stepping back."I'll leave you to it. But tonight, don't forget to join us for the banquet. We're celebrating the newcomers, and… trust me, you don't want to miss it."
He laughed quietly, already giving more instructions to the Heartless, his voice growing steadier. I turned away, satisfied to see a new resident taking root in what would soon become our future town.
Finally, I took to the skies, the cool wind whipping across my face as I soared above the island. From up there, I could already see the shape of our budding settlement: cabins rising from the ground, Heartless patrolling steadily, and farther away, the untouched wilderness of the opposite shore.
That's when I saw him.Charizax was alone, standing on a rocky stretch battered by the waves. Bare-chested, his fists wrapped in bandages, he hammered relentlessly against a cracked boulder. Each strike echoed heavily, raw against the cliffside. Yet there was no hate or rage in his blows—only a methodical, disciplined will.
I descended slowly, my feet touching the damp sand."You're training your Haki?" I asked, walking toward him.
Charizax paused. He turned, his shoulders slick with sweat. His usually impassive gaze seemed a little strained."Jordan…" he said after a silence. "I know you have plans for me. But… I'd rather stay here, on this island."
He glanced toward the ocean horizon for a moment before continuing, his voice low but steady."I like the peace. The work of the land. When I close my eyes, most of my memories aren't of warriors… but of farmers, villagers, calloused hands plowing or sowing, old tutors teaching children to read and count. Those fragments are what define me—not battles."
I stayed silent, respecting his confession. His words carried weight, and I had no desire to interrupt him.
"I don't have any real talent for fighting, aside from… some basic knowledge of Armament Haki. Even then… those memories are fragmented." He lifted his fist, eyes fixed on his bandaged fingers. "I know there are different stages. The colorless one… which just strengthens your blows slightly and lets you hit certain Devil Fruit users. Then there's the partially armored stage, and the fully armored stage, which truly harden the body and increase both power and defense. And finally… there's one last stage. I know it exists, I can feel it… but I don't even know its name."
His gaze fell on me, more sincere than ever."I can try teaching you what I know—both you and your companions. It'll help in the battles you'll face. What do you say?"
I gave him a reassuring smile, placing my hand on his shoulder."Don't worry. I'm not a slave-driver, Charizax. You told me what you want, and I respect that. Forcing you to fight when you hate it would be barbaric. Do what your heart tells you. Cultivate this island, find your peace… and share what you know about Haki with us. That alone would be a priceless gift."
I stepped back, my wings of shadow unfolding as I prepared to take off again."By the way… come to the banquet tonight. We'll talk it over with Luffy. After all, he's the captain." I gave him a conspiratorial wink before rising into the sky.
Below me, Charizax raised his hand in farewell, the sea breeze sweeping across his solitary figure. And I, carried by the updrafts, turned toward the deserted training grounds, eager to try out the coliseum first.
(Author's Note: Cliffhanger! Don't worry, the continuation comes tomorrow—I just don't know at what time ^^)