When the sun began to set, a heavy silence descended upon the deck of the Moby Dick. The sky, tinged with red, set fire to the horizon that kissed the waves in the distance. The orange light spreading across the ship bathed everyone like a final farewell. The wooden planks of the deck held onto the sun's warmth. The soft harmony of the sea sounded like gentle music within the silence.
Ace and Lale stood before Whitebeard. On Ace's face was a seriousness mixed with excitement, while in Lale's eyes was a rare sparkle. The flags fluttered melodically behind them in the sea breeze.
Whitebeard looked at them, curling the end of his mustache:
"GURARARARA! So, you want to go on an adventure on your own?"
Ace scratched his head and smiled:
"Well, not totally alone—it's me and Lale. We want to explore some different waters!"
Marco walked over with two Eternal Poses in his bag:
"If permission is granted, I've prepared a new route for these two. After what happened on Shadows Island... things might get interesting."
Lale's eyes sparkled. "So... you're okay with it?"
Whitebeard smiled:
"My children are free spirits. Go, see the world. But remember—no matter what happens, this will always be your home."
The joy on Ace's face could light up even the darkness of night. "THANK YOU, OYAJI!"
Lale bowed slightly in gratitude, but the spark in her eyes was unlike anything else.
Ace and Lale set off in a small fire ship. The ship's body was decorated with black metal, and flames from the engine seemed to set the sea ablaze. Every piece of wood on the deck bore battle scars, but the red and golden details gleaming in the sunlight gave the ship a majestic aura.
Ace looked at the map Lale had prepared:
"So, next stop—?"
"I don't know," Lale replied, her face half-hidden by her shirt. "This map changes every day. It's like... it's alive."
Ace cracked his knuckles: "Even better! That's how an adventure should be!"
Suddenly, a giant shark appeared in the sea. But this was no ordinary shark—it had Marine tattoos! Its teeth were painted red, and its eyes radiated cold rage.
"THERE'S A BIG BOUNTY ON BOTH YOUR HEADS!" the shark yelled.
Ace and Lale looked at each other.
"The fish talks?!"
"And like a Marine?!"
The shark attacked them, but Ace launched a HINOKU KAGUTSUCHI flame and pushed it back. As the fire hit the water, steam rose into the sky, and the golden vapor reflected in Lale's eyes. Lale, activating her Sharingan, predicted the shark's movements and made the fight easier.
In the end, the shark was defeated and fled.
Ace laughed with his hands behind his head: "So, what do you say? This adventure is off to a great start!"
Lale closed her eyes and smiled: "Yes... and it's going to get even better."
At night, Lale sat on the deck of the boat, gazing at the stars. The night sky lay over them like dark silk, and thousands of stars shone silently. In the distance, sea lanterns flickered, and the gentle hum from the flame-powered engine didn't disturb the peace.
Ace sat beside her:
"What are you thinking?"
Lale was quiet for a moment, then said:
"Teach... he's not exactly safe. Marco was right."
The smile on Ace's face faded slightly: "Yeah, I feel it too. But we're on the road now. No matter what, we'll stay together."
Lale looked at him—the determination in Ace's eyes never dimmed.
"Yes," she said softly. "Together."
When morning came, an island covered in black clouds appeared before them. It rose from the sea like a dark fortress. Its rocky shores and misty mountain ranges were visible. The air felt charged with electricity, as if lightning could strike at any moment.
Ace: "Oho! What's waiting for us this time?"
Lale: "Either a magical place... or something very bad."
Ace smiled: "Either way, it'll be fun!"
Lale turned her face to the clouds: "God help us."
TO BE CONTINUED...