The stonewalls, fortified with shimmering sea prism dust, stood as silent guardians around the village, ready to unleash their secret weapon. When triggered by a simple button press, the dust would cascade down upon any enemies trapped in the holding cells below, rendering them powerless. High above, watchtowers loomed, each equipped with imposing cannons. These cannons, a marvel of village defense, functioned with the precision of a sniper rifle but on a grander scale. A large scope adorned each cannon, allowing operators to peer into the distance while a glowing red marker guided their aim to strike down foes with deadly accuracy.
Juno, the ingenious mind behind this innovation, had crafted these defenses in record time, earning the villagers' admiration. Together with Vexa, Juno had also developed mines that were anything but ordinary. Strategically placed at the village's outermost boundaries, these mines were coupled with surveillance cameras. At the slightest hint of intrusion, a button press would trigger the mines to deliver a stunning shock to trespassers, immobilizing them for 30 minutes until villagers could secure the area. The system was designed for easy resetting, ensuring constant preparedness, and the villagers felt an immense sense of security.
At the village's highest peak, a beacon blazed brightly, casting its light far and wide—a defiant signal to the world: "We are still here."
Villagers and the Driftborn worked side by side, their previous fears now forgotten as they shared tasks and laughter. Children giggled and shrieked with joy as they played with Gorren, who used his devil fruit powers to create a smooth rock slide. The kids took turns gliding down the slope, their faces bright with the thrill of the ride.
In the center of the bustling square, Milo was busy stirring a large pot over an open flame. Aromatic spices filled the air as he chopped vegetables with precision. "I need more chili over here!" he bellowed, his voice booming across the gathering, urgency laced with humor.
Nearby, Vexa gently cleaned and wrapped bandages around Lila's arm, but Lila, restless and independent, soon disappeared into the crowd. Concerned but determined, Vexa kept a watchful eye, scanning the area to keep track of her friend's movements.
Riven, with his carefree demeanor, moved gracefully among the elderly villagers. He offered them support and shared light-hearted banter, occasionally breaking into impromptu dances that brought smiles and laughter to the older women, who clapped along to his rhythm.
On the fringes of the activity, Verya stood with arms crossed, her expression a mix of reluctance and mischief. She watched Milo's back for a moment, then stealthily reached for an extra portion of bread, slipping it into her pocket. Her antics sparked a playful argument with Milo, who caught her in the act, their banter a familiar melody.
Buzz hammered the final beam into place with his good arm while having a sense of accomplishment. "If this place falls again," he said with a satisfied nod, "it'll take the sea with it."
Zin, standing nearby, gave a small, confident smirk. "Then we better make sure it stands strong."
"I'm glad Vexa acted quickly," Buzz admitted, his tone softening. "I didn't want to lose you."
Zin chuckled, rolling his eyes playfully. "One day, I'll master that stealth trick and turn it against them. That guy was a real pain," he vowed, determination gleaming in his eyes.
Lila stood solitary in the ancient stone well, her eyes narrowed in concentration. Her Conqueror's Haki had evolved beyond its former power—it no longer merely incapacitated foes; now it seemed to manipulate the very atmosphere around her. As she unleashed her will, the air shimmered and rippled, as if reality itself were bending to her command. Majestic trees that surrounded the clearing swayed toward her as if drawn by an invisible force. Pebbles and larger stones lifted gently off the ground, suspended in mid-air, trembling slightly as she focused. The wind, once a wild and untamable force, now swirled around her in obedient currents, responding to her every thought. It was as if she were Mother Nature incarnate, bending the elements to her will.
Yes, she possessed the Devil Fruit of Wind Control, granting her dominion over the breezes, but this felt different—strange, even. There was a newfound intensity, a sense of boundless power that made her feel almost godlike, despite the absurdity of the notion. She reminded herself that she was only human, susceptible to pain and sorrow. Her skin was just as fragile, her heart just as breakable as anyone else's. It had been so long since she last cried, she could hardly remember the sensation. It felt as though a lifetime had passed since those tears fell, as if she had aged decades in the span of a few years. At just 19, her mind was a ledger of life's negatives outweighing the positives, each tally mark a testament to her burdens.
Vexa focused intently, her eyes narrowed as she examined the soft, shimmering glow surrounding Lila. The aura pulsed with vibrant colors—deep purples and electric blues—that seemed to dance around Lila like a living entity. Vexa was captivated, her heart swelling with admiration. In her mind, there was no doubt: among all the people in the world, Lila was destined to become one of the most influential figures to bring about change. She was already doing so by lifting those trapped in the depths of despair, offering them hope and guidance.
Vexa had made a solemn vow to stay by Lila's side until her final breath, a promise she felt deep in her soul. She would lay down her life for Lila and the Driftborn cause without hesitation. "This is like King's Haki," Vexa murmured, her voice tinged with curiosity and awe, "but it feels different from anything I've read or heard about." Her words caught Lila's attention, and she turned to face Vexa.
"It's elemental. It's alive," Lila explained softly, her voice barely more than a whisper. The gentleness in her tone tugged at Vexa's heartstrings, making her want to hold her chest to steady the sudden rush of emotion. Lila usually wore a mask of determination, her expressions hard and unwavering. Yet, in rare moments like this, she seemed vulnerable, almost childlike. Vexa had to remind herself that Lila was indeed much younger, like a little sister she never had. Despite the urge to offer Lila the comfort and warmth she deserved, Vexa refrained from voicing these thoughts. She respected Lila as her leader too much to risk any hint of condescension.
Lila's eyes snapped open, glowing with a fierce light. "I will become stronger than ever before, to ensure none of you get hurt, and to protect the innocent." Her gaze turned steely, unwavering. "People like Dragon wear the title as champions of the voiceless, but do next to nothing. I despise him and my so-called grandfather, Garp. How can he be a lapdog for the Marines, knowing the atrocities they commit against people..." She choked back her words, her fist clenching so tightly her knuckles turned white, "against me. He's supposed to be my flesh and blood." Lila voiced her harsh truth, yet held no ill will towards Luffy. She watched the news, thrilled by the chaos he wreaked upon the world government. He would capture the public's attention just by being Luffy, while she would operate tirelessly in the shadows.
"I can't afford to die. Not now. I have so much more to do before I close my eyes." Lila said.
"The burden doesn't rest on you alone—that's what teams are for," Vexa said, closing the gap between them. Her eyes softened as she added, "We grow stronger together. Every one of us has chosen to follow you, and speaking for myself," She placed a hand on her shoulder. "I'd choose you as my leader a thousand times over."
The Crew Trains.
Each Driftborn pushed themselves further:
Buzz stood in a clearing, his eyes closed in concentration. With a deep breath, he focused his mind, and suddenly, flames erupted from his fingertips, dancing in the air without the need for a flint. He grinned, knowing he could now transform his entire body into ash, scattering himself across the landscape at will.
Zin, meanwhile, was perfecting his new fighting style, "The Drunken Dancing Mate." He moved with an unpredictable sway, mimicking a tipsy reveler, yet each step was calculated and precise, catching opponents off guard with its deceptive fluidity.
Vexa sat in her workshop, surrounded by wires and glowing screens. She had successfully upgraded her technology to sync with Lila's Haki pulses. which will create more of an explosion. Also, she extends the effects of her pulse devil fruit on enemies. Buzz volunteered as her test subject, and she watched as his breathing became labored, though she noted her own energy levels remained stable, a breakthrough in efficiency.
Veyra stood amidst swirling fog, her eyes sharp. With a flick of her wrist, the mist solidified into icy replicas of herself, each illusory figure moving in unison with her. This newfound ability allowed her to confuse foes in battle while enhancing her ice manipulation on a grand scale.
Riven trained tirelessly, a black blindfold covering his eyes. He stood still, listening intently, and with swift movements, struck bullseyes based solely on the sound of their release into the air, honing his auditory precision.
Juno was aboard the ship, meticulously inspecting the newly installed equipment. She had crafted new gadgets and formidable pistols for Riven, designed for close-quarter combat. Her creations promised a tactical edge in any scuffle.
Gorran, with a grunt of effort, summoned massive rocks from the earth, enclosing them around an imaginary foe. He squeezed his fists, and the rocky prison contracted, envisioning how it would crush his enemies. He chuckled as he practiced "whack the beaver," envisioning his massive stones pummeling adversaries.
Milo scoured the markets for exotic spices, meticulously selecting ingredients that could double as culinary delights and potent weapons. He coated his gunlets with a blend of armor Haki and fiery seasonings. During a test punch, Buzz winced, tears streaming down his face as the spice burned his eyes. Vexa rushed over, helping flush out the fiery sting. Despite the discomfort, Buzz's eyes remained red, a testament to Milo's potent concoction.
They weren't just a crew anymore.
They were a force.
***
The Upcoming Mission.
A call came from the east. A pirate base called The Maw. Numerous hostages. A wicked pirate thriving on fear. Lila studied the map. "We depart at dawn."
"This time, I definitely want to see some action," Verya pouted, flicking her hair.
"Oh, the little tiger wants to fight for real?" Milo teased, narrowly avoiding the bowl of soup that Verya hurled at him. He moved aside just in time, as if he had foreseen it. Vexa shook her head at their antics and was about to scold them, but Gorren gently patted her shoulder, silently signaling that it was futile.