*I can't believe its been 32 chapters so far and all the twists and turns these characters have gone through and I can't to see where they get up to next*
*After a day of rest and glee of celebrating the victories Sarukenshi and Luffy's crew have achieved we pick up the next morning as the sun rises over the mountainous cliffs, accompanying the sound of the waterfall colliding with the still water is the collection of grunts and metal clanging as Fisresu and Pietro are seen fighting each other sweat dripping down either of their brows as they exchange blows and slashes, Layna is seen watching them over the banister of The Thousand Sunny as Hydragnea walks over and leans her back to it and looks to Layna*
Hydragnea: They're at it already.
Layna: Actually this is round 6. The first 3 were with those two but they decided to rest up. *Layna points over to Hitodenshi meditating under the waterfall in a horse stance letting the pounding current crash on and around him, and just a little off to the side at the edge of the shore is Dorobotsu laid out on his back exhausted*
Dorobotsu: Man how do you guys do this all day! Huuff huuuf not even a single bit of berry for this kinda grueling work.
Hitodenshi: There's more to life than just money you know, being strong enough to handle anything is worth it's weight in gold.
Dorobotsu: Yeah yeah but actual gold is worth a hell of a lot.
Hitodenshi: Well you could carry a lot of it if you get stronger now can't you. *He says with a smirk followed by a chuckle*
Dorobotsu: Oh is that more of that Fishman wisdom smart guy! *He says laughing in response then the two look over at Pietro and Fisresu as their faces become more anxious*
Hydragnea: Doesn't take a mind reader to tell what's got them so pent up. *Hydragnea looks at Layna staring at the two boys with a pensive look* That means you too sis. You're no stranger to grievous injuries nor am I so what has you so shaken.
Layna: Drage when you met Sarukenshi what do you think?
Hydragnea: At first? An incredibly observant capable and confident man with a demeanor that could give a pause to even the most rigid soul. Especially considering how he was able to get your trust so adamantly.
Layna: Exactly after what he did for me and Asuna it was like meeting a...well I don't know what you could call it other than...
Hydragnea: A dream you could not possibly expect to be real. With strength that can topple giants...literally.
Layna: And now...when me and Pietro saw him yesterday it was like seeing that dream shatter to pieces slowly while you're helpless and too late to do anything.
Hydragnea: But you were not too late you, all found him and he found the guardian wolf of the island and all is well again.
Adam: She's right. *Adam and Akina come out onto the deck holding hands Akina wiping her eyes as she still appears a bit drowsy* Besides you took a good look at him when we arrived didn't you?
Layna: Of course I did he was all banged up like he just went through a war by himself.
Akina: And he was smiling that his friends had arrived just in time. *Layna's eyes widen a small bit as she let's those words sink in she also recalls Sarukenshi smiling and saying that he managed to find the guardian wolf*
Layna: He somehow didn't seem to have a hint of worry or doubt in his voice even though he looked like hell.
Hydragnea: That is why I understand how you feel people like him are that one in a million and you'd do anything to make sure you don't lose em. So come on I want to make sure next time we're strong enough to protect our Captain.
Layna: Our? Do you mean your..
Hydragnea: Well duh did you think I was just going to stay here and let my two sisters sail off into the horizon without me?
Asuna: YAY Big sis Hydragnea is coming with us! *Asuna runs up to Hydragnea and gives her a big hug Asuna's head has some bandages wrapped around the upper part across her forehead to her ear*
Hydragnea: That's right! How are you feeling my brave warrior sister you look like you're in better spirits today aren't ya?
Asuna: Yup Akina, Adam, and Chopper took care of me and I went to see Saru but he was still sleeping so I came up here to see how everyone else was doing.
Layna: Hmm well that makes sense what's the prognosis Adam?
Adam: Well as stated previously he is racked with injuries and sprained or broken bones. However we seem to be very fortuitous in our skillsets. With Sarukenshi's Brain Brain fruit he's able to enhance his bodies functions to repair itself however he does need to limit himself as he does this. In addition to this my Atom-Atom fruit allows me to ehance healing by using an increase in oxygen.
Akina: Which is where my ability comes into play using a special plant called the Green Room pod, it's a green stem and pods that can be as large as a small bedroom so I placed Saru in there and with Adams help we gave him a pressurized oxygen tank to rest in.
Adam: So given all of that instead of the usual recovery time of about 3-6 months Sarukenshi will probably be up and at em in roughly a week or so.
Layna: heh even while incapacitated he still manages to do amazing things, and you two really are incredible doctors!
Hydragnea: I'll say your entire group seems to be filled with extraordinary people.
Asuna: You have really cool friends too Sis! Like Kassie and Morgana and Volchya oh and that really big Fishman guy!
Akina: Speaking of it looks like they're making their way over here. *The group look over at the tree line at the end of the lake where the boys are training and see Kassie and Kula who are walking up to them.
Kassie: I see you guys are hard at work strengthening yourselves!
Hitodenshi: IT IS GOOD TO SEE YOU! *Hitodenshi yells as the waterfalls rushing waters muffle his hearing*
Dorobotsu: Yo Kassie how ya been? I see you brought the big fella too. Sup Kula.
Kula: Afternoon slick bastard.
Dorobotsu: Yooo yoo whats with the name calling!?
Kula: Why are you upset? Is that not your name?
Dorobotsu: NO who the hell would be named that!?
Kula: My apologies I didn't get everyone's names last night so I asked your friend with the black robes what they were and he said that was yours perhaps he was confused with someone else.
Dorobotsu: Arrgh of course he would say that. *He grumbles to himself while looking at Fisresu still sparring with Pietro* Anyways my name is Dorobotsu nice to meet ya in a more sober setting.
Kula: It's good to chat with you too.
Hitodenshi: SO WHAT BRINGS YOU GUYS OVER HERE!?
Dorobotsu: CAN YOU TAKE A BREAK FOR ONE MINUTE DUDE!
*Hitodenshi dives into the lake then shoots up in a plume of water landing in front of Kula and Kassie*
Hitodenshi: Sorry bout that I needed to squeeze in my daily meditation, its critical to reflect on oneself to find ways to be better.
Kula: You have the skills of a Fishman but you're a human how interesting.
Hitodenshi: Ah well that's cuz I learned fishman karate from Master Jimbei and I am sure a fishman like you must be shocked and not believed that a human could be on par with a fishmans karate prowes.
Kula: Nah I don't know any techniques myself.
Dorobotsu: Anyways like Hito said what brings you guys here?
Kassie: Oh did Saru not tell you guys?
Dorobotsu: Tell us what he's been recovering since the party the other night.
Kula: We are joining up with your crew.
Hitodenshi: No way really I'm guessing that means Morgana Volchya and Hydragnea are coming along too eh? * At that Moment Hydragnea Layna and Asuna are walking toward them*
Hydragnea: Yup we decided to ship out along with Saru as thanks for curing this islands curse.
Kassie: Truth be told we have been wondering for a long while if we would ever be able to leave this island in good conscience before you all came along.
Hydragnea: Besides Morgana the rest of us came to this island as sort of a pit stop but when we met each other and saw those feral giants we couldn't just leave and let the place remain a forbidden land of dangerous creatures.
Kula: But everyone hoped that one day things would be over and we could move onto our next adventure. *At that moment Kula's eyes open and his arm shoots up behind him* AHH..OH Volchy ya spooked me. *Volchya pokes her head out from behind Kulas neck she then jumps off his shoulder and lands on the ground in front of Dorobotsu*
Volchya: Heheh sorry I couldn't resist we just got back from checking on the Guardian Wolf and I wanted to get the drop on ya.
Dorobotsu: You'd think someone of your size wouldn't be prone to being spoked.
Kassie: So are you and Morg ready?
Volchya: Just about she's still talking with the other former scientists and base personel.
Dorobotsu: Huh kinda forgot to ask the obvious question there but what are the rest of those people gonna do?
Volchya: Well some of them decided to stay on the island in our stead and start up a private research facility.
Kula: And the others are taking my raft and taking those punks in suits away to the next island and contacting the Marines.
Fisresu: Should have just shoved them in a barrel and had them float to their fate huff huff hu..Alright Pietro take 5? *Pietro nods then drops to his knees and rolls over onto his back*
Hitodenshi: You guys gonna train all day?
Pietro: Need..to make hufff up for...huff not helping out.
Fisresu: We need to get stronger if we wanna make sure people capable of beating Saru are not going to think we are pushovers. Next time we'll make that bastard pay twofold.
Pietro: *Stands up and walks closer to Kula and the others* So you said the other former giants are gonna keep the base running privately. How are they going to keep the place running without funding and resources from the government?
Sarukenshi: ( I assured them they would be taken care of as long as they contact a resourceful friend of mine.) *Everyone's eyes widen then some of the group have a smile recognizing Sarukenshi's Brain Space
Pietro: (Aren't you supposed to be getting some Z's Cap?)
Hitodenshi: (I agree you shouldn't be using your power when you are in the middle of recovering.)
Sarukenshi: (Hey now I think checking in on my crew is the responsibility of the captain along with welcoming our new members, and thank you again Kula for lending your raft to the survivors of this whole ordeal.)
Kula: Um do you guys hear that?
Kassie: (It's an ability of Saru's he can talk to us through our minds. Give it a try.)
Kula: (Hm like this? This feels really awkward.)
Pietro: (You get used to it eventually. Now get back to sleep Saru you need rest.)
Sarukenshi: (Heh I could say the same to you I can hear you and Fisresu go at it with intense fervor. However I need to assure you both that this was my doing and you don't need to blame yourselves for what happened. It does seem clear-cut that I have been lucky enough to have such a strong and whole hearted crew, that evidently continues to grow. So in return I shall relay the fact I place tremendous trust in you all at all times.)
Fisresu: (Enough mind chatting and go back to recovering you empathetic fool.)
Kassie: (heheh I think that must be warrior speak for we trust you too Saru.)
Sarukenshi: (Indubitably so.)
Sanji: (Hey if you all are done with your brain pow-wow Lunch is nearly ready can ya gather the others for me?)
Kassie: No worries here they come, HEY EVERYONE. *Kassie notices Chopper, Nami, Usopp, Zolo, Robin and Morgana arrive and everyone convenes on the deck of the Sunny well almost everyone*
Zolo: So uh its great that you guys are joining up with Saru but..
Usopp: WHERE IS OUR GIANT FRIEND GONNA SAIL WITH US!?
Luffy: hmm we can strap him to the hull while we sail!
Dorobotsu: Well he can breath underwater so I guess that couulld work.
Franky: Heh No problemo you guys as it turns out we got something that can solve this issue ain't that right Pietro bro.
Pietro: You got that right although it is a bit unconventional. Lets show em, first lets set out to the coast Kula you mind tailing us there?
Kula: Don't mind at all. *Kula takes a leap into the lake behind the Sunny as it sails out through to the river bank then after a bit they have made it to the coast and hit the open sea*
Franky: Alright now to unveil our joint project Side Hatch Hand release! *Franky pulls a lever on the side of the Helm then suddenly a panel on the side of the Sunny opens via the Docking system and out comes a enormous metal claw with four prongs jots out and shifts around*
Pietro: We used some of the special trees on the island to make this flexible and sturdy crane like claw to carry neptunian sized catches for extra food or to grab onto enemy ships for easy boarding. However with a little TLC I think this can work as a makeshift bed for our new endowed friend.
Akina: Allow me to provide that TLC for you. *Akina reaches into her coat pocket then tosses out some seeds at the prongs of the Claw* Anemone Arrangements! *in an instant a plethora of orange and yellow moss like substance along with some small tendrils incorporate themselves to the claw * I believe this should make your stay much more manageable
Kula: This is very thoughtful thank you Nurse and Cyborg Franky and you too Pietro huup! *Kula climbs onto the claw and adjust himself so he can sit with one of the prongs pressing against his back like a lounge chair* This Anemone is of the Surface cleaning variety isnt it?
Akina: Yes indeed it has soft feelers that clean off dirt algae and other decontamination a self cleaning bed if you will.
Adam: My sweetheart ever the Ingenius care giver.
Hydragnea: I gotta admit that is some crazy good craftsmanship glad to see you'll be able to ride along with us Kula.
Asuna: Yay! Our new giant whale friend can sleep on the ship with us now!
Luffy: Heheh Coool hey Franky Pietro why don't you make a cool metal swing next?
Franky: Sorry Capt but we used up a lot of resources to make the claw.
Robin: You and Pietro did a wonderful job there it must be nice having such a capable partner in the crafting arts.
Franky: You betcha Pietro and I can get down like the best of them I'm sure even Iceberg would try to hire ya for Galley-la.
Pietro: Ah it was nothing my family has always been good with their hands just glad my skill hasn't gotten rusty..oo *Pietro staggers for a moment then laughs nervously*
Fisresu: Looks like someone is feeling more rusty in other areas ay? *Fisresu grins with a half smile while poking at Pietro's shoulder* In all seriousness though we should rest up a bit after our training.
Kassie: I agree you have both been working hard so EAT UP SOUPS ON! *Kassie and Sanji are seen walking up to the crew with platters of food in their arms several plates along the length of their arms and a tray of drinks balanced on Kassie's head*
Luffy: Heheh Yeah lets eat!
Sarukenshi: I thought I smelled some delectable dishes. *Sarukesnhi is seen hobbling out from the infirmary out to the main deck on a crutch and bandages across his chest and neck*
Layna: Now who told you to leave your room.
Sarukenshi: Hey I'm not a child you know heh I smell good food it be insulting to not come grab some.
Chopper: It's ok as long as he doesn't strain himself he can move around a bib *Chopper says as he flings a mouthful of food down his gullet*
Adam: It's as Chopper says though I do suggest you take as much time to rest as possible once you're done eating.
Kula: Rest is very important for healing as well as lots of food for energy you should listen well to them Saru, ah also thank you for allowing me to come aboard Captain.
Sarukenshi: No problem I couldn't possibly leave a friend of Hydragnea and Volchya's to stay behind.
Kula: Very kind of you I only apologize for not helping you all in your venture to cure the island of its "curse".
Usopp: Oh yeah forgot to ask the obvious question but why weren't you on the island Kula?
Asuna: Yeah it would been cool to have you fight the big robot bear man with us!
Volchya: Oh he was out looking for commission work!
Nami: Huh? I don't follow you mean like a job?
Hydragnea: Of sorts Kula here has a very interesting talent and craft of his own.
Morgana: He's an artist and a darn good one at that his specialty is tattoos.
Kula: No need to gush about me Morg I merely do my best to make pieces people can live with pride. By the way Miss..Nami was it I must say your Shoulder piece is very intriguing do you mind if I get a closer look?
Nami: Oh sure. *Nami walks closer to Kula as he looks over her shoulder tattoo* I got it back in Cocoyashi village a little under 3 years ago.
Kula: Hmm judging by the scar tissue you got this as a cover up it's a little crude in places but I'm sure it means a lot to you so I'm glad to see another piece of life.
Nami: Why thank you Kula. It does mean a lot is a reminder of my home and my mother.
Sanji: Hey hey watch those eyes Ya overgrown Tuna not anyone gets to ogle our precious Nami! *Nami kicks Sanji over*
Nami: DON'T BE RUDE TO OUR NEW GUEST!
Robin: So you are a man of the arts, such an elegant hobby how long have you been a practitioner of such a delicate craft?
Zolo: Do ya only do pieces on things as big as you?
Kula: Oh no I do my best to accommodate to any client of any size and build. *Kula lifts his red roll and unfurls it to reveal some machinery and needles as well as jars of colored liquid* As you can see here *He lifts a gun like piece then takes a large needle that's nearly 2 feet long* This is for large clients and then with a quick twist and unscrewing, *He then removes the large needle and delicately places a smaller needle of average length a human would use for sewing* this would be for clients around your sizes.
Franky: Hey now that's some SUPER intricate machinery you got there.
Kula: Oh this is Volchya's handiwork she decided to aid me in making something to easily pursue my passion.
Sarukenshi: Oh a tinkerer are we, what adroitness to make a such a complex piece of machinery like that.
Volchya: Ohh BAHHAHAA it's not that crazy I just got some scrap I found around the island and from sunken ship wrecks every now and again and made some things it keeps my mind and hands busy.
Kassie: Volchya is really something when it comes to gadgets she helped configure my Whispering Element Spear its amazing what she can make!
Asuna: Ohhh that's so cool you should make weapons for us too!
Layna: Asuna relax don't just demand things from our new comrades plus most of us got our own weapons it's not necessary.
Asuna: Hmmm ok well maybe one for me then!
Volchya: I can certainly see what I can come up with, if you have any preference or suggestions just let me know ok? *She says smiling at Asuna*
Sarukenshi: Welcome aboard once again everyone...*Sarukenshi cups his ear and looks over to the coastline of the island and see's some people gathered*
Morgana: Oh the former scientist are all there.
Crowd of Scientist: GOOD LUCK ON YOUR TRAVELS AND THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DONE. THIS PLACE WILL ALWAYS WELCOME YOU ALL JUST GIVE US A CALL! AND THANK YOU SARU AND FRIENDS!
Usopp: Wow they came to see us off how nice.
Sanji: Well they did just get freed from a fate I don't think any of em imagined they'd get away from.
Sarukenshi: Kula you mind giving me a boost?
Kula: No problem. *Kula lowers his hand and Sarukenshi carefully stands on it as Kula lifts him and faces the coast*
Sarukenshi: ENJOY YOUR FREEDOM AND TAKE CARE PURSUERS OF KNOWLEDGE, WE'LL BE IN TOUCH!
*Everyone on the ship smiles brightly as they sail farther and farther away from Teikou Seiki another adventure is logged in the hearts and minds of these individuals, after awhile we see some of the crew gathered around a surprising figure*
Pietro: I can't believe I'm looking at one up close like this.
Franky: I'll say, not going to lie to ya though it is a little ominous.
Kassie: Are you sure it was wise to take this along with us? I agree it makes me feel a bit uneasy.
Hydragnea: I'm sure he has his reasons dontcha Saru?
Sarukenshi: Correct you are just think about it like this, we can do some research and development with a subject like this who knows what we can utilize.
Layna: I mean...I guess that's one way to look at it but on the other hand.
Usopp: ARE WE SERIOUSLY KEEPING A ROBO-WARLORD!?
*Laying on the ground is the Pacifista the group battled just a couple days ago its lights still off and unmoving*
Sanji: Gotta admit it is kinda weird seeing one this close without worrying about being blasted.
Fisresu: No use worrying about it Asuna and Layna took it out so quit being a bunch of scaredy cats. Hey Zolo wanna have a quick match?
Zolo: Sure I could use a good workout after a long day.
Franky: Take it up top you too we don't need an arrant slash hitting this.
Zolo: Oh come on we seen those things take a good beating.
Usopp: Yeah but these guys weren't programmed to deal with Demons!
Fisresu&Zolo: Thanks.
Usopp: That was NOT a complement! *The two swordsman leave to the training room up at the top of the Sunny meanwhile Chopper, Adam and Akina arrive behind Sarukenshi*
Chopper: Ok mister its back to bed for you!
Adam: That's right triple doctors orders with your devil fruit aiding you my prognosis says you should be at a 100% in another 2 or 3 days.
Akina: Yes but only IF you listen and get some rest ok Saru.
Kassie: Listen to em Saru you've done a lot you deserve some rest.
Morgana: I agree and thank you once again from me for helping in my selfish request.
Sarukenshi: Morgana if more people had "selfish" request like yours I'm sure the world would be a much better place.
Hydragnea: Only if there are people as genuine as you that would heed such requests now get some sleep you abrasively quaint man.
Sarukenshi: I've been called worse things than that I suppose, so I shall bid you all a goodnight for now. *Sarukenshi moves back to his recouperation room leaving everyone else to go about their own things to keep themselves busy*
Pietro: Alirght then Franky, you ready to get down to it? *He says prepping a circular saw and adorning goggles on his face*
Franky: Yup let's see what we got here. *Franky says as he fires up a blow torch and places goggles of his own on his head, soon the sounds of fire and clanging on metal fill the room while on the new side hatch hook, Morgana and Volchya are seen giving Kula a massage as in they are standing on both of his shoulders and taking deliberate steps back and forth*
Kula: I really appreciate this you two but I told you I am fine.
Morgana: Yeah that's what you say all the time just because you're a giant doesn't mean you don't get stressed and your stiff shoulders and can double as roadways.
Volchya: Yeah! So just breathe and let us pound that stiffness away. *As the two continue their treatment on Kula, Robin and Usopp walk up to them Usopp leans over the railing as he asks*
Usopp: Hey so you're obviously a fishman but your size leads me to believe that you gotta be part giant right?
Kula: Aye you would be correct I'm half fishman half giant from my mothers side.
Usopp: I KNEW IT! ANOTHER PROUD WARRIOR OF ELBAF!
Luffy: *Luffy's arm is seen grabbing Usopps shoulder then in an instant Luffy is right at Usopps side both in awe at the knowledge of Kulas parentage.*
Kula: Uh yes I did indeed spend some time in The Land Of Giants.
Robin: I am quite curious what brings about the union of a Fishman and a Giantess if you don't mind divulging that.
Kula: Oh not at all it's a very nice heart warming story my father loves to tell. You see a short 59 years ago my father Tibor was out on an excursion to bring in some lumber from a island back to Fishman Island he came across a large sinking skiff that was battered and in disrepair and when he swam under it he saw a large unconscious women with leather armor and long red hair that shined like fire in the sun bathed water. My father then took the lumber he had gathered to help repair the skiff just enough to keep afloat and awaited for the woman to awaken which luckily was not too long. At first my mother to be thought she had perished in the sea and was hallucinating a large savior my father being a Bowhead whale fishman he was a bit on the bulkier side. After introducing themselves to each other my father offered to guide his new friend back to her destination. After she had told him it be a bit of a journey to Elbaf my father had decided it did not matter he set his mind on making sure the woman he rescued made it back home in one piece. Fast forward a few weeks and they ended up falling in love my mother offered to stay with her on Elbaf once they arrived and start a new life together to which my father obliged soon he became a valued member of the Land of Giants as a carpenter. Then after 10 years or so they welcomed a son into the world.
Robin: What a romantic tale indeed your father was quite the chivalrous man.
Luffy: Huh so if you're from Elbaf why aren't you a crazy strong warrior?
Kula: Oh that's a simple question. It is true that the people of Elbaf are proud warriors but they also value freedom of it's people and I always sought to express my self through colors and paintings but since for awhile everything was much bigger than me I fascinated over the large pieces of art some of the elder giants had on their skin. I wanted to make those kinds of pieces, so I took to painting but it didn't quite look the same then the local ink master took notice of my intrigue and thus started my tutelage in the art of tattooing. Eventually my parents knew that I should take my talents and venture out into the world, my master Mandala agreed as well. With that settled I took what I needed to travel out into the world and expand my pallet of knowledge I said my farewells to my father and my mother Mamase and sailed off. Eventually that journey brought me to a small island that had a sprinting wolf lady sporadically looking for shelter but with no money to get her room and board she darted around until she bumped into me.
Volchya: Heheh that was me! I was trying to find shelter for the night and I had ran out of berries to pay for a room.
Kula: So I offered a local shop keep to allow her to stay in a room in exchange for a free arm piece for his new wife.
Volchya: The next day I went out to look for him and thank him for getting a stranger a room to stay in and desperately wanted to make it up to him.
Kula: To which I refused I did not help to get a favor I merely wanted to help someone who seemed in distressed.
Volchya: And I refused his refusal so I just followed him on his quest and offered my mechanical tinkering expertise to help in his craft.
Kula: Eventually this lead to where we are today.
Luffy: hehe cool a fishman giant painter!
Robin: It is quite the unique combination to see the world certainly is full of surprises.
Sarukenshi: (I agree and many of them are just a sails distance away. You certainly had a wholesome upbringing Kula.)
Kula: (Oh thank you I'm sure they would appreciated that compliment.)
Morgana: (Hey now aren't you supposed to be resting Saru?!)
Sarukenshi: (Yes and I am doing just that, while my body rests my mind is still free as a bird so I figure I theoretically stretch my legs a bit differently. So what's everyone else up to?)
Volchya: (Well Fisresu is still training with Zolo Kass is with Sanji prepping ingredients for tomorrows breakfast, Hydragnea Layna and Asuna are in their room Franky and Pietro are still working on that Pacifista we brought in and I believe Dorobotsu was trying to in his words "Sneak a peek" somewhere with Brook.) *In that moment a loud crash and thud can be heard shaking the ship slightly*
Nami: NEXT TIME I'LL TOSS YOU BOTH INTO THE SEA WITH ROCKS TIED TO YOUR ANCHORS! *Brook and Dorobotsu are seen flying out the door onto the main deck with bloody noses*
Brook: Did ya get a good look?!
Dorobotsu: Fraid not my bony compadre too much steam...maybe in the next life. *Dorobotsu lets his head knock onto the floor dramatically while groaning as his nose bleeds onto the ground*
Brook: I shall give you Soulful send off. *Brook begins to strum on his guitar*
Nami: YOU TWO ARE ON LOOKOUT DUTY FOR TONIGHT NOW YOU HEAR!
*The rest of the group that see's this exchange all share a gleeful laugh*
Robin: Well I think I'm going to retire for the night.
Usopp: Yeah I'll check on my pop greens then hit the hey too.
Kula: Goodnight new friends.
Robin: You too Kula.
Morgana: I suppose we should turn in too shouldn't we Volchya?
Volchya: Yeah I think so. (And you should too legs!)
Sarukenshi: (Heh I know how to take a hint alright then I will retire as well. I'll see you all tomorrow.)
*And so most of the crew aboard the Sunny rest for the night all the while the ship sails through the night, a few hours later the waves are in tempo with the ship the stars shine brightly on a brisk moonlit night it's a serene scene on the sea yet for someone else the scene that is set for them is completely different than this, Sarukenshi finds himself walking into a large empty room with two large ornate peculiar doors side by side facing him*
Sarukenshi: Ah I see so we're back here again. Lets see what's behind door number one. *Sarukenshi reaches for the handle of the door to his right which is adorned with several different types of horns some that resemble a ram others of an ox they twist and curl around the frame and on the base as well, as Saru turns the knob and the door opens a bright light envelops the room and soon the door itself disappears and Sarukenshi is transported to somewhere entirely different. He then see's a large stoney cave entrance with gold lettering appearing on top of the rock that reads "Embark on a Journey you started long ago" then on the floor another message in silver etching is seen to read "Find what was left, embrace what remains" Saru takes a step forward into the cave letting the darkness of it seep slowly around him* What is it I need to find?
Mysterious voice: You all must find the answers, you will become stronger if only you allow yourselves the opportunity to revisit what was lost.
Sarukenshi: All? So this is about more than just me? *Suddenly Sarukenshi is blinded by light once again and the scene transitions to a small hallway with wood paneling and canvas walls leading to a doorway, he walks through and sees two people in a room mostly empty except for two torches lit and on the adjacent walls sit hooks with swords placed upon them* Huh this place does not look familiar to me...wait is that? *Sarukenshi looks at one of the people who is a dark skinned young man with a purple kimono he appears to be yelling at the person sitting across from him who is a tall slender older man with a straight white beard and his face has many red scarred lines that appear almost like branches of a tree that travel along his forehead all the way down his chest,*
Dark skinned Young Man: You can't expect me to remain here forever and kotow to that big headed fool!
Tall Scarred man: I don't expect much of you these days boy. I only want our clan to continue to live.
Young Man: You call this living!? I've seen what's happened to the other clans father I won't stay here and let the Raikokiri family die a slave to some bull-toothed loser! I'm stowing away on one of the Beasts pirates supply ships and I am leaving. You won't stop me.
Tall Scarred man:….*The man takes a long sigh and looks down at the young man with a forlorn face his eyes are heavy with regret and sadness. He blinks and looks behind him and reaches for a sword with a white scabbard with a cloud like design on one end and reaches into his white kimono and pulls out a white scroll* If you insist on keeping the Lightning Cutting Style alive then perfect the techniques here and if you're lucky you'll show the strength of Wano's samurai to the rest of the world.
Young Man:….*He looks at the sword and scroll and slowly reaches for them then takes them in his hands before looking the older man in the eye and then turning away and begins to walk to the doorway, he stops short then turns back and points the scroll at the man* I'm doing this for me not you since you are too stubborn to leave this cruel hell...take care of yourself father.
Tall Scarred Man: And you as well Fisresu my boy.
Sarukenshi: Huh so this is one of Fisresu's memories. He has quite the task set up for him...*Once again a large light surrounds Sarukenshi* Oh great where are we headed now? *Saru is taken to the front of a large navy base where a small young boy is peaking over a fence to watch some marines train in hand to hand combat that is before being pulled off by a muscular arm and then placing the boy on the shoulder of a blonde haired, tan skinned, man of medium height and soft complexion holding light brown eyes, the little boy has scraggly short black hair pale skin and brown eyes similar to the man,* huh ok so were at a marine base aw and what a wholesome sight this is.
Short Black Haired Child: Hey dad! Are you done with work for today? *The tan man smiles before responding*
Tan muscular man: That's right kiddo just got done with the Battleship check list so I'm all yours.
Short Black Haired Child: Do ya really know how to make those huge ships dad? There's a whole bunch of parts to remember. There's no way you know all of em.
Tan muscular man: Heh I sure do, but it comes easy when you've had plenty of practice and studying plus there's the secret all shipwrights know.
Short Black Haired Child: Awww come on not this again you got to tell me what it is dad pleaaaase! *The father gives a hearty chuckle before lifting the boy off his shoulder then squatting down so their eyes meet*
Tan Muscular Man: Alright, but once I tell you that means you need to keep up the true family tradition as well. Are ya ready for that kind of responsibility?
Short Black Haired Child: I'm ready I swear now tell me the secret please!
Tan Muscular Man: To be a great shipwright requires understanding of not just the ship but the ins and outs of yourself. You put your heart and soul into your craft and it will give you just as much back.
Short Black Haired Child:..hmmm I don't get it dad I already know myself. I'm Pietro Alexanderson.
Pietro's Father: Heh that you are. Don't worry son you'll get exactly what I'm talking about one day. When ya find something that allows you to feel the most you. *The father and son slowly walk over to a shop as Sarukenshi looks on*
Sarukenshi: That was Pietro!? Hmm well that's pretty interesting. *Suddenly Saru feels the ground shift and his surroundings begin fading to white then he hears a voice faintly then increasing in volume*
Voice: Saru. Saru. Hey! *Sarukenshi awakens and sits up to see Pietro knocking on his pod*
Pietro: Bout time Sanji and Kassie are nearly done with breakfast so do us a favor and join us will ya. *Pietro says as he holds Sarukenshis Crutch and adjust it for him once he hobbles over to Pietro and places his hand on his shoulder*
Sarukenshi: Heh no problem kiddo.
Pietro: Huh? Kiddo? Man your not that much older than me.
Sarukenshi: *Chuckles slightly* True give me a moment once we get to the table I'll give you some context. I had an enlightening dream last night.
More on this in the next chapter!