🌟 HEAR YE, HEAR YE, BRAVE SOULS! 🌟✨
🔥 Let the drums of destiny roar and the skies sparkle as we welcome our newest LEGENDARY adventurers…⚔️ Wilnet Duverne! ⚔️ & ⚔️ Colin Crossan! ⚔️ 🎉⚡️ With their arrival, our grand voyage just became even MORE epic and electrifying! 🚀✨
💎 These fearless champions have taken the leap, joined our elite crew, and unlockedEXCLUSIVE rewards, legendary perks, and early access to the greatest adventures ahead! 🌍💫
👑 Who's ready to step into greatness and forge their own legend? 🔥✨ The gates to glory are OPEN, and YOUR journey awaits! 🚪🌠
🚀 Don't be left behind—JOIN US NOW and embrace your destiny! 🏆⚡️🎊
***********************************
The midday sun hung high over the Goa Kingdom, casting long shadows on the cobblestone streets. Ann and Sabo, both in their early teens but already battle-hardened, walked confidently toward the den of the Bluejam Pirates. Their training with Luffy had honed them into formidable fighters, their skills now rivaling seasoned marines.
"I can't wait to see the look on Bluejam's face when we take him down," Ann said, twirling her iron pipe with a smirk. Her shiny black hair was tied back, her eyes blazing with anticipation.
"Just don't get cocky," Sabo cautioned, adjusting his top hat. Despite his calm demeanor, his clenched fists betrayed his excitement. "We take them down fast and clean. No unnecessary risks."
Ann rolled her eyes but nodded. "Fine, fine, Captain Serious. But you better not hog all the fun."
Bluejam Pirates' Hideout
The hideout was a decrepit warehouse on the edge of the city. The stench of alcohol and sweat wafted through the air as the duo approached. Inside, the pirates were laughing raucously, unaware of the storm about to hit them.
Sabo and Ann burst through the doors, the sunlight silhouetting their figures.
"Bluejam!" Ann shouted, her voice echoing through the room. "Today is the day you die! Now come out and face me, you loser!!"
The laughter ceased. Bluejam, a hulking man with a scar running down his face, stood up from his throne-like chair. His beady eyes narrowed as he recognized the intruders.
"You brats got a death wish?" He growled, cracking his knuckles.
Porchemy, his second-in-command, stepped forward with a sneer, spinning his spiked club.
"You think you can take us on?" Porchemy taunted. "This'll be over in seconds!"
Ann grinned, drawing her cutlass. "Seconds is all we need."
The fight was brutal and swift.
Ann moved like a whirlwind, her iron pipe slicing through the air. She disarmed Porchemy in a single fluid motion, sending his spiked club flying across the room.
"You're too slow," She teased, delivering a swift kick to his chest that sent him crashing into a pile of crates.
Meanwhile, Sabo faced off against Bluejam. His pipe clashed against the pirate's massive sword, sparks flying with each impact. Despite Bluejam's strength, Sabo's agility and precision gave him the upper hand.
"You've gotten stronger, boy," Bluejam admitted grudgingly, wiping blood from his lip. "But you're still no match for me!"
Sabo smirked. "You're about to eat those words."
With a powerful swing of his pipe, he shattered Bluejam's sword and delivered a devastating blow to the pirate's jaw, knocking him unconscious.
Within minutes, the rest of the Bluejam Pirates were either unconscious or fleeing in terror.
"Easy," Ann said, wiping sweat from her brow. "I expected more of a challenge."
Sabo nodded but kept his guard up. "Let's grab their bounty posters and head back. No need to linger."
After exchanging the bounties for 20 million berries, Ann and Sabo strolled through the bustling market, chatting about their fight with the Bluejam Pirates. The air was filled with the aroma of fresh bread and sizzling street food, and vendors shouted to attract customers.
Ann nudged Sabo with her elbow. "We should celebrate. Maybe grab some of those grilled skewers. My treat."
Sabo chuckled. "You mean with the money we just earned? Some treat."
As they turned a corner, Sabo froze mid-step, his playful smile vanishing. Standing near a fruit stall was a well-dressed man with sharp features and an air of authority. His piercing gaze locked onto Sabo.
"Sabo..." The man said, his voice cold and sharp, cutting through the noise of the market.
Panic surged through Sabo. Without a second thought, he grabbed Ann's wrist. "We need to go," he whispered urgently, pulling her away.
"Hey! What's the rush?" Ann protested, stumbling slightly as she was dragged along.
Sabo didn't answer, weaving through the crowd with practiced ease. Behind them, the man remained rooted to the spot, his eyes following Sabo's retreating figure.
Once they were far enough from the market, Sabo finally slowed down, releasing Ann's wrist. They were in a quieter part of town, where the cobblestone streets were lined with overgrown bushes and the occasional stray dog.
Ann crossed her arms, glaring at him. "Okay, what was that all about? Who was that guy?"
Sabo ran a hand through his hair, avoiding her gaze. "No one. Just... someone I didn't want to talk to."
Ann raised an eyebrow. "Really? You looked like you'd seen a ghost."
Sabo forced a laugh, pointing toward a nearby stand selling brightly colored trinkets. "Hey, look at those. Don't they remind you of the stuff we found in that treasure chest last week?"
Ann narrowed her eyes, unconvinced. "Sabo..."
But he was already walking toward the stand, feigning interest in the trinkets.
Later that day, the duo returned to Foosha Village, where Luffy was waiting for them at the docks. He leaned against a barrel, his ever-present grin spreading across his face.
"Looks like you two had fun," Luffy said, tossing an apple to Ann.
Ann caught it with one hand, smirking. "Took down the Bluejam Pirates and got the bounty. Easy peasy."
Sabo remained quiet, staring out at the horizon.
Luffy noticed immediately, his sharp eyes narrowing. "What's wrong, Sabo?"
Sabo shook his head. "Nothing. Just tired, that's all."
Ann snorted. "Tired, my foot. He practically dragged me out of the market earlier because he saw someone. Said it was 'no one,' but he looked scared out of his mind."
Sabo shot her a look, but Luffy's grin faded, replaced by a more serious expression. "Who did you see, Sabo?"
"It's nothing," Sabo insisted, his tone defensive.
Luffy stepped closer, his presence suddenly imposing. "Don't lie to me, Sabo. If something's bothering you, I need to know."
For a moment, Sabo remained silent, his fists clenching at his sides. Finally, he sighed, his shoulders slumping.
"It was my father," He admitted quietly.
Ann blinked in surprise. "Your father? That guy in the fancy suit was your dad?"
Sabo nodded, his voice bitter. "He's been looking for me ever since I ran away. I didn't want him to see me, so I ran."
Luffy's gaze softened, but his tone remained firm. "You don't have to run from him anymore, Sabo. You've got us now. If he tries to take you back, we'll stop him."
Ann punched Sabo lightly on the arm. "Yeah. No one's dragging you anywhere, not while we're around."
Sabo managed a small smile. "Thanks, guys. But I don't want to drag you into my mess. He's not worth it."
Luffy smirked, his confidence radiating. "Too late for that. You're part my brother, whether you like it or not."
As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, the trio sat together on the docks.
--- ✦ ✦ ✦ ---
Thank you for being a part of this journey. May these stories bring excitement and inspiration to your life, and I look forward to bringing you many more adventures!
If you've enjoyed my stories and want to help keep this adventure going strong, consider joining my Patreon! For as little as $2, you'll unlock extra chapters, exclusive art, and tons of perks.
🔮 Myth Guild 🦉
Patreon: patreon.com/Myth_Valley