Hey everyone,
Quick heads-up. I'm making some changes to how chapter access works across Patreon tiers.
Previously, all my drafts—usually around 100 chapters ahead—were locked under the Author Only tier. I decided to scale that back a bit and open things up more. Here's the updated access:
Seafarer Saga Tier – $35 → Full access to all drafts (usually ~100 chapters ahead)
Mythical Mapmaker Tier – $22.5 → 50 chapters ahead
Epic Explorer Tier – $14 → 35 chapters ahead
Supernova Tier – $11.50 → 20 chapters ahead
Captain's Bounty Tier – $8.50 → 15 chapters ahead
Rookie Pirate Tier – $5 → 10 chapters ahead
You all know my situation, so I won't repeat myself. Just know I appreciate every bit of support more than I can say.
Thanks for sticking with me.
--
Two months later, in Cocoyashi, Coby sat at Nojiko's side, his hand gently holding hers. The village doctor stood by as well, keeping a close eye on her condition. Coby's heart raced. He was going to have a son—a reality that still felt almost surreal. Despite all the battles, chaos, and uncertainties of his life, this moment grounded him in a way nothing else could. He glanced at Nojiko, whose breaths were steady but labored. Her grip tightened around his hand.
"Everything looks good," the doctor said, her voice calm but focused. "It won't be long now."
Nojiko smiled at Coby through the strain. "Can you believe it? Our son... he's almost here."
Coby grinned, trying to hide the mix of excitement and nervousness that swirled inside him. "I can't wait to meet him." His thumb gently brushed the back of Nojiko's hand. There wasn't much else to say in a moment like this.
Time passed slowly, each minute dragging on as they awaited the arrival. Coby remained at Nojiko's side, offering what comfort he could.
Suddenly, Nojiko's breath hitched, her body tensing. "Coby... it's time," she whispered, her voice shaky but determined. The doctor quickly moved into position, giving instructions as the moment they had been waiting for finally arrived.
Coby felt his heart pounding in his chest as he stayed close, his focus entirely on Nojiko and the birth of their child. Every sound, every movement seemed magnified. He could hear her labored breaths, feel the tension in her body as she pushed through the pain.
Then, after what felt like an eternity, the first cry of their newborn son filled the room.
The doctor gently lifted the baby, her expression softening as she handed the small, squirming bundle to Nojiko. "Congratulations," she said with a smile. "You've got a healthy baby boy."
Coby watched as Nojiko cradled their son in her arms, her face glowing with exhaustion and joy. Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked at Coby, her voice barely a whisper. "He's beautiful."
Coby moved closer, his breath catching as he saw his son for the first time. The baby's eyes were tightly shut, his tiny fists waving in the air as he let out another cry. A soft laugh escaped Coby's lips, overwhelmed by the moment. He leaned down, kissing Nojiko's forehead before pressing his lips softly to their son's head.
"He's perfect," Coby whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "Our perfect little boy."
Nojiko smiled, brushing her fingers lightly across the baby's cheek. "What should we name him?"
Coby hadn't thought much about names, but as he looked at his son, one name came to mind. "Kai," he said, the word feeling right as it left his lips. "Let's call him Kai."
Nojiko nodded, the name settling over them like a promise. "Kai," she repeated softly, her eyes full of love.
The doctor finished her work and quietly excused herself, leaving the small family alone. The room was peaceful, filled only with the soft sounds of the baby and the steady rhythm of the ocean outside.
Coby sat beside Nojiko, his arm around her as she held Kai close. "Thank you," Nojiko whispered, her voice soft but full of gratitude. "For being here. For everything."
Coby kissed her again, holding her tight. "I wouldn't miss this for the world."
From that day onward, Coby resumed his training and travels, making a point to visit Nojiko and Kai more often. He had a new sense of responsibility that never felt like a burden—Kai was his son, after all. Between battles and adventures, Coby found time to stop by Cocoyashi Village, helping Nojiko whenever he could.
He didn't stay long each time, but whenever he was there, he made sure to do as much as possible around the house and in the village, working in the fields or doing chores. Nojiko, though capable, appreciated the extra help, especially now that their son was growing.
Despite the peaceful moments with his family, Coby's life was a constant whirlwind of fighting and training. Every day was a step toward becoming stronger. He traveled across different islands, seeking out opponents, wild creatures, and powerful enemies. His system helped him absorb new skills and upgrade old ones, making him a force to be reckoned with in the New World.
One afternoon, while soaring across the Grand Line using Maxim, Coby landed on a remote island. He had sensed strong presences there. The moment he touched down, a group of bounty hunters attacked him, trying to claim his growing bounty. They were well-equipped, armed to the teeth, but they underestimated him. He quickly dispatched them and continued onward.
Everywhere Coby went, he grew stronger, his system constantly rewarding him for innovative use of skills and tactical combat. He was building himself into a warrior who could stand at the top of the New World. Between his visits to Nojiko and Kai, the battles he fought, and the training he underwent, Coby's life was anything but dull.
Two years would pass quickly, and he knew when the time came to reunite with Luffy and the crew, he'd be more than ready.
And just like that, two years had passed, and it was time for the crew to meet again at Sabaody.
Using Kuma's ability to move, Coby appeared just outside of Shakky's bar, grinning as he looked around. "Heh, I bet I'm first to arrive."
The door creaked open as he stepped in, immediately greeted by Shakky, who leaned casually against the bar. "Coby! You're right on time," she said with a smirk, blowing smoke from her cigarette. "It's been a while."
She came forward to hug him but stopped, realizing Coby wasn't the same as two years ago. He had filled out more—his body now leaner, more muscular, with his pink hair slightly longer, swept back, and his face more mature, a few small scars visible. His posture was casual but commanding, like someone who had been through countless battles.
"Look at you," Shakky said with a chuckle. "You've grown."
Coby grinned, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, it's been a wild couple of years."
Shakky tilted her head, eyeing him curiously. "Luffy and the others coming soon?"
"They should be. I used Kuma's ability, so I might've beaten them here," Coby replied, moving over to the bar. He sat down, resting his elbows on the counter. "How's the island been?"
"Quiet, for the most part. The Navy's keeping their distance after what happened with the auction house. But you know how it is… things won't stay calm for long," Shakky said, pouring him a drink.
Coby took the glass, sipping casually. "I bet. Luffy's going to stir things up again, just like last time."
Shakky chuckled. "You Straw Hats never disappoint."
Coby got up from the bar, cracking his neck as he stretched. "Where's Rayleigh-san?"
Shakky exhaled smoke, giving a small sigh. "No idea. He came back from training Monkey-chan half a year ago, but he's disappeared again. He'll show up soon though, I'm sure. He knows you guys are coming."
Coby nodded, setting down his empty glass. "Alright, I'll take a look around."
Shakky smiled, watching him as he walked toward the door. "Have fun. And try not to stir up too much trouble before others gets here."
Coby grinned back. "No promises."
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