Chapter 9

Hermes' extraordinary gift of communicating with animals proved to be a boon for the crew, resolving their need for a navigator. With Hermes' ability, the fish of the sea willingly offered their guidance, becoming the ship's natural compass.

Moomoo's allegiance also stems from this ability, upon the promise of not killing the poor cow.

Bound to the ship by sturdy ropes, Moomoo assumed the role of a steed pulling a carriage, his strength propelling the vessel forward swiftly through the waves, significantly reducing their travel time.

Of course, they can't go too fast lest the ship's hul gets broken.

As the crew waited, they were busy doing their stuff, Kyle, with a determined look on his face, focused on honing his electric resistance skills. Sparks danced around him as he manipulated the energy, determined to become a master of his unique abilities

Castiel is busy doing some hardcore training as his body is drenched in sweat. Meanwhile, high above the deck, Hermes found solace in the crow's nest. With a carefree smile, he lounged against the mast, his eyes fixed on the vast expanse of the blue sea.

Underneath the azure sky, the sea stretched out like a tranquil canvas.

The weather was a picture-perfect symphony of sunshine, casting a warm and golden glow across the deck of the ship as the trio prepared to make their mark on the world,

Conomi Island, home to Cocoyasi Village, is far from the island where Shimotsuki Village is located, the journey taking a week or so even with Moomoo pulling the ship.

Even with the steadfast Moomoo at the helm, it will take a week's journey of nonstop sailing.

*Cuckoo*

A News Coo can be seen flying in the sky and with some simple conversation, Hermes earns himself a newspaper, not before paying of course, after all, this is a company owned by the capitalist "Big News" Morgan.

Opening the newspaper, a poster tucked inside catches Hermes' eye, and a grin spreads across his face like sunlight breaking through clouds.

"Captain, look at this!" he exclaims, his voice filled with excitement and curiosity.

 With a swift motion, the Fishman lands beside Kyle, extending the newspaper toward him as though presenting a treasure unearthed from the depths.

Kyle's hands reach out to grasp the paper and as his eyes scan the contents, a proud smile begins to emerge, creasing the corners of his lips and lighting up his face.

Within the newspaper are three wanted posters for Castiel and him!

Dead or Alive, with a 25,000,000 Berry bounty! Within the poster is a picture of Kyle with a relaxed neutral face.

*****

[Congratulations on completing an achievement: Earn your first Bounty]

Reward: 1 random material, 1 random vessel!

*****

Earning his first bounty, Kyle completed another achievements but he put the matter aside for now as he focus his attention to the next wanted poster in his hand, it was Castiel's.

Castiel wanted poster weren't much different, Dead or Alive with a 15,000,000 Berry bounty.

Although it was lower compared to Luffy's initial bounty, Kyle was satisfied and happy with his first bounty.

And so, Kyle and Castiel's bounty are being distributed all over the East Blue, causing some panic among the masses as Kyle is now the pirate with the highest bounty in the East Blue.

The resident of Cocoyasi Village also saw the wanted poster as they cheered and wished for their benefactors to be safe.

"Is this the guy who beat Arlong, Nami?" questioned a spirited voice, breaking through the hum of excitement inside Nojiko and Nami's home. The inquiry came from a figure adorned in a distinctive straw hat holding a poster in hand, his presence exuding an aura of infectious energy and boundless enthusiasm. This was none other than Monkey D. Luffy, the rookie pirate whose name has not yet resonated throughout the seas.

"Yes, that's Kyle" Instead of Nami, Nojiko replied, confirming Luffy's inquiry as the latter expression lit up with excitement and anticipation, he said,

"I can't wait to meet them"

But soon, his attention shifted to the last wanted poster in the newspaper, 

Dead Or Alive, 15,000,000 Berry bounty, Monkey D. Luffy!

That's right, it was his bounty which he earned by beating the corrupt marine captain, Nezumi, cleaning the last tumor within the island.

And with that, a new chapter began to unfold, as two legends in the making started their journey, These two would create a powerful wave through the tumultuous waters of the Grand Line, their destinies intertwined in the tapestry of the great pirate saga.

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Life in the sea is relatively boring, but for Kyle, this solitude and stillness had long become his companion.

Kyle embraced it wholeheartedly, recognizing it as an opportunity rather than a hindrance. With every spare moment afforded to him, Kyle devoted himself to the relentless pursuit of improvement, honing his skills and fortifying his resolve.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting hues of orange and pink across the sky, the bored pirates stumbled upon their long-awaited destination.

Docking the ship on the shore, they set up camp for the night, planning to visit the village in the morning.

The village is located in the middle of the island and so after taking some well-needed rest, as soon as the sun started to rise, the group moved and continued their journey on foot.

Their chance of getting lost is low because of the help of the animals on the island, pointing to the village location and the group soon arrived.

Shimotsuki Village was founded 55 years ago by Shimotsuki Kozaburo, a master swordsmith who taught the villagers swordsmanship and in turn, had the village named after him.

The village looks like a typical rural village in East Blue with green grass and mountains all around the village.

Passing through the residents, the group wasn't in a hurry as they decided to spent the day before commencing their plan.