Chapter 10: The Melody of Farewells and New Beginnings - I

[Note:

" * " : Indicates abilities that can be upgraded with practice, experience, or unique opportunities.]

> System inner voice ["speaking"] <

> Ash inner speech "speaking" <

 {}

Ash lay on his bed, staring up at the ceiling of his room aboard the Shanks ship. The soft light of the evening cast long shadows across the room, the day's training behind him. His body was sore but satisfied—three months of intense training had left him and his friends stronger, capable, and closer than ever before.

He couldn't help but reflect on the journey that had brought him here, how much they had all grown in such a short time. Ash thought back to the early days of training, when everything was new, uncertain, and overwhelming. Uta had made incredible strides with her Devil Fruit powers, finding more control over her abilities. Lucy's body had become more agile and strong, her Devil Fruit abilities more precise. They had all developed not only as fighters but as people—more capable and confident.

As for Ash, he had trained tirelessly with help of Shanks and the rest of the crew. The crew had taught him everything from navigation to swordsmanship, and it felt like his growth was happening at an almost exponential rate. He had become a good strategist, a better fighter, and more focused than he had been before. His skills with his weapons had improved, and he was faster, stronger, and more agile than he ever thought possible.

["You're doing well, Ash,"] Celeste's voice echoed softly in his mind. He could almost hear the smile in her tone. ["You've come a long way."]

Ash smiled faintly, his hand resting on his chest. "Thanks, Celeste," he muttered quietly, his thoughts drifting back to the special occasion that was approaching.

Uta's birthday is tomorrow, and Ash had spent days planning the perfect gift.

He stretched his arms reaching into the space of his Inventory, he pulled out the Resonance Pendant. He had bought the resonance pendant from the store; it's perfectly suited to Uta's talents.

Item Name: Resonance Pendant (Upgradable)

Type: Accessory / Transformable Weapon

Rarity: Rare

Grade: Epic

Description:

A finely crafted pendant that transforms into any musical instrument when activated. In its default form, it serves as a decorative accessory, but with a command, it shifts into an instrument capable of both offense and defense.

Weapon Mode (Offensive/Defensive): The pendant can morph into an instrument that generates powerful sonic waves for attacks or creates sound-based barriers for defense.

Devil Fruit Integration: The pendant can be infused with sound-based abilities, amplifying the power of its sonic effects, enhancing both offensive and defensive capabilities.

Use: A versatile item for those who manipulate sound, combining elegance with destructive potential.

It had been a while since he had bought it, but now with Uta's birthday is on next day, it felt like the perfect time to give it to her. The pendant's description in the store had caught his eye on one day, and he knew it would be a meaningful gift. He used 1000 store coins and bought it immediately. It was designed to resonate with the soul, amplifying the inner harmony of whoever wore it—something that would harmonize perfectly with Uta's powerful voice.

He held the pendant for a moment, running his thumb over the smooth surface. Tomorrow would be a special day, not just for Uta, but for all of them. Ash felt a quiet excitement stir within him. He wasn't sure what to expect, but he could sense that tomorrow would bring something new, something significant.

With a deep breath, he placed the pendant back into his inventory, settling down to rest for the night.

{}

The day of Uta's birthday arrived with a clear sky and a gentle breeze sweeping through Windmill Village. Ash, Lucy, and Uta spent the morning together, enjoying the peaceful village surroundings. They wandered through the familiar paths, chatting and laughing as they explored. The sun warmed their faces, and the soft hum of Uta's voice added a melodic touch to their day.

"Happy birthday, Uta!" Lucy grinned, handing Uta a small bouquet of flowers she had picked from the garden. Uta's face lit up, her eyes sparkling with joy.

"Thank you, Lucy!" Uta smiled brightly, clutching the flowers to her chest.

Ash gave her a nod, his usual quiet approval spoken through his warm smile. "You've come a long way, Uta. I hope you have a great day."

They spent the afternoon strolling through the village, visiting the bakery, and enjoying the small pleasures of life. Uta's laughter echoed through the village as she played a little game with Lucy. The entire day felt light and carefree, the perfect way to celebrate.

As evening approached, the trio returned to the village square, where the evening party was already in full swing. The entire village was there, along with Shanks and his crew, all gathered to celebrate Uta's birthday.

Shanks grinned widely, raising a mug. "Happy birthday, Uta!" he called, his voice carrying across the crowd.

The villagers joined in, singing and clapping as Uta's beaming face turned pink with bashful happiness. Makino was there too, smiling fondly at Uta as she hugged her tightly. The celebration was warm, full of laughter and song, a perfect evening for the young girl who had grown so much over the past months.

Ash and Lucy stood by Uta, exchanging glances and watching her happiness shine through. It was clear to them that this was a moment to remember, one that would be etched into the memories of everyone present.

As the night drew on, the air was filled with the sounds of music and joy.

As the evening progressed, the party became livelier, with music and laughter filling the air. After a while, Shanks and his crew gathered around Uta, eager to hear her sing.

"How about you sing us a song, Uta?" Shanks asked, his voice full of warmth and encouragement. "It's your special day, after all."

Uta's face brightened, and she beamed at everyone. "Alright, but... I want to sing with someone," she said, glancing over at Ash. "Ash, will you sing with me?"

Ash blinked, caught off guard for a moment. The crew looked between each other, clearly intrigued. They encouraged him with nods and smiles, urging him to join in.

"Can you really sing? Ash!" Lucy chimed in; eyes wide with curiosity and surprise.

The crew laughed good-naturedly. "Oh, he's got a voice," Yasopp teased. "You'll be impressed."

Ash hesitated, then gave a small smile. "Alright, Uta," he agreed, stepping forward to join her. "Let's do this."

The music began to play softly, and the two of them began to sing together. Uta's voice, sweet and clear, harmonized beautifully with Ash's deeper tones. The crowd was mesmerized as the two of them sang a melody that felt like it belonged to the wind itself.

The crowd erupted in cheers as Uta and Ash finished their song, the mood high, and everyone laughing and dancing in celebration. Lucy also joined in, enjoying the lively atmosphere of the party. Time passed with everyone celebrating Uta's birthday.

However, as the night wore on, the atmosphere began to shift. Unbeknownst to everyone, Uta, still lost in the rhythm of her music, unknowingly started to release the power of Tot Musica. The air around her grew thick, the sound of the festivities starting to fade as an eerie tension filled the air. The once joyful party came to a halt as people, including Lucy, began to feel an unsettling presence.

Lucy, caught mid-dance, froze. A shiver ran down her spine, and she glanced around, sensing something dangerous was at play. The others felt it too, although none of them could understand what was happening. There was a sense of foreboding, but no one knew the cause.

Ash, standing beside Uta, felt the shift in the air more intensely than anyone else. The power emanating from Uta was growing, and he could tell something was wrong. He glanced around, noticing Shanks and his crew, who were starting to panic. Shanks, normally calm, was now on edge, clearly realizing what was happening.

Ash quickly pieced it together—Uta was releasing Tot Musica, and the situation was getting out of control. He saw Shanks move slightly, ready to use his Conqueror's Haki to subdue Uta. Ash could sense the tension rise, knowing that Shanks was preparing to intervene and stop Uta's power from spiralling further.

In that moment, without thinking, Ash acted. He leaned forward and kissed Uta, interrupting the flow of her music. The crowd gasped in unison as the energy in the air seemed to shift. Uta's voice faltered, and the intense power of Tot Musica seemed to subside.

Uta's eyes shot open, confusion washing over her as she muttered, "Ash…" still dazed from the kiss. She looked at him, completely lost. The crowd stood frozen, mouths agape at the unexpected turn of events.

Lucy, standing a little to the side, felt a strange tightening in her chest at the sight. Her mind raced, but all she could feel was a prickling sense of jealousy, even though she didn't quite understand what it was. Why did it bother her so much? Was it because of the kiss?

Shanks and his crew, meanwhile, dropped their jaws in complete shock. They had seen many things, but this was a first. The moment they saw Ash and Uta's kiss, Shanks froze, his face turning red with fury. His jaw clenched, his veins popped in his neck, and a series of exaggerated shark teeth appeared.

"ASH! What the hell are you doing?!" Shanks bellowed, his voice a mix of disbelief and rage. His eyes narrowed, and his crew watched in stunned silence as Shanks stormed toward them. "In the middle of everything, you just—"

Before Shanks could finish, one of his crew members stepped in front of him, blocking his path with exaggerated panic. "Shanks, wait!" Benn said, shaking his head. "You saw that, right? He just saved her!"

"Yeah, calm down!" Yasopp laughed, holding Shanks back with surprising ease. "If Ash didn't do that, Uta might've gone and release Tot Musica on us! This is actually a good thing!"

Shanks turned toward them with a fierce glare, his teeth still bared like a furious shark, his fists clenched. "But... but he kissed my daughter!" He pointed at Ash, incredulous. "And in front of all these people?!"

The crew continued to try and calm Shanks down, trying to stifle their laughter. "It's fine, Shanks! It was the only way he could think to stop her!" Lucky Roo smirked, giving Ash a thumbs-up. "Nice save, kid!"

Ash, still holding Uta, didn't notice the chimes from Celeste in his mind. He was too focused on Uta, who now seemed to be slipping in and out of consciousness. As she muttered his name once more and collapsed into his arms, he barely noticed the escalating comedic situation around him.

Uta's eyes fluttered as she whispered, "Ash..." before she finally lost consciousness, her body relaxing completely.

Shanks let out an exasperated sigh, his anger deflating as he realized that the danger had passed. He scratched the back of his head, trying to compose himself, but his frustration was still evident. "I... I don't know how I feel about this," he muttered, though the fire in his eyes had dimmed.

The crew, still chuckling, began to joke with him. "You're just mad because he's good-looking than you were and saved Uta. Admit it, Shanks, you're a softie when it comes to your daughter."

"You better be careful," another crew member teased, "Or the kid might be your son-in-law before you know it!"

Shanks shot them a glare, but he couldn't help the small grin that crept onto his face. "Shut up, you idiots…" he mumbled, though it was clear his frustration had faded, replaced by a reluctant acceptance.

The party was over for now, the mood still strange but slowly returning to normal. The celebration had shifted unexpectedly, and while the crew had their fun teasing Shanks, everyone understood that Ash had acted out of necessity. As Uta slept in his arms, the party was filled with a newfound understanding—things had changed, but they had been resolved, thanks to Ash's unexpected actions.

As Ash stood there, still holding Uta, he felt Shanks approach with a mock stern expression on his face.

"Alright, kid," Shanks said, his voice tinged with playful irritation. He stepped forward and gently took Uta from Ash's arms. "I'll take her to bed." He gave Ash a mock angry look, as if he were about to scold him for something, but his eyes softened with understanding.

The crew in the background couldn't hold back their chuckles, their silent laughter filling the air as they exchanged knowing glances. They had seen enough to know the situation had been handled, but they couldn't help but appreciate how it all unfolded. Even Shanks couldn't suppress the small grin tugging at his lips as he carried Uta away.

Lucy, who had been watching the scene unfold, stepped forward with a curious expression. "What happened, Shanks?" she asked, her voice a little hesitant but full of concern.

Shanks paused and looked at her, his playful demeanor returning. "I'll explain tomorrow, Lucy," he said, his tone now more casual. "For now, everyone should go get some sleep. There's nothing more to worry about."

He turned and began walking toward the crew quarters, Uta still in his arms, with Ash following a few steps behind. Before Ash left, he turned to Lucy and gave her a small wave. "I'll meet you in the morning," he said, his voice soft as he made his way toward the ship.

Lucy watched them both leave, a faint frown on her face as she processed the strange and emotional events of the night. But, as Shanks had said, now wasn't the time for questions. With a sigh, she turned to head back to her own quarters, the sounds of the crew's quiet laughter still echoing in the background.

Ash finally made his way to his room on Shanks' ship, his mind still racing with everything that had happened. The air was thick with unspoken thoughts, and as he closed the door behind him, he sighed deeply, trying to push it all to the back of his mind for the night.

He quickly changed out of his clothes, opting for something more comfortable, before collapsing onto the bed. The cool sheets felt like a welcome relief against his tired body. The events of the evening played back in his mind, especially the kiss with Uta, and he couldn't quite shake the feeling that something monumental had just happened.

As his eyes began to close, ready to drift off into sleep, Celeste's voice suddenly chimed in his mind.

["Ash, don't forget about the rewards,"] she reminded him gently, her voice soft yet insistent.

He groaned slightly, still half-dazed from everything, but he couldn't ignore it. He had learned to check the notifications, especially when Celeste had something important to say. Still, with a tired sigh, he muttered to himself, "I'll check in the morning, Celeste."

But Celeste was persistent. ["It won't take long. You'll want to know what's changed. Trust me."]

Reluctantly, Ash nodded to himself and sat up in bed. With a small grunt, he reached for the notification panel, preparing himself for whatever news Celeste had in store.

As Ash opened the notifications one by one, his mind still a bit foggy from everything that had happened, he saw the first one with a slight pause. It read:

Uta's Relationship Meter - Maxed Out

Uta's relationship with you has reached 100%. This signifies a deep bond formed through shared experiences, trust, and emotional connection. Uta now sees you as someone irreplaceable in her life, her feelings for you growing stronger with each passing day.

Ash blinked, surprised. "Maxed out…?" he muttered under his breath. The notification gave him a sense of warmth and a sudden weight on his chest. He hadn't expected the bond with Uta to grow so quickly, especially after everything that had just happened. But the kiss had been real, and it seemed to have solidified something unspoken between them.

Next, he saw the second notification:

Lucy's Relationship Meter – 80 -> 85%

Lucy's relationship with you has progressed to 85%. The bond between you both has strengthened significantly. While still primarily a solid friendship, there are growing feelings beneath the surface that have yet to fully develop.

Ash looked at the second notification thoughtfully. "Lucy's at 85% now...?" he murmured. He could sense the shift in their dynamic, even if Lucy herself hadn't fully realized it yet. It made him wonder if she was starting to see him in a different light, though it was hard to tell exactly how much had changed.

After reading the notifications, Ash sighed, rubbing his forehead. He knew there was more to come, but the weight of the first two messages lingered in his thoughts. Celeste's voice echoed again in his mind.

["Ready for the next one?"]

Ash, still processing the notifications, asked aloud, "Yes, open the third one, Celeste. Let's see what's next."

The screen in front of him flickered for a moment, then the third notification appeared.

Ash stared at the screen; eyes wide with surprise. "What...?" he whispered, not expecting this at all.

As Ash stared at the notification, he was still processing the surprising reward that appeared before him. His mind quickly raced through the objectives listed on the screen.

Hidden Quest Completed: Protect the Windmill Village

Objective 1: Friendly relation with villagers of Windmill – ✅

Objective 2: Max out relation with Shanks and crew – ✅

Objective 3: Become friends with Monkey D. Lucy – ✅

Hidden Objective: Stop the crisis yourself without any casualties – ✅

The notification continued to glow as Ash read through the reward section:

Reward:

- Title: Fates Intervenor (Gives +3 luck on every level up permanently)

- +1 Level Up

- 1000 Store Coins

- 10 Lottery Tickets

Hidden Objective Reward: Elixir of Eternal Restoration 

Ash's eyes widened at the rewards. He had completed all the objectives without even realizing it. His surprise was evident as he scanned the screen again, still trying to wrap his head around it.

He could hardly believe the rewards he had just received, especially the mysterious Elixir of Eternal Restoration.

"Celeste," he called softly, "what's the deal with the Fates Intervenor title? And this Elixir of Eternal Restoration? What do they actually do?"

The familiar voice of Celeste chimed in his mind, soothing and calm as always. ["Hidden quests are special tasks designed to help you grow in ways that aren't always obvious,"] Celeste explained. ["They're not the kind of quests you actively seek out, but they often reveal themselves until you complete required objectives. Completing them can unlock powerful rewards—like for this quest you got the Fates Intervenor title and the Elixir of Eternal Restoration."]

Ash leaned back on his bed; his eyes still glued to the notification. "Can you open their descriptions for me? I want to know exactly what they do."

["Of course, Ash,"] Celeste replied, and the descriptions began to unfold in his mind's eye.

Ash gets surprised as Celeste revealed the Fate Intervenor title's effects.

Title: Fates Intervenor

Effects:

Luck +3 on Level-Up: Increases luck by +3 with every level-up, improving overall chances of favorable outcomes.

Subtle Guidance: Occasionally grants intuitive insight into the best course of action in critical situations.

Fate's Favor (Crew Buff): Provides a moderate luck and intuition boost to the crew for a limited time, enhancing their chances of success in tasks, combat, and decisions.

Ash let out a low whistle, impressed by the title. "Wow. That's... that's amazing," he murmured, still processing the newfound knowledge and checks the description of Elixir of Restoration.

Name: Elixir of Eternal Restoration

Grade: Legendary

Type: Consumable (1 – time use)

Description: A miraculous elixir that restores the body to perfect health, even on the brink of death. Prioritizes internal organ repair over external regeneration. Severed limbs and external parts regenerate gradually, requiring ample nutrients for full restoration.

Details:

Immediate Effects: Instantly repairs critical internal damage (e.g., heart, lungs, major organs).Restores the recipient to a stable and functional state.

Delayed Regeneration: Severed limbs and external injuries require time to regrow, with the duration depending on the extent of the damage.

Regeneration prioritizes vital systems first (nerves, bones, tissue).

Nutritional Requirement: To maximize the elixir's effects, the recipient must consume a balanced diet including vegetables, meats, seafood, and other essential nutrients.

Nutrients are crucial for cellular regrowth and maintaining the energy required for complete recovery.

Limitations:

Cannot restore someone who is already deceased unless vital organs remain salvageable.

Does not restore energy reserves; fatigue may persist if proper nutrition and rest are not provided.

Appearance:

A crystalline vial containing a shimmering golden liquid that radiates warmth and emits a faint glow.

Ash's eyes widened as he read the description, his mind racing. He carefully took the Elixir from his inventory, inspecting the vial in his hand. After a few moments, he set it back inside, deciding that he would give it to Shanks when the time was right.

["Congrats Ash for completing your first hidden quest"]. Celeste congratulates. Ash chuckles and tells her thanks and asks to open her tab. ["Of Course, Ash"] Celeste opens his tab showing his stats.

Name: Rafael D. Ash

Age: 9

Level: 11 -> 12

Experience: 3400/12,000

Title: Reincarnator ; Fate Intervenor

Stats

Strength: 48

Agility: 46

Endurance: 42

Intelligence: 36

Charisma: 36

Luck: 18 -> 21

Unallocated Points: 45 -> 50

Inventory: Basic First Aid Kit x 5 ; Sea King's Blood Tonic x 1 ; Ship Enhancement Core: Time Dilation Room x 1 ; Potable Cooking Set x 1 ; Herb Collection Kit x 1 ; Resonance Pendant x 1 ; Elixir of Restoration x 1

Store Coins: 10,180 -> 11,180 coins

Lottery Ticket: 10 -> 20

Currency: 13,010,530 Beli

Equipment: Solu Bind Bracelet

Abilities:

[Active Abilities]

- Basic Marksmanship (Rare; Intermediate) *

- Tactical Thinking (Rare; Intermediate) *

- Hand-to-Hand Combat Basics (Rare; Intermediate) *

- Seamanship Fundamentals (Common; Intermediate)

- Leadership (Rare; Novice)

- Strategic Intelligence (Rare; Novice)

- Stealth (Uncommon; Beginner)

- Fishing (Common; Intermediate)

- Cooking (Common; Intermediate)

- Basic Swordsmanship (Rare; Intermediate) *

- Fleet Coordination (Rare; Novice)

- Observe (Uncommon; Intermediate) *

- Herbalist (Common; Novice)

[Passive Abilities]

Calm Mind (Rare; Enhanced) * ; Perfect Recollection (Rare; Enhanced) * ; Voice Resonance (Rare; Unique; Enhanced) * ; Inspiration (Rare; Novice) ; Survival Skills (Common; Beginner) 

Ash nods as he sees the stats, closing his menu. He reflects on the events of the day and the meeting with Shanks and Lucy tomorrow, thanking Celeste before falling asleep.

To be continued...

Hey everyone! I'm always looking for ways to make this story even better, and I'd love to hear your ideas. What powers do you think should be available in Ash's store? Maybe you have some cool concepts for abilities, weapons, or items that could make the adventure even more exciting!

Feel free to drop your suggestions in the comments, and if there's anything specific, you'd love to see in future chapters, let me know! I might even integrate your ideas into the story.

Also, don't forget to give some Power Stones if you're enjoying the journey! Your support means the world. 😊