Chapter 8 - The Beginning of a Journey

After gazing at the sky for a moment, I finally saw the roots of all my early miseries in this world. Regret washed over me as I realized how wrong I had been to harbor hatred and resentment all this time.

"I'm sorry," I whispered with a choked voice. "Forgive me for hating you without understanding your hardships. You may have been a wicked pirate, but here, as you lie before me, I can see you as a broken human."

My heart and mind were filled with a mix of emotions. I promised myself that I would never forget this feeling. I would prove to myself and the world that hatred would not rule my heart. I would use this experience as a driving force to create change, not just for myself, but also for the world around me.

With heavy steps, I approached Captain Black Skull, who lay weakly. I wanted to say something, to offer him a little comfort in his final moments. "Captain Black Skull," I called out with a strength in my voice that came from an unknown source.

His eyes opened slightly, and I could see surprise on his face as he heard my voice. "You... who are you?" he murmured hoarsely.

"I am Coby, one of the prisoners you captured from an island in the East Blue," I answered sincerely. "I know we have a history filled with hatred, but right now, I just want to say that I see you as a human who once had dreams, struggles, and a strong desire. I feel sadness seeing you in this state, and I want to thank you."

Captain Black Skull stared at me with a mixture of looks, reflecting the tumultuous feelings within his heart. "You... thank me?" he mumbled, confused.

"I am grateful because your existence has taught me a valuable lesson," I continued, my voice trembling. "Hatred will not take me anywhere. I hope that in your final moments, you can also feel the compassion and hope from someone who was once your enemy."

No more words needed to be said. We simply gazed at each other, with all the weight of emotions discernible in our eyes. I felt tenderness in my heart, and little by little, the hatred began to melt away.

As Captain Black Skull took his final breath, I felt a mix of grief and peace in my heart. I knew my journey in life was not over. I would carry this experience with me, using it to grow and make this world a better place.

My adventure was not finished. In my memory, I bid farewell to Captain Black Skull, who had departed from this world. I looked up at the boundless sky, and in my heart, I vowed to fill this world with love and understanding, not with hatred and animosity.

My story was not over. I was Coby, and with every step I took, I would prove that goodness and empathy are the true forces capable of changing the world.