Crossing to the East Blue
The journey from G-1 to the East Blue was no ordinary voyage. It required navigating over the towering Red Line and crossing the treacherous Calm Belt. Tenzin stood at the bow of the ship, gazing at the endless horizon, his kasaya fluttering in the wind. The morning sun painted the sea with hues of gold, a serene prelude to the challenges ahead.
Garp leaned casually against the ship's railing, arms crossed over his chest. "Enjoyin' the view, kid?"
Tenzin turned to his mentor with a faint smile. "It's peaceful, Sensei. A fleeting moment of tranquility before the journey resumes."
Garp chuckled, his laughter rumbling like distant thunder. "Don't get too used to it. The Calm Belt ain't got any peace to offer—not with those Sea Kings lurkin' around."
Bogard, ever the silent observer, stood nearby, inspecting his sword. Despite his composed demeanor, the Vice Admiral's trusted aide kept a vigilant eye on their surroundings.
The ship sailed steadily until the colossal Red Line loomed into view. Its sheer cliffs stretched so high that they seemed to scrape the sky. Tenzin tilted his head back, his eyes following the crimson rock until it disappeared into the clouds. Despite his years with Garp, the sight of the Red Line always struck him with awe.
The Red Port, a marvel of engineering, came into view as the ship approached the base of the Red Line. Massive lifts, large enough to carry entire ships, were built into the cliffside. These lifts operated day and night, ferrying vessels over the towering landmass that divided the seas.
The crew docked at the port, where a group of workers prepared their ship for the ascent. The lift groaned and creaked as it began its climb, the ship suspended in a massive steel cradle. Tenzin remained at the bow, watching as the ocean fell away beneath them and the cliffs of the Red Line surrounded them on all sides.
"Still amazes you, doesn't it?" Garp said, stepping beside him.
Tenzin nodded. "The world's enormity humbles me, Sensei. It's a reminder of how much there is yet to see and understand."
Garp clapped him on the back, his laughter echoing over the noise of the lift. "You've got the right attitude, kid. But don't forget, the bigger the world, the bigger the trouble. And we're headin' right into some of it."
Once the lift reached the summit, the crew prepared for the descent on the opposite side. The ship was carefully lowered back to sea level, and soon they were on their way again, heading into the Calm Belt—a stretch of ocean notorious for its still waters and the massive Sea Kings that lurked beneath.
The Calm Belt lived up to its name. The sails hung limp, and the sea was eerily still. The ship moved forward only thanks to the special propellers designed for these waters. However, the mechanical noise often attracted the attention of Sea Kings.
The crew remained on high alert, weapons ready in case of an attack. Though their ship was well-armed, the Calm Belt was no place for complacency.
The Calm Belt was deceptively still, the glassy surface of the water unbroken by even the slightest ripple. The oppressive quiet was unsettling, a stark contrast to the unpredictable chaos of the Grand Line. Tenzin stood near the bow of the ship, his hands clasped in prayer, gazing at the endless horizon.
The crew moved cautiously, their eyes scanning both the horizon and the depths below. Everyone knew that while the Calm Belt lacked wind and currents, it made up for it with one lurking menace—Sea Kings.
It happened suddenly. The water ahead churned violently, sending shockwaves across the ship. A colossal Sea King surged from the depths, its serpentine body towering high into the air, scales shimmering like polished steel. Its head alone was larger than the ship, with jaws wide enough to swallow it whole. The roar that followed was deafening, a guttural bellow that rattled the bones of every crew member.
"Ha! About time we ran into something fun!" Garp exclaimed, grinning ear to ear. His voice cut through the chaos with ease. "Tenzin! This one's yours!"
The crew collectively turned toward the boy at the bow, their faces a mixture of awe and curiosity. Tenzin had been under Garp's wing for five years, but only a handful of them had witnessed his true strength.
Tenzin stepped forward, his movements deliberate and calm. His kasaya fluttered slightly in the sea breeze, the fabric contrasting sharply with his lean but powerfully built frame. Standing nearly six feet tall, his serene demeanor was at odds with the titanic threat looming over them.
The Sea King roared again, lowering its head as if to test the tiny figure standing at the edge of the ship.
Tenzin brought his palms together in a gesture of prayer. His voice rose, steady and resonant, carrying over the sound of the waves and the Sea King's growls.
"Great creature of the sea," he intoned, his tone reverent yet firm, "your existence is both a wonder and a terror. May you find peace in the cycle of samsara. May your path lead you to a life free of suffering."
The crew watched, transfixed. Even the Sea King hesitated, its massive yellow eyes narrowing as if trying to comprehend the boy's words.
Tenzin's chanting grew softer, a final blessing murmured as he opened his eyes. They glimmered with an intensity that sent a chill through even the most battle-hardened Marines. His aura surged—calm yet unyielding, like a tidal wave poised to strike.
He stepped off the bow of the ship, his sandal touching the air as though it were solid ground. Striding forward with an almost ethereal grace, he moved closer to the Sea King, whose head towered above him.
The Sea King, sensing danger, lunged with lightning speed, its jaws snapping toward Tenzin. But before it could reach him, Tenzin's body moved in a blur.
With a single, fluid motion, he thrust his palm forward. The strike connected with the center of the creature's forehead, sending a shockwave rippling outward. The impact was silent at first, as if the very air had been stolen, but then a deafening crack split the stillness. The Sea King's massive body recoiled, its roars turning into a mournful cry.
The force of the blow sent ripples through the Calm Belt, the once-still waters now churning violently. The Sea King collapsed into the ocean, its colossal form slowly sinking beneath the waves.
Tenzin hovered above the water for a moment, his aura gradually fading as he lowered his hands and returned to the ship. His expression remained serene, though his breathing was slightly heavier.
"That…" one of the crew members stammered, eyes wide, "that was incredible!"
"Monster," Garp muttered, though his tone carried a hint of pride. "Absolute monster. You're shaping up better than I expected, kid."
Even Bogard, typically stoic, allowed himself a faint nod of approval.
Tenzin stepped back onto the deck, bowing slightly to Garp. "The creature deserved respect, Sensei. Its power was undeniable."
Garp snorted. "Respect or not, it was gonna eat us. Good work, though."
The crew erupted into cheers, their earlier apprehension forgotten. The tension that had gripped the ship dissipated, replaced by a sense of relief and admiration.
The rest of their journey through the Calm Belt was uneventful. Tenzin spent much of the time meditating, while the crew moved with renewed confidence under Garp's leadership.
After several more days of travel, the ship finally reached the East Blue. The air grew warmer, and the sea seemed gentler, its waves lapping softly against the hull.
Their destination came into view—a quaint village nestled against the coastline, its buildings small but welcoming.
"Foosha Village," Garp said, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "Home sweet home… or at least close enough."