Jaya Island #180

Aboard the Golden Ape, a majestic scene unfolded as the ship sailed towards the distant silhouette of Jaya Island. The island's distinct features began to take shape against the horizon – the slanted roofs of its buildings, the lush greenery that adorned its landscape, and the melding of nature and architecture in a harmonious tapestry. It was a sight that invoked a sense of adventure and discovery, a feeling that resonated deeply within the heart of every pirate.

Cedric, with a genuine smile playing on his lips, stood at the helm of his newly christened ship. While he had absolute confidence in his crew's ability to navigate the seas, his eagerness couldn't be contained. The joy of finally having the ship he had always envisioned was a sensation beyond compare. The wind ruffled his hair as he took in the approaching island, a land of potential and promise.

Observing the captain's elation, Den approached Cedric, his own weathered features reflecting a mixture of pride and curiosity. He acknowledged the grin that adorned Cedric's face and asked a simple yet telling question, "How does she feel?"

Turning to Den with a light chuckle, Cedric responded, "Better than most marine ships I steered before, that's for sure...." His hand found its way to the helm, his fingers tracing the smooth contours of the wheel. His touch was reverent, a testament to the connection he already felt with his ship.

"Despite her size," he continued, his eyes glinting with admiration, "she steers smoothly. You and Iceburg definitely did an exceptional job in building this ship."

With a thoughtful sigh, Cedric's words hung in the air, laden with a sense of consideration. His gaze turned toward Den, a mix of understanding and apology in his eyes. "I know you probably want to get back home to continue your research," he began, his voice tinged with a sense of empathy. Regretfully, he shook his head slightly, his sincerity evident. "But we need to make a slight detour before going back to Fishman Island."

Den's response came with a nonchalant shrug, indicating his openness to the detour Cedric mentioned. "I'm definitely eager to go back," he admitted, his eyes flickering with a spark of curiosity, "but I'm not averse to seeing my creation in action either." His gaze shifted toward the approaching Jaya Island, the sight invoking a sense of anticipation.

However, Den's inquisitiveness couldn't be quelled entirely. His voice took on a thoughtful tone as he continued, "Still... you said we were going somewhere with enough money that your crew will never lack money ever again." Rubbing his chin in contemplation, he added with a hint of skepticism, "Jaya is a lawless pirate haven that isn't known for being particularly rich."

Cedric's lips curved into a knowing smile, as if he had been waiting for this question to surface. His amusement was apparent as he responded, "Since we're here, there's no point in hiding it any longer." Raising a finger to the sky, his gaze fixed on a point above Jaya Island, he revealed their true destination. "Jaya itself is not our final destination," he declared with a note of excitement. "It's the sky island that floats above it – Skypiea."

...

As the Punk Bones ship steadily sailed through the open waters toward Jaya Island's eastern port, Eustass Kid stood at the forefront, his gaze fixed upon the silhouette of the island that loomed ahead. The sun's golden rays painted the scene with an air of anticipation and intrigue. The wind played with his crimson coat, giving him an almost ethereal presence against the backdrop of the sea.

Turning to his fellow crewmate, Killer, Kid's lips curved into a confident grin. "So that's Jaya?" he mused aloud, his tone a mixture of interest and contemplation. He took a moment to truly take in the sight before him, as if mentally comparing what lay before his eyes to the stories he had heard.

Killer's response was marked by a nod of affirmation, his expression hidden behind his distinctive metal mask. "Supposedly it's a lawless island, just like home," he replied in a matter-of-fact manner, his voice tinged with an undertone of familiarity. Jaya Island seemed to resonate with their upbringing and lifestyle, mirroring the lawlessness that had shaped their way of life.

Kid's arms crossed casually over his chest as he absorbed Killer's words. "Home, huh?" he mused aloud, his gaze distant for a moment as if recalling memories of their origin. His grin reappeared, accompanied by a sense of excitement that sparkled in his eyes. "I can't wait to see it then," he declared, his anticipation palpable.

The mirth in his expression deepened, and he added with a hint of mischief, "Moreover, it will probably have a lot of pirate crews... and we happen to need some money to execute my plans..." Kid's aspirations were evident in his voice. Jaya Island wasn't just a destination for him; it held the potential to further his ambitions, a place where opportunities awaited to be seized.

...

The Golden Ape gently glided into Jaya Island's western port, its sails billowing as they slowly lost momentum. The creak of wood and the sound of water gently lapping against the hull accompanied the ship's docking, an orchestrated symphony of maritime activity. Cedric, standing on the quarter deck, took in the scene with a sense of accomplishment, his eyes flickering with satisfaction as his crew efficiently lowered the anchor and made preparations to disembark.

Leaning against the railing, Cedric watched his crewmates move with a practiced grace, their actions a testament to the camaraderie they had developed. With a firm tone, he addressed them, "I've already been here, and I've seen everything there is to see here, so I'll stay back and watch over the ship." His words held a subtle directive, allowing his crew to explore the island without worry.

He waved a dismissive hand, a gesture of encouragement, and added, "You guys can go ahead and take the day off to explore the island."

Duval, in his usual exuberant manner, couldn't contain his enthusiasm. He clenched his fist and thrust it into the air, exclaiming, "Thank you, captain! I'll be sure to display my handsome face to the unwashed masses on this island!" His fervor was met with some amused glances from the crew, who had grown accustomed to his theatrical declarations.

Kieran couldn't help but shake his head at Duval, still finding his narcissistic episodes off-putting. His exasperation was evident in his expression as he made his way off the ship, not bothering to voice his thoughts aloud.

Meanwhile, Baby Five's curiosity remained unabated. She addressed Cedric with a mix of eagerness and innocence, "Is this the place you talked about?"

Cedric's head shook gently in response, a small smile playing on his lips. "Not quite, but it's close by," he answered cryptically. A glint of mischief danced in his eyes as he added, "Just wait, and you'll see soon enough."

Baby Five's pout was endearing, her curiosity not yet satisfied. With a hopeful gaze, she turned to Den, who had been observing the interactions. In her typically straightforward manner, she asked, "You want to come with me, Den? We can explore the island togather!"

Already donning a cloak that cleverly concealed his fish tail and the bubble ring around his waist, Den nodded in agreement with Baby Five's proposal. His attire was a masterful blend of practicality and concealment, allowing him to navigate the island without revealing his aquatic origins. With a casual smile, he responded, "I don't see why not." His eyes gleamed with a subtle sense of adventure, reflecting the hidden excitement he felt at the prospect of exploration.

Shifting his attention to the sprawling expanse of lush greenery that stretched before them, Den's grin widened. The sight of Jaya's untamed forests held an allure that beckoned to his natural curiosity. "I might as well study the forests here while I'm here," he mused aloud, his voice carrying a note of academic enthusiasm.

He was a specialist on sea forests, but studying a regular tropical forest didn't seem like a bad idea as he had nothing better to do at this particular moment.

...

Want more chapters? Then consider subscribing to my patr ēon. You can read ahead for as little as $1 and it helps me a lot!

-> (patr ēon..com / wicked132)

You can also always come and say hi on my discord server

-> (disc ord..gg / sEtqmRs5y7)- or hit me up at - Wicked132#5511 - and I'll add you myself)