the destiny of people.

-Well, Lia, it's time for us to embark on our adventure, - Axel said. Kuro stood by his side, meticulously analyzing everything that led to such an excessive agreement, with a furrowed brow. He had learned to review accounts in less than two days.

-Yeah, I'm new to sailing. Please take care of me, - Tashigi said.

In the distance, Merry could be seen rushing with sweat on his face. He arrived with bad news, holding a Morgan's newspaper. He raised the yellow sign and showed it to everyone.

The face of Deuce, his navy blue hair, black mask, and black jacket without a shirt.

14 million berries, dead or alive.

It mentioned.

For the crimes of destroying a marine ship, organized theft, rebellion, and murder. Be careful; he is an extremely vicious criminal with no consideration for civilians, a vicious man with devil fruit powers of the fire type.

-We have problems, Captain, - Kuro said. Knowing that the Marines could uncover the whole ruse, the townsfolk act on cue.

The Marines might spot that our operating base is the Syrup Village now that Deuce is gone. Axel's alertness was present; he had to be careful. Sooner or later, Kuro's cunning would surface, and the crew could no longer hide. The spotlight would be on everyone, two pirates with a bounty of over 10 million berries. The East Blue is too small for a crew with such crew members.

Tequila Wolf is still there, and it doesn't look like the Blue Pirates can do much with these new complications, Axel thought.

Everything I do from now on is suspicious. What to do, Axel pondered.

-Lia, knowing about this bounty, are you still willing to follow me? - Axel asked.

-I am. You convinced me wholeheartedly. Because I believe what you said when you invited me. We're seeking adventures, -- Tashigi said. -- I'll leave the moment I find you causing havoc and breaking the promises you made to live a life of adventure. But I'll follow you until the end and won't abandon you if you keep your word, - she added.

Axel smiled. - You're amazing, Tashigi. I know Deuce isn't the type to attack without reason, and he certainly wouldn't harm a civilian; he's a doctor. He may seem rough, but he's anything but that. When you get to know him, you'll make your judgment, - he replied.

-I'll believe in you, - Lia said, smiling.

-Let's go; we don't have time, - Axel said, and they set sail without delay in a small boat, larger than the initial small boat.

They reached their destination by midday. Lia, feeling Axel's unease, could only silently support him.

The Baratie was in its splendor. Fortunately, they found the ship docked on one side. Not far away, there was burnt wood. It was irreplaceable, and some scratches could be seen on the figurehead and bow of the Baratie. The blue waters surrounded the aquatic cliff, and unease again loomed over Axel's heart. Would anything else happen in the vicinity of this world? Why did you leave, Deuce?

In that twilight of doubts, they docked at the conveniently suspended port. The small boat circled the fish-shaped ship, parking in front of its small port entrance.

The disembarkation was subtle. Kuro boarded the caravel, and Tashigi followed behind him with a doubtful expression. The atmosphere was heavy, and Axel's smile had faded since halfway through the journey.

-Everything is fine, Axel. If it's as you say, everything will be okay. They are your friends, your nakama, and nothing distressing will come out of this. I'll be supporting you, - Tashigi said.

-Lia, thank you, - Axel said.

The proximity of support is always gratifying. The doors opened, revealing numerous customers, perhaps from the commercial ship with pretty red flags bearing the merchant guild's seal. With a fluorescent gaze, Axel scanned all entrances, finding nothing suspicious or out of the ordinary.

He entered without losing hope. He searched all the sharp edges.

-Axel, I'm glad you made it. I'll bring Agatha, - said one of the receptionists, who already knew Axel.

Up the spiral staircase, Agatha descended with Zeff. A white apron, accompanied by a new coat with red feathers, gave her a charming look. She had undoubtedly enjoyed herself in the two weeks she had been away, causing some sensations in the environment.

-Axel, you look good, -- Agatha said. -- Apparently, you've brought a new companion, a woman! I like that. The crew needed some feminine charm for some time. What's your name? -- Agatha asked.

-T-T-Tashigi, - she said nervously. She wasn't used to so many unfamiliar people looking at her, especially in an environment far removed from sword fighting.

Both Zeff and Agatha sat down. Through the entrance door, Ussop ran out with snot and tears in his eyes.

--Axel, everything has been terrible. Deuce left; now he's a wanted man. He mentioned leaving the crew and that someday he'd help us. It's terrible, Axel; I tried to stop him, but he was very angry. I disappointed you. Deuce wanted to be with us, but I wasn't capable enough to lead as you instructed me. I'm sorry, -- he said, crying again, with shame all over his body, anguish, and pain. He was on the floor, and tears were streaming all over the floor.

Agatha's gaze turned dark for a second. -- Don't blame yourself; he's a coward. He couldn't even apologize. Let him go to hell, Axel; we don't need him, -- Agatha said, her anger not disguised. The dark words of a woman in rage are cutting and unforgivable.

-Where did he go? - Axel asked.

-In my estimation, he was heading to the nearest island, he set off to the southeast, - Zeff said.

-The closest thing to that is the Animal Islands, Coconami Islands, and beyond that is the Kingdom of Trees, - Axel said.

-What will you do, boy? The sea is vast, and the places you'll have to sail to are not small. Are you chasing a criminal now, Axel? Is it a problem you'll carry, young Axel? - Zeff asked.

-We'll depart for our companion. I hope Agatha has had enough training to do justice to your ship, - Axel said.

-Boy, she has been trained in numerous activities. She'll have to polish her basic cooking skills, but she has learned a lot. It just needs the skills to develop through continuous work. Those encyclopedias you got are extensive and good; I don't know where you got them, but in all my travels, I haven't seen such, - Old Zeff said.

-That's good; I hope you've copied them because we won't be going shortly, - Axel said.

-Well, we're still copying the guides; we realized too late about the quality of the book. This little one didn't make it known and treated it like a regular book. She simply gave it to me without any care due; she just gave it to me, - Zeff said.

-With that again, I didn't know it was so important. Axel gave them to me, and at no point did he give me clear instructions on the importance of the books. He gave them to me without any care, simply gave them to me, - Agatha said.

-I understand the inconsistencies, but this woman doesn't know the treasure she was keeping. My recipes have improved, and I even saw some ingredients that I initially didn't understand could be used in such distinctive ways, - Zeff said.

-Very well, keep them. While we rescue Deuce, we'll be back. I hope that by then, you already have the copies, and I advance that there are another five volumes. I want you to know that upon my return, you understand the importance of these books and the deals we will subsequently forge, Old Zeff, - Axel said.

He stroked his mustache and knew about the problems of the five guides he wanted in his hands. He knew he lost in the negotiation; he was a cook, not a politician. - I'll be waiting for you then, boy, - Zeff said.

-We say goodbye then, old man, - Axel said.

-Pay attention, now things will be more complicated for your group, - Zeff said, accompanying them to the exit.

-Take care, Sunny Agatha, - Sanji said, dancing around Agatha.

-Thank you, my sweet cook, - she said to Sanji, who melted after Agatha's cheek touch.

-Our next challenge is to rescue Deuce. We have many places to search. There are too many places to keep an eye on. Where will Deuce be? He wouldn't leave without a big plan and would try to find a secluded place. With the growing problems and discord between the Marines, he wouldn't go to the Animal Kingdom unless he got lost. He's one day ahead of us. He went southeast for departure. Although Smoker might come after him, it won't be easy for him. However, Smoker's physical abilities are not to be taken lightly, - Axel thought.

The ship was ready, and Kuro organized the journey. He assumed Deuce would flee, and they would find him somewhere near the islands surrounding Baratie. In this anticipation, he began to trace a possible route to Deuce's potential destination.

-Axel, please answer me. You haven't given me a response since I arrived. It's my duty as the second in command to have everything in order, but it's not for you to act so cold with me, - Ussop said.

-Ussop, I'm thinking, - Axel said.

-But... -

-I'm not angry or anything like that. I hope you understand that the most important thing is to find Deuce, - Axel said.

-BUT... - he fell silent, leaving the kitchen or operation room.

They set sail from Baratie with the wind in their favor. Their ship was undoubtedly faster than those old vessels they had been using in the past few days. The aerodynamic fabric sail was the best Axel could find. The oars were marginalized, providing greater speed. However, it was painful that the only person who could row with me had left the ship.

...

Axel

Level 3

Experience Points: 280/400

Physical: 985

Mental: 847

Luck: 20

Advanced Archaeologist

Intermediate Low Navigation

Intermediate Swordsman: 21%

Water Breathing

Forms: 1. Water Surface Cut 2. Water Wheel 3. Dance of the Currents

Marine Style: Soru

Poison Resistance

20 treasure pieces

A 40-point strength card + 100-point resistance card.

-Add 40 points to physical.-

...

Axel

Level 3

Experience Points: 280/400

Physical: 1025

Mental: 845

Luck: 20

...

-I thought there would be some change, and my last hope was cut by the stupidity of dreaming about imaginary crosses, - Axel thought.

He prepared the oars and got to work. If he pushed at this strength for an hour, they would save five hours of work as much as possible. Ussop handled the helm from time to time. Captain Kuro drank wine and occasionally burst out with an insult to the air, causing screams. Meanwhile, Lia practiced her swordplay, and Agatah cooked or sunbathed.

....

--

....

When I wrote this story I always wanted to interact with many characters, but it's challenging, and among other things, all the One Piece characters are great.

patreon.com/vin_modeus12