Chapter 25 - Sunrise on the Open Waters

Coby's first journey as a sailor began with a mix of excitement and anxiety. He stood on the ship's deck, feeling the sea breeze sweep across his face as he gazed out at the vast ocean. The rising sun adorned the sky with captivating colors, creating an unforgettable sight.

Coby felt a sense of tension but also enthusiasm. He realized that this was the moment he had been waiting for, his first experience sailing on the open sea. He looked around the ship, observing the ripples of water following its path. There was a deep silence around him, only accompanied by the sound of crashing waves during his journey.

As time passed, Coby grew accustomed to the routines and tasks of a sailor. He had previously learned to sail over the past few years in the village of Shimotsuki. He carefully observed the navigation compass and followed the needle's direction. Coby had also learned to read nautical charts, understand currents and waves, and predict potential weather changes along the journey.

Coby's birth island was about a nine-day journey from Shimotsuki Island. He was aware that the journey would be long and might become boring without any engaging activities. However, he didn't want to waste precious time on the ship. So, Coby decided to fill his spare time by practicing his swordsmanship.

Yes, practicing with a sword was indeed a quick way to pass the time. After training for several hours, Coby prepared to rest by lying down on a comfortable chair on the ship's deck.

However, after several days of consistently doing the same activities and having no one to converse with on the ship, Coby grumbled, "Damn, I didn't expect this journey to be so boring." He lazily lay back in his seat.

Coby began to think about Mihawk, how he could sail alone in this vast ocean. As far as he remembered, Mihawk only had a small ship, albeit luxurious, without any entertainment facilities. Coby was curious about the life of the world's strongest swordsman like Mihawk, spending his time at sea.

Oh well, it's better to just sleep.

The boring days finally came to an end when Coby spotted an island that looked remarkably similar to the one he remembered. The island had a size not much different from Shimotsuki Island.

Seeing the island again brought Coby back to his childhood memories before he was kidnapped by the Black Skull pirates four years ago.

He remembered his small house located by the seaside, surrounded by sturdy trees and vast green fields.

Coby recalled the joyful moments spent with his family on that island. They were simple fishermen, but their lives were filled with love and affection. Every morning, Coby would watch his father set out to catch fish in the sea while his mother busied herself tending to the garden and preparing delicious meals.

He also remembered the young children he often saw from behind the window of his house, playing on the beach. They would build sandcastles, play tag, and laugh gleefully. Although his time on the island was brief, it was a place where beautiful memories were created, where happiness and freedom intertwined.

However, everything changed when the Black Skull pirates arrived. They mercilessly attacked the island, kidnapping the villagers and plundering their precious belongings. Coby, still a young child at that time, was powerless against the pirates.

Coby remembered how he was separated from his parents and forced to live as a hostage on the pirate ship. He was locked in a cell, enduring a life of hunger and torment. But in the darkness and sorrow, the flame of desire for freedom remained alive in his heart.

As Coby neared the island, he sensed that something was amiss. The island appeared to be covered in thick black

smoke, causing him to worry that it might be under attack by pirates once again. In his anxiety, Coby hastened his boat to land on the island.

Finally, upon reaching the island, Coby sadly witnessed burnt houses and ruins scattered around. The scene depicted the destruction and chaos that had befallen the village. He felt a sense of dread and speculated that a pirate attack had occurred.

Shortly after wandering around and searching for someone in the village, Coby encountered a frightened and panicked resident. Coby approached him and asked what had happened, "Did pirates attack the island?"

With a trembling voice, the villager informed Coby that it wasn't pirates who had attacked the island, but a group of wicked bandits.

These bandits had repeatedly come to the village to extort money under the guise of protection fees. As the villagers couldn't fight back and pay, the bandits grew angry and seized whatever valuables remained, setting fire to homes. They had caused terror and fear among the villagers on multiple occasions.