chapter 9: Return to Shells Town

The mountain was silent, bearing the marks of two years of relentless training. The once-dense forest now had clearings where Xander had trained, and the terrain told the story of countless battles fought against both nature and himself.

Xander stood at the edge of the forest, his transformation complete. His long black hair was tied into a sleek ponytail, and his striking crimson eyes gleamed with confidence. His tall, muscular frame—standing at 200 cm—radiated power, and his well-defined features carried an aura of both danger and charm.

Looking at his hands, Xander clenched them into fists, feeling the strength that now coursed through his body. "Two years of blood, sweat, and exhaustion," he muttered, his deep voice carrying the weight of the journey. "Now it's time to test just how far I've come."

The system chimed softly in his mind.

[System Notification]

Strength: 243 (max 700)

Agility: 215 (max 700)

Charm: 88 (max 100)

Observation Haki: Level 51(max 100)

Armament Haki: Level : 55 (max 100)

Mission Complete: Two Years of Training

Rewards Earned:

Conqueror's Haki Seed

Basic Swordsmanship Skill (Beginner mastery unlocked).

Xander smirked, feeling the faint stirrings of Conqueror's Haki within him. It was still dormant, but he could sense its potential. His Observation Haki was sharper, now capable of sensing life forms within a 100-meter radius. His Armament Haki was strong enough to harden his skin like steel, though he knew it was far from invincible.

"Not bad," he said, brushing a stray lock of hair behind his ear. "But there's no point in power if I don't use it."

---

The small ship Xander had kept his inventory was now near the coast , the sails and hull were weathered from time. After ensuring everything was in order, he set sail, his mind focused on one destination: Shells Town.

"It's been two years," he said, gripping the ship's helm. "I wonder if Mari still remembers me... or if she's even still there."

He couldn't help but recall the last time he'd seen her. Her kind smile and quiet strength had stayed with him throughout his training. Xander had promised to return for her, to make her part of his crew. That promise, more than anything, had kept him grounded during the hardest days.

---

The voyage back to Shells Town was uneventful, and by late afternoon, the small harbor came into view. Stepping onto the pier, Xander couldn't help but notice how different the town seemed. With Captain Morgan gone, the air felt lighter, and the townsfolk moved freely, no longer weighed down by fear.

A group of children played near the docks, their laughter filling the air. One of them stopped, staring wide-eyed at Xander's towering figure.

"Whoa! Are you a pirate?" the boy asked, his voice filled with awe.

Xander smirked. "What makes you think that?"

"You're too cool to be a normal person!" the boy exclaimed, his friends nodding eagerly in agreement.

Xander chuckled, patting the boy's head. "Keep dreaming, kid. Maybe one day you'll sail the seas too."

Leaving the dock behind, Xander made his way to the tavern, where he hoped to find Mari.

---

The tavern was just as he remembered it—cozy and warm, with the scent of freshly cooked food wafting through the air. Stepping inside, Xander immediately caught sight of Mari behind the bar. She looked older but no less beautiful, her kind smile lighting up the room as she served the patrons.

For a moment, Xander simply watched her, a strange warmth spreading through his chest. Then, as if sensing his gaze, Mari looked up—and froze.

Her eyes widened, and the mug in her hand slipped, clattering onto the counter. "Xander?" she whispered, disbelief coloring her voice.

Xander strode to the bar, his crimson eyes locked onto hers. "It's been a while," he said, his deep voice cutting through the background noise.

Mari stared at him, her expression a mix of shock and joy. "You... you're back."

"I told you I'd return," Xander said, leaning casually against the bar. "Did you think I'd forget such beuty like you ?"

Mari blinked, her cheeks flushing as she took in his transformed appearance. "You've changed so much," she murmured. "I almost didn't recognize you."

He smirked. "Two years in the wild will do that to a man. But enough about me—how have you been?"

Mari's expression softened, and she gave him a small smile. "It's been quiet since... well, since Captain Morgan was dealt with. The town's been rebuilding, and people are finally starting to feel safe again."

"That's good to hear," Xander said, his tone genuinely warm. "And you? Still running this place on your own?"

Mari hesitated, then nodded. "I manage. But it hasn't been easy."

Xander's smirk faded, replaced by a more serious expression. "Then it's time you stopped managing on your own. I'm here to keep my promise, Mari. Join my crew."

Her eyes widened. "You're serious?"

"Completely," Xander said, his crimson gaze unwavering. "I need someone I can trust by my side. Someone who can keep me sane with good food and good company."

Mari looked down, her hands trembling slightly as she gripped the bar. "Xander... I don't know if I can leave this place. It's my home."

He reached out, gently taking her hand in his. "Then I'll make you a new home. One that's bigger than this little tavern. One where you'll be free to see the world."

Mari's breath hitched, and for a moment, the bustling tavern around them seemed to fade away. Slowly, she nodded, a small but determined smile breaking through her hesitation. "Alright. I'll do it."

Xander's lips curved into a grin, his heart pounding with a rare sense of victory. "You won't regret it."

---

As night fell, Xander sat alone in the corner of the tavern, sipping a glass of rum. Mari had gone to pack her things, leaving him to his thoughts. His next destination loomed in his mind: Cocoyasi Village.

The system chimed softly.

[New Mission Alert]

Objective: Gain the trust of nojiko or nami.

[ Reward: 500 HP and Logia Devil Fruit ]

Xander smirked, his crimson eyes gleaming with determination. "Looks like it's time to meet Nami and nojiko"