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The vessel glided across the water, the waves breaking around the hull in gentle rhythm. The hum of the machinery grew louder, and the Bead Rider accelerated, leaving a trail of frothy wake behind. Jack was in complete sync with the vessel, guiding it smoothly towards the archipelago.
The Sabaody Archipelago appeared slowly, growing from a distant shimmer to a sprawling cluster of giant mangroves. As they neared, the adults on board marveled at the sight. Each tree was an island in itself, colossal trunks shooting out of the water, a testament to nature's adaptability.
"It's amazing," Amelia gasped, her eyes filled with wonder. Her hand reached for Aria, fingers entwining with her daughter's as she shared this magical experience.
"Daddy, it's like a forest in the water!" Aria exclaimed, her voice filled with awe. The wide-eyed wonderment of a five-year-old witnessing the unlikeliest of landscapes.
Titi leaned against the railing, her vibrant blue hair dancing in the breeze. Her gaze was captivated by the archipelago, the adventurer in her itching to explore the oddity before her. "Who could have thought of something like this," she murmured.
On the other side, Olvia held Robin, the toddler's gaze darting between the adults and the sprawling forest-islands. "Trees!" Robin echoed, clapping her hands in excitement. The adults laughed, their joy mingling with the thrill of approaching the archipelago.
"Daddy, why are we going there?" Aria's question cut through the light chatter on the Bead Rider. She turned to face her father, her bright eyes mirroring the curiosity that fueled her thirst for knowledge.
Jack glanced down at his daughter, his eyes softening ever so slightly. "Because it's part of the journey," he began, his voice as steady as the vessel beneath them. "There are some things that I have to do there."
Aria, a miniaturized version of her father, didn't ask further. She trusted him, respected his decisions, and understood that there were matters she was too young to comprehend. But she felt the change in his demeanor, the weight of his words, and nodded.
"Okay, Daddy," she said simply, snuggling closer to her father as the Bead Rider continued its course.
As they approached, the archipelago revealed its full beauty, a forest flourishing amidst the ocean, a spectacle of nature's grand design. Each tree-island was teeming with life, every leaf, every bark telling a story of survival and adaptation.
The Bead Rider eased into the waterways, maneuvering expertly between the islands. The strange architecture and bizarre sights of the island seemed to spring right out of an otherworldly painting. It was a sight none of them had ever witnessed, a place unlike any other.
Liana, Luna, Isabella and Sophie were busy taking in the sights, their expressions a mix of awe and excitement. "This is surreal," Luna murmured, her voice barely audible over the hum of the Bead Rider.
For Ponis, the archipelago was a tangible manifestation of their dreams. Ponis' eyes widened as she took in the surroundings, the tales of the Upper Yard coming alive right before her. The look on her face spoke volumes about her fascination, mirroring the adventure-loving spirit of Titi.
Parking next to Grove 13, Jack assessed his surroundings with his steely gaze. The chaotic hustle of the island buzzed around them, an ever-changing tableau of colorful characters and clandestine dealings. He looked at his family, their expressions of curiosity and excitement a stark contrast to his own calculated calm.
"Into the Bead's space, everyone," he ordered, his voice void of any room for argument. The news was met with protest from Aria.
"Daddy, why?" she asked, her small brows knitting together in a look that mirrored her father's stern expression.
Jack simply shook his head and replied, "Not now, Princess." Without waiting for further objections, he began the process of transferring his family into the pocket space of the Bodily Refinement Bead.
"But Daddy, I want to see the-" Aria's protest was cut short as she disappeared into the isolated island within the bead, along with the others.
Amelia gave Jack a knowing look before she disappeared, understanding the necessity of his actions despite Aria's protests. Even though Jack was softer with his daughter, he knew when to draw the line, especially when it involved their safety.
With his family safely tucked away, Jack stored the Bead Rider too. His Observation Haki had long detected the nefarious intents around him. He had read in Crocus's Journal about some of the groves teeming with lawless people, who looked for opportunities to kidnap newcomers.
The bustling archipelago was a kaleidoscope of characters from every corner of the world, a blending of cultures and individuals. Jack knew he had to establish a sense of dominance before anything else. For the sake of his family's safety, he had to send out a clear message to the inhabitants of Sabaody: They were not to be trifled with.
Stepping off the Bead Rider, Jack's imposing figure stood out even among the vibrant chaos of Sabaody. His icy blue eyes surveyed his surroundings, his gaze as unyielding as the frozen tundra. The atmosphere around him seemed to turn a few degrees cooler as he moved, the crowd subconsciously giving him a wide berth.
An unspoken tension hung in the air as Jack walked through the grove. His gaze was cool and challenging, daring anyone to cross his path. He felt the gaze of onlookers, their curiosity piqued by his demeanor.
As he continued on his path, a group of rough-looking men appeared in front of him, their faces twisted into menacing grins. Jack didn't stop, his stride unwavering as he approached the group.
"You new here, mate?" the leader called out, crossing his arms over his broad chest.
"Move," Jack replied flatly, his voice void of any emotion.
Laughter erupted from the group at Jack's audacity. But their mirth was short-lived as Jack closed the distance, his gaze never leaving the leader's. In one swift motion, he landed a punch that sent the leader sprawling.
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