Jack pressed a gentle kiss to Celeste's forehead, his touch tender and caring. She lay on the bed, completely spent from their passionate encounters throughout the night. Her chest rose and fell in a slow, steady rhythm, her peaceful slumber a testament to Jack's prowess.
With a satisfied grin, Jack donned his clothes and quietly slipped out of Celeste's house, leaving her to her well-earned rest. As he stepped into the early morning sunlight, he couldn't help but feel invigorated, the thrill of their time together still lingering in his veins.
As Jack strolled through the village, he overheard a group of sailors gathered around a local tavern, their hushed voices filled with excitement and fear. Intrigued, Jack sidled up to the group, his ears perked and ready to pick up any interesting information.
"...I'm telling you, it's true!" one Marine insisted, his voice shaking with fear. "Captain Blackfang has a bounty of 13 million Berries on his head. They say he's got a devilish talent that lets him transform into a monstrous creature!"
Another sailor shook his head in disbelief, downing his ale. "You're just repeating hearsay. There's no way a pirate like that exists in the West Blue."
The first sailor slammed his mug on the table, determination etched on his face. "Believe what you want, but I've heard it from reliable sources! He's known as the 'Night Terror' because of his fearsome transformations. Some say he's eaten a rare Devil Fruit that allows him to change into a terrifying beast with sharp fangs and impenetrable scales!"
'Devil Fruit? Aren't they just rumors?'
Jack's eyes widened at the mention of the pirate, and he knew he had found his next challenge. The power of the Bodily Refinement Bead had given him incredible strength, speed, and endurance, and he was eager to test his abilities against this notorious Captain Blackfang. With a determined glint in his eye, Jack approached the sailors, his voice steady and confident.
"Gentlemen, I couldn't help but overhear your conversation," he said, resting his hand on the back of a nearby chair. "I'm interested in this Captain Blackfang you're talking about. Do you have any idea where I might find him?"
The sailors exchanged uneasy glances, clearly unnerved by Jack's interest in the fearsome pirate. Finally, the first sailor spoke up, his voice wavering slightly. "Well, it's just a rumor, but some say he's been spotted near Glory Island, a small, isolated island just a day's sail from here."
Jack nodded, his mind racing with thoughts of the upcoming challenge. "Glory Island, you say? Thank you, gentlemen. I'll be sure to check it out."
With that, Jack took his leave, his heart pounding with anticipation as he made his way towards the docks. He knew the risks involved in facing such a formidable opponent, but he couldn't resist the opportunity to prove himself and push his abilities to the limit.
Jack walked to the seashore, the salty breeze tousling his hair as he scanned his surroundings. Once he was certain that no one was watching, he retrieved the boat from the Bead's Pocket Space with a discreet motion of his hand. In an instant, the vessel materialized before him, its sleek frame casting a long shadow across the sand.
The Bead Rider was a small, elegant boat made entirely of hardened wood, its design reminiscent of the neat small vessel. With a length of about 8 feet and a width of about 3 feet, the boat was designed for agility and speed rather than comfort. A shallow draft enabled it to navigate shallow waters and narrow channels with ease, making it perfect for Jack's daring escapades.
As Jack stepped onto the deck of the Bead Rider, he couldn't help but admire the soft glow of energy emanating from beneath the boat. The energy, powered by the Bodily Refinement Bead, surged through Jack's body and into a series of small turbines mounted on the underside of the boat. As they spun rapidly, they generated a powerful current that propelled the vessel forward.
The absence of sails or oars made steering the Bead Rider a unique challenge, but Jack had quickly adapted to the unconventional method. By shifting his weight and using his impressive physical strength, Jack could guide the boat in any direction he desired. It was a simple, intuitive system that allowed him to maintain complete control over his vessel.
Though the Bead Rider lacked any additional features, such as weapons or a navigation system, Jack found the boat's simplicity appealing. The vessel's streamlined design allowed him to chase down targets or make a speedy escape, while its small size and lack of shelter made him feel more connected to the world around him. Jack thrived in the face of adversity, and he embraced the challenges that came with piloting the Bead Rider.
As the boat skimmed across the water, Jack couldn't help but feel exhilarated by the prospect of facing Captain Blackfang. The thought of taking on a pirate with a 13 million Berry bounty sent a shiver of anticipation down his spine. He knew that the upcoming battle would push him to his limits, but he was eager to prove himself and test the full extent of his abilities.
As the sun began to set, Jack spotted the distant silhouette of Glory Island on the horizon. The island's ominous reputation was evident in the thick fog that shrouded it, giving it an eerie, otherworldly appearance. Jack's pulse quickened as he approached the island, his senses on high alert for any signs of danger.
The Bead Rider glided through the mist, the boat's glowing energy casting eerie shadows across the water's surface. Jack strained his ears for any sound that might betray the presence of Captain Blackfang or his crew, but the thick fog seemed to swallow up all noise, leaving him with only the soft lapping of water against the hull for company.
As Jack steered the Bead Rider towards the island's shore, a sense of foreboding settled in his gut. As he disembarked and pulled his boat onto the shore, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched.
"I can't let my guard down here," Jack muttered to himself, his eyes scanning the treacherous landscape. "Blackfang's crew could be lurking anywhere."
As he ventured further inland, Jack came across a small, decrepit village that appeared to have been abandoned long ago. The dilapidated houses and overgrown paths told a story of fear and despair, and Jack could only imagine what had driven the villagers to flee in terror.
As Jack wandered through the ghostly village, he noticed movement out of the corner of his eye. A group of rough-looking pirates emerged from the shadows, brandishing weapons and leering menacingly. Jack recognized them as members of Captain Blackfang's crew, their shabby clothing and crude tattoos marking them as low-level pirates. They numbered around ten, and though they were clearly outmatched, they seemed to have no qualms about challenging Jack.
"Well, well, look what we have here, boys," the largest of the pirates sneered, cracking his knuckles. "A little lost lamb, just begging to be slaughtered."
Jack faced the group with a calm, unflinching gaze. "I'm here for Captain Blackfang," he declared, his voice steady and unwavering. "If you tell me where he is, I'll spare your lives."
The pirates burst into raucous laughter, their jeers echoing through the abandoned village. "You hear that, boys?" the leader called out, grinning maliciously. "This runt thinks he can take on the Night Terror himself! I say we teach him a lesson."
With a predatory grin, the pirates closed in on Jack, their weapons glinting menacingly in the dim light. Jack stood his ground, his muscles tensing as he prepared to unleash the power of his Thunderous Blow technique.
As the first pirate lunged at him, Jack quickly sidestepped the attack, unleashing a Thunderous Uppercut that sent the man flying through the air. The other pirates stared in shock as their comrade crashed into a nearby building, the impact leaving a gaping hole in the crumbling wall.
Without missing a beat, Jack charged at the group, his fists a blur as he unleashed his Thunderous Combo. The rapid-fire barrage of devastating punches sent the pirates reeling, their weapons clattering uselessly to the ground as they struggled to defend themselves.
"Impossible!" one pirate gasped, his eyes wide with fear as he scrambled to his feet. "How can one man be so strong?"
Jack didn't respond, focusing instead on the remaining pirates. He deftly dodged a clumsy sword swing, countering with a Thunderous Hammerfist that shattered the attacker's weapon and sent him sprawling to the ground. As the pirate lay dazed and gasping for breath, Jack turned his attention to the next foe, his fists crackling with energy as he prepared another Thunderous Blow.
In the midst of the chaos, a tall, imposing figure appeared, his presence silencing the remaining pirates. The man was clad in a suit of dark armor, and his cold, piercing eyes seemed to bore into Jack's very soul. He wielded a long, wickedly sharp spear, and his every movement radiated lethal precision.