Chapter 10: The Melody of Farewells and New Beginnings - II

[Note:

" * " : Indicates abilities that can be upgraded with practice, experience, or unique opportunities.]

> System inner voice ["speaking"] <

> Ash inner speech "speaking" <

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The next morning, Ash woke up and headed to Makino's for breakfast. Noticing that Shanks and the crew aren't on deck, he assumes they've already gone ahead.

As he approaches the restaurant, he spots Lucy entering as well, and the two greet each other before entering together. Shanks, noticing them, gestures for them to sit with him. Ash takes a seat next to Shanks at the bar, glancing around but noticing that Uta isn't with them.

Ash, curious and slightly concerned, asks, "Where's Uta?" At the same moment, Lucy interjects, "What happened yesterday?"

Shanks chuckles lightly, his usual carefree demeanor softening. "Uta's still resting," he tells Ash. "Yesterday took a toll on her. She's fine, though. Just needs some time." Turning his attention to Lucy, Shanks leans back and starts to explain.

"Ten months ago, before we reached Windmill Village and just before we found Ash after the shipwreck, we visited a place called Elegia," Shanks begins, his voice carrying a weight rarely heard. Lucy and Ash exchange glances, sensing the seriousness in his tone. "Uta's Devil Fruit powers… they caused something terrible to happen there."

Lucy, surprised, blinks. "Nani? Uta ate a Devil Fruit too?"

Shanks laughs, though it lacks his usual cheerfulness. "Yeah, she did. The Uta Uta no Mi. It allows her to transport people into a world created by her songs. But there's a dark side…" His voice trails off for a moment as he gathers his thoughts.

"She awakened something called Tot Musica; a cursed entity tied to her fruit's power. Tot Musica can only manifest through her singing, and it pulls people into a destructive realm that consumes everything. Elegia... didn't survive," Shanks says quietly, his eyes darkening with the memory. "We tried to stop it, but once Tot Musica is released, it's almost impossible to contain."

Lucy listens intently, her eyes wide. "So, what happened?"

Shanks sighs. "We did everything we could to protect Uta and stop that monster. We managed to seal it away again, but the cost…" His words hang in the air, the implication heavy.

As he speaks, Shanks subtly shifts his gaze, his Observation Haki alerting him to Uta's presence outside the bar. She's standing quietly, listening to the conversation. Shanks doesn't react outwardly, keeping the knowledge to himself, but a faint smile touches his lips. He continues his explanation without revealing that Uta is eavesdropping.

Shanks sighs, the weight of his next words evident in his tone. "After everything that happened, I made a decision… I took the blame for Elegia's destruction. To everyone there, it was my fault, not hers. Uta didn't deserve the burden of being seen as a monster."

Ash and Lucy listen in stunned silence as Shanks continues. "I left her on Elegia, thinking that staying with me—and my crew—might increase the chances of Tot Musica being released again. I wanted to protect her… even if it meant she hated me for it."

A rare solemnity settles over the bar as Shanks looks down at the counter, his hand tightening briefly into a fist before relaxing again. He doesn't glance toward the doorway, though he knows Uta is still standing there, listening to every word.

Lucy suddenly jumps up, her eyes wide with disbelief. "You're so mean, Shanks! How could you leave her there all alone?!" she yells, delivering a comically exaggerated punch to Shanks's arm.

Shanks flinches back with mock pain, dramatically rubbing his arm. "Hey, I had my reasons!" he says defensively, but the grin tugging at his lips betrays his amusement.

Before Lucy can keep going, Ash groans and lightly smacks her on the head. "If Shanks really left Uta there, how do you think she's here with us now, genius?" he scolds, earning a sheepish pout from Lucy. "Let him finish his story!"

The playful scene makes Shanks and his crew burst into laughter, their booming voices filling the bar.

Benn Beckman, chuckles and takes over the story. "After we left Elegia, we could all tell our captain wasn't the same. Shanks kept blaming himself, saying he'd made the right call… but we knew better."

He leans back in his seat, a nostalgic smile on his face. "We eventually convinced him to go back for Uta. We told him we'd be there with to protect her—no matter the danger. And so, after a lot of persuasion, we turned the ship around."

Shanks shrugs with a small grin, his hand brushing through his hair. "What can I say? They were right. I couldn't stay away from my daughter."

As Shanks finishes his words, there's a sudden flurry of movement from outside. Uta bursts into the bar, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Dad!" she cries out, running straight to Shanks and throwing her arms around him in a tight embrace.

Shanks's eyes widen briefly in surprise before softening. He wraps his arms around her, patting her back gently. "Of course, Uta," he murmurs with a warm smile. "You've always been my daughter."

Lucy blinks in shock, pointing toward Uta. "Nani?! Where did you come from?!" she exclaims, completely caught off guard.

Ash, on the other hand, smiles softly at the scene, a glimmer of understanding in his eyes. Makino, standing behind the bar, dabs at her eyes with a handkerchief, her face glowing with happiness.

The rest of Shanks's crew erupts into hearty laughter, their joy infectious. "Aye, Captain, looks like you've got no escape now!" one of them teases, earning chuckles all around.

The bar's atmosphere shifts into one of celebration and warmth, the air filled with smiles and laughter as everyone revels in the moment.

As the laughter dies down, Uta hesitates, her gaze shifting toward Ash and Lucy. Her hands clutch at her dress nervously, her eyes glistening with uncertainty. "Ash... Lucy..." she begins, her voice trembling. "Do you... still consider me your friend? After hearing all this?"

Ash blinks in surprise, while Lucy tilts her head curiously. "Huh? Why wouldn't we?" Lucy asks in her usual straightforward manner.

Uta lowers her head, her voice barely audible. "Because... I caused the destruction of Elegia. Because of my powers, I could lose control and... it might happen again, like yesterday."

Lucy crosses her arms and huffs, her rubbery face scrunching up in thought. "So what? You're still Uta, aren't you?" she says, grinning. "If that big scary demon shows up again, I'll just punch it this time!" She demonstrates with a wild punch in the air, stretching her rubber arm, making the bar erupt in laughter.

Uta looks up, startled, her lips trembling as the weight of Lucy's words sinks in. She slowly turns toward Ash, her eyes filled with hope but shadowed by fear.

Ash steps forward without hesitation, wrapping her in a gentle hug. "Uta," he says firmly, his voice steady, "even if the world is against you, I would always be my friend. No matter what. And you don't have to feel guilty to which you don't have control. What happened is not your fault. And no one here blames you so don't ever feel guilty about that. Ok?"

Uta's eyes widen in shock before tears spill over. Her arms slowly rise to hug him back nodding her head, trembling as her fears and guilt melt away.

Lucy grins wide, raising her arms dramatically. "Group hug!" she shouts, launching herself toward them, her rubber arms stretching out to wrap around both Ash and Uta.

The trio is squished together, and the bar erupts into laughter again, the joyful sound filling the room. Even Uta, her face streaked with tears, can't help but laugh, her heart feeling lighter than it had in years.

After some time, as the laughter and joy in the bar began to settle, Ash discreetly reached into his pocket, accessing his inventory. Ensuring no one else noticed, he retrieved the Resonance Pendant and held it carefully in his hand.

Clearing his throat to get Uta's attention, he said softly, "Uta, I was planning to give this to you yesterday for your birthday… but, well, with everything that happened, I didn't get the chance." He extended the pendant toward her, a warm smile on his face. "So, I'm giving it to you now."

Uta blinked in surprise, her eyes widening as she took the pendant in her hands. The intricate design shimmered under the bar's warm lights, radiating a faint, comforting energy. Her lips quivered before she threw her arms around Ash, hugging him tightly. "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" she repeated, her voice filled with gratitude and emotion.

Pulling back slightly, she held the pendant up with a shy smile. "Can you… help me tie it around my neck?"

Ash nodded and carefully tied the pendant around her neck, making sure it was secure. Uta touched the pendant lightly, smiling brighter than ever.

From the bar counter, Shanks watched the scene unfold, his brow twitching. He crossed his arms and leaned back with an exaggerated mock frown; his teeth clenched. His crewmates stifled their laughter behind him, nudging each other and whispering teasing remarks about their captain's "overprotective dad mode."

Shanks muttered under his breath, "That boy's getting too comfortable." Despite his grumbles, he said nothing, simply watching with a fond, if mock-annoyed, expression as his daughter beamed with happiness. His crew's silent laughter and nudges only fueled his exaggerated irritation, completing the comedic moment.

Ash smiled as Uta admired the pendant hanging around her neck. "This isn't just any pendant, Uta. It's special." he began, emphasizing the word special.

Uta's eyes widened slightly, catching the reference to the voice Ash had mentioned before. She gave a small nod, understanding its significance.

Ash continued, keeping his explanation brief. "It's called Resonance Pendant. It can transform into any musical instrument you need. In its weapon mode, it can generate powerful sound waves for attack or even create barriers for defense. And," he added with a grin, "with your abilities, it'll amplify your powers even more."

Uta stared at the pendant in awe, her hand lightly touching it again as she whispered, "It's amazing… thank you, Ash."

As Ash finished explaining the pendant's effects, Shanks and his crew, who had been listening quietly, widened their eyes in astonishment. The idea of an accessory with such unique capabilities, especially tailored for Uta, left them momentarily speechless.

Shanks' gaze lingered on Ash, his sharp intuition sensing there was more to the boy than met the eye. He chuckled softly, choosing not to press for answers. If there's a secret, he'll tell us when he's ready, Shanks thought, a proud smile tugging at his lips.

"Thoughtful kid," he murmured to himself, watching as Uta continued to marvel at her gift, her face beaming with happiness.

The mood in the bar shifted as Shanks spoke up, his voice carrying a hint of finality. "Tomorrow, we're leaving the village," he said, and the atmosphere became heavy, the weight of impending departure settling over everyone.

Ash, feeling the tension, knew it was time. He stood up, his heart heavy, but with clarity in his eyes. "I won't be coming with you," he said, his voice firm yet grateful. "I decided that I need to find my own journey. But... thank you. Thank you for saving me, and for everything you've taught me."

Shanks and his crew, despite their initial surprise, only laughed, understanding the boy's decision. "Don't forget about us, Ash," Shanks said with a grin, his gaze softening. "You'll always have a place with us." the rest of the crew shouts.

Lucy, who had been quiet, suddenly jumped up, her face lighting up with a mix of joy and sorrow. "You're not leaving with them?!" she exclaimed, relieved but still sad that Uta and the crew were leaving.

Uta, hearing this, couldn't hide her sadness. Ash immediately noticed her change in mood and, with a reassuring smile, spoke to her softly. "Even if we go separate ways, I'll see you again, Uta." Lucy, picking up on Ash's sentiment, added, "We'll meet again, don't worry."

Uta stayed quiet for a moment, her eyes flickering with uncertainty. But she nodded, trying to muster a cheerful expression, even though her heart felt heavy.

As the time passed, the crew began to gather their things. Shanks and his crew made their way towards the ship, with Uta in tow, while Ash headed to his room, his mind swirling with thoughts about the future.

As Ash left for his room, Uta stood there for a moment, watching him go, her thoughts swirling. Then, with a deep breath, she turned to Shanks and the rest of the crew, her voice soft but resolute. "I... I'd like to stay behind," she said, her words hanging in the air.

Shanks and the rest of the crew froze, staring at her in surprise. Shanks was the first to speak, his brow furrowed in concern. "Why?" he asked, unsure of what could have led to such a decision.

Uta's eyes lowered, her voice trembling slightly. "I like Ash... and I want to have adventures with him," she confessed. "But that doesn't mean I don't like you all and don't want to travel with you guys, I do... but... with Ash, I feel like we can go together, and we're closer to the same age. You all have your own journey to follow."

She paused, then added, "And I'm the youngest. I always need protection... I feel like I'm just causing inconvenience."

The crew, hearing her words, immediately shook their heads. "It's no problem," Benn said with a reassuring smile. "We don't see it as an inconvenience, Uta."

Uta smiled weakly, but continued, "I know you'll protect me, but I believe Ash can help me too. If... if I release Tot Musica again, I think he'll help me control it."

There was a moment of silence as the crew exchanged glances. Shanks, though hesitant, gave a deep sigh. "Alright, Uta. If you truly believe it's the right thing for you, then I won't stop you."

With that, Uta ran over to Shanks, wrapping her arms around him tightly. "I love you, Dad," she whispered, her voice filled with emotion.

Shanks, taken aback for a moment, smiled softly, patting her back. "I love you too, Uta. Stay safe, and make sure to look after yourself... but if this is what you want, I won't stand in your way."

The crew, while saddened by her decision, smiled warmly, understanding that Uta had made her choice.

The next day…

The next day, the atmosphere at the docks was heavy with the departure of Shanks and his crew. Supplies were being loaded onto the ship, and everyone was preparing for the journey ahead. Makino stood beside Ash, Uta, and Lucy, watching as the Red-Haired Pirates organized their departure.

Lucy bent her head, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to spill. She understood why Shanks had always told her no when she asked to join him on the sea. The unpredictable nature of the ocean, the dangers it held—it was something she wasn't ready for. But that didn't make it any easier.

After a moment of silence, Lucy took a deep breath, then, with a somber expression, she looked up at Shanks. "Are you really leaving?" she asked, her voice wavering slightly.

Shanks chuckled softly, his usual carefree smile on his face. "We've stayed long enough, Lucy," he replied. "It's time for us to move on." He then raised an eyebrow, looking at her with a teasing expression. "Are you upset, Lucy?"

Lucy wiped her eyes quickly, trying to mask her emotions. "I... I understand," she said, though her voice betrayed her sadness. She nodded slowly, trying to put on a brave face, but her heart was heavy with the thought of her friends parting ways.

Lucy, her expression firming with determination, continued, "I won't force you to take me with you anymore," she said, her voice steady despite the emotions swirling inside her. "But one day, I'll become Pirate myself."

Shanks, hearing this, stuck out his tongue in a playful gesture and grinned widely. "Wouldn't have taken you with us even if you begged me," he teased, clearly enjoying the moment. "You don't have what it takes to become Pirate." His tone was light-hearted, but the hint of jest in his eyes was clear.

Lucy, undeterred, puffed out her chest with pride and retorted, "Yes, I do!" She smiled brightly, her resolve firm as she stared Shanks down. "One day, I'll find myself a crew stronger than yours, discover the world's biggest treasure, and become Queen of the Pirates!" Her voice rang out, full of confidence.

Ash, standing nearby, couldn't help but smile knowingly at Lucy's bold declaration. He understood her spirit, her unyielding desire to carve her own path.

Makino and Uta both chuckled, and even the rest of Shanks' crew shared a few laughs at Lucy's fiery declaration. It was a moment of levity, even amidst the bittersweet farewell.

Shanks chuckled lightly at Lucy's bold declaration and shook his head in amusement. "So you want to be bigger than us, huh?" He smirked, then walked over to Lucy, bending his knees slightly. He placed his beloved hat on her head with a warm gesture. "Well then," he said, his voice softening, "This hat is my gift to you. It's my favorite hat, you know. When you become a great Pirate Queen, return this hat to me."

Lucy stood still, her eyes filling with tears as she touched the hat, overwhelmed by the gesture. It was a moment she would treasure forever, the mark of Shanks' belief in her.

Shanks then turned his attention to Ash, a mock frown on his face. "You, boy," he said, his tone mockingly serious. "Take care of Uta and take responsibility for your actions."

Ash, caught off guard, opened and closed his mouth a few times, not quite sure how to respond. The crew in the background burst out laughing at the awkward situation Ash found himself in, making the moment all the more comical.

Realization hit Ash as he turned toward Uta. "Wait... you're not going with Shanks?" he asked, his voice filled with surprise.

Uta, looking mockingly angry, raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms. "What, are you saying I'm not welcome with you guys?" she asked, playing up the dramatics.

Ash stammered, trying to find the right words. "No, I—I'm happy you're staying with us! I—I love that you're not going!" he blurted out, his words jumbled as he stumbled over them.

The whole crew erupted into laughter at Ash's flustered response, enjoying his predicament and the light-hearted atmosphere.

Ash, still trying to process what Shanks said, scratched his head in confusion. "What responsibility?" he asked, genuinely puzzled.

Uta and Shanks exchanged mischievous glances before pointing at Ash with mock stern looks. "You kissed her, right?" Shanks said with a teasing smirk. "So, you have to take responsibility."

The rest of the crew chimed in, each giving Ash a mock angry glare, like uncles and brothers trying to "teach him a lesson," but it only made the situation more hilarious. They all exaggerated their stern expressions, even shaking their heads disapprovingly, all while trying to hold back their laughter.

Ash, completely flustered now, started sweating. His face turned bright red as he turned to Uta, nervously trying to salvage the situation. "A-are you... would you... um... become my girlfriend?" he asked, his voice shaky.

Uta's eyes lit up, and without hesitation, she jumped up to embrace him, her smile wide and genuine. "Yes!" she exclaimed joyfully.

The whole crew burst into cheers, clapping and whistling, making the moment even more cheerful and full of warmth. Shanks smiled proudly at the two of them, and even Makino, from the sidelines, had a proud smile on her face as she watched the young couple.

As Lucy watched Ash and Uta share their moment, a brief pang of something unfamiliar tugged at her heart. She couldn't quite place the feeling, but it felt a little like sadness or maybe longing. However, before she could dwell on it, the feeling quickly faded as she realized that Uta would be staying with them. A smile broke out on Lucy's face as she jumped with joy and ran to hug Uta tightly.

"Yahoo! Uta! I'm so happy you're staying!" Lucy exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement and relief.

Uta laughed, returning the hug warmly. "I am too, Lucy! I wouldn't want to go anywhere without you guys!"

Makino, who had been quietly observing the scene, noticed the brief change in Lucy's expression. She smiled softly, understanding the emotions Lucy was sorting through, but she said nothing, letting Lucy enjoy the moment with her friends.

The mood lightened, and everyone shared in the happiness of the day, knowing that no matter where their journeys would take them, they'd always have each other.

Ash turned towards Shanks, a grin spreading across his face. "I have a gift for you," he said, reaching into his pocket. Everyone's eyes widened as they watched Ash pull out the Elixir of Eternal Restoration from seemingly thin air, holding it up in front of Shanks and his crew.

The crew, along with Shanks, were left stunned. Their jaws dropped as they stammered in disbelief. "How... how did you do that?" Shanks asked, barely managing to find his voice.

Ash shrugged nonchalantly, acting as if it was the most ordinary thing in the world. "Like this just like normal," he said casually, as if pulling items out of thin air was just a part of everyday life.

Without missing a beat, Ash reached back into his inventory again and pulled out a Beli note, waving it around for everyone to see. This time, the crew collectively gasped, their eyes wide with shock.

"IT'S NOT NORMAL AND WE SAW HOW YOU DID IT ALREADY!" they all shouted in unison making shark-tooth like face, their faces displaying a mix of confusion and awe. Even Shanks was at a loss for words.

Ash, Uta, and Lucy all laughed at the crew's over-the-top reactions. Lucy grinned, "You guys really should have seen your faces," while Uta giggled, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Shanks shook his head, chuckling, "You really have some tricks up your sleeve, Ash." But even as he said that, he couldn't help but smile, secretly impressed by the young boy's mysterious abilities.

Ash took a deep breath and, with a serious yet calm tone, began, "There's something I haven't told you all yet. There's... a voice that guides me, helps me with these abilities. I call it 'the Voice,' and it's been with me since the day you guys saved me." He starts explaining the same what he told to Lucy and Uta few months back.

Lucy and Uta exchanged knowing smiles, while Shanks and the crew looked on, intrigued but unsure of what to make of it. Makino, too, was surprised but silently listened, her curiosity piqued.

After Ash finished his explanation, Shanks and the crew exchanged surprised glances. Shanks, now understanding why Ash had kept it a secret, gave a nod of acknowledgment. With a reassuring smile, he spoke, "I see now. You've got your reasons for keeping this to yourself. Don't worry, your secret's safe with us."

The rest of the crew, along with Makino, nodded in agreement, each expressing their support, their faces a mix of admiration and curiosity. "We got your back, Ash," one of them added, making it clear that no matter the mystery, they stood by him.

Ash hands over the Elixir of Restoration to Shanks and explains, "The Voice asked me to give this to you." Shanks takes the elixir, inspecting it with a raised eyebrow and asks, "What does it do?"

Ash explains the Elixir of Restoration to Shanks in detail:

"This elixir is a miraculous item," Ash starts, "It restores the body to perfect health, even when someone is on the brink of death. It works in two stages."

He points the elixir and continues, "First, it immediately repairs critical internal damage—things like the heart, lungs, and major organs—bringing the person back to a stable state."

Ash then adds, "For external injuries, like severed limbs, those regenerate over time. The extent of the damage determines how long it takes, but the regeneration will prioritize vital systems first, like nerves and bones."

He looks at Shanks, emphasizing, "To speed up the healing process, the person needs to eat well—vegetables, meats, seafood or anything. Good nutrition is key to the regeneration."

Finally, Ash cautions, "It can't bring someone back from the dead unless their vital organs are still intact. And it won't restore energy reserves, so even if the body heals, the person will still need rest and have to consume more food for a full recovery."

Ash, eyeing Shanks' lost limb from the Sea King encounter, subtly suggests, "You should give it a try, Shanks. It could help with that arm of yours and any injuries you have within all these years."

The crew notices the hint in Ash's voice, and Shanks himself catches on, understanding what Ash is implying. His crew, eager to see the elixir work, urges him to drink it. With a slight chuckle and a nod, Shanks takes the elixir in one gulp, trusting Ash's advice.

As the liquid flows down his throat, Shanks grimaces slightly, a pained expression crossing his face. He rips his shirt as the process begins. His crew moves forward, worried, but Ash raises his hand, signaling for them to wait and allow the elixir to work.

After a few tense moments, a small, baby-like hand starts to grow from the stump where Shanks' arm had once been. The crew watches in awe, and Shanks, exhausted from the effort, simply leans back, visibly drained but seeing progress in the healing. His eyes, though tired, shine with hope as he takes in the sight of the new hand starting to form.

As the baby-like hand continues to grow on Shanks' stump, the crew can't help but burst into laughter at the sight of his "new arm." They tease him playfully, pointing at his small, baby-sized hand. "Looks like, Captain got a new baby arm!" one of them jokes, while another laughs, "Hope it grows up fast, Captain!"

Shanks, feeling slightly embarrassed but amused, chuckles weakly. "I guess I'll have to get used to this for a while," he says, trying to brush off the teasing.

Benn, quickly helps Shanks to his feet, offering him a cup of water to steady himself. Shanks takes it gratefully, drinking deeply as he stands, now balancing with the support of his crew. With a nod of thanks, he manages to stand steadily, his expression a mix of exhaustion and relief.

Ash, with a serious tone, looks at Shanks and says, "You need to eat a lot from now on, even including vegetables. The elixir's healing process depends on proper nutrients to regrow your arm—cells, tissue, bones, nerves... everything. You can't skip any of it."

Shanks groans and whines dramatically, "Not the vegetables, Ash! Anything but those..." His crew bursts into laughter at his childish reaction.

Hongo, the doctor, chuckles and reassures, "Don't worry, Captain. I'll make sure you get all the nutrients you need, including the vegetables."

Lucky Roo, the chef, smirks, "I'll make sure it's not just any vegetables, Shanks. You'll be eating them with all the flavor you need. Also, lots and lots of meat."

Benn, who's always the more serious one, playfully whacks Shanks on the back of the head. "Quit whining, Captain. I'll personally make sure you don't miss a single meal," he says, shaking his head.

The whole crew laughs at the exchange, with Shanks rolling his eyes but giving a small, grateful smile. "Fine, fine, I'll eat my vegetables," he mutters, still a bit reluctant but understanding the necessity.

Lucy, her eyes welling up with emotion, throws her arms around Ash in a tight hug. "Thank you, Ash... thank you for giving his arm back," she says, her voice trembling. She has always felt guilty about Shanks losing his arm when he saved her, and now, seeing him starting to recover, she can't help but feel relief.

Ash smiles softly, his arms around her in return. "No need to thank me, Lucy. It's what I wanted to do."

Uta, standing beside them, steps forward and also wrap her arms around Ash. "Thank you for giving my dad his arm back," she says, her voice full of gratitude and love. She pulls back slightly, smiling brightly before turning to Shanks.

Shanks, who has been recovering and sitting up with Benn's help, watches as Uta approaches him. With a chuckle, he opens his arms, welcoming her for a hug. Uta jumps into his arms, and Shanks holds her tightly. Shanks also starts to believe leaving Uta hear with Ash lessens his worries.

Since ash had revealed the voice and gave elixir to him, he believes ash will surely find a way to cure Uta from her curse in the future.

The crew watches the heartwarming scene with smiles on their faces. The mood is light and full of happiness, as Shanks and his crew share a moment of peace and joy with Ash, Lucy, and Uta.

As the Red-Haired Pirates prepare to depart, the atmosphere at the docks is bittersweet. Shanks, his crew, and their ship are ready to set sail once again. Ash, Lucy, Uta, Makino, and some of the villagers stand by the shore, waving them off with heartfelt goodbyes. The bond they've all shared during this time is palpable, and it's clear that the parting is not just about distance, but about the next steps in their respective journeys.

From the deck of the ship, Shanks, his usual carefree grin on his face, waves at Ash, Lucy, and the others. As he does, he throws a Den Den Mushi toward Ash, signalling that their contact is now established. Ash catches it, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I'll meet you out there," he calls out, waving back with a promise. "When I'm ready, I'll be on the sea."

Uta and Lucy join in, both waving with their own unique style—Uta's joyfully enthusiastic and Lucy's more subdued but equally sincere. They stand there, watching as the ship begins to move, their hearts full of hope for future reunions.

On the deck, Shanks stands next to Benn, both looking toward the shore. Benn, with a knowing smile, says, "Those kids are gonna be big, you know," referring to Ash and Lucy. Shanks nods thoughtfully, his eyes following Ash, Lucy and Uta for a moment longer. "Yeah, they remind me of my early years," he says with a soft smile, lost in memories of his own journey.

Then, with a loud voice, Shanks turns toward his crew and shouts, "Pull up the anchor! Set sail!" The Red-Haired Pirates, with their sails unfurled, start to move forward, leaving Windmill Village behind as they set course for new adventures.

As the ship slowly drifts into the horizon, the bonds formed on this island remain strong, leaving the promise of more reunions and shared stories ahead.

To be continued...

Hey everyone! I'm always looking for ways to make this story even better, and I'd love to hear your ideas. What powers do you think should be available in Ash's store? Maybe you have some cool concepts for abilities, weapons, or items that could make the adventure even more exciting!

Feel free to drop your suggestions in the comments, and if there's anything specific, you'd love to see in future chapters, let me know! I might even integrate your ideas into the story.

Also, don't forget to give some Power Stones if you're enjoying the journey! Your support means the world. 😊