Chapter 11: Journey to Cocoyashi Village
The morning sun poured softly through the small room's window, painting the wooden floor in gold. Xander stirred awake first, his crimson eyes blinking against the light. For a moment, he lay still, the weight of the night before settling in his chest like a peaceful calm.
Mari was there, curled against him, her head resting on his chest, her breathing soft and even. The warmth of her body, the faint smell of lavender in her hair—it was all grounding, like an anchor to a part of himself he didn't know he needed.
Last night…
The memories flashed through his mind: her hesitant touch, her whispered name, and the way she'd finally let go of all her burdens in his arms.
Xander let out a quiet breath, careful not to wake her. His arm gently tightened around her shoulder, savoring the moment before the day ahead.
---
Mari stirred not long after, blinking up at Xander sleepily before realizing how close they were. Her cheeks flushed, and she tried to pull away, but Xander caught her hand with a teasing smirk.
"Morning," he said softly.
"Morning…" Mari whispered back, her voice hesitant but warm.
The two lingered for a moment longer before Xander sat up. "We should get ready. It's time to move."
Mari nodded, slipping out of bed to gather her things. The room felt heavier now—nostalgic and bittersweet—as they packed up for their departure.
Downstairs, the tavern's main room was quiet. Rika's mother (Mari's employer) stood by the counter, wiping a glass absently as they approached. Her expression was unreadable at first, but when Mari hugged her tightly, the woman sighed and softened.
"Take care of yourself, Mari," she said gruffly.
Mari pulled back, her eyes shimmering with emotion. "I will. Thank you… for everything."
The tavern owner's gaze flicked to Xander. "And you. Look after her, you hear me?"
Xander gave a firm nod. "I will. You have my word."
With their goodbyes said, Xander and Mari stepped out of the tavern for the last time, the sunlight bright as it bathed Shells Town in gold.
--
The boat rocked gently in the waves as Xander and Mari pushed off from the dock. Shells Town grew smaller in the distance, the horizon vast and open before them.
Mari stood at the edge of the boat, watching the shoreline disappear. Xander leaned against the mast, studying her quietly before speaking.
"Did you ever hear if I got a bounty before I left two years ago?" Xander asked suddenly, breaking the silence.
Mari turned, frowning in thought. "No. I don't think that I've seen your bounty."
Xander chuckled faintly, shaking his head. "Guess I wasn't famous enough yet."
Mari smiled softly, though there was an edge of worry to it. "Is that something you want?"
"I want to be strong enough to protect my girl's," Xander said simply, his crimson gaze steady. "That's all."
Mari looked at him in surprise she knew he was strong and she can't keep him all by herself and she know in fact that she lost last night so she decided to follow him. "And i will be your side no matter what"
He give her kiss and then said "Thank you"
Hours passed as the pair sailed across the open sea, the day giving way to afternoon.
By late afternoon, the faint shape of a pirate ship appeared on the horizon, its black sails billowing in the wind. Xander's sharp eyes narrowed as he stood at the bow.
"Mari, stay below deck," he ordered firmly.
"What? Why?" Mari asked, alarmed.
"Pirates. Trouble."
The approaching ship closed the distance quickly, the crew onboard jeering and waving weapons as they prepared to attack. Xander's expression turned cold, his crimson eyes burning with anticipation.
---
The pirate ship collided against their smaller vessel with a thunderous crash, ropes and grappling hooks locking the two boats together. Pirates spilled onto Xander's ship, their swords flashing.
Xander stepped forward, his katana already drawn, its blade gleaming in the fading sunlight.
"You picked the wrong target," he growled.
The first pirate lunged at him, only to be cut down instantly. Xander moved like a shadow—swift and ruthless—his training evident in every precise strike. His katana sliced through the air, cutting down pirate after pirate as he pushed his way toward their captain.
The pirate captain, a burly man with a scarred face and an axe in hand, laughed when Xander approached.
"Think you can take me, boy?"
Xander smirked darkly. "I'll make it quick."
The fight was short but brutal. The captain swung his axe in wide arcs, trying to overwhelm Xander with sheer strength, but Xander's speed and precision proved too much. He ducked under the final swing and delivered a decisive slash, the captain crumpling to the deck in defeat.
The remaining pirates, seeing their leader fall, dropped their weapons and surrendered.
--
With the pirate ship secured, Xander and Mari searched its hold, finding treasure chests filled with gold and valuables.
"Looks like we got lucky," Xander said with a grin, hoisting a chest onto his shoulder.
Mari smiled, though her hands trembled slightly as she helped carry smaller items. "You're unbelievable, you know that?"
Xander glanced at her, smirking. "You'll get used to it."
---
The following morning, Xander woke to find Mari curled against him, her head resting on his chest once more. He blinked down at her, memories of the previous night rushing back—her laughter, her relief after they'd secured the ship, and the quiet moments they'd shared watching the stars.
Xander's expression softened as he brushed a strand of hair from her face.
She's getting braver, he thought.
Mari stirred slightly but didn't wake. Xander sighed, staring out toward the horizon where the faint outline of land appeared.
"Cocoyashi Village," he murmured to himself.
---
Night had fallen by the time they reached the island. The village was quiet, the streets dark save for the occasional lantern flickering outside a home.
Xander and Mari made their way to a small house at the edge of the village. Mari hesitated as Xander knocked on the door, but it wasn't long before Nojiko answered, her expression wary.
"Who are you?" she demanded, her eyes narrowing as she scanned Xander's imposing frame.
"A traveler," Xander said calmly. "I don't have anywhere else to go. Could I stay here for the night?"
"We just need place to stay tonight can you tell us if there's bar or place to sleep" he asked her
Nojiko's eyes narrowed further. " No this place don't have bar or tavern this place is dangerous. You know about Arlong, don't you? If you're looking for trouble—" nojiko asked him hesitant and worry but Xander voice cut off
"I'm not here to fight… yet," Xander replied firmly. "I just need a place to rest."
Nojiko studied him suspiciously before sighing. "Fine. You can stay here but don't try anything."
Xander nodded and stepped inside, Mari following close behind.
---
The small home was modest but warm, the faint smell of food lingering in the air. Nojiko offered them water before sitting down across from Xander.
"Why are you really here?" she asked bluntly.
Xander's crimson gaze met hers steadily. "To learn. About Arlong. About what he's done here."
Nojiko stiffened, her hands clenching into fists. "Why would you care?"
"Because I don't like seeing people suffer," Xander said simply.
Nojiko hesitated before letting out a bitter laugh. "If that's true, you should leave. Arlong's not someone you can fight."
"Maybe," Xander replied. "But I don't have anywhere else to go tonight."
Nojiko frowned but relented, shaking her head. "Fine. Stay for tonight. But don't get involved. Arlong killed my mother, and he'll do worse to anyone who crosses him."
The mention of her mother made Nojiko's voice crack, and tears shimmered in her eyes. Xander's expression softened.
"I'm sorry," he said quietly.
Nojiko wiped at her tears angrily. "Don't pity me."
"I don't," Xander said firmly.
Nojiko looked up at him, surprised by the sincerity in his voice. Before she could respond, the system's voice echoed in Xander's mind.
---
System Notification
[Ding! Congratulations, you completed the mission.]
[Reward: 500 HP and Logia Devil Fruit "Water-Water no Mi" (without curse of the sea).]
---
Xander's eyes widened slightly as the system's words registered. A Logia fruit… without the curse of the sea?
His lips curled into a small smile as he glanced back at Nojiko.
This changes everything.
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