Setting Sail on a New Path

Ryo stood on the dock of the small coastal village, his gaze following the Ship as it disappeared over the horizon. The sunrise cast a warm glow over the waves, and he could just make out the silhouettes of his former crewmates on the distant deck, waving and calling out to him. His heart ached as he raised a hand in return.

"They'll be fine," he muttered to himself, clenching his fist as he took a deep breath. "And so will I."

The decision to leave had been his. He'd explained to Luffy, Nami, and the others that he needed to forge his own path, to grow on his own without leaning on the crew. They'd understood, of course. Still, saying goodbye hadn't been easy.

He turned to his small boat, a modest but reliable vessel, enough for a single journey but nothing like the sturdy Thousand Sunny. He'd stocked up on supplies the previous day, enough food and water to last him a few weeks on open sea. It was strange, he thought, embarking on a journey alone after being with such a lively crew.

"Alright, Ryo," he whispered, his voice barely audible over the crashing waves. "Let's do this."

With a firm nod, he climbed aboard, securing his bag and adjusting the sail. He pulled out a worn map, eyes scanning the scribbled notes marking places he'd heard rumors about. There was one island, in particular, he'd been curious about for a while. Known for its fierce female warriors and ancient traditions, it seemed like the perfect place to start his journey.

As he set sail, the village slowly faded from view, replaced by endless stretches of sea. The boat rocked gently beneath him as he steered, the wind filling his sail and pushing him forward.

"Wonder if I'll see them again," he murmured, his thoughts drifting to the Straw Hat crew. Luffy's infectious laughter, Zoro's calm but intense demeanor, and Nami's cleverness—it had all left a mark on him.

He shook his head, snapping himself back to reality. "Focus, Ryo. This is your journey now."

---

Hours passed as Ryo sailed under the clear blue sky. Alone on the open sea, he found himself both exhilarated and oddly unsettled. The silence was a stark contrast to the chaos of the Thousand Sunny, where someone was always talking, fighting, or laughing.

Eventually, hunger pulled him out of his thoughts. He reached into his pack, pulling out a loaf of bread and some dried meat. As he chewed, his eyes remained fixed on the horizon, watching for any sign of land.

"This is too quiet," he muttered. "Guess I got too used to all the noise."

He chuckled, thinking back on the time he'd spent with the crew. Yet even now, he felt a thrill in his chest. This was what he'd wanted—a journey all his own, with no one to rely on but himself. It was intimidating, but freeing at the same time.

---

By nightfall, Ryo was still on the water. He anchored his boat and lay back on the deck, staring up at the stars. The sky stretched above him, vast and unending, reminding him just how small he was in the grand scheme of things.

"You really think you're ready for this, huh?" he asked himself, a faint smile on his lips.

He imagined what Luffy might say if he were here. Probably something simple and straightforward, like, "Of course you are!" That kind of unwavering confidence was something Ryo admired in his former captain.

Just as he closed his eyes, a faint sound caught his attention. He sat up, straining his ears. The sound of splashing water echoed in the distance, growing louder by the second.

"What…?"

Peering through the darkness, Ryo spotted a small rowboat drifting nearby. A lone figure sat at the edge, seemingly struggling to keep the vessel steady. Curiosity piqued, Ryo stood and called out.

"Hey! You okay over there?"

The figure jolted, nearly losing their balance before turning to look at him. "H-Hello? Is someone there?"

Ryo frowned, noticing the voice sounded feminine. He guided his boat closer, raising his lantern to get a better look. The woman appeared young, dressed in simple clothing, her hair tied back in a loose ponytail. She looked exhausted, and her boat was barely holding together.

"You look like you're in trouble," Ryo said, extending a hand. "Need a lift?"

The woman hesitated before nodding. "Yes… please. My boat's about to fall apart. I… didn't plan this very well."

Ryo chuckled, pulling her aboard. "Happens to the best of us. I'm Ryo, by the way."

She nodded, catching her breath. "Thanks, Ryo. I'm… Reina."

"Reina, huh?" He took a quick look at her boat, noting the leaks and worn-out oars. "Guess you won't be going far with that."

"No kidding," she sighed, glancing down in embarrassment. "I thought it'd hold up longer, but… here we are."

"So, Reina," Ryo said, leaning back against the mast, "what brings you out here in a leaky boat?"

She shifted uncomfortably, looking away. "I was… looking for someone. Heard they might be on a nearby island, so I thought I'd try to find them."

Ryo raised an eyebrow. "Sounds dangerous to go alone. You sure they're worth the trouble?"

Her eyes narrowed, determination flashing in them. "Yes. They're… important to me."

Ryo studied her for a moment, then shrugged. "Fair enough. I'm heading to an island myself. Maybe we're going in the same direction."

She looked at him, a spark of hope in her eyes. "You'd… really help me?"

"Why not?" he replied with a grin. "I could use the company."

Reina relaxed slightly, her tense posture softening. "Thank you, Ryo. I really appreciate it."

"Don't mention it," he said, giving her a reassuring smile. "Let's get some rest. Tomorrow, we'll set sail for the island."

---

As the dawn broke, Ryo adjusted the sails while Reina kept watch. They worked in silence, occasionally exchanging a few words, but Ryo could sense her gratitude. There was something about her story that intrigued him, though he didn't press further.

"So, any idea what we'll find on this island?" he asked, breaking the quiet.

Reina shook her head. "I've only heard rumors. Supposedly, it's home to some kind of ancient temple. But no one's ever confirmed if it's real or not."

Ryo smirked. "Sounds like an adventure."

She chuckled softly, a hint of excitement in her voice. "Yeah… I suppose it does."

As they sailed, Ryo felt a renewed sense of purpose. This was the kind of journey he'd set out for, one filled with mystery, danger, and the unknown. And now, with Reina by his side, he felt a new spark of excitement.

"Hey, Ryo," she said suddenly, her tone serious. "Why are you traveling alone? Don't you have anyone waiting for you?"

He hesitated, surprised by the question. "I did," he said quietly. "But I needed to find my own path, to figure out who I am without relying on others."

She nodded, as if understanding his words. "That sounds… brave."

"Maybe," he replied with a soft smile. "Or maybe I'm just a little crazy."

Reina laughed, the sound bright and genuine. "Well, then I guess we're both a little crazy."

The two shared a look, an unspoken understanding passing between them. Whatever lay ahead, they would face it together. And as the island appeared on the horizon, Ryo knew this was just the beginning of a new chapter in his journey.