Chapter 7: The Battle for Freedom

Xander walked with purpose toward the imposing marine base, the excitement bubbling inside him. The sun hung low on the horizon, casting a golden hue over the town. Today was the day he would finally face Captain Morgan. It had been a long time coming, and the feeling of stepping into the lion's den only fueled his determination. His body was stronger, his Haki more refined, and his resolve solidified.

As he approached the base, his sharp eyes caught a glimpse of someone in the window. He didn't need to guess who it was. It was Helmeppo, Captain Morgan's cowardly son. The boy's face went pale as their eyes met, and he quickly ducked out of sight. Xander smirked. He didn't have time to waste on Helmeppo.

Moments later, a group of marines emerged from the base, rifles in hand. The soldiers encircled him, shouting orders to apprehend the intruder. Xander's Haki flared as the world slowed down around him. He could sense every movement, every shift in the air. The marines raised their guns and fired, but Xander didn't flinch. He dodged each bullet effortlessly, his body reacting with precision, anticipating their movements.

The marines tried to adjust, but Xander was already moving, his legs carrying him in swift arcs. With every step, he disarmed the soldiers, taking them down one by one. He kicked the first marine square in the chest, knocking him out cold. Another swung his rifle at Xander, but the pirate ducked, sidestepping and delivering a powerful punch to his abdomen.

Helmeppo, still hiding behind a pillar, peeked out once again, his face stricken with fear. His shaking hands reached for his sword, but he was too slow. Xander closed the distance in a heartbeat, delivering a brutal kick to the boy's face, sending him flying across the courtyard. Helmeppo collapsed to the ground, knocked unconscious. Xander didn't waste another moment. His focus shifted.

Just as he finished dispatching the last marine, a loud, menacing voice called out from behind him.

"Enough!"

Xander turned to face the source of the voice, his gaze meeting that of Captain Morgan. The towering figure was an imposing sight, his massive axe in hand, eyes filled with arrogance and malice. He grinned, his voice dripping with disdain.

"Did you think you could come here and just walk away, boy? You'll regret crossing me."

Xander's grip on his sword tightened. "I'm not here to beg for your mercy. I'm here to end your reign."

Captain Morgan's smile faded. With a roar, he charged forward, swinging his axe toward Xander with terrifying speed. Xander had no choice but to rely on his Observation Haki, anticipating the deadly arc of the blade. He ducked under the swing, narrowly avoiding it. The ground trembled as the axe collided with the stone floor.

Morgan's movements were brutal, each strike meant to crush anything in its path. But Xander wasn't just relying on his instincts now. He had trained hard over the past few weeks, and it showed. His body was agile, and his mind sharper. He dodged another heavy blow from the captain, rolling to the side and springing back onto his feet.

Yet, despite his improvements, he was still inexperienced in actual combat. His strikes were wild, and his timing wasn't perfect. Morgan's sheer strength overpowered him, his axe cleaving through the air with devastating force. Xander felt the sting of several near-misses, his body bruising from the blows he couldn't avoid.

"Is that all you've got?" Morgan taunted, swinging his axe again. Xander barely managed to leap out of the way, feeling the air rush past his face as the blade passed inches from his skull.

Xander gritted his teeth, frustration building. He couldn't keep dodging forever. He had to find a way to fight back. The Haki had given him an edge, but his raw power and fighting experience were still lacking. He had trained to build strength and agility, but the battle was forcing him to evolve faster than he had anticipated.

His breathing steadied, and he focused more intently on Morgan's movements. The more he fought, the more he understood the rhythm of the battle. The gaps between Morgan's swings, the heavy steps that preceded each strike, the brief moments when the captain overextended—Xander started to see them all. Slowly but surely, his movements began to sync with the flow of the battle.

Xander's strikes became more calculated. He danced around Morgan, landing a few solid blows to the captain's ribs and legs. His blows didn't have the same destructive power as Morgan's, but with each hit, the captain faltered. Xander's quick reflexes, enhanced by his Haki, allowed him to avoid most of Morgan's counterattacks.

The battle raged on for nearly half an hour. Sweat dripped from Xander's brow, his muscles burning from the effort. But he could see it—the moment when Morgan's confidence wavered. The captain, though still a formidable opponent, was tiring. Xander could sense it. This was his chance.

Xander tightened his grip on his sword, focusing his Haki into his limbs. His body began to glow with the faint outline of hardened Haki. With a swift motion, he stepped forward, dodging another wild swing from Morgan's axe. He closed the gap, launching himself toward Morgan's exposed side.

With a mighty roar, Xander slammed his fist into Morgan's midsection, the force amplified by his hardening Haki. Morgan let out a pained grunt, stumbling back. His grip on the axe loosened, and the weapon fell from his hands with a heavy thud.

Xander didn't give him a chance to recover. With a flash of movement, he followed up with a vicious punch to Morgan's face, sending the captain sprawling to the ground. The battle was over.

Morgan lay on the ground, his breathing shallow, blood oozing from multiple wounds. He tried to rise, but his body refused to obey. His once-proud form was now broken, defeated.

Xander stood over him, his breath heavy but steady. The captain's chest rose and fell in labored breaths. Xander could have walked away, but something inside him hardened.

Morgan had been a tyrant, an oppressor, and the people of Shells Town would never be free as long as he was alive. Xander wasn't a saint. He wasn't a hero. He was a pirate, and pirates didn't show mercy to monsters like Morgan.

Xander's hand shot out, gripping Morgan by the throat. The captain's eyes widened in fear, but Xander didn't hesitate. With a swift twist, he ended Morgan's life. No remorse. No second thoughts. The marine captain had been a cancer to the town, and Xander had excised it.

As Morgan's lifeless body hit the ground, Xander turned away. The people of Shells Town would have to find their own way forward now. He had done what needed to be done.

Xander made his way to the docks, his mind already focused on the next step. He didn't stay to watch the aftermath. The town would be safe for now, but Xander's journey was far from over. He was a pirate, and he had bigger goals. The next two years would be critical in shaping his future.

He boarded a small boat and set sail, leaving Shells Town behind. He didn't care about the bounty that would undoubtedly be placed on his head. It didn't matter. He was going to train, to grow stronger, and to carve his own path in the world.

After days of sailing, Xander finally found a small, secluded island off the coast of Shells Town. The island was uninhabited, its dense forests and rocky terrain perfect for what lay ahead. It was here that he would train for the next two years, honing his skills and pushing himself beyond his limits.

As he stepped off the boat, the island's rugged landscape welcomed him. Xander smiled to himself. This was only the beginning.

Status:]

Name: Xander

Age: 18

Strength: 20

Agility: 19

Charm: 18

Haki: Basic Observation Haki lvl: 2, Basic Armament Haki lvl: 1

Devil Fruit: None