Chapter 7: Call to Action

The warm sun hung high in the sky, casting vibrant rays over the Sabaody Archipelago. Jason, now six years old, stood at the entrance of the bar, his small frame filled with youthful energy and curiosity. He peered out at the bustling scene, where pirates and merchants mingled, creating a lively atmosphere that both excited and intimidated him. Today was a day for exploration.

"Dad!" Jason called, his voice eager as he ran into the back room where Rayleigh was polishing one of his swords. The Dark King looked up, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

"What is it, kiddo?" Rayleigh asked, placing the sword down and wiping his hands on a cloth.

"Can I go explore Sabaody?" Jason bounced on the balls of his feet, his eyes wide with anticipation. "I promise I won't go to the bad parts Mom told me about!"

Rayleigh hesitated, a mix of concern and pride bubbling within him. He had seen how quickly the world could change, how dangerous it could be for someone so young. But Jason had shown remarkable growth; his talent in Haki had surpassed his own at that age. "Alright, you can explore, but only with a buddy. Stay close to the bar, and I'll come looking for you in a little while."

Jason's face broke into a wide grin. "Thank you, Dad! I won't let you down!" He quickly dashed out of the bar, his heart racing with excitement at the prospect of adventure.

As he wandered through the streets, Jason's eyes widened at the sights and sounds of the Archipelago. The air was thick with laughter, shouts, and the clinking of coins. Colorful stalls lined the streets, displaying exotic fruits, trinkets, and unique wares from around the world. Jason felt alive, his senses buzzing with the thrill of discovery.

However, as he explored, he kept his promise to stay away from the trouble spots. He ventured closer to the heart of the Archipelago, where the atmosphere began to shift. The laughter faded, replaced by hushed whispers and furtive glances. Jason felt a sense of unease wash over him, but his curiosity pushed him forward.

Suddenly, he overheard a conversation between two shady-looking men leaning against a wall. "I heard they're auctioning off three Amazonian girls tonight," one said, his voice low and conspiratorial.

"Yeah, those tough-looking brats," the other replied with a sneer. "They say they're worth a fortune! Just imagine how much we could make!"

Jason's heart raced. The mention of the Amazonian girls struck a chord within him. He had knowledge from his past life about the Boa sisters, renowned for their strength and independence, and how they had fallen victim to the cruel whims of the World Nobles. The thought of them being treated as slaves made his stomach churn.

The realization hit him like a bolt of lightning. These weren't just any Amazonian girls; they were the Boa sisters, the fierce warriors he had read about. Their unique powers had been twisted into a cruel form of entertainment for their captors. He quickly recalled the tales of Fisher Tiger and his rebellion against the World Nobles, the hope he had instilled in countless others. This was his chance to make a difference and help the sisters reclaim their freedom.

Determined, Jason knew he had to act. He couldn't do it alone, though; he needed his parents' help.

Quickly, he retraced his steps, moving back to the bar. His heart pounded with urgency as he pushed through the door, where Shakuyaku was tidying up the counter. She looked up, a smile blooming on her face.

"Jason! How was your exploration?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with maternal pride.

"It was amazing, Mom! But I heard something really bad! I need to talk to you and Dad!" He grabbed her hand, tugging her gently toward the back room.

"Alright, calm down. What's wrong?" Shakuyaku said, concern creeping into her voice.

Rayleigh emerged from the back just then, having heard the commotion. "What's going on?" he asked, crossing his arms, his brow furrowed with worry.

"I overheard two men talking about an auction. They're selling three Amazonian girls tonight!" Jason exclaimed, his voice filled with urgency. "We have to help them!"

Shakuyaku's expression shifted to one of shock and disbelief. "Amazonian girls? Are you sure?"

Jason nodded vigorously, his blue eyes wide with determination. "I overheard them talking about it. We have to do something!"

Rayleigh exchanged a worried glance with Shakuyaku. The implications of what Jason had overheard weighed heavily on them. "If what you say is true, we can't just stand by and let this happen," Rayleigh said, his voice serious.

"But how do we rescue them?" Shakuyaku asked, her brow furrowed.

Jason's mind raced as he recalled the sisters' strength. "They can fight back! We just need to get close enough to let them know we're here to help! If we create a distraction, they can break free, and then we can escape together!"

Rayleigh knelt beside Jason, his expression softening. "You've got a brave heart, kid. But we need to be smart about this. We can't just rush in without a plan."

Shakuyaku took a deep breath, considering their options. "We'll need to gather more information first. If we can find out where the auction is being held, we can strategize a way to intervene. But we have to be careful; this could attract unwanted attention."

Rayleigh nodded in agreement. "Alright, let's move quickly. We don't have much time." He stood up, determination etching his features. "Jason, stay close to us, and remember to use your Haki. We'll need every advantage we can get."

With that, the three of them hurried out of the bar, Jason's heart pounding with a mixture of fear and excitement. He was ready to do whatever it took to help the Boa sisters, to fight against the injustice that threatened to swallow them whole.

As they moved through the streets of Sabaody, Jason felt a newfound sense of purpose. This was more than just an adventure; it was a chance to stand up for those who couldn't fight for themselves. With his parents by his side, he was determined to make a difference, to be the hero he always dreamed of being.