Bonding time.

The Blue Pirates set sail for a distant island covered in mist.

'It's an island full of demons; legends say that anyone who enters is never seen again sailing the seas,' Axel told Ussop.

-B-but I'm allergic to ghost islands, -- Ussop said. -- I'll stay on the ship, in my room. AGHH, - he added, his legs trembling.

-You enjoy scaring him, - Deuce said. Ussop ran in circles around the ship, eventually finding refuge behind the door leading to the bedrooms.

-If you don't stop him, don't blame me for his behavior, - Axel said.

-Is this island Noinfested with demons? - Agatha asked.

-Not at all. Ussop and I have been to this island before. We arrived at night and left at night, - Axel explained.

-Only an idiot wouldn't remember being on an island, - Kuro remarked.

-Wawawawaw, -- laughed Gad.-- Let's see what's special about this island, -- he suggested.

-Neee, Axel, did you bring us here to vacation? - Shaphir, the half-mermaid with beautiful blue eyes and shiny silver hair, asked.

-For now, we're just visiting. We'll start with a little training, especially for the weakling Kuro. I hope he can survive two hits next time, - Axel said.

-Humppp,- Kuro grumbled, heading to the kitchen.

-Hahaha, Kuro the wet cat, - Ussop said, high-fiving Agatha.

-Well, now that you're in a better mood, how about going to the Demon Island, Ussop? - Axel suggested.

-No way, I'll stay with old Nihtal. I heard about the fire engine you're working on to gain speed. Deuce made a small engine on a surfboard, but with my wit and Nihtal, we'll have it ready in a day, - Ussop said.

-You won't escape training, - Axel told him.

-I won't set foot on that island. I'm a man of faith. I won't involve myself in matters that aren't mine. If you want to be cursed, it's your decision. Don't lead me into madness! - Ussop exclaimed.

-Well, everyone can do as they please. If you want to follow me, welcome. The island isn't dangerous, but be a bit cautious, - Axel said.

-I'll stay with my girls, - Gad said, diving into the water and swimming around. Saphir and Rubis followed him.

-What about you, Emeraude? - Deuce asked.

-I wish to explore the island, - Emeraude replied.

-Old Gaimon will be happy to have some visitors. We haven't had a good chat in two months, - Axel said.

Ussop stopped. -Old Gaimon? - he asked.

-Yep, but you'll stay on the ship, - Axel said.

-No, wait for me! - Ussop said.

The path was the same; the trees had grown, and shadows spread across the trail. The sunlight disappeared among the leaves, and dark sounds echoed in the crew's ears. Little Agatha took the opportunity to approach Deuce, always taking any chance to embarrass him.

Emeraude, a Fish-Man accustomed to the darkness of the sea, where terrible marine dangers lurk, the long sea kings lying in the depths open their large yellow eyes upon sensing the presence of invaders in their territory. As a mermaid, she knows she can communicate with some large fish, but she can't communicate with sea kings. She lives under their tacit understanding as a sea dweller.

-Ohhhhhiiii. –

-Old Gaimon, it's me, Axel. -

-Ohhhh, Axel, - an old man with a green afro emerged, tied to a chest. The once seemingly dangerous and imposing animals now appeared as simple farm animals.

-I thought you'd never come back. I'm so happy to see you again, - Gaimon said.

-I'm glad to see you too, old man. Come with us; we're going to have a feast to celebrate our visit. I need to introduce you to my new nakama, - Axel said.

-YES! I don't see Ussop. I see new friends, these new lords, - Gaimon said, pointing.

-This is Deuce," Axel said. "This beautiful woman next to him is Agatha. We have Emeraude, a mermaid, and lastly, Kuro, the one with the smug look, - Axel introduced.

-A pleasure to meet you. I never thought I'd meet a mermaid, - Gaimon said.

They prepared a delicious stew. Axel recounted his new adventures to Gaimon, and they danced for a while. Tashigi woke up at noon, her blue jacket with white woolen cuffs and collar, the dark circles under her eyes acknowledging the hard work she put in during the past days.

-You're awake, Lia. Eat something; there's a stew, rice, meatballs, and some sautéed vegetables, - Axel said.

-Good morning, everyone, - Tashigi said shyly.

She had been doing the training imposed by Axel, trying to deliver 100 perfect blows with all her strength every day. It was exhausting, and her constant self-criticism highlighted the difficulty of the task. Followed by weightlifting and breathing exercises, she fell exhausted at night with pain all over her body. Deuce prepared infusions and ointments that helped her recover for the next day of training.

-Sit down; today is a rest day. It's as important as the exercise. You can rest all day. We'll eat delicious food, sleep under the sunlight, and roast marshmallows, - Axel said.

-Oh, great, I'd like that, - Lia said.

The banquet lasted until late at night. Shortly after Tashigi woke up, Gad arrived with Saphir and Rubis. They found a galleon sunk at the far east end of the island near the cliffs. Judging by the type of ship, Nihtal mentioned it was from 40 years ago. The fire-based engines for energy consumption were completed and installed at the rear of the ship.

Nihtal is a true genius; his engineering and robotics skills are among the best Axel has seen. Although he lacks the mental acuity of Franky, he can create various devices.

The fire-based engine can move the ship at a constant speed of 5 knots without wind. It needs a few upgrades, but the lack of materials prevents him from perfecting the turbine's power. Even though fast travel by sea shortens distances, it is not always beneficial.

Firstly, seasickness due to the boat's instability, and secondly, handling the boat becomes more challenging as the speed increases, making it difficult to avoid potential accidents. Therefore, it is better to use sea currents, waves, and wind propulsion.

The climate in the East Blue is one of the best, along with the West Blue. In the North Blue, icebergs are common, while in the South Blue, unfamiliarity with sea currents can cause a crisis due to a lack of wind on some days and large whirlpools caused by temperature changes.

-Are you sure, Nihtal? Can you double the speed to 10 knots? - Axel asked.

-Yes, it's simple. I just need some materials and better welding equipment, maybe some heat insulators to avoid damaging the wood, - Nihtal replied.

-Good, our next stop will surprise you. Can you set up a speed system? One that fixes at two knots, another at six, and another at ten, - Axel suggested.

-Hmm... what an interesting idea. I can do that; give me two days to draw up the plans and some trial and error time, - the scientist said.

-Alright, that's all we need. For now, enjoy the marshmallows; we're not in a hurry, - Axel said.

-Ohhh, the place you want to take me to sounds excellent, - Nihtal said.

-It is. You'll be amazed; they are the best engineers in the East Blue, but they are humble and considerate people, - Axel replied.

-Sounds fantastic, - Nihtal said.

-Axel... let's make more marshmallows with chocolate, - Ussop suggested.

-Sure, - Axel said as he lay back to gaze at the stars.

The stars in this world are so beautiful. There isn't as much pollution in the sky, vibrant space colors, and a firmament filled with hidden secrets. This world has a solar system, life on other planets, and what happens beyond this planet.

Around the campfire, Deuce chatted casually with Agatha and sometimes with Kuro about various things. Agatha talked with Rubis, Saphir, and Emeruade, while Tashigui spoke with Gad. Nihtal played with Ussop, roasting marshmallows at random.

"The best place to be, the best crew I could have ever had," Axel thought with all his heart, looking at the wonderful crew he now had.

...