Chapter 18 Departure

After the recent dramatic events, everything fell back into place, following the usual rhythm of life in Windmill Village. Satoru chose to stay on the sidelines, observing rather than participating.

Luffy, ever the headstrong dreamer, ventured out to confront Sig, but the outcome was predictable—Luffy was quickly captured.

The red-haired pirates, led by Shanks, mounted a rescue operation. Ben Beckman alone dealt with the bandits, while Sig, in a panicked attempt to escape, tossed a smoke bomb and fled with Luffy on a small boat.

Sig's decision to venture out to sea was a fatal mistake. After all, pirates like the Red-Haired crew rule the waters, and the sea is their true domain.

A massive Sea King appeared, devouring Sig in one gulp. The creature turned its attention to Luffy, but just as it was about to strike, Shanks leaped into action. He saved Luffy at the cost of his own left arm.

The sight was harrowing. Shanks, a formidable swordsman, would now have to rebuild his technique from scratch. The injury severely impacted his strength—he was now a shadow of his former peak.

As the Sea King loomed closer, Shanks unleashed his **Conqueror's Haki** with such intensity that it terrified the creature into retreat.

From his vantage point, Satoru observed the immense energy radiating from Shanks' Haki.

"This power... it can bypass my Limitless Cursed Technique," Satoru thought, intrigued.

The discovery thrilled him. Though Satoru's Limitless Warlock ability made him nearly untouchable, Shanks' Haki introduced an element of challenge. Satoru had grown accustomed to his near-invincibility but now saw an opportunity for growth in this new world.

"With Haki like that around, I won't be bored here," he mused, his six eyes gleaming with anticipation.

Days passed, and Shanks' injury healed, though the loss of his arm remained irreversible. It was time for the Red-Haired Pirates to leave Windmill Village. They had lingered for over six months, and their adventures awaited them on the Grand Line.

"Luffy," Shanks said, kneeling to place his treasured straw hat on the boy's head. "I'm leaving this with you. Return it to me when you've become a great pirate."

Tears welled up in Luffy's eyes, but he nodded firmly. "I promise, Shanks! I'll become a pirate worthy of this hat!"

Shanks smiled and rose, turning to Satoru one last time.

"And you, Satoru? Are you sure you're not coming along?"

Satoru folded his arms, a playful smirk on his face. "I've got my own path to follow, Shanks. But next time we meet, I might not go easy on you."

"Ha! Next time, kid, don't cry when you lose!" Shanks shot back, grinning.

As the villagers gathered to bid farewell, Makino stood among them, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. She and Shanks shared a bond that no one else in the village knew about.

Her heart ached knowing that Shanks' journey would always take him away from her. His duties as a pirate and his dreams of adventure outweighed any chance they had to be together, at least for now.

At the stern of the ship, Shanks waved to the crowd. "Goodbye, everyone! I'll be back someday!"

The village chief scowled, shouting in return, "Don't come back, you scoundrels! Pirates aren't welcome here!"

The villagers laughed at the chief's bluster. They all knew his harsh words belied his true feelings—if Shanks ever returned, he'd be welcomed with open arms.

As the Red-Haired Pirates' ship disappeared over the horizon, a sense of quiet returned to Windmill Village. But for Luffy, the fire of adventure had been ignited, and Satoru's anticipation for future challenges only grew stronger.