Departure into the unknown

Peter felt a tremendous weight pressing on his chest, as if the truth he had just discovered made the world around him tighter, and the sea of adventure before him more mysterious than he had ever imagined.

He sensed that every step, every movement, every decision he had made since arriving in this world was not just a coincidence or a passing adventure. He was part of a larger puzzle, like a small stone in a complex game of dominos that pushed each other without end.

Peter lifted his head slightly, a mix of confusion and curiosity showing on his face, his eyes still fixed on the transparent light emanating from his palm.

He whispered to himself, as if trying to find an explanation hidden within the folds of the words he had heard: "Could it be that I was given a role without my knowledge? That there are others like them... corrupting this world and seeking dominance?"

The transparent screen lit up again before Peter, and the words changed rapidly, revealing a clear message:

"Peter, I need your help. Based on the principles you believe in, we must return those people to their own world. No one should meddle in a world that isn't theirs to begin with. We need to put an end to this."

Peter stared at the words in silence, unable to respond, as if the words themselves had bound him. On one hand, his mind was filled with fears and possibilities he had dreaded from the beginning; on the other hand, he couldn't ignore this request. He had been part of this from the very first moment, and ignoring it wouldn't make the reality disappear.

"I need some time... I must decide," he murmured in a voice barely audible, but the system was quick to respond.

"Don't worry, Peter. I've thought of a story you can tell Roger's crew. They will understand, and they'll stand by you as friends, just as you've come to expect from them."

New words appeared on the screen detailing the system's suggested plan:

"Simply tell them you received a message from your long-lost family, who are living in a far-off, remote place that no ship can easily reach. You need to go find them; it's your duty as a family member and as a warrior."

Peter's eyes widened as he read. The system's words were thoughtful and persuasive—a story that wouldn't make anyone suspicious. Since he hadn't shared much about his family before, he knew that such words would make them accept his departure, as Roger's crew had always valued family and deep emotions.

The next day, Peter gathered his courage and prepared to inform the crew of his decision. It felt like leaving his real home. He could feel the weight of his words before he even spoke them, like solid stones lodged in his throat. Yet, he had no choice but to move forward.

Peter walked quietly to the dining room, where the crew was as lively as ever, each one laughing and chatting as if they had no worries in the world.

He saw young Shanks devouring a huge piece of meat, Buggy cackling at the edge of the table, while Roger and Rayleigh were talking and drinking with a relatively calm demeanor.

Peter advanced with steady steps, stopping in the middle of the room, casting silent glances at each of them before raising his voice firmly and clearly, "Friends, I have something important to tell you..."

The voices gradually quieted down, and everyone slowly turned to him with full attention. Roger and Rayleigh exchanged glances, and young Shanks stopped eating to give Peter his full attention.

Peter took a deep breath,

"I recently received a message, something from my long-lost family... It seems they are living in a distant place, so far that I might not be able to return if I go. And while I'd love to stay here with you, I realize that I must go. I have obligations as a family member that I can't ignore."

The crew fell into a brief silence, as if Peter's words had cast a cloud of quiet reflection upon them. It seemed like each of them was contemplating what his departure would mean and how it would affect them.

Gaban stepped forward, asking with a mix of curiosity and concern, "Should we come with you, Peter? You're not just a guest; you've become one of us!"

Another crew member questioned, "What drives you to leave? Haven't we been like a family to you here?"

Peter remained silent for a few moments.

Rayleigh, ever the calm and understanding one, was the first to break the silence with a warm smile. He walked up to Peter, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder and said,

"Peter, you've taught us that family isn't bound by place or time, but by the love we hold in our hearts. Wherever you go, you'll always be one of us. Follow your heart; we'll always be by your side."

Peter did not expect this response; he never imagined they would accept his desire so easily, fearing instead that they would see his decision as a form of betrayal or oppose his departure vehemently.

Then Roger approached, with a look that mixed pride and sadness, he stepped up and gave Peter a friendly pat on the shoulder, saying in a firm voice,

"Live your adventure, Peter, and be confident that we are all proud of you. Wherever your path leads, I'm sure you will succeed. This is your journey, and no one will stop you—we support you all the way."

Then he laughed, adding with a smile, "And you're one of us forever, my friend."

As for young Shanks, who had always seen Peter as an older brother, he slowly approached him, his eyes trying to hide a tear that escaped against his will, and he asked in a trembling voice, "But... you'll come back, won't you?" Shanks' words came out with difficulty, like a hope he was desperately clinging to.

Peter laughed and patted his head gently, then said in a calm voice, "Shanks, if there's any chance of coming back, I will definitely return. And I will never forget you, my dear friends."

That night, the crew gathered under a star-filled sky on the deck, throwing the biggest party in Peter's honor. The man who had lived among them for over a year and a half, inspiring them with his high spirits and hard work, had become a brother and partner in their adventures.

Barrels were piled up around them, songs and laughter echoing along with the sound of the waves, while Peter sat among them, watching the scene with love and nostalgia, as if trying to capture every moment with them in his heart forever.

Roger raised his cup high and shouted, "To Peter! The man we'll never forget, no matter how far he goes!" And the crew echoed his name in unison, their voices rising with enthusiasm, mixed with deep laughter, some of which hid a subtle sadness.

Shanks and Buggy couldn't hold back their tears. They sat beside Peter, their eyes wet and faces filled with determination not to cry. Whenever a tear fell, they would say in a comically childish tone, "Real men don't cry!" turning the phrase into a refrain everyone repeated, laughing through the mix of tears and joy.

Peter, who was used to being silent in such moments, felt the spirit of family wrapping around him more than ever.

Looking at the crew, he said with a smile full of gratitude, "One day, when you hear a shout on the horizon or see a shadow returning, know that it's me coming back for you!" They all laughed, though their eyes betrayed deep emotion and their wish for him to stay forever.

As they neared Dressrosa, the crew stood on the deck to bid Peter farewell with cheerful, bright smiles that tried to hide the pain of parting.

He hugged each of them, one by one, as the ship slowed near the shore. When he reached Shanks and Buggy, the farewell was the hardest. They held him tightly, trying to stop their tears once more, yet they flowed like waterfalls, still chanting bravely, "Real men don't cry, real men don't cry!"

And as the ship sailed away, Peter stood on the shores of Dressrosa, watching them wave to him, their voices fading into the distance. He watched them until the ship vanished on the horizon, then smiled and raised his hand, waving back.