Chapter 103 – All aboard, the next destination is the Grand Line!

Chapter 103 – All aboard, the next destination is the Grand Line!

[Chapter Size: 4000 Words.]

Third Person POV

At the edges of the East Blue.

...

...

As Black Pearl continued its journey, cutting through the waters towards the Grand Line, the turmoil of the world showed no signs of abating. However, the spirits on board remained high after the recent conversation among the crew.

Luffy, wearing the expression of a grinning rogue, held up the new wanted posters he had acquired on the Tenryuubito's ship. He eagerly shared the discovery, displaying the papers to everyone on the crew as they followed their course.

"We didn't get the newspaper today, but look, our new wanted posters that Lami found on the Tenryuubito's ship!" exclaimed Luffy, smiling like a ruffian as he showed the papers.

The posters revealed the bounty values and featured striking images of each crew member:

- [Monkey D. Luffy: 200,000,000 Berries – Dead or Alive.] (IMG: Luffy on the bow of the Black Pearl, torso bare to display tattoos, cloak billowing in the wind, one hand holding onto his hat on his head.)

- [Roronoa Zoro: 20,000,000 Berries – Dead or Alive.] (IMG: Zoro standing, three swords at his waist, in Loguetown.)

- [Trafalgar D. Lami: 50,000,000 Berries – Dead or Alive.] (IMG: Lami in front of the Marine base, Bepo by her side, a stack of captured pirates behind her.)

- [Yamato: 150,000,000 Berries – Dead or Alive.] (IMG: Yamato striking a commodore with her weapon, sending him flying in Loguetown.)

- [Nami: 50,000,000 Berries – Dead or Alive.] (IMG: She in front of a shop with her sister beside her, her hand glowing in a green hue, creating a hurricane to send Buggy's pirates flying into the sky.)

The impact of the bounties left the crew speechless.

"This..."

"200 million?! That's unbelievable!"

"This is so unexpected... Look at my bounty! 150 million! And I have my picture without a mask?!" Yamato spoke wide-eyed, realizing her father would now know where she is.

"Oh, no! So many millions? This is... dangerous!" Shirahoshi said in fear.

"Sharky!"

"20 million, really? This is an outrage. How does Luffy have 200 million?" Zoro complained at this moment, having the lowest bounty in the group.

"50 million! Looks like I'm becoming famous." Lami had a determined look.

"Look, I'm on the list too! 50 million!" Bepo commented, raising his front paws.

"You're in the photo, but the bounty is Lami's." Usopp grumbled comically to the animated bear.

"Woof!!" Chouchou was barking cheerfully.

"But this is so sudden, our group has 470 million on their heads already?!" Usopp shouted worriedly, still processing this amount. They took down some pirates with 20 million bounties, but now their captain was worth 10 times that.Th.ê most uptodate novels are published on n(0)velbj)n(.)co/m

"What? I have a wanted poster? This is terrible... 50 million..." Nami was terrified too.

"They're underestimating my value; I don't even have a bounty, and she has her own..." Reiju complained about being behind Lami.

"Not bad for newcomers..." Hugo commented.

"My little sister is worth 50 million... who would've thought." Nojiko said a bit concerned.

"Hey... we'll be hunted by elites with this, imagine our bounties if they find out the captain killed a Tenryuubito..." Hachi spoke in a corner.

"Zoro, looks like you have an advantage here." Kuina crossed her arms.

"And I need to update my bounty too; it seems they didn't recognize me with the new appearance..." Alvida murmured, as she should at least have a 5 million photo along with the posters, considering she's now part of the Straw Hat pirate crew.

"We have some hefty bounties, but we need to live up to these values, and we're already known for our exploits. We're ahead of everyone else who started sailing at this time. Now, we need to strengthen ourselves because our enemies are much more powerful than our current group, and soon we'll face some of them. We need to get stronger. Let's train!" Luffy, with visible determination in his expression, delivered a speech that resonated among the crew members at this moment after each had voiced their opinions.

The group nodded with seriousness, understanding the importance of strengthening themselves for the challenges that lay ahead. The training was rigorous, but everyone embraced the idea of growing and becoming stronger to face the new waters.

It was only the next day, in the middle of the morning, that the Black Pearl sighted the expected destination: the Reverse Mountain.

The Reverse Mountain rose majestically before the Black Pearl, an imposing wall of steep and tall rocks in a reddish hue, as if defying the very heavens. Its grandeur instilled a sense of reverence, an unmistakable landmark in the vastness of the ocean.

The red line, a notable feature crossing the base of the mountain, stood out like a unique scar on the world's fabric. It was as if a giant red hand had traced its path through the rock, leaving an indelible mark that cut through the countless layers of stone.

The Black Pearl sailed towards the mountain, the murmurs of the crew expressing a mix of excitement and respect in the face of the majesty of Reverse Mountain and the red line adorning it.

"Look at that!" exclaimed Luffy, pointing to the imposing rock formation ahead.

"Is this the Reverse Mountain? It looks so big and strange!" observed Usopp, marveling at the sight.

"It cuts through the entire world, separating all the seas? So giant..." murmured Nami, examining the colossal dimensions of the mountain that cut through the oceans.

"Is it true that the New World is on the other side?" questioned Yamato, seeking more knowledge about the peculiar geography of the Grand Line.

"Yes, but we can't go to that side because there's no way to the other side," explained Lami, adding information to the conversation.

"What a strange place..." commented Hugo, absorbing the uniqueness of the landscape.

"Look, there's a part of the way going in the opposite direction, that's incredible!" exclaimed Bepo.

At the entrance of the mountain, there was a massive current split into two directions, one ascending the mountain, pulling seawater, and the other descending, colliding with the water and creating particular water sprouts.

Luffy concluded at the moment: "Let's get ready! We're about to enter and climb the mountain!" Anticipation and excitement filled the air as the crew prepared for the next phase of their journey.

"Kaido!" Usopp shouted, along with many who didn't know the real identity of the man Yamato constantly referred to as an old bastard.

"Hmm... I guess it's me then..." Shirahoshi held her sake, and Megalo by her side, as the next in line, spoke timidly but with a lot of excitement in her tone. This mermaid had started to change and mature, gaining a much braver personality than initially when Luffy summoned her on that beach in Shelltown.

"I, Shirahoshi, want to become strong and brave. I want to protect my island and bring my people to the surface, following my mother's dream! I want to have more adventures with Luffy-Sama, Yamato-Sama, Zoro-Sama, Lami-Sama, Bepo-Sama, Chouchou-Sama, Usopp-Sama, Nami-Sama, Reiju-Sama, Hugo-Sama, Noijo-Sama, Hachi-Sama, Kuina-Sama, and Alvida-Sama." Shirahoshi had a confident and infectious tone in the end, with tears of happiness raising her cup.

"Nee... Princess!!! NEEEEEEE!" Hachi started crying with this too, while many had looks and smiles with these words.

"Sharky Sharky Sharky Sharky Sharky!" Megalo seemed to give a speech with tears too, but Shirahoshi was the only one who understood his shark language.

"Megalo said he's very happy to meet everyone and has never experienced so many things in the last month!" Shirahoshi said, smiling while still having tears in her eyes.

"Zoro, you've already drunk the sake! Fill it again and make your speech; it's your turn!" Usopp shouted with shark teeth to the green-haired swordsman.

"Ah, that's right. Let me fill it; the sake is really good, by the way, really worth the 20 million, Captain. Well, I'm going to become the greatest swordsman in the world, and I intend to defeat all my enemies and work hard for it!" Zoro raised his cup as he poured more sake.

"Now it's me; my goal is not as simple or as honorable as the others. I'm seeking revenge and intend to kill Donquixote Doflamingo with my own hands and move on! But I'm happy to join this crew, and as a medic, I intend not to let anyone die on this ship, no matter the danger!" Lami spoke with determination. Some were surprised and scared by her first statement, but they were satisfied with the second part of her comment.

"It's me!" exclaimed the polar bear with enthusiasm. "Hmmm... I want to become the strongest among my kind, the minks, and prove that even a bear can be a great warrior. Let's protect our friends and move forward together!" Bepo raised his cup with determination.

Chouchou barked like an excited little dog. "Woof! Woof Woof Woof!" He jumped forward, showing his excitement in front of his sake on the floor.

"Chouchou wants lots of bones and adventures! Let's be the bravest crew on the seas!" Luffy translated the dog's enthusiasm.

"Looks like it's me!" shouted the sharpshooter with confidence, exposing a big smile. "I, the great Usopp, will become the best sniper of the seas, a brave sea warrior, surpassing even my father, and tell the most incredible stories about our journey. Get ready to be amazed by my exploits!"

Nami raised her cup; the navigator had a mix of surprise and concern. "Oh, now I have a bounty, and that's unexpected... 50 million. But well, my goal remains the same. Let's draw the most complete map, and I want to explore the entire world and reach all the legendary islands! I will put my name in history as the greatest navigator who ever lived!"

Reiju positioned herself next to with a smile. "I may not have a bounty that fully reflects what I am capable of, but my goal is clear. I want to feed this crew and ensure everyone reaches their destination with full stomachs. I will keep everyone healthy and well-fed. Also, I want to find the famous AllBlue of legends and deal with my old family!"

Even Lami gave a look of recognition to Reiju, as both sought their own revenge.

Hugo raised his cup. "I, Hugo, want to become capable. I am not an honorable man and seek revenge for those who harmed me. This crew has already proven to me that it can stand against the greatest powers in the world, and I will get stronger to protect everyone here and fight against any threat that comes our way. Let's cross these seas together and reach our goals!"

Nami's older sister spoke affectionately. "My sister is worth 50 million... well, my goal is to support Nami on her journey. I want to see the world and how far we can reach. Well, I want to be with Luffy too..." She said the last part looking at the captain with a loving tone in her eyes.

Hachi seemed excited, despite joining the crew with a threat from Luffy; the fish-man seemed to accept his fate and befriend these people and animals. "Nee... I've always wanted to open a famous restaurant on the seas and provide happy moments for everyone with Takoyaki. But I still want to see the world before that and intend to get strong now with my new friends!" Many nodded in acknowledgment.

The young swordswoman spoke with determination at this moment. "I, Kuina, want to become the most skilled swordswoman and prove that women can be as strong as men. Let's train together and reach the top of this world, and I intend to be better than Zoro!" Zoro smiled at his friend, raising his cup.

Luffy, wielding his cup, was surrounded by the others, who, excitedly, listened to every word attentively. Alvida, next to Luffy, laughed as she expressed her own goals. "I will prove to the world that I am incredibly strong and beautiful at the same time. And, of course, remain by my husband's side to support him always!" Her laughter echoed as she toasted with the group.

"HAHAHAHAHAAHA! Now that everyone has announced their goals, let's head to the Grand Line! Get ready because we're going to shake the foundations of this world like no other group that has ever appeared in history, be it Roger, Xebec, Kaido, Whitebeard, Shanks, Bigmon, the Marines, World Government, even Joyboy and the great forces of the lost century. We'll surpass them all. We are the Straw Hat Pirate crew, after all!!!" Luffy exclaimed, taking the initiative to clink the extended cups of everyone. The sound echoed on the deck as each member followed, contagiously influenced by the captain's fervent words, and drank their sake to conclude the ritual.

The world would tremble like never before with this pirate crew, various objectives converging, but one supporting the other within the Black Pearl.

With the cups clinked in a harmonious celebration and the drinks going into their stomachs, the Straw Hat Crew raised their eyes and beheld the magnificent spectacle unfolding before them.

[Play One Piece Soundtrack - To The Grand Line.]

"Look, the clouds are clearing, we can see a part of the Grand Line from here!" Luffy pointed forward. As the last sip of sake went down, the ethereal mist of euphoria lingering over the Black Pearl's deck began to dissipate, turning the moment into something truly magical.

Ahead, the last clouds were dispersing like curtains, revealing the grandeur of the Grand Line. A breathtaking sight unfolded before them. The horizon was dominated by a vast and tumultuous ocean, its waters sparkling like precious jewels in the sunlight. Small dots, representing the islands, floated like mirages, each promising mysteries and unique challenges.

The salty breeze danced across the deck, carrying with it the promise of new adventures in these waters. "HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Luffy, with a broad smile and determination in his eyes, absorbed the grandeur of the sight before him. His crewmates, each with their unique aspirations, shared the same look of excitement and courage. It was a moment that transcended words, a silent communion of souls sailing into the unknown.

The ship's mast cut through the horizon, pointing toward the vastness that awaited them. A sense of unity and purpose permeated the air as the Black Pearl boldly advanced toward the Grand Line. The crew, enveloped in the magic of the moment, knew that this journey marked the beginning of an epic saga, where their destinies would intertwine with the secrets and wonders of one of the world's most challenging seas.

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Raccoon here:

"Stone Stone!"

* "I want to see this fanfic reach 400 powerstones!"

* I changed how the Reverse Mountain was treated in the anime; in the episode, Going Merry went up and down, which I found unimmersive with the map's structure, so I created my own version. The anime also had only one path, which doesn't make sense, as it is where all the traffic from all the seas passes through and converges. There should at least be an upward current and a downward one.

* With this chapter, we are concluding the first volume with one more final prologue tomorrow.

For those who can support:

/DazeRaccoon.