The Going Merry sailed steadily under the clear sky, a stark contrast to the eerie battle they had just endured. The waves lapped calmly against the hull, as if the ocean itself had reset after the Phantom Captain's disappearance. Yet, despite the newfound peace, an unspoken weight lingered over the crew.
Luffy stood at the bow, staring at his hands. The dark tendrils of shadow that had once coiled around them were gone, but he could still feel their presence, as if they had become an extension of him. He clenched his fist, testing the sensation. Something had changed within him, something deeper than just power. It was as though a memory not his own had been passed down through the shadows, whispering from the depths of time.
Zoro, leaning against the mast with his arms crossed, studied Luffy carefully. The swordsman was never one for unnecessary words, but his sharp gaze took in everything. "You're different now," he finally said. "Your power—it's not just brute strength anymore."
Luffy grinned, though it lacked his usual carefree energy. "Yeah… it feels different. Like I can control it better." He turned his palm upward, willing the shadows to surface. For a moment, nothing happened. Then, a faint ripple of darkness flickered around his fingertips before vanishing. His expression shifted, thoughtful rather than frustrated. "I don't think it's just about power," he muttered.
Nami, sitting on a barrel near the helm, frowned. She had been watching him closely since the battle, unease clear in her posture. "That Phantom Captain gave you something, didn't he?" Her voice was cautious, edged with concern. "That fight wasn't just about winning—it was a test."
Usopp, still shaken from the battle, waved his arms wildly. "Wait, wait, wait! You're telling me Luffy got ghost powers now?! That's NOT normal!" His voice cracked slightly, and he took a step back as if Luffy might suddenly start floating or turn into a specter himself.
Luffy tilted his head, considering their words. He rubbed his chin, his grin returning just slightly. "I don't know what that guy meant by 'shadows remember,' but I'm gonna figure it out. One thing's for sure…" He turned, flashing his signature confident grin. "We've got bigger things ahead."
As if on cue, Nami's eyes darted to the horizon, where faint silhouettes of ships appeared in the distance. Her brows furrowed as she grabbed her spyglass, raising it to her eye. The moment she focused, her face tensed. "Speaking of things ahead… we might have company."
Zoro straightened, resting a hand on the hilt of his sword. "More ghosts?"
Nami shook her head, her voice clipped with urgency. "No… Marines."
The crew tensed. The Phantom Raiders may have been defeated, but the real world had no shortage of dangers. And this time, they weren't dealing with spectral foes, but the relentless force of the World Government.
Usopp groaned. "Marines?! Already?! Can't they give us a break?!"
Luffy stretched his arms, his excitement returning as his worries faded away. "Guess we'll find out if they can keep up."
The crew sprang into action, each preparing for the inevitable encounter. The Going Merry cut through the waves, heading straight toward its next challenge. The adventure was far from over, and the sea ahead held more mysteries than ever before.
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