CH-7: Karate Island awaits

During the upcoming week on the ship, I immersed myself in rigorous training. I pushed my body to its limits, increasing the density of my bones to add weight and practicing bodyweight exercises to enhance my physical prowess. Every move was calculated, every exercise deliberate.

Kosuke, having recovered enough to join me, matched my intensity. "I can't let you outpace me," he said seriously, throwing a punch that I barely dodged.

I laughed, feigning an exaggerated dodge. "I wouldn't dream of it, Kosuke. You know we're in this together."

Our training sessions were punctuated by moments of camaraderie and mutual encouragement. "You're getting stronger," I observed one day, impressed by Kosuke's progress.

"And you're getting faster," Kosuke replied. "We're a good team."

Meanwhile, Lucy Diez visited Kosuke daily, our conversations growing more personal and heartfelt. "I miss my grandfather," she confided one evening, tears welling up in her eyes. "But talking to you helps."

Kosuke smiled gently. "We're here for you, Lucy. You're part of our family now."

"Thank you for always being here," Lucy said softly one evening, her eyes meeting Kosuke's. "I don't know what I would have done without you and Dante."

As the ship neared its destination, the reality of our impending separation loomed. One afternoon, Kosuke decided it was time to discuss our plans. "Lucy, we're going to be on Karate Island for a while," he began, his tone serious yet caring. "What do you want to do?"

Lucy looked down, her expression uncertain. "I don't have anyone left," she admitted. "My grandfather and I were heading back to Torino, but now I don't know."

I stepped forward, having been listening nearby. "Lucy, your grandfather wanted you to be a great doctor," I said gently. "Why don't you go back to Torino and study for a few years? We can keep in contact with a Den Den Mushi. When you're ready, we'll come get you."

Lucy looked between the two of us, her eyes filling with a mix of hope and sadness. "You really think I can do it?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Kosuke placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We know you can," he said firmly. "You're already an amazing healer, and with more training, you'll be even better."

She thought about it, the idea slowly taking root. "I want to become a full-fledged doctor," she said finally, determination in her eyes. "Then, I'll join you on your adventures."

I nodded, my face breaking into a broad smile. "We can buy Den Den Mushis on the next island," I explained. "The captain said we'd get a good price for the pirate captain's head. It'll be enough."

As we continued our journey, the bond between the three of us grew stronger. I watched the budding friendship between Kosuke and Lucy with a sense of contentment. "Looks like you've found yourself a friend," I teased Kosuke one evening as we rested after a particularly strenuous training session.

Kosuke chuckled, glancing over at Lucy, who was busy tending to another crew member. "Yeah, she's something special," he admitted. "I'm glad she's with us."

My heart swelled with pride and happiness for my friend. "Me too," I said softly. "She's going to be a great addition to our crew."

As our ship approached the next island, Kosuke spoke to Lucy again. "We're almost there," he said, his voice tinged with both excitement and a bit of sadness. "What are you going to do when we dock?"

Lucy took a deep breath, her resolve clear. "I'm going back to Torino," she said. "I want to honor my grandfather's memory and become the best doctor I can be. But I'll miss you both."

Kosuke and I exchanged a glance, a silent agreement passing between us. "We'll miss you too, Lucy," Kosuke said. "But this isn't goodbye. We'll stay in touch with the Den Den Mushis, and before you know it, we'll be back to take you on our adventures."

As the merchant ship sailed steadily towards its next destination, Captain Marius couldn't shake the images of the recent battle from his mind. The bravery displayed by Kosuke and me had saved the ship and its passengers from what could have been a devastating defeat. The captain's thoughts turned to the bounty that hung over the pirate captain's head.

Approaching us, Captain Marius cleared his throat. "Gentlemen, I wanted to thank you both personally. Without your intervention, we would have been lost."

I nodded modestly, glancing at Kosuke who still bore the marks of our recent struggle. "We did what we had to do. We're just glad we could help."

Captain Marius continued, "That pirate captain had a bounty of 4 million beri on his head. You've earned that reward, and I think it's only fair that you receive the credit."

I shook my head. "No, Captain. We don't need the recognition. What we need is your help redeeming the bounty and buying two Den Den Mushis."

Marius looked surprised but then smiled. "You're an unusual young man, Dante. Very well, I'll handle the paperwork and ensure you get the bounty. We should be docking soon, and there's a market where you can buy what you need."

As the ship approached the dock, Captain Marius addressed his crew and passengers. "Thanks to Dante and Kosuke, we've made it safely. Let's give them our gratitude."

A cheer went up from those gathered, and I felt a wave of warmth and gratitude wash over me. I glanced at Kosuke, who was smiling despite his injuries.

When we finally docked at the island, Captain Marius led us to the local authorities to redeem the bounty. He kept the details as vague as possible and also underplayed the role of Kosuke and me in battle, chalking up the kill to the sacrifice of his crewmates and a moment of luck.

The process was swift, and soon we held the bounty in our hands.

The bounty we got from the dead pirate was only 70% of the amount mentioned on the wanted poster. The marine clerk had said that bounties for dead pirates were deducted, as per the rules of the Navy.

"Perhaps they want them alive to execute them in front of people as a show of power and authority, to show that they were indeed getting rid of pirate scum and keeping the seas safe. And it probably also sways the minds of up and coming new pirates." I deduced in my mind.

Marius then took us to a nearby shop that sold Den Den Mushis.

Inside the shop, the proprietor greeted us warmly. "What can I do for you today?"

Looking at the wide array of Den Den Mushi arranged on the shelves, I stepped forward. "We need two Den Den Mushis, please."

The shopkeeper nodded and brought out two devices. "These are top of the line. They'll serve you well."

Captain Marius watched as the transaction took place and after it was over, "Good luck to you all," he said, shaking our hands. "If you ever need anything, you know where to find me."

We thanked him sincerely. "We couldn't have done it without your support, Captain."

Marius nodded. "You've got brave hearts. Take care of each other."

Back on the ship, we met Lucy again.

"Lucy," I said, handing her one of the Den Den Mushis, "this way, we can talk anytime. And remember, when you're ready, we'll come for you."

Lucy's eyes welled with tears, but she smiled through them. "Thank you," she whispered. "I'll be waiting."

At the next island, it was time for our farewells.

We had tried to offer Lucy some of our bounty but she had declined. Her grandfather had left her a considerable sum of money, enough for her to last a lifetime.

As Kosuke and I disembarked, Lucy stood on the deck, waving. "Take care, and don't get into too much trouble!" she called out, her voice cracking with emotion.

"We'll be fine," Kosuke replied, waving back. "And we'll see you soon!"

As the ship pulled away, Lucy's voice rang out one last time. "I love you, Kosuke!" She quickly turned and ran, hiding her blush, while Kosuke's face turned a deep shade of red.

I laughed heartily. "Looks like you've got yourself an admirer," I teased, clapping Kosuke on the back.

Kosuke grumbled, but a smile tugged at his lips. "Yeah, yeah. Let's get going."

We found an inn to rest for the night, planning our next steps.