One Piece : Herald of the Abyss

Chapter 6: Chapter 6 : “Calm Water is a Dangerous Water”



Reverse Mountain, the gateway between the Grand Line and the East Blue. The crew braces themselves, their nerves evident as the monstrous current drags the ship toward the mountain's base. The water roars, crashing against jagged rocks that could shred the strongest hulls.

Kael's golden eyes remain fixed on the peak above, unyielding as the water churns violently around him. His hands grip the wheel with inhuman strength, the raw power of his Ryu Ryu no Mi, Model: Night Abyss Dragon keeping the ship from succumbing to the chaotic waves. 

Kael : "Not even the mountain can deny me. I'll tear through this world's limits, starting here." Muttered Kael to himself

A monstrous wave looms, threatening to smash the ship against the jagged rocks. Kael extends one hand, his fingers crackling with purple flames. A controlled blast of his dragon fire strikes the wave, splitting it in two and allowing the ship to surge forward.

As the Ship crests the peak of Reverse Mountain, Kael looks down at the serene waters of the East Blue below, a stark contrast to the chaos he just conquered.

Kael : "East Blue... the cradle of the weak. Let's see how long it takes to shatter their peace."

Descending into the East Blue, the Ship he has now begins to show its age and wear. The hull bears scars from countless battles it once maybe had before Kael repaired it, Kael inspects the damage with a critical eye. 

Kael : "This ship has served its purpose. If I am to conquer the seas, I'll need something more fitting for a harbinger of chaos."

With that, Kael sets his sights on the horizon, searching for the nearest island where he can begin his next move.

Syrup Village, a peaceful and quaint settlement nestled along the East Blue's coastline. The villagers, unaccustomed to warships, gather at the docks, their curiosity tinged with unease, that is where he needs to go.

Kael wonders.. Does kaya family already exist at this time of year

A couple days later

Kael Draymour stands at the bow of the ship, his purple eyes scanning the tranquil village of Syrup. Its simple houses, lush greenery, and quiet streets seem untouched by the chaos of the world, a stark contrast to the storms of the Grand Line.

Kael disembarks alone, his imposing figure cloaked in his dark attire. His presence is magnetic and terrifying, drawing the villagers' working at the port attention like moths to a flame. An elderly man, likely the village elder, steps forward hesitantly.

Elder : "W-welcome, traveler. What brings you to Syrup Village?"

Kael's gaze pierces through the elder's friendly but wary façade, his voice calm but edged with menace.

"A ship needs supplies, and I need answers. Tell me, where can I get a ship built for me ?" asked Kael

The elder falters, his unease evident.

Elder : "Are you by any chance…a pirate ? : asked the elder getting scared.

Kael : "No … I'm not.. For now at least, I just need to find a ship builder and restock for my journey, relax .. i won't cause problems here" answered Kael.

Suddenly some villagers scream at the elder cause he recognized Kael.

Villager : ""Elder-san … That'....That's Kael Draymour... The one with the bounty? Two hundred million berries!" speak scared.

A sudden commotion breaks out as a traveling merchant arrives at the dock, carrying a stack of freshly printed bounty posters. He notices Kael and freezes, his hands fumbling as he pulls out the top poster.

Elder : " What…. What.." The Elder was scared , looking at Kael in panic as he took a step back.

The once-quiet whispers among the villagers grow louder. His towering presence and the dark aura that follows him begin to stir something beyond unease

Kael : "Sigh…Relax…i'm not here to cause trouble…" says Kael

The tension in the air thickens as more eyes turn to Kael. His purple gaze sweeps over the villagers, his sharp ears catching fragments of their fearful words.

An older fisherman, braver or perhaps more reckless than the rest, steps forward. His hands tremble, but his voice carries an edge of defiance.

An older fisherman : "What business do you have here?" He was scared.

Kael glances at the poster and smirks faintly, the reaction of the crowd seeming to amuse him.

Kael : "Didn't i tell you before….i was just looking for someone who can built a ship for me" answer Kael

Kael : "Who here knows where I can find a shipwright?"

The dockworkers exchange uneasy glances, none of them willing to answer. Kael's patience wears thin, and he steps closer, his towering presence casting a shadow over the group.

Kael : "I asked a question. Answer, or I'll find out another way."

One of the dockworkers, a wiry man with a sunburned face, finally steps forward, his voice trembling.

Elder :"T-there's one here in the village who can build a ship like the one you have, a shipwright sir. He can make arrangement for you" answer the elder scared

Kael : "Is that so… well then.. Tell me where he's at"

Elder : "He lives just beyond the village, near the cliffs. A reclusive man, but skilled. If anyone can help you, it's him."

Kael strides through a narrow dirt path leading out of the village, the wind picking up as he nears the cliffs. The sound of waves crashing against the rocks below fills the air. He soon comes across a small, weathered workshop perched on the edge of the cliffs.

The structure is rugged but functional, with piles of timber and ship parts scattered around. Smoke curls from a small chimney, and the rhythmic sound of hammering echoes from within.

Kael : "Shipwright. I've come to make an arrangement."

The hammering stops abruptly. A moment later, a burly man with a thick beard and calloused hands steps out of the workshop. His eyes, sharp and calculating, sweep over Kael.

Kael takes a step forward, his towering presence casting a shadow over the smaller man.

Kael : "I'm Kael Draymour. And if you don't know that name yet, you will. I need a ship worthy of my power. Can you deliver?"

Shipwright : "Kael Draymour, huh? The one with the 200 million bounty? Big name for someone walking around in this sea. You want a ship? Fine. But it won't come cheap, and it won't come quick."

Kael's lips curl into a faint smirk.

Kael : "I don't expect charity. Build me a ship strong enough to weather any storm, fast enough to outrun the Marines, and intimidating enough to make the seas tremble. Do that, and I'll ensure your name is known as the man who crafted the ship of the Abyss."

The shipwright strokes his beard, intrigued by the challenge.

Shipwright : "That's a tall order. But... I've always liked a challenge. You've got a deal. Just don't bring trouble to my doorstep while I'm working."

Inside the workshop, the shipwright begins sketching plans for Kael's vessel. Kael watches silently, his piercing gaze occasionally flicking to the blueprints.

Shipwright : "If you want something that can handle the Grand Line and beyond, we'll need the strongest materials. There's a rare timber material called Adam Wood. I'll need your help to gather it."

Kael : "Adamwood, you say? Strong enough to withstand cannon fire?"

Shipwright : "Strong enough to make a ship that's damn near indestructible. But getting it won't be easy. You have to go to the blackmarket for that"

Kael : "Blackmarket huh,. I'll return with the precious wood. Prepare the rest while I'm gone." says Kael

Kael nods, his voice calm but commanding.

Kael : "Tell me where to find the closest Blackmarket, and I'll bring it back. But make no mistake, this ship is more than just wood and nails. It's the foundation of my empire."

Shipwright : "You've got ambition, I'll give you that. Let's see if your actions match your words."

Kael leaves the workshop, the plans for his new ship in motion. As he walks back toward the village, he glances at the quiet streets and the wary eyes watching him from windows.

Kael leans against the edge of the dock, the villagers maintaining their distance as his cold gaze sweeps over them. The shipwright stands nearby, arms crossed, his expression hesitant.

Shipwright : "There's a smuggling operation not far from here. A hidden cove on the eastern side of the island. It's where pirates and traders deal in goods the Marines don't know about…..or pretend not to."

Kael : "Who runs it?"

Shipwright : "A man named Jax. Calls himself the 'Merchant King of Shadows.' He deals in rare goods, including Adamwood, but his prices are steep. He doesn't like being crossed."

Kael smirks, his purple eyes gleaming with menace.

Kael : "Neither do I. Point me to this cove."

Kael navigates his way through the rugged terrain of the island, following the shipwright's directions. The path is narrow and treacherous, winding through dense foliage and rocky cliffs.

As he approaches the cove, the sound of waves crashing against hidden rocks grows louder. The faint glow of lanterns illuminates a series of makeshift docks and shacks built into the cliffside. Armed guards patrol the area, their sharp eyes scanning for threats.

Kael steps into view, his cloak billowing behind him. The guards stiffen, their hands moving to their weapons.

Guard : "Stop right there. State your business."

Kael : "I'm here to trade. I need Adamwood, and I hear this is the place to find it."

The guards exchange wary glances before one nods and motions for Kael to follow.

Kael is led to a large, dimly lit shack at the heart of the cove. Inside, crates of rare goods line the walls, and the air is thick with the scent of salt and smoke.

Jax, a lean man with sharp features and a sly grin, sits behind a cluttered desk. He's flanked by two burly bodyguards, their hands resting on the hilts of their weapons.

Jax : "Well, well. What do we have here? What brings you to my little corner of the world?" asked Jax

Kael : "Adamwood. Enough to build a ship that can defy the seas themselves."

Jax raises an eyebrow, leaning back in his chair.

Jax : "Adamwood, eh? Rare, expensive, and dangerous to transport. You've got good taste, but it'll cost you a fortune, in fact."

Kael smirks, his purple eyes narrowing.

Kael : "I didn't come here to haggle like a merchant. Name your price, or I'll take what I need and leave you with nothing."

Jax's grin falters for a moment before he laughs nervously.

Jax : "Bold. I like that. But threats won't get you far here, pirate. Adamwood isn't just expensive, it's valuable to me. If you want it, you'll have to earn it."

Jax : "One of my shipments was stolen by a rival blackmarket gang. They've set up camp on the north side of the island. Bring back my goods, and I'll sell you the Adamwood at a... discounted rate."

Kael releases a terrifying aura at Jax. And Jax starts to struggle to breath.

Jax :" Aghh… fine … fine i give it to you for free…"

Kael stops his aura pressure.

Kael's smirk widens, his confidence unshaken.

Kael : "You want me to clean up your mess. Fine. But when I return, the wood will be ready, or I'll burn this place to the ground."

Jax's grin returns, though it's more cautious this time.

Jax : "You've got a deal. Try not to die before you bring back my goods."

Kael leaves the shack, the guards parting to let him pass. He pauses at the edge of the cove, his gaze fixed on the horizon.

Kael : "Dealing with scavengers to get what I need... No matter. The end justifies the means. Soon, this world will know my power."

.

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