One Piece: Journey to the New Dawn

[Note:

" * " : Indicates abilities that can be upgraded with practice, experience, or unique opportunities.]

> System inner voice ["speaking"] <

> Ash inner speech "speaking" <

{}

The morning at Dadan's house was alive with excitement. The air buzzed with anticipation as the group gathered around the table for a hearty breakfast. After a month of grueling physical training, today marked the start of something new—something they had all been looking forward to.

Once everyone had eaten and prepared themselves, Ash led the group to their regular training spot. The familiar clearing now felt like a second home, a place where their sweat, determination, and effort had created unbreakable bonds.

Standing before them, Ash addressed the group with his usual calm confidence. "Alright, everyone," he began, his tone commanding their full attention. "For the past month, we've focused on building up your physical bodies, preparing you for the challenges ahead. Today, we'll start practicing the Rokushiki techniques."

The mention of Rokushiki sparked visible excitement among the girls. It was a skill set they had heard about and admired, and now it was their turn to master it.

"We'll be using the manuals to guide our training," Ash continued. "I want you to focus on each technique and understand its fundamentals. This is going to be different from what we've done so far—more precise and disciplined."

He paused, letting his words sink in. "If any of you make a breakthrough with a technique, I want you to help the others. Share what you've learned so we can all progress faster as a team. None of us should be left behind."

The group nodded in unison; their determination mirrored in their eyes. They knew this was the next step, and they were ready to face it together.

Ash glanced around at the group, gauging their resolve before continuing. "There will be no changes to the use of weights," he said firmly. "And Lucy, Uta—you'll continue using the Sea stone shackles just like before."

Lucy immediately groaned, crossing her arms in protest. "Ash, we've already worn them for a whole month! I don't like them—they're annoying and heavy!"

Her pout earned a few chuckles from the group, and Ash couldn't help but smile at her antics. "I know they're uncomfortable," he admitted, his tone light-hearted yet firm. "But trust me, they're helping you. When you take them off, you'll notice how much stronger and faster you've become. Not just physically, but your techniques will improve too. Powering up the basics like this makes everything else easier to master."

Lucy sighed dramatically but nodded in reluctant agreement. "Fine, fine. I'll keep them on. But I'm not happy about it," she muttered, still pouting.

Ash chuckled, reaching out to ruffle her hair, earning a small, begrudging smile from her. "Good. Keep that attitude, and you'll thank me later."

The group shared a light laugh, their spirits high as they prepared for the challenges ahead.

Week 1: Laying the Foundation

The first week was mostly about familiarizing themselves with the techniques. Each of them struggled with the resistance from the weights and shackles, but they powered through, determined to improve.

Uta, with her natural agility, gravitated toward Soru and Geppo. Her first few attempts at Soru were slow, and her Geppo lacked control, but by the end of the week, she was able to perform quick bursts of Soru and make controlled jumps with Geppo. However, she knew she still had a long way to go to match Ash's speed.

Selina, with her excellent flexibility, worked on Kami-e and Tekkai. Kami-e came easier for her, and she was able to move gracefully, dodging attacks with fluidity. Tekkai, though, required more work. At first, her body stiffened under the pressure, but by the end of the week, she was able to endure moderate hits without flinching. Her defensive capabilities were solid, but there was still room for growth.

Ace, with her natural strength, focused on Shigan and Tekkai. Her first attempts were a little too wild, but she gradually learned to control her strikes. By the end of the week, she was able to execute precise jabs with Shigan, and while she wasn't yet perfect at Tekkai, she could withstand powerful blows with her endurance.

Lucy, on the other hand, worked on Tekkai, Soru, and Kami-e. Her Soru was slower than Uta's, but she could execute it in short bursts. Kami-e was difficult for her at first; she struggled with her flexibility. However, Ash's guidance helped her understand the technique better, and she started improving. Tekkai, though, was her strongest technique so far, but she was still trying to refine it.

Ash continued working on his own techniques—focusing on Rankyaku, Soru, and Tekkai. His Rankyaku was already powerful, but he worked on making his kicks sharper and more controlled. His Soru was fast, but he tested his limits to see how much longer he could maintain it. His Tekkai was strong, but he worked on pushing his endurance even further.

Week 2: Small Breakthroughs

By the second week, the group had started to see some small breakthroughs. Though they hadn't mastered any of the techniques yet, the foundations were becoming stronger. The girls were now better at executing the basics, and each of them had begun to unlock Observation Haki, though their mastery was far from complete.

Uta, with her agility, had started using Soru for longer bursts and was getting better at Geppo. The added pressure of the Sea stone shackles and weights had slowed her progress, but she was starting to see the benefits. By the end of the week, she unlocked Observation Haki. While it wasn't as strong as Ash's, she could already sense the intent behind his movements during sparring. It was a huge improvement.

Selina's Kami-e and Tekkai were becoming stronger, and she had started incorporating Shigan into her offense. Kami-e was graceful, but she could still be caught off guard by sudden attacks. Her Tekkai was solid, though she still had trouble with some stronger hits. She also unlocked Observation Haki by the end of the second week, and her newfound awareness allowed her to dodge attacks more effectively.

Ace had honed her Shigan and Tekkai, and her raw power was now more controlled. However, she still hadn't quite unlocked Soru and Geppo to the level she wanted. By the end of the week, she unlocked Observation Haki as well. Though it didn't drastically change her fighting style yet, she could feel the difference during sparring.

Lucy's Tekkai was becoming more reliable, and her Soru was faster, though it still lagged behind Uta's. Kami-e was still a challenge for her, but it was improving. She unlocked Observation Haki during the second week, and it was clear she was growing more in tune with her body and the flow of battle.

Ash, as always, continued to push himself further. His Soru and Rankyaku were sharp, and his Tekkai was nearly unbreakable. By the second week, his Observation Haki was fully unlocked, allowing him to anticipate the moves of his sparring partners and react instantly.

Week 3: Steady Progress and Refinement

By the third week, the group was beginning to refine their techniques. While they hadn't yet mastered everything, they were growing more proficient in their chosen techniques. Their speed, power, and defensive abilities were becoming more honed.

Uta had improved greatly with Soru and Geppo, able to execute short bursts of speed and leaps with more precision. Her Observation Haki allowed her to predict Ash's moves, but her mastery over it was still growing. Her other techniques, like Shigan and Tekkai, were progressing more slowly, but she was starting to integrate them into her fighting style.

Selina's Kami-e and Tekkai had become second nature to her, and she could evade attacks gracefully while also absorbing hits with minimal effort. Soru and Geppo were coming along, though not as quickly. Her Observation Haki had become more accurate, and she was able to sense her surroundings with better precision.

Ace had mastered Shigan and Tekkai, and she was becoming more versatile, though her Soru and Geppo were still catching up. Observation Haki had opened up new possibilities for her, but it still felt like a tool she was just beginning to use effectively.

Lucy's Soru was getting faster, and her Tekkai was becoming stronger, but Kami-e was still her weak point. Still, her Observation Haki was beginning to shine. She could sense Ash's movements before he made them, and her reactions had improved.

Ash's Soru, Rankyaku, and Tekkai were at their peak, and his Observation Haki made him even more dangerous. Though his focus remained on refining these techniques, he helped his crew with the basics, ensuring they all made steady progress.

End of Month: Unlocking the Basics

By the end of the month, everyone had unlocked all six Rokushiki techniques. However, their proficiency in each varied. Uta, Selina, and Ace had mastered their chosen techniques, but there was still work to be done in others. Lucy had made significant progress in Tekkai, Soru, and Kami-e, but her remaining techniques were less developed.

The girls were still far from perfection, but the month had been a success. They were all stronger, faster, and more aware. Most importantly, they had unlocked Observation Haki, and their understanding of it was growing every day.

As they finished their last sparring session of the month, Ash gave them all a satisfied look.

{}

As the group took a break after their intense sparring session, the sweat dripping from their brows, Selina couldn't help but chime in.

"You know," she said, wiping the sweat from her forehead, "training with these weights really helped a lot while practicing those Rokushiki techniques. I can feel the difference."

The others, taking deep breaths, nodded in agreement. Lucy and Uta, who had the added difficulty of wearing the Sea stone shackles, had noticed the increase in their strength and stamina as well. They were no longer struggling to keep up with the sessions like they had been when they first started.

Ash, glancing at Lucy and Uta, smiled knowingly. "You two have definitely come a long way in the past two months. The resistance from those shackles really helped with your overall stamina and strength. Remember how much harder it was for you at the beginning?"

Lucy, nodding and catching her breath, pointed in agreement. "Yeah, I remember feeling like I couldn't even do a single punch at first without gasping for air. Now, I can do a few bursts without collapsing right afterward."

Uta chuckled softly, her usual playful demeanor returning. "You know, Ash, Do you think I'm strong enough now to use the Purity Crystal and get rid of this curse? What do you think?"

Ash looked at her with a soft expression, his voice calm but firm. "Uta, there's no need to rush. You're still growing stronger. You've made incredible progress, but you're not quite there yet. I'll let you know when it's time. For now, focus on improving yourself. The strength will come with time. Sorry uta I'm not telling you this to make you sad."

Uta's smile faltered for a moment, a glimmer of sadness in her eyes, but it quickly shifted to a determined nod. "It's fine Ash, I'm sad but I also understand what you're saying. I'll keep pushing."

Ash hugged her, offering her an encouraging smile. "That's the spirit. We're all in this together."

Taking a step back, Ash clapped his hands to gather everyone's attention. "Alright, listen up. I'm thinking we all should take a few days break from training. The continuous strain isn't good for anyone. We need rest to recover and to make real progress."

There was a collective sigh of relief from the group. Selina and Lucy exchanged grateful looks, while Uta and Ace seemed equally pleased. Everyone nodded in agreement.

"We'll take a break, then," Selina said, stretching her arms above her head. "It's nice to get a bit of rest, but I'm already looking forward to the next round of training."

Ash chuckled at her enthusiasm but knew the rest would be well-deserved. "Good. We'll pick it up again after two days. But, no slacking off. Use this time to recover and stay sharp."

Ace, who had been quiet up until now, finally spoke up. "Ash, have you been testing out those different consumables you were working on the chest? Did you try them all?"

Ash raised an eyebrow at her question. "I've tried a few, but there are still some I need to check out. The Phoenix Feather replication took a long time delaying, so I've stopped for now. I'll start up again after our break. There's no rush."

Ace nodded in understanding. "Alright. That makes sense. I guess we can all wait for the results. I'm curious about its limit."

The group exchanged looks, all of them curious about Ash's progress. He'd been working on different consumables, to check the limits of the chest.

Ash's mind drifted for a moment as he thought about the Phoenix Feather replication. The box had taken ten days of cooldown before it was ready to go again. After that, he had worked on a training pill, the Crystal of Fortitude, and a basic health potion. All of them had succeeded without issue, and he felt confident about the future.

Shaking his head, he snapped back to the present. "Alright, enough about that for now. Let's get going. We'll have a good meal tonight, and then we can rest."

With that, they all gathered their things and began to head toward the house for dinner. Despite the exhaustion, the camaraderie among them made the journey feel lighter. They knew they had a long road ahead, but together, they were becoming stronger—one step at a time.

As the morning sun broke through the sky, the group gathered for breakfast, their energy restored after the previous day's training and rest. The room was filled with light chatter and laughter, but Selina soon brought up a new idea.

"I was thinking," she began, glancing at the others, "what if we take a trip to Goa Kingdom today? It's going to be worthwhile spending our break day, and it's just beyond the Grey Terminal. We could make it a fun trip."

The others immediately perked up at the suggestion. Uta grinned, her eyes sparkling. "That sounds like a great idea!"

Lucy nodded in agreement, stretching her arms. "I could use a change of scenery. Let's go!"

Ace and Selina both smiled, the plan already forming in their minds. "We could check out the sights, maybe do a bit of shopping, and just enjoy ourselves for a day."

Ash, who had been quietly listening, smiled as well. He could see the excitement in their faces and nodded. "Alright, sounds like a good plan. Let's make the most of it."

With the decision made, they quickly began preparing for the trip, packing their inventory bags and getting ready for a day outside. As they moved about, Dadan, who had been sitting by, is reading the newspaper, suddenly let out a sigh and muttered to herself.

"Seems there's something big going down in Goa Kingdom," she said, scanning the article. "Some special people are coming through."

One of her crew members, curious, leaned over and asked, "Who are these special people, Boss?"

Dadan, not looking up from the paper, replied, "The Tenryuubito. They're heading there."

Ash, who had overheard this, immediately stiffened. His thoughts raced as he processed the information. Tenryuubito... he knew that name. The Celestial Dragons were infamous for their cruelty and their high status, and where they went, trouble often followed.

As Ash mulled over the news about the Tenryuubito heading to Goa Kingdom, a sudden voice echoed in his mind, startling him.

["Quest Generated"] Celeste chimes.

Quest Title: Prevent the Grey Terminal Incident

Objective:

1) Defeat the Blue jam Pirates.

2) Disrupt the plans to burn the Grey Terminal.

3) Save as many people as possible before the fire breaks out.

Reward:

- Level +1

- Exp x based on enemies defeated and people saved.

- 1000 Store Coins

- 5 Lottery Tickets

 {}

Ash sighed as the girls insisted on dragging him along, even though his mind was already occupied with the quest ahead. He had plans to prevent the Grey Terminal fire, and the urgency of it weighed heavily on his thoughts, but the girls were determined to make the most of their free day. Despite his reluctance, he couldn't resist them for long and allowed himself to be pulled along.

The day started with a stop at the entrance to the Goa Kingdom, where they were stopped by border security at the great gate. Ash, having anticipated the hassle, handed over a bribe without hesitation to smooth things over and avoid unnecessary trouble. The guard accepted it discreetly with a nod, allowing them to pass without further complications.

Once they were in, the atmosphere shifted from tense to light-hearted. Ash had little choice but to go along with the girls as they dragged him through the bustling streets of the kingdom. The air was filled with the scents of food and the sounds of busy merchants. They made their way to a fancy restaurant for lunch, with Ash being the unwilling but dutiful companion. The girls were in high spirits, excited to indulge in the luxury of the place. Ash, though he felt a bit out of place in such a posh setting, tried to enjoy the moment.

Over a lavish meal, the girls tried on different clothes, admiring themselves in the mirrors. Ash found himself becoming a bit more aware of his surroundings, noticing the shift in his appearance. A growth spurt had taken him by surprise lately, and he noticed he was becoming more comfortable in his own skin. This new phase made him feel a bit more confident, and he treated himself to some new clothes as well, something he had been putting off for a while.

It was an enjoyable day, though Ash couldn't help but think of the quest still looming over him. But for now, he put those thoughts aside, focusing on being there with the girls as they made the most of their day.

{}

As the group sat at an outdoor café, enjoying some evening snacks before heading back to Mt. Colbo, a sudden shout pierced the air, startling them.

"Selina?! Selina, it's you! You're really alive?! Wait right there! You have to come back right now!"

Selina froze mid-bite, her eyes widening as the voice reached her ears. Her gaze darted toward the direction of the call, and she visibly stiffened. Without a word, she sprang to her feet and bolted toward the gates leading out of the kingdom.

"Selina, wait!" Lucy yelled, quickly getting up and chasing after her. The others immediately followed suit; confusion written on their faces.

As they ran, Lucy shouted to Selina, "Someone's calling your name! Do you know them?"

Selina shook her head vehemently, her voice tense as she replied, "No! It's not me! He's mistaken me for someone else!"

Ash, running a few steps behind, caught a glimpse of the person shouting. It was a well-dressed man with a distinct air of nobility about him—Saint Outlook III. A flicker of understanding crossed Ash's face as he pieced together the situation. He didn't say a word, though, instead focusing on keeping up with the group as they rushed after Selina.

Selina, despite her words, didn't slow down. Her pace quickened as she approached the edge of the kingdom, heading toward the path that led to the Grey Terminal. The others followed her without question, the urgency in her movements fueling their own.

They eventually reached a clearing on a high slope of the mountain, where the chaotic expanse of the Grey Terminal sprawled below them, and the vast sea stretched out on the horizon. The salty breeze swept through the area, and the setting sun cast a golden glow over the scene.

Selina stopped at the clearing, catching her breath as she stared out over the chaotic yet familiar sight of the terminal below. Ash and the others, breathing heavily from the chase, caught up with her and paused, unsure of what to say as they watched her.

Ash's sharp eyes lingered on Selina, catching the turmoil in her expression. It was clear she was wrestling with something deeply personal, though she kept her lips pressed tightly together, refusing to say a word. Lucy, Uta, and Ace exchanged confused looks, but none of them dared to speak yet. The tension in the air was palpable.

Ace, sensing the awkward silence hanging over the group, crossed his arms and asked bluntly, "So, Selina, who was that guy yelling your name back there?"

Selina flinched slightly at the question; her tension apparent. She hesitated, her lips pressing together as if trying to decide whether to speak. Before she could answer, Ash stepped forward and said softly, "It's alright, Selina. You can tell us. Don't worry about it."

Lucy, ever curious, chimed in as she poked at Selina's shoulder. "Yeah, who is he? He looked pretty fancy for someone running around yelling your name."

Selina sighed deeply, her shoulders slumping. Her gaze flickered between her friends before she finally muttered, "You guys already know I'm from a noble family, right? And that I ran away because I hated that life? That man is… my father."

Lucy and Ace blinked at her, their expressions blank for a moment before they resumed casually picking their noses. "So?" they said in unison, as if her revelation was no big deal.

Selina snapped her head toward them, her teeth sharp as she growled in frustration, "You're the ones who wanted to know in the first place!"

Lucy shrugged; her expression completely nonchalant. "Yeah, but that doesn't really change anything. You're still you, Selina."

Ash smiled gently, his calm demeanor softening the atmosphere. "Selina, you don't have to worry about this. We already know your story, and nothing's changed. You're part of our group, and we've got your back."

Selina let out a shaky breath, glancing at Ash. His reassuring words seemed to ease some of the tension in her shoulders, but the faraway look in her eyes didn't completely fade. "It's just…" she began, her voice quieter now, "seeing him again brought back a lot of memories. Things I thought I'd left behind when I ran away."

She fell silent, her hands clenching at her sides. Though she didn't voice it, her mind began to churn with doubt. My father found I'm alive now, what happens if he keeps searching for me? What if being with me puts everyone in danger?

Her friends didn't notice the shadow that passed over her thoughts. Instead, Lucy wrapped an arm around Selina's shoulders with a grin. "Well, forget about that guy. He's not here now, and you've got us! If he shows up again, we'll just deal with it!"

Ace smirked, crossing his arms. "Yeah, what she said. We've faced worse things already."

Selina smiled faintly, though her doubts lingered in the back of her mind. For now, she chose to keep them to herself.

As the group stood together near the cliff overlooking the sea, Selina broke the silence. Her voice was firm, filled with a mix of determination and longing. "Guys, we have to make it out to the sea someday. Out of this place. To gain our freedom."

The others turned to look at her, curious but attentive.

Selina continued, her eyes sparkling with ambition. "I want to go out to the sea and write a book about the adventures we'll have while sailing. I'll work hard for it, no matter what." She clenched her fist, her resolve unwavering. "We have to get stronger and become great pirates."

Ace, her fiery spirit ignited, immediately chimed in. "You don't have to tell me that!" she said confidently, crossing her arms. "I'm going to be a great pirate like my father. I'll beat every person who stands in my way, making a name and glory for myself. I'll live in such a way that my parents are proud of me, making their sacrifice worthwhile. I also want to protect the people that are close to me."

Her words hung in the air, carrying a weight of both sadness and determination.

Uta, with her usual cheerfulness, stepped forward. "I want to have adventures with Ash and Lucy ," she declared with a soft smile. "And someday, I'll perform the world's biggest concert, where my singing will reach every corner of the world!"

Ash, who had been silently listening, finally spoke up. "I want to become strong enough to protect the people close to me," he said, his voice calm but resolute. "And I want the freedom to live as I choose in this world. That's why…" His gaze turned toward the sea, filled with purpose. "I'll become the King of the Pirates and achieve my dream."

Lucy, as energetic as ever, jumped to the edge of the high slope, her arms spread wide. "Yosh!" she shouted. "I am…" She tells her dream dramatically, a grin spreading across her face.

Uta and Ash just smiles as they already know her dream while Ace and Selina watch her stunned, unsure of what to say after hearing her declaration. Finally, Lucy finished with a triumphant yell. "...so, I'll become the Pirate Queen and achieve that!"

Uta and Ash exchanged knowing smiles, already familiar with Lucy's bold ambition.

Ace and Selina, on the other hand, stared at her, dumbfounded.

"Huh?" Ace said, blinking in disbelief. "Of all the things you have to say…"

Selina couldn't help but laugh. "You're crazy, Lucy. You're definitely one to keep an eye on, that's for sure."

Lucy just threw her head back and laughed, her voice echoing across the clearing. "Ahahaha!"

Suddenly, Lucy turned to the group with her trademark mischievous grin. "Hey, why don't you both join our crew? Ash and I are already captains, and Uta's already agreed to join as our diva!"

Uta eagerly nodded. "That's a great idea, Lucy!" She turned to Ace and Selina with a hopeful look. "Why don't you guys join us? It'll be so much fun!"

Ash chuckled; his expression amused. "I agree with Uta. I'd be an idiot to reject two cute girls joining the crew."

Ace's face turned red as she shouted, "Shut up, idiot!"

Selina, meanwhile, blushed deeply but didn't say anything, her gaze fixed on the ground.

After a moment, Ace crossed her arms and grumbled. "Fine, I'll join. But I get to be the vice-captain!"

Selina's head shot up, and she immediately countered, "No way! I want to be the vice-captain!"

The two turned to face each other, sparks flying as they started a heated shouting match over the coveted position.

Uta, ever the peacemaker, raised her hands to calm them. "Hey, why don't you both be vice-captains? After all, there are already two captains."

Ace and Selina stopped, considering her suggestion. After a moment of silence, they exchanged reluctant nods and shook hands. "Fine," Ace said. "But don't think I'm going to slack off!"

"Same here," Selina replied with a determined smirk.

Lucy, watching all of this unfold, jumped in joy. "Yosh! We got two more! Now we're a five-member crew! Shishishi!"

With her rubber arms, she pulled everyone into a group hug, wrapping them tightly. "Group hug!"

The others couldn't help but laugh as they were squished together, their chuckles and light-hearted banter filling the air.

As the group's laughter subsided, Ace pulled out a small bottle of sake along with four small cups from her satchel. She smirked mischievously, shaking the bottle lightly.

Seeing this, Selina narrowed her eyes. "You stole that from Dadan, didn't you?"

Ace simply grinned, pouring a small amount of sake into each cup. "What she doesn't know won't hurt her."

"And what are you planning to do with it?" Selina asked, arms crossed but curiosity piqued.

Ace straightened up with a mock-serious expression. "Do you guys know that sharing and exchanging drinks can be a way to form a bond? I saw someone doing this once. It's like a promise—a ritual, even! So, we'll drink sake together and become sisters in all but blood!"

Selina raised an eyebrow. "Sisters?"

Ace nodded enthusiastically. "Yup! Starting today, we're bound together!"

Ash, who had been casually leaning against a nearby rock, chuckled. "And what about me? Don't I count?"

Ace gave him a flat look. "Not you, idiot. This is for us girls."

Ash feigned a hurt expression. "So, you don't want to consider me a brother? What do you think of me, then?"

Ace's face flushed a deep red as she stammered, unable to respond. "W-what… I… you…"

Uta, unable to hold back her laughter, bonked Ash on the head. "Idiot! Stop teasing her!"

Ash rubbed his head with a sheepish grin. "What? I wasn't teasing—"

Uta cut him off with a pout. "So, what about me? Do you want me as your sister?"

Ash sweat-dropped, his hands raised in defense. "No, Uta, not like that. You're my girlfriend!"

Uta rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile. "Then stay quiet, you dummy."

The group couldn't help but chuckle at their antics, the tension lightened by their teasing.

Ace, recovering from her embarrassment, poured four cups of sake. "Okay, let's get this started!"

The four girls—Lucy, Uta, Ace, and Selina—gathered around, each holding their cup. They clinked the cups together with a resounding "Cheers!" before taking their sips.

Ace wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, grinning widely. "With this, we form a bond of sisterhood. Starting today, we are sisters!"

The declaration brought smiles to all their faces as they shared the moment.

Ash, meanwhile, remained on the sidelines, chuckling quietly. "Guess I'm just the side character here," he muttered to himself with a grin.

As the laughter and warmth of the moment began to settle, Ash clapped his hands together to get everyone's attention. "Alright, guys, listen up. Remember how we decided on a few-days break from training?"

Everyone nodded, their spirits still high from their little ceremony.

"Well," Ash continued, smiling, "I think we've earned ourselves a bit more time to relax. Let's extend the break by a few more days and just enjoy ourselves. What do you say?"

Lucy immediately perked up. "Really?! No training? Shishishi! I'm all in!"

Selina raised an eyebrow. "That's unexpected, Ash. Are you feeling, okay? You're not the type to just hand out free days."

Ash chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "What can I say? You've all worked hard these past months, and you deserve it. Besides, it's good to take a proper break sometimes, right?"

Uta leaned toward him, narrowing her eyes playfully. "You're not just saying this to slack off, are you?"

"Of course not!" Ash replied, feigning shock. "I'm just being generous for once!"

Ace folded her arms, looking at him curiously. "Hmm, something's fishy about this. But if you're serious, I won't argue. I could use some time to just… enjoy life for a bit."

Ash smiled, hiding his true thoughts. He couldn't tell them that the reason for the extended break was the looming Grey Terminal incident. The extra time would allow him to focus on the quest he'd been given, ensuring he wasn't distracted by their usual training routine. But saying it out loud might cause unnecessary worry, and he didn't want that.

Also the question come by if he reveals which he wants to avoid. He decides to go on the flow of the time line for now as he is not sure when it might happen, and he wants to be ready when it does. 

"Great! It's settled then," Ash said, standing up. "Let's make the most of these days. We can explore, relax, and have some fun before getting back to our usual routine."

Lucy cheered, throwing her arms into the air. "Yay! More time for adventures!"

Uta and Selina shared a smile, while Ace shrugged but couldn't hide her small grin.

With the decision made, the group started discussing plans for the next few days, unaware of Ash's internal resolve to use this time to prepare for what was coming.

[1]

Name: Rafael D. Ash (Shadow – Phantom Vortex)

Age: 9

Level: 13 -> 14

Experience: 14,980/15,000 -> 3,880/18,000

Title: Reincarnator; Fate Intervenor

Stats:

Strength: 63 -> 72

Agility: 60 -> 73

Endurance: 58 -> 71

Intelligence: 45 -> 48

Charisma: 41 -> 43

Luck: 26 -> 30

Unallocated Points: 55 -> 60

Inventory: Basic First Aid Kit (x5) ; Sea King's Blood Tonic (x1) ; Ship Enhancement Core: Time Dilation Room (x1) ; Potable Cooking Set (x1) ; Herb Collection Kit (x1) ; Basic Health Potion (x5) ; Sea Stone Shackles (x1) ; Devil Fruit Encyclopedia ; Minor Luck Charm (x1) ; Purity Crystal (x1) ; Training Manual: Advanced Physical Techniques ; Ability Grade Upgrade Ticket (x2) ; Phoenix Feather (x2) ; Mask of Alteration (x1) ; Cloak of Shadows (x1) ; Training Boost Pill (x6) ; Complete Rokushiki Manual (x1) ; Crystal of Fortitude (x2) ; Basket of Eternal Fruits (x1) ; Ship Enhancement Core: Eternal Repair Module (x1) ; Skill Combining Ticket (x2) ; Gravitational Weights ; Soul bind Orb (x1) ; Chest of Bound Essence ; Seed of conqueror (x2)

Store Coins: 12,780 coins

Lottery Ticket: 0

Currency: 13,010,530 -> 12,788,120 Beli

Equipment: Solu Bind Bracelet ; Kashu

Abilities:

[Active Abilities]

- Stealth: Level 13 -> Level 14 (Uncommon; Beginner)

- Fishing: Level 32 (Common; Intermediate)

- Cooking: Level 36 -> Level 37 (Common; Intermediate)

- Observe: Level 2 -> Level 3 (Rare; Novice) *

- Herbalist: Level 6 (Common; Novice)

[Passive Abilities]

- Mental Fortitude (Epic; Enhanced) *

- Perfect Recollection (Rare; Enhanced) *

- Survival Skills Level 14 -> Level 15 (Common; Beginner)

[Fusion Abilities]

- Apex Combat Mastery: Level 2 -> Level 5 (Epic; Novice) *

- Captain's Command: Level 2 -> Level 4 (Epic; Novice) *

[Rokushiki Techniques] (Legendary)

1) Soru (Shave): Level 5 (Novice)

2) Geppo (Moonwalk): Level 1 (Novice)

3) Tekkai (Iron Body): Level 5 (Novice)

4) Shigan (Finger Gun): Level 1 (Novice)

5) Rankyaku (Tempest Kick): Level 6 (Novice)

6) Kami-e (Paper Art): Level 1 (Novice)

[Haki]

- Kenbunshoku Haki (Observation Haki): Level 1 (Novice)

[2]

Name: Monkey D. Lucy (Ember – Phantom Vortex)

Age: 7

Level: 13

Title: Avatar of the Sun's Flame

Status Effects: None

Stats:

Strength: 62 -> 73

Agility: 59 -> 72

Endurance: 72 -> 81

Intelligence: 25 -> 30

Charisma: 40 -> 42

Luck: 18 -> 20

Inventory Bag: Steel Fist Gauntlet ; Mask of Alteration

Skills/Abilities:

- "D" Willpower: [Passive](Unlocked)

- Fighting Spirit: Level 35 -> Level 37 (Rare; Intermediate) *

- Hand-to-Hand Combat Basics: Level 34 -> Level 36 (Rare; Intermediate) *

- Unorthodox Movement: Level 21 -> Level 22 (Uncommon; Beginner) *

- Combat Reflexes: Level 19 -> Level 21 (Uncommon; Beginner) *

- Basic Grappling Techniques: Level 12 -> Level 14 (Common; Beginner) *

- Foot Work Basics: Level 11 -> Level 13 (Uncommon; Beginner)

- Rubber Limbs Control: Level 9 (Early Stage; Devil Fruit Ability) *

- Gomu Gomu no Pistol: Level 6 (Early Stage; Devil Fruit Ability) *

- Gomu Gomu no Sling shot: Level 2 (Early Stage; Devil Fruit Ability) *

[Rokushiki Techniques] (Legendary)

1) Soru (Shave): Level 5 (Novice)

2) Geppo (Moonwalk): Level 1 (Novice)

3) Tekkai (Iron Body): Level 5 (Novice)

4) Shigan (Finger Gun): Level 1 (Novice)

5) Rankyaku (Tempest Kick): Level 1 (Novice)

6) Kami-e (Paper Art): Level 6 (Novice)

[Haki]

- Kenbunshoku Haki (Observation Haki): Level 1 (Novice)

Devil Fruit: Hito Hito no Mi (Human – Human Fruit) Model: Nika (Mythical – Zoan) – Early Stage

Affiliation: None (Pirate Aspirant)

Equipment: Soul Bind Bracelet ; Basic Inventory Bag

Lucy's Relationship meter: 89 -> 90% (Crush)

Emotional State: Extremely Happy.

Current Thoughts: Lucy is very happy that Ace and Selina agreed to join her crew with Ash and Uta. She also happy that now she has sisters can't wait to see what future holds for them.

[3]

Name: Uta (Siren – Phantom Vortex)

Age: 9

Level: 11 -> 12

Title: Songstress of the Grand Melody, The Cursed Harmony of Tot Musica

Status Effects: Cursed (Tot Musica)

Stats:

Strength: 41 -> 49

Agility: 48 -> 55

Endurance: 38 -> 44

Intelligence: 36 -> 40

Charisma: 36 -> 38

Luck: 22 -> 23

Inventory Bag: Mask of Alteration

Skills/Abilities:

- Harmonic Resonance: Level 37 (Common; Intermediate) *

- Melodic Manipulation: Level 27 (Rare; Beginner) *

- Songstress's Will: Level 28 (Rare; Beginner) *

- Dream World Creation: Level 9 (Late Stage; Devil Fruit Ability) *

- Emotional Resonance: Level 8 (Late Stage; Devil Fruit Ability) *

- Hand-to-Hand Combat Basics: Level 22 -> Level 24 (Rare; Beginner) *

- Agile Acrobatics: Level 16 -> Level 18 (Uncommon; Beginner) *

- Echoed Strike: Level 6 (Late Stage; Devil Fruit Ability) *

- Resilient Will: Level 11 -> Level 13 (Uncommon; Beginner) *

[Rokushiki Techniques] (Legendary)

1) Soru (Shave): Level 4 (Novice)

2) Geppo (Moonwalk): Level 4 (Novice)

3) Tekkai (Iron Body): Level 1 (Novice)

4) Shigan (Finger Gun): Level 1 (Novice)

5) Rankyaku (Tempest Kick): Level 1 (Novice)

6) Kami-e (Paper Art): Level 1 (Novice)

[Haki]

- Kenbunshoku Haki (Observation Haki): Level 1 (Novice)

Devil Fruit: Uta Uta no Mi (Sing-Sing Fruit) – Late Stage (Paramecia)

Affiliation: None

Equipment: Soul Bind Bracelet ; Basic Inventory Bag ; Resonance Pendant

Uta's Relationship Meter: Maxed (In love with Ash)

Emotional State: Happy

Current Thoughts: Uta is happy about she has sisters from today. She also can't wait to get relived of her curse and thankful all are helping her to make strong.

[4]

Name: Portgas D. Acelyn (Nickname Ace) (Crimson – Phantom Vortex)

Age: 10

Level: 11 -> 12

Title: Heir of the Pirate King

Status Effects: None

Stats:

Strength: 55 -> 62

Agility: 56 -> 60

Endurance: 56 -> 60

Intelligence: 42 -> 44

Charisma: 42 -> 43

Luck: 22 -> 23

Inventory Bag: Flintlock Pistol ; Knife ; Blaze Repeater ; Mask of Alteration ; 117,000 Beli

Skills/Abilities:

- Basic Combat Training: Level 23 -> Level 25 (Common; Beginner) *

- Basic Marksmanship: Level 21 (Uncommon; Beginner) *

- Survival Skills: Level 27 -> Level 28 (Common; Beginner)

- Tactical Thinking: Level 22 -> Level 23 (Uncommon; Beginner) *

- Footwork Basics: Level 6 -> Level 8 (Uncommon; Novice)

- Hand-to-Hand Combat Basics: Level 12 -> Level 16 (Rare; Beginner) *

- Resilient Will: Level 7 -> Level 9 (Uncommon; Novice) *

- Combat Reflexes: Level 8 -> Level 10 (Uncommon; Novice) *

[Rokushiki Techniques] (Legendary)

1) Soru (Shave): Level 1 (Novice)

2) Geppo (Moonwalk): Level 1 (Novice)

3) Tekkai (Iron Body): Level 4 (Novice)

4) Shigan (Finger Gun): Level 4 (Novice)

5) Rankyaku (Tempest Kick): Level 1 (Novice)

6) Kami-e (Paper Art): Level 1 (Novice)

[Haki]

- Kenbunshoku Haki (Observation Haki): Level 1 (Novice)

Affiliation: None

Equipment: Soul Bind Bracelet ; Basic Inventory Bag

Ace's Relationship Meter: 89 -> 90% (Crush)

Emotional State: Extremely Happy

Current Thoughts: Ace feels how her life has changed after Ash, Lucy and Uta entered her life. She is also thankful for Ash for making her to know truth about her parents. She is also promised herself she will protect them from now and wants to become strong.

[5]

Name: Selina (Silver – Phantom Vortex)

Age: 10

Level: 11 -> 12

Title: Noble

Status Effects: None

Stats:

Strength: 50 -> 56

Agility: 50 -> 56

Endurance: 53 -> 59

Intelligence: 39 -> 42

Charisma: 42 -> 44

Luck: 22 -> 24

Inventory Bag: Steel Pipe ; Knife ; Iron Rod ; Mask of Alteration

Skills/Abilities:

- Basic Combat Training: Level 20 -> Level 23 (Common; Beginner) *

- Pipe Fighting (Basic): Level 20 (Common; Beginner) *

- Survival Skills: Level 25 -> Level 28 (Common; Beginner)

- Tactical Thinking: Level 20 -> Level 23 (Uncommon; Beginner) *

- Agile Acrobatics: Level 7 -> Level 10 (Uncommon; Novice) *

- Footwork Basics: Level 6 -> Level 9 (Uncommon; Novice)

- Hand-to-Hand Combat Basics: Level 11 -> Level 14 (Rare; Beginner) *

- Resilient Will: Level 6 -> Level 9 (Uncommon; Novice) *

- Combat Reflexes: Level 9 -> Level 11 (Uncommon; Novice -> Beginner) *

[Rokushiki Techniques] (Legendary)

1) Soru (Shave): Level 1 (Novice)

2) Geppo (Moonwalk): Level 1 (Novice)

3) Tekkai (Iron Body): Level 5 (Novice)

4) Shigan (Finger Gun): Level 1 (Novice)

5) Rankyaku (Tempest Kick): Level 1 (Novice)

6) Kami-e (Paper Art): Level 4 (Novice)

[Haki]

- Kenbunshoku Haki (Observation Haki): Level 1 (Novice)

Affiliation: None

Equipment: Soul Bind Bracelet ; Basic Inventory Bag

Selina's Relationship Meter: 88 -> 90% (Crush)

Emotional State: Happy ; Conflicted.

Current Thoughts: Selina is happy that she has family who she can depend of and also happy Ace, Uta and Lucy became her sisters finally. She is also feeling conflicted if her father would cause some trouble for her sisters and Ash. Even though she agreed to join Lucy and Ash's crew but feels conflicted they will be in danger because of her even though she knows they are strong enough to handled but doesn't want to tell this to others and make them worry.

To be continued...

Hey everyone! I'm always looking for ways to make this story even better, and I'd love to hear your ideas. What powers do you think should be available in Ash's store? Maybe you have some cool concepts for abilities, weapons, or items that could make the adventure even more exciting!

Feel free to drop your suggestions in the comments, and if there's anything specific, you'd love to see in future chapters, let me know! I might even integrate your ideas into the story.

Also, don't forget to give some Power Stones if you're enjoying the journey! Your support means the world. 😊