Dawn broke.
The whitening sky, lit by the rising sun, slowly brightened the world.
After a few hours' sleep, my mind was clear, my mood bright.
The sun rose over the horizon, painting the sky in morning hues. Excited, we began preparing to sail.
The view differed from yesterday's dawn or our shipwrecked arrival.
My mindset had shifted, likely the reason.
Today's sunrise felt better than yesterday's.
Gentle breeze, calm waves—perfect for sailing.
A new life began today. Once abandoned, my pirate life now thrilled me. I smiled quietly.
"Luffy, sunrise."
"Wow, gorgeous!"
The sun over the sea sparkled on the water, a surreal sight. That's where we're headed.
Luffy marveled, voice awed. I loaded a barrel onto our boat.
Preparations were simple—no shops on this deserted island.
Water in one barrel, fruit in another, and oars from driftwood. That's it.
The two boats were full—one packed with the ghost ship's treasure.
Only one boat fit us, cramped but acceptable. Curiosity for the journey overshadowed discomfort.
The boats were tied with sturdy vines to stay together. Shabby and frail, they were unfit for pirates. We'd be laughed at in town.
Yet our resolve was firm. No more preparations. A new day, time to sail.
"Perfect view for a new voyage. The boat's junk, though."
"No big deal. We'll get a new ship."
"With this treasure, we can afford a good one. What kind?"
"A big pirate ship!"
"Nice. But first, we need a town."
"Hope this boat doesn't sink."
"Don't jinx it!"
"Shishishi."
Preparations done, we stood by the boat.
Gazing at the sea, a moment passed.
Hope, excitement, and adventure filled my chest. My heart raced for the unknown sea.
Both grinning, we looked blissful.
"First, we need a crew. Ten people."
"Any specific roles?"
"Cook, navigator, and definitely a musician. Musician first."
"Usually cook or navigator first. A doctor, too. For a ship, a shipwright. Why musician?"
"Kiri, you were a pirate. You get it. Pirates sing. You need a musician for that."
"Hm, is that how it works?"
"It is."
Luffy's odd priorities made me laugh.
One dense day together, and I thought I understood him. More would come with sailing, but his quirks were clear. That's enough for now.
Sailing with him would be tough but fun.
Toughness makes it fun. Boring voyages aren't. Hardship was welcome.
His dream: Pirate King.
A far-off ambition, but what a thrilling journey. Infected by him, I'd reclaimed my old self, calling out cheerfully:
"Whatever, pick who you like. Let's take our time."
"Yup. You're vice-captain, Kiri."
"Up to you. I'll follow no matter what."
"Alright, let's go!"
"Ready, Captain. Give the order."
Pushing the boat, we reached the shore, ankles wet. We shoved it forward.
Our boat floated first. Luffy laughed, jumped aboard, and shouted:
"Let's sail! Go, Kiri!"
"Aye, aye!"
I gave a final push, jumped on, and rowed, dragging the treasure boat with vines. Helped by waves, we set sail.
A simple departure, but the first step of a new journey. Minimal gear, just us two—the first voyage of our new pirate crew.
On the rickety boat, we rowed toward the sunrise, leaving the island behind.