Over the next month, the island became both their world and their classroom. Each day, Argento and Veyra rose with the sun, pushing their small bodies to the limit, muscles aching but growing stronger. They ran along the shore, sprinting through the sand until their lungs burned, counting laps and laughing when Veyra stumbled, learning endurance without even realizing it.
They climbed cliffs, darted through dense underbrush, and foraged for whatever the island offered—fruit, fish, edible roots. Every task became a lesson. Argento taught Veyra how to move silently, how to lift fallen logs and rocks, and how to measure her own strength in controlled swings.
Sparring became routine. Each day, Veyra threw small punches, learning precision, timing, and control, while Argento ducked, countered lightly, and guided her, building his own resilience without relying on the Devil Fruit. Every tap, every feigned hit, was a brick in the foundation of their survival.
They explored hidden coves and caves, mapping the island in their minds, learning every nook and crevice. Evenings were spent tending small fires, cooking, and reviewing the day's lessons. Slowly, they became attuned not just to their bodies but to the island itself: the rhythm of the waves, the pattern of the wind, the way trees could shield them from sight.
One afternoon, while venturing into a part of the island they hadn't dared explore, they stumbled upon a strange formation tucked between jagged cliffs. A narrow entrance was half-hidden by overgrown vines and twisted roots. A cold draft whispered out as they pushed the foliage aside, carrying a faint metallic scent.
Inside, the cave widened abruptly. Sunlight filtered through cracks in the ceiling, glimmering off the smooth stone floor. At the far end stood a massive door, impossibly tall, carved from a single slab of black stone. Strange symbols adorned its surface, glowing faintly with a pulsing silver light, as if alive.
Veyra ran her small hands along the grooves. "Big Brother… it's… so weird," she whispered, awe and fear mixing in her voice.
Argento shoved against the door with all his strength. Nothing. He kicked, heaved, even tried lifting a section. The stone didn't budge. Every attempt seemed only to make the runes glow brighter, as if reacting to his efforts.
"This… this isn't for us yet," he muttered, stepping back, chest heaving. His eyes traced the patterns, searching for a mechanism, but it was beyond his understanding. "Whatever's behind this… it's not meant for children… not yet."
Veyra frowned. "Do you think… it's treasure?"
Argento shook his head slowly, jaw tight. "I don't know… but it's dangerous. Some things can't be forced. Not until we're ready."
The cave hummed with an almost sentient presence, air thick with anticipation, as if waiting for the day someone worthy would unlock its secrets.
The walls weren't bare stone—they were etched with strange red markings. Twisting figures with elongated limbs, eyes wide and staring, hands raised toward a glowing orb above.
"Big Brother… look… it's like… people praying?" Veyra whispered.
Argento crouched, tracing the grooves. The images seemed to tell a story: offerings, kneeling figures, some falling or consumed by shadowy forms, all under a massive radiant sun.
Veyra shivered. "Do you think… it's a temple? Or… some kind of treasure place?"
Argento grinned, crooked and mischievous. "Hopefully treasure… gehehe… arhahah!"
Veyra laughed, small and bright. "Or maybe it's a trap! A giant monster waiting to eat us!"
He crouched, brushing dust from the floor. "Then we'll just have to punch it in the face, won't we, Vice-Captain?"
Veyra puffed out her chest and nodded solemnly. Together, they edged closer to the door, though Argento kept his hand ready, senses alert. The red drawings seemed alive in the torchlight, writhing with long-forgotten prayers. A chill ran down his spine, but curiosity overpowered fear.
"Alright… we leave it for now," Argento said, brushing his hands off. "This isn't for us yet. But one day… we'll see what's inside."
They bounded down the rocky slope, laughter echoing across the island, fear already fading, replaced by the thrill of discovery.
Rounding a bend in the forest, they stumbled upon a hidden village tucked between the trees. Smoke curled lazily from chimneys. Children played near a well. Villagers tended to crops, animals wandered freely, oblivious to the outside world.
Veyra's eyes widened. "Big Brother… people! Real people!"
Argento crouched beside her, scanning the village cautiously. "Stay quiet," he whispered, hand gripping hers. "We don't know if they're friendly… or if they'll call the Marines."
Still, the sight stirred something in them. A reminder that the world wasn't all chaos, that life continued elsewhere. For a brief moment, among rustling leaves and distant laughter, they allowed themselves to imagine a future beyond survival—a future where the Mercurial Pirates could grow stronger and maybe, just maybe, make a difference.
They stepped cautiously into the village. Dirt paths replaced the sand. Gardens and market stalls lined the streets. Argento spotted a middle-aged woman carrying a basket of fruit and straightened his back, trying to appear confident despite the exhaustion and tension.
"Excuse me," he called, voice steady. "Can you… tell us where we are?"
The woman paused, studying their dirt-streaked clothes, bruises, and wide eyes. "You're on Isla Solida, in the Shishano Kingdom, West Blue," she said cautiously but kindly. "Not many strangers come this far… Are you lost?"
Argento exchanged a glance with Veyra, masking his exhaustion. "We… yeah," he said carefully. "We've been traveling. Just need a place to rest."
"You'd better," she said, voice gentle but firm. "The Shishano Kingdom isn't safe for children alone. There are pirates here, and the Marines don't take kindly to trespassers."
Argento nodded politely, letting Veyra squeeze his hand.
"Big Brother… are they… good?" she whispered.
"They keep the peace here," he replied softly. "We stay out of sight… for now."
Crouched near the edge of the village, he scanned rooftops and coastline. "We need a map," he said quietly. "Not just this island… the surrounding seas. Where we can go, where we can hide."
Veyra tilted her head, curiosity lighting her face. "A map? Like… with pictures?"
"Yes," Argento replied, eyes sharp. "We need to know what's out there. Where the Marines go… and where we can stay safe. If we're going to get stronger… we need to plan."
They moved through the village, searching for someone who could help. Finally, a middle-aged man adjusting a cart of scrolls caught their eyes. Argento straightened, took a deep breath, and called out.
"Excuse me, sir… do you know where we could find a map of the surrounding islands?"