The harbor was quiet, painted gold by the setting sun. Maris stood on the pier, dark blue eyes scanning the horizon. The first mission had been a success, but one small boat with two inexperienced crew members was not enough.
It's time to expand.
Her mind ran through potential recruits—the people she had observed on nearby islands, those with skill, determination, and that spark of something more. She needed not just strength, but loyalty, intelligence, and adaptability. Only then could the Gale Serpents survive the East Blue… and eventually the Grand Line.
"Listen carefully," she said to her two companions. "You've proven yourselves, but we cannot grow alone. We'll seek out others—people who complement our skills and share our goals. Your task is to observe, assist, and learn. Loyalty is as important as strength."
The woman nodded, amber eyes bright. "Understood. Where do we start?"
Maris' gaze sharpened. "There's a village nearby. Rumors tell of a skilled swordswoman—quick, precise, disciplined. She may be our first recruit."
The man hesitated. "And if she refuses?"
Maris smiled faintly. "Then we find someone else. The sea is vast, but only a few are capable of surviving under my command. We'll forge a crew, one by one."
The village lay nestled against cliffs, a river winding through its center. Children played along the banks while merchants packed goods. Maris and her companions moved quietly, scanning for talent.
Then she saw her—a tall woman with short silver hair and piercing amber eyes, practicing sword strikes in a sunlit clearing. Each movement precise, fluid, and commanding. Even from a distance, her presence demanded attention.
Selene Ardent. Maris' mind marked her immediately.
"Watch carefully," she whispered. "Observe her rhythm, her precision. Learn from her… and then we approach."
Selene's sword flashed, slicing through the air with elegance and power. Maris stepped forward, her presence calm but undeniable.
"Impressive form," she called, voice carrying across the clearing.
Selene froze mid-strike, blade hovering, eyes narrowing. "Who are you?"
"I'm Maris D. Luna," she said, stepping closer with confidence. "I'm forming a crew—a team strong enough to sail the East Blue… and eventually, the Grand Line. I've been watching you. You have skill, discipline, and intelligence. Skill is something I respect."
Selene's grip on her sword tightened. "And why would I join a small pirate with barely any experience?"
Maris' gaze was unwavering. "Because skill alone isn't enough. Strength, strategy, and courage matter—but so does loyalty. Willingness to grow alongside others—that's what makes a true crew. I don't want followers. I want a team capable of surviving anything the sea throws at us."
Selene studied her silently, amber eyes calculating. The wind tugged at their hair, carrying the distant cry of seabirds. For the first time, Selene's sharp expression softened.
"You're confident," she said. "Bold. Most captains either underestimate their crew or treat them as tools. You… seem different."
Maris nodded. "I lead by example. Mistakes are lessons, challenges are opportunities. Join me, and you'll see. Together, we'll carve our path across the seas, no matter the danger."
A pause. Selene's gaze flicked to Maris' companions—the two villagers who had survived their first mission. Small, inexperienced, but resilient. And yet, they trusted Maris.
"Alright," Selene finally said, a faint smile forming. "I'll join you—for now. But don't expect me to tolerate laziness or mistakes."
Maris extended her hand. "I wouldn't have it any other way. Welcome to the Gale Serpents, Selene Ardent."
Selene shook her hand firmly, amber eyes gleaming with excitement and challenge. "I hope this is as interesting as you think it is."
Maris allowed herself a faint smile. This is only the beginning.
The wind carried the faint scent of salt and promise. Across the East Blue, the first true core of the Gale Serpents Pirates had been formed:
Maris D. Luna – Captain
Selene Ardent – Vice Captain / Swordswoman
Two loyal trainees, learning to survive and adapt
The tides of adventure stirred, ready to sweep them toward islands, mysteries, and enemies beyond imagination.
The journey of the Gale Serpents Pirates had truly begun.