Cultivation in the Pirate's World

The evening sun cast golden rays across the Red Hair Pirates' ship as the crew gathered on the main deck. Barrels had been rolled out to serve as makeshift seats, and the aroma of Lucky Roux's cooking wafted through the air. Xiao Yan sat cross-legged on a barrel, looking perfectly at ease despite the curious stares his companions were drawing.

"So," Shanks began, passing Xiao Yan a cup of sake, "what brings such an interesting group to these waters?"

Before Xiao Yan could respond, Uta's voice rang out in a melodious laugh. Xiaojin had perched on her shoulder and was attempting to harmonize with her humming – though the phoenix's contribution sounded more like musical warfare than actual singing.

"Xiaojin," Xiao Yan called, "perhaps leave the performances to those more qualified?"

The phoenix shot him a look of pure betrayal before returning to its attempt at musicality. Uta, far from being bothered, seemed delighted by the effort.

"Your phoenix really likes music," she observed, scratching under Xiaojin's chin. The phoenix practically melted, its usual haughty demeanor forgotten.

"A first," Xiao Yan noted dryly. "Typically, it only appreciates the sound of things breaking or burning."

"SHAHAHAHAHA!" Shanks' laughter boomed across the deck. "Speaking of breaking things – Lucky Roux! How's the inventory of our navigation equipment?"

The rotund pirate looked up from his meat, glancing nervously at where Xiao Gui was still eyeing the remaining instruments. "We've lost three compasses, two sextants, and something I can't even pronounce. But the turtle seems happy!"

Xiao Gui, hearing itself mentioned, blinked innocently before attempting to sneak another bite of a nearby compass.

"I'll compensate you for the losses," Xiao Yan offered, but Shanks waved him off.

"Consider it an investment in entertainment! Besides, Benn needed an excuse to upgrade our equipment anyway."

Benn Beckman, sitting nearby and cleaning his rifle, raised an eyebrow. "I don't recall mentioning that, Captain."

"See? He's not even denying it!"

The crew burst into laughter, and even Xiao Yan allowed himself a small smile. Xiaolong, not wanting to be left out of the festivities, periodically shot small lightning bolts into the air like impromptu fireworks.

"Though I am curious," Benn said, setting his rifle aside, "about how you came to travel with such... unique companions."

The crew leaned in, clearly eager for the tale. Even Uta paused her singing lesson with Xiaojin to listen.

"It's quite simple really," Xiao Yan replied, taking a sip of sake. "They found me as amusing as I found them troublesome."

"That's not a story!" someone in the crew protested. "Give us details!"

"Very well." Xiao Yan's eyes crinkled slightly. "Picture, if you will, a perfectly peaceful morning ruined by a phoenix setting my meditation spot on fire..."

As he recounted a carefully edited version of meeting his companions, the crew listened with rapt attention. Xiaojin occasionally interjected with indignant squawks when it felt its role wasn't being properly appreciated, while Xiaolong performed dramatic reenactments in the background.

"And the turtle?" Lucky Roux asked between bites. "How does a turtle develop a taste for navigation equipment?"

"Xiao Gui's appetites are... diverse," Xiao Yan explained, watching as the turtle attempted to sample a piece of the deck. "Though I'm still uncertain whether it's actually eating these things or simply collecting them in some interdimensional space."

"Interdimensional?" Benn's eyes sharpened with interest.

"A joke, of course," Xiao Yan replied smoothly, though his slight smile suggested otherwise.

The evening continued, with stories flowing as freely as the sake. Uta taught Xiaojin a simple melody, which the phoenix managed to reproduce with only minimal fire hazards. Xiaolong engaged in what appeared to be a drinking contest with several crew members – though the dragon was merely catching the sake in his mouth and spraying it back as a fine, electrified mist.

"Your companions," Shanks observed quietly, moving to sit beside Xiao Yan, "they're not just trained, are they? There's something special about them. About you too."

Xiao Yan met the captain's gaze. There was sharp intelligence behind Shanks' casual demeanor, an awareness that belied his jovial exterior.

"Special is a matter of perspective," Xiao Yan replied carefully. "Though I could say the same about your crew. The way they move, the awareness they carry... these aren't ordinary pirates."

Shanks grinned. "Maybe we're all a bit special in our own ways. Speaking of special – Uta! Why don't you give our guests a proper performance?"

The crew cheered in agreement. Uta stood, her eyes sparkling with excitement, and began to sing. Her voice carried across the deck, clear and pure, weaving a melody that seemed to touch something profound in all who heard it.

Xiaojin, for once, remained perfectly still, its flames dimming to a gentle glow as it listened. Xiaolong stopped his aquatic acrobatics to float quietly in the waves, and even Xiao Gui paused its attempted consumption of the ship.

"Now that," Xiao Yan said softly, "is truly special."

The night deepened around them, stars twinkling overhead as stories and songs mingled with the sound of waves. It was, Xiao Yan reflected, an unexpectedly pleasant way to begin their journey together.

Though he did have to stop Xiao Gui from eating the anchor chain. Twice.