Jackson Swan a One Piece Story

Jackson had made the decision to leave Shimotsuki Village, but he knew that setting out on the sea wasn't something to take lightly. Despite the confidence he had built over the years of training, he was still a novice when it came to sailing. To simply jump into a ship and head off would be as reckless as what Luffy did, and that usually ended in disaster. Jackson had learned the importance of preparation, and he wasn't about to make that mistake.

He needed experience, and he needed to learn the ropes of the sea before he could even think about taking on the Grand Line. His first step was simple: find a crew. He spent weeks wandering the docks, looking for any merchant ships that might need a deckhand. Most captains turned him away without a second thought—he was young, unproven, and they didn't have time to babysit a boy. But Jackson was persistent, and he knew that every rejection only brought him closer to the right opportunity.

Finally, after countless days of searching, he found a ship that seemed willing to take him on. It was a standard merchant vessel from the East Blue, called Bell Leah. It wasn't a large ship, but it was sturdy, its sails flapping in the sea breeze as it sat in the harbor. The crew was unloading crates, and Jackson could tell it was the kind of ship that moved cargo across the islands regularly.

As Jackson approached the ship, a short, stocky man with a thick red beard and a matching mustache twirled at the tips looked up at him. His face was weathered, and his expression carried the kind of experience one only gained after years on the open sea. His presence commanded attention, and his deep voice bellowed orders to the crew as they worked.

"Alright, lads! Get those crates off the dock and onto the ship, or I'll have your hides! Move it!" The captain's voice was powerful and carried across the dock, cutting through the noise of the bustling port.

Jackson waited for a break in the captain's orders before stepping up, standing tall as he approached. "Excuse me, Captain," he called out, his voice confident despite the tension in his chest.

The captain turned to face him, his eyes narrowing as he took in Jackson's youthful appearance. "What do you want, boy?" His voice was a deep, gravelly baritone, though there was a hint of humor in his eyes.

"I'm looking for work," Jackson said, standing straight. "I want to join your crew. I can help with the unloading and anything else you need."

The captain chuckled and raised an eyebrow. "You want to work on my ship? This isn't some lazy stroll around the islands, kid. We work hard here. Harder than any other ship in the East Blue. Can you handle that?"

Jackson didn't hesitate. "I've been training for years. I can handle it."

The captain studied him for a long moment, clearly skeptical. "Training, huh? What, you think a sword's all you need to survive out here? You're gonna need more than that to make it as a sailor."

Jackson stood firm, looking the captain in the eye. "I'm not just some kid with a sword. I've got strength and determination. I've been working for this."

The captain snorted and looked Jackson up and down. "Alright, kid. Let's see if you've got more than just talk."

He motioned for a large wooden crate to be brought up to the dock. It was massive, easily weighing over a hundred pounds. "Pick it up," the captain ordered, grinning. "Show me that you've got more than a sword."

Jackson didn't hesitate. He moved forward, crouching down to grip the crate. With a deep breath, he lifted it off the ground, the weight pressing against his muscles. The crate was heavy—he could feel the strain in his arms and legs—but he powered through it, holding the crate at waist height.

The captain's eyes widened as he watched Jackson lift it with ease. "Well, well, kid," he said, his voice surprised but impressed. "You're a lot stronger than I thought. Alright, I'll give you a shot."

Jackson put the crate down and wiped the sweat from his brow, relieved. "Thank you, Captain. I'm ready to work."

The captain let out a laugh, his deep voice booming across the dock. "You're a strong one, I'll give you that. Alright, you've got yourself a job. But don't think it's going to be easy. You're not some pampered landlubber anymore. You'll earn your keep on this ship."

Jackson smiled, feeling a sense of pride swell in his chest. "I'm ready."

The captain clapped him on the back with a thud that almost knocked him off his feet. "Good. Welcome aboard. We leave for the next port tomorrow morning, so you'd better get yourself ready. And don't think that strength's going to get you out of work, boy. You're going to be up at dawn, doing your part like everyone else."

Jackson nodded eagerly. "I understand, Captain."

"Good. My name's William Fox, by the way," the captain said, a twinkle in his eye. "Don't forget it, or I'll have to remind you myself." He winked and turned to shout more orders at the crew.

Jackson grinned, his heart racing with excitement. This was the opportunity he'd been waiting for. It wasn't the Grand Line yet, but it was a start. As he stepped onto the Bell Leah, he felt the weight of his decision settling into place. He was about to embark on his first real adventure—learning the ways of the sea, working alongside a crew, and proving to himself that he was ready for whatever the world had in store.

And with that, Jackson's journey had officially begun.

Jackson's heart was still racing as he ran back to his home, his mind buzzing with excitement. He had a job—a real job—on a merchant ship, the Bell Leah. He was finally taking the first step toward the adventure he'd dreamed of. Now, he just had to tell his parents.

He burst through the door of their small home, his eyes wide with excitement. Aiko, his mother, was in the kitchen preparing dinner, and Isaiah was sitting at the table, reading. Jackson couldn't contain himself.

"Mom! Dad!" he exclaimed, panting from his run. "I got the job! I'm going to be a deckhand on a ship! The Bell Leah! I leave tomorrow morning!"

Aiko turned around, her face full of surprise, but quickly softened into a proud smile. "Jackson, you actually got the job?" she asked, her eyes scanning him with that familiar sense of pride. "That's wonderful, dear! But, are you sure you're ready for the sea? It's going to be hard work out there."

Jackson smiled widely, nodding enthusiastically. "I've been training for this, Mom. I'm stronger than ever, and now I'll get the chance to really learn what the world's like beyond this village."

Isaiah put down his reading material, concern still etched on his face. "You're really going to leave so soon? The East Blue may be safer, but there's still danger out there. Pirates, storms, and who knows what else."

Jackson's expression turned serious, but his voice stayed steady. "I know, Dad. But I've got this. I've been training with the best, and I've learned a lot. This is what I've been preparing for. And I'll come back stronger."

Isaiah sighed deeply, rubbing his temples. "I still wish you'd just stay here. I don't want to lose you out there. It's too dangerous."

Jackson walked over to his father and placed a hand on his shoulder, his voice calm but determined. "I'm not running away, Dad. I just need to go out there and see for myself. I'm not a kid anymore, and I can't stay here forever. I'll be careful, I promise."

Aiko smiled warmly, stepping forward and giving him a gentle hug. "We've raised a brave son, Jackson. If this is your path, then we'll support you. Just be safe, and remember you always have a home here."

Isaiah looked at his son with a mixture of pride and worry but finally nodded. "I just don't want to see you get hurt, son. Just... be smart out there."

Jackson grinned, feeling the weight lift from his shoulders. "I will, Dad. I promise. I'll make you proud."

Later that afternoon, with his pack packed and his heart set on the journey ahead, Jackson made his way to the Shimotsuki Forge to say his goodbyes to Kouzaburou. He had trained under the master swordsmith for so long, and it only felt right to ask for his blessing before setting out to explore the East Blue.

The forge was as noisy as ever, the rhythmic sound of metal on metal ringing through the air. Shimotsuki Kouzaburou was hard at work, his gruff voice calling out commands to his son, Koushirou, as they worked together on a new blade. When Jackson walked in, Kouzaburou barely looked up from his work.

"What do you want, kid?" the old swordsmith grumbled. "I'm busy here. Don't tell me you're back to complain about your sword work again."

Jackson smiled, but his voice was serious. "No, sir. I'm here to say goodbye. I've gotten a job as a deckhand on a merchant ship. I'm about to explore what the East Blue has to offer."

Kouzaburou paused, his hammer hanging in mid-air as he looked up, eyes narrowing. "The East Blue, eh? So, you're finally leaving. I figured it was only a matter of time."

Jackson nodded, his heart heavy with the realization that this was the end of one chapter and the start of another. "Yes, sir. I'm ready to take the next step. I've trained for this, and I need to see what's out there."

The old man gave him a long look, his face softening ever so slightly. "You sure you know what you're doing? The East Blue may be a little safer, but the sea's no place for kids."

"I'm ready," Jackson replied, his voice full of confidence. "I've trained with the best, and I'll keep training. I'll come back stronger."

Kouzaburou snorted, then waved his hand dismissively. "Fine, fine. You'll do what you want anyway. But before you go..."

He turned away, rummaging through a nearby shelf full of weapons and blades. Jackson stood still, watching, wondering what Kouzaburou would do next.

After a moment, Kouzaburou turned back around, holding a slightly longer than normal tanto—a shorter sword, but still formidable. The blade gleamed in the forge's dim light. "Take this with you. It's not the best blade I've ever made, but it'll do for protection in the East Blue. Even an average blade from my forge is better than anything in the Four Blues."

Jackson's eyes widened in surprise. He hadn't expected a gift—let alone a blade. "Thank you, Kouzaburou. I'll take good care of it."

Kouzaburou grunted, a rare hint of pride in his voice. "Don't get yourself killed out there. That blade will serve you better than most. I didn't just give it to you out of pity. It's a tool, not a toy."

Jackson nodded deeply, bowing slightly. "I won't forget everything you've taught me. Thank you... for everything, Kouzaburou."

The old man gave him a gruff look, waving his hand as if swatting away a fly. "Enough of that sentimental stuff, kid. Scram, will ya? I've got work to do." His tone was harsh, but there was a softness in his eyes that Jackson could see. It was rare, but it was there.

Jackson stood up straight, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I'll be back. I'll make you proud."

With that, he turned and walked out of the forge, the tanto in his hands feeling heavier than it ever had before, filled with the weight of the journey ahead.

Jackson looked up at the sky, the wind tugging at his clothes, and felt a surge of excitement. He was ready. The East Blue was full of danger and opportunity, and no matter what came his way, he would face it head-on.

The adventure had truly begun.