One Piece; Full Counter!

Chapter 26: Don Yasmin.

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The ocean was calm after the chaos, the echoes of battle fading into the salty breeze. The last kick from Meliodas had sent Don Yasmin hurtling into his own ship, leaving behind a massive dent in its wooden hull. Silence fell over the scene as if the sea itself held its breath.

A handful of pirates, who had moments ago set foot on Meliodas' ship with brash confidence, now turned their heads in stunned disbelief. Their gazes locked on the gaping crater carved into their own vessel, a testament to the power of the man they had dared to challenge.

Meliodas raised a hand, halting Elizabeth mid-step as she tried to approach. "Stay at the wheel," he instructed firmly, his voice calm but commanding. "Get us past this oversized ship and find a place to dock."

Elizabeth hesitated only briefly, then nodded, running back to the helm. As she adjusted the ship's course, Meliodas turned his attention to the pirates on his deck. His sharp gaze cut through them like a blade, freezing them in place. Terrified, they leapt overboard, splashing into the sea below in their desperate escape.

Without a word, Meliodas launched himself toward Don Yasmin's ship, his expression unreadable but his intent unmistakable. The force of his leap sent a shudder through the massive vessel, causing Elizabeth to glance back in astonishment. When he landed on the enemy's deck, the wood groaned under the impact, and dozens of pirates surrounded him in an instant.

At first, Meliodas tightened his grip on his blade, preparing for the inevitable fight. But then he noticed their expressions—shock, confusion, even a hint of fear.

"Wait... isn't that...?" one of them stammered.

"It can't be. He looks just like him," another murmured, their voices growing more frantic.

"Is it possible? I thought he was dead!"

None of them dared approach. The tension was palpable until the silence was shattered. The deck splintered beneath Meliodas' feet as Don Yasmin, his wild black curls framing a face twisted with determination, emerged from the shadows. With a roar, the captain grabbed Meliodas by the ankle and slammed him through the deck into the lower level.

From above, Don Yasmin soared into the air, flames of faint blue fire swirling around his fists. He brought them down with a thunderous punch that sent a shockwave through the ship, shaking the upper deck violently. The pirates scrambled to keep their footing, their hair whipped back by the force of the impact.

Don Yasmin landed, standing tall and proud amidst his crew. "That's what happens when you challenge me—"

Before he could finish, Meliodas burst through the deck, creating another gaping hole. He landed lightly on the splintered wood, brushing off the debris with a smirk.

"Well now, Don Yasmin," he said, his tone casual, almost teasing. "Why don't you try a little harder if you really want to beat me?"

The deliberate use of "Don Yasmin" as if addressing a woman did not escape the captain. But instead of anger, a flicker of amusement crossed Yasmin's face. The blue flames around his fists burned brighter.

"I'm Don Yasmin," he declared, his voice steady. "It's been less than six months since I entered the Grand Line, and my bounty has already climbed to ten million berries. But even I have to admit—you've got talent. Tell me, young pirate, what's your name? Perhaps I'll let you serve under me instead of killing you."

Meliodas' smirk widened. "You can call me Meliodas,"

The name sent ripples of panic through the gathered pirates.

"It can't be… It's him! It's really him!" one exclaimed, trembling.

"Don Yasmin, don't fight him! He's a lunatic!" another pleaded.

Yasmin's brow furrowed as he studied Meliodas' face. "Meliodas…" he muttered, the name sparking a memory. Then it hit him—a wanted poster from two years ago. The face was unmistakable. A boyish grin, yet eyes that spoke of unimaginable power. A bounty of 1.9 billion berries.

"That's… impossible," Yasmin whispered, his throat dry.

Meliodas pointed his blade lazily toward Yasmin. "What's the matter? Don't tell me you're backing out after getting me all fired up."

The pirates threw themselves to the deck in desperation. "Forgive our captain for his mistake! We didn't recognize you right away! Please, let us leave in peace!"

Meliodas sighed, resting his blade on his shoulder. "This is getting boring again." He gestured toward his ship, now nearing a distant harbor. "Fix that hole in my ship, and share some food and water. Do that, and I'll sheath my sword."

The pirates scrambled to agree, while Yasmin remained frozen, unable to speak. Meliodas, satisfied, leapt back to his own ship, leaving the stunned crew in his wake.

Fifteen minutes later, Meliodas and Elizabeth strolled along the wooden docks of Jaya Island, the chaotic voices of pirates and merchants filling the air. Lawlessness clung to the atmosphere like a thick fog. Ships of every size and shape crowded the harbor, their crews shouting over one another to barter, threaten, or celebrate.

Elizabeth cast a wary glance back at their ship, where a handful of pirates worked on repairs. "Are you sure it's safe leaving the ship with them?"

"Of course not," Meliodas replied without missing a beat. "That's why I left a copy of me hiding in your room. Just in case."

Elizabeth stopped, her face reddening. "Excuse me? My room?"

Meliodas ignored her, looking ahead with a mischievous grin. "Sate sate sate… Let's find someone who can point us to the market. We need navigator's tools for you."

The bustling docks stretched endlessly, a cacophony of pirate flags, exotic goods, and unsavory characters. The air smelled of salt, gunpowder, and roasted meat, mingling with the sharp tang of sweat and spilled rum. Meliodas walked with the ease of someone entirely unbothered, while Elizabeth struggled to keep her eyes on him amidst the colorful chaos.

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[ A/N ]

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~ More Chapters ;

patr eon. com/Sakana0

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❗Next three chapters❗

- Chapter 27: A Stroll, or Perhaps Something More – Jaya Island.

- Chapter 28: Dreams.

- Chapter 29: Ally or Enemy?