Chapter 47: A New Journey Begins.
The waters of the East Blue stretched out endlessly before Hatchan, the octopus fishman, as he looked back at the East Sea, memories of his past flashing in his mind. It had been a month since his defeat at the hands of Gadgil D. Atharva, the young man whose power had taken down the fearsome Arlong. The events were still fresh in Hatchan's mind—the crushing defeat of Arlong and the way Atharva had treated them, offering a chance for a new beginning. Now, Hatchan found himself on a journey he never imagined, one that would take him far from the East Blue and to a place of new opportunities: the Sabaody Archipelago.
As the group of fishmen—Hatchan, Kuroobi, and Chew—swam beneath the surface, heading toward the mermaid island and eventually to the Sabaody Archipelago, Hatchan couldn't help but think of the possibilities. The journey was long, taking a full month, but there was something in the air that told him change was coming. Hatchan had always lived underwater, but now, after meeting Atharva, he had hope—hope for a future where fishmen could live on land just like humans.
During their underwater journey, the fishmen tribe's situation weighed heavily on Hatchan's mind. The fishmen had long been treated like second-class citizens, both by humans and even some other fishmen. The prejudice, the hatred—they had been pushed into hiding, forced to live in the shadows. Arlong's reign had been a testament to that, but now, there was a chance for a new beginning, for the fishmen to stand proud. Hatchan's heart swelled with a new sense of purpose.
As the group finally approached the Sabaody Archipelago, Hatchan's thoughts shifted. Sabaody Archipelago, a group of islands marked by towering mangrove trees, had a reputation—famous for its shady dealings, underground markets, and above all, the number of powerful pirates who passed through. As they emerged from the water and onto the island's shores, Hatchan couldn't help but wonder: Could fishmen really live here, side by side with humans?
Sabaody Archipelago was divided into several sections, each marked by the numbered groves. The deeper one ventured into the groves, the more dangerous it became, with areas controlled by powerful individuals. The first few groves were filled with ordinary folk, while the deeper groves were home to bounty hunters, pirates, and other unsavory characters. However, Hatchan knew there was a special place here, a spot where someone important could be found—the notorious Grove Number 13.
Hatchan turned to Kuroobi and Chew, who were eager to explore the island, their eyes filled with excitement. He nodded to them, a soft smile on his face. "Go ahead, take the others to our new home. I want to speak with someone first."
Kuroobi and Chew exchanged a glance, their expressions mixed with concern and curiosity, but they nodded and left, moving with the rest of the group towards their new destination. Hatchan watched them go before slipping into the shadows, his figure hidden by a cloak. He was heading towards Grove 13, a place that had gained notoriety over the years—a place where legends often walked. There was someone here who needed to hear his message.
As Hatchan made his way through the bustling streets of Sabaody, the atmosphere became tense. The usual noise of the market was drowned out by his thoughts, leading him directly to the bar he sought: Shakky's Rip-off Bar. The small establishment, nestled between towering mangrove trees, was known for attracting the kind of crowd that could change the course of history.
Inside, Hatchan found two figures sitting at the bar, their presence commanding respect even without speaking. An old man, weathered by time and the sea, sat sipping on a drink, and beside him was a beautiful woman, wiping a glass clean with a cloth. They both looked up as Hatchan entered, surprised at first but then smiling warmly.
"Hatchan, what brings you here?" the old man said, his voice deep and rough. His eyes twinkled with a knowing gaze. "I didn't expect to see you around these parts."
The woman, Shakky, smiled and offered him a seat. "You've got the look of someone with a story to tell. Sit down."
The old man gave a hearty laugh and raised his bottle. "Raleigh, vice-captain of Gol D. Roger's crew. You might've heard of me."
Hatchan raised an eyebrow in recognition, then sat down with a deep sigh. "I've heard of you, Raleigh. But right now, I have a tale of my own. Arlong is defeated. And I found a new captain. His name is Gadgil D. Atharva."
Raleigh's eyes widened in shock, his hand freezing mid-air. "D. Atharva?" His voice dropped low, clearly intrigued. "The boy who took down Arlong?"
Shakky looked equally surprised but didn't speak. Raleigh's eyes narrowed, and he leaned in. "Atharva... what kind of man is he? And how did you meet him?"
Hatchan smiled, recalling the day when Atharva had shown him a new purpose. "He's different. He treated us like people, not animals. He showed me that the fishmen don't have to live in the shadows. We can live on land, side by side with humans. He's got a dream, and I'm going to join him. He's the one who can bring change, Raleigh. He's the one to make the world better for my people."
Raleigh leaned back, nodding thoughtfully.
Shakky, who had been listening carefully, finally spoke. "So, you've found a new path. You're sure about this, Hatchan?"
Hatchan looked at her, nodding with certainty. "I am. He's the captain we've been waiting for."
Raleigh chuckled softly, his eyes gleaming with nostalgia. "I'd love to meet him. He sounds like someone worth following."
After some conversation, Hatchan stood up. "I have to go speak with Jinbe. He needs to know what I've decided."
Raleigh raised his bottle in a half-salute. "Good luck, Hatchan. I'll be watching you."
As Hatchan made his way back to the fishman's home, he couldn't shake the thought that lingered in his mind. Could this really be the beginning of a new era for his people? He had hope—a hope that had long been absent in the fishman tribe.
Meanwhile, back at Shakky's Rip-off Bar, Raleigh was lost in thought. He took a long sip of his drink before turning to Shakky. "Shakky, do you think he's the one Roger was waiting for?"
Shakky paused, then shook her head slowly, a thoughtful look crossing her face. "I don't know, Raleigh. But something about him feels... different."
Raleigh stood up, gazing out at the sea. "Shanks... did you choose the right one?"
The question hung in the air as Raleigh walked out, leaving Shakky behind with her thoughts.
To Be Continued.................