One Piece: The warrior of Justice

Chapter 48: The Path Forward.



Hatchan swam through the depths of the ocean, the water around him clear and vibrant. His destination: the legendary Fish-Man Island. As he neared the entrance, the underwater kingdom of Fish-Man Island unfolded before his eyes, an entire world beneath the sea. The island's beauty was unlike anything Hatchan had ever seen. Coral reefs of every color painted the ocean floor, with schools of fish weaving through the water like living rainbows. Glowing jellyfish illuminated the dark crevices, and towering rock formations formed natural spires, rising from the ocean bed to the surface above. Fish-Man Island was a place of wonder, a testament to the strength and resilience of his people.

Once Hatchan emerged from the depths, he found himself on a familiar path leading to the heart of the island. The streets were bustling with fishmen and mermaids, all going about their daily routines. The island was peaceful, but there was an underlying sense of uncertainty. Change was in the air. Hatchan's thoughts turned to his decision to leave the island and join Gadgil D. Atharva in his quest.

Upon reaching the center of the island, Hatchan was greeted by none other than Jinbe, the First Son of the Sea. Jinbe stood tall and imposing, his body built like a mountain, with a calm and composed expression. His large hands clasped behind his back as he observed Hatchan's arrival. His face softened into a knowing smile when he saw Hatchan approach.

"Hatchan... you've returned," Jinbe said warmly. "I've heard what happened."

Hatchan nodded, his heart heavy with the weight of his decision. "Yes, I've come to speak with you about it. I've decided to leave Fish-Man Island. I've found a captain worth following, a man named Gadgil D. Atharva. He defeated Arlong, and now he has shown me a new path—a path where we fishmen don't have to hide in the shadows anymore."

Jinbe listened intently, his eyes narrowing as he processed Hatchan's words. Fish-Man Island had always been a place of isolation, where fishmen and mermaids were forced to live apart from humans. Jinbe had long dreamed of a world where they could live openly and freely, without prejudice. Yet, it was a dream that seemed impossible for so long.

"Gadgil D. Atharva…" Jinbe repeated the name thoughtfully. "I've heard rumors about him. He's the one who took down Arlong?"

Hatchan's expression hardened with pride as he spoke. "Yes. He's different. He doesn't see us as monsters. He sees us as equals. He believes in a world where fishmen and humans can live together, side by side. I'm going to join him, Jinbe. I believe he's the one to change the world."

Jinbe's face remained calm, but his eyes spoke volumes. He could see the conviction in Hatchan's heart, the same conviction that had led him to this point. After a long pause, Jinbe finally spoke.

"If you believe in him, then follow your heart, Hatchan. You've always been someone who's searched for a way to make things better for our people. If you think Gadgil D. Atharva is the one to bring that change, then I won't stop you."

Hatchan smiled gratefully at Jinbe, his heart lightened by his friend's words. "Thank you, Jinbe. I've made my decision. I'm going to follow him. But first, I'll stay here for two more days, to make sure my people are settled before I leave."

Jinbe gave a small nod of approval. "Take the time you need. But remember, Hatchan, the world is changing. Make sure you're ready for whatever comes next."

Meanwhile, Jinbe stood silently, watching Hatchan as he left. He thought deeply, his mind racing as he observed his old friend's departure.

"Is he really the one who can change our fate?" Jinbe wondered, his brow furrowing. "Can he truly change the world... or would following him be a loss? A mistake?"

He shook his head, the thoughts swirling in his mind. "I'll observe him first. Before I make any decisions."

Jinbe took a deep breath and sighed. "I have to report this to the king. I also have my responsibilities as one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea."

With that thought, Jinbe turned away from Hatchan and began walking toward the palace. The weight of his decision hung heavily on his mind, but he knew he had to follow through with his duty before making any further choices about his future.

Meanwhile, in the East Sea, at Tequila Wolf, the aftermath of the previous night's battle still lingered. The CP0 agent who had fought against Nami and Nojiko was alive, though in bad shape. His body was bruised and battered, but he would survive. He slowly took out a Den Den Mushi, his fingers trembling as he corrected his posture and prepared to report the events to his superiors.

The voice that came through the Den Den Mushi was powerful and full of authority, though it carried an age-old weight. "Speak."

The CP0 agent's voice quivered slightly as he reported the events of the previous night. "This is Agent G6. We were attacked by an unknown group last night. The Lion Mask—Gadgil D. Atharva—was among them. He defeated us. Only I remain alive."

When the name Gadgil D. Atharva left his lips, the Den Den Mushi on the other end seemed to react with irritation, though the other side remained silent as the agent continued his report.

"I've also observed that the group was led by this 'Lion Mask,' who referred to himself as Gadgil D. Atharva. There were other masks—Cat, Fox, Rabbit—but the Lion Mask was the one in charge. The crew was formidable."

The agent paused, waiting for any response. The silence on the other side was deafening, but he knew his report would be analyzed carefully. The voice from the Den Den Mushi responded after a long delay.

"Understood. You will receive your next orders shortly."

The line went dead, and the CP0 agent exhaled deeply, relieved to be done with the report. He was battered, but he had fulfilled his duty. For now, the unknown name of Atharva lingered in his mind, a symbol of something more powerful than he had ever anticipated.

To Be Continued...

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