Chapter 44: Chapter 24: A Family Reunited: Tears of Gratitude - I
[Note:
" * " : Indicates abilities that can be upgraded with practice, experience, or unique opportunities.]
> System inner voice ["speaking"] <
> Ash inner speech "speaking" <
{}
Bellemere's chest rises and falls in rapid succession as she gazes up at the faces surrounding her. The warmth of her daughters' embraces, their tears soaking into her shirt, is a feeling she never thought she would experience again. But this… this is real. She is alive.
She blinks slowly, trying to make sense of it all, her breath still shaky as she tries to steady herself. The pain of her last moments, Arlong's cruel laughter, the sound of the bullet—it all feels like a nightmare. But no, the pain is gone. The harsh reality has softened, and in its place is something unfamiliar and impossibly precious: the warmth of life.
She looks up, her eyes meeting Genzo's tear-filled face. His injuries are still covered, bandages wrapped around his torso, but it's the expression of relief and joy on his face that strikes her most.
"Genzo…" she murmurs, her voice hoarse.
Genzo's lips tremble as he speaks, trying to suppress the emotion that threatens to spill out. "Bellemere…Y-You… You're really back?"
Before he can say more, her gaze shifts, and she freezes. She looks at Ash, then at the girls, and finally, her eyes lock on Kuma. Her instincts, the ones that had protected her daughters when she was alive, now surge through her once more. Her body reacts before her mind can fully catch up.
"Stay back!" she shouts, her voice filled with a fierce protectiveness, though weak from the strain of her resurrection. She tries to shield Nami and Nojiko instinctively, her arms stretched in front of them as if to shield them from an invisible threat.
Her mind is still hazy, still grasping for answers. She looks around, her gaze shifting uneasily from one person to the next. "Who are you? What do you want? Why are you looking at us like that?" she asks, her tone defensive, her eyes darting between Ash, the girls, and Kuma, the last person she feels most uncertain about.
The silence stretches as Bellemere slowly gathers her bearings. Her breath still shallow but steady, she shifts slightly, instinctively clutching Nami and Nojiko even tighter close to her.
Kuma takes the lead, stepping forward with his hands raised in a gesture of peace. "We're not bad guys," he says softly, his voice calm and reassuring. "We come in peace."
Nami interjects saying. "Mom, they're not bad people," she says, her voice trembling. Nojiko nodded, adding, "He's the one who brought you back alive." pointing at Ash.
Bellemere freezes for a moment, her eyes shifting toward Ash with a mixture of confusion and disbelief. Her gaze drifts from Nami to Nojiko and back again before finally settling on Ash. "You… brought me back to life?" She stammers, trying to make sense of it.
Genzo, stepped forward with a soft chuckle. "Bellemere, at first, I didn't believe him either… but I saw you come back. Alive." His words faltered as he wiped away a tear, his face softening with a smile. "I....I'm just glad we have you back."
Bellemere's eyes widened, her heart swelling with gratitude and disbelief. She didn't fully understand how it happened, but Genzo is correct, she was alive again, and that was enough.
Kuma, sensing the conversation might go on too long, interrupts, his voice calm but firm. "I think we should move this conversation elsewhere," he suggests. "We don't know when the fishmen will be back, or when they'll start patrolling again. We might be risking more than just our lives."
Everyone nods in agreement, understanding the urgency of their situation. Before they leave, Kuma and Genzo move quickly but carefully, sealing up the grave where Bellemere had been buried. With a few swift motions, they make sure the fake grave looks untouched—ensuring no one will realize the truth that Bellemere has returned.
With the grave covered, the group begins to move, quietly and cautiously, toward the safety of the forest, deep within the island where they can regroup and make their next move. The trees loom large in front of them, offering a semblance of shelter and protection, away from the reach of Arlong's forces.
As the group moves deeper into the forest on Ash direction, Lucy suddenly stops and frowns, pointing in a random direction. "Wait, where are we going? The village is that way," she declares confidently, jabbing her finger in the completely wrong direction.
Uta rolls her eyes and chuckles. "Idiot. The village is the opposite way," she says, pointing in the correct direction.
Ash chuckles at their bickering. "We're not heading to the village," he explains patiently. "We need to stay out of sight from the fishmen and also the villagers. Going back to the village might bring danger to the people there if the fishmen found us in the village."
Lucy puffs out her chest and punches the air. "If those fishmen come, I'll send them flying with one punch!"
Her confident outburst draws a round of laughter from the group, even Bellemere, who lets out a soft, genuine smile for the first time since her revival. She looks at Lucy with a mix of amusement and warmth, the gesture not going unnoticed by Nami and Nojiko, who seem slightly more at ease seeing their mother smile.
After a while, the group reaches a clearing with fewer trees, offering a modest open space. Ash stops and turns to the group. "Alright, this should do," he says before rummaging through his inventory. A small, detailed model of a tent appears in his hands, visible only to him and the girls.
Lucy squints her eyes at the object in his hands, tilting her head. "Why are you holding a toy?" she asks, her tone dripping with scepticism.
Nojiko, equally confused, looks to Ash and voices what everyone is thinking. "He's holding… something. But we can't see it," she says, furrowing her brow.
Lucy crosses her arms and huffs. "What do you mean you can't see it? It's right there in his hands!" Even Uta, Ace and Selina can see what Ash is holding and agrees with her.
Ash chuckles, clearly amused by their confusion. "Just wait and see," he says cryptically, walking over to a flat area in the clearing.
He carefully places the miniature tent on the ground, steps back, and smiles.
Ash grins mischievously and gestures for the girls. "Alright, let's pair up. Hold on to anyone's hand."
He then turned to Nami, bowing theatrically and extends his hand with a playful smirk. "My lady," he says, his tone mockingly formal.
Nami's cheeks flush a deep red. She hesitates for a moment before slowly placing her hand in his, her gaze avoiding his.
Bellemere and Nojiko, catching the exchange, quirks an eyebrow and shoots a teasing smile at Nami, while the girl's smirks and shakes their head knowingly at Ash's flirtatious antics.
Following Ash, Ace steps forward and takes Bellemere's hand with a warm smile, while Selina offers her hand to Genzo. Lucy, clearly enjoying this, clasps Kuma's hand, leaving Uta to pair up with Nojiko.
As the pairs are formed, the group who could not see what Ash did suddenly notices something unusual—the small tent-like object Ash placed on the ground earlier is now visible to everyone.
"Wait… there really is a tiny toy…...looks like tent there," Nami exclaims pointing the tent, her surprise breaking the awkwardness of the moment.
Ash chuckles mysteriously. "Oh, that's just the beginning. Now watch this." He raises his free hand dramatically. "Activate!"
In an instant, the miniature tent begins to grow, expanding until it transforms into a fully sized, normal-looking tent. The group watches in awe, their jaws dropping at the sight of the magical transformation. Everyone except Ash is dumbfounded, as he laughs at their astonished expressions.
Uta breaks the silence. "Ash, this thing is still small to fit all of us," she quips, glancing pointedly at Kuma's towering frame. "It's more like a hat than a tent for Uncle Kuma you know!"
Her comment draws a hearty chuckle from Kuma, and soon, the group is laughing together.
Ash smirks, his tone filled with mischief. "Don't judge it just by its outward appearance," he says cryptically. Without releasing Nami's hand, he steps toward the tent's entrance. "Stay close and hold on tight," he instructs, ensuring everyone is connected in pairs.
As he walks through the tent's entrance, the group follows, their curiosity piqued, and their trust in Ash steady despite their bewilderment. Even Kuma is surprised that he could enter through the entrance which is small to him.
Once everyone steps inside the tent, they are immediately struck by its grandeur. The interior is impossibly spacious, with a high, vaulted ceiling that seems to shimmer faintly with a soft, golden light.
The main hall stretches out before them, adorned with elegant furnishings and polished wooden floors that exude warmth and comfort. To one side, a fully equipped kitchen gleams, its countertops lined with intricately carved details and a subtle glow indicating its enchanted nature.
In the center of the space is a grand seating area, complete with plush sofas and armchairs surrounding a small, crackling fireplace. Beyond the hall, glimpses of individual bedrooms can be seen, each door uniquely marked with symbols hinting at personalized comforts.
The most striking feature, however, is the magical garden at the far end of the hall. Vibrant flowers bloom in a myriad of colors, their petals sparkling as though kissed by morning dew.
A small fountain burbles softly in the garden's center, its water crystal clear and glowing faintly. The air is fresh and carries a hint of floral sweetness, calming everyone instantly.
Lucy darts off, her eyes wide with wonder. "This is amazing!" she exclaims, laughing as she runs from one marvel to the next, her excitement filling the space with an infectious energy.
The others remain still for a moment, their awe evident. Nami, still holding Ash's hand, looks around with wide eyes, her mouth slightly open in disbelief.
Ash notices Nami still holding his hand and gently says with a teasing grin, "Enjoying holding my hand too much, are we?" Nami, startled, immediately let's go, her cheeks turning a bright red. She mutters an excuse and quickly moves toward Bellemere and Nojiko, who are already watching with knowing smiles.
Bellemere raises an eyebrow and smirks at Nami. "What's this, Nami? Holding hands already?" she teases, and Nojiko bursts out laughing, adding to Nami's embarrassment.
Trying to keep the mood light, Ash claps his hands, drawing everyone's attention. "Alright, everyone, how's this place? Impressive, right?"
Bellemere, however, isn't as easily distracted. She steps forward, her expression turning some-what serious but with also curiosity.
"Who are you, kid? How can you do all these things? Bringing people back to life, pulling off this magical tent... this is not normal," she says, her voice a mix of curiosity.
Genzo, Nami, and Nojiko look at Ash expectantly, clearly sharing Bellemere's sentiments.
Ash smiles warmly and raises a hand to calm her. "Everything will be explained in time. But first, how about you all freshen up and have a proper meal? A good bath and some food will make everything clearer."
Nojiko hesitates and says, "But we don't have any clothes to change into..."
Ash chuckles and gestures toward a hallway. "Don't worry about that. There's a wardrobe stocked with clothes of all sizes. And for you ladies, there's a separate hot spring bath just down that way. Trust me, it'll be worth it."
Intrigued but reassured, Bellemere and the others agree. The women head toward the area Ash pointed out, their curiosity piqued by the luxurious setup. Meanwhile, Ash, Genzo and Kuma move toward the men's section, with Ash leading the way.
Few Moments Later....
As Bellemere and the girl's step into the kitchen after a good bath, the comforting aroma of freshly prepared food greets them. They find Ash standing by the stove, focused on cooking, while Kuma calmly arranges plates on the dining table. While Genzo helps him by carrying utensils.
Lucy's eyes light up as she spots Ash cooking. She dashes toward him, excitement bubbling over. "Ash! Are you cooking? I can't wait to eat!" she exclaims, practically bouncing with energy.
Ash chuckles, giving her an amused glance. "Just a few more minutes, Lucy. It'll be ready."
Selina and Uta exchange knowing looks before grabbing Lucy and hauling her back to the table, much to her dismay. She pouts, staring at the food with longing, while the others laugh at her antics.
Finally, Ash finishes and starts serving the food. The tantalizing sight and smell make Lucy lose all restraint. She immediately digs in, much to everyone's amusement. Between bites, she stretches out her arms to steal food from other's plates, her devil fruit powers allowing her to extend her reach.
Nami freezes, her eyes wide as she watches Lucy's hand snake towards her plate also. "Hey! That's my food. Wait, H-how did you do that?" she blurts out, stunned. Nojiko and Genzo are equally dumbfounded, their gazes darting between Lucy's arm and the stolen food.
Bellemere, however, narrows her eyes in recognition. "Is that…a devil fruit power?" she asks.
Ash nods with a small smile, but he holds up a hand to pause the questions. "Yes, but let's eat first. We'll talk after."
The conversation is put on hold as everyone focuses on the meal. Once the plates are empty and bellies full, the dishes and leftovers vanish, the kitchen automatically cleaning itself. This earns surprised looks from everyone, but Ash only grins.
The group moves to the main hall, a cozy space furnished with comfortable sofas. Lucy immediately plops onto the largest one, sighing dramatically. "Ha! That was so good!" she exclaims, stretching her arms with a contented grin.
Her antics earn a round of laughter as the others settle into their seats. The girls claim the largest sofa, Bellemere and Genzo each take individual seats, and Kuma rests on the floor, his massive size making it the only reasonable option.
Ash leans back on one of the smaller sofas, looking at the curious faces.
"All right," he begins, his tone inviting yet calm. "Ask away."
Bellemere leans forward, her sharp eyes scanning each of them, her voice steady but tinged with curiosity. "Who are you kids? And who are you?" she adds, glancing pointedly at Kuma. "Why did you even save me? What do you want expect from us?" still with light suspicious asks them.
Ash chuckles softly, standing up from his seat. "That's quite a list of questions, Bellemere-san. But first allow me to introduce myself properly."
With a graceful bow, he introduces himself, "My name is Rafael D. Ash, and I'm going to be the King of Pirates. You can call me Ash," he finishes with a charming smile.
Before Bellemere could respond, Lucy jumped up beside him, her grin as wide as ever. "I'm Monkey D. Lucy!" she announced, her voice brimming with excitement. "And I'm going to be the Queen of Pirates alongside Ash! Shishishi!" Her laughter echoed through the room, full of uncontainable energy.
Uta stood up next, flashing a confident smile. "I'm Uta," she said cheerfully. "My dream is to make my songs reach the entire world. Oh, and I'm the diva of our future crew!" she added with a playful grin.
Ace followed, her hands on her hips and a bright smile on her face. "I'm Ace," she said with pride. "I'm going to be the strongest pirate, and I'm one of the vice-captains of our crew."
Finally, Selina stood up, her eyes alight with enthusiasm. "I'm Selina," she said, her tone warm and lively. "I want to write a book about all of our adventures." She paused, then added with a smile, "And like Ace, I'll be one of the vice-captains. Nice to meet you."
Bellemere's gaze shifts between them, her expression one of disbelief mixed with amusement. She lets out a small laugh. "You kids have guts, I'll give you that—proclaiming you'll be pirates right in front of an ex-Marine."
Ash smirks, his eyes sparkling with conviction. "Everyone has their dreams, Bellemere-san. We all have our reasons."
Kuma, who had remained silent until now, stands and speaks in his deep, steady voice. "I am Bartholomew Kuma, one of the commanders of the Revolutionary Army."
The revelation draws gasps from both Bellemere and Genzo. "What?!" they exclaim in unison, their eyes wide with shock.
Lucy bursts into laughter, doubling over at their stunned expressions. "Hahaha! That's priceless!" she chokes out between laughs.
Ash steps forward, raising a calming hand. "Don't worry, Bellemere-san. The Revolutionary Army leading by dragon isn't what the World Government portrays. He is a good guy, fighting for a cause and like Uncle Kuma many follow him because of that." His voice is steady, reassuring.
Lucy enthusiastically chimes in, "Yeah! My dad's a good guy, you know!"
Ash groans, slapping his forehead in exasperation, mirrored by the girls. Kuma, his movements deliberate, slowly turns his head toward Lucy surprised by her reply.
"Wait, your father is The Dragon", Bellemere asks in surprise.
Realizing her slip, Lucy hastily waves her hands. "Wait! Forget what I just said!"
The girls erupt, their shark-toothed expressions aimed directly at Lucy. "Why did you even have to say that in the first place?!" they yell in unison, landing synchronized bonks on her head. Dragging her aside, they hiss, "Let Ash talk, and stay quiet!" Lucy pouts, rubbing her head.
Nami and Nojiko, still piecing everything together, exchange glances before Nami cautiously asks, "What's this Revolutionary Army?"
Bellemere and Genzo still remain frozen, processing the bombshell revelations.
Seeing their expressions, Ash takes a deep breath and begins. "You know about the World Government, right?" Seeing them nod, he continues. "Lucy's father started opposing them by forming a group with like minded people called the Revolutionary Army."
Nami tilts her head, curiosity piqued. "Why?"
As Ash starts explaining them, Bellemere's expression shifts from shock to contemplation. Even as an ex-Marine, the weight of Ash's words surprises her. "To think all this has been hidden from us…" she mutters under her breath.
Kuma's brow raises slightly, impressed by Ash's knowledge, while Genzo, Nami and Nojiko listen intently, hanging onto every word.
Ash looks at her, his tone turning serious. "Because of the injustices and corruption within the World Government. The Revolutionaries aim to fight against tyranny, giving people hope and a voice."
Ash finishes, his voice resolute. "That's why Lucy's father, with the help of Uncle Kuma and others, started gathering momentum to put an end to these injustices."
Bellemere takes a moment, processing everything Ash has said before asking, "How true is all of this, really?"
Ash meets her gaze confidently. "It's 100% true, Bellemere-san. And this is just the tip of the iceberg. If you knew everything, you'd be even more surprised."
The girls around him unconsciously clench their fists, memories of past hardships surfacing. Bellemere notices but doesn't pry, her eyes returning to Ash. "And how does a kid like you know all of this?"
Ash smirks, a playful glint in his eye. "Just know that I have my ways."
Genzo steps forward, "And what about all these miracles you've pulled off? How do you explain those?"
Ash's demeanor shifts, his tone serious. He mutters under his breath, "It seems more people are learning about my secret as time goes on..."
Then, looking at them earnestly, he continues, "What I'm about to share is a secret, so I ask that you not reveal or repeat it to anyone. Please. Only those I fully trust know about this." He waits for their agreement, and when they nod, he begins his explanation.
When Ash finishes, Nami's eyes sparkle with wonder. "Wow… that's so cool!"
Lucy, ever excitable, chimes in with a laugh. "Right?! I said the same thing when I found out!" She beams, clearly proud of her earlier reaction.
Lucy, excited, starts showing off the items Ash gave them. She eagerly wills out her gauntlet and shows them, telling how cool it is and also, she shows the inventory bag.
Without hesitation, she takes out some food from the bag and starts eating even though she just ate. Ace, mockingly, yells, "Stop eating in the middle of the conversation and why are you eating again, you even stole food from us while eating!"
Nojiko, still laughing curiously, asks, "But how is the food still hot?"
Selina grins and explains about the bag. Nami's eyes sparkle in amazement after she hears, and she turns to Ash as if silently asking if she could get one too. Ash chuckles and says, "Sorry, I don't have any more."
Nami pouts at this, which makes everyone laugh, breaking the tension.
Then, Bellemere, voice out the next query, "You still haven't told us why you saved me!?"
The laughter dies down, and Ash, replies, "Well few days back, Celeste asked me to save someone on this island, but she didn't specify who, when or what. Seriously, we got lucky when we found Genzo-san and Nojiko. From there we got the story what is happening here. I concluded it was you, and I was right."
Bellemere nods, clearly thinking through his words. "Lucky or Not, I'm really grateful for what you have done," she says. "Please convey my thanks to Celeste. And if you ever need anything in the future, anything I can do, I'll help."
Ash nods, smiling warmly, accepting her thanks and words.
Bellemere, then continues with a serious expression, turns to Kuma and asks, "Can you please help us chase away the fishmen from this island?"
Kuma, with a respectful tone, responds, "I can surely help."
But before anyone can react, Ash steps in, shaking his head. "No, Uncle Kuma, you can't do it."
Bellemere, now visibly upset, glares at Ash and asks angrily, "Why? He agreed to help! Why are you involving yourself in this anyways?"
The room goes quiet, and Genzo, Nami, and Nojiko also look at Ash with confusion and frustration.
Ash, sensing the growing tension, raises his hand to signal for everyone to listen. His gaze turns toward Kuma, who is looking at him serious like asking for an explanation.
With a deep sigh, Ash explained, "Uncle Kuma, don't you remember that Dragon-san told us how the World Government is intensifying their search for him. If you step in now, it'll not only put this island's people in greater danger but also force you into deeper hiding if word spreads that a Revolutionary acted in the East Blue. We can't risk escalating things any further."
Ash continues, his tone more serious now. "Do you think I like seeing the people down in the village suffer like this? We need a clear plan, and we can't involve the Revolutionaries in this. Besides, none of us, other than you, are strong enough to handle the fishmen at present."
The adults in the room pause, reflecting on Ash's words. Lucy, though wants to refute, falls silent, understanding the weight of the situation in the room.
Genzo speaks up, voicing their concern, "Then what do we do? We can't just sit back and ignore it." Ash nods, a calm yet determined look in his eyes. "I have a plan," he responds. Kuma, seeing his look, encourages, "Let's hear it."
Ash takes a deep breath, then explains, "Arlong doesn't kill as long as the money he demands is regularly delivered, right?" Genzo nods, confirming it. Ash continues, "Uncle Kuma, we can help with the money part, can't we?" Kuma hesitates, his gaze thoughtful. "I'll need to speak with Dragon about it, since we too are in need of resources, but we can help to an extent."
Ash quickly proposes, "Then how about me and the girls give you a hand with that? We're planning on bounty hunting in the next few years to collect money anyways." Selina and Uta excitedly agree, with Ace and Lucy joining in, all eager to help.
Bellemere, however, interrupts, her concern clear. "No, I don't want you kids to be put in danger because of this. Let the adults handle it." Ash stops her, his expression serious but calm. "Bellemere-san, we may be kids, but don't underestimate us. You know we've already started to collect bounties of few bad guys."
Bellemere and Genzo are still skeptical, but Ash takes out a stack of cash from his inventory and places it on the table. "This is just a small amount. I still have around 36 million berries, which we've collected from bounties," Ash says confidently. Both Bellemere and Genzo are taken aback. Meanwhile, Nami, unnoticed by the others, her eyes have Beli sign.
Ash continues, "So you don't have to worry about us. We can definitely handle ourselves." Lucy adds with a laugh, "It's true. We've got each other's backs." Bellemere smiles at this, her heart-warming seeing their conviction to help.
Ash then turns to Genzo, saying, "So, Genzo-san, all you need to do is make sure the villagers don't act rashly." Genzo nods, understanding. Nojiko, still concerned, asks, "But what about Arlong? We can't keep paying him forever."
Ash nodded in agreement. "You're right. That's why we need to train hard and become strong enough to take him down ourselves. We have to play the long game here. Involving the Marines isn't an option—they can't stop Arlong, and for all we know, some of them might even be working with him."
After a moment of thought, the adults—Bellemere, Kuma, and Genzo—discuss among themselves and finally turn to Ash, agreeing with his plan.
Ash then says firmly, "Also another thing Bellemere-san, you can't stay here until we come back to deal with Arlong." His tone leaves no room for argument.
Hearing this, Nami interjects, her voice trembling, "No! I won't allow that. Mom, don't leave us!" Nojiko joins her, her face filled with worry and sadness. Both cling to Bellemere tightly, refusing to let go.
Bellemere hugs them, her heart aching, but deep down, she knows Ash is right. If Arlong discovers she's alive, not only the plan fails but it could also put everyone in the village in grave danger including her daughters.
Ash gently addresses them, "Nami, Nojiko…" Their teary eyes shift to him, still holding onto Bellemere. He continues with a reassuring tone, "I'm not saying you won't see each other again. It's just that Bellemere-san staying here isn't safe right now. If Arlong finds out she's alive, the entire village could be at risk."
Nami and Nojiko, still clinging to Bellemere, cry out, "Then how are we going to see each other if she leaves?"
Ash offers them a warm smile before reaching into his inventory and pulling out a small suitcase. "With the help of this," he says, placing it on the table.
Everyone looks at the suitcase in confusion, unsure of what he means. Nami and Nojiko, still teary-eyed, simply tilt their heads and mutter, "Huh?"
To be continued...
Hey everyone! I'm always looking for ways to make this story even better, and I'd love to hear your ideas. What powers do you think should be available in Ash's store? Maybe you have some cool concepts for abilities, weapons, or items that could make the adventure even more exciting!
Feel free to drop your suggestions in the comments, and if there's anything specific, you'd love to see in future chapters, let me know! I might even integrate your ideas into the story.
Also, don't forget to give some Power Stones if you're enjoying the journey! Your support means the world. 😊
Chapter 45: Chapter 25: A Family Reunited: Tears of Gratitude - II
[Note:
" * " : Indicates abilities that can be upgraded with practice, experience, or unique opportunities.]
> System inner voice ["speaking"] <
> Ash inner speech "speaking" <
{}
Ash placed the suitcase on the table with a confident smirk, as if it alone was the answer to their question. However, other than Ash and the girls, no one could perceive its presence.
"You see, with this suitcase—" Ash began, but Genzo interrupted him, raising an eyebrow. "What suitcase?"
Ash blinked in confusion, then let out an exasperated sigh, slapping his forehead. "Ah, right, I forgot. This works like the tent; only we can see it initially." Calling Genzo forward, Ash took his hand and closed his eyes, concentrating to grant Genzo permission to perceive the suitcase. After stepping back, Genzo's eyes widened as the suitcase shimmered into visibility.
"I don't think I'll ever get used to this," Genzo muttered, shaking his head.
Ash then repeated the process for Kuma, Bellemere, Nami, and Nojiko, one by one, making sure each of them could see the suitcase. Once everyone could perceive it, Ash began explaining its functions, showcasing its incredible features. He then willed the suitcase to duplicate, creating three identical copies of the original.
To demonstrate, Ash opened one of the suitcases and, without warning, jumped in, disappearing entirely. The group gasped, eyes widening in shock, before Ash popped out of another suitcase besides it.
Lucy's eyes sparkled with awe. "Sugoi, Ash! That was amazing! Let me try!" she exclaimed excitedly, running toward the suitcase. Before Ash could respond, Lucy had already jumped in. Moments later, she emerged from another suitcase, giggling with excitement. She continued hopping between the suitcases like a game of whack-a-mole, each time popping up in a new spot.
Her antics left the others chuckling, though Ace quickly grew irritated. She stood by one of the suitcases, waiting for Lucy to emerge, and bonked her lightly on the head as she popped out. Grabbing her arm, dragged her out, much to Lucy's pouting protests.
The room erupted in laughter, the tension melting away as Lucy sulked. "It's not fair, I was having fun" she muttered, crossing her arms.
Ash turned to Bellemere with a confident smile. "So, Bellemere-san, with this suitcase, we can keep in contact with each other. We can send messages or even the money we planned to without anyone finding out. Nojiko can use it whenever she wants to meet you. What do you say?"
Before Bellemere could respond, Nami interjected with a pout, "Hey! Then what about me?"
Ash's expression shifted into a knowing look as his eyes glanced toward her left arm. "You know why you couldn't use this, right?" he said softly, his gaze lingering on her covered arm.
Nami stiffened, her face betraying unease as she instinctively moved her hand to cover her arm. She had been avoiding showing the mark ever since their arrival, but Ash's words made her self-conscious. Her actions didn't go unnoticed.
Bellemere narrowed her eyes, sensing something amiss. "Nami, what's he talking about?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.
Nami stammered, trying to dodge the question, her body visibly tense as she attempted to keep her arm hidden.
But Bellemere wasn't about to let it slide. With a determined look, she reached out, grabbing Nami's arm despite the girl's protests. In her effort to shield the mark, the fabric of Nami's sleeve tore slightly, exposing a part of her upper arm.
The room fell silent.
The unmistakable tattoo of the Arlong Pirates was now in plain view. Gasps filled the air from those who recognized the cruel emblem. Bellemere froze, her face a mix of shock and horror as her gaze fixed on the mark that marred her daughter's skin.
Ash and the girls remained composed, though the girls exchanged puzzled glances, unfamiliar with the significance of the tattoo. Ash, however, maintained a calm demeanor, silently observing the unfolding scene.
In the heavy silence that followed the revelation, Selina turned to Ash with a questioning look. "Ash," she asked softly, "what's so shocking about that tattoo?"
Ash's expression darkened slightly as he replied, "That's the crew symbol of the Arlong Pirates."
The girls' eyes widened in realization. Though they hadn't known the details before, they now understood the weight of the situation. Lucy, as usual, remained unfazed, her casual demeanor standing out in the tense atmosphere.
Bellemere broke the silence, her voice trembling as she stepped closer to Nami. "Nami… what have you done? Are you okay? Did Arlong… do something to you?"
Nami's eyes filled with tears, her lips quivering as she looked at her mother. "Mom… are you not angry?" she asked, her voice cracking.
Bellemere, seeing the pain and fear in her daughter's eyes, pulled her into a tight hug. "I will never be angry with you, Nami," she said gently. "Never. No matter what."
Hearing this, Nami broke down, clinging to her mother as sobs wracked her body. Nojiko stepped forward, placing a comforting hand on her sister's shoulder. "We're here for you, Nami," she said softly, her voice steady and full of support.
After a few minutes, once Nami had calmed down slightly, Bellemere gently pulled back to look her in the eyes. "Now, tell me what happened," she said. "Why did you have to make this decision?"
Nami hesitated, her hands trembling as she struggled to find the words. Seeing her reluctance, Bellemere smiled softly, brushing her daughter's hair. "Whatever it is," she reassured her, "I'll support you. I'll never hate you, no matter what."
Genzo nodded firmly from his place. "We're all behind you, Nami".
Encouraged by their words, Selina and the other girls stepped forward, offering their own supportive gestures. Ash, standing slightly apart, gave Nami a small, reassuring smile. "You don't have to say it all at once," he said gently. "We're here when you're ready."
Kuma remained silent, as a quiet observer of the emotional scene unfolding before him. His calm gaze rested on Nami, offering an unspoken sense of solidarity and protection.
Nami's voice trembled as she began, "After you were… killed, Arlong took me to their base. I saw a Marine ship approaching the island, and I thought they'd save us. But… Arlong and his crew destroyed it so easily. After that, I knew the Marines wouldn't come back. Not after seeing how powerful Arlong was."
She paused, clenching her fists, her voice tightening. "Then he asked me to draw maps of islands for him. I didn't know what else to do, so I made a deal. He said if I could give him 100 million belis, he'd let me buy the village's freedom. Until then, I had to be his cartographer. I thought… this way, I could save everyone."
Bellemere and Kuma exchanged knowing looks, fully understanding the cruel game Arlong was playing. Bellemere's hands clenched as her heart ached for her daughter. Ash stepped forward, his expression firm. "Nami, you know he won't keep his promise, right? He's just using you."
Nami's lips quivered as she replied, "No… he promised. He said he would." But even as she spoke, doubt filled her voice.
Bellemere stepped closer; her voice gentle but firm. "Nami, Ash is right, Arlong won't fulfill his end of the deal. He's playing with you, knowing how much you want to protect the village. Seeing how you're talented at drawing maps, he's using that—and your heart—to get what he wants."
Nami's composure broke, tears streaming down her face. "I hate him, Mom! I hate him!" she sobbed, cursing Arlong and everything he had done. Bellemere, Nojiko, and the girls immediately moved to console her, offering comforting words and embraces.
After a moment, Ash spoke again, his tone determined. "Nami, how about we take revenge on him? You keep working with him, act as part of his crew."
Genzo and Nojiko immediately protested. "That's too dangerous!" Genzo exclaimed, but Ash held up his hand. "Hear me out. We're already planning to take him down in time. Nami is already in his crew, and Arlong doesn't know what's happened since then. Nami, you can act as a spy. Do what he says, gain his trust, and make him believe you're still under his control."
Ash turned to Nami; his eyes resolute. "When you go out to sea, you can visit our island occasionally. Train with us. Become stronger. You can do his work, but at the same time, prepare to fight back. What do you say?"
Nami hesitated, her mind spinning with the weight of the decision. Nojiko, standing beside her, spoke up. "I want to train too. I don't want to sit on the sidelines while everyone else fights to help. I want to protect my sister, our village. Mom, please!" Tears glistened in her eyes as she turned to Bellemere.
Bellemere struggled to respond, torn between her protective instincts and her daughters' determined resolve.
Before she could speak, Nami wiped her tears and stood straighter, looking at her mother. "Mom, you've always said we shouldn't let anyone beat us. If they do, they should be punished for what they've done. Arlong beat us. He played with our weaknesses. Why shouldn't we do the same to him? He's a bad guy, right?"
Her voice cracked, but she pressed on. "I don't want to lose you again, Mom. I don't want to feel that fear of being powerless. I want to become strong."
Bellemere's tears fell freely as she pulled both of her daughters into a tight embrace. "I understand," she whispered. "I'm so proud of you both."
Bellemere's voice rang with conviction as she declared, "I have decided. I won't let my girls face this alone. Kuma-san, I want to join the Revolutionary Army, Can I join? But I want to make one thing clear—this is my fight for my village. I don't want to drag revolutionary into it. All I ask is for your help to make me stronger. I can't let my daughters face that monster without me."
Her determination was palpable, and Genzo couldn't help but smile, though worry was etched across his face. Nami and Nojiko rushed forward, throwing their arms around Bellemere. She laughed warmly, hugging them back.
Kuma gave a thoughtful nod before replying, "Bellemere-san, the Revolutionary Army will welcome you with open arms."
Bellemere extended her hand, shaking Kuma's firmly as she nodded her thanks. Genzo, his voice heavy with concern, asked, "Bellemere, are you sure about this? You used to be a Marine. Are you really ready to take this path?"
Bellemere turned to him, a faint smile gracing her lips. "Genzo, don't worry. Justice isn't confined to the Marines. It's about doing what's right. There are so many villages and islands out there suffering like ours, under some kind of tyranny. I want to be part of the cause that helps them, just as I'll help take back Cocoyashi."
While the adults spoke, the girls stood together, murmuring among themselves. Suddenly, Lucy jumped up, her fist in the air. "Yosh! Let's do it!"
Ace turned to Nami and Nojiko with a serious expression. "Nami, Nojiko, we have discussed and decided that…"
Selina added with a grin, "We would like to officially invite you both to join…"
Uta followed suit, smiling warmly. "…as our navigator and vanguard fighter."
Lucy, ever enthusiastic, chimed in. "Join us! We'll have adventures together. What do you say?"
Nami, Nojiko, and the adults were stunned by the sudden proposition. Ash crossed his arms, feigning irritation. "Hey! I'm also the captain here. Don't you need my approval first?"
Lucy turned to him, puffing out her cheeks. "Meanie Ash! So, what! I'm also the captain! I've decided—they're joining whether you like it or not!" She stuck out her tongue, ran over to Nami and Nojiko, and hugged them tightly.
Ace smirked, crossing her arms. "What's wrong, Ash? You don't want them to join?"
Ash stammered, "No, it's not that…"
Selina interrupted, feigning disappointment. "Ash, I didn't know you were so heartless."
Uta added with a dramatic sigh, "I thought you were better than this, Ash."
Ash, flustered, tried to respond. "B-but…I…"
Genzo chuckled, patting Ash on the shoulder. "Leave it, Ash. You can't win against them."
Nami and Nojiko smiled warmly, their voices soft. "We don't know what to say. Thank you for inviting us."
Bellemere smirked and turned to Genzo. "Speaking of thanks… Genzo, I too didn't properly thank you for trying to protect my girls."
Nami and Nojiko turned to Ash with matching sly grins. "Yes, Ash, we also haven't thanked you for bringing back our mom."
Bellemere leaned in toward Genzo with a playful tone. "Should I repay you with my body?"
Nami and Nojiko echoed, "Should we thank you with our bodies, Ash?"
The teasing was too much for Genzo and Ash, who turned red, their jaws dropping as their shark-teeth expressions emerged. "DON'T SPOUT NONSENSE!" they yelled in unison.
Uta giggled, looking at Nami and Nojiko. "So, you're joining us, right?"
With renewed determination, Nami and Nojiko smiled. "Yes, we will!"
"But wait," Nami hesitated. "I'm still part of Arlong's crew."
Selina shook her head firmly. "Nami, don't forget—you're our navigator now. With Arlong, you're just a spy. Nothing more."
Uta stepped closer, her voice gentle. "You're part of our family now, our sister."
Ace clenched her fist. "If anyone messes with one of us—"
Lucy shouted, finishing the sentence, "—then they mess with all of us!"
Overwhelmed with emotion, Nami and Nojiko agreed wholeheartedly, "We'll join your crew!"
Lucy jumped with joy. "Yosh! We've got two more crew members!" She turned to Ash with a triumphant grin. "And now I don't need your boring navigation lessons anymore, Ash! Bleh! You always made my head hurt making me learn all that!"
Everyone burst into laughter, and even Ash couldn't help but smile. In the back of his mind, though, himself. "I already wanted Nami to join since she's meant to be part of the crew in the future anyways, but I didn't expect the girls to invite both her and Nojiko. Well… this might work out better than I thought."
Ash approached Nami and Nojiko with a wide grin, his tone playful. "Welcome aboard, ladies. So, how about a proper thank-you for your dashing rescuer?" he teased, leaning slightly closer teasingly.
Uta, not missing a beat, bonked him on the head. "Ash, behave!" she scolded, twisting his ear.
Selina joined in with a mock stern expression, grabbing his other ear. "Honestly, you never learn, do you?"
Ash winced in exaggerated pain, waving his hands in surrender. "Okay, okay! I'm sorry!"
The entire group burst into laughter at his predicament. Even Nami and Nojiko couldn't help but giggle at the scene. After a few moments, everyone settled down, taking their seats again.
Ash placed one suitcase in his inventory from the table, "Alright, let's get down to business," he began. He then handed the remaining three one each to Genzo, Nojiko, and Kuma.
"Genzo-san, this is for you. Nojiko, this is yours. And Kuma-san, please deliver this to Dragon-san. It will make it easier for us to travel to base to get our training or to meet Bellemere-san or you guys can send money to Genzo for the village."
Ash then faced Nojiko. "Keep your suitcase somewhere safe at home. You can use it to reach us or visit Bellemere-san whenever you want."
He turned to Nami next. "You'll use ours when you come to train with us, for now don't use the one in your house. That way, Arlong and his goons won't get suspicious if you suddenly vanish from village."
Finally, he addressed Genzo. "Genzo-san, keep yours in a secure place where you can send messages or access money without anyone doubting you."
All three nodded in agreement, appreciating the thoughtful planning.
Ash reached into his inventory and pulled out a sleek vial filled with a shimmering glowing liquid. "And...Genzo-san, drink this," he instructed.
Genzo hesitated but eventually took a sip. Within moments, his wounds disappeared entirely, leaving him speechless. "W-What is this?"
"It's an advanced healing potion," Ash explained. "Don't worry, not even a scar will remain."
Bellemere, observing with a frown, asked, "But if the fishmen notice his sudden recovery, won't it seem suspicious?"
Ash smirked, pulling a small ring from his inventory. "I thought of that too, Bellemere-san."
Handing the ring to Genzo, Ash instructed, "Put it on and think about how you looked before drinking the potion."
Genzo complied, and to everyone's amazement, his old wounds and scars reappeared same as before. Nami and Nojiko gasped, astonished.
Ash reassured them with a chuckle. "Don't worry, it's just an illusion. He can dispel it at any time."
He then handed identical rings to Nami, Nojiko, and Bellemere.
"Bellemere-san," Ash continued, "if you're joining the Revolutionary Army, there's a chance the Marines might link your face to your past. That could compromise the plan if Arlong or his men finds out somehow. Use this ring to change your appearance."
Bellemere nodded gratefully. "I hadn't thought of that. Thank you, Ash."
"For you two," Ash said, turning to Nami and Nojiko, "You two should also wear them. Training with us will bring noticeable changes, and this will help you avoid suspicion off any training or physical changes hidden from the fishmen. They won't suspect a thing."
Both girls nodded, thanking him sincerely.
Ash continued, addressing all four, "Also just know that these rings are indestructible, self-cleaning, and can't be removed unless you want them to be. Even if you're knocked out, the illusion stays active. You can also make them invisible—just imagine it disappearing."
They tried it, and the rings vanished from sight, surprising them again.
"Wow!" Lucy exclaimed. "It's just like my gauntlets!" Nojiko grinned. "That's so cool."
Ash laughed. "Now you don't have to worry about anyone discovering the rings."
Nami stepped forward, her expression warm. "Ash, I don't know what would've happened to us if you weren't here. Thank you."
Ash, the teasingly, smirks at her. "Oh, just a thank you? I was hoping for a kiss."
To his surprise—and everyone else's—Nami blushed but then darted forward, kissing him on the cheek. She quickly retreated, sitting beside Nojiko, her face crimson.
Ash touched his cheek in stunned silence as laughter erupted around him again.
Uta, noticing Ash's flustered reaction to Nami's kiss, wasted no time bonking him on the head again. "Idiot! How many times have I told you not to flirt? And now you even got a kiss—right in front of your girlfriend!"
Her words caused Nami and Nojiko to freeze, their eyes widening in shock. A faint blush crept up Nami's face as a tug of mixed emotions pulled at her heart. Nojiko, similarly affected, found herself turning red, a reaction which Bellemere noticed with a knowing smirk.
Ash, caught off guard, stammered, "Uta, I-I didn't expect her to actually kiss me!"
Uta huffed, crossing her arms and pouting as she turned away from him, refusing to meet his gaze. "Hmph, I don't want to hear it!"
Ash trying to appease her says "You'll always be my girlfriend…" and then leaned closer to her, whispering softly, "…and maybe even my wife one day."
Hearing this, Uta's cheeks turned bright red. She jabbed him lightly and muttered, "You... idiot…" before sitting down, still blushing.
Selina, with a sly smile grinned mischievously. "Oh? And what about us, Ash? Who are we to you?"
Ash froze, his face turning red as he tried to come up with an answer. Ace, blushing slightly, avoided his gaze, while Lucy, to his surprise, also turned red, fidgeting shyly.
Bellemere burst into laughter, seeing them. "Wow, Ash. I thought you were a good guy, but you turned out to be quite the playboy, aren't you? And now you're even eyeing my daughters! Should I expect some grandkids in the future? Just so you know, you've got my approval."
"MOM!" Nami and Nojiko yelled simultaneously, their faces crimson with embarrassment.
The adults—Bellemere, Genzo, and Kuma—laughed heartily at the kid's flustered reactions.
After the playful banter subsided, the conversation shifted to lighter topics. Lucy eagerly demonstrated her Devil Fruit abilities, showing off her abilities with enthusiasm.
Uta followed with a beautiful song, and at the girl's request, Ash joined in, harmonizing with her. The cheerful singing and laughter filled the tent as the night wore on.
Eventually, the group decided to rest. It was past midnight, and everyone found a place to sleep. The girls took the largest room with a big bed, where Bellemere joined them.
Kuma settled into another room surprisingly with a bed that suited his size. Genzo and Ash each took smaller rooms for themselves, enjoying the quiet after the lively evening.
The night ended on a warm, peaceful note, with everyone feeling weight of the day.
To be continued...
Hey everyone! I'm always looking for ways to make this story even better, and I'd love to hear your ideas. What powers do you think should be available in Ash's store? Maybe you have some cool concepts for abilities, weapons, or items that could make the adventure even more exciting!
Feel free to drop your suggestions in the comments, and if there's anything specific, you'd love to see in future chapters, let me know! I might even integrate your ideas into the story.
Also, don't forget to give some Power Stones if you're enjoying the journey! Your support means the world. 😊
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