章 13: The first companion
Before Saga could bring his cursed sword down on the pirate, Ethel moved like lightning, appearing just in time to strike the enemy with superhuman speed. The blade of his katana flashed through the air before slicing cleanly through the pirate's body, who collapsed to the ground before Saga could even react.
—You shouldn't kill anyone with that sword —Ethel warned, his voice firm as his gaze remained fixed on Saga—. I told you before, the moment you do, you'll stop being yourself.
Saga looked at the green blade in his hand, his mind clouded with doubts. The sword radiated a seductive power, an energy that seemed to call him to surrender to its darkness. But Ethel's words echoed in his mind, planting a seed of doubt that kept him frozen.
The pirates didn't give him time to reflect. Realizing they were losing ground, they began to surround the five men, launching themselves into the attack with the fury of those who had nothing to lose. Ethel, seeing that Saga was paralyzed by his thoughts, shouted at him from where he stood.
—Hey! Don't just stand there, at least try to help! —Ethel exclaimed, as his sword cut down another pirate who had tried to approach.
The battlefield was filled with the sound of clashing metal and cries of desperation. The five men, now focused on the fight, battled with renewed ferocity. Boo and Bismarck, despite their size, proved to be formidable fighters, mowing down the pirates who dared to approach. Toma, small but lethal, moved like a lightning bolt, his sword flashing as he dispatched his opponents with surgical precision.
Ethel, however, stood out among them all. His fighting style was a spectacle in itself: fast, precise, lethal. Every move he made was calculated and exact, eliminating his enemies with a single stroke before moving on to the next. His recent cloud power granted him a speed and agility that the pirates simply couldn't match. He disappeared and reappeared among them, striking like lightning before they could react.
The wounded marines, though unable to join the battle, watched in awe and gratitude. They knew that without Ethel's intervention, the situation could have been much worse.
Saga, finally shaken from his trance, looked up and saw Ethel in action. The young man's words still echoed in his mind, but he couldn't stand by while his comrades fought. With renewed resolve, he chose to use his strength and skills without resorting to the dark power of the cursed sword.
—Let's go! —Saga shouted, throwing himself into the fight with renewed energy, using his ability to incapacitate the pirates without spilling blood.
With the team working in perfect harmony, the battle began to turn in their favor. Ethel, with his speed and precision, remained the decisive factor. His style was relentless, a whirlwind of cuts and fluid movements that left the pirates with no chance to fight back.
Finally, after a fierce fight, the last of the pirates fell to the ground, defeated. The village, though scarred by destruction, was safe.
Ethel lowered his sword, breathing heavily but showing no signs of fatigue. He looked at Saga, who had managed to resist the temptation of the cursed sword.
—You did the right thing —Ethel said, his words filled with respect—. It's not easy to resist a power like that.
After finishing off the remaining pirates, peace returned to the village. The villagers, who had spent days hiding in the forest, finally emerged, their faces reflecting both relief and exhaustion. Maya, Saga's fiancée, was the first to run to him, hugging him tightly, relieved to see him alive. That night, under the starlight, the village celebrated their victory with a great feast, sharing laughter and food as if trying to erase the horrors they had faced.
The feast was a tribute to their resilience and bravery, a pause in their constant struggle for survival. The villagers, having suffered so much, allowed themselves a moment of hope. But as the last bonfire began to fade and the stars started to disappear behind thick clouds, Ethel sought out Saga. There was something he couldn't leave unsaid.
In the dim light, away from the noise, Ethel found Saga contemplating the sword. The green blade glowed softly under the moonlight, a presence both seductive and threatening. Without preamble, Ethel spoke to him, his voice low but weighted with gravity.
—Saga —Ethel began, observing the grim expression on Saga's face—, I think you noticed it when you used the sword. Everything that's happened to this island, the constant pirate attacks, is partly because of its power. It amplifies the greed and desires of those who come near. It's as if its mere existence attracts evil to this place. If it weren't for the navy, this village would have disappeared long ago. But even so, don't you see that the real problem is this sword?
Saga kept his gaze fixed on the blade, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts. Ethel's words resonated with an uncomfortable, yet undeniable truth.
—Surely the sword's influence, while it was sealed, wasn't as powerful as it is now that it's been released —Ethel continued, his tone calm but firm—. And it will only get worse. With each passing day, its curse will grow, corrupting not only the pirates but also those trying to protect this place. There will come a time when it will turn everyone against you. The darkness that the sword carries doesn't discriminate; it consumes everything around it.
Saga finally broke his silence, his voice barely a whisper.
—So what do you suggest I do? —he asked, his voice cracked with doubt and despair.
Ethel took a deep breath, feeling the weight of what he was about to propose. He knew his words could change the course of Saga's life, and possibly, the fate of the island.
—Saga, I know sealing the sword might be a temporary solution, but eventually, the problem would arise again. That sword has a dark power, but also one that can be mastered. If you grow stronger, you could learn to control its spirit instead of letting it control you. How about coming with me? I'm preparing to go to the Grand Line, and during the journey, you could increase your strength and learn to handle the sword. What do you say?
Saga remained silent, his thoughts racing a mile a minute. He knew Ethel was right; the danger the sword posed wouldn't disappear just by hiding it again. However, the decision Ethel proposed wasn't easy to make. His gaze turned toward the village, toward Maya and the villagers who depended on him.
—I can't answer right now —he finally responded, his voice filled with uncertainty—. I need to talk to my wife first. This isn't something I can decide on my own.
Ethel nodded in understanding, respecting Saga's need to consult Maya before making such a crucial decision.
—I understand. Take the time you need —Ethel said before turning to walk away, giving Saga the space he needed to reflect and decide his path.
The morning began with a strange calm, interrupted only by the bustle of people working hard to rebuild what the pirates had destroyed. Ethel, awakened by the sound of hammering and voices, slowly got up, observing the constant activity in the village. The navy was also helping, and although the situation was still tense, the immediate danger had passed.
Ethel greeted Toma and the other marines as he ate breakfast. After the battle, a bond of camaraderie had formed between them. They knew they could trust each other, having fought side by side against a common enemy.
With his stomach full, Ethel decided to join the reconstruction. As he helped raise walls and repair roofs, his mind was filled with thoughts about his recent power.
—Now that I'm a Devil Fruit user, my strength has grown considerably. Here in Paradise, I shouldn't find opponents who pose a real danger. But this power is new, and I need to train to become a truly skilled user —he reflected as he lifted beams and secured structures.
The day passed quickly, and before the sun began to set, Saga and Maya approached Ethel. Saga, with Maya's hand intertwined with his, wore a serious expression. Maya, at his side, tried to hold back tears, her eyes reflecting the sadness of the decision they had made.
—We've made our decision —Saga said firmly, his voice revealing the resolve within him.
Ethel nodded, waiting to hear the decision that could change the course of their paths.
—I don't see any alternative but to go with you —Saga continued—. This island has suffered too many attacks, both from pirates and other groups. Now that we've removed the seal, the situation will only get worse. I accept joining your group, though I do so for my own reasons and aspirations.
Maya, at his side, nodded, struggling to hold back the tears welling up in her eyes. Ethel could see the pain in her, the sacrifice she was making by letting Saga go. But he could also see the understanding and support she offered her husband. She knew this was the best option for both of their futures, even though it was difficult.
Ethel looked at them both and, with a serious but understanding expression, said:
—I understand. Saga, I will respect your reasons and aspirations. I won't force you to follow me without cause. But I promise you that on our journey, I will seek to help you master that sword, so that you can return here one day, stronger, wiser, and free of its curse.
Saga nodded, grateful for Ethel's words, while Maya let out a small sigh, clinging tightly to her husband's hand.
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