บท 96: The Dragon's Farewell and the Path to the Grand Line

The battle had reached a boiling point, and the Going Merry lay poised on the water's edge as Luffy watched Ryu, the millennial dragon, struggling to hang on. With a clenched fist and a fire in his eyes, Luffy grinned at the exhausted dragon.

"You've got this, Ryu!" he shouted, his voice echoing across the island. "We're almost there! Hold on, I promised to get you home!"

Ryu lifted his head, his once-bright eyes dimming, but he managed a faint, hopeful look as he listened to Luffy's words. The sound of crashing waves and the distant rumble of an approaching Marine fleet reminded them that time was running out. Commodore Nelson's ship was closing in fast, its cannons primed to take them down.

"Fire the harpoon!" Nelson's order rang out, piercing the tense silence. A massive, steel harpoon launched from the Marine vessel, hurtling toward Luffy and Ryu.

With lightning speed, Luffy extended his arm. "Gomu Gomu no... Catch!" He grabbed the harpoon just before it struck Ryu, swinging it back with tremendous force. The harpoon sliced through the air, ripping into Nelson's ship, leaving a gaping hole in its hull as it tore through the deck, splintering wood and scattering the Marines.

The Marines scrambled in terror, and Nelson roared with rage as he watched his ship crumble under the impact. Meanwhile, Ryu shifted, his chest expanding as he let out a loud, rumbling call, resonating through the air like an ancient song.

Luffy turned to Apis and the crew. "Ryu's saying something... It's like he's calling out to his friends," he murmured.

Standing next to him, Raja nodded with understanding, almost as if he could feel the dragon's ancient memories flowing through him. "He's calling for the other dragons," he said calmly, his eyes narrowing on the approaching danger. "They'll come. They'll know he's finally home."

As Ryu's call filled the air, the ocean began to tremble, and out of nowhere, more massive shapes emerged from the mist, gliding through the skies. The majestic forms of the millennial dragons filled the horizon, answering Ryu's call. Their haunting cries joined in harmony with Ryu's, filling the island with a powerful, ancient energy.

Luffy's gaze sharpened. "Let's do this!" He launched himself from the ship, grabbing the neck of one of the passing dragons. "Gomu Gomu no Rocket!" he cried, propelling himself through the air straight toward Nelson's ship.

With a powerful kick, Luffy drove his leg down into the ship's deck, sending a shockwave through the entire vessel. The wood groaned under the force before splitting apart, sending splinters and shouts of panic as the Marines fled in terror. Nelson barely had time to grasp the situation before the ship gave in, breaking apart and sinking beneath the waves.

Back on Warship Island, the earth trembled as if in response to Ryu's call. The water around the island churned, and with a powerful rumble, the island began to rise from the depths. The legendary Lost Island was resurfacing before their eyes, lifted by the tremors of the ocean floor. The Straw Hats stared in awe as the ancient land broke through the surface, casting an eerie glow under the sky.

"This... This is Lost Island!" Nami gasped, realization dawning on her face. "The dragons are migratory creatures! They return to this place every thousand years, just like the stories said."

Ryu landed on the shore, his ancient body finally finding rest. As he lay still, Apis ran to his side, her face pale with worry. "Ryu… don't leave me now!" she whispered, her voice shaking. But Luffy placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"He made it, Apis. He made it home," Luffy said softly, looking at the peaceful dragon. "This was his dream."

Apis protested, her voice choked. "No! He promised he'd get better when we reached the nest!"

Luffy smiled, a mixture of sorrow and pride in his eyes. "Sennenryus are reborn in the nest, Apis. Ryu's going to come back. Just... not the way you expect."

Just then, a gentle screech filled the air. Turning, the crew saw a baby sennenryu hatch from a nearby egg, its tiny wings flapping. Apis's eyes widened as she recognized Ryu's essence in the little dragon. "Ryu… you're back."

Suddenly, a deranged scream split through the quiet. Eric staggered onto the scene, soaked and furious, his eyes fixed on the dragons with greed. Nelson, realizing Eric's intentions, grinned slyly, planning to use the swordsman to secure the Dragonite. But Eric had other ideas. With a swift slice of his hand, his Devil Fruit powers activated, slashing Nelson across the chest with a blade of air.

The Straw Hats and Marines alike watched in shock as Nelson crumpled, defeated. Eric turned to the crew, brushing back his ice cream-shaped hair with a wicked grin. "Join me, Straw Hats. Together, we could split the Dragonite and achieve eternal life!"

Nami narrowed her eyes. "There's nothing useful in fossilized bones. Destroying those won't give you any power."

Eric shrugged, a smirk playing on his lips. "The Dragonite isn't in the bones, it's in the living dragons themselves."

Apis stepped forward, her fists clenched. "No! I won't let you hurt them!" But Eric sneered, raising his hand to strike her down. Before he could, Usopp leaped forward, grabbing Apis and pulling her out of harm's way just in time.

Zoro, partially drawing his sword, prepared for battle, but Luffy held up a hand. "This fight is mine," he declared, his voice filled with determination.

Luffy lunged at Eric with a furious "Gomu Gomu no Pistol!" Eric dodged with a swift sidestep, countering with a sickle-shaped slice that grazed Luffy's side. Blood trickled down Luffy's shirt, but he pressed on, unshaken. Charging forward, Luffy let Eric's attacks land, enduring each blow with gritted teeth.

Raja watched from the side, murmuring to himself, "Luffy... what are you planning?"

Luffy finally caught Eric by the collar, smirking. "Gomu Gomu no Kane!" With a powerful headbutt, he shattered Eric's glasses, sending blood flying. Dazed, Eric stumbled back, only to be met with Luffy's powerful fists.

"Gomu Gomu no Bazooka!" Luffy roared, delivering a blow that launched Eric backward. He flew through the air before crashing into the cliffs of Lost Island, knocked out cold.

The Straw Hats gathered around as Apis knelt beside the newly hatched dragon. She smiled at her friends, her face wet with tears, as she gently stroked the young creature. "Thank you... for everything," she whispered.

Zoro crossed his arms, glancing at the ship. "We should get going."

Nami nodded. "Apis, are you sure you want to stay here?"

Apis looked at the peaceful island, at the dragons flying above. "This is where I belong. I'll protect the Dragon's Nest until the next generation arrives."

Raja started to creates a barrier around the island with Rune and Ancient Magic, Places protection on the dragons and Apis, it will help her in Dire situations and Talked to the eldesr dragon about their history.

Elder explain that according to his elders Darkness fall upon the world people started to kill their race and started to take their kin as Trophies and with help of Guy they were rescued and took shelter hear this made Raja speculate who maybe that guy and looks at luffy Smiling Face.

Raja gave Apis a Magical Tattoo in the shape of Straw Hat with that Tattoo she can enter The Island anytime and if she enter with any bad people that want to harm Dragons they will be hit by Lightning and the Tattoo will be passed into her future generation or given to person like her.

With one last farewell, the Straw Hats boarded the Going Merry, waving goodbye to Apis and her newfound family.

As the Going Merry set sail, the crew's spirits lifted. Usopp leaned over the railing, gazing back at the island. "Do you think she'll be alright?"

"She's got her dragons," Sanji replied, lighting a cigarette. "She'll be just fine."

Nami pulled out the map, squinting at the strange markings. "I don't understand. The Grand Line should be here, but this current seems to lead us right into a mountain."

Raja placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Trust the path. I'll help us through."

Just then, the looming mountain came into view, its massive arc rising over the horizon like a gate to another world. Nami's eyes widened. "That's it! That's the entrance to the Grand Line!"

Luffy grinned, excitement sparking in his eyes. "Alright, let's go!"

The ship picked up speed as they entered the current, but the rocky cliffs threatened to dash them apart. With a calm focus, Raja took control, using his "Psychokinesis" to steer the ship and hold it steady against the raging waters.

Suddenly, a familiar voice echoed across the sea. "Wait!"

Turning, the crew saw Eric clinging to a piece of driftwood, his face twisted with desperation. "Don't leave me here! I'll join you!"

Nami narrowed her eyes. "You just want the Dragonite. Sorry, pal, but we're fresh out."

As Eric reached for the ship, she gave him a sly smile. "Hey, Eric, there's plenty of Dragonite back on Warship Island. Just keep looking." With that, she gave him a swift kick, sending him tumbling back into the current.

Raja, chuckling, flicked his wand, binding Eric with a spell that would keep him from surfacing anytime soon. Without anyone noticing, the spell took hold, securing their escape.

As the Going Merry cleared the rocky passes, the Straw Hats burst into cheers. The Grand Line was finally within reach.

Luffy raised his fist, his face beaming with excitement. "To the Grand Line! Let's go find the One Piece!"

The crew joined in, their voices ringing out across the open sea. Each one held their dreams close, their eyes fixed on the distant horizon. The adventure had only just begun, but the bonds between them had already grown stronger.

For Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Sanji, and Raja, this was more than just a journey. It was a shared destiny, a call to greatness that they would answer together.