One Piece: Journey to the New Dawn

[Note:

" * " : Indicates abilities that can be upgraded with practice, experience, or unique opportunities.]

> System inner voice ["speaking"] <

> Ash inner speech "speaking" <

{}

Meanwhile...

Selina followed her father, Outlook, with a group of military guards trailing closely behind them. Her heart sank further with each step as they entered the city force guards' quarters at the elite district checkpoint. The air was tense, and the imposing atmosphere of the quarters made her feel trapped.

Outlook gestured toward the officer stationed at the desk. "File a complaint," he ordered Selina, his voice cold and commanding.

Selina frowned; her fists clenched at her sides. "Why should I?" she retorted defiantly. "They haven't done anything wrong."

Outlook's face darkened with frustration. "You will confess," he insisted, his voice rising, "that those urchins are the reason you ran away. You will tell them about the crimes they forced you to commit!"

Selina's voice grew louder, matching his intensity. "What crimes? They didn't force me to do anything! I left on my own! They have nothing to do with it!"

Outlook's patience snapped, and he slammed his hand on the desk, making the officer flinch. "Are those urchins forcing you to speak like this?" he yelled. "Aren't they the ones who dragged you into their filth? Forcing you into criminal activities? Isn't that the truth, Selina? Tell the officer the truth!"

Selina glared at her father, her resolve unshaken despite the fear bubbling within her. "No," she said firmly, her voice steady. "That's not the truth, and you know it."

The officer taking the complaint leaned forward, his tone sharp and calculating. "Understand this," he began, "if you are found to have a criminal record, you will not be permitted to enter the elite district. It will also severely affect your family's standing."

Selina's chest tightened. The weight of his words wasn't new—it was the same oppressive focus on status and reputation that had driven her away in the first place. Her thoughts churned as she stared at the cold expression on her father's face. Nothing's changed, she realized bitterly.

Outlook noticed her hesitation and leaned close to her ear, his voice a venomous whisper. "If you don't do as I say," he threatened, "then with one word from me, the pirates in the trash heap will ensure those urchins disappear forever. So, be a good girl and tell them what I asked you to say. You are a smart girl, Selina. I hope you take the correct decision."

Selina's body stiffened as his words struck her like a physical blow. She tried to calm herself, reminding herself of how strong Ash, Ace, Lucy, and Uta were. They'll be fine, she thought, but her father's threat stirred memories she couldn't suppress. The fear of her past, clawed at her resolve making her to take decision incorrectly.

Her mind flashed to the day she and the girls had shared sake, binding themselves as sisters. She remembered Ash's constant flirting, Lucy's competitive spirit, Uta's laughter, and Ace's determination. Those moments had been her escape, her light in the darkness.

But now her father wanted to drag Lucy, and Uta into this, even though only she and Ace had technically committed any crimes.

Her emotions surged, and she turned to her father, her voice trembling with anger. "You said you wouldn't do anything to them!" she shouted, her frustration and betrayal pouring out. "That's the only reason I came back here with you!"

Ignoring the officer's stunned reaction, she faced him with newfound determination. "I won't deny the crimes," she declared, her voice firm. "They were done of my own free will and the others doesn't have anything to do with those."

Outlook, without warning, slapped Selina hard across the face, the force of the blow making her stumble and fall to the ground. Though he was not particularly strong, Selina didn't resist or fight back. Her past fears paralyzed her, rendering her unable to act.

Even the officer was startled, his expression betraying a mix of shock and unease.

Outlook, as if nothing had happened, straightened his posture and let out a sigh, his tone calm and dismissive. "Dear me, I apologize for the ridiculous things my daughter has been spouting," he said, his voice dripping with false charm.

Reaching into his coat, he produced a thick wad of cash and placed it on the desk in front of the officer, the gesture unmistakable. "It must be very difficult for you to deal with situations like this. I hope you can take care of the paperwork yourself," he said, his words laced with implied expectation.

The officer glanced at the money, his hesitation lasting only a moment before he slid it toward himself and pocketed it discreetly. "Ahh, I'll see what I can do about the papers," he replied, his tone now accommodating.

Outlook gave a satisfied nod, turning on his heel without another glance at Selina. "Come," he ordered coldly.

Selina, clutching her stinging cheek and swallowing her anger, got to her feet. She silently followed her father out of the office, the oppressive weight of the moment pressing down on her as they made their way back to their home.

Once they reached the house inside the elite district, the guards at the gate and the workers greeted them with bows and formal acknowledgments. Outlook, walking with a self-satisfied air, said, "Come, Selina. I know you're happy to be back home. But we can't have all the dirt you've accumulated outside staining our house. We'll give you a good cleaning and disinfecting right here in the garden before you step foot inside."

Selina's hands clenched tightly into fists, but she said nothing.

Outlook continued without pause, "After that, take a proper bath. Burn those rags you're wearing and change into clothing befitting your station."

The workers promptly set about preparing a makeshift washing area in the garden. Selina was ushered through the humiliating process before being sent inside to bathe and change.

Once they were all inside, and Selina had finished her bath, she entered her father's study room, and her mother, Didi, entered the room followed with a boy looking slightly younger than Selina trailing behind her.

"Selina, you're back," Didi said with a wide smile, though she caught her nose between two fingers. "You still have a hint of that… odour lingering around you."

Selina gritted her teeth but held back any retort, her eyes narrowing at her mother's disdainful tone.

Didi's demeanor didn't waver as she gestured for the boy to step forward. "You've grown well. Come, meet your younger brother, Stelly."

The boy took a step forward, offering a polished smile that seemed far too practiced for his age.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, big sister," Stelly said with an air of faux formality. "My name is Stelly, and I'm eight years old. I've heard much about you."

Stelly wore a neatly pressed shirt adorned with frills down the middle, along with an oversized bow-tie and suspenders that seemed a little too big for him. His bowl-shaped haircut framed his round head, and his flat nose added to the smug expression that seemed permanently etched onto his face.

Selina, looking at the boy with mild confusion and disdain, asked coldly, "Who are you?"

From inside his personal study, Outlook's voice echoed through the room, carrying his usual pompous tone. "Ah, yes, that's Stelly. Our adopted son. Naturally, he's the child of nobles, but unfortunately, his parents passed away. It would have been a shame to leave such a promising boy to waste, so we took him in."

Outlook paused, and Selina could sense the condescension behind his words. He continued, almost carelessly, "Even if your life didn't turn out as planned... ah, no, forget I said that. Go to your room."

Selina's jaw tightened in anger, her gaze darting toward her father's room. She stormed off to her own quarters, seething in silence.

A few minutes later, a hesitant knock came at her door, followed by a voice. "Hello there, sister," Stelly said, stepping into the room without waiting for an invitation. His tone was smug as he continued, "I heard you're an idiot. Father and Mother were talking about you earlier."

He let out a condescending laugh, his small, sharp features twisted with mockery. "Still, some kind of twisted fortune must be on our side tonight. Do you know it's combustible trash day? If you'd stayed in that heap, you'd have been dead by tonight. You're nothing but trouble, even now that you've returned."

Before Stelly could say another word, Selina's hand cracked across his face in a furious slap, sending him reeling. She grabbed his collar, her eyes blazing.

Stelly yelped in anger and panic, "What are you doing, you piece of trash? You stink! Stay away from me!"

Selina yanked him closer, her voice low and menacing. "What are you talking about just now? I want to hear everything you know, or I'll give you a beating you won't forget. Talk. Now!"

Stelly, trembling and clutching at her hand, stammered, "F-Fine, fine! Just let go!"

Selina didn't loosen her grip, glaring as he began to spill everything he knew.

"Th-they're going to burn down Grey Terminal," Stelly stammered.

Selina's eyes widened in panic, and her grip on his collar tightened. "What?" she demanded, her voice trembling. "They're going to burn it down?"

Stelly nodded frantically, his face pale. "Y-Yes! You wouldn't know since you were living in that trash heap, but this plan's been in motion for months. There's going to be a diplomatic inspection tomorrow morning from the World Government. A Tenryuubito is coming with them, so it's a big deal!"

He hesitated, then continued, his ugly excitement making his young face look twisted. "The royals are desperate to earn the Tenryuubito favour and attain higher status. So, to make the country look pristine and clean, they're burning away the filth tonight."

Selina's heart pounded as she stared at him, her mind racing. Stelly's sickening grin only fueled her growing anger. "Without that trash heap," he added with gleeful malice, "the country becomes perfect."

Selina, gripping Stelly's collar tightly, shouted with fury and disbelief, "What do you think you're saying? Why would they do that? Do you even know how many people live there? They'll lose their homes, their lives! They've spent their whole damn lives surviving off what they can find in that trash heap!"

Before Selina could continue, Stelly shoved her back with a surprising burst of strength, yelling, "Get off me! Are you even listening?" His expression twisted into something malice as he sneered, "They're going to burn all of them!"

The sinister look in the child's eyes sent chills down Selina's spine. Her breath hitched as the realization dawned. Her wide, horrified eyes locked on him as she asked, trembling, "Do you mean... even the people in it?"

Stelly didn't answer, but the vile smirk on his face said enough. Selina's anger exploded, and she slapped him hard across the face again, the sound echoing through the room. Without hesitation, she ran to the window and threw it open.

"Hey, sister! Where are you going?" Stelly called after her, panicking as he rubbed his reddened cheek. "Do you know how high this floor is?"

Selina didn't respond. Her mind was made up. She climbed onto the window ledge and leaped out without a second thought.

Stelly watched in stunned silence, then huffed and slammed the window shut. "Tch, whatever," he muttered, turning away as if nothing had happened, his indifference chilling for a child his age.

Selina made her way to the city guard's station, careful to remain hidden as she overheard their conversation. Her heart sank as the grim reality of their plan unfolded before her. The guards openly discussed the burning of the Grey Terminal, mentioning Blue jam's involvement as a key figure in carrying out the plan. Selina's mind reeled at the revelation that the royals were the masterminds behind it all.

Confused and overwhelmed, she couldn't understand why no one seemed alarmed. She wandered the streets, looking around in disbelief. People went about their day as though nothing was wrong.

Desperate for answers, she started questioning anyone she could stop. "Do you know what's happening at the Grey Terminal? Do you know what they're planning to do?" she asked, her voice trembling.

The responses left her speechless. "Of course we know," one person said with a casual shrug. "We can't let the filth outside the elite district taint us, can we? We're different from them. You're a noble, aren't you? You should understand that, kid."

Every answer was the same, spoken with indifference and a disturbing sense of normalcy. Selina's stomach churned. These people knew what was happening, and yet they didn't care.

She stumbled away, tears streaming down her face, clutching the iron rod Ash had given her like a lifeline. The weight of their cruelty and indifference was too much to bear.

Meanwhile, Outlook received the news that Selina had run away from home again. His face contorted with irritation as he slammed his hand on the table, shouting, "That foolish daughter of mine! She dares to bring more disgrace to our name!"

He barked angrily and tells the guards, "Search the entire district area! She couldn't have gone far. Find her and bring her back immediately!"

The guards saluted and hurried off to carry out his orders, leaving Outlook pacing in frustration, muttering under his breath about Selina's defiance.

Selina kept running through the streets, her feet stumbling as she made her way into narrow alleys, her breath ragged, her mind racing. She hit her head against a corner and fell, but before she could fully collapse, a figure in a hooded cloak appeared and caught her.

"Hey, what troubles you, girl?" the man asked, his voice calm yet filled with concern.

Selina's tears flowed freely as she bawled uncontrollably, explaining the royals' plan with Blue jam and the pirates. "They're going to burn them all... the people in the Grey Terminal. Everyone of the people here in the kingdom, they're all rotten to the core. They stink worse than the trash they throw away!" She clutched the iron rod Ash had given her. "If I stay here, I'll never be free. I'm ashamed… ashamed of being born as a noble."

The man listened quietly; his expression unreadable. He then thinks in his mind, "Do you see, Nobles of Goa Kingdom, what have you done? What extent have you driven this innocent child?"

Selina's voice trembled as she whispered, "Please, believe me, old guy."

The hooded figure stood still for a moment before finally replying, "I understand, kid. I too was born in this kingdom. I may not have the power to change the world, but I will do what I can. I promise you that."

Selina's eyes, full of tears and hope, looked up at him. "Do you really believe me?"

The man reached out, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Yes, and I won't forget what you said."

Just as Selina was about to speak again, a shout from a nearby guard broke through the tense moment. "I found her! She's here!"

Hearing the voices of the guards, Selina quickly pushed herself up and stepped away from the hooded man, looking back at him one last time. "Thank you for listening, old guy."

With urgency in her voice, she added, "There are my friends in that place... they're captured. Can you save them too? Their names are Ace, Lucy, and Uta. Please."

The man nodded; his eyes filled with determination. "I'll find them and save them."

Selina nodded, wiping her tears away, and without another word, she ran off as the guards approached, the sounds of their footsteps echoing in the alley.

Selina kept running, her heart pounding as the guards closed in on her. Despite her best efforts to evade them, she found herself surrounded in a narrow alley. Clutching the iron rod tightly, she fought back with everything she had, managing to take down a few guards. However, the sheer number overwhelmed her, and they eventually caught her.

The guards caught her and began dragging her back toward the elite district, intending to return her to father. Selina gritted her teeth, frustration boiling inside her. As they moved, her thoughts raced. I hope that old guy will do as he said? Could he really save the people like he said? I don't even know if Ash and the girls are safe. I just hope… I hope they're okay and the old guy can save them.

Determined not to give up, Selina watched her captors closely, waiting for the perfect moment to act. When an opportunity presented itself, she struck swiftly, using the rod to knock out the guards closest to her.

In the commotion, she activated Kami-e, slipping effortlessly out of their grasp like a wisp of air. The moment she found a gap, she bolted forward, employing Soru to disappear in a blur of speed.

The guards shouted in frustration, giving chase, but Selina stayed ahead, using her agility to confuse them. She darted down different streets, trying to confuse them changing directions abruptly, and goes into an alley then leaped into the air, executing Geppo to reach the rooftops.

From her elevated position, she scanned the area where the guards are not there before descending into another street, her feet landing softly.

Without pausing, she resumed her sprint, her eyes fixed on the direction of the great gate, determined to reach it before anyone could stop her.

Once Selina reached the great gate, her heart sank. There were far more guards stationed than usual, their presence tense and unwavering. From her concealed position, she noticed that the fire in the Grey Terminal had already begun, thick plumes of smoke rising high into the night sky, casting an ominous glow.

She crouched behind some crates, her eyes narrowing as she observed several guards hurling explosives over the wall toward the terminal. The deafening sound of the blasts echoed, and flames roared higher with every detonation. Selina's mind raced. Why are they doing this? Are they trying to make it worse on purpose?

Her ears caught snippets of conversations from the commoners gathered nearby, their faces pale with fear.

"It's the Blue jam Pirates," one muttered.

"They're the ones who started the fire," another said bitterly.

"The gates are sealed tight," a third added with despair. "They're making sure no one from the Grey Terminal escapes into the kingdom."

Selina's fists clenched so tightly that her nails dug into her palms. How can they do this? Anger and helplessness surged through her as she continued to watch the scene unfold.

Selina notices the guards she had escaped from already scouring the area near the gate. With no time to lose, she slips into an alley and uses Geppo to leap onto the rooftops. She swiftly crosses two streets, putting distance between herself and her pursuers. As her feet hit the ground again, she finds herself lost in thought, her mind spiraling with emotions and doubts.

Determined to leave something behind for her friends, she makes her way to the nearest post station. Grabbing paper and pen, she begins to write, her hands trembling slightly as her thoughts spill onto the page.

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"Ash, Ace, Lucy, Uta,

I hope this letter finds you all safe, far away from the fire and out of harm's reach. I trust in your strength and believe you've escaped. By the time you read this, I will already have left the island and taken to the sea.

Ash, Lucy—I'm sorry I couldn't fulfil my promise to travel with you as Vice-Captain of the crew. One thing led to another, and my journey seems started sooner than planned. I wish I could have stayed by your side and travel to the sea with you guys and have adventures together.

As for where I'll go... I don't know yet. Somewhere far, where I can train and grow stronger. I will become a pirate worthy of standing shoulder to shoulder with you guys.

Ash, thank you for everything—for training me, believing in me, and giving me the strength to stand on my own. You helped me see a future I could fight for it. Please look out for Ace. She's hot-headed and reckless sometimes, but her heart is strong. She needs friends like you to keep her steady.

Uta, I know you'll keep Ash in check. Someone has to make sure he doesn't get himself into trouble—or flirt his way into chaos.

Lucy, your courage is an inspiration to me. No matter what happens, keep being the brave and brilliant person you are.

To all of you: take care of each other, protect one another, and never lose sight of the dreams you carry.

Even though I'm setting off on my own now, I'll always be with you in spirit. One day, when all 5 of us become pirates, with more freedom than anyone in the world. Somewhere out there in wide open sea, I'll find you all again. Until then... don't forget me.

Your friend and sister,

Selina

{}

Selina folds the letter carefully, sealing it and marking it for delivery. She stares at it for a moment before handing it over, a bittersweet smile on her face as she turns and disappears into the night.

Selina, with tears streaming down her face, runs towards the port, her heart pounding with desperation and resolve. When she arrives, she sees a large crowd gathered, their attention fixated on the horizon where a massive ship looms. Taking advantage of the commotion, she spots a small fishing boat docked nearby. Without hesitation, she pushes it into the water, climbs aboard, ties a black cloth she brought with it and begins steering it towards the open sea.

The boat sways as she adjusts the sail, her hands trembling but determined. She keeps her eyes fixed ahead, the sound of the waves soothing her chaotic thoughts. As the boat drifts further from the shore, a murmur rises from the crowd behind her.

"There's a ship coming! Look, it's huge!" someone exclaims.

Another voice calls out, "That's the World Government ship! It's already approaching the port!"

Amid the growing commotion, someone points towards Selina's small boat. "Hey, there's a fishing boat heading right towards them!"

"What's that kid doing? She's going to ruin the ceremony!" another voice shouts.

A third person yells out in panic, "Wait! That's my boat! Someone stop her!"

The murmur turns into a mix of confusion and disbelief as someone notices the black flag fluttering from Selina's stolen boat. "Is that... a pirate flag? What is she thinking?"

"She's just a kid! A pirate at her age? Has she lost her mind?"

"Doesn't she have no fear? What's wrong with her?"

Selina glances back at the crowd, their voices a dull roar in her ears. She mutters under her breath, her voice trembling but resolute, "Fear... the only fear I have is staying here. If I stay, this country will consume me... twist me into something I don't want to be."

She grips the tiller tightly, her gaze forward as she sails towards the horizon, her resolve unshaken. "I'll never come back to this island until I become strong enough to stand on my own."

The wind carries her words away as her small boat drifts closer to the massive World Noble ship, the crowd watching in a stunned silence as her journey begins.

As the massive ship came closer into view, Selina's heart sank at its sheer size and presence. Her small fishing boat rocked in the growing waves caused by the approaching behemoth.

"Shit! That's a huge ship!" she cursed under her breath, her voice trembling with a mix of awe and panic. "I've got to get out of its way, or I'll be sucked into its wake!"

She gritted her teeth and worked frantically to steer her boat aside, the creaking of the wood and the slapping of the waves against the hull spurring her on. As she maneuvered to safety, the ship's markings came into view, and her eyes widened in realization.

"World Government…" she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper after seeing the symbol on the sails.

Her chest tightened as a flood of memories came rushing back. Stelly's smug words about a Celestial Dragon accompanying the ship echoed in her mind. She recalled the stories Ash had shared during their training sessions—how the Celestial Dragons treated everyone beneath them, their disdainful gazes, and their godlike arrogance.

A shiver ran down her spine. Her hands trembled on the tiller as her instincts screamed that something terrible could happen if she stayed too close.

Determined, Selina pushed her boat forward, the sails catching the wind as she tried to distance herself as quickly as possible. Every second felt like an eternity as the colossal ship loomed behind her, its shadow casting a sense of impending danger that she couldn't ignore.

But to her bad luck, the Celestial Dragon aboard the massive ship noticed her small fishing boat amidst the waves. Leaning against the ship's railing, the dragon raised a hand imperiously and demanded, "What's that down there?"

One of his subordinates quickly brought up a pair of binoculars, scanning the waters below. "It appears to be a fishing boat, my lord."

The Celestial Dragon sneered in disdain. "A filthy fishing boat in my path? How dare they! Bring me the launcher!"

Without hesitation, a subordinate handed him a bazooka-like weapon. The Celestial Dragon aimed carelessly and fired without warning. The missile whistled through the air and struck the water near Selina's boat, the explosion rocking the vessel violently. Flames and splinters erupted from the impact, the fire quickly licking across the wooden structure.

Selina, driven purely by instinct, reacted in time to avoid the worst of the blast, narrowly escaping its full force. But the fire spread quickly, consuming the boat. She panicked, trying desperately to extinguish the flames with her bare hands, but it was futile.

Smoke billowed around her, thick and suffocating, making it hard to see anything. Through the haze, she failed to notice a second projectile launched from the ship, this time aimed directly at her.

The missile closed the distance in a flash, but just as it was about to strike, Selina's bracelet flared with a brilliant light. The Aegis Skin, a protective feature granted by the soul-bound bracelet after the upgrade they had done few months back, activated instantly, forming a translucent barrier around her skin. The explosive force was deflected, leaving her unharmed.

However, the recoil of the impact was enough to throw Selina violently off balance. She tumbled into the churning sea, the shock and chaos rendering her unconscious as the dark waters swallowed her up.

Before succumbing to unconsciousness beneath the sea, Selina's mind clung desperately to one thought:

Ash, Lucy, Ace, Uta... I'm sorry. I hope you guys can achieve your dreams.

As her vision blurred and the cold depths enveloped her, she faintly perceived a figure reaching out for her. Through the hazy water, the silhouette resembled some one, and her heart briefly surged with hope. But before she could muster the strength to call out or confirm who it was, the darkness claimed her, and she drifted into unconsciousness.

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. 😊