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" <

{}

Before Ash arrival...

Cocoyashi Village - Conomi Island

The morning is alive with the rustle of leaves and the occasional chirping of birds. Nami, a young girl with fiery determination, tries to sneak through the streets, clutching a navigation book she has swiped from the village bookstore.

However, her attempt is thwarted when Genzo, the village sheriff, catches her in the act. His signature pinwheel spins atop his hat as he exclaims:

"You dumb brat! A bookstore is meant to have books, not to be robbed of them! How many times have I told you, stealing is unacceptable!"

Nami retorts with a mischievous grin, "Behh! But my family's poor, cheapskate!" She sticks out her tongue defiantly.

Shaking his head in mock frustration, Genzo grabs her by the shirt and starts marching her back to her home. As they approach the small house near the orange orchard, he bangs on the door and yells:

"Bellemere, come out! Your little cat burglar has struck again!"

{}

The door creaks open to reveal Bellemere, her striking orange hair tied in a loose ponytail. She stands with a confident aura, clad in a tank top and shorts, exuding a mix of toughness and maternal care. She sighs at the sight of Nami dangling in Genzo's grasp.

She greets the commotion with a sharp gaze and a smirk. "Jeez, you're noisy. What is it now? Oh, Nami, welcome home," she says with a casual wave.

Nami, unfazed by the reprimand, cheerfully replies, "I'm home, Bellemere."

Genzo, his face twisting into an exaggerated expression of frustration, roars with sharp, shark-like teeth, "You stay quiet, kid!" He then spins to face Bellemere, pointing at Nami dramatically. "Do you even know how many times she's done this now? She's getting a terrible reputation around town! For heaven's sake, you need to discipline her!"

Bellemere steps forward, her tone calm and teasing. "She's just a kid. I'm sure you stole a thing or two when you were her age."

Genzo's face grows red with exasperation. "It's because of your attitude that she's like this!"

Completely unfazed, Bellemere flashes a sly smile and adds mischievously, "I'm sure you've already paid for that book, right? I don't have any money, but…" She leans forward slightly, her voice dipping into a playful, sultry tone. "I could pay you with my body."

Genzo's face turns beet red, steam practically shooting out of his ears as he stammers incoherently, waving his arms in panic. "D-don't say such idiotic things!"

Meanwhile, Bellemere and Nami burst out laughing at his flustered reaction, the tension breaking into a heartwarming scene.

Genzo, still fuming, mutters angrily, "You guys are hopeless," before storming off with a huff, his face still as red as a tomato.

After Genzo storms off, Bellemere and Nami step into their modest home near the orange orchard. The air inside is warm and welcoming, with the faint smell of citrus lingering from the crates of oranges stacked neatly in one corner.

Nami, her voice small and guilt-ridden, says, "I'm sorry, Bellemere. I just wanted the book."

Bellemere sighs, rubbing her temple before giving Nami a soft smile. "If you wanted that book, you could've just told me."

At that moment, Nojiko walks in, carrying a basket of freshly picked oranges. Her short, blue hair falls neatly around her face, and her calm demeanor contrasts sharply with Nami's fiery personality. "Nami, you klutz," she says with a teasing grin. "If it were me, I wouldn't have even gotten caught."

Bellemere, quick to act, grabs the nearest ladle and bonks both girls on the head in unison. "Stealing is wrong, you little brats!"

The two girls clutch their heads, grimacing in pain. "Ow! Bellemere!" they protest in unison.

Nami tries to defend herself. "But you wouldn't have gotten it even if I told you!"

Bellemere, hands on her hips, shoots back with a small smirk. "Oh, I would've gotten it. I've got enough money to buy a book or two, you know."

Nami pouts in response, crossing her arms as if to sulk.

Bellemere continues, her tone softening, "Anyway, with the weather being so good, the orange harvest has been plenty. That's why they're cheap lately, and it's been hard to sell them. Understood"

Nami and Nojiko nod in unison. "Yeah," they say together, acknowledging the reality they live in.

After some time, Bellemere notices a rough map drawn by Nami, the paper still a little smudged from the young girl's enthusiastic work. Picking it up, she smiles warmly. "This is really good, Nami."

Nami beams with pride. "I'm learning navigation skills! That's why I took the book!"

Nojiko, sitting nearby chair, tilts her head with interest. "So, is it your dream?"

Nami nods firmly, her eyes sparkling with determination. "Yup! I'm going to sail around the world and make a map of everything I see using my navigation skills."

Bellemere ruffles Nami's hair affectionately. "I'm looking forward to that, kiddo. If this map you've drawn is any indication, you're already one step ahead." She points to a specific part of the map, offering encouragement and advice, her pride in Nami unmistakable.

As the sun begins to dip lower, their conversation drifts into a quieter, more personal topic. Nojiko, watching Bellemere closely, notices her skipping her meal again. She narrows her eyes. "Bellemere, you're not eating, why?"

Bellemere chuckles, waving off the concern. "I'm dieting. Don't worry about me." She tries to deflect with humor, but the truth is evident.

Nojiko crosses her arms, not buying it. "Anyways I'm full you can have my portion."

Bellemere shakes her head, her expression soft but firm. "You don't need to worry about me. Kids should eat more to grow strong and healthy. I'll be fine with some oranges."

Nojiko frowns, her tone sharp. "Don't lie, Bellemere. It's because we're poor, isn't it? You don't have enough to eat."

Nami, caught off guard, looks at Bellemere with wide eyes. "Wait, is that true?"

Bellemere sighs, maintaining her playful demeanor to mask her struggles. "Of course not! Like I said, I'm on a diet. Never underestimate the beautifying power of oranges. I may be 30, but thanks to oranges, I have such smooth skin."

Nami, tilting her head thoughtfully, retorts nonchalantly, "But your skin looks yellow."

Bellemere's face turns mock-angry as she bares her shark-like teeth. "Just shut up and eat!"

The two girls burst into laughter, their spirits lightened by Bellemere's fierce and unwavering love.

Bellemere finishes stitching the last seam of the shirt she has been working on, holding it up proudly. "Look, Nami! It's done. Bellemere-brand haute couture!" she announces with a playful flourish.

Nami scrunches her nose, crossing her arms. "I don't want Nojiko's hand-me-downs again! And it used to be a sunflower!" she points at the fabric indignantly which now has lion face.

Nojiko, rolling her eyes, retorts calmly, "Even I have to wear hand-me-downs, Nami. You're two years younger, and I'm your sister, so it's natural you get my old clothes."

Nami yells back, "I want to wear new clothes!"

Used to their small quarrels, Bellemere interjects, trying to divert their attention. "Alright, enough! It's time to tend to the oranges." But just as she stands, her breath catches in surprise at Nami's next words.

"It's not like we're really sisters! We're not even connected by blood!" Nami shouts in frustration.

Nojiko, caught off guard, tries to refute her, but before she can speak, Bellemere's hand lands sharply on Nami's cheek.

"Don't you ever say such idiotic things again!" Bellemere's voice trembles with anger and hurt, her face stern and unforgiving.

Nojiko steps forward, trying to de-escalate. "Bellemere, wait—"

But Nami, tears stinging her eyes, lashes out. "You're not even our real mom! I bet you wish we weren't around. You could live a better life if we weren't here. I wish I'd been adopted by some rich family!"

The words strike Bellemere deeply. Turning away from Nami, she speaks with anguish in her voice, her back to the girls. "If you hate this family that much, then why don't you leave? I don't know you anymore."

"Fine!" Nami screams, storming out of the house, her small figure quickly disappearing into the horizon.

Nojiko turns toward Bellemere, her expression a mix of worry and desperation. "Nami didn't mean what she said. It was just in the heat of the moment."

Bellemere's voice softens, full of regret. "I'm sorry, Nojiko. I wasn't very adult-like just now... Could you bring Nami back? I'll wait here with a delicious dinner when you get back."

Nojiko hesitates for a moment before nodding with smile. "Okay," she says, her voice steady as she turns to chase after Nami, leaving Bellemere behind with a quiet, sombre look in her eyes.

{}

Nami, feeling conflicted and upset, heads to the village and finds Genzo, explaining what happened at home. Genzo, chuckling, reassures her. "Running away to the village from your house isn't really running away, Nami," he says with a slight grin.

Nami pouts, her words filled with frustration. "Bellemere will be happy if we're not around. She'll have enough money for clothes and good food... Even the villagers don't like her because of us."

Genzo shakes his head, his tone serious but softening as he looks at Nami. "That's not true. You know as a kid Bellemere was always a hell-raiser when she was young—she was a wild one. When she came back to this village as a marine after going to sea one day suddenly, we all were surprised. She went off to battle once and came back in a storm, carrying a baby and a 3-year-old girl."

Nami listens intently, wondering where the story is going.

Genzo continues, "That was you and Nojiko. She was on the battlefield, near death, but you—both of you—were there. When Nojiko found her, she kept smiling with tears, even though she was crying, just so you wouldn't see her hurt. You, Nami, stopped crying because she made you laugh. Bellemere, seeing how you two gave her the strength to live, she took you both and came back to village in a small boat through the storm, even though she was injured badly herself. She got you both treatments, even though she was barely holding on."

Genzo's voice softens seeing Nami's surprised expression, "The three of you share a bond deeper than blood, Nami. So go back, apologize to Bellemere, and make things right. She'll be waiting."

Just then, Nojiko enters the scene. "I knew I'd find you here," she says gently to Nami.

Just then there is a commotion outside. As the commotion in the village intensifies, people begin shouting that pirates have arrived. Genzo, in a serious tone, urges Nami and Nojiko to quickly leave through the back and head for the forest behind the village. "Go, now," he orders, his expression tense.

Nojiko protests, "But Bellemere is waiting for us!" Despite her concerns, they obey, retreating to safety as Genzo steps out to face the unfolding situation.

From their hidden vantage point, Nami and Nojiko watch as a pirate ship with strange figures dock in the village. These pirates have a disturbing appearance, resembling fish and humans.

The leader of the group, a large, intimidating fish-man, steps forward and yells at the villagers, "Greetings, pathetic humans! We are Arlong Pirates! From today, this village and the entire island shall be under my control!"

The villagers gasp in fear, and Genzo, recognizing the fish-man leader, clenches his fists in disbelief. "It's true... the rumors are real. It's him... the fish-man from the Grand Line."

The tension in the air is palpable as the pirates make their terrifying entrance.

Arlong, with a cruel grin showing his shark teeth, declares to the villagers, "From now on, you will pay me 100,000 Beli for every adult and 50,000 Beli for every child. If you can't pay, we'll kill you right here."

The villagers, in fear of their lives, watch helplessly as a few of their own are murdered for not being able to pay or for trying to resist. One by one, they begin handing over what little money they have, though it weighs heavily on their hearts, knowing that paying may spare their lives but at the cost of their dignity.

Genzo, standing among them, fears for Bellemere and the children, hoping they won't be found, as he knows they don't have enough money to meet Arlong's demands. But his worst fears are realized when one of Arlong's crew points toward smoke rising from a house in the outskirts of the village.

Arlong and his crew head towards the house, while Arlong ask his crew if they found any sea charts in the village. When they respond with a negative, the tension rises.

Genzo, knowing it's Bellemere's home location they are going to, he starts to panic. Nami and Nojiko who are hiding, hearing this fearing the worst, immediately rush in the opposite direction toward the house to warn Bellemere, who is unaware of the danger closing in on.

As they approach, the village doctor suddenly appears before them, trying to stop them from running towards the house. Before they can protest, they see the fish-men already reaching Bellemere's house.

Arlong approaches the door and begins knocking. Inside, Bellemere hears the noise and, thinking it is Nami and Nojiko, begins to move toward the door.

But when Arlong begins to open it, Bellemere notices something is wrong swiftly reacts, leaping into action. With a gun in hand, she kicks Arlong in the chin and forces the gun into his mouth. "Unfortunately for you," she says coolly, "I used to be a marine. What are pirates from the Grand Line doing here?"

She sits on top of his body, her resolve as a former marine showing through, determined to protect her family, no matter the cost.

Arlong, sprawled on the ground with the gun in his mouth, laughs menacingly along with his crew. His eerie laughter echoes as if he mocking Bellemere. "Why are you laughing?" she asks, with angry face.

Arlong responds coldly, "The incompetence of your inferior race," his shark teeth gnashing down on the barrel of the gun, causing it to snap. Bellemere is taken aback by what he did. Before she can react, Arlong swiftly kicks her down, using his immense strength to drive her face into the ground.

With a vicious twist, he breaks her arm, making Bellemere cry out in pain as she lies on the ground with her head under his feat.

Bellemere, pinned to the ground with her arm throbbing in pain, comes to a grim realization: she may not survive this encounter. Her thoughts shift to Nami and Nojiko, their smiling faces flashing in her mind as tears well up. She makes her decision, silently vowing to protect them at all costs.

Genzo suddenly appears, rushing to the scene, but freezes upon seeing Bellemere's condition. His face pales as he speaks, his voice heavy with frustration and fear. "Bellemere, you fool! Now's not the time to think about justice! This is a meaningless fight—you can end this with money alone!"

Arlong, sneering at the interruption, coldly states the amount she must pay to spare her life. One of the fishmen checks the registry of the village and reports, "She's an unmarried woman living alone. That means she only owes 100,000 Beli for herself." Relief briefly flickers across Genzo's face, but it's short-lived.

Another fishman, a six-armed octopus, pipes up, "But wait... there are three plates of food on the table. Looks like she's got company." He grins maliciously, sniffing out a potential lie.

Genzo reacts quickly, his voice steady but laced with urgency. "Bellemere, just pay for one! You invited me and a friend for dinner tonight, right?" His eyes flicker toward her, silently begging her to stay silent about Nami and Nojiko.

Meanwhile, Nami and Nojiko, struggling against the firm grip of the village doctor, suddenly stop as they overhear the exchange.

The doctor whispers desperately, "You hear that, right? You're not officially registered as her daughters. These pirates won't find out you exist. You must run—run far away out of the island. It's the only way to save all 3 of you."

Nami's silent tears streak her face as she whispers, "Why should we leave? I don't want to leave the village... or Bellemere. Can't we be her daughters anymore?" Her voice quivers with anguish, but her small frame trembles with defiance.

Nojiko, though equally heartbroken, steadies herself. "I agree with you, Nami," she says, taking her younger sister's hand firmly. "But... we have to go. If it's the only way to save her, we have no choice." She gives Nami's hand a gentle tug, preparing to lead her away.

Suddenly, they both freeze in their tracks, startled by another outburst from the commotion at the house. They listen, their breaths caught in their throats, as Bellemere's voice echoes, trembling but determined. "I have exactly 100,000 Beli," she announces loudly. "Thank goodness... it'll be enough."

The declaration brings stunned silence, only for her next words to shock everyone further. "That share is for my daughters. It seems I don't have any for myself."

Nami and Nojiko's eyes widen in disbelief, their hearts pounding. The doctor beside them stares in horror, frozen by the weight of Bellemere's decision. Near Bellemere, Genzo shouts, his voice raw with emotion, "What are you saying?!"

Bellemere turns her tear-streaked face toward him, a bittersweet smile trembling on her lips. "Sorry, Genzo," she says softly. "I just... couldn't bring myself to say those words, Genzo. Even if it costs me my life... even if it's just a mere formality... I still want to be called their mother. Those girls... they're my children, aren't they?"

Tears stream down her face, but her smile radiates love and pride. Nami and Nojiko, overwhelmed with emotion, feel their legs move on their own.

The doctor tries to hold them back, whispering urgently for them to stop, but it's no use. The girls break free, sprinting toward Bellemere and hugs her tightly with a firm grip as sobs burst from their chests.

Nami's voice trembles as she cries out, "I'm sorry for whatever I said! I was lying! Please don't die, Bellemere! You can't! You promised to see me make my map of the world!" Her tears flow uncontrollably, her small hands reaching toward Bellemere as if to pull her back from the brink.

Nojiko, her own voice shaking but filled with desperate hope, shouts, "You're a Marine, aren't you?! Can't you beat them?!"

Bellemere, clutching her injured arm, forces a soft, bittersweet smile. She looks at her girls with unwavering love. "Nami... Nojiko... I'm sorry. I couldn't give you the things you asked for, and I wasn't the best mother."

The two girls shake their heads furiously, voices overlapping as they cry out, "No! That's not true!" Their hearts break as they watch Bellemere ignore their pleas, her gaze now fixed on Arlong.

Arlong steps forward, his predatory grin widening. "So, you have daughters after all." He sneers, towering over her.

Bellemere, her voice steady and fearless, replies, "Yes, I do. But if you so much as lay a finger on them..." Her words are cut short by the anguished cries of her daughters, begging her not to continue.

Arlong's grin turns cruel. "I won't... as long as you die silently." He raises his weapon, ready to strike.

Nami screams, her voice tearing through the air, "Somebody! Help us! Please!"

Genzo, unable to take it anymore, charges at Arlong with his flintlock. "You monster! Leave them alone!" But his attack is effortlessly blocked, and he's slashed with a sword. Genzo collapses with a groan, clutching his wound.

The villagers, fueled by rage and desperation, rush forward, armed with whatever weapons they can find. "We won't let you take her life!" they shout as one.

Arlong scoffs, unbothered. "Pathetic primitives." He waves a hand at his crew. "Take care of them. Just don't kill them yet."

As his crew steps in to handle the resisting villagers, Arlong turns back to Bellemere, his expression darkening. "And you... You'll be made an example. Now die for your stupid love."

Bellemere, her gaze softening as she looks one last time at her daughters, says, "Nami, Nojiko... I love you."

Before the girls can respond, Arlong pulls the trigger. The gunshot rings out, and Bellemere falls lifeless to the ground.

"No! No!" Nami and Nojiko scream in unison, their cries filled with grief and disbelief.

Arlong throws his head back, laughing. "Under my rule, those without money will die by my hands! Is that clear, you pathetic humans?!" His cruel words echo over the sobs of the fallen villagers and the anguish of two broken-hearted girls.

The octopus Fishman emerges from Bellemere's house, triumphantly holding a bundle of sea charts. He waves them in the air, grinning as he presents them to Arlong. "Boss! Look at these! Detailed maps of the sea! They're impressive, aren't they?"

Nami, upon seeing her cherished maps in the Fishman's hands, instinctively rushes forward. "Give those back! Those are mine!" Her voice is sharp, trembling with both anger and desperation. "I made them! I'm going to use them when I go out to sea!"

Arlong raises an eyebrow at her outburst, intrigued by her boldness and the skill evident in the maps. "What an interesting talent this little girl has," he muses, inspecting the intricate details of her work.

His sharp eyes glint with sinister intent as he addresses the octopus Fishman. "Bring her along. A talent like that will be useful to me."

"No!" Nojiko cries, darting forward to grab her sister. "You can't take her!" She pulls at Nami, trying to shield her from the Fishmen, her own fear momentarily forgotten in her determination.

Genzo, despite his injury, struggles to his feet, his hand clutching his bleeding side. "Leave the child alone! You've already taken everything from us....from them!" His voice is hoarse but defiant.

Arlong smirks at the old man's bravery. "Oh? She's valuable to me now. Don't worry. I'll return her... eventually."

Genzo growls, stepping closer, his fists clenched. "I won't let you take her!" He lunges, pain and exhaustion evident in his movements but fueled by sheer willpower.

Arlong doesn't even flinch. "Kuroobi."

The Fishman with a menacing presence and sharp eyes steps forward, unsheathing his weapon with a cruel smile. "With pleasure."

Before Genzo can land a single blow, Kuroobi slashes him again, striking him down with a powerful, calculated move. Genzo collapses, unconscious, blood pooling beneath him.

"Genzo!" Nami screams, her voice breaking as she sees her protector fall. She struggles harder, but the Fishman holding her tightens his grip, taking her with them leaving the beaten villagers along with Nojiko.

Present (The Next Day)

Ash carefully lays Bellemere's body down on the ground, his movements deliberate and reverent. He hears a voice calling out to him, filled with anger and pain, and turns to see a girl with orange hair around their age running toward him.

"Nami…" Ash thinks in his mind, recognizing her instantly.

She rushes to him, her fists clenched, tears streaming down her face. As she reaches him, she begins punching him in the chest, each blow landing with the force of her anguish. "What are you doing? You Monster, leave Bellemere body alone!" she cries, her voice cracking as she tries to push him away.

Her small fists continue to pound against his chest, but Ash doesn't move. He stands there, letting her release her pain, unfazed by the physical blows but deeply affected by her grief.

Ash notices the tattoo of the Arlong Pirates on her left arm, its presence a painful reminder of the price she's paid. He understands: Nami had already made a deal with Arlong to save the village, agreeing to collect 100 million Berries in exchange for its freedom, all while being forced to create sea charts as his cartographer.

Lucy, Selena, Uta, and Ace, standing nearby, tense at the scene. Their instincts scream to intervene, but they hold back, trusting in Ash despite their discomfort. They exchange glances, silently agreeing to wait and see what he has planned.

When Nami's fists slow and finally stop, Ash gently catches her hands in his. His grip is firm yet comforting as he pulls her closer. Before she can protest, he wraps his arms around her in a protective embrace.

The gesture shocks everyone, including Nami, who freezes for a moment before breaking down completely. Her sobs wrack her body as she clings to him. Ash whispers softly, "I'm sorry. I had to do this... But please trust me."

He slowly pulls back, holding her by the shoulders as he looks into her tear-filled eyes. His voice steady but filled with conviction, he says, "I have a way to bring Bellemere back. I just need you to believe in me."

Nami's eyes widen in disbelief, joined by Nojiko and Genzo, who struggle against Kuma's grip nearby stops after hearing him. Their faces are a mixture of shock and cautious hope. All three speak at once, their voices overlapping in their desperation:

"Are you serious? Is this true?" Nami asks, trembling.

"Is this... really possible?" Nojiko whispers, tears glistening in her eyes.

"You! Don't give them false hope!" Genzo shouts, his voice hoarse.

Ash stands firm, his gaze unwavering. "I swear to you, I'm not lying. Just give me a chance."

Kuma, watching the scene unfold, asks Ash hesitantly, "Ash… is this really true? Can you bring someone back from the dead?" Though he trusts Ash, the idea seems too far-fetched even for him.

Before Ash can respond, Selena steps forward confidently. "It's true, Uncle Kuma," she says, her voice steady. "Ash has a way to bring her back. We remember him talking about it, he even showed us."

Lucy, Uta, and Ace nod in agreement, their expressions resolute. Seeing this, Nami and Nojiko, along with Genzo, fall to their knees. Bowing their heads until they touch the ground, they plead with Ash to bring back Bellemere.

"Please," Nami cries out, her voice trembling. "Bring Bellemere back! I'll do whatever it takes… I'll work for you my whole life if I have to!"

"I'll do the same, please bring her back" Nojiko adds, tears streaming down her face.

Genzo tries to stop them, but words fail him. He understands their desperation and can't refute their actions. All he can do is hope that Ash won't ask something of them that they'll regret later.

Ash shakes his head gently. "There's no need for all of that," he says, his voice calm and reassuring.

Reaching into his inventory, he retrieves a shimmering Phoenix Feather. Only Nami, Nojiko, and Genzo appear shocked by the sight; the others already know of Ash's abilities.

"This," Ash says, holding up the feather, "can only work if the person has been dead for less than 24 hours. That's why I asked Genzo-san earlier how long it had been since Bellemere's death. I want to warn you guys that this is my first time using it, so I hope it works as intended."

With that, Ash kneels beside Bellemere's lifeless body. He places the Phoenix Feather gently on her chest, exhaling deeply. Everyone watches in silence, the tension thick enough to cut with a blade.

Moments later, the feather begins to glow, transforming into golden dust that seeps into Bellemere's body.

In front of their eyes, her wounds heal as if rewinding time. The bullet wound on her head closes completely, the bullet itself being expelled and clattering to the ground. Her broken arm snaps back into place with a faint crack.

Finally, the last signs of injury fade away, leaving her body whole once more.

Everyone holds their breath, the seconds feeling like an eternity.

Nami and Nojiko rush to her side, their tears flowing freely thinking it failed after seeing no response. "Please!" Nami sobs. "I'm so sorry for what I said. Don't leave us! You can't leave me alone!"

Nojiko clutches Bellemere's hand. "We need you, Bellemere. Please come back… We can't do this without you."

Kuma and Genzo exchange heavy glances, both silently fearing the worst. Genzo clenches his fists, muttering, "Maybe… maybe it was too late after all."

Ash, however, remains calm, his face betraying no emotion. His confidence stems from the quest not failing which he has been looking since he used the feather. He waits, silently praying.

And then it happens.

A sharp gasp cuts through the air, shattering the silence except for the crying of Nami and Nojiko. Bellemere's eyes snap open as she takes a deep, ragged breath. Her chest rises and falls as life returns to her.

Everyone freezes, stunned into silence. Then, all at once, cheers erupt. Nami and Nojiko collapse onto her, sobbing uncontrollably.

"Mom!" they cry out together, holding her tightly.

Bellemere, still disoriented, blinks slowly before wrapping her arms around them. "Nami… Nojiko…" she whispers, her voice weak but filled with warmth. "What is happening here? Where am I? I thought I was dead!"

Ash stands quietly, a small, relieved smile on his face as he watches the family reunite just as he hears a chime of bell in his mind.

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. 😊