Chapter 17: Merry Go
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Blood and gore were now evident on the battlefield as Coby's attacks left their marks. He moved like whirlwind of knife, fist and sword, his face set in a mask of focus, focus of collecting as much as SP as possible! The pirates, unprepared for such a formidable opponent and with no leaders, they were quick to fall in defeat.
Coby then unleashed his 'Gum Gum Pistol'. His arm stretched out, snaking through the air with incredible speed, knocking out several pirates with a single sweeping blow. The force of the impact sent them flying, their bodies hitting the ground with thuds that echoed across the clearing.
[Skill synergy detected: 'Gum Gum Pistol' combined with 'Stealth Foot'. Additional 200 SP awarded for effective combination.]
Coby paused mid-battle, a sudden realization dawning upon him. "Wait a second!" he muttered under his breath. He detached his right hand and sent it soaring over the battlefield. Activating the 'Gum Gum Pistol', he was astonished to see his fist move at a velocity much greater than a standard punch when using 'Bara Bara Detach Hand' alone. Though the fist lacked an arm to stretch, it compensated by accelerating its movement, transforming into a high-speed projectile.
Inspired by this discovery, Coby then raised his still-attached left hand, executing the 'Gum Gum Pistol' again. At the maximum extension of his punch, he detached the hand, watching in awe as it rocketed forward, propelled by an unseen force. The fist, now a lethal weapon, slammed into the pirates with devastating effect, sending bodies sprawling in a display of blood and gore. The battlefield was a visceral canvas of Coby's newfound discovery. 'I feel like reinventing rubber and slingshot!"
[Skill Synthesis Detected: 'Bara Bara Gum Gum Pistol'. Innovative combination of 'Bara Bara Detach Hand' and 'Gum Gum Pistol'. 450 SP awarded for creative application,] the system's voice echoed triumphantly in Coby's mind.
Encouraged by his success, Coby dove back into the fray, his strategy evolving with each passing second. He weaved 'Stealth Foot' into his movements, rendering him nearly invisible to the enemy as he struck from the shadows. Each pirate that fell to his blade or his detached fists was another ping from system, adding SP to his tally.
Blood splattered across the ground, painting the innocent virgin beaches of the island. Coby moved like a ghost among the pirates, his actions precise and deadly. His detached hands, now tools of war, struck with unerring accuracy, leaving a trail of broken bodies in their wake.
The pirates, initially confident in their numbers, were now gripped by fear and uncertainty. They had never encountered a fighter like Coby, whose bizarre abilities and ruthless efficiency turned the tide of battle in his favor.
[Skill Synergy Bonus: 'Stealth Foot' and 'Bara Bara Gum Gum Pistol'. Additional 130 SP awarded for effective tactical application,] the system announced, acknowledging Coby's strategic use of his skills.
Coby's eyes glinted with a cold determination as he surveyed the battlefield. The pirates, realizing the futility of their resistance, began to retreat, their morale shattered by the relentless assault. Coby, however, was not content to let them escape so easily. He launched his detached fists, now drenched in the blood of their foes, hurtling after the fleeing pirates, ensuring that none could escape his wrath.
The battle, though brutal, was a necessary evil in Coby's eyes. He was not just fighting for survival or for SP; he was fighting to carve a path for himself and his crew in this ruthless pirate world. Each fallen enemy was a step towards that goal, and well, SP.
As the last of the pirates fell, the battlefield fell silent, save for the labored breaths of the victors. Coby, standing amidst the carnage, felt a surge of power and confidence. He won against a whole crew of motleys and ruffians, but still, he won!
[Combat success! Total SP earned: 800. Current SP balance: 1128. Excellent performance!] The system praised, its voice a beacon of approval in the aftermath of the battle.
After the grueling battle, the group efficiently bound all the defeated pirates to their ship, ensuring they couldn't cause any more trouble. Coby, still catching his breath from the intense combat, turned to Nami and instructed, "Nami, take the treasure." Nami's eyes sparkled with delight at the prospect, her love for treasure an undeniable part of her character.
As they made their way back to the mansion, Kaya, leaning on Usopp for support, recounted the entire ordeal to Merry, another loyal servant of the household. Merry, a man whose loyalty to the family was as unwavering as his kindness, listened in disbelief. When the truth about Kurahadol finally sunk in, tears streamed down his face. He turned to Luffy and the others, his gratitude palpable in his every word and gesture. "Thank you," he said, his voice choked with emotion. "Thank you for saving Miss Kaya and for revealing the truth."
That evening, a feast was held at the mansion in honor of their bravery and heroism. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and relief as they relished the sumptuous meal prepared by the mansion's staff.
As the feast concluded, the group gathered at the shore, near the Black Cat Pirate Ship, which now also housed the bound figures of Kuro and Jango. Standing beside the ship was a remarkable vessel – the Merry Go. The ship, Merry, was a sight to behold. Its white sails billowed against the night sky, the moonlight reflecting off its pristine hull. The figurehead, a smiling sheep with a jaunty cap, gave the ship a whimsical yet welcoming appearance.
The Merry Go, though not as large or intimidating as some pirate ships, had an undeniable charm. Its decks were polished to a shine, and every rope and pulley seemed to be in perfect condition, reflecting the care and attention given to it. The ship's design was elegant and sleek, with smooth lines that promised both speed and agility in the water.
Coby, admiring the ship, turned to Merry with a nod of approval. "She's beautiful," he commented, his voice carrying a note of admiration. "She'll serve us well on our journey."
Merry, his eyes gleaming with pride, responded, "She's been waiting for a crew worthy of her. I believe she has found that in you." His words were heartfelt, a recognition of the bond that had formed between the crew and their new vessel.
Nami, still in high spirits from her newly acquired treasure, approached the ship with an air of ownership. "She's perfect," she declared, her eyes scanning every detail. "I can't wait to set sail."
Luffy, his usual enthusiasm undimmed, bounded onto the ship, his laughter echoing across the shore. "Let's go find the One Piece!" he shouted, his dreams of becoming the Pirate King as strong as ever.
Next day, as the Merry Go began to glide gracefully across the shimmering sea, Usopp, lugging his oversized bag, stood on the shore, his gaze lingering on the about to depart ship. He raised his hand in a farewell gesture, his voice tinged with a mix of gratitude and nostalgia. "Well, thank you for saving my town, and I hope we cross paths again someday."
Luffy, perched on the deck with his trademark grin, shouted back, "Shut up and come already, Usopp!" His invitation, though brusque, carried the warmth of genuine camaraderie.
Usopp, tears brimming in his eyes, hesitated for a moment before his resolve crystallized. With a running start, he leaped onto the ship, landing amidst his new companions with a dramatic flourish. "I'll join you, but on one condition: I am the Captain," he declared, puffing his chest out in a mock display of authority.
In unison, as if rehearsed, Luffy, Zoro, Nami, and Coby responded with a resounding, "NO!" Their voices blended into a harmonious rejection, their laughter echoing across the waters. The atmosphere was light-hearted.
As the Merry Go cleaved through the waves, Kaya stood on the shore, her eyes fixed on Usopp's fading figure. A whirlwind of emotions churned within her — pride, longing, and a hint of sorrow. She wondered when she would see him again, the brave young man who had held her close while pirates were attacking.
Aboard the Merry Go, the group settled into their roles seamlessly. Nami, with a navigator's eye, surveyed their course, ensuring they were on track. Luffy, ever the eager explorer, perched himself at the figurehead, his eyes scanning the horizon for their next adventure.
Coby, standing beside Nami, couldn't help but smile at the dynamic that had formed among them. They were a motley crew, each with their quirks and strengths, yet together they formed a cohesive and formidable team.
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