One Piece; Full Counter!

Chapter 37; You Should Fight!

The golden hues of the early morning sky painted the world with a serene beauty. The sun had risen over the horizon, casting a warm, radiant glow across the sky. Wisps of golden clouds floated lazily in the atmosphere, drifting like molten silk. Below this stunning sight lay the calm waters of the sea, shimmering under the pale light. The tranquil surface reflected the golden sky above, creating a perfect mirror-like effect.

The Dragon's Sin of Greed ship glided silently through the crystal-clear waters near the coast of Alabasta. The ship cut through the surface with barely a ripple, its sails catching a gentle morning breeze. The vessel exuded an aura of power and mystery, a symbol of strength and danger.

Near the back of the deck, standing still and composed, was Meliodas. His white long-sleeved shirt, soaked with seawater, clung to his muscular torso. The sleeves were damp and wrinkled, but Meliodas wore it with an air of nonchalance. His sharp eyes, green and full of determination, stared out at the distant horizon. The salty wind tousled his short blond hair, which fluttered slightly as he stood tall, the embodiment of quiet resolve.

Beside him stood Elizabeth, her silver hair flowing gently in the breeze, shimmering under the golden sky. Her deep blue eyes were fixed on the horizon, her gaze locked onto the fleet of marine ships anchored among the shattered remnants of giant ice formations. The broken ice towers stood tall but jagged, a testament to some force that had ripped through them entirely, allowing the ocean water to surge freely through.

She spoke, her voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. "It seems someone has shattered that ice field completely, breaking through it with the ocean waves."

Meliodas slowly buttoned up his shirt, the damp fabric sticking momentarily to his skin before settling back into place. He shook his head slightly, the droplets of water from his hair scattering in small arcs. Then he turned his gaze forward, his eyes narrowing slightly. "You're right. They must be an annoying person if they managed to break such a massive ice patch on their own."

Elizabeth raised her slender arm, pointing towards the advancing figures in the distance. She pointed at Admiral Aokiji, his imposing figure standing tall even from afar. His uniform, marked by the marine insignia, gleamed subtly in the light. Beside him was Vice Admiral Garp, a man whose very presence exuded raw, unyielding strength. The quiet confidence in his demeanor was palpable, his navy-blue uniform blending seamlessly with the icy landscape he tread upon. Each step Aokiji took transformed the surrounding water into solid ice, a terrifying testament to his formidable power.

She shook her head slowly, a slight shiver running through her. "What kind of monsters are they? Freezing the sea like that... it's hard to believe."

Meliodas looked back at her, his green eyes serious and focused. Memories of battles with Whitebeard flashed in his mind, the endless wars, the rivals he'd faced, and the wounds he'd borne. "When I was with Whitebeard, I always dreamed of facing an admiral. Now, I understand why everyone fears that title. Admiral Aokiji, Kuzan... I've heard a lot about him. But this is the first time I see him with my own eyes. And he's just as powerful as the rumors say."

Elizabeth's gaze never wavered as she studied Aokiji, her eyes searching his formidable form. Then she glanced at Garp, his rugged face and wild hair standing out against the icy backdrop. "And who is the man standing next to him?" she asked softly.

Meliodas' brow furrowed, the seriousness in his expression deepening. "That's the real danger. The Marine Hero, Monkey D. Garp."

With a quick motion, Meliodas knelt down briefly, picking up the sheath of his Lostvayne sword from the deck. He strapped the belt around his shoulder, the cold metal of the blade reflecting a flicker of his own face — green eyes, sharp jawline, determination etched into every feature. He traced the reflection in the blade and spoke, his voice low and resolute, "I can't reflect all types of attacks. Not physical blows, and certainly not Haki. According to the rumors, Garp doesn't use any Devil Fruit. He carved his way through these seas solely with his Haki — a man who's like a marine version of Roger. It's better if we avoid a direct confrontation with him."

Elizabeth listened intently, a mix of curiosity and unease flickering across her face. The silver strands of her hair danced softly in the breeze, and her blue eyes searched Meliodas' expression. It was the first time she heard Meliodas-san speak about avoiding a battle with someone. Did this mean he admitted defeat could be a possibility?

Meliodas stood up, slipping the sheath onto his back before rising. He placed his hands in the pockets of his green pants, the dampness of the seawater still seeping into the fabric. A cold sensation pressed against his skin, but Meliodas merely shook it off, focused on practical concerns.

"The speed of our ship is good. They won't be able to catch up on foot. And don't worry... I promise I'll protect you."

Elizabeth smiled faintly, her gaze turning toward the ship's helm. She stepped forward, her movements graceful and determined. Each step took her across the deck, past ropes and sails, until she reached the steering wheel. Gripping the helm tightly, she felt the ship respond to her touch, a reassuring solidity that connected her to Meliodas and the crew.

She thought to herself, a soft smile lingering on her lips. "I know he's thinking of protecting me more than himself. But... I'm helpless here. I wish I could do something to help him."

She tightened her grip on the wheel's handles, her determination solidifying into resolve. "The answer lies in finding more members for this crew. Diane... I hope you're out there somewhere. If you're with us, I'm sure you could lend Meliodas-san more support than I ever could."

In the ship's lower decks, Meliodas shut the door to his room with a solid thud. He sank onto the wooden floor, his back leaning against the door. The dim, flickering lantern cast shadows across his face, but his eyes, green and unwavering, burned with inner resolve. His knees were bent, and his hands rested on his bent legs as he let the words sink into his consciousness.

"I never thought the Marine Hero, Garp, would be coming after me personally." His voice was a quiet growl of determination. "There are two kinds of enemies I can't defeat in this world. The first — Devil Fruit users. And the second — those who've reached the advanced stages of Haki mastery."

He glanced at his trembling hand, the slight shake betraying the toll the previous battles had taken on him. His voice wavered only briefly before he steeled himself. "I've spent over five years trying to master any kind of Haki under Marco's training, but I haven't managed a single one."

The flickering shadows in the small, confined room reflected his growing frustration. He struck the wooden floor with a clenched fist, the sound echoing through the room like a sharp declaration of his resolve. "Excuses… just meaningless excuses. For my freedom, for the journey I've just begun, for my dreams, and for protecting Elizabeth — I must fight!"

The image of Garp's rugged face, with its coarse lines and fierce eyes, and Aokiji's composed, powerful stance, filled his thoughts. These formidable figures were his reality now — obstacles that he could not simply walk away from.

Meliodas knew that beneath these challenges lay a destiny he would have to carve out for himself. A destiny that would demand every bit of strength, determination, and sacrifice he could muster.

His eyes gleaming with determination, Meliodas resolved himself to the path ahead. The price of his journey was clear now: the struggles, the battles, the losses — everything was a part of a battle for survival, honor, and the loyalty that bound him to his crew.

"Let the seas bring it all — I'll fight till the end!"

.

[ A/N ]

.

~ More Chapters ;

patr eon. com/Sakana0

.

.

❗Next three chapters❗

- Chapter 38: Elizabeth Cristial!

- Chapter 39: Thief!

- Chapter 40: In the Heart of Alabasta.