One Piece: The Deadly

Kikidori leaned over the railing of the Thousand Sunny, watching the waves crash against the hull as the ship glided across the sea. He turned to Luffy, who was sitting cross-legged on the figurehead, munching on a chunk of meat.

"Luffy," Kikidori called, tilting his head. "What island are we going to next?"

Luffy stopped mid-bite, blinking. "Huh?"

"The next island," Kikidori repeated, walking closer. "Where are we going?"

Luffy grinned, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "I dunno!"

Kikidori blinked, clearly caught off guard. "You don't know?!"

"Nope!" Luffy laughed, finishing his meat and tossing the bone into the sea. "We just go where the Log Pose points!"

Kikidori's jaw dropped. "You mean we're just sailing with no plan?!"

"Of course!" Luffy said, standing up and stretching. "That's how you find the best adventures!"

Nami, who was standing nearby with a map in hand, sighed. "We're heading to an island called Garmella. It's a small trade hub, perfect for restocking supplies."

"Boring!" Luffy complained, slumping forward.

"We *need* supplies," Nami snapped. "Unless you want to starve."

Luffy immediately perked up. "Supplies it is!"

Zoro, leaning against the mast with his arms crossed, smirked. "You really thought Luffy plans ahead, kid?"

Kikidori crossed his arms, puffing his cheeks. "I thought captains were supposed to know where they're going."

"Not this one," Sanji said, walking by with a tray of drinks. "But somehow, we survive."

Luffy grinned, pointing his thumb at himself. "That's because I'm the best captain ever!"

"You're lucky Nami's here to keep you in check," Usopp muttered, earning a laugh from the crew.

Kikidori scratched his head, still trying to wrap his mind around the Straw Hat crew's unique dynamic. "So, Garmella... What's it like?"

Robin, sitting at the table with a book in hand, looked up. "It's a bustling island with plenty of merchants and traders. It's also known for its diverse culture and unique cuisine."

"Cuisine?" Sanji's eyes sparkled. "I'll have to check it out."

"I'll help!" Luffy chimed in.

"No, you'll eat everything before I can cook it," Sanji shot back, glaring at him.

"Worth a try!" Luffy laughed.

As the Sunny sailed on, Kikidori found himself growing more curious about the adventures that awaited them on Garmella.

Later that day, Kikidori sat on the deck, staring at his new sword. He thought about his fight with Blackbeard, about how far he still had to go. He tightened his grip on the hilt, determination burning in his eyes.

"Someday," he whispered to himself, "I'll be as strong as Luffy and Zoro. Just you wait."

Zoro, who had been silently observing from the crow's nest, smirked to himself. The kid had spirit—that much was clear.

As the sun began to set, the island of Garmella appeared on the horizon, its lights twinkling like stars against the darkening sky.

"Land ho!" Usopp shouted from the crow's nest, pointing ahead.

The crew gathered at the bow, excitement buzzing in the air. Kikidori stood among them, a wide grin spreading across his face.

"Time for a new adventure!" Luffy cheered, raising his fist into the air.

"Let's just hope we don't cause trouble," Nami muttered under her breath.

Kikidori laughed, feeling a sense of belonging he hadn't felt in a long time. Whatever awaited them on Garmella, he was ready.

End of Chapter 14