One Piece: The warrior of Justice

The meeting took place under the shade of the large banyan tree at the center of Atharva Island, its sprawling branches creating a natural canopy. Atharva, Nami, Nojiko, Village Chief Brock, and Myne, the leader of the former slaves, sat together on wooden stools arranged in a circle. The air was heavy with anticipation.

Nami broke the silence, her brow furrowed with concern. "Atharva, why are we leaving so soon? We've only just begun rebuilding."

Nojiko, seated beside her, nodded in agreement. "Leaving now feels... rushed."

Both Brock and Myne, however, wore serious expressions. They seemed to understand the gravity of the situation but waited for Atharva to explain.

Atharva sighed deeply, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's not just about rebuilding anymore. Look at this." He placed the bounty poster on the table, the bold '100,000,000 Berries' emblazoned beneath his masked face.

"What do you think happens when someone with this kind of bounty stays in one place for too long?" he asked.

Nami, who loved money almost as much as she loved Atharva, was quick to respond. "Bounty hunters," she said, her voice tinged with worry.

Nojiko, catching on, added, "And pirates. Strong ones."

Atharva nodded grimly. "Exactly. And not just them. The Navy will come after us. And if I'm not wrong... the World Government won't be far behind."

The mention of the World Government sent a shiver through Myne. His hands trembled slightly as he recalled the brutality of CP0 agents during their time as slaves.

Nami's eyes widened. "You mean those masked agents? The ones who..."

"Yes," Atharva said, cutting her off gently. "Them."

Atharva turned to Myne, his voice firm but comforting. "Don't worry. You and your people are free citizens now. You're under my protection. As long as I'm alive, no one will harm you."

Myne's trembling stopped. He took a deep breath and nodded, his gratitude evident.

Taking the moment to steer the conversation, Atharva said, "We leave tomorrow. But before we go, I'll outline a clear direction for the village's future. I'll also write a letter for Genzo."

Hearing this, both Nami and Nojiko shared a knowing smile. They already had an idea of what Atharva would write.

Atharva's gaze shifted to the yard, where Lillie and Miko were chasing each other, their laughter echoing through the air. A faint smile crossed his lips. "If possible," he began hesitantly, "I want to leave Lillie and Miko here in the village. It'll be safer for them."

Nami and Nojiko exchanged a glance. They understood his intent—his desire to protect the two girls who had grown attached to him—but they also knew how deeply Lillie and Miko clung to him. Without saying anything, they stood up and walked away, each heading off to handle their own tasks.

The Plans for the Village

With Nami and Nojiko gone, Atharva turned to Myne and Brock. "Let's talk about the village's development," he said, his tone serious.

He looked at Myne. "Take a group of your people and head to Shela Island. Start building your new home there. The village here will support you with resources until you're self-sufficient."

Myne stood up and bowed deeply. "Thank you, Lord Atharva. We will never forget your kindness."

Atharva immediately stood as well, pulling Myne up by his shoulders. "Don't bow to me again, Myne. You're free now. Stand tall."

Myne nodded, his eyes filled with respect.

Atharva continued, "There's a hill here where my mother is buried. Her name is etched on a stone there. Take care of it for me."

Hearing this, Myne placed a hand over his heart. "I promise."

Atharva smiled faintly. "There's also a tiger named Toru that guards the hill. Just tell him I sent you, and he'll understand."

Visions of the Village

As they discussed future plans, the conversation touched on various projects for the village:

Roads and Infrastructure

Brock described plans for new stone-paved roads that would connect the village center to outlying areas. These roads would not only make travel easier but also serve as a sign of progress and unity.

Temples

They spoke of the nearly completed temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha and Lord Hanuman.

Lord Ganesha, with his elephant head and benevolent smile, was revered as the remover of obstacles and the god of new beginnings. His idol, crafted by skilled artisans, depicted him seated on a lotus, holding a sweet modak in one hand.Lord Hanuman, the monkey god, symbolized strength, devotion, and courage. His idol stood tall, holding a mace in one hand and a mountain in the other, a testament to his legendary deeds.

Atharva explained the significance of these gods to Myne and the villagers, sharing stories from Earth about their virtues and how to care for their temples.

Education

Atharva outlined the importance of building a school. He suggested naming it "The Dawn Academy," symbolizing the start of a brighter future. He shared stories from Earth about great scholars and leaders, emphasizing the power of knowledge. "Education," he said, "is the foundation of freedom."

A Letter to Genzo

Later that evening, Atharva sat alone in his room. The faint glow of a lantern illuminated the desk as he carefully penned a letter to Genzo. His words carried the weight of his gratitude, his hopes for Conomi Island, and a few personal jokes he knew would make Genzo chuckle.

Once finished, he folded the letter neatly and sealed it with wax. He stared at the letter for a moment, his thoughts drifting to the people he'd met and the journey ahead.

To Be Continued...