The wind howled across the open sea as the Skyship**, Aniki's magnificent vessel, cut through the clouds like a blade. Its sleek design, forged with the finest Lunarian craftsmanship, allowed it to sail through the skies with unmatched speed and grace. Aniki stood at the helm, his piercing gaze fixed on the horizon. His fiery wings, hidden beneath his cloak, crackled faintly as his thoughts wandered to the mission ahead.
"It's been years since I set out on this journey," Aniki muttered to himself, his voice carried away by the wind. "But I know I'm close. The time has come to assemble a crew that can help me reclaim our legacy."
As the Skyship descended toward a small, remote island, Aniki recalled the stories he had heard about this place. It was said to be a lawless zone, a refuge for pirates, mercenaries, and outcasts. Yet, among the scum and villainy, there was one name that stood out—a warrior of unparalleled strength and ferocity.
"The Demon of the Abyss," Aniki whispered, his eyes narrowing as the island came into view. "If the rumors are true, then this man might be the first to join me."
The Skyship touched down gently on the island's rugged shores, and Aniki disembarked, his black boots crunching against the gravel. The village he approached was a chaotic mess of rickety buildings, weathered by years of neglect. Pirates and criminals roamed the streets, their eyes filled with suspicion as they noticed the stranger in their midst. Aniki paid them no mind, his focus solely on his objective.
"Hey, you!" a gruff voice called out from behind him. Aniki turned to see a large, muscular pirate with a jagged scar running down his face. The man sneered, his yellowed teeth glinting in the sunlight. "You lookin' for trouble, boy? This ain’t a place for pretty faces."
Aniki regarded the pirate with cold indifference. "I'm looking for someone. A man they call the Demon of the Abyss. Where can I find him?"
The pirate's sneer faltered, replaced by a look of apprehension. He exchanged nervous glances with his comrades, who had gathered around them. "You don’t wanna be messin’ with him," the pirate warned, his bravado slipping. "He’s a monster, a real killer. You’re better off turnin’ back now."
A flicker of annoyance crossed Aniki’s face. "I didn’t ask for your opinion," he said, his voice low and menacing. "Tell me where he is, or I’ll make you regret it."
The pirate gulped, his bravado completely gone. "Alright, alright! He’s in the tavern, down by the docks. But don’t say I didn’t warn ya."
Without another word, Aniki turned and made his way toward the docks, the crowd parting before him. The tavern in question was a decrepit building, its wooden exterior battered by years of salt and wind. The stench of alcohol and sweat wafted through the air as Aniki pushed open the creaking door and stepped inside.
The interior was dimly lit, with rough-looking men slouched over their drinks, barely glancing up as Aniki entered. In the far corner, a single figure sat alone, shrouded in shadow. Even from across the room, Aniki could sense the overwhelming presence that emanated from this man—the aura of a predator lying in wait.
Aniki approached the table, his eyes never leaving the figure in the shadows. "Are you the one they call the Demon of the Abyss?" he asked, his voice calm yet commanding.
The figure shifted slightly, revealing a pair of piercing eyes that glowed faintly in the darkness. The man was tall and lean, with long, unkempt black hair that cascaded down his back. His face was marked with scars, and his expression was one of perpetual disdain. He took a slow sip from his mug before answering.
"Depends on who’s asking," the man replied, his voice deep and gravelly.
"I am Aniki, Captain of the Skyship and last of the Lunarians," Aniki declared, his tone unwavering. "I’ve come to recruit you as my first mate."
The tavern fell silent as the patrons turned their attention to the exchange. The Demon of the Abyss raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. "You’ve got guts, I’ll give you that. But why should I join you? What makes you think I need a captain?"
Aniki’s eyes flared with determination. "Because I’m offering you a chance to join a cause greater than yourself. Together, we will reclaim the honor of the Lunarians and bring down the World Government that destroyed our people. I need warriors who are strong, ruthless, and unafraid to challenge the world."
The Demon of the Abyss leaned back in his chair, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "A lofty goal. But strength alone won’t be enough to achieve it. Tell me, Captain, what do you know of me? What makes you think I’m the right man for your crew?"
Aniki’s gaze never wavered. "I know that you are feared across the Grand Line, that you have survived battles that would have killed lesser men. But more than that, I know that you have no allegiance, no ties that bind you. You are a man who lives by his own rules, and that’s exactly what I need."
The man considered Aniki’s words, his smirk fading into a more serious expression. "You’re right about one thing—I don’t owe anyone anything. But joining your crew means putting myself on the line for your cause. What’s in it for me?"
Aniki allowed a small smile to creep onto his face. "Power. Glory. Revenge. Whatever it is you seek, I can promise you’ll find it by my side. And when we succeed, the world will tremble before us."
The Demon of the Abyss stared at Aniki for a long moment, weighing his options. Then, with a slow nod, he stood up from his chair, towering over the Lunarian. "Alright, Captain. You’ve got yourself a first mate. But don’t think for a second that I’m doing this for you. I’ll fight for my own reasons."
Aniki nodded in understanding. "That’s all I ask. Welcome to the Lunarian Fang, first mate."
As the two men shook hands, a sense of anticipation filled the air. The patrons of the tavern watched in awe as the Demon of the Abyss joined forces with the last Lunarian, knowing that the world would soon feel the wrath of these two formidable warriors. Together, they would carve a path of destruction and vengeance, leaving a legacy that would be remembered for generations to come.
