The Celestial Dragon Turned Pirate

Chp 16

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At sea

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The salty breeze cut through the air as the ship sailed through open waters, heading toward a familiar destination. Y/n stood at the helm, her gaze fixed on the horizon. Ghin stood by her side, arms crossed, eyes scanning the surroundings.

The crew had been scattered for a time, each sent on their own mission to train, gather information, and prepare for what lay ahead. But now, it was time for them to regroup.

The ship's sails creaked as the wind picked up, and soon enough, the familiar forms of their crew appeared in the distance—each returning from their assigned tasks. Genji, Midori, Kai, and Lira all made their way back to the ship, each looking ready for action, as if the time apart had sharpened their resolve.

Y/n glanced over at Ghin, a sly grin playing on her lips. "Think they’re ready for what’s coming next?"

Ghin’s expression softened, his usual stoicism replaced by the faintest of smiles. "They better be. We’ve got more than just training to deal with now."

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Genji was the first to board, his broad shoulders carrying a confidence that matched his newly honed combat skills. His once-naive demeanor had been replaced with a quiet, almost intimidating self-assurance.

You found him years ago, a former Navy soldier with admirable skills and a burning desire for something more. Impressed by his determination, she took him in, offering him a place on her crew.

His time in the Navy had forged him into someone capable of quickly adapting to any situation, a skill that made him a formidable ally and a natural second-in-command. His sharp gaze scanned the ship as he stepped on board, always ready to jump into action at a moment’s notice.

Midori followed closely behind, her movements subtle and efficient. You discovered her after a mission where the young woman had shown an uncanny ability to slip in and out of situations without leaving a trace.

Her sharp mind and stealth skills had been too valuable to ignore, and you had taken her under her wing, teaching her to blend her natural abilities with the crew’s objectives. Midori had a quiet intensity about her—a sharp mind that could read a room just as easily as she could slip past anyone undetected.

Her calm, collected nature often made her seem distant, but anyone who knew her could tell that she was always several steps ahead of everyone else, watching, analyzing, waiting. Midori’s ability to blend in and gather intelligence had proven invaluable to the crew.

Finally, Lira was the last to board, her expression focused but with a slight warmth in her eyes as she exchanged glances with you. She had been a timid, anxious girl when you first met her, but her determination to prove herself had won your respect.

Taking her under your wing, you taught Lira how to use her unique skills, and soon enough, Lira became a key part of the crew. Although she kept her feelings to herself, there was a softness in the way she looked at Y/n that spoke volumes. Despite her gentle nature, Lira’s fierce loyalty and determination to protect her crewmates made her a key asset to the team, even if she struggled with expressing herself outwardly.

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"Everyone’s accounted for," Y/n remarked, glancing over the crew with a critical eye. "Now, let’s set sail. Dressrosa’s waiting."

As the ship made its way toward the distant island, the crew settled into their usual roles. Y/n remained at the helm, her mind already turning over what they would find when they arrived.