Moving On

"Remember to pack your clothes?"

"Yeah, I got 2 days' worth."

"Including underwear?"

"Especially underwear."

"Money and gold safe?"

"Inside my shirt, so as safe as it's going to be."

"…"

"…"

"…are you sure you packed enough underwear?"

"What is it with your concern about my underwear!?"

It was the day of John's departure. The day before the merchants arrived to buy lumber and fish from Banaro Island as well as trade supplies to the residents, and today was the day they were to set sail back to Water 7.

John was currently with Billy on the dock and was finishing preparations to board the ship and set sail.

Of course, Billy was concerned and making sure John was good to go, as a friend would. Though he had a unique obsession with being prepared that John had not noticed living with Billy for the past three weeks.

He must truly be worried about the trip.

While the last week contained more mining and attribute training, John decided to take it a bit slower and spend more time with Billy and his son, to really get to know them and enjoy his time on Banaro Island while he could. John had a feeling that once he left the island and into the more populated areas of the Grand Line, peaceful days may be harder to come by, at least for a while.

That was not to say John was not idle during this time, far from it. He kept training with heavier weights while he was mining, increasing his Strength and Constitution to 29 and 30, respectively. He most likely could have pushed himself even harder, but between taking it a bit easier and getting ready to leave for the trip, he was satisfied with the progress made.

As for his money, John was now sitting at around 250,000,000 Belly, with the people of the island believing he had 10 million of it in cash, and 20 million of it in raw gold. 2 days before the merchants arrived, John put on a bit scene of 'finding' a large lode of gold and trying to sell it to the local bank. Unfortunately, they only had enough liquid Belly to give him 10 million, with the rest of it needing to be sold at Water 7.

While this ultimately didn't matter since he could sell his gains to keep it safe from potential robbers, he needed to create a trail of wealth so people could see how he started when he made it big, and not get too suspicious. At least, John hoped this would be an effective smokescreen.

Selling some of the gold and having money naturally drew a lot of people towards John. Some of it was positive with people congratulating him on his luck, with a few asking him to stay on the island so his luck could rub off on other people.

Unfortunately, others tried offering him drinks so that they could get him drunk and waste his new wealth, a few women (and some men) offered 'favors' for his wealth, and John even caught one of the town teens trying to reach into his pockets, though he had already 'sold' his money and gold he got so nothing could actually be stolen.

Billy was a good enough friend to help drive off some of the more persistent people, and for that John was grateful.

Still, this worried John a bit for the trials to come. This was a small little town that John got to know and love, and yet when success hit, some people turned on him in a vary abrupt way. John was not too naïve to believe this would not happen, but he had put faith in the kindness of the people here, and they had let him down somewhat. What would happen to John once he was in the more lawless areas of the seas, where he could get flattened by a pirate with a chip on their shoulder?

John was anxious, he had to establish himself in this world quickly.

Still, John was not going to define his 3 weeks stay on this one incident. This one mark of negativity didn't suddenly make all his good experiences here go away. He still vowed to himself that he would still do his best to support the town going forward, and at the absolute least support Billy and his son John.

Thinking about what was at stake in the future, with the potential destruction of Banaro Island because of Blackbeard and Ace, and a potential of war with the Marineford Arc, John felt some additional empathy for Nami who did her best to cheat and steal just to buy her village from Arlong.

It wasn't quite the same situation, not at all, but he was interested in what stories they would be able to share if they were ever able to chat.

With 'legitimate' money now, John too the last two days off to begin gathering supplies for the sea trip ahead. While it was not necessary for him to get supplies with his power, it would be mighty suspicious of him to go on a trip with no supplies at all.

Besides, he wanted to stop borrowing Billy's old clothes and get an excuse to change his wardrobe.

With that, John spent some of his money on supplies he would 'need', which included 2 days' worth of Banaro Island clothes which included 2 cotton shirts and pants with underwear and socks, some new shoes, basic toiletries, a small first-aid kit, some dried food and containers of water for the trip, and a shoulder bag to carry it all in.

Then after spending the day shopping and hanging out with Billy, the next day came, and John was awoken by a large sounding bell noise that came from the docks.

It turned out that the day that the merchants arrived, once a month, was almost like a miniature holiday to the people of Banaro Island. Able bodied people would go out to the docks and help unload stock from the shift for free, would offer the sailors and merchants food and drinks, and would ask them about their travels and days on the ocean.

John could see why they would get excited, it was a chance to meet with the people who were a lifeline to the village, as well as get information about the world at large outside of what the newspaper said. Additionally, John assumed that some people were hoping that a merchant or sailor would take them with off the island, whether as a new deckhand or companion.

Deciding to join in on the fun, John decided to go to the docks and help unload some of the cargo, and while he was at it pay for passage to Water 7.

The ship was exactly what John expected, a large armed merchantmen ship filled to the brim with contains on the top deck tied down with rope, and cannons lining the ships mid. It also appeared to have covered up sections near the bottom, which John assumed could be removed and fitted with oars if need be.

It was a cargo transport ship with a nasty bite.

Contemplating the ship before him, John was then taken aback as he suddenly noticed the crew aboard the merchant vessel.

Another reminder that he was truly in the world of One Piece.

John, starting on Banaro Island, had the privilege of being with people that he considered 'normal', at least to Earth standards. People were of normal human height, had normal bodily features (even though they all wore western clothes), and were nothing remarkable. Sure, there was a few people that were a bit too skinny, or a people who could lift more than a person on Earth probably could realistically do for their size, but it was within an acceptable range.

On the merchant ship though, John got to see some of the weirdness the One Piece world could offer. A man who he believed to be around 9 feet tall. A man who had the face like a monkey, reminiscent of Masira from the Jaya Arc. Just man who just had way too long of arms compared to his body type.

It was bizarre and strange.

That said, John noted that while some people seemed anatomically incorrect from a 'standard' human, that they were still bound by physical logic. The people did not suddenly grow larger than they were angry, or face-fault when jokes were told like the manga or anime sometimes did to show comedy or dramatic tension. They were still bound by the logic of the 'real' world and was grateful for that.

Though it did make John morbidly curious to meet some of the more eccentric characters of the show like Wapol or Emporio Ivankov. He was worried he would die of shock if he were not prepared enough though.

While helping unload the ship and gawking at the crew, John was able to get a hold of the head merchant of the ship to request passage. Surprisingly, the merchant was very unconcerned with John's request and offered him some options for the trip. He assumed that the disinterest shown towards John's request for passage was because he has been asked about it many times by the Banaro locals.

According to the merchant, John could either pay 10,000 Belly for passage, or 50,000. The 10,000 option only got you a bunk on the lower decks, and you had to work on the ship for at least 4 hours each day, doing different tasks depending on how capable you were. Food was also not included. The 50,000 Belly option got a better bed, no need to work, and you were allowed 2 meals a day at the mess hall with the option to pay for more.

After hearing the options, John gave the man 50,000 Belly mostly for the better bed (Billy admonished John for being wasteful with his money) and requested to help on the ship if they needed any help. John wanted the opportunity to help and keep training his physical attributes if he could, but also wanted the option to do nothing if they just needed him to swab the deck or something.

The merchant agreed, and John secured his passage to Water 7 for the next day.

With that done, John spent the rest of his morning helping at the docks, and then spent his afternoon by making a quick trip to the mine one last time. He had nothing to do there, he just wanted to sit down one last time in his chair before leaving the next day.

Once he was done, John decided to buy a sharp knife and carve his initials on one the rock walls of the mine. It served no purpose, just a sentimental reminder that there had once been a man named John who mined there.

Heading back, Billy took John on was last quick bender at the saloon, though they did not drink too much. Instead, they sat at the counter and listened to the raucous tales of the sailors taking leave before tomorrows departure. John heard tales of pirates, boasting of finding treasure, even the raunchy nights spent with a lover. It was a chaotic mess, a cacophony of noise and hedonistic partying.

If this were what John could look forward to in the future, he thought he might just come to enjoy it.

After a few hours of sipping drinks, Billy and John went back to the house to rest and get ready for the next day.

"…are you sure you want to go?" Billy looked around once more at the dock, watching the sailors pack up the last of their cargo before the merchants and John could board.

Then he looked at John once more, nodding to himself and looking pleased about something. "I know it's your decision, and I hate to keep asking like a squeaky wheel, but you could do well here. I know the boy would be thrilled to have you around, and with your luck I'm sure you could make a great living!"

John looked at Billy, smiling all the while. He had a feeling Billy was just saying this out of courtesy as they have had many conversations about John moving on and starting his own path, fresh.

Still, John was touched by the offer. Or offers since it did occasionally get brought up.

"Thanks Billy, but you know the drill. New adventure and all that."

"I know, just wanted to make sure you know you have a place here if you need it, whether to visit or pick yourself back up should you fall."

"And for that I will always be grateful."

John extended his hand and Billy grasped it, allowing for a sentimental handshake. While their hands were locked, Billy slipped a piece of paper into John's hand.

"What's this?"

"Just a little something the boy drew for you. He asked you wait until you take off that you open it, so do you mind waiting until you set sail?"

John thought for a moment before smiling. "Okay then, will do." He grabbed the paper as they ended their handshake.

And with that, a horn sounded from the boat. It was time to go.

"So long Billy."

"See ya John. Don't forget to visit."

Giving a quick nod, John turns towards the docks and starts walking. Following the lead of one of the sailors, John is eventually led onto the ship, and is shown some stairs that lead down into the mid-decks. Taking one last look to shore, John waves to Billy who then waves back, and proceeds into the ship.

There, John is escorted into a small, simple room connected to the hallway just off the stairs. It was nothing special, just a small space with a beg attached to the wall and a small chest for his valuables, lock not included.

While he was still inspecting the room, the sailor informed John that it was almost time to depart, making the request that John stays in his room until an all clear is sounded, staying out of the crew's way.

Putting his bag in the chest, John lays on his bed as the waves gently rock the boat putting his mind at ease. With some down-time, he decides it is time to open the paper Billy gave him to see what was inside.

It was a hand drawn picture of 3 people, one boy and 2 adults representing John, Billy, and his son. They were all smiling and standing near a what was probably the dining table in the house. At the bottom, written poorly, was that words "thank you for helping my daddy".

John honestly did not know what to think. What did he help with? Was it the money he gave Billy? The company?

Than John remembered that it was only Billy and his son alone in that house and had an idea what happened. And with that, John neatly folded up the paper and put it in the chest as well.

John had no idea what was to come, but he was reminded once more that this was his life now. The people were real. Circumstances were real. Dangers were real.

After what felt like an hour of waiting and relatively little movement from the ship, the all clear horn was finally sounded, and John could leave his room without trouble.

Once he opened his door and left, he ran into the sailor that led him there, and asked him a question.

"So, do you guys need any help with anything?