Chapter 22: Arrival at Raventon Island

The morning sun glistened over the vast ocean as Luffy, Zoro, and Nami sailed toward their next destination. The gentle waves carried their small boat as the wind filled their patched-up sail, pushing them forward. After the tense days spent on the cursed island, the open sea felt like a blessing. The salty breeze brushed against their skin, and the rhythmic sound of water lapping against the hull brought a sense of calm that had been absent for too long.

Luffy stood at the bow of the boat, his straw hat tilted slightly upward, letting the sunlight warm his face. His eyes were sharp, but there was excitement in them—the thrill of the unknown. He flexed his fingers, feeling the lingering power of the shadow energy within him. It had settled for now, but he knew it was ready to be unleashed the moment danger struck again. He felt stronger, more confident, and more curious about what his new abilities could truly accomplish.

Zoro, leaning against the side of the boat, kept his swords close. His gaze shifted between the horizon and their surroundings. Though the sea was calm, he knew it could change in an instant. His instincts had been honed through years of battle, and he trusted them implicitly. He welcomed the peace but remained prepared for any threat. The salty wind tousled his green hair, and he closed his eyes briefly, enjoying the quiet—but his grip on Wado Ichimonji never loosened.

Nami sat near the tiller, her eyes glued to her map with precision. She adjusted their course every so often, her experienced hands guiding the boat effortlessly. "We should be approaching Raventon Island soon," she said, her voice steady and confident. "It's a small trading island. Nothing too fancy, but it'll get us the supplies we need." She felt relieved to finally approach a place that promised rest and provisions. Her mind calculated the remaining supplies, estimating how much they would need to resupply before setting sail again.

Within the hour, a small island came into view. Windmills dotted the landscape, their blades spinning gently in the breeze. The island was lush, with rolling green fields stretching toward the horizon. Small houses clustered near the shore, their rooftops painted in earthy tones. Fishermen hauled in their morning catch along the docks, their voices carrying across the water. The island exuded a sense of simplicity and peace—a stark contrast to the cursed jungle they had left behind.

As their boat approached the dock, a few townsfolk gathered to observe the newcomers. Their eyes held curiosity but lacked hostility. They were used to travelers stopping by for trade. The gentle hum of daily life continued as villagers carried baskets of fish, children ran along the shore, and the windmills creaked softly in the background.

Luffy leapt off the boat first, his sandals landing on the wooden dock with a light thud. He stretched his arms high above his head, letting out a satisfied sigh. "Let's get some food!" he exclaimed, his grin wide and carefree.

Nami rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a small smile. "Supplies first, then food," she said, her tone firm but playful. She stepped onto the dock gracefully, already assessing the market stalls in the distance.

Zoro followed, his usual calm demeanor intact. "And maybe a drink," he added with a smirk, his eyes glinting with the thought of sake. He scanned the crowd casually but kept his senses sharp. He knew from experience that even the most peaceful places could hide danger.

Together, they stepped onto Raventon Island, their footsteps falling in sync. The scent of freshly baked bread mixed with the salty air, and the sounds of seagulls added to the quaint charm of the place. But amidst the warmth and welcome, none of them noticed the subtle shift in the crowd—a pair of eyes lingering on them longer than the rest. In the shadows of a nearby alley, a cloaked figure watched their every move with quiet intent.

The sea had brought them to safety—for now—but adventure was never far behind.

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