Chapter 26 – The Journey Begins (1513)

Two years had passed since the Mad Hat tragedy. Two years filled with training, contemplation, and preparation. The vast ocean, full of mysteries and threats, was now their destination. Bastien and Arthur, now 17 years old, stood at a small dock, staring at the ship that had been prepared for their journey. Despite the wide expanse of the sea before them, a sense of anxiety and farewell surrounded their hearts.

Lazhar, who now appeared older than before, stood beside them. His body was still muscular, but there was something different in his gaze. It was as if a memory had been left behind, something sorrowful. He knew, just like them, that the time they had spent together had reached its end.

"I never imagined you'd leave so soon," Lazhar said in a heavy voice. His gaze fixed on Bastien and Arthur, his face full of restrained pride. "But I know you're ready. You're no longer the children who came to Mad Hat all those years ago. You've grown into more than that."

Bastien lowered his head for a moment, reflecting on all he had learned from Lazhar. Haki, weapons, the ideology he had formed, and most importantly—the feeling of family he had found in the embrace of a man who had once been a member of Gol D. Roger's crew. It was all here, in memories that couldn't be erased.

"Lazhar," Bastien's voice was firmer than before, "we won't forget everything you've taught us. You're more than just a mentor. You're a father to us."

Arthur, standing beside Bastien, added with a slightly more emotional tone, "You've shown us how to survive in this world. We wouldn't be able to do any of this without you."

Lazhar smiled faintly, but there was a worry that couldn't be hidden in his eyes. "You'll face a lot out there on the sea. This world is much bigger than you think. Don't trust anyone too quickly, and never underestimate your opponents. You're strong enough to survive, but you always have to be ready for the worst."

Bastien stared at the vast ocean before them. Every step they took from here would shape their future. And now, he felt ready. The year of preparation—rigorous training, mastering Haki, and the invaluable lessons from Lazhar—had all shaped him into someone different.

"Lazhar," Bastien's voice was softer this time, "I know you're worried. But we won't fall. We'll continue this journey, even if we're no longer together."

Arthur looked at Lazhar, his eyes full of determination. "We'll come back one day. And we'll make you proud."

Lazhar didn't say anything, only nodded slowly, holding back emotions that seemed ready to explode. He had trained them to be stronger, but now they had to continue on their own. All he could do was hope that the unspoken prayers in his heart would protect them.

The two of them then turned toward the ship that was ready to sail the seas. A simple ship, but strong enough to carry them to their destination. Bastien took the first step, followed by Arthur. They exchanged a glance, knowing that this was not the end, but only the beginning of a longer journey.

However, just before they boarded the ship, Lazhar stopped them. "Bastien," Lazhar said, his voice more serious, "I want you to remember something very important. Strength is not everything. Courage is important, but more than that—trust the crew you will form. You can't do everything alone."

Bastien turned and nodded seriously. He knew this message came from the heart, not just as advice. "I understand, Lazhar. We'll find people we can trust. We'll form a strong crew."

Arthur, standing beside Bastien, added, "We'll make sure we have a crew that can support each other. That's for sure."

Lazhar sighed and raised both hands, as if letting go of something very precious. "If that's what you want, I'll support you. Always remember that this world is full of betrayal, and even if you trust someone, never forget your conscience."

After a few moments of silence, where only the sound of the waves could be heard, Lazhar extended his hand to both of them. A handshake full of meaning, marking the end of the first chapter of their lives. "Take care of yourselves, Bastien. Arthur," Lazhar said, looking at both young men with deep affection. "Be better than I was."

Bastien and Arthur stared at the hand for a moment, then looked at each other, before finally shaking hands firmly. This was a farewell, but not the end. Their hearts knew that even though they would sail far from here, they would carry with them everything Lazhar had given them. Courage, lessons, and the love of a father they had never had before.

With steady steps, they boarded the ship and began preparing for their journey. The vast ocean awaited them, full of challenges and adventures that would test them. They knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but they also knew that together, they could face it.

After starting their journey, Bastien stood next to Arthur, staring at the horizon with determination. "We'll make him proud. We'll show the world who we are."

Arthur nodded, his smile wide. "We'll be the best, Bastien."

And with that, their ship slowly set sail toward the ocean, leaving Mad Hat—now in ruins—behind them. The vast ocean stretched out before them, and their true adventure had just begun.