Chapter 16: Calm Before the Storm

Chapter 16: Calm Before the Storm

The Wave Strider continued its voyage, now sailing steadily across the calm waters beyond Reverse Mountain. The crew moved around the deck with a sense of accomplishment and excitement. The Grand Line stretched out before them, vast and untamed, filled with both danger and promise.

Ren leaned against the railing, the wind tousling his dark hair. He looked relaxed, his usual intensity replaced by a rare, easygoing smile. Ryu approached him, balancing a wooden tray laden with grilled fish. "Thought you could use some food, Captain."

"Thanks, Ryu," Ren said, taking a skewer and biting into it. The savory flavor burst across his tongue, and he sighed in contentment. "You know, it's hard to believe we actually made it through that mountain."

"You doubted us?" Ryu smirked, leaning back against the railing next to Ren.

"Nah," Ren said, chuckling. "But I gotta admit, that current was insane."

Ryu's grin widened. "It was, but you were solid back there. You held your ground better than anyone."

"Yeah?" Ren said, his eyes gleaming. "You weren't too bad yourself."

Their casual banter was interrupted by a loud crash from the kitchen. The two exchanged glances before heading over to investigate.

---

Inside the kitchen, Seraphina stood amidst a small sea of pots and pans. Her cheeks were flushed, and her silver hair was tied back in a messy ponytail. "Who put the spices next to the flour?!" she shouted, waving a ladle like a weapon.

Nadia leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed and smirking. "You're the cook, aren't you? Shouldn't you know where everything is?"

"Oh, shut it," Seraphina huffed, swiping flour off her forehead. "I swear, I'm gonna roast someone if I can't find the paprika."

"I think it's right there," Ren said, pointing to a small tin near Seraphina's elbow.

Seraphina's eyes widened, and she let out a sheepish laugh. "Oh. Right. Thanks, Captain."

Ren chuckled and headed back outside, leaving Seraphina and Nadia to bicker playfully in the kitchen.

---

Later that evening, the crew gathered around a small fire pit on the deck. The night sky stretched endlessly above them, and the air was cool and refreshing. Nadia brought out a small barrel of ale, and Ryu handed Ren a cup.

"To our first day in the Grand Line!" Ryu declared, raising his cup high.

"To the Grand Line!" everyone echoed, their voices ringing out against the vast sea.

Ren took a long drink, his eyes fixed on the starry sky. The fire's warmth radiated against his skin, and for the first time in weeks, he felt a sense of calm. No immediate threats, no urgent training—just the crew, the sea, and the promise of what lay ahead.

"Hey, Captain," Nadia said, leaning back with a lazy grin. "What's next?"

Ren grinned back, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "We get stronger, we sail farther, and we take on whatever comes our way."

"And you'll keep us safe, right?" Seraphina said, her tone light but her gaze serious.

"You bet," Ren said, confidence radiating from him. "But don't forget—you're all pretty strong, too."

Nadia laughed, tossing a pillow at Ren. "Don't go getting too cocky, Captain. We'll keep you in check."

Ren caught the pillow, laughing along with the others. The crew's laughter echoed under the starry sky, a moment of peace and camaraderie that felt as vast as the ocean itself.

---

Suddenly, the ship lurched, the deck rocking violently. Nadia's drink spilled, and Seraphina nearly toppled over. "What the hell was that?!" Ryu shouted, eyes wide.

From the sea, a massive shadow loomed beneath the water. A monstrous sea beast burst forth, its jaws snapping as it roared. Its body was covered in dark scales, and its eyes glowed a menacing red. The creature towered over the ship, casting a shadow that swallowed the deck.

Ren stepped forward, his jaw set. "Stay back," he said, rolling his shoulders. "This one's mine."

"You sure?" Ryu asked, his hand hovering over his sword.

Ren nodded, his eyes gleaming. "I need to test something."

The sea beast lunged forward, jaws wide. Ren dodged to the side, his movements fluid, and clenched his fist. He focused, feeling the warmth of Armament Haki flow through his arm. "Impact Strike!" he shouted, slamming his Haki-infused fist into the beast's snout. The impact echoed like a cannon blast, and the beast reared back, roaring in pain.

Ren didn't let up. "Iron Strike!" His fist crashed into the beast's jaw again, the Haki amplifying the force. The monster's massive form wavered, teeth bared in fury.

"Not done yet!" Ren shouted, leaping high into the air. The wind howled around him as he brought both fists down. "Twin Hammer!" Both Haki-coated fists smashed into the top of the beast's skull, and the creature crashed back into the sea, sending up a wave that drenched the deck.

The crew stared, wide-eyed. Ryu whistled. "Damn, Ren."

Ren landed smoothly, shaking out his fists. "Guess that training's starting to pay off."

Nadia grinned, her eyes sparkling. "Looks like dinner's served."

---

That night, the crew feasted on the roasted sea beast. The scent of sizzling meat filled the air, and laughter echoed across the deck. Ryu tore into a hunk of meat, juice dripping down his chin. "Now this is a Grand Line feast!"

Seraphina smirked, flipping a skewer of sizzling meat. "Not bad for my first monster barbecue."

Ren sat by the fire, a content smile on his face. The food was delicious, the crew was in good spirits, and the Grand Line stretched out before them, a sea of possibilities.

"To the Grand Line!" Ren shouted, raising his cup.

"To the Grand Line!" the crew echoed, their voices carrying into the night, a chorus of hope and adventure.