Jackson Swan a One Piece Story

Jackson's training had become an all-consuming focus. Each day was a blur of intense physical conditioning, sword practice, and refining his Haki. He had grown accustomed to the sweat, the strain, the exhaustion. His body had transformed—muscles sharper, reflexes quicker. His swordsmanship was more fluid now, more natural. His Observation Haki had grown stronger too, becoming almost second nature. But despite the progress, despite the growth, a gnawing uncertainty remained deep inside him.

Jackson had been thinking more and more about what lay ahead. There was only so much you could learn in a small village like Shimotsuki. The world beyond was vast, and if he wanted to truly understand it, to shape his own future, he had to leave. But where would he go?

For a long time, the question of whether he should become a Pirate or a Marine had lingered in his mind. On the surface, both seemed like paths leading to conflict, chaos, and danger.

The life of a pirate, filled with freedom and adventure, had its appeal. But Jackson couldn't ignore the darker side of piracy—the ruthless violence, the greed, the betrayal. The pirates he'd read about were often larger-than-life figures, full of ambition, yes, but also destructive in their pursuit of power. Even if the pirate life offered adventure, it was hard to ignore the fact that many pirates were nothing more than criminals, seizing what they wanted without regard for others.

Then there were the Marines. The idea of joining the Marines seemed like a more noble pursuit—fighting for justice, protecting the innocent. But Jackson had learned about the dark side of the Marines too. Most of the Marines were decent, good people, trying to do their best in a corrupt world. But the Five Elders—the puppet masters pulling the strings behind the scenes—were not. They controlled the Marines, manipulating the organization for their own agendas. Their power and influence spread through the world like a shadow, and Jackson didn't know if he could reconcile serving under them, knowing they held such control over the very justice the Marines claimed to uphold.

Neither path seemed appealing. To become a pirate meant embracing the chaos and violence that came with it. To become a Marine meant submitting to an authority that Jackson didn't fully trust.

He had always wanted to be free, to explore the world and make his own choices. But how could he do that without being swept into the tides of either side? Freedom, to Jackson, didn't mean just avoiding authority or chaos—it meant something more, something deeper.

His thoughts wandered back to something he'd been working on in secret—his plan to one day set out on the seas. Not as a pirate, and not as a Marine, but as something else entirely. He wasn't sure what yet, but the more he thought about it, the more he realized he would need a ship. And for that, he needed a plan.

Jackson had started sketching designs for a boat, a vessel he could one day call his own. It wasn't a grand ship like the ones the great pirates sailed, but something practical, something that would get him where he needed to go. His rough sketches filled the pages of a leather-bound notebook—an idea taking shape in his mind. He had drawn out a basic design, a sleek, swift ship that would be easy to maneuver, strong enough to withstand the dangers of the open seas. But it wasn't just a dream—it was a plan.

He'd already decided that he would have the ship built in Water 7, the shipbuilding capital of the world, located on the first half of the Grand Line. But Water 7 was years away. He was still just a kid, and the time it would take to get there seemed like a distant horizon. The thought of the long journey ahead didn't scare him, though—it was just part of the process. Every step, no matter how long or difficult, would get him closer to his goal.

Jackson wasn't concerned about someone reading his plans. His notebook was written in Swedish, a language from his previous life that no one in this world would be able to understand. It was a precaution—if anyone ever found it, they'd be completely unable to decipher it. The last thing Jackson wanted was for someone to stumble upon his plans and understand them, especially if they fell into the wrong hands. His knowledge of his old world, even in something as simple as the language he used to write, was an asset. He'd learned to keep his secrets close.

As Jackson sat on the porch of the small house he shared with his parents, his sketchbook open in front of him, he let his mind wander. There was still so much to figure out. His future was uncertain, and no matter what path he took, he knew it would be filled with challenges. But he wasn't afraid. In fact, he was more certain than ever that his journey—his real journey—hadn't even begun yet.

He didn't want to be a pirate, and he didn't want to be a Marine. He just wanted to be free, to sail on his own terms, and to see the world for what it was—raw, untamed, and full of possibilities.

Jackson looked out at the horizon, a quiet resolve settling in his chest. The adventure he had been dreaming of was out there, waiting for him. And he would find it—on his own ship, on his own terms.

The plan was in motion. It was just a matter of time.

Jackson had been thinking about it for a while—waiting until he was seventeen before venturing to the Grand Line, but starting with the East Blue to gain more experience was something he was leaning toward. It made sense to him, but there was one major obstacle standing in his way: his parents. More specifically, his father, Isaiah. Jackson wasn't worried about his mother, Aiko—she had always been more understanding—but convincing his father that it was time to set out into the world would be a challenge.

He'd known for a while that the life of a baker wasn't for him. He wanted to see the world, to test his limits and discover what lay beyond Shimotsuki Village. But how could he convince his father? The world was dangerous, and Isaiah had always been protective, especially when it came to his son. Jackson could still feel the weight of his father's worries and the pressure of his unspoken expectations.

It was time to face it. Jackson couldn't keep putting it off. So, one evening after dinner, as his parents sat at the table discussing their usual daily routine, Jackson finally spoke up.

"Mom, Dad," Jackson began, trying to keep his voice calm but resolute. "I've been thinking. I want to set out and sail the East Blue. I want to start my journey and learn more about the world."

Isaiah's face immediately darkened. "The East Blue? Are you serious, Jackson?" He set his fork down with a heavy sigh, his voice full of concern. "You're just a boy. The world out there is dangerous. There are pirates, criminals, sea kings... How do you think you can survive out there?"

Jackson met his father's gaze, his heart pounding. "I know it's dangerous, Dad. But I've been training for years. I'm not the same kid I was. I've been learning swordsmanship under Shimotsuki Kouzaburou and his son, Koushirou. They've taught me more than I could have ever imagined. I'm ready to take the next step. I don't want to live a life in the bakery. I need to see the world. It's my time."

Aiko looked up at him, concern in her eyes, but there was also understanding. "Jackson, I know you've been working hard, and I see the skill you've developed. But the world isn't kind. Even with your training, it's still dangerous."

Isaiah's face tightened with worry. "You don't understand, Jackson. The East Blue may be safer than the Grand Line, but it's still no place for a child. Pirates are ruthless. The Marines can't always protect you. And you think a sword is enough to keep you safe? It's not just about your strength—it's about surviving what's out there."

Jackson's frustration started to build, but he kept his voice steady. "I know it's dangerous. But the world doesn't stop for anyone. I can't keep hiding here forever. I've learned so much, and I know I can take care of myself. You always say that I'm growing up, that I'm becoming stronger. Well, I'm ready to prove it. I'm ready to face the world, not just stay in this village forever."

Isaiah looked like he was about to say something more, but Jackson cut him off. "Let me show you," he said. "I've been training for this. Let me show you what I've learned. Let me show you that I'm ready."

Isaiah looked at him skeptically, but Aiko nodded, motioning for him to follow Jackson outside. "Alright, let's see what you can do, Jackson."

Jackson led his parents outside to the training grounds near the village. He was nervous, but he also knew that this was his chance to prove himself to them. He unsheathed his sword, standing tall before them.

"I've been learning more than just swordplay," Jackson began, looking at his parents. "I've been practicing the Six Styles, the Rokushiki techniques that the Marines use."

Aiko's eyes widened slightly. "You've been learning that?" She was surprised, but there was a hint of pride in her voice.

Isaiah crossed his arms, still looking concerned. "Alright, show me. But don't think just because you can swing a sword you're ready to leave this village."

Jackson nodded, then took a deep breath. He focused on the technique he had been practicing for months. His first move was Soru, the technique that allowed him to move at incredible speeds. With a swift burst of speed, Jackson dashed from one end of the yard to the other, moving faster than his parents could even process.

He stopped in a blur of motion, looking back at them. "That's Soru," he said, his voice steady but excited. "It allows me to move faster than the eye can follow. In a fight, it'll help me dodge attacks or close the gap between me and an opponent in an instant."

Aiko's eyes widened in astonishment, and even Isaiah seemed taken aback. But his father's concern remained. "That's fast, I'll give you that. But that's just one move. Show me more."

Jackson took a moment to gather himself. He then dropped into a stance and activated Tekkai, hardening his body like steel. His muscles visibly tensed, and he stood rigid, unyielding.

"Tekkai," Jackson explained. "It hardens my muscles, making me nearly invulnerable to physical attacks. I can take a hit without breaking."

Isaiah looked him over, still skeptical but impressed. "That's something. But the world isn't just about fighting. It's about surviving, Jackson. You can't just rely on tricks. What happens when you meet someone stronger than you? What happens when the sea itself decides it's going to be your enemy?"

Jackson wasn't deterred. He had one more move to show them. He focused his energy and swung his sword with precision, unleashing a flying slash. The slash cut through the air with incredible force, the energy from his blade slicing a small tree trunk nearby. The force of it caused the leaves to rustle, and the ground beneath his feet seemed to shudder slightly.

"Rankyaku," Jackson said, his eyes focused with intensity. "I've learned how to make flying slashes with my sword. With this, I can attack from a distance."

Aiko gasped, clearly impressed. "Jackson… this is… this is incredible."

Isaiah stood there, silent for a moment, processing what he had just witnessed. His expression was still full of concern, but there was a flicker of understanding in his eyes. "You've really been working hard. I can see that. But it's still dangerous. Even with these techniques, the world will test you in ways you can't predict."

Jackson's heart beat faster as he spoke his final words. "I know, Dad. I know it's dangerous. But I've been training, and I'm ready to face it. The world won't wait for me to be safe. If I don't go out there now, I'll always wonder what could have been. The world is full of danger, but it's also full of possibilities. I'm not asking for permission, but I am asking for your trust."

Isaiah looked at Jackson, his expression torn. He hesitated for a moment before finally letting out a deep sigh. "I still don't like it, Jackson. I don't want you to throw your life away out there. But I can see how hard you've worked, and I can't stop you from following your path. Just promise me you'll be smart. Don't go out there with some romantic idea of adventure. The world isn't kind."

Jackson's face lit up with a mix of relief and pride. "I promise, Dad. I'll be smart. I'll be careful. And I'll come back stronger."

Isaiah nodded, his voice softer now. "I can't stop you, Jackson. I just wish you'd take the safe route… but if this is what you want, then go. Just don't get yourself killed."

Aiko stepped forward and hugged Jackson. "I'm proud of you, Jackson. You've grown into someone I know can handle anything the world throws at you. Be safe, but follow your heart."

Jackson smiled brightly, feeling a rush of gratitude. "Thanks, Mom. Thanks, Dad."

And with that, his path was clear. The world awaited him, full of challenges and opportunities. Jackson was ready, more than ever, to set out and make his own way.