John wick in one piece

---

The morning sun crept over the horizon, casting a warm glow across the bustling shipyard. Michael and Lia stood near the frame of their new ship, watching as Declan's crew worked with precision, assembling the keel and laying the first planks of the hull. The black wood gleamed in the sunlight, giving the ship an almost spectral quality even in its early stages.

"It's really starting to look like something," Lia said, her excitement clear in her voice.

"It is," Michael replied. "But there's still a lot to do. Materials, fittings, sails—we're far from finished."

Declan approached, wiping his hands on his apron. "Morning. Good timing. I was just about to tell you—if we're going to finish this ship the way you want, we're going to need some higher-quality materials."

"What kind of materials?" Michael asked.

"Reinforced steel for the fittings, better wood for the masts, and a special coating for the hull," Declan said. "The kind of stuff you won't find sitting around in a regular shipyard."

Michael nodded, his mind already racing. "Where do we get it?"

Declan smirked. "There's a port a few days' sail from here. Big trade hub. You'll find just about anything there if you've got the money—and if you know where to look."

"Guess I know what we're doing next," Michael said.

Lia crossed her arms, her brow furrowing. "Do we even have enough money for all that?"

"Not yet," Michael admitted. "But we're getting there."

Declan raised an eyebrow. "Back to bounty hunting, then?"

"Back to bounty hunting," Michael confirmed. "We'll leave at first light tomorrow."

That evening, Michael and Lia prepared the sloop for their journey. They stocked supplies, secured their weapons, and charted a course to the trade port Declan had mentioned. The work was steady, almost routine now, but Michael noticed that Lia seemed quieter than usual.

"What's on your mind?" he asked as they secured the last of the provisions.

Lia hesitated, then said, "Do you ever think about what happens after we build the ship? I mean… what's next?"

Michael leaned against the mast, considering her question. "The Grand Line. That's the goal. Everything we're doing now is to get ready for it."

"But what will we do there?" Lia pressed. "Are we just going to keep fighting and running? Or… is there something bigger?"

Michael didn't answer right away. Instead, he looked out at the horizon, the endless expanse of water stretching before them. "I don't know yet. But whatever it is, we'll face it together."

Lia nodded, though her expression remained pensive. "Together," she repeated softly.

The next morning, they set sail for the trade port. The journey was uneventful at first, the steady wind and calm seas making for easy travel. Michael used the time to review the bounty posters he had collected, selecting targets that would yield the highest payouts with the least risk. Lia helped with the navigation, her growing confidence in handling the sloop evident in her every movement.

By the time they arrived at the port, the sun was high in the sky, and the harbor was alive with activity. Ships of all sizes crowded the docks, their crews unloading goods and haggling with merchants. The air was filled with the sounds of shouting, laughter, and the occasional clang of metal.

Michael secured the sloop and turned to Lia. "Stay close. This place is busier than what we're used to."

Lia nodded, her eyes wide as she took in the bustling scene. "Got it."

They moved through the market, navigating the labyrinth of stalls and vendors. Michael kept his hand near his knife, his gaze scanning for potential threats. Despite the chaos, he couldn't help but feel a sense of purpose. This was what they had worked for—another step toward building the ship that would carry them forward.

Their search led them to a merchant who specialized in high-grade shipbuilding materials. The man was short and round, his face beaming as he showed off his wares. "You've got good taste," he said, gesturing to the reinforced steel beams and bundles of rare wood stacked behind him. "This is the best you'll find in East Blue."

Michael examined the materials, his critical eye assessing their quality. "How much?"

The merchant rubbed his hands together, his smile widening. "For all this? Fifty million berries."

Lia's jaw dropped. "Fifty million?"

Michael remained calm. "It's good, but not worth that much."

The merchant's smile faltered slightly. "Alright, alright. Forty-five million. That's my best offer."

Michael crossed his arms. "I'll give you thirty."

"Thirty?" the merchant spluttered. "You're robbing me!"

"Or I'll find someone else," Michael said, his tone even. "Your choice."

The merchant hesitated, then sighed heavily. "Fine. Thirty. But you'll have to arrange transport yourself."

"Done," Michael said, shaking the man's hand.

As they left the stall, Lia looked up at him, her expression a mix of admiration and disbelief. "How did you do that?"

"People like him always inflate their prices," Michael said. "You just have to be firm."

Lia nodded, filing the lesson away. "So now what?"

"Now we find a way to pay for it," Michael said, pulling out the latest batch of bounty posters. He handed one to Lia. "This one's our best bet. Mid-level pirate, not far from here. Ten million berries."

"Do you think it'll be enough?" Lia asked.

"It'll be a start," Michael said. "We'll figure out the rest after."

As they set sail once more, Michael felt a familiar sense of determination settle over him. The pieces were falling into place, and with each step, they were moving closer to their goal. The new ship was no longer just a dream—it was becoming a reality. And with it, the future they had fought so hard for was finally within reach.

---