John wick in one piece

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The Eclipse cut through the waves like a predator, its sleek black hull a striking contrast against the blue sea. The tension from the encounter with Krant and his men had begun to fade, but it left behind a lingering unease. Michael stood at the helm, his mind focused on the horizon, even as the crew busied themselves with their tasks.

Amara had taken to organizing her infirmary again, her sharp focus on replenishing what they had used. Lia sat cross-legged on the deck, sharpening one of the new knives she'd purchased at the last port. She had insisted on being ready for anything after what had happened.

"You're quiet today," Lia said, glancing up at Michael.

"Just thinking," Michael replied, his hands steady on the wheel.

"About what?" Lia pressed.

"Everything," he said simply. "The ship, the crew, the Grand Line. We've come a long way, but we've got a lot further to go."

Lia nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Do you ever wonder if we'll make it?"

Michael smiled faintly. "Every day. But wondering doesn't get us there. Doing does."

Amara emerged from below deck, wiping her hands on a towel. "We'll need to stop again soon," she said. "That last fight put a dent in our supplies. And some of our tools need replacing."

Michael nodded. "We'll keep an eye out for a port."

"There's an island up ahead," Lia said, pointing toward a small shape on the horizon. "Looks quiet."

"Let's hope it stays that way," Michael said, adjusting their course.

As they approached the island, it became clear that it was larger than it had first appeared. A small settlement nestled near the shoreline, its docks bustling with fishing boats and traders. The place had an air of calm industry, a sharp contrast to the chaotic ports they had visited recently.

Michael brought the Eclipse into the harbor, expertly docking alongside a weathered pier. The crew disembarked, their eyes scanning the surroundings for anything unusual. The settlement seemed friendly enough, but Michael had learned to trust his instincts.

"We'll split up," Michael said. "Lia, you handle the food and water. Amara, check for medical supplies. I'll look for tools and anything else we might need."

"Got it," Lia said, her determination evident.

"Be careful," Amara added, her tone serious. "This place might look peaceful, but you never know what's lurking."

Michael smirked. "I'll keep that in mind."

---

The marketplace was smaller than those they'd seen before, but it was well-stocked and lively. Michael moved between stalls, inspecting tools and materials while keeping an eye on the crowd. The people here seemed friendly, but he couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched.

As he paid for a new set of ropes and pulleys, a voice cut through the noise behind him. "You've got the look of a man who knows his way around a fight."

Michael turned slowly, his hand resting on the hilt of his knife. The speaker was a tall, broad-shouldered man with a weathered face and a knowing grin. He wore a simple but sturdy coat, and his stance suggested he was no stranger to conflict.

"Who's asking?" Michael said evenly.

"Name's Garret," the man said, holding up his hands in a gesture of peace. "I run the town's defense. Heard about you when you docked. Folks say you're the captain of that black ship."

Michael's eyes narrowed. "And?"

"And we could use someone like you," Garret said. "We've been having trouble with raiders lately. They hit fast, take what they want, and disappear before we can mount a proper defense. We've managed to hold them off so far, but it's only a matter of time before they come back stronger."

Michael studied the man for a moment, weighing his words. "What do you want from me?"

"Your help," Garret said. "You've got the look of a man who's seen his fair share of battles. Help us deal with these raiders, and the town will pay you for your trouble."

Michael crossed his arms. "How much?"

"Ten million berries," Garret said. "It's all we can spare, but it's honest work."

Michael considered the offer. The money would go a long way toward keeping the Eclipse and the crew in good shape, and it would give them a chance to test their mettle against a real threat. After a moment, he nodded.

"All right," he said. "But I'll need details."

Garret's grin widened. "You've got a deal. Meet me at the barracks in an hour. I'll tell you everything you need to know."

---

Michael relayed the plan to Lia and Amara back on the Eclipse. Lia was eager, her excitement tempered by a growing sense of responsibility.

"Do you think the town will really pay us?" Lia asked.

"They will," Michael said. "If we do our part."

Amara folded her arms, her expression skeptical. "And if they don't?"

"Then we'll take what we're owed," Michael replied. "But let's not jump to conclusions."

An hour later, Michael met Garret at the barracks. The man laid out the situation in detail: the raiders were a small but organized crew, using a hidden cove to launch their attacks. Garret's men had managed to track them back to their base but lacked the firepower to take them on directly.

"That's where you come in," Garret said. "You've got the skill and the experience. Help us hit them where it hurts."

Michael nodded. "We'll take care of it."

---

The next morning, the Eclipse sailed toward the cove under Garret's guidance. The plan was simple: strike fast, disable the raiders' ships, and force them to surrender. Michael's crew worked seamlessly, preparing for the fight with quiet efficiency.

As they approached the cove, the raiders' base came into view—a cluster of crude huts and a small fleet of ships anchored in the shallows. Michael studied the layout, formulating a strategy.

"We'll hit their ships first," he said. "Amara, you stay here and cover us with the cannons. Lia, you're with me."

The attack was swift and brutal. The Eclipse's cannons roared, their shots tearing through the raiders' vessels with precision. Michael and Lia led the charge, boarding the ships and dispatching their crews with calculated efficiency. The raiders, caught off guard, fell quickly.

By the time the smoke cleared, the cove was silent. The surviving raiders had surrendered, their weapons discarded. Michael stood at the center of the wreckage, his expression calm but commanding.

"Your days of raiding are over," he said. "Leave, and don't come back."

The raiders fled, their morale shattered. Garret and his men arrived shortly after, their gratitude evident.

"You've done us a great service," Garret said, handing Michael a sack of berries. "The town won't forget this."

Michael nodded, his thoughts already on the journey ahead. As the Eclipse set sail once more, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. The crew was stronger, the ship was secure, and the Grand Line loomed closer with every passing day.

They were ready for whatever came next.

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