Chapter 20: Chapter 20: A Visit to Foosha Village
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The Eclipse sailed steadily under clear skies, its black sails standing out against the endless blue. Michael stood at the helm, consulting the map Lia held out for him. The next destination was a small island known for its peaceful village and lively tavern, a place that had piqued Michael's interest during his time gathering information.
"Foosha Village," Michael said, studying the map. "Never heard of it, but it's close enough. We'll resupply there and rest for a day or two."
"What's so special about it?" Lia asked, peering at the map.
Michael shrugged. "Not much, apparently. Just a quiet little village in the East Blue. But those are the places where interesting things usually happen."
Amara leaned against the railing, her arms crossed. "Sounds too peaceful. I'm betting something's already gone wrong there."
Michael smirked. "Guess we'll find out."
By late afternoon, the Eclipse approached the island. The village was visible from the water, its simple houses nestled near the shore and a single windmill standing on a hill in the distance. A few fishing boats dotted the small harbor, and the sound of seagulls filled the air.
Michael anchored the ship, and the crew disembarked. The villagers watched curiously but without fear—a testament to the place's peaceful nature. Michael led the way into the village, his gaze sweeping over the streets.
"This place is... quiet," Lia said, her voice hushed.
"Too quiet," Amara muttered. "But let's not jump to conclusions."
They stopped at a modest inn near the center of the village, its wooden sign swinging gently in the breeze. Inside, the innkeeper greeted them warmly, his face lighting up at the sight of visitors.
"Welcome! You must be sailors," the man said, wiping his hands on an apron. "It's been a while since we've had anyone passing through."
Michael nodded. "We're just here to restock. Maybe hear about the area."
The innkeeper's smile faltered slightly. "Well, there's not much to tell. Things have been quiet since Luffy left."
"Luffy?" Lia asked, tilting her head.
The innkeeper chuckled. "A local boy. Bit of a troublemaker, but with a good heart. He left a couple of weeks ago to chase his dream of becoming a pirate."
Michael raised an eyebrow. "A pirate?"
"That's right," the innkeeper said. "He's got big dreams, that one. Always talked about finding the One Piece and becoming the Pirate King."
The mention of the One Piece made Michael pause. He'd heard the stories before—tales of the legendary treasure hidden somewhere in the Grand Line. Most dismissed it as a myth, but Michael knew better. Myths often had a kernel of truth.
"Sounds ambitious," Michael said, his tone neutral.
"He'll do it," the innkeeper said with a grin. "If anyone can, it's him. You should visit the tavern if you want to know more. Makino runs the place. She knows everything about Luffy."
Michael nodded. "Thanks for the tip."
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The tavern was a cozy building near the village square, its warm light spilling out into the street as the sun set. Inside, the atmosphere was welcoming, with villagers chatting over drinks and the scent of freshly baked bread wafting through the air.
Behind the bar, a young woman with kind eyes and a calm demeanor served drinks with practiced ease. She looked up as Michael and his crew entered, her expression curious but friendly.
"Welcome," she said. "What can I get for you?"
Michael approached the bar, leaning against it casually. "Just information for now. We heard about a boy named Luffy."
Makino's eyes lit up. "Ah, Luffy. You're not the first to come asking about him. He's made quite an impression on people."
"Seems like it," Michael said. "What can you tell us?"
Makino poured a drink for a nearby patron, then leaned on the bar. "Luffy's special. He's got this way of inspiring people, making them believe in him. He's always been like that, ever since he was a kid."
"What about his crew?" Michael asked.
"He's just starting out," Makino said. "But I have no doubt he'll find the right people. That's just how Luffy is—he attracts the kind of people who'll follow him anywhere."
Lia leaned closer, her curiosity evident. "Do you think he'll really find the One Piece?"
Makino smiled softly. "If anyone can, it's Luffy. He's got a determination that's hard to match."
Michael nodded thoughtfully. "Thanks for the insight. We'll leave you to your work."
Makino waved them off with a warm smile. "Enjoy your stay in the village. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."
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As they walked back to the inn, Lia couldn't stop talking about what they'd learned. "It's kind of amazing, isn't it? This kid just decides to go after the biggest treasure in the world, and everyone believes he can do it."
"Ambition can take you far," Michael said. "But it takes more than ambition to survive. The Grand Line isn't forgiving."
"You think we'll run into him someday?" Lia asked.
"Maybe," Michael said. "The world's big, but it has a way of bringing people together."
Amara, who had been quiet until now, spoke up. "Luffy sounds like trouble waiting to happen. But I'll admit, it takes guts to chase a dream like that."
Michael smirked. "You'd know something about that."
Amara rolled her eyes. "Don't push your luck."
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The next day, Michael and Lia explored more of the village, helping with small tasks in exchange for supplies. The villagers were grateful, and their warmth was a welcome change from the harshness of the open sea.
As the crew prepared to leave, Michael stood on the dock, looking back at the windmill on the hill. He couldn't shake the feeling that this quiet village was more significant than it seemed.
"What are you thinking about?" Lia asked, standing beside him.
"Just wondering if we're ready," Michael said. "For everything that's coming."
Lia smiled. "We'll be ready. We have the Eclipse. We have each other."
Michael nodded, his resolve strengthening. "Then let's keep moving. The Grand Line won't wait for us."
As the Eclipse sailed away from Foosha Village, Michael felt a renewed sense of purpose. The stories of Luffy and his dream had reminded him why he was doing this—to forge his own path, to face the challenges ahead, and to find something worth fighting for.
The journey was far from over, but for the first time in a long while, Michael felt like they were on the right course. Together, they would face whatever the seas had in store—and they would emerge stronger for it.
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MC haven't watched one piece, only know few things.