ONE PEICE: LONG ROAD

"If my physical strength recovers quickly, then I'll have extra time that others don't to train myself. If I persevere, I'll grow strong enough to no longer need to stand behind Siby anymore. But I don't yet understand how quickly my body heals, so I'll have to explore it slowly." Wang Li pondered as he wrestled with this newfound power. His small head brimmed with thoughts of growing stronger.

As Wang Li became engrossed in his thoughts, Kunke took out another cigarette, lit it, and exhaled a stream of smoke that blurred his dark, weathered face. Memories of the Snod family flashed in his mind—a family that had thrived 700 years ago in the Grand Line, famous for their unmatched combat strength. Their arrogance, however, led them to provoke the Celestial Dragons. Within decades, they vanished into obscurity. "Just brute force," Kunke muttered under his breath. "The Celestial Dragons… they're a force the World Government protects zealously. But to think, after seven centuries, the Snod lineage has resurfaced on this small island. Is it fate, or deliberate design?" Kunke's eyes flickered with resolve. "Still, I trust Siby's judgment."

"Siby, I have something important to tell you," Kunke finally spoke, setting his cigarette holder on the table. His voice was low, almost hesitant.

Siby, sensing the weight of Kunke's words, nodded solemnly. The usual smile on her face was gone, replaced with a seriousness befitting the moment.

Kunke scratched his chin, deliberating where to start. "Two years ago, when pirates attacked Xibei Village, it wasn't a random raid." He paused, studying Siby's expression, which remained unreadable. "That attack was deliberate. The pirates disguised themselves as merchants to slip under the government's radar. But their power wasn't at its peak then, and even so, your father died during that raid." Kunke's voice cracked slightly as he forced a bitter smile.

"The peaceful life we enjoyed in Xibei Village for so long made us complacent, and we paid the price. Your father wasn't just anyone, Siby—he was one of our strongest fighters. But his death…" Kunke's gaze hardened, locking onto Siby. "His death was because of you and your mother."

Siby's sapphire-blue eyes widened in shock, her chest tightening as waves of guilt and grief crashed over her. Wang Li, having emerged from his own thoughts, noticed her trembling. Without hesitation, he reached out and gripped Siby's hand firmly, his warmth silently offering comfort.

Siby took a deep breath and straightened, her small face resolute despite the storm raging in her heart. "I may have caused it," she admitted to herself, "but wallowing in guilt won't bring him back. If I want to honor his memory, I must move forward."

Seeing her determination, Kunke allowed a faint smile to grace his lips. "Siby, there's no need for blame. Your father adored you. When you were born, he was as ecstatic as a child. He had a broader heart than most of us, and I believe he would never want you to live burdened by his death. Live for yourself, Siby—not just for him."

Kunke leaned back and sighed deeply. "That attack cost us dearly. Aside from Heder and me, most of our strongest fighters were either killed or incapacitated. Everyone fought desperately to protect their loved ones, and in doing so, many fell."

He paused, his tone darkening. "The pirates who attacked weren't ordinary scum. They had a purpose. There's something hidden on this island—something they desperately want. And even though we managed to drive them off, their leader escaped. He'll return someday to finish what he started."

Kunke's expression grew grim as his piercing eyes fixed on Siby. "Now, Siby, what I'm about to tell you is a closely guarded secret of our family. You have the choice to listen or walk away, but once you know, there's no turning back."

Without hesitation, Siby nodded.

Kunke cleared his throat, his voice steady but heavy. "Our family has existed for over 800 years, guarding a magic weapon hidden in the back mountain. We don't know its origins or its true purpose, only that the clan has sworn to protect it at all costs. But your father…" Kunke chuckled bitterly. "Your father dared to question tradition. He asked why we protect something we're forbidden to use. If we're all gone one day, he argued, what's the point of protecting it? Why not use its power to protect ourselves and our legacy?"

Kunke leaned forward, his tone grave. "I didn't agree with him then. Tradition is deeply rooted, and we couldn't risk violating the clan's decree. But his words stayed with me. Our family's strength has dwindled over the generations. We're no longer the powerful guardians we once were. The attack two years ago made that painfully clear."

"The magic weapon emits a strange power that warps the surrounding environment and animals, making it dangerous for someone as young as you to approach. That's why you've been forbidden from entering the back mountain. But that weapon was the pirates' target, and they'll come for it again."

Kunke's voice turned cold, his eyes narrowing. "The leader of that pirate crew isn't just anyone. He's cunning, and he knows the secret. That's why I'm certain he'll return. And when he does, Xibei Village must be ready to face him."

Kunke leaned back, his broad chest rising and falling with deep breaths. "That's everything. Now, Siby, what's your choice?"

Siby rose to her feet, slamming her small hands on the table. Her sapphire eyes burned with determination. "Uncle Kunke, please train me! I'll grow stronger—I'll protect Xibei Village!"

Not to be outdone, Wang Li stood beside her, his own resolve shining through. "Uncle Kunke, train me too! I have people I want to protect. I won't back down!"

Kunke's lips curled into a wide grin as he roared with laughter. "You brats better be ready for the hell I'll put you through! Haha!"

His booming laughter echoed throughout the village, reaching Heder's ears. The old man chuckled softly, his heart lightened.

Perhaps, for this generation, it's no longer about protecting a weapon or upholding traditions. What matters now is protecting the ones they care about.

This era belongs to them—the era of youth.