Chapter 62: One Piece: A Side Story – The Forgotten Isle (Part 62)
The air grew tense as the Thousand Sunny drew closer to the massive whirlpool. The sky above darkened, thick clouds swirling ominously. The crew could feel the pull of the powerful current, the ship trembling under the strain.
Nami gripped the helm tightly, her eyes sharp and focused. "Hold on, everyone! The currents are stronger than I expected, but I'll get us through!"
Franky rushed to the engine room. "I'll give the Sunny a power boost! We'll need every bit of speed to fight that current!"
Sanji tightened the ropes securing the sails. "We're not letting this whirlpool swallow us. Keep the sails steady, or we'll lose control!"
Usopp clung to the mast, his eyes wide with fear. "I knew this was a bad idea! Whirlpools are just giant death traps in disguise!"
Chopper, in his smaller form, held onto Usopp's leg. "We'll make it through! We have to trust Nami and Franky!"
Robin stood calmly, her eyes observing the swirling waters. "This whirlpool isn't natural. Look at the currents—they're moving in a rhythmic pattern. It's almost as if it's… alive."
"Alive?" Brook's bony hands trembled slightly as he adjusted his violin. "Yohoho... If it's alive, I hope it's in a good mood!"
Zoro drew one of his swords, his gaze fixed on the swirling vortex. "Alive or not, if it attacks, I'll cut it down."
Luffy stood at the bow, his straw hat shadowing his determined expression. "This is just the beginning. We've got to show this sea we're not afraid!"
The Thousand Sunny reached the edge of the whirlpool, the ship creaking as the currents tried to pull it in. Nami barked orders over the roaring winds. "Sanji, adjust the sails! Zoro, make sure the ropes are secure! Everyone else, brace yourselves!"
With a sudden burst of energy, Franky activated the ship's propulsion system. The Sunny surged forward, fighting against the whirlpool's pull. The whirlpool's center glowed faintly, a strange light pulsing from deep within.
"What's that light?" Chopper shouted, pointing to the glowing center.
Robin narrowed her eyes. "It could be the heart of this trial. If we reach it, we might find a way to stop the whirlpool."
"Then let's aim for it!" Luffy shouted. "We're not running away!"
Nami gritted her teeth, steering the ship closer to the glowing center. "If we're going in, we need to do it fast. This current is getting stronger!"
The crew held on tight as the Thousand Sunny dove deeper into the whirlpool. The light grew brighter, its pulse matching the rhythm of the swirling waters. The roar of the sea was deafening, yet amidst the chaos, the crew's determination never wavered.
Suddenly, a massive wave surged toward them, towering over the ship. Luffy leapt into action. "I've got this! Gomu Gomu no Giant Bazooka!" His powerful attack split the wave, clearing a path for the Sunny.
"Nice one, Luffy!" Usopp cheered, though his grip on the mast didn't loosen.
As the ship approached the glowing center, the light intensified, casting an eerie glow over the deck. Nami shouted, "We're almost there! Hold on tight!"
With a final surge, the Thousand Sunny plunged into the heart of the whirlpool, engulfed by the blinding light. The world around them vanished in a flash, and for a moment, all was silent.
Then, as the light faded, the crew found themselves in calm waters. The whirlpool was gone, and in its place was a vast, open sea unlike any they had seen before. The sky above was a deep, shimmering blue, and strange, glowing islands dotted the horizon.
Luffy stood at the bow, his eyes wide with wonder. "Where… are we?"
Robin, her gaze scanning the horizon, whispered, "I think we've passed the first trial… and entered a forgotten sea."
To be continued...
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