One Piece; Full Counter!

Chapter 11: A Part of the Crew

The amber glow of the setting sun kissed the jagged cliffside, its golden rays painting streaks of warmth across the rugged terrain. Emerging from the shadowy mouth of a cavern, Meliodas stepped forward, his movements light, almost playful, like the breeze teasing the blades of dry grass scattered across the rocky ledge. Draped lazily over his shoulder was the newly awakened blade, Lostvayne, its polished edge gleaming with an otherworldly shimmer.

A satisfied grin danced on his lips as he tilted his face to the dying light. His emerald eyes caught the fiery hues of the horizon, a reflection of a triumphant journey. "Sate, sate, sate," he murmured, his voice carrying a hint of teasing mischief. "Looks like we've achieved our goal. This trip wasn't a waste after all."

Behind him, Teach emerged, his towering frame stark against the cavern's dark mouth. His face was void of emotion, but the faint annoyance in his tone betrayed his thoughts. "Not a waste for you, maybe," he muttered, his deep voice cutting through the stillness. "For me, it's been a week of my life down the drain... and another one wasted on the way back."

Meliodas stopped, pivoting on his heel to face him, his grin widening. "Calling it wasted time, eh? If I were you, I'd be grateful to spend my life in adventures like these. They say adventures are the elixir of life."

Teach raised an eyebrow, his expression darkening as he walked past Meliodas toward the massive figure reclining against the rocky slope. "And who exactly says that?"

Meliodas chuckled, tapping Lostvayne lightly against his shoulder. "I do."

The figure looming before them was none other than Nindo, the legendary War Giant. His massive form leaned against the mountain, every labored breath causing the ground to tremble slightly beneath his weight. His crimson eyes, fierce yet weary, locked onto the blade in Meliodas' hand. The jagged scar on his chest was still fresh, and each exhale sent a shudder through his titanic body. "So," Nindo rumbled, his voice deep and resonant, "this is it? Lostvayne? The blade I've guarded for twenty years?"

Meliodas held the sword up, letting its sharp lines catch the light as he examined it with a touch of awe. "Is this the first time you've actually seen it?" he asked, his tone casual yet curious. "Can't blame you—the cave was narrow, and the sword only revealed its true colors just now. It's like it's been brought back to life."

Nindo's lips curled into a faint smile, though the sadness in his eyes couldn't be hidden. "That means I've fulfilled my oath to Roger," he murmured, tilting his gaze toward the orange-streaked sky. "The sword has chosen you." A wistful breath escaped him, heavy with unspoken memories. "Captain... I can finally return to you. I'm free at last."

Meliodas and Teach exchanged glances, their expressions hardening as the weight of Nindo's words sank in. They both understood what he was implying, but neither dared to confirm it aloud.

Breaking the silence, Nindo turned his gaze back to them. "Tell me, travelers," he said slowly, his voice trembling with equal parts hope and trepidation. "What of Roger? What is the Pirate King doing now? He was so close... Did he claim his throne?"

Teach faltered, his throat tight. He avoided Nindo's gaze, unsure how to deliver the truth.

Meliodas, however, stepped forward, his emerald eyes serious. "Roger, the Pirate King... died 16 years ago."

Nindo's eyes widened in shock, his crimson irises trembling. For a moment, he froze, his massive form eerily still. Then, without warning, he roared, the sound echoing like thunder across the mountains. Forgetting the wound on his chest, he clenched his massive fist and swung it at Meliodas in a blind fury.

The blow landed with a deafening crash, hurling Meliodas back into the cavern. Rocks crumbled as the sheer force of the punch collapsed the cave's entrance. Dust erupted into the air, blotting out the sunset as the ground quaked beneath Nindo's anger.

"Say that again, boy!" Nindo bellowed, his breaths heavy and uneven. "Roger can't be gone! His will... his spirit couldn't vanish so easily!"

Amidst the settling dust and the fractured stone, a voice emerged from within the rubble. Calm, unshaken. "That's the truth," Meliodas said evenly. His silhouette appeared, stepping out from the debris, his clothes torn and dust-covered. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, but his expression was composed. "You can choose to believe it or deny it. But no matter where you go in this world, you won't find Roger."

Nindo's massive shoulders sagged, his crimson eyes glistening as tears began to form. His trembling fists relaxed, and his mind flooded with memories—Roger's infectious laugh, his larger-than-life ambitions, and the moment he'd asked a simple yet profound question:

"Can a giant like me join your crew?"

"Of course you can," Roger had replied without hesitation, his grin wide and genuine. "You're strong and handsome, Nindo. What's your name?"

"Nindo," the giant had answered, smiling despite himself. "Nindo, the War Giant."

Roger had laughed, clapping him on the arm. "The War Giant? What a perfect name for you! I'm Roger, the man who will become King of the Pirates!"

And just like that, Nindo had pledged his loyalty. He had found not just a captain but a kindred spirit.

Now, sitting on the ground, Nindo let the tears flow freely. The pain of losing Roger resurfaced, raw and relentless.

Meliodas wiped the blood from his chin, his eyes softening as he observed the giant's grief. "Nindo," he said, his voice steady, "the reason you followed Roger was because he was stronger than you, wasn't it? If that's the case, then in this era, I'll claim you for myself."

Teach's eyes widened in shock. "Is he planning to make him part of Whitebeard's crew?" he wondered.

But Meliodas wasn't done. "I owe Oyaji everything," he admitted, a small smile playing on his lips. "But I can't complete my journey under a name that everyone already fears. This adventure of mine—it's my own. I'll carve my name into history."

Teach's thoughts raced. "If he leaves Whitebeard's crew, convincing him to join mine might not be so hard... But will he accept me as captain?"

Nindo's tears began to dry as he regarded the young man before him. "Are you saying you plan to create your own crew?"

Meliodas extended his fist, his emerald eyes gleaming with determination. "In five years, meet me at Sabaody Archipelago. Don't you dare miss the rendezvous."

After a moment's thought, Nindo smiled, the sadness lifting from his face. He raised his massive fist, gently bumping it against Meliodas'. "Until then, grow stronger, boy. You have my word—I'll be part of your crew."

The golden sun dipped below the horizon, casting the scene in hues of deep crimson and violet, a promise of new adventures waiting beyond the horizon.

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