One Piece: Journey to the New Dawn

[Author's Note:

Guys! It looks like we've reached 500 Power Stones! 🎉 I just want to take a moment to say THANK YOU for all your support, comments, and encouragement. It truly means a lot to me, and I'm excited to keep bringing you more chapters of this story. Let's keep going strong together! 🚀🔥

Happy reading! 😊]

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[Note:

" * " : Indicates abilities that can be upgraded with practice, experience, or unique opportunities.]

> System inner voice ["speaking"] <

> Ash inner speech "speaking" <

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The dawn broke on the third morning of their journey, the horizon bathed in hues of gold and lavender. Crisp mountain air carried the faint rustle of leaves and the distant calls of birds as Ash and the girls soared one last time through the skies.

The journey, marked by the surreal swiftness of Kuma's paw-paw ability, had blurred the line between reality and dream—three days of expansive seas, scattered islands, and limitless skies.

As the familiar silhouette of Mount Colbo emerged on the horizon, anticipation filled the group. Kuma's descent was smooth yet commanding, his massive frame steady as he brought them down near the mountain's base.

The landing left an enormous paw print etched into the soft earth, a quiet testament to his unique power.

Ash stumbled slightly upon touching down, his feet finding uncertain purchase on the uneven ground. The scent of pine and damp earth filled the air, grounding him in the moment.

Nearby, Selina stretched her arms overhead with a wide grin. "That was smoother than I expected," she quipped, her voice laced with a teasing edge.

Uta brushed stray locks from her face, her smirk hinting at quiet amusement. "It's not every day you get to fly like that. I could almost get used to it."

Lucy, ever the ball of energy, hopped in place before stretching her rubber arms skyward in excitement. "Can we do it again? That was so fun!" she exclaimed, her laughter echoing in the serene surroundings.

Ace chuckled, shaking his head. "I don't think my stomach would survive another round of that."

Ash, his gaze scanning the landscape, stepped forward to face Kuma. The towering man, his expression calm and unreadable, looked down at him. "Thank you for bringing us here," Ash said, his voice steady but filled with gratitude. He couldn't help but marvel at how effortlessly Kuma carried himself, the air of quiet power surrounding him.

Kuma nodded in acknowledgment, his eyes briefly surveying the group. The soft breeze rustled his coat, and for a moment, Ash thought he saw a glimmer of something—fondness, perhaps—as Kuma's gaze lingered on Lucy, still animatedly recounting their flight.

"I never imagined a man like Kuma would be so approachable," Ash thought, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he watched Lucy climb onto Kuma's shoulder with effortless cheer, Selina and Uta joining her laughter moments later.

A few minutes after settling down, Lucy looked up at Kuma with wide, pleading eyes. "Uncle Bear, can't you stay here a little longer? Please?"

Kuma, his usual composed demeanor softened by her innocent request, shook his head with a small smile. "I have other duties to attend to, little one," he said gently.

But Lucy wasn't one to give up easily. She tugged at his massive arm, her pouting face bolstered by the hopeful glances of Selina, Uta, and Ace. "Just for a few days! It'll be so much fun!" she insisted, her voice brimming with excitement.

Kuma hesitated, glancing at Ash, who gave a faint shrug, seemingly resigned to the girls collective will. After a moment, he relented. "Alright, but only for a few days."

The girls cheered, Lucy practically bouncing as she climbed back onto his shoulder. On their way through the dense forest, they encountered a group of mountain animals—a wild boar and a few rabbits—which they defeated with ease.

Ash suggested taking the meat along so he could prepare something special later, and Kuma helped carry the haul effortlessly.

As they approached Dadan's hideout, Ash and the others were surprised to find someone waiting for them at the entrance. "Makino?" Ash said, his brows rising in disbelief.

Lucy, spotting her first, leaped from Kuma's shoulder, sprinting toward her. "Makino! What are you doing here?" she called out.

Makino smiled warmly, opening her arms to catch the rushing girl. "You said you'd be coming soon, so I thought I'd check on you. I've been waiting for the last three days." Her voice carried a mix of relief and affection. She hugged Lucy tightly before extending the gesture to Selina, Uta, Ace, and finally Ash. "I missed all of you."

Noticing the animals Kuma carried, Makino raised a curious eyebrow. "Are you cooking for everyone tonight, Ash?" she asked with a knowing smile.

Lucy answered before Ash could, her voice animated. "Yes! And this is Uncle Bear!" she exclaimed, pointing at Kuma with excitement.

Makino blinked, momentarily taken aback by Kuma's towering presence. "Well, you're even taller than Garp-san," she murmured before smiling graciously. "Thank you for bringing the kids back safely."

Kuma inclined his head. "It was no trouble," he replied, his calm tone carrying a rare warmth.

As the group moved inside, Lucy chattered enthusiastically about their adventures, recounting everything from their training to the journey with Kuma.

Ash worked alongside some of the bandits to prepare the meat, his hands deftly handling the ingredients while his ears stayed tuned to Lucy's lively storytelling. Occasionally, a quiet chuckle escaped him, mirrored by the smirks and laughter of the bandits who listened intently.

Makino, though she had heard snippets of their experiences during their occasional breaks, remained engrossed in Lucy's animated retelling. She smiled softly, cherishing every moment. The girls chimed in whenever they could, adding to the vibrant energy in the room.

As Ash set about preparing the food, Makino quietly approached him, offering to help. "Need a hand?" she asked with a warm smile.

Ash glanced at her and nodded. "Sure. Thanks, Makino-san."

While Ash cooked and Makino assisted him, Lucy was so wrapped up into her animated recounting of their recent adventures, leaving everyone thoroughly entertained.

As the aroma of the freshly prepared meat filled the air, the bandits, Ash, the girls, Makino, and even Kuma gathered around for a hearty feast.

The party buzzed with laughter and lively chatter as they dug into the variety of dishes Ash had prepared. Kuma, savoring one of the dishes, remarked, "This is excellent, Ash."

Lucy beamed proudly, jumping in to say, "See! I told you Uncle Bear; Ash is an amazing cook! He learned all this just to feed us better!" Her excitement was infectious, drawing smiles from everyone at the table.

Ash chuckled softly but continued eating alongside the others. As he took another bite, a sudden notification appeared in his mind, startling him.

Quest Activated: A Mother's Second Chance

Objective: Save Bellemere from the clutches of death.

Rewards:

- Bonus Reward

- ???

Ash's eyes briefly widened, but he quickly composed himself, ensuring no one noticed. Internally, he addressed Celeste. "Why is this quest activating now?" he asked. "You told me before that I couldn't save everyone, and that I'd to come terms with that."

Celeste's voice chimed in his mind, calm and measured. ["At the time, you didn't have the means to make a difference. But now, with Kuma here, you have a way to reach Cocoyashi Village in time."]

Ash blinked. "Kuma..." The realization hit him like a bolt of lightning. With Kuma's paw-paw ability, they could travel vast distances almost instantaneously. "Of course... Why didn't I think of this?" He mentally berated himself for not connecting the dots earlier or even thinking this before when he met Kuma.

"Thank you, Celeste," Ash said in his mind, gratitude lacing his thoughts. "I didn't expect to get another chance like this. Even after I'd accepted that I couldn't save everyone... at least I can save someone."

Celeste replied gently, ["It's my duty to guide you, Ash. This quest was generated because the circumstances aligned—Kuma's presence made it possible. If he wasn't here, the quest wouldn't have been activated. In a way, you're lucky."]

Ash chuckled quietly to himself, drawing a curious glance from Makino, who quickly dismissed it as nothing. "Even if it's luck, I'm thankful to have you helping me," he said to Celeste.

The party continued in full swing, laughter and camaraderie filling the air. Ash, however, found his mind focused, biding his time until the festivities ended. He knew what he had to do.

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After the party wound down, the bandits pitched in to clean up, assisted by Makino, who had volunteered to help. Ash quietly observed the commotion, waiting for the right moment.

Spotting his chance, he approached Kuma, who was seated away from the noise, observing the group with a calm demeanor.

"Uncle Kuma," Ash called softly, his tone serious. "Could you come outside for a moment? I need to talk to you about something."

Kuma glanced at Ash, noting the uncharacteristic gravity in his expression. Without a word, he nodded and rose to his feet, towering over Ash as they walked a short distance from the hideout. The distant sounds of laughter and conversation faded, leaving only the quiet rustling of the forest.

Once they were alone, Ash turned to Kuma, his hands clenched tightly at his sides. "Uncle Kuma," he began, his voice steady but tinged with urgency, "can you help me get to Cocoyashi Village on Conomi Island using your Devil Fruit powers?"

Kuma raised an eyebrow, his gaze sharp. "I can help you," he replied in his usual composed tone. "But why the urgency? Is it troubling news?"

Ash hesitated, his heart pounding. Gathering his resolve, he finally spoke. "You see before that .....Let me explain something...When I was saved by Red-Haired Shanks, before meeting Lucy and everyone, I started hearing a voice. It told me it would help and guide me. I call the voice Celeste."

Kuma's expression didn't shift, but there was a flicker of doubt in his eyes. Ash continued nervously, "She gives me gifts sometimes—things to help me train or achieve certain goals. The girls also know about her. You see this time, she told me I need to go to Cocoyashi Village urgently. There's someone I need to save."

Kuma's gaze remained skeptical; his silence heavy with unspoken questions. Sensing his disbelief, Ash sighed and raised a hand. "Let me show you," he said.

With a faint shimmer in the air, he accessed his inventory. In a few quick motions, he retrieved a guitar, some neatly folded clothes, a portion of preserved food, and finally, the transponder snail he had received from Dragon. The items appeared out of thin air, one by one, floating briefly before settling in Ash's hands.

Kuma's eyes widened in astonishment. He stepped closer, his towering form casting a shadow over Ash as he scrutinized the items. "This... is real?" he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

Ash nodded, placing the items back into his inventory just as effortlessly as he had retrieved them. He looked up at Kuma, his expression resolute. "I'm telling you this because I trust you, Uncle Kuma. I know you're a good man. But there are things I can't reveal yet."

In his mind, Ash thought carefully about his decision. "I could tell him about Lucy and her destiny as Nika. If I did, Kuma would support us unconditionally, no matter what because I know how he idolizes Nika and want to be like Nika. But now isn't the time for that. Not yet."

Instead, he said aloud, "I need your help to get there. That's all I'm asking."

Ash could sense Kuma's lingering doubt, and after a moment of silent contemplation, he stepped forward, his voice soft yet serious. "Uncle Kuma, come here for a moment."

Kuma, ever patient, leaned down to Ash's height, his massive form casting a shadow over him. Ash took a deep breath, his expression steady but his heart racing. He whispered into Kuma's ear, "Uncle Kuma, you have an adoptive daughter, right? Someone you took in after the death of your friend and comrade, Ginny. She was one of the founding commanders of the Revolutionary Army."

Kuma froze, his eyes widening in disbelief. Ash's words hit him like a thunderbolt. Only a select few knew about his adoptive daughter—Dragon, Ivankov, and a handful of trusted figures from the church he had grown up in.

The fact that Ash knew this deeply personal detail was a shock. He tried to process it, but before he could speak, Ash quickly added, "I also received this information from Celeste."

Kuma stood there, silent, his mind racing. After a long pause, he nodded slowly, the weight of the revelation sinking in. "Alright, Ash, I believe you," he said with a resigned sigh. "But I have one request. Please don't tell anyone about this."

Ash chuckled, the tension lifting slightly. "Uncle Kuma, I won't reveal it until you give permission. I'll take that secret to my grave. But please don't reveal mine either. I'll tell the others when you think the time is right," he said, giving a meaningful glance—hinting at Dragon and Ivankov.

Kuma nodded in agreement. "Understood. We'll head out tomorrow morning as soon as the sun rises. Get some rest tonight."

Relief washed over Ash as he exhaled a breath, he hadn't realized he was holding. "Thank you, Uncle Kuma," he said sincerely.

Just as the conversation seemed to settle, Lucy's voice rang out from behind them, breaking the moment. "Uncle Bear, you liar!" she called, her tone a mix of mock annoyance and playful accusation. "And Ash, you're meanie! How could you leave us and go off to enjoy yourselves?"

Ash had noticed the presence hidden in the shadows, but he hadn't acknowledged it, knowing full well that they would reveal themselves soon enough. Kuma, too, simply remained silent, knowing who it was.

One by one, the girls emerged from their hiding spots. Ace immediately yelled at Lucy, "You idiot! Why'd you reveal yourself?!" Uta, not missing a beat, bonked Lucy on the head, much to Selina's amusement.

Lucy shrugged nonchalantly, grinning at Ash. "Well, Ash already knows we're here with his Haki, so why hide it?"

Ace sighed in frustration, while Selina and Uta stood by, unable to argue. The situation defused into a light-hearted exchange as Ash smiled at them.

After the conversation settled, Uta walked up to Ash, her eyes filled with curiosity. "Hey, Ash," she said, her voice tinged with confusion, "where exactly are you going? We kind of showed up in the middle of all this and didn't get to know the whole story."

Ash smiled and sighed, knowing he had to explain. He then starts to explain them.

Uta blinked in surprise after his explanation, then glanced over at the others. The moment of silence was enough for the girls to register the gravity of the situation. After a brief exchange of knowing looks, they all turned their attention back to Ash.

Ace, ever the hothead, crossed her arms with a mock glare and a smirk. "If you think we're gonna let you do this alone, you've got another thing coming," she said, pointing a threatening finger at him. "You've got yourself a punch coming your way, you idiot!"

Ash chuckled heartily at their antics, the light-heartedness breaking through the tension. "Alright, alright," he said with a smile. "You can come with me. I wouldn't dream of doing this without you guys."

The girls all nodded in agreement, their determination clear. With the plans set, the group decided it was time to rest for the night before heading out at sunrise. Ash gave Kuma a final nod of thanks, and they all prepared to get some sleep.

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The next morning, the group prepared to leave. Makino, who had stayed the night, saw them off with a warm smile, but there was a trace of concern in her gaze as they already explained her when she asked them the reason they're leaving as soon as they came. "Please be careful," she said softly, wishing them the best.

Kuma, his usual calm demeanor in place, spoke up. "I would also like to come with you instead allowing you kids to go alone. It's for your safety, just in case. After all, I'm still responsible for ensuring you all are safe," he said, his tone steady but sincere.

The girls exchanged glances, and Ash nodded gratefully after thinking in case if they face any fishman having Kuma will be safe for them. "Thanks, Uncle Kuma. We appreciate it."

With a shared look, Kuma activated his Devil Fruit power once more. The same sensation of weightlessness filled the air, and they were all gently lifted off the ground.

As the others found themselves securely with him, In the blink of an eye, with a rush of air and a loud splash of air on the ground, they vanished before Makino and the bandit's eyes.

The world around them was a blur of motion, and after three days and three nights of travel, the island of Conomi appeared. They landed near Cocoyashi Village, with the same distinct paw print left in the earth.

Kuma helped them adjust the landing, and the group steadied themselves, looking out toward the village in the distance.

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As they walked closer to the village, a sense of foreboding settled over the group. The sight before them was disheartening: broken houses scattered across the landscape, evidence of damage and despair. It was clear that something devastating had happened.

Ash's heart sank, fear gripping him as he worried he might be too late. Without hesitation, he sprinted ahead, his gaze locking onto an orange orchard in the distance, the girls and Kuma quickly following behind.

When they arrived at the orchard, Ash slowed down, his eyes darting around. The place was eerily quiet. There were no villagers, no fishmen, not a single soul to acknowledge their presence. The unsettling silence only heightened his anxiety.

Selina, ever observant, pointed towards the far end of a hill overlooking the sea. "Someone's there," she said, her voice steady but curious. Ash turned his head and immediately remembered the place—a cliffside marked by loss and sorrow. Bellemere's grave.

With his chest tightening, Ash broke into a sprint, his companions right behind him. As they reached the hill, the scene became clearer.

A man, scarred and bandaged, was crouched over a freshly dug grave, a spade in his hands as he carefully filled the hole with dirt. Beside him knelt a girl around their age with striking blue hair, her shoulders trembling as she wept openly.

Ash's heart clenched at the sight, his worst fears threatening to consume him.

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As Ash and the group approached, the man stopped shoveling, his expression shifting from sorrow to alarm after noticing them. He straightened, gripping the spade tightly as his wide eyes darted between them.

Frantically, he asked again, "Who are you guys? How did you get here? Leave now, before something bad happens!"

Before Ash could respond, Kuma stepped forward, his towering presence halting the man's nervous rambling. "Calm yourself, Sir" Kuma said in a steady voice. "We'll leave soon, we have something important to do here. However, I can't help but ask—what happened here?" His sharp eyes scanned the surroundings, taking in the remnants of destruction.

The man hesitated, his gaze flickering between Kuma's calm demeanor and the concerned looks on the others' faces. Finally, he let out a weary sigh, lowering the spade. "My name is Genzo and this is Nojiko," he began, pointing at the blue haired girl standing beside him, as his voice became heavy with emotion. "I'm the sheriff of this village...or at least, I was."

Genzo then recounted the events of the previous day. "A group of pirates had arrived, announcing themselves as the Arlong Pirates, they called themselves as fishman, led by a towering fishman named Arlong."

Genzo's voice tightened as he described how the pirates stormed into the village, their leader declaring that how fishmen were superior beings and that humans were nothing but pathetic creatures beneath them.

"They demanded tribute," Genzo said bitterly, gripping the spade tighter. "50,000 Belis for every adult, and 25,000 for every child. Those who couldn't pay..."

He faltered, and Ash's stomach churned as he filled in the unspoken words already knowing. The girls have different kind of expressions as they hear Genzo.

Genzo's voice cracked as he continued what happened. "Bellemere…she had been living on the outskirts of the village, raising her two daughters, Nami and Nojiko. She didn't have the money to pay for all three of them." His hand trembled, his grief evident.

"She could've lied," Genzo whispered, his voice a mix of anger and admiration. "She could've said she lived alone. But Bellemere...she was too proud to deny her family. She gave every last berry she had to pay for her daughters. Arlong..." He clenched his jaw, his words laced with venom. "Arlong killed her. Right in front of them."

Ash's fists tightened, and the girls beside him looked equally stricken.

Genzo gestured to the grave he had been tending. "She died protecting her girls. I'm burying her here, where she can rest overlooking the sea. But...there's no peace for this village. Arlong and his crew have taken over. They've claimed Cocoyashi as their territory."

Kuma's expression darkened as he listened, his silence heavy with understanding. Ash's mind raced, his determination solidifying with every word Genzo spoke.

Ash's sharp focus cut through the tension as he turned to Genzo, urgency flashing in his eyes. "Uncle," he said, voice steady but firm, "Can you tell me exactly how much time has passed since she died?"

Genzo, still reeling from his grief, furrowed his brow in confusion. "Around 24 hours, maybe. Why does it matter?" he asked, his tone edged with frustration.

Ash stepped closer, his intensity startling. "Think carefully," he pressed, his voice rising slightly. "Tell me the exact time."

Genzo blinked, taken aback, and his mind scrambled to recount the events. "...23 hours, give or take," he finally said, his tone uncertain as his confusion deepened. "What's this about?"

Ash's heart raced as the pieces fell into place. The quest hadn't failed—there was still a chance. Without hesitation, he stepped forward, yanked the spade from Genzo's hands, and began digging into the freshly covered grave.

The sudden action stunned everyone.

"What are you doing?!" Nojiko's voice broke the silence as she lunged toward Ash, tears streaming down her face. "Stop! You monster! Leave my mom's grave alone!" She grabbed at his arm, trying to pull him back.

Behind her, the girls gasped, their eyes wide with shock. "Ash, what the hell are you doing?!" Uta shouted. Ace, Lucy and Selina stood frozen, unsure whether to intervene.

Genzo's face twisted in fury. "Kid! Are you insane?! I'm warning you, stop right now!" His voice boomed, though his grief softened his anger.

Even Kuma, who had stood silent, now stepped forward, his towering presence adding to the tension. "Ash," he said firmly, his tone a mix of warning and concern, "this isn't right. Explain yourself!"

Ash didn't stop. The weight of their words barely registered as his hands worked with precision and desperation. The only thing on his mind was—Bellemere's chance to be saved.

As Ash continued digging, even with the weight of Nojiko's desperate pulls and Genzo's frantic shouts didn't deter him. His focus remained solely on the task at hand. "Uncle Kuma, please trust me for a moment," he said, his voice unwavering. "Hold them back. Remember what I told you. Trust me, and I'll explain everything soon."

Kuma, though clearly conflicted, saw the resolve in Ash's eyes and the urgency behind his actions. His thoughts aligned with the reason Ash had come here—understands that it was Bellemere, Ash was determined to save.

With a reluctant nod, Kuma stepped in, restraining both Nojiko and Genzo with his strong arms. They struggled, but Kuma held firm, his gaze understanding, though his expression remained stoic. The girls, standing beside Kuma, remained silent, placing their trust in Ash without words.

Ash, unaffected by the chaos around him, continued his mission. With each shovel of earth he removed, the anticipation grew.

Finally, after a few moments, he reached the body of Bellemere, her lifeless form serene despite the tragedy. The bullet hole on her forehead, the cause of her death, was covered by a bandage, a testament to the care she'd been given before her burial.

As Ash gently lifted Bellemere's body, a voice rang out from behind him, interrupting the tense silence. It was the voice of another girl about their age, rushing toward them with urgency, her orange hair flying in the wind.

To be continued...

Hey everyone! I'm always looking for ways to make this story even better, and I'd love to hear your ideas. What powers do you think should be available in Ash's store? Maybe you have some cool concepts for abilities, weapons, or items that could make the adventure even more exciting!

Feel free to drop your suggestions in the comments, and if there's anything specific, you'd love to see in future chapters, let me know! I might even integrate your ideas into the story.

Also, don't forget to give some Power Stones if you're enjoying the journey! Your support means the world. 😊