Marine Base — Observation Tower
The Crimson Raiju sailed into Loguetown like a storm riding silent winds, its crimson sails gleaming like fresh blood against the break of dawn. Seaspray clung to the dragon-headed prow, as though the ocean itself bowed in deference to its arrival.
At the helm stood Kael D. Raen, his crimson-streaked black hair tied back, storm-bright eyes scanning the bustling port. His obsidian horns caught glints of early sunlight, jagged and steel-like, casting an intimidating silhouette against the sky.
Beside him, Yamato grinned, her kanabō casually slung over one shoulder, radiating the confidence of a warrior unbothered by the surrounding chaos.
Smoothie leaned lazily against the railing, sipping from a flask of spiced wine. Though her relaxed posture suggested indifference, her sharp eyes cataloged every Marine patrol, pirate flag, and potential threat in sight.
They felt the eyes of the port upon them. Every gaze shifted, a ripple of whispers spreading like a wave through the crowded docks.
In the observation tower, Vice Admiral Smoker clenched his jaw, binoculars locked onto the Crimson Raiju, its sails like a blood-soaked omen against the smoky horizon of Loguetown. He exhaled a thick plume of smoke, the tobacco swaying lazily between his lips. His eyes, hard as flint, never left the ship.
"Straw Hat Luffy's here… and now this Oni-blooded pirate with him, with the Sweet Commander that disappeared from Big Mom's fleet," Smoker muttered under his breath.
Beside him, Tashigi adjusted her glasses, brow furrowing in thought. "The tall one... I think his name is Kael... He's not normal."
Smoker's gaze darkened, his lips curling into a grim line. "No," he replied, voice low and dangerous. "He's not."
Storm Court's Inn — That Evening
Kael, Yamato, and Smoothie hunched around a battered tavern table, half-lit and half-forgotten. Smoke curled lazily in the air, mingling with the salty breeze, the scorched wood, and the sharp bite of cheap spiced rum. The low hum of the tavern's patrons was a distant murmur, lost under the sound of clinking mugs and the occasional laugh. In the center of the table, a faint system interface shimmered, unnoticed by all but the captain.
[System Notification: Historical Landmark Detected — Loguetown]
[EXP Gain Enhanced: +10% for All Crew During Stay]
Kael smirked, scanning the interface as the notification flashed across his vision. "Looks like we're getting a little boost while we're here," he muttered, fingers tapping the table rhythmically. Kael browsed the system interface and retrieved something he believed might help improve their strength.
[Item Purchased: Rokushiki Combat Manual – 150,000 Beli] Techniques unlocked for practice. "Now we can fight smarter," replied Kael. Yamato leaned in, her lips brushing the rim of her cup. "I like your foresight, Captain." Smoothie couldn't help but roll her eyes. "Stars above, get a room already."
Yamato's brow twitched in agitation. "What's your problem, juice girl?"
Smoothie shot back, "You mouth off like you're the first mate when you haven't even proved you can outfight me."
Kael grinned wider. "Good. We'll settle it after we leave here. The winner gets the first pick of our next Devil Fruit haul."
Smoothie grinned sharply. "You're on, Oni princess."
[Summon Token Used — Legendary Blacksmith Spirit Search...]
[Summoning: Shimotsuki Kozaburo — Will Echo Format]
The air shimmered, and the spectral form of an old man appeared, his ancient fire gleaming in sharp eyes.
"Summon me for cheap blades, and I'll gut you where you stand," Kozaburo barked.
Kael smirked. "I need swords that split storms."
The old ghost paused, then a grin tugged at his lips.
"…Now you're speaking my language."
In the quiet that followed, Kael's blade spirit echoed in his mind.
"The materials you seek for a blade of that caliber are rare, Kael," it murmured, its voice resonating with ancient weight. "You will need the core of a tempest, forged from the heart of a storm. Only a living blacksmith with the proper touch can shape such a weapon. Seek out a master with hands that know not just steel, but the spirit of a blade."
Kael's smirk deepened, his eyes glinting with the fire of ambition. "A living blacksmith, huh? Looks like we're going on a new quest after this."
Yamato raised an eyebrow. "You're always chasing something new. But I'm in."
Smoothie let out a chuckle. "You two and your weapons. I just want a good drink and the devil's fruit."
Kael chuckled darkly, raising his mug. "We'll all get what we're after in the end."
The ghostly blacksmith scoffed. "Don't bother me again unless you've got something worth forging." Before he disappeared in a puff of smoke.
Weapons Shop — The Next Day
Kael and his crew strolled down the bustling streets of Loguetown, headed for Ippon-Matsu's weapons shop. As they approached, the door chimed, and Kael walked in to see none other than Zoro and Tashigi.
Kael raised an eyebrow and asked casually, "Where's Luffy?"
Zoro narrowed his eyes, clearly suspicious. "Why do you need him?"
Kael grinned, wide and infectious, a grin that could rival Luffy's. "I'm the youngest of his elder brothers."
Before Zoro could respond, Tashigi stepped forward, her hand resting on her sword. "Don't make this difficult," she said, her tone turning cold and authoritative. "You're under arrest, Kael D. Raen."
Kael cracked his knuckles, the air around him crackling with the tension of an approaching storm. His eyes gleamed with that same dangerous energy. "Come at me if you want. But you'll regret it."
Tashigi didn't wait for an invitation, drawing her sword, but Kael was already moving. His Thunder Pulse shattered the nearby crates with the raw power of a storm.
Zoro, never one to back down, drew his swords in response. His eyes shifted to Kael's sudden burst of energy, the raw speed and power that left him momentarily stunned. "Damn," Zoro muttered, his eyes narrowing in admiration. "You're fast."
The two warriors clashed in a flurry of sparks, their swords ringing in the air as they exchanged blows. Kael's movements were fluid and precise, and while his power was undeniable, he held back, never intending to kill. With a swift redirection of Tashigi's attack, Kael knocked her aside effortlessly, sending her sprawling but unharmed.
Kael's grin didn't fade. "You're good," he said, his voice playful. "But you're not ready for this storm."
Tashigi, now on the ground, steadied herself with a quick breath. She glared at him, her sword still drawn, but a flicker of respect crossed her eyes. "This isn't over," she warned, but Kael was already turning away.
Gold Roger Bar — Later
The Gold Roger Bar was a haven for pirates of all kinds. Luffy's laughter rang through the place as he spotted his big brother Kael.
"Kael!" Luffy shouted, jumping from his seat. "What took you so long?"
Kael grinned, leaning against the bar, his eyes scanning the crowd. "I was busy making sure no one tried to kidnap my crew."
Smoothie and Yamato followed behind Kael, and Luffy's eyes lit up as he introduced his crewmates.
"This is Zoro, Sanji, Usopp, and Nami !" Luffy announced loudly, making introductions with the excitement only he could muster.
Kael smirked and introduced his crew in return. "And this is Yamato, the wild Oni; Smoothie, the former Sweet Commander of Big Mom's crew who now belongs to me, by the way."
At this, Smoothie gave him a sharp look but said nothing, clearly used to Kael's bold statements.
Sanji's eyes narrowed as he sized up Yamato and Smoothie. "Well, aren't you two a pair of beauties..."
Yamato cracked her knuckles. "Don't flirt too much, cook. We're not here for that."
Usopp, trying to play it cool, asked, "So what's the name of your crew?"
Yamato beamed proudly, "We are the Thundering Dawn Pirates."
The bar burst into a roar as the two crews greeted each other, Luffy raising his cup with a wide grin. "That's an awesome name!"
Outside The Bar
As they exited the bar, Kael noticed a familiar face walking down the street: Carmen.
She was a striking figure, her fiery red hair tied back into a loose ponytail, wearing an apron that seemed more like battle gear than something meant for the kitchen. Carmen had a steely edge to her, eyes that narrowed whenever anyone mentioned competition, and her gaze was currently locked on Kael and his crew as she passed by.
Kael's smirk reappeared as he noticed her, and he stood up as she walked by. "Well, well, if it isn't the great cook herself," Kael called out, his grin wide.
Carmen froze for a moment before rolling her eyes, clearly frustrated. "Kael D. Raen," she muttered, her voice sharp. "Don't remind me."
Smoothie and Yamato exchanged curious glances, both sensing the history behind this brief exchange. "What's this about?" Smoothie asked, arching an eyebrow.
"Oh, just a little cooking competition with someone I know," Kael replied nonchalantly, making it sound like a casual affair. "Carmen here lost to someone, I think his name was Sanji?"
Carmen's eyes narrowed instantly, her nostrils flaring with annoyance. "Don't even remind me," she snapped, her hands clenching into fists. "That stupid, long-legged idiot still rubs it in every time we cross paths. 'Best cook on the Grand Line,' my ass."
Kael couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of her frustration. "So, you're still mad about that?"
Carmen's fiery expression softened just slightly, but her stubbornness was clear. "You bet I am. I'm not about to lose to some guy who doesn't even know how to make a decent stew without burning it."
"Well, how about you take a shot at being part of a real crew?" Kael asked casually, his voice taking on a business-like tone. "I'm building something special here. You'd be the perfect fit. You join my crew as the cook, and I'll buy you every ingredient you need. No more cheap rum or whatever they've got here."
Carmen blinked at him, clearly taken aback by the offer. She stared at Kael for a long moment, as if weighing the sincerity of his words. She shifted her weight, her arms crossed as she considered the proposition.
"Buy me the ingredients I need…?" she muttered, rubbing her chin as her irritation faded for a moment. "You sure about that?"
Kael's grin only widened. "I don't make promises I don't intend to keep. Plus, with a cook like you, I'm sure we could make some of the best meals in the Grand Line."
There was a brief, tense pause before Carmen gave a small, surprised laugh, one that held no bitterness, only a slight relief. "You know, I've had enough of sailing around on my own. You've got yourself a deal, Kael."
Yamato and Smoothie exchanged glances again, both surprised by how quickly she agreed.
"You're not exactly what I expected," Carmen said as she joined the group, letting out a long sigh. "But I can't resist good food or a good offer. Alright, I'm in. And I'll make sure your meals don't taste like garbage. You'll see."
Kael's smirk grew. "I'll hold you to that."
Execution Platform — Sunset
Luffy stood on the execution platform, gazing out at the horizon where Roger had met his end. "This is where Roger died," Luffy whispered.
Kael nodded, his gaze unwavering. "And where you'll one day stand free."
Suddenly, the sound of cannon fire split the air.
"STRAW HAT LUFFY! FACE ME!"
A warship descended from the skies, with Buggy standing proudly atop a makeshift airship, bombs in hand.
Smoker's voice echoed through the chaos. "Get ready! Marines, deploy!"
Kael cracked his knuckles. "Yamato. Smoothie. Let's show them why we don't kneel."
The battle began in earnest. Geppo, Thunder Pulse, Raimei Hakke, Wave Crush Kael's crew didn't hold back, and the chaos that followed was nothing short of a storm.
Kael intercepted Buggy midair, blasting him apart with a storm surge that sent pieces of the airship scattering into the sea.
Smoothie and Yamato fought back-to-back, their swords cutting through marines as if they were nothing more than paper.
"You're not bad for a barmaid," Smoothie taunted.
"Your aim's sloppy for a Commander," Yamato shot back.
They grinned, ready for the next fight.
In the chaos, Yamato's eyes locked onto Richie the Lion, a massive lion that was part of Buggy's crew. With a grin, she snatched it up, thinking it was just an overgrown kitty.
From the Rooftops
A cloaked figure watched.
Monkey D. Dragon exhaled softly.
"Luffy… you've found a storm of your own."
Later That Night — Crimson Raiju
As the storm clouds parted like curtains on a grand stage, the crew gathered beneath a sky glittering with stars. The wind had died down, leaving the sea as still as glass. Kael stood at the bow of the Crimson Raiju, the map in his hands weathered from countless adventures, yet still holding the promise of something precious.
"Tomorrow," Kael began, his voice low and resolute, "we sail to claim it."
Yamato cracked her knuckles, her eyes flashing with excitement. "I'm taking the prize. No one's stopping me."
Smoothie, leaning against the mast with a smirk playing on her lips, raised an eyebrow. "Not before I leave you both behind."
A distant flash of lightning lit up the horizon, its faint light matching the spark of challenge in the air.
A flicker of distant lightning stitched the horizon. Kael's grin widened. "Let's carve our legend."
With a commanding motion, the Crimson Raiju cut through the mist, its sleek form slicing through the dark waters as the Thundering Dawn began its journey into the unknown.
Below deck, Carmen was getting settled, making herself at home among the crew's clutter. But Smoothie, ever the inquisitive one, couldn't help but ask, "So, Yamato, what's with the lion?"
Yamato looked up, her expression softening as her gaze drifted to Richie, the massive lion lounging nearby. She turned to Kael, her eyes wide and pleading, like a child asking for a pet.
"Can I keep the big kitty, Kael, please?" she asked, her voice sweet with a hint of mischief.
Kael groaned as he shook his head, trying to hide the grin threatening to break through. "You're responsible for him, Yamato. Make sure he doesn't eat anyone."
Without warning, Yamato leapt forward, wrapping Kael in a tight hug. "Thank you, Kael!" she beamed, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek, her joy uncontained.
The moment was interrupted by the familiar chime of the system, its voice chiming in with a new message: [New Crew Members Acquired: Carmen — Fiery Cook, Richie — Battle Beast]
The crew's spirits lifted as they welcomed their newest members into the fold, the night air crackling with anticipation for the adventure to come.
[New Quest Unlocked: Vault of the Devils]
A forgotten Devil Fruit vault lies on an uncharted isle. The first crew to claim it keeps the loot.
System rewards: One Mythical Zoan, Two Random Fruits, Random Ship Upgrade, and an Advanced Haki Manual.