The Grand Approach
Heaven's Embrace soared low over the waves, its folded wings trailing mist.For once, Vegito wasn't in a hurry — he wanted to feel this part of the journey.
Reverse Mountain loomed ahead, an impossible wall of rock cutting the horizon. Water rushed upward along its central channel, feeding into the Grand Line beyond. The air smelled different here — wilder, heavier, tinged with salt and adventure.
"We could just fly over," Nami pointed out, looking at the sheer climb of water.
Vegito smirked. "Where's the fun in that? Half the point is the thrill."
Kuina leaned over the rail. "This current… it's insane."
"It's the gateway," Bell-mère said. "And if you can make it up and over, you can handle the Grand Line."
Kaya held onto the railing with both hands. "I think I'm going to be sick."
Into the Current
The ship's engines hummed low as the runes glowed. Vegito gripped the wheel himself.
"Hold on to something, ladies," he said, his tail curling with excitement. "We're about to surf a mountain."
When the current grabbed Heaven's Embrace, the ship launched upward. Spray blasted over the deck. Wind tore at hair and coats. The girls' shouts mixed with Vegito's exhilarated laugh.
They crested the peak, the world opening in every direction — and then the drop began.
Laboon
The scream came first — deep, mournful, and echoing across the water. Then the shadow fell over them.
A whale. No — a mountain of a whale, black as night, easily the size of an island.
Kaya's jaw dropped. "That's… alive?"
"Laboon," Vegito said softly, recognizing him from his memory of One Piece's story.
The great whale surfaced, barnacle-scored skin crisscrossed with scars. He swam close, curious, massive eyes peering at the strange flying ship. When he spotted Heaven's Embrace, he gave another plaintive cry.
Kuina frowned. "He's… lonely."
Vegito hopped onto the railing. "Yeah. Waiting for friends who aren't coming back."
Meeting Crocus
Before the girls could stop him, Vegito leapt from the ship — soaring through the air before landing in a perfect crouch on the lighthouse pier at Twin Cape.
Crocus emerged from the lighthouse a moment later — older, stocky, purple hair tied back. He took one look at Vegito and grinned.
"Well, well… not every day a flying man drops in. You here to fix my plumbing or what?"
Vegito barked a laugh. "Nah, just passing through. And to check on your big neighbor there."
Crocus's eyes narrowed just slightly. "You know Laboon?"
"Let's just say I know about him." Vegito glanced back at the whale. "Mind if I do something for him?"
Fixing a Promise
Laboon surfaced again, water streaming off him. Vegito soared up to meet him, hovering just above his great head.
"Hey, big guy!" Vegito called out. "Those pirates you've been waiting for? They're not coming back. But that doesn't mean you stop living."
Laboon's eyes glistened. He gave a low, sad moan.
"So here's the deal," Vegito said, smiling wide. "I'll be your friend. We'll come back, I promise. But until then, you've got to stay strong."
The whale gave a small, rumbling call — softer this time.
"Good. Now… hold still."
With a flash of ki, Vegito healed some of the deeper gashes in Laboon's skin — not erasing them completely, but enough to ease his pain.
Laboon let out a happy, booming call that shook the sea.
Krieg's Second Mistake
Of course, peace didn't last. On the far side of the cape, battered ships were limping toward them — the remnants of Don Krieg's armada that had followed Vegito's path.
"Didn't we trash these guys already?" Bell-mère asked.
"Guess they didn't learn," Vegito said, cracking his knuckles.
He didn't even step onto their decks — just flicked his wrist, sending arcs of ki through the air that shredded masts, split hulls, and dropped every last pirate into the water. Ships sank in minutes, leaving nothing but debris.
Crocus whistled. "Remind me never to piss you off."
The Hawk's Shadow
The sea fell quiet again — until another presence pressed in like a blade drawn across the throat.
From the horizon came a small coffin-shaped boat, moving impossibly fast. The man standing within it radiated calm menace — a black coat, a wide-brimmed hat, and a great black sword strapped to his back.
"Dracule Mihawk," Kuina whispered.
Vegito grinned. "Finally."
Mihawk's eyes locked on him immediately. "You're the one who destroyed Krieg's fleet."
"Among other things."
The swordsman tilted his head. "And you seek… what? To test your strength?"
"Not exactly." Vegito floated off Heaven's Embrace, coming to stand a few meters from Mihawk's tiny boat. "I just wanted to see the look on your face when you lose."
The Duel
Mihawk drew Yoru, the blade gleaming even in the clouded light. "Arrogance is the luxury of the strong. Show me if you've earned it."
Vegito didn't draw a weapon — he simply raised his hand. The first clash was so fast that the water between them erupted upward. Mihawk's strike was parried with two fingers.
"You're… not normal," Mihawk said flatly.
"Biggest understatement of your life."
They traded blows — Mihawk's sword arcs slicing the very sea apart, Vegito weaving through them with lazy precision. Once or twice, Vegito actually let Mihawk's blade graze him just to see the man's reaction.
Finally, with a flick, Vegito sent Yoru spinning end over end into the air — catching it mid-fall and offering it back hilt-first.
"You're good," Vegito said. "But not my level."
Mihawk took the blade back without offense — in fact, there was the faintest curve of a smile on his lips. "Then I will train. And when next we meet, perhaps I will stand a chance."
"Looking forward to it."
Departure
By the time Heaven's Embrace sailed away, Laboon was breaching joyfully beside them, Crocus waved from the cape, and Mihawk was already vanishing into the horizon.
Nami leaned on the railing, watching the whale. "You really promised him you'd come back?"
"Of course," Vegito said. "I keep my promises."
[Crew Roster]
Vegito (Captain)
Bell-mère (Crew Mother / Fighter)
Nami (Navigator)
Nojiko (Support Fighter)
Kaya (Doctor – Heal-Heal Fruit User)
Kuina (Swordswoman)
Reiju (Combat Medic / Poison Specialist)
Next Destination: Whisky Peak — and a certain archaeologist.