One piece: A Tale Before the Wind

Spiegel, captured, was to be turned over to the Navy by Ann and Balloon. A bounty was on his head, promising a decent reward. Tied up tightly, he was set to be hauled away.

Gaimon stayed behind, resuming his role as the island's guardian.

The four pirates, seizing the enemy's ship, prepared for a new journey. Not planning to keep it as their main vessel, they gifted their old boat to Ann, who'd ride Balloon home—a suggestion from Silk, worried for her safety. Supplies, including Gaimon's fruits, were loaded, and preparations were complete.

Farewells loomed. The ship was moored by the island's cliffs, where Gaimon and rare beasts gathered to see them off.

"Later, old man. Short but fun," Luffy said.

"Same here. Been a while since I felt like this. Thanks," Gaimon replied, his smile free of doubt. His empty treasure chest no longer mattered—new friends filled that void. No regrets, only a fresh start.

"Straw Hat, you said you'd be Pirate King," Gaimon said.

"Yup," Luffy nodded.

"No proof, but I think you can do it. Conquer the Grand Line, find One Piece, take the world!"

"Shishishi. Will do."

With goodbyes exchanged, the ship set sail. Ann waved from her boat, Balloon squawking. They kept waving at Gaimon until the island faded. Luffy gazed at the shrinking shore, Ann sailing beside.

"Luffy, I'm heading back to tell my town it's safe," Ann said.

"Gonna miss you," Luffy replied.

"Yeah. I didn't like pirates, but…" Ann grinned. "I like you guys. I'm rooting for you."

"We're friends, even far apart," Luffy said.

"Hope you make it, Pirate King."

"I will!"

Smiling, they waved as Ann's boat drifted away, Balloon flapping and calling.

Silence settled. The ship's sails caught the wind, its power surpassing their old boat. Luffy, inspecting the deck, frowned. Something felt off. This wasn't their ship. He'd always wanted one, but this didn't fit.

"What's up, Luffy? You look serious," Silk asked.

"Dunno, just… not right," Luffy said.

"The ship? Can't help it—we grabbed it in a rush. We'll find a better one. Food's tight otherwise," Kiri said.

"No cutting food!" Luffy declared.

"Fine. I'll endure," Luffy grumbled.

At the helm, Kiri spoke confidently, used to soothing his captain. Luffy, arms crossed, kept thinking—unusual for him. Silk, curious, asked, "What kind of ship do you want?"

"Cool one," Luffy said.

"Ugh, again? What does that mean?"

"Dunno, but this ain't it."

"It's a fine ship, even with some damage," Silk said.

Battle scars marred the vessel. Without a shipwright, repairs fell to Kiri and Silk, the handiest. But they didn't plan to keep this ship long-term—it was temporary, a means until they found their ship. No one rushed to fix it.

"Maybe the next town'll have one," Silk said.

"But we're broke. Kiri, can we afford it?" Silk asked.

"Nope. Even cutting food won't cover it," Kiri replied.

"No food cuts! Captain's orders!" Luffy barked.

"Aye, aye, Captain. Looks like we're sailing this for now," Kiri said, checking the sea chart. Their detour to the beast island cost time—next town by tomorrow, no rush today. Kiri left the helm, joining the others on deck, beckoning Zoro for a crew huddle—a growing habit.

"So, we've got a decent-sized pirate ship now. Got a suggestion, Captain?" Kiri said.

"Sure, what?" Luffy replied.

"We need our mark—a Jolly Roger."

Zoro joined, forming a square. "About time we looked like pirates," Luffy said.

"Right? We had to say we were pirates before," Silk added.

"Making a flag? Who's drawing?" Zoro asked.

"Let's decide. Everyone draws, best one goes on the flag. Simplest way. Thoughts?" Kiri said.

"Shishishi, a contest! Let's do it!" Luffy cheered.

Kiri gave orders. They'd craft their pirate mark—a black flag with a skull, proclaiming death to foes, marking them as pirates. Paper was spread on the deck, pens distributed. They sat, faces set with determination. Before starting, Silk asked Luffy, "What's the design? Straw hat skull, since you're captain?"

"Sounds good. Our mark," Luffy said.

"Might be cute, but it fits," Silk chuckled, starting to draw. Luffy dove in eagerly, Kiri and Zoro sketching thoughtfully.

An odd sight—four pirates drawing instead of steering. Zoro muttered, "This crew drawing? Anyone good?"

"Fair point. Maybe Silk," Kiri said.

"It's tough…" Silk groaned.

"Hey, I'm good too!" Luffy protested.

"You're the worst," Kiri teased.

They focused, finishing quickly, hiding their sketches for a simultaneous reveal. Luffy counted, "Ready, set!"

Papers hit the deck. Reactions varied: Luffy grinned blankly, Kiri and Zoro frowned, Silk looked away. Kiri's design was flawless, ready for the flag. Zoro's was decent. Luffy and Silk's? Childlike, shocking, almost brilliant in their oddity. Luffy laughed; Silk blushed.

"Expected this from Luffy, but you too, Silk?" Kiri said.

"Thought you were normal. Speechless," Zoro added.

"Creative, maybe," Kiri mused.

"More like disastrous—" Zoro started.

"Not that bad! Everyone's got weaknesses!" Silk snapped.

"Shishishi, Silk's awful at this!" Luffy laughed.

"You're no better!" Silk retorted.

Silk's protests grew heated, her embarrassment clear. Kiri and Zoro sighed, task decided: Kiri would draw the flag. As Luffy comforted Silk, they grabbed a black flag and white paint. Luffy, realizing Kiri was chosen, crawled over. "You're drawing? What about me?"

"No way. Yours wouldn't scream 'pirate,'" Zoro said.

"Me?" Silk asked.

"Even worse," Zoro shot back.

"Worse than Luffy?!" Silk gasped.

Ignoring them, Kiri painted carefully—a straw-hatted skull with crossed bones. The crew marveled. "Done. Hoist it, and we're a pirate ship," Kiri said.

"I'll do it!" Luffy grabbed the flag, stretched his arm to the crow's nest, and climbed. The flag fluttered, pirate pride shining. They gazed up, the straw-hatted Jolly Roger marking them as one.

"Finally feel like pirates," Luffy said, hands on hips.

"We'll swap ships eventually," Kiri noted.

"Still, it's progress," Silk said.

"Not enough for a Pirate King," Zoro added.

Their moods varied, but the thrill was shared. On their new ship, under their flag, they felt like true pirates. The breeze felt different—refreshing.

Night fell, and the ship paused for rest. Supplies, including Gaimon's fruits, were ample. Kiri's cooking, lavish yet practical, graced the table—meats, fish, vegetables, and fruit sauces. Luffy devoured it. "So good, Kiri!"

"Fruit sauce? Genius. Recipe?" Silk asked.

"Just winged it," Kiri said, pouring Zoro more sake.

The spacious ship, with tables and chairs, was a luxury after their small boat. The meal restored them, but Silk's thoughts drifted to the defeated pirates, likely swimming to nearby islands. Taking their ship felt wrong. Guilt lingered.

"It's delicious, but… is this okay?" Silk murmured.

"What's up?" Kiri asked, as Luffy and Zoro ate on.

Silk set down her fork, pensive. "I hated pirates who raided towns, but now I'm doing the same. Taking by force… it's not so different, is it?"

"If they were civilians, sure. But pirates? They know the game. If they're whining, that's on them," Kiri said.

"Really?" Silk asked.

"You can't dwell, or you won't survive. Gaimon lived twenty years like that—they'll be fine," Kiri added.

Silk nodded, grappling with her pirate identity. Unlike the others, her civilian roots made guilt hard to shake. Was it gender? Upbringing? She sighed, while Luffy and Zoro seemed unfazed.

"More meat, Kiri!" Luffy called.

"Sake too," Zoro added.

"Get it yourselves. Kitchen's there," Kiri said.

They scampered off. Silk, quieter, said, "Luffy and Zoro are so strong."

"Yup," Kiri agreed.

"You're strong, cook, draw, navigate, and smart."

"Just dabbling. Experts would beat me."

"Am I useful?" Silk asked, downcast.

Kiri's face grew serious. "I trained to protect my town with a sword, but I can't cook or draw. You're all stronger. Am I dead weight?"

"No way. You're vital to us," Kiri said.

"But—"

"Luffy didn't pick you for strength alone. Usefulness is secondary. He saw something in you."

"Like what?"

"Ask him. But I'm glad you're here. On that island, you kept Luffy from getting lost. Small, but vital."

Silk's eyes widened. Such a minor act, yet Kiri valued it. "Those two aren't perfect. Luffy's a hopeless navigator and cook. Zoro's lost half the time. I've got flaws too. Crewmates cover each other's gaps."

Silk fell silent, realizing she'd been too hard on herself. Strength wasn't everything. What could she offer? She pondered as Kiri continued.

"Luffy chose us. No one's useless. Don't overthink it. This journey's long—your role will come."

Silk smiled, relieved. She'd find her place in time. "Thanks, Kiri. I feel better."

"Good. Those guys are intimidatingly strong—"

A loud boom from the kitchen cut him off. They rushed over, finding black smoke. Luffy, trying to reheat food, had caused chaos. Zoro sipped sake, unfazed, while Luffy tinkered with the stove.

"What happened?" Kiri sighed.

"Warming food. Then this," Luffy said.

"An explosion?" Kiri asked.

"Must be a magic stove," Luffy grinned.

"Your fault. I'm cooking from now on," Kiri said.

"Great! I might burn the ship," Luffy laughed.

"Call me next time," Kiri muttered.

Silk watched, amused. Their strengths shone in battle, but daily tasks? Disastrous. Kiri's words sank in—each had strengths and flaws. She felt warmth, proud to be their crewmate.

From the doorway, hands clasped, she observed. Luffy's recklessness, Kiri's care, Zoro's detachment—they needed her. She resolved to be their anchor, starting with learning to cook alongside Kiri to curb Luffy's kitchen disasters.