One Piece: Gawain The Knight Of The Sun

Days later, at the edge of Raven Port, a hillside was dotted with tombstones, many newly erected.

The recent battle had claimed too many civilians and port guards.

Soft sobs echoed as people mourned lost family and friends.

In a corner, Gawain set up a tombstone engraved with the names of his fallen crew, facing the Grand Line.

He scanned the names, murmuring, "Watch from here."

"I—no, we—will plant our pirate flag in every corner of the world."

"When the Gawain Pirates' name echoes everywhere, you'll live on with it."

He turned, finding Kuro and the crew at the graveyard's entrance, eyes on him.

"Nice words," Kuro said, a faint smile on his lips, adjusting his glasses. "Time to go, Captain."

"Yeah." Gawain smiled faintly.

The crew followed him, hurrying to the port.

A cargo ship over a hundred meters long, loaded with food, ammunition, and medical supplies, waited quietly.

The supplies could sustain Gawain's crew for months, the munitions enough for ten fierce battles.

Once delivered to their Pala Island base, Gawain wouldn't worry about logistics for a while.

Gaza had also promised a hidden supply route for steady support.

Seeing Gawain, Gaza's eyes lit up. "Mr. Gawain, remember our deal."

"Yeah," Gawain nodded. "Once I'm back, I'll send men to clear pirates from Raven Port's main routes."

He leaped onto the deck, and Kuro led the crew into the cabins.

After checking the ship, a horn sounded, and the vessel eased out of the port.

Gaza watched Gawain on the deck, her eyes reddening, emotions overwhelming her. "Mr. Gawain, when will we meet again?"

Gawain paused, waving without turning. "If things go well, you'll see my name in the papers soon."

"And if not?"

"Then the sea's my grave!"

Gaza bit her lip, fighting tears.

She knew the East Blue wasn't Gawain's limit. Like a bird, he wouldn't stay.

He was destined for a grander stage, his name to be sung worldwide.

"What a clueless man," she muttered. "Are pirates this dashing?"

Molly froze, uneasy. "Princess, you have this port and its people."

Gaza wiped her tears, voice firm. "I know."

"But I need strength to protect them."

"I've heard the Grand Line has Devil Fruits that grant great power. Maybe…"

"Princess, you'd become a hammer?" Molly asked.

"Compared to great power, it's a small price."

…

The sea was unpredictable.

Even in the calm East Blue, sudden storms could capsize most ships.

Winds howled, lightning flashed.

Amid towering waves, the cargo ship rocked, at risk of sinking.

"Quick, turn the helm!"

"There's a whirlpool ahead! We'll die if we're caught!" Kuro shouted, directing the ship from the deck.

Gawain slashed out flying attacks, cutting approaching waves to keep the ship upright.

The storm showed Gawain the world's cruelty.

For low-tier pirates, erratic weather was the top killer, combat second.

"Damn it!" Gawain yelled. "Kuro, you've sailed years—how's your navigation as bad as mine?"

"We had a dedicated navigator!" Kuro snapped.

"Where are they?"

"Burned to death in Raven Port."

"You useless—!"

Kuro's lips twitched, about to retort, when another massive wave loomed.

Its crushing force threatened to swallow everything, the air pressure alone creaking the ship.

"Gawain!"

"Got it!"

Gawain's face hardened, unleashing multiple flying slashes to shatter the wave.

But the sea grew wilder…

…

Hours later, the ship escaped the chaotic waters.

The storm calmed, sunlight piercing the clouds, warming the crew.

Survivors collapsed on the deck, panting.

Gawain checked his panel: Navigation LV-1. Glancing at Kuro, pale and rebandaging burst wounds, he groaned. Their navigation skills were equally dismal.

"We need a reliable navigator before the Grand Line!" Gawain said, still shaken by the storm.

Die at sea a day after boasting? That'd be a joke.

A bandaged figure limped out of the cabin. "Where am I?"

Gin, just awake, looked around, confused, until he saw Kuro and recalled everything.

"Hundred Plans Kuro? You saved me?"

Kuro pointed coldly at Gawain. "Him."

"Knight Gawain?"

Gin froze, memories flooding back—Krieg throwing him at Gawain, firing without hesitation. Even his loyalty couldn't ease the suffocating betrayal.

"Why?"

"I'd want a crewmate who'd take a blade for their captain," Gawain said, extending a hand. "Join my ship?"

"I'm not always a good captain, but I won't shoot my own or swing at them without reason."

Gin gave a bitter smile. "Pirates and loyalty? Honor? Just lies!"

"I…"

Before finishing, Gin's eyes rolled back, and he collapsed.

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