The sun had long dipped below the horizon, leaving behind a sky full of stars twinkling like scattered gems. The Red-Haired Pirates had docked their ship and spent the evening feasting with Goku, sharing stories of their adventures. Shanks, always the center of attention, regaled the crowd with tales of far-off islands, powerful pirates, and the treasure hidden within the Grand Line. The crew was loud, carefree, and in high spirits.
Goku sat back, a contented smile on his face as he listened to the laughter and stories swirling around him. His heart felt lighter than it had in years. He was happy and excited about his own adventure that was to come, but he knew for that he would need to be strong.
Shanks --- So kid what's your plan ?
Goku-- I think i would train at a place my grand father told me about and then once i am strong enough I'll leave for my own adventure.
Shanks -- More training, huh ! can't wait to see how strong you will become.
Shanks -- but kid are you really alright with me have the fruit, you know it could help you become the strongest around.
Goku-- Nah i think i am good, somehow it doesn't feel right for me to eat that fruit.
Shanks chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. "Well, with that kind of spirit, I have no doubt you'll become a force to be reckoned with. But don't forget—adventures can be wild, and you'll need more than just strength to survive out there."
"I'm ready!" Goku said eagerly. "Whatever comes my way, I'll face it head-on. And when I'm ready, I'll come find you guys and share stories of my own."
Shanks not saying anything just grinned-- "Alright, now that i have got what we came here for we will restock and leave first thing in the morning".
As the fire crackled and the stars sparkled above them, Goku felt a renewed sense of purpose. With his training ahead and the adventure of a lifetime waiting for him, the road ahead seemed brighter than ever.
As the morning sun began to rise, casting a golden hue over the horizon, the Red-Haired Pirates bustled with energy, preparing the ship for departure. The crew moved with practiced efficiency, securing ropes, adjusting sails, and getting everything in order for the next leg of their journey. Shanks stood at the helm, looking out at the open sea, his mind still on the conversation from the night before.
Ben Beckman, the calm and calculating vice-captain, walked up beside Shanks, his eyes narrowing as he observed Goku, who was playfully training with a few of the younger crew members. His tail swished behind him as he practiced some of the basic stances he had learned in his years of martial arts training. The crew had already gotten used to Goku's boundless energy, but there was one thing that still caught Ben's attention.
"You know, Shanks," Ben began, his voice low and measured, "That kid... he's got a tail. I've seen a lot of things in my time, but I've never seen a pirate with a tail like that."
Shanks' eyes twinkled with amusement as he watched Goku, his tail flicking around in his usual carefree manner. "Well, Ben," Shanks said, lowering his voice just enough so only his first mate could hear, "There's a race in the New World who have tails, just like him. They're a lot hairier, too—strong, wild, and incredibly tough fighters. But I don't think Goku's one of them."
Ben looked at Shanks, a mixture of curiosity and skepticism in his expression. "Really? A race with tails and that much hair, huh?" He gave Goku another glance, trying to figure out if there was more to this mysterious kid than he'd initially thought. "So you think Goku's different from them, then?"
Shanks nodded thoughtfully, his smile never fading. "Oh, for sure. Those folks are known for their brute strength and resilience, but there's something about Goku that doesn't quite match up with them. His tail is more of a… well, a reminder of something else, something deeper." He shrugged. "Whatever it is, it's clear he's not your typical New World fighter. He's got a unique energy, and I'm curious to see what makes him tick."
Ben raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued but still a bit cautious. "You really think he's got more to him than just a tail? You're betting on him in a big way, Shanks."
Shanks turned to face Ben, his expression serious but full of that quiet confidence he always seemed to exude. "You've been with me long enough to know, Ben. I've seen a lot of people—pirates, warriors, all kinds—and the ones who stand out, who are truly special, aren't always the ones you expect. Goku's got something more than just strength. He's got heart, and that's a rarity in this world."
Ben stayed silent for a moment, looking out at the vast ocean before turning back to Shanks. "I'll keep an eye on him, then. If he's got the heart you think he does, I'll be interested to see where his journey goes."
Shanks clapped Ben on the shoulder with a grin. "That's the spirit. We'll see, won't we? But something tells me Goku's going to surprise us all."
As the ship cut through the waves and the crew prepared for the unknown waters ahead, Shanks couldn't help but feel a deep sense of excitement. There was something about Goku that made him believe this kid was going to leave an unforgettable mark on the world—and maybe, just maybe, he was going to be a part of that story.
Meanwhile,
Goku wandered off toward the small hut he'd set up near the dock. His mind was swirling with excitement about the adventure ahead, but there was something else he needed to take care of first—something his grandpa had given him long ago.
The small hut was simple, built with the same hands-on care Goku had learned from his grandfather. Wooden beams lined the walls, and there was a small bed in the corner with a few scattered belongings. But Goku wasn't here for anything ordinary today. He had a specific task in mind.
He looked around the hut and tucked in a corner of a room was—the Vivre Card.
Goku smiled as he picked it up. It had been a long time since he last thought about it. His grandpa, Gohan, had handed it to him, telling him that if ever he felt lost or stagnant, he could follow the card to find someone who could help him get back on track. Someone who could help him keep moving forward in life, no matter the challenge.
Master Roshi.
The name echoed in Goku's mind. He hadn't seen the old master, but from what Gohan had told Goku, Roshi was an unparalleled martial artist and a great teacher—one who could offer guidance, new techniques, and maybe even a fresh perspective on his journey.
Goku held the Vivre Card tightly in his hand, watching as it shimmered in the light. The small, simple card seemed to carry an immense weight, not because of what it was, but because of the possibilities it represented. Goku had already become strong enough to survive just about anywhere, but after meeting shanks he was not sure, there was still room to grow. Always room to be stronger, not just in power, but also in wisdom and spirit.
He turned the card over in his hand, seeing the small sliver of direction it seemed to offer. "I think it's time," Goku muttered to himself, his voice filled with determination. "Grandpa wouldn't have given this to me if I wasn't ready. And I feel like this is exactly what I need to keep moving forward."\
The card seemed to glow faintly in his hand, and Goku smiled as he tucked it into his pocket. He knew the path ahead was uncertain, but with this, he knew that wherever he went, he'd have a guide to point him in the right direction when the time was right.
With one last glance around the small hut, Goku took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the adventure ahead. "Alright, Master Roshi," he whispered with a grin. "I'm coming for you. Let's see what kind of training you've got for me now."
As he stepped out of the hut and back into the lively atmosphere of the crew, Goku felt a renewed sense of purpose. His journey was just beginning, and with the Vivre Card in hand, he knew it was time to move forward, ready for whatever came next.
The story had only just begun. Little did Goku know, he was now part of the unpredictable world of pirates, treasures, and adventure. What strange paths would he cross in the One Piece world, and what role would he play in the pursuit of the Pirate King's ultimate journey? Only time would tell.