Chapter 11: Heart of the Storm
Chapter 11: Heart of the Storm
The Calm Before the Storm
A week had passed since the battle for the village. The Wave of Freedom sailed along a secluded archipelago, where a deceptively calm reigned. Katsuro sat in the stern, lost in thought, with his eyes closed.
He heard more and more often... a voice. Not someone else's, but not his own either. A voice in the depths of his mind, soft, enveloping, like a sea shroud:
"You're closer than you think... But you're afraid of what's inside."
Katsuro clenched his fist. He hadn't shared this with anyone, not even Luffy. The second ability... it was somewhere nearby. He could feel it.
Reconnaissance on the coast
"We're approaching the trading island of Hailin," Nami announced. "We can replenish supplies and obtain information here. But be careful - Navy agents often prowl here.
— And bounty hunters, — Zoro added, yawning.
— That makes it even more interesting, — Sanji grinned, glancing at Katsuro. — Are you coming with us?
— Of course. We need to check the situation out for ourselves.
In the shadows of the streets
There was a bustle on Haylin Island: traders, thieves, former marines, strange types. Katsuro felt the eyes in the crowd. They were watching. He knew it.
— On the left, two at the counter, — he whispered to Nami. — Not locals. Dry faces, clean shoes, military hands. They are the Navy.
— They are not active, — she answered just as quietly. — Just watching. Bye.
They disappeared into the alley, but already knew: from now on, every stop they made would be under surveillance.
Evening training and awakening
On the deck, already at night, Katsuro was training again. He was practicing a special technique associated with the Vein that he called the "Wind Brand" - sharp, wave-like strikes that used the energy of the body and the wind at the same time.
"You're alone again," Nami said, coming over and sitting down next to him. "You can't switch off, can you?"
"I can't," he answered honestly. "It's... like something inside me wants to break out."
"Is it scary?"
He looked into her eyes.
"It's not that it scares me... but I'm afraid that when it manifests, I'll become someone else."
She was silent, then gently touched his hand.
"When it happens, we'll be there. And I will too. You're not alone."
Awakening: A Hint of the Second Ability
Later, when he was alone, the pain returned - in his head, in his chest. Flashes. Visions. Phrases he hadn't said. People he didn't know.
And among them, a strange hand touching his shoulder... and suddenly he felt not only the man's emotions, but his future.
Katsuro fell to his knees, gasping for breath.
"You started. The gift of memory and... sight?"
For the first time, he realized that the second ability could be related to foresight, but not logical - sensory, related to fate and personal connection.
Crew Gathering and Disturbing News
In the morning, a messenger from one of the merchant guilds came on board.
"You are under open surveillance," he said. "The Navy wants more than just surveillance. There are rumors... that they are preparing an inspection. Perhaps a skirmish."
"They are still unsure," Zoro said. "Which means time is on our side."
"We must be careful," Usopp added. "We cannot fall into a trap."
"Which means we move on," Katsuro said confidently. "Let them watch. We will show who we are.