It had been two long years since I arrived on this island. Two years of training, of pushing myself beyond my limits… and now, finally, it was time for me to return to my own time.
A familiar voice called my name.
"Noah!"
I turned.
"Princess Lily," I said, smiling. She ran over and hugged me tightly.
"I'm going to miss you," she whispered.
"I'll miss you too," I said softly.
A calm, deep voice spoke behind me.
"You're finally leaving."
I turned to see my master. "Ever since you appeared here, you've trained hard," he said.
"I won't fail you, Master," I replied.
He chuckled. "I know you won't, Noah. By the way… I love the new outfit."
"Thanks," I said. "Lily made it herself."
Lily blushed. "Will I ever see you again?"
"You can bet on it," I said.
I lifted my finger and felt the power I had honed over two years surging through me.
"Vector Manipulation—Time Space."
A swirling portal opened before me.
"You finally managed it," my master said.
I stepped forward. "Goodbye, Master."
Blip!
Noah vanished.
"Goodbye, Noah," Joy Boy said.
Lily turned to Joy Boy. "Did you tell him about his fruit?"
"Nope," Joy Boy said, walking away.
"Why not?" she asked.He has one of the Four Mythical Angel Fruits.
■■■■■■■■BACK TO NOAH■■■■■■■■
Noah walked through the portal and ended up on Sabaody.
"Uhh… couldn't it take me somewhere less dangerous?" he muttered.
He stretched his arms, feeling the warm air of the island.
"I still can't believe it's been two years since I almost died…"
Noah looked around Sabaody, taking in the view.
Then it hit him.
"My ship!"
Noah sprinted toward the docks.
The Scarlett Horizon was still there, not a single scratch was on it.
"I was wondering when one of you would show up," a female voice said.
Noah turned around.
Shakky!
"It's been a while, destroyer boy," she said with a smile. "How have you been?"
"I've been great," Noah replied.
She looked him up and down. "You've gotten taller… and a lot more handsome."
"Thanks," Noah said, scratching his cheek. "But...I don't understand. How is my ship still here?"
"Well, because Rayleigh protected it, of course," Shakky replied. "Not one pirate or marine would dare to touch it once they saw Rayleigh on the ship."
"On it?" Noah repeated.
"Yes. Rayleigh and I usually come around this time of day to hang out on your ship," Shakky explained with a small laugh.
Noah bowed. "Thank you. Really."
Shakky waved a hand. "No need to thank me. Just get back out there and find your crew."
"I will," Noah said.
"You don't really need to do that," a familiar voice said.
Noah and Shakky turned around.
Noah smiled.
"It's been awhile, Captain," The voice said.
Shakky grinned. "Now look at you… all grown up."
"It's been more than a while, Emma," Noah replied.
Emma chuckled. "You don't need to go searching for Amy. She's here too."
"She is?!" Noah shouted.
"Of course," Emma said, grinning. "Remember? You sent us flying to the same place."
Noah scratched his head. "Where was that again?"
"You sent us to Azure," Emma replied.
"I'm just happy to see you guys. And Emma… you've gotten even more beautiful," Noah said, smiling.
Emma laughed. "And you've gotten handsome, Captain. I just hope your brain has matured too!"
"You guys are having fun without me?" Amy said, walking toward them.
Noah glanced at her. "Amy… you've grown in more ways than one."
(Noah's thoughts) — [Noah, don't get a nosebleed. Noah, don't get a nosebleed. I repeat…]
"And you've gotten taller… and a lot more handsome. I like the outfit." Amy said.
"Thanks," Noah replied, blushing.
"It seems all of you are here," Shakky said, smiling. "When you guys conquer the world, let's have a drink."
"We will," Noah said confidently.
"One more thing, Noah—Rayleigh coated the ship for you guys," Shakky added before walking off.
"Let's go, guys!" Noah shouted, running up the ship.
Noah stopped midway. "Emma… where exactly are we going?"
Emma sighed. "Don't worry. I had a lot of time to study. Next stop...Fish Man Island."
Noah and the others got on the ship.
"Ready for this?" Emma said, her hands gripping the ship's steering wheel, a small smile on her face.
"Always," Amy replied.
They set sail.
The ship started to sink. "Here we go," Noah muttered.
A bubble instantly formed around the ship, holding it safe as it slipped below the waves.
"Feels like flying underwater," Emma said, steering smoothly, her eyes focused on the currents swirling around them.
After a few minutes, they were completely submerged.
"Next stop fish man island," Noah said, gazing at the glowing blue water around them.