The morning sun painted the horizon in warm golds and reds as the sea gently rippled under the light. Jessie stood silently at the edge of the shore, his coat fluttering with the wind, his gaze steady on the waves. The duel with Shanks still echoed in his mind — the clash of Haki, the rush of adrenaline, and that final moment of overwhelming victory. He had stood toe to toe with a Yonko… and won.
Behind him, Uta stood quietly, watching his still figure. Jessie turned and looked at her with a calm yet determined smile.
"It's time to set sail," he said softly, the breeze carrying his voice to her. "You should say goodbye to your family — Shanks and the crew."
Uta nodded, her lips pursed, and her eyes already starting to water. She turned and walked toward the Red Force, where Shanks and his crew were recovering from last night's banquet and laughter. Jessie watched her go, her steps slow but certain.
As soon as she was out of sight, Jessie's expression shifted from reflective to excited. He closed his eyes and communicated silently with the system.
"Claim the rewards."
A mechanical DING echoed in his head.
[SYSTEM REWARD RECEIVED]
✔️ Supreme Knife – Material of the Gods
✔️ Exclusive Voidreign Pirate Ship – "Pandaghost"
✔️ 5x Super Soldier Serums – Granting Vice Admiral-level Strength
In a flash of light, a sleek black and silver knife appeared in his hand, perfectly balanced with a glowing insignia carved into the blade — the Voidreign crest.
Next, a small glowing box appeared, pulsing with blue energy. Inside it, five vials filled with a swirling silver liquid — the legendary Super Soldier Serum. Jessie smirked.
Then came the most shocking reveal of all.
With a mighty whoosh, the sea before him began to shimmer and part. From the depths emerged a colossal ship — the Voidreign Pirate Ship: Pandaghost. Towering like a fortress on the water, it was similar in size to the Thousand Sunny, but its design was unique. The ship's figurehead wasn't a lion — but a large, adorable panda face, its black eyes glowing faintly like a spirit. Despite its cuteness, the ship exuded power. The black-and-white hull shimmered with built-in magical runes, and an aura of life seemed to radiate from it.
"Welcome… Captain Jessie," a soft, melodic voice echoed.
The ship had a consciousness. An ancient spirit bound to the Pandaghost, said to have the power to both defend against and launch attacks on the level of Ancient Weapons.
Jessie's jaw dropped slightly as he muttered, "Now this is a pirate ship…"
Meanwhile, Uta had reached the Red Force. The crew was gathered on the deck, some drinking, others nursing sore heads from the duel aftermath. Shanks sat with Ben Beckman, still bandaged but smiling, his arm resting on the table.
Uta approached, her steps slowing. Shanks saw her and smiled wide.
"So… you're really going," he said, his voice a little rough, but kind.
Uta nodded. "My captain said… it's time to go to sea." Her voice trembled slightly.
Shanks leaned back with a deep laugh. "Then go. Find your own path. Sing your songs. Change the world."
Tears welled in Uta's eyes. "I'm sorry… for everything. And… thank you, Father."
Shanks' laughter paused. He looked at her with a proud smile, and slowly reached forward, ruffling her hair like he used to when she was a child. "There's nothing to apologize for. You'll always be my daughter."
Some of the crew wiped their eyes discreetly. Lucky Roux openly bawled. Yasopp turned around, pretending to clean his gun, but even his shoulders were shaking.
Shanks stood up. "Alright. Enough sappy moments. Go on now. You have a captain waiting."
He turned and began walking toward the helm, not wanting to show the rest of his emotions. The Red Force's sails unfurled. With a loud creak and splash, the ship began to move away. Uta stood on the dock, watching silently as the Red Force slowly disappeared into the mist, carrying the man who had raised her.
She wiped her tears with her sleeve and turned around. Her new adventure awaited.
Back at the Pandaghost, Jessie explored the ship like a child on his birthday. The rooms were pristine, well-furnished, and designed for a full-fledged crew. There was a navigation hall, a kitchen stocked with rare spices, and even a gravity training chamber — allowing him to simulate 5x Earth's gravity for strength training.
Only two crew members… for now.
He stood on the deck, looking up at the blue sky. His thoughts wandered.
"I need a second crew member," he muttered. "Someone strong… someone who's worthy…"
His hand rested on the hilt of his newly earned sword — but then his eyes narrowed.
"There was one girl… Kuina. Zoro's childhood rival. She had the dream to become the greatest swordswoman in the world… but she died."
He clenched his fist.
"Or did she? What if I could find a way… to bring her back? Or someone like her?"
He shook the thought away. "First, East Blue."
Just then, Uta's voice brought him back to the present. "Jessie!!"
She stood at the dock, her eyes sparkling as she looked up at the Pandaghost.
"Wow! It's so cute! And… kind of scary too? But awesome!" She ran up the ramp and started exploring. "This room has karaoke! Wait… a recording studio?! And is that a mini-theater!?"
Jessie laughed. "It's… a special gift. Don't worry about the details."
Uta raised an eyebrow. "Mysterious. But fine. I like it here."
She twirled in the middle of the deck, arms spread out. "So, Captain! Where to?"
Jessie stepped up beside her, a confident grin on his face as he pointed east.
"We sail to East Blue."
"To where exactly?" she asked curiously.
"Frost Moon Village. There's someone I need to find."
As the Pandaghost's sails unfurled and its powerful engine hummed to life, Jessie and Uta stood at the bow, wind in their hair, eyes on the horizon.
Their new adventure had officially begun.