I woke up slowly, bathed in the soft morning light filtering through the half-open shutters. The scent of clean linens and the surrounding calm instantly soothed me. Turning my head slightly, I saw Koby sitting on a chair next to my bed. He was dozing off, his chin resting on his palm, clearly exhausted. On another bed, not far from mine, Nami and Nojiko were sleeping peacefully, curled up against each other, as if the night had granted them a moment of respite after so many horrors.
I sat up slowly to avoid waking them, then quietly got to my feet. My body no longer ached, but something had changed. It wasn't a physical strength. It was something deeper. As if a new kind of energy—softer, but more vibrant—was flowing through my veins. A warm, soothing sensation.
I slipped out of the building, guided by the fresh morning air. The first breezes still carried the scent of the sea. As I walked, I noticed in the distance a small isolated cemetery, nestled among hills covered in tall grass. There was no one else, except for a man standing near a cluster of graves. He was motionless, powerful despite his silence, standing tall—but his gaze betrayed a deep sorrow.
At his feet, a young boy knelt, shaken with sobs, his hands clutched around a freshly carved gravestone. I slowed my steps as I approached, observing the scene with care. The man looked at me briefly with sad, resigned eyes. It was as if he wanted to say something… but didn't have the strength. Maybe he couldn't anymore. He wasn't really there. I quickly understood that this father was no longer of this world.
I pretended not to notice, respecting the silence of this lost soul, then gently knelt beside the child.
"You okay, kid?" I asked softly, placing a light hand on his shoulder. "What happened?"
The little boy slowly lifted his head. His blond hair was messy, stuck to his forehead with sweat and tears. His large green eyes, red from crying, were filled with heartbreaking grief.
"It's my dad..." he sobbed. "Arlong killed him… because he couldn't pay… He tried to hide the money to buy medicine for me..."
His small hands clutched desperately at a piece of cloth—probably an old shirt that had belonged to his father.
"And now I'm all alone… I can't find Mister Hachi anymore… and I'm hungry…"
A chill ran down my spine. Behind the boy, the ghostly man—his father, most likely—was still watching me. He didn't look angry. Just powerless. His eyes begged me to do what he no longer could.
I opened a dark portal to my right, the veil of shadows rippling like a vertical pool of water. One of my Heartless soldiers appeared instantly, awaiting orders. I gave a brief gesture, and he disappeared into the portal, heading to Heartless Island—the name Luffy had thrown out casually, but which we had eventually adopted. An ironic nod to our oddball crew and our unconventional methods.
Moments later, the soldier returned, arms loaded with fruit: shiny red apples, ripe bananas, golden mangoes, and even a violet fruit with pearly highlights I'd seen growing near the lake. The ghostly father, still kneeling by the grave, looked at me with visible relief, as if this simple gesture lifted a part of the burden of his failure.
I knelt beside the kid, carefully laying my jacket on the ground as an improvised picnic blanket. The fruits were placed in a neat little pile, contrasting with the slightly damp morning grass.
"Go ahead, eat, kid. You need to get your strength back," I said gently, motioning for him to help himself.
He looked at me with hesitation at first, his eyes flicking from me to the fruit, then he reached out for a red apple and bit into it with a sigh that was almost blissful. His small hands were still trembling, but hunger had won out over fear. He ate in big bites, as if every piece was a treasure.
I smiled at him, sitting by his side with my arms resting on my knees. "And you, what's your name? I'm Heartless D. Jordan."
The boy raised his green eyes to me, surprised by my calm voice but not frightened by my appearance or the portals I had summoned. "I'm Jerry… Just Jerry, sir."
He paused, watching the shadows gently dissipate around the now-closed portal. Then, after another bite, he looked at me with a hint of uncertainty.
"Sir… are you a pirate? The news-bird… it had a big poster with your face on it…"
Behind him, the ghostly father tensed up, worried, watching closely to see how I would react. I pulled my wanted poster from my inner pocket and held it out to Jerry, letting him see it clearly.
"Yeah. I'm a pirate. But not like Arlong," I said with a soft, bittersweet smile. "I just… annoyed a grumpy old Marine, and he decided to slap a bounty on me to make my life harder."
I let out an exaggerated sigh, rolling my eyes like a kid caught stealing an apple. Jerry burst out laughing—a light, genuine laugh, still hoarse from too much crying, but a laugh nonetheless.
"That old Marine's pretty touchy, huh?" I chuckled softly.
Jerry nodded, taking another bite of his apple. His father, behind him, seemed to relax a little. But he remained there just a bit longer, making sure his son was truly in good hands.
After letting Jerry eat his fill, I allowed myself to try one of the purple fruits brought back from Heartless Island. It tasted sweet, slightly tangy, with a soft, almost creamy texture. Surprisingly delicious. I devoured it quickly, followed by a crisp apple, while the little boy continued to gobble down everything he could, as if it was his first real meal in days.
When he finally slowed down, full and a bit drowsy, I wiped my hands and gave him a gentle look.
"Jerry, I've decided to give you a gift—something very special."
I stood up slowly, picking up my jacket, still a bit damp with morning dew, then approached the ghostly father, who was still kneeling near the grave. He looked at me with silent, almost resigned gratitude.
I extended my hand toward him, and my Keyblade appeared in a golden flash. A misty chain was wrapped around his spectral wrist. With a simple gesture, I unlocked it. Light burst from the invisible lock, surrounding the ghost. His body became fully visible for the first time.
Jerry jumped in surprise.
"D-Dad?!" he shouted, scrambling to his feet, his little legs slipping slightly on the wet grass.
The father, by reflex, opened his arms… and felt his son throw himself into them. The contact froze him with emotion. He was no longer an untouchable spirit. His arms, now solid, wrapped around his child. The boy sobbed into his chest, his face buried against him.
I stepped away, giving them that moment. Unlike my experience with Bell-mère, I didn't feel that crushing fatigue. Just a shiver of energy, like a warm current flowing through my veins. The ghost's light began to glow more brightly, radiating a comforting warmth.
The father whispered to his son, kissed him one last time on the forehead, and then his body slowly dissolved into golden particles. The light fused with Jerry in a shimmer of energy—but this time, a small portion drifted toward me. It entered my heart, reinforcing that strange feeling of inner strength I'd had since waking up.
Jerry sniffled and rubbed his eyes. He was smiling despite the tears.
"Thank you… Mister Jordan. That was the best gift in the world."
I offered him my hand with a smile.
"Come on. Let's go find the others before they think I got eaten by a Sea King."
We walked back to the big house. I opened the door at a calm pace, Jerry hiding shyly behind me. I had barely stepped inside when two tornadoes—one redhead and one blue-haired—came crashing into me.
"JORDAN!"
Nami and Nojiko glared at me before grabbing me by the collar like two furious mother hens.
"Where were you?!" Nami growled.
"Do you know how long you've been gone?!" Nojiko added.
I raised my hands, mock-guilty.
"Hey, easy, easy. I was just outside… saved a life and settled a family matter. Nothing serious."
Koby, sitting nearby, smiled softly, arms crossed, visibly relieved to see me back in one piece. Hachi and Luffy were there too, leaning against the wall, watching the scene with amusement.
"He's alive, give him a break!" Hachi joked."It's just like Shanks when Makino yelled at him!" added Luffy with a laugh.
Usopp had already settled back on the bed, patiently waiting for the storm to pass. He raised an eyebrow when he saw Jerry.
"And the kid? A new crewmate, or are you starting a daycare now?"
Nojiko, still furious but now curious, finally looked at the little boy who had hidden behind me. Her eyes immediately softened.
"Jerry… is that you?" Hachi asked suddenly, approaching with hesitation. A flash of surprise and a hint of discomfort crossed his face as he recognized the child. The memory finally returned—the boy left behind in the chaos of Arlong Park, forgotten in the madness.
Jerry timidly raised his eyes to the fish-man, then nodded. "Yes… it's me, Mister Hachi."
Hachi scratched the back of his head, clearly embarrassed. "I… I'm really sorry, kid. I left you behind, I didn't think—"
I placed a hand on Jerry's shoulder to reassure him, then spoke up before the awkwardness grew heavier.
"Don't worry, Hachi. What matters is that you're both safe now. And actually, I've made a decision. Jerry will go live on Heartless Island with you, Nojiko… and the rest of our little family."
The announcement surprised everyone for a moment. Jerry looked around, eyes gleaming, then gave a shy smile.
I then turned to Usopp. "And you, my friend… if Kaya agrees, she can come live on the island with us. There's not much there yet, but it's quiet, protected, and I can make sure it's a place that feels like home for everyone."
Usopp lit up instantly, cheeks flushed with excitement. "I'll ask her as soon as we see her! Kaya deserves a peaceful place. And… if I can have her close and be part of the crew… that'd be perfect!"
Then I turned to Luffy, a sly smile on my face."And what if we all went there now? We could start setting things up. And afterward… we could try the new—"
But of course, Luffy clapped his hands together with a huge grin.
"You mean a DUNGEON, right?! Just say it!" he shouted, thrilled, completely ruining my dramatic buildup.
Everyone burst out laughing at his overflowing enthusiasm, and just like that, we moved. To Heartless Island.
The portals got us there quickly. We spent most of the day getting things organized. Luffy and Koby helped carry planks, Hachi was building basic structures with the Heartless who obeyed without question. Usopp tinkered with some basic mechanisms like the shower and toilets, while Nami, Nojiko, and Jerry helped sort the supplies and bedrolls. The shadows around us silently built small wooden houses and fences in assembly-line precision. Little by little, Heartless Island was becoming a real home.
Later, we made a quick trip to Goa. Luffy took the opportunity to visit Makino, greet her, and tell her a few stories. Meanwhile, I went to pick up my new grandmother and Lea, whom we settled in comfortably before showing them the place. They seemed delighted.
Nami, Nojiko, and Hachi had used the money Nami had once saved to pay Arlong to buy a stockpile of supplies, tools, and clothes. For once, she smiled while spending her treasure."This is for us. Not to survive. To live."
Once everyone was gathered, we made our way to Kaya's mansion. Usopp approached her with a mix of nervousness and determination.
"Kaya… I have something to ask you. Come live with us on Heartless Island. It'll be easier. You'll be able to rest, help people, be useful… and… I'll be there. With you."
Kaya placed a hand gently on Usopp's cheek and smiled softly. "That's a wonderful idea, Usopp. Yes. I'll come."
Then she looked up at the rest of us. "I have something to offer you in return…" She gestured to Merry, who opened the garage doors. Inside stood a beautifully decorated white caravel.
The Going Merry.
"It's yours. It's barely been used for trade."
Luffy shouted in joy, and I felt a pang in my chest.
"Kaya… thank you. You're coming with us on this ship, right?"
"Yes." She nodded with confidence.
I opened a portal toward the sea, the sound of the waves mixing with the warm breeze. Together, we all boarded the Merry. The wood creaked under our feet as the ship calmly left Fuschia Bay. In a matter of seconds, it reappeared just off the beach of Heartless Island, thanks to the portal slicing through the sea like a broken mirror.
The island stretched out on the horizon, bathed in golden light, filled with the laughter of our crew and the clinking of tools. The shadows worked with supernatural precision. Structures were slowly rising—a sign of a home in the making. The hope of a new beginning hung in the air, almost tangible.
Once we docked, we didn't waste any time. With the help of a few Heartless and our comrades, we built a small medical cabin for Kaya out of light wood near a peaceful grove. It wasn't fully equipped yet, but it had the essentials: a roof, solid walls, and the promise of a future where she could heal without fear of conflict.
Next, we cleared a wide area about two kilometers from the village center. There, among ancient trees and twisted roots, lay a stretch of land we designated as our training zone. The ground was firmer, and the clearings were well defined. Warning markers were placed to keep civilians out—especially Jerry and the other children.
Once that was done, we got into position: Luffy, Koby, Nami, Usopp, and me—ready to begin a new phase of our adventure. I activated the Deep Jungle dungeon, feeling a faint vibration in my pendant as the air around us filled with dark energy.
A message appeared in front of me, hovering like a hologram between reality and illusion:
• You are about to be teleported to Deep Jungle – Easy Mode – with your team.• Objective: Defeat 200 Coastal Primates, 200 Cheeky Primates, 50 Patrol Primates, 200 Green Requiems, Sabor, and 1 Stalker.• Rewards: Random item/equipment/skill for your team members.• Recovery of all defeated Heartless under your command plus Sabor's attribute.
I raised an eyebrow at the last line. "Huh, that's new…" I thought silently. Boss attribute acquisition was a new feature. Interesting.
But the system displayed another message, halting the activation.
Five individuals detected. Dungeon cannot start. Maximum of three players allowed at once, including the host.
I repeated the message aloud for Luffy and the others.
Luffy crossed his arms, thinking for a second, then flashed his usual carefree—yet oddly strategic—smile."Jordan, take Usopp and Koby. Since it's Easy Mode, Usopp can learn without too much risk, and Koby can gain a bit more experience."
He turned to Nami. "I'll do Normal Mode with you. Then we'll figure out who tackles Hard Mode."
I nodded in agreement as the two of them stepped back, clearing the area for our trio. A flash of light surrounded Usopp, Koby, and me—and the next instant, the world shifted.
We appeared in a large treehouse built high in the canopy of a lush jungle. The wooden floor creaked beneath our feet, covered in moss and vines, as guttural cries echoed through the surrounding forest.
Down below, the Coastal Primates swarmed. At least sixty of them—massive, with bulging muscles, blue and brown fur interwoven, and glowing yellow eyes full of rage. They circled around our area, ready to pounce.
On the upper platform of the treehouse, more agile creatures moved quickly: the Cheeky Primates. Smaller, leaner, and pink, armed with slingshots, they appeared to be organizing a ranged defense. Some comically darted around the railing to find better angles.
Above us, several Green Requiems floated. Their elongated bodies hovered in a hypnotic sway, ready to heal any injured apes.
I scanned the treehouse but didn't yet see the Patrol Primates. They were probably lying in ambush farther out, ready to intercept anyone straying from the perimeter.
I turned to my companions.
"All right, guys… Ready? Let's hit hard from the start."
Koby nodded, weapon in hand, fully focused. Usopp adjusted his headband and readied his slingshot.
"I just hope I don't get overwhelmed…"
I smiled gently and placed a hand on each of their shoulders.
"With me, you're in good hands." My voice was calm, but full of confidence.
I turned to Koby. "You'll take the front. Keep Usopp safe from any charges."
Then I turned to our sharpshooter. "And you, Usopp, stay in the back. Cover him. Aim true, shoot for the heart, and we'll hold this cabin."
They both nodded, a mix of nervousness and determination shining in their eyes.
I rose gently off the ground, my feet leaving the wooden platform.
"I'll take care of their ranged units."
And in a flash, I launched into the air. The wind compressed around me, whistling in my ears as I soared upward toward the upper levels of the treehouse. The Cheeky Primates had already spotted me. They shrieked in surprise as I approached so quickly, and a volley of sharp stones, fired from slingshots, shot in my direction.
I chose to let two of them hit me. The projectiles bounced off my chest without even grazing my skin. Nothing… I felt nothing.
I smiled. Perfect for training.
The shadow of Eisah, still linked to me since our last fusion, pulsed gently on my back like a familiar presence. I took this opportunity to train my mastery of Observation Haki. I closed my eyes mid-flight, letting instinct take over. My awareness expanded beyond sight, mapping out silhouettes, intent, movement in the air.
A flash. A stone. I dodged with ease, spinning on myself, sensing the slingshots being drawn again.
There.
I recreated an iconic technique from Sora, a move granted to me thanks to my connection with the Guardian Armor. I hurled my Keyblade forward, my hand still attached to the handle. Diskobolos.
The weapon began to spin like a divine saw, tracing a wide golden spiral. It sliced through the air with a high-pitched whistle, mowing down five, six, seven Cheeky Primates in a single sweep. Explosions of shadow burst into the air like black fireflies.
My hand reappeared in a burst of sparks and snapped back onto my arm with a sharp click.
I took a deep breath, then launched the weapon in another direction, repeating the attack with the same fluidity. Each rotation, each sweep, was a mix of instinctive precision and raw power. The monkeys fell one after another, screaming before vanishing into dark light.
When I opened my eyes, there wasn't a single Cheeky Primate left in the cabin.
Down below, Koby was fighting like a true prodigy. His style had improved. Once hesitant, his movements were now sharp, precise. He blocked an attack, then countered with enough force to push back the Coastal Primates.
Usopp, on his end, was handling the backline perfectly. With each shot, a creature collapsed—hit clean in the forehead or chest. His accuracy was impressive, and he had gained confidence.
"I've got you covered, Koby! Three more on the left!" he shouted, loading another projectile.
The Green Requiems floating above the scene still hadn't acted—unable to heal their allies who were falling in a single blow. I rose to meet them at their level and unleashed a series of spinning strikes. Easy Mode posed no real challenge.
A few minutes later, calm returned. The cabin echoed only with the rapid breaths of my two companions.
I drifted gently back toward them, landing softly on the wooden floor.
"Great coordination, you two. Let's keep going. The dungeon's just getting started."
Usopp, smiling, nodded.
"I get why Luffy leaves Easy Mode to others. He'd probably get bored!"
Koby wiped his forehead, slightly sweaty from all the rapid movement."I can't wait to face the boss of this dungeon."
We were suddenly interrupted by a roar. The wooden wall beside us shattered as Sabor, the leopard, lunged at Koby—but Usopp's reflexes were quicker. A fire pellet exploded right in front of the beast's snout, forcing it to recoil. It turned with a snarl and leapt back through the hole, vanishing as if by magic.
(Author's Note: I'm ending the story here for now, since the next chapter will likely feature three dungeon explorations—so I'm holding onto a bit of suspense for my Disney-inspired plot development ^^ For those who didn't quite get the ghost scene, it's simply a mechanic to increase Jordan's spiritual power and alter the sadness from the original work, since this is a fanfic.)