Chapter 81: The Island II
The boy scrambled back, his small frame trembling as he stammered, "P-please don't hurt me! I-I was just trying to protect the island!"
Rayleigh and the others approached, curious about the encounter. Shakky's sharp gaze softened slightly as she observed the boy. He looked no older than ten, his clothes tattered and his face smeared with dirt. Despite his fear, there was a defiant glint in his eyes.
"Protect the island?" Rayleigh echoed, his tone even. "You're the one behind the illusion?"
The boy nodded hesitantly. "Y-yes. I used my Devil Fruit power... but I only wanted to keep people away. I didn't mean any harm."
"What kind of Devil Fruit?" Tony asked, scanning the boy with his gauntlet.
The boy hesitated before answering. "It's called the Illusion Illusion Fruit. I can create visions, make people see things that aren't real. But it's not strong enough to fight someone like you..." His voice trailed off as he looked at Dave, awe and fear warring in his expression.
Dave knelt down, his gaze steady but not unkind. "And why would a kid like you need to protect this place? Who are you protecting it from?"
The boy swallowed hard, glancing nervously at the group before replying. "The island... it's all we have left. My family, my friends—they're gone now. Pirates came a few years ago and destroyed everything. I'm the only one left. If I can scare people away, maybe... maybe they'll leave the island alone."
A heavy silence fell over the crew. Shakky sighed, her expression softening. "You've been here all alone? No one to help you?"