Cement and Steel — Chapter 3: Bonds Forged in Stone
The Thousand Sunny sliced through the sparkling blue waves of the East Blue, the sun warming the deck as the crew bustled with energy. Kaito Moriyama stood at the bow, cement-hardened fingers gripping the railing as he stared out toward the endless horizon. Each day in this world brought new wonders and dangers, but he was ready.
His body still tingled with the strange fusion of cement and Haki, a power he was only beginning to unlock. Since joining the Straw Hats, Kaito had trained tirelessly, pushing his abilities to new limits.
"Hey, Cement Boy! You ready for today's training?" Usopp called, bounding over with his usual grin.
Kaito nodded. "Always."
Luffy laughed. "Let's see if you can keep up!"
---
The morning sun shone brightly as the crew gathered on the deck. Zoro unsheathed his swords, Sanji warmed up with graceful kicks, and Franky tinkered with a device nearby.
Kaito took a deep breath, then extended his hands, molding cement around his forearms to create heavy gauntlets. The rough surface gleamed faintly under the sun, reinforced with his Armament Haki.
"Try to keep your body balanced even when your arms are heavy," Zoro advised. "Weight and flow matter."
Kaito nodded and began shadow-sparring, moving with fluid precision despite the added mass. His Haki flared instinctively, weaving into the cement armor to enhance its durability without sacrificing speed.
After several exchanges with Zoro, Kaito felt sweat drip down his brow. "This is tougher than I imagined," he admitted.
Sanji smiled. "You've got heart. And heart beats technique any day."
---
Later that afternoon, a lookout shouted from the crow's nest. "Ship approaching fast — flying a black flag!"
The crew instantly sprang into action. Luffy's grin widened. "Pirates! Let's go!"
As the enemy ship closed in, Kaito's senses sharpened. Observation Haki tingled, alerting him to multiple combatants ready to board.
When the pirates swarmed aboard, Kaito stepped forward, his body rapidly turning into hardened cement. The enemy's blades clanged uselessly against his stone-like skin.
With a roar, Kaito formed a massive cement shield to protect a group of villagers who had come aboard with the Straw Hats, then swung his arm—transformed into a crushing hammer—sending attackers flying.
One particularly fierce pirate charged, blades gleaming, but Kaito's Observation Haki allowed him to predict the attack and dodge gracefully. He countered with a swift cement spear, piercing the pirate's armor.
The battle was fierce but brief. The Straw Hats' teamwork and Kaito's newfound cement abilities overwhelmed the invaders.
---
That night, as the crew celebrated their victory, Kaito sat quietly, reflecting on his journey.
He thought of the knowledge he had brought from his old world — the science of cement, the techniques of swordsmanship, and the spiritual power of Haki. Here, all were intertwined in a dance of strength and survival.
Nami approached him, a curious smile on her face. "You've changed since you arrived. Stronger… and more confident."
Kaito nodded. "This world challenges me in ways I never expected. But it also offers friendship and purpose."
Franky raised his glass. "To Kaito! The cement swordsman who's going to make this crew unstoppable!"
Laughter and cheers echoed under the stars.
---
As the Thousand Sunny sailed onward, Kaito's resolve hardened like the very cement he commanded.
He was no longer just a man lost between worlds. He was a warrior, a protector, and a member of a crew destined to carve their legend across the seas.
And whatever trials awaited, Kaito Moriyama would face them — with sword, Haki, and the unbreakable strength of cement.