There was no earth-shattering roar.
A single black slash carved across the sea like a thunderbolt, splitting the waves cleanly in two. For a moment, the ocean floor gaped open, a deep trench revealed, and a vacuum trail lingered in the air where the strike had passed.
"So strong…" Roger murmured. But almost immediately, he sighed, his hand pressing against the glowing pentagram seal on his abdomen.
"It's a shame… My power is still sealed. I fear I'll never be able to sail at your side again."
Shiro looked at the captain—his head bowed, his once proud black hair now clumped with sand, like a flame beaten down by rain.
Striding forward, Shiro laid a firm hand on Roger's trembling shoulder.
"Captain Roger, don't give in to despair!"
Sunlight burst through the clouds, catching Shiro's eyes, making his gaze burn with conviction. He drew back his hand, and traces of strange energy from the Paw-Paw Fruit still shimmered faintly at his fingertips.
"From my experiments just now with the fruit's power, look—"
He held out his palm, and a quivering orb of transparent air pulsed in it.
"Imu's pentagram seal only targets Devil Fruit abilities."
The wind sharpened suddenly, whipping Roger's cloak like a banner.
Shiro's voice carried over the gusts, clear and unwavering:
"When you enter Gear Five, your Armament Haki, Conqueror's Haki, and fruit powers intertwine too tightly. That's why they all get locked down together. But that means… your haki is only dormant. If you hone your swordsmanship and retrain your haki, you'll get it back!"
Roger's eyes widened, his whole body stiffening. His calloused hand clamped down on Shiro's arm so tightly the grip burned.
"Is that true, Shiro?"
When Shiro nodded firmly, Roger's laughter exploded, booming across the bay like a cannon.
"Wahahahaha! That's wonderful!"
His laughter scattered the gulls from the mast, his figure bouncing almost boyishly. The stormclouds of despair that had clung to him only moments before were washed clean by that iconic laughter, leaving only light in the creases of his weathered face.
Shiro couldn't help but grin at the sight.
"Of course it's true. When have I ever lied to you?"
He rubbed at his chin, lowering his voice.
"And besides…"
His gaze swept to the far horizon.
"When the Sun God Tree bears fruit twenty-four years from now, if you seize that power… you might just tear a hole in the seal."
Roger froze. The laughter drained from his face.
He wiped tears of mirth from his eyes, his voice dropping into something low and steady.
"That's enough, Shiro. Who can say what will happen two decades from now? If I can return to what I was before eating the fruit, that's already a blessing."
Shiro's chest swelled with quiet respect. His captain was always like this—able to take up and let go with equal ease.
Suddenly, Roger turned, his hawk-like gaze locking on Shiro. Even his sideburns bristled with the weight of his seriousness.
"Shiro. What about you? What will you do now?"
Instinctively, Shiro's eyes drifted to the endless sea. Sunlight shattered into golden shards across the waves. The silhouettes of islands—places he had once reached in an instant thanks to the Paw-Paw Fruit—blurred like fading memories.
"Me?" He scratched the back of his head.
"I'll just… take it step by step."
Roger slung an arm around his shoulders, his breath hot in Shiro's ear.
"Listen to me, Shiro. When the Sun God Tree fruits in twenty-four years, the Child of Destiny will clash with Imu. Whether us old men are still around by then… no one can say."
His knuckles tapped the hilt of the blade at Shiro's hip.
"But you're different. That sword of yours is still evolving. Your Paw-Paw Fruit hasn't reached its peak. Twenty-four years from now—that's when you'll be at your strongest."
"Me?" Shiro nearly stumbled, staring in disbelief.
"But I'm just a remnant of the old era. In that new battle, there's no place for me."
"My premonition's never wrong." Roger shook him hard by the shoulders, his eyes blazing.
"So, Shiro—I want you to keep sailing. Gather every strong ally you can. Plant your flag on every territory you can claim. Build your strength for that final war!"
Shiro's pupils shrank, his palm clenching. He had never thought of sailing alone. With the Paw-Paw Fruit, he could go anywhere instantly; he had already reached the Final Island and uncovered the treasure's secret. He'd believed his journey complete.
But Roger's words struck like a hammer—giving him purpose.
In this new Great Pirate Era, he was to expand his power and prepare for the storm to come.
After a moment's silence, Shiro nodded.
"I'll do it."
"I knew I was right about you!" Roger's laughter boomed once again, his massive hand slamming into Shiro's back so hard it nearly knocked him flat.
"Wahahahaha! I knew you were dependable!"
"Then I'll go make preparations for my own voyage. If you run into trouble, call me on the den-den mushi!" Shiro waved, readying his power.
"Go on then!" Roger waved back—then suddenly yelled, "Oh, and Shiro!"
Shiro froze mid-step, waiting.
"You're eighteen already! Find yourself a wife and have some kids!"
Shiro stumbled so hard he nearly fell face-first into the sand.
"You old geezer, you married at fifty! And you dare rush me?" he muttered under his breath.
The wind carried his grumbling away, leaving Roger doubled over with laughter on the docks, his voice echoing until even the weathered ships seemed to tremble with it.
With a final wave, Shiro launched himself with the Paw-Paw Fruit—straight toward Water 7.
If he was going to sail his own path and gather allies for the war against Imu, the first step was obvious: he needed a ship.
The Oro Jackson was legendary, but too conspicuous now. The World Government's eyes were everywhere; to take that ship would only invite trouble.
No, Shiro had a better plan.
He would seek out Master Tom—and have him build a brand-new vessel worthy of the seas to come.
T/N: If you have any suggestions for what you would like to see translated let me know! In the mean time check out the account I write on (rather than translate) Ghidorah_7074.
Currently releasing:
Naruto: The Senju Patriarch
Harry Potter: The Flaw of Slytherin
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