The line went dead. As the faint static from Vegapunk's call faded, Kaito became acutely aware of the silence in the room. He looked around to find every eye fixed on him.
Dragon's gaze was unreadable. "Do you truly possess a desire to become a Celestial Dragon?" he asked, his voice dangerously calm.
"I do," Kaito admitted without hesitation. "But I know my own morals would make me physically ill if I ever acted on it. So I don't. It's easy to deny an ugly part of yourself, to say, 'Of course I don't have such desires.' But I know myself. I'm human—a human who would love to snap his fingers and have all the world's pleasures laid at his feet. That desire is buried deep, covered by the ugliness I've witnessed and a personal code of honor, but to claim it doesn't exist would be the highest form of hypocrisy."
Dragon studied him, the silence stretching. "How old are you, really?" he finally asked, the question laced with disbelief that a boy of fourteen could possess such self-awareness.
A dry laugh escaped Kaito's lips. "Hahaha, now that's the better question. I can tell you it's because I awakened Observation Haki very early. It forced me to grow up faster than my peers. For eleven years, I've been listening to the whispers of people's desires and feeling the weight of their wishes. Understanding the human psyche has become something of a specialty."
Dragon took a slow, deep breath, the sound loud in the quiet room. It was a stark reminder that the boy before him was anything but normal.
---
Days bled into weeks. The technological challenge of recreating and modifying the ancient technology meant progress was a slow dance of trial and error. Finally, after three long months, a functioning prototype was assembled.
Lindbergh put the finishing touches on the battery, and Kaito channeled his energy into it until it hummed with power. He stayed until Ginny's treatment session was complete.
Lindbergh emerged from the workshop, wiping grease from his hands. "The battery should support up to eight months of sessions," he announced, a note of pride in his voice. "A more than satisfactory result for a first attempt."
Kaito nodded, a wave of relief washing over him. "Good. That gives me the freedom to explore the North Blue. But I'm going home first."
His fourteenth birthday was in a month, and he intended to spend it with his parents before setting sail.
If my memory is right, he thought, Law is five years older than Luffy. He obtained the Ope Ope no Mi when he was thirteen. I should look for him around the time Zoro turns eight. Since Zoro is seven now, I have time to search for the fruit myself.
"Give our regards to Koshiro," Kuma said, his deep voice gentle.
"I will," Kaito promised. "If you would."
Kuma nodded, and with a soft puff, Kaito was gone.
Two days later, he arrived on an island neighboring Shimotsuki Village. Concealing his presence, he took to the skies, the familiar coastline soon appearing below. He landed and went straight home.
"Hey, I'm home," he called out as he slid the door open.
"Kaito!" Ino came rushing into the entryway, her face lighting up. She pulled him into a tight hug. "It's so good to have you back! Come, you have to tell me everything."
After an afternoon spent recounting his adventures, he told her he was heading to the dojo to see his teacher. Ino agreed, though reluctantly, only after he promised to stay for a full month.
At the dojo, the sound of clacking wood greeted him. A spar was in full swing between Zoro and a fourth-year student named Harso.
The dojo's system comprised six grades. Students who wished to continue faced a rigorous test at the end of their sixth year. Those who passed became inner disciples, receiving three years of advanced training. Another test awaited to become a core disciple, which granted a final three years of instruction. Graduation came with a formal degree, a ticket to becoming a marine officer or a guard for a wealthy merchant.
Back in the courtyard, Zoro pressed a merciless three-sword assault. Harso, however, was no weakling. He met Zoro's flurry with solid parries, his defense holding firm. For a moment, it seemed like an even match. Then Harso overextended, lunging forward a fraction too far. It was all the opening Zoro needed. In a blur of motion, he batted Harso's sword aside with his left-hand shinai and leveled the right at his opponent's throat.
"Oooooh! Zoro beat Big Brother Harso, the strongest in the fourth year!" the younger students chorused.
Kaito smiled and began to clap. "A good match from both of you. Harso, your defense is strong, but you need to work on the power behind your counters. Zoro, your attacks are ferocious but too straightforward. You need more variety in your swordplay. Still, well done."
"Big brother Kaito!"
A wave of excitement swept through the children as they recognized him.
Menma moved to greet his son, but Koshiro placed a gentle hand on his arm. "Let the children have their moment. He will see us soon enough."
Kaito spent a few minutes chatting with the eager students before heading towards Koshiro's private room. As he walked, he glanced back. "Zoro. With me."
Zoro fell into step behind him, entering the quiet room.
"Hey, Dad. It's good to see you," Kaito said, embracing his father.
"Hey, son. How have you been?"
After the hug, Kaito bowed respectfully to Koshiro. "Master. How is Kuina?"
Menma and Kaito both looked at Koshiro, who sighed softly. "After the matter of the Wado Ichimonji, she became fascinated with famed blades. Her research led her to cursed swords, and she grew curious about their creation. When she discovered that the Wado Ichimonji was forged by our own ancestor, she decided to learn the art of forging."
Kaito blinked in surprise. "Why?"
"She believes it will help her understand what a sword wants," Koshiro explained.
"And her swordsmanship training?" Kaito asked.
A proud smile touched Koshiro's lips. "She has already surpassed the level of an inner disciple graduate. Only a core graduate could challenge her now, and even then, it would be a difficult fight."
Kaito was silent for a moment, processing this. "Well, that's impressive. What about you, Zoro? Do you still challenge her?"
"Hmph. I'll challenge her when I reach the level of an inner disciple," Zoro declared, crossing his arms.
"Oh? Look at you, thinking strategically before you act. You're growing up."
Zoro just scowled.
"This was her idea, wasn't it? Because she wanted to focus on forging."
"Hmph! I was sure I was going to win next time, but she got distracted. She must be afraid of losing to me!"
Kaito looked at the jealous boy, a world away from the future Pirate Hunter. He smiled but held his tongue, knowing a rebuttal was moments away.
"Zoro, you're still saying that after 50 losses in a row? You're like a frog at the bottom of a well, convinced the sky is only as big as the well's opening."
The two immediately launched into a familiar, heated argument. Koshiro watched with amusement, but finally cleared his throat. "That's enough. Kaito has just returned. You can continue this outside."
They fell silent. Kuina turned to Kaito, her eyes sharp. "You feel stronger, big brother Kaito. Much stronger."
"Yeah, a lot happened. I met people on a completely different level. I had no choice but to get stronger."
"Did you meet any incredible swordmasters?" Zoro asked, his interest visibly piqued.
"Hmmm, true swordmasters are rare these days. As far as I know, only two are currently vying for the title of the world's greatest: Dracule Mihawk and Red-Haired Shanks. My money is on Mihawk; his focus is purely on the sword. Shanks is more of an overwhelming Haki master who happens to wield one."
"Haki? What's that?" Zoro demanded.
"Which type?" Kuina asked simultaneously.
Zoro shot her a look. "Huh? You know what Haki is?"
"Of course," she said smugly. "I've already started mastering one of them. Heee. That's why I keep saying you're too weak, Zoro. Everyone here knows about Haki."
Kaito gently tapped the top of her head. "He'll learn in due time. He's only just begun systematic training." He then turned to Zoro. "There are three basic types. Observation Haki lets you sense presence and predict movements. Armament Haki hardens your body or weapons. And Conqueror's Haki is the rarest—the ability to impose your will on others."
He continued, "Both Mihawk and Shanks are masters of all three. But Shanks's Conqueror's Haki is… overwhelming. It doesn't just intimidate; it disrupts an opponent's very rhythm in a fight. That's the challenge Mihawk faces. He can't bring his full swordsmanship to bear when Shanks's will is pressing down on him."
A contemplative silence filled the room. It was Koshiro who broke it. "But isn't Conqueror's Haki merely a projection of one's spirit? A swordsman of Mihawk's caliber should be immune to such pressure."
"No," Kaito said, shaking his head. "All three Haki types have near-limitless potential. Armament is a contest of density and skill. Observation is a battle of foresight, where seeing even a second further can mean victory. But Conqueror's Haki is different. At its peak, it's not just spiritual. It can become a physical force, damaging its surroundings. It can invade an opponent's mind mid-strike, shattering their concentration and their ability to use their own Haki. It's even said that the most advanced Conqueror's Haki can suppress the very Devil Fruit power within a user's body, rendering them powerless. Most of the world's top pirates possess it, but Shanks is on another tier. He learned from the best—the Pirate King himself, Gold D. Roger. He grew up witnessing battles between legends. For Mihawk to fight such a man to a draw, relying solely on his skill with a blade, commands immense respect."
The weight of his words settled over them. The scale of such power was almost unimaginable. It was Kuina who broke the silence, her curiosity overriding her awe. "What swords do they use?"
Kaito's smile returned. "Mihawk wields Yoru, a massive black blade shaped like a cross that he carries on his back. Shanks fights with Gryphon, an elegant saber with a crossguard shaped like a mythical griffin's head. Both are counted among the twelve Supreme Grade Swords, the greatest weapons ever forged."
"Ooh, cool," Kuina breathed, her forger's heart captivated.
Zoro, however, homed in on a different point. His eyes burned with a new fire. "So there really are people that strong out there."
Kaito looked directly at him. "Yeah. So, does that frighten you, Zoro?"
"Why would I be afraid?"
"Because a fight with them isn't a dojo spar. It's not like challenging Kuina, where you can lose and try again next week. A fight for supremacy is a fight to the death. Swords have no eyes. You could die."
Zoro stood perfectly still for a long moment, the gravity of the words sinking in. Then, his jaw set. "I will become the world's greatest swordsman. No matter what. I'll achieve my dream, or I'll die pursuing it. I will never back down."
Kaito's smile was faint, then his expression turned deathly serious. "Can you promise that? To yourself, and to everyone in this room? Can you swear you will always keep your word?"
"Of course, I will!" Zoro's voice was unwavering.
Kaito nodded slowly. "Good."
"Hey!" Kuina interjected, her face flushed. "Why didn't you ask me? Is it because I'm a girl?" For a fleeting second, fear had gripped her at Kaito's warning.
Kaito looked at her thoughtfully. "Zoro's interest was in the swordsmen—their strength, their title. Your first question was about their swords. Your path seems to be diverging, leaning towards the forge rather than the fray."
"Of course not! I can be both! And I'm not curious about them because they're just evil pirates!"
Kaito's demeanor shifted instantly, his voice firm. "Kuina. I know the world teaches that pirates are evil. But that is a blanket judgment, and blanket judgments are dangerous. You should never condemn people you have never met. You're young, and your path is your own to choose. But you should know… I plan to become a pirate."
"Whaaaaat?!!"
The cry came from Menma, Zoro, and Kuina in perfect, shocked unison. Their faces were portraits of disbelief.
"Kuina. Zoro." Koshiro's voice was stern, brooking no argument. "Leave us. I need to speak with Kaito alone."
Kuina opened her mouth to protest, but the look on her father's face silenced her. She nodded and turned to leave. Zoro, stubborn as ever, remained planted until Kuina grabbed his arm and hauled him out of the room.
Once the door slid shut, Koshiro's calm facade tightened. "You should not have said that to them."
"This is the most critical time for them to understand," Kaito countered. "They are young, and the World Government's propaganda is pervasive. The truth may be ugly, but it's the only foundation they can truly build on."
"They are children. The world is too complex for them to comprehend."
"If we wait until their ideals are set, it may be too late to change them. I'd rather they know the reality now."
Koshiro's gaze was unwavering. "It does not matter. I will preserve my daughter's innocence for as long as I can. I trust that when she is grown, she will have the wisdom to judge rightly."
Kaito held his teacher's gaze for a long moment, then finally dipped his head in acquiescence. "I understand."
"Thank you."
Menma could no longer contain himself. "A pirate? You're going to be a pirate?"
"Yes. For several reasons." Kaito raised his hand, and a faint crackle of electricity danced around his fingertips. "I told you I ate a Devil Fruit, but I never told you which one."
Koshiro remained impassive, but Menma's eyes widened as realization dawned. It took him a full ten seconds to find his voice. "You… You're the one who attacked Mary Geoise!"
"It wasn't my initial plan. I met someone on a mission to free the slaves. I ended up confronting one of the Five Elders. To escape, I had no choice but to reveal my power."
"But why a pirate?" Menma pressed, his voice strained. "Why not the Revolutionary Army? Dragon's cause is just!"
"The Revolutionary Army is vital," Kaito agreed. "But I believe the final key to everything lies with the pirates. Dragon has already met with Silvers Rayleigh. But Rayleigh refused to speak of what they learned on their final voyage. The entire Roger crew made a promise to their captain—a deathbed command from Gold Roger himself—to never reveal the secrets of the Void Century. Roger stood at the absolute peak. He saw the truth of the world and judged that the current era could not win. So, he used his death to start the Great Pirate Era. He essentially declared that the next Pirate King will be the one to change the world. The answer, for me, is simple. I will be a pirate."
The room was utterly silent, the weight of history pressing down. Finally, Menma let out a long, weary breath. "It's your life, son. You must make your own choices. I just hope you find what you're looking for."
"Thank you, Father. And don't worry, I won't set sail as a pirate just yet. I need to travel, to grow stronger. It may be years before you see my wanted poster."
A genuine smile finally broke through Koshiro's stern expression. "It is good that you have found your answer."
The tension broken, the conversation turned to lighter topics. Kaito shared the unique physical training methods of Skypiea before finally returning home with his father.
The following weeks passed peacefully. Kaito celebrated his fourteenth birthday surrounded by family. Then, with a determined heart, he prepared for his next journey. He contacted Kuma, who met him on a secluded shore of a nearby island.
Kuma looked down at him, his gentle eyes sincere. "Thank you, Kaito. For everything you have done for me and Ginny."
"Let's not dwell on that," Kaito said, waving a hand. "Right now, I need a favor. Send me to the North Blue. An island near Spider Miles, the territory Doflamingo controls, would be ideal."
A note of concern entered Kuma's voice. "You must be cautious. The Donquixote Pirates are powerful and have deep roots in the North Blue's underworld. They are not to be trifled with."
"Don't worry," Kaito assured him, a confident glint in his eye. "I just want to see for myself how the North Blue compares to the gentle waters of the East."
"Very well," Kuma relented. "Call if you require assistance."
With a final nod from Kaito, Kuma raised his paw-gloved hand. There was a soft, pressurized sound, and Kaito vanished, launched on an invisible journey towards the cold, dangerous seas of the North.