The marketplace of Shells Town was beginning to recover its energy now that Morgan's shadow had lifted. Vendors called out their wares with renewed enthusiasm, children ran through the streets without fear, and the sun felt a little warmer than it had that morning.
Shiro led the way through the crowded street, hands in his pockets, his awareness mapping out every shop and stall within a hundred meters. Behind him, Luffy darted from stall to stall like an excited puppy, pointing at everything shiny or edible.
"OI! SHIRO! CAN WE GET THAT?!" Luffy yelled, pointing at a massive grilled fish hanging from a vendor's display.
"No," Shiro said without turning around.
"WHY NOT?!"
"Because you just ate enough to feed ten people."
Luffy pouted dramatically. "But I'm still hungry!"
Zoro walked beside Shiro, arms crossed, his three swords clinking softly with each step. "Does he ever stop eating?"
Shiro glanced at him. "No. You get used to it."
Nami trailed behind them, eyes scanning every price tag and calculating costs in her head. "If we're buying training equipment, we need to budget properly. How much money did you actually take from Helmeppo?"
Shiro reached into his jacket and pulled out a thick leather pouch, tossing it to her casually. "About 500,000 beli."
Nami caught it, opened it, and her eyes went wide. "Five hundred thousand?! That spoiled brat was carrying this much?!"
Shiro shrugged. "Rich kids usually do."
Nami's expression shifted from shock to something almost predatory. "Alright. I can work with this."
Zoro raised an eyebrow. "You look like you're planning a heist."
Nami smiled sweetly. "I'm planning a budget. Completely different."
"Sure it is," Zoro muttered.
They stopped at a large general store that sold everything from rope to weapons to camping supplies. The owner—a burly man with a thick mustache—looked up as they entered, his eyes widening slightly when he recognized them.
"You're the ones who took down Captain Morgan," he said, voice a mix of awe and nervousness.
Luffy grinned proudly. "Yep! That was me!"
The man's expression softened into something like gratitude. "Then whatever you need, it's 20% off. This town owes you."
Nami's eyes lit up like she'd found treasure. "I like this man."
Shiro stepped forward, his tone polite but direct. "We need training equipment. Heavy weights—adjustable if possible. Wooden training dummies. Resistance bands. Rope. And a staff."
The owner nodded slowly. "Training equipment, huh? You planning to get stronger?"
Zoro's hand rested on the hilt of his sword. "We're heading to the Grand Line. We need to be ready."
The man's expression turned serious. "Then you'll need quality gear. Follow me."
He led them to the back of the store, where racks of equipment lined the walls. Weights of various sizes, wooden practice swords, training dummies with reinforced frames, coils of thick rope, and an assortment of staves.
Shiro picked up a set of adjustable weights, testing their balance. "These'll work for Zoro. Start with 50 kilograms, work up to 100."
Zoro raised an eyebrow. "You think I need weights?"
Shiro met his gaze evenly. "You want to cut through steel one day don't you? You'll need the strength to back up the technique."
Zoro's jaw tightened remembering the words of his mentor, then he nodded. "Fine."
Shiro moved to the training dummies, inspecting their construction. "We'll take two of these. Luffy needs something to practice precision strikes on."
Luffy punched one of the dummies experimentally. It rocked back hard. "Feels sturdy!"
The owner winced. "Please don't break it before you buy it."
Luffy laughed. "Shihehehe! Sorry!"
Shiro picked up a pair of resistance bands, then turned to Nami. "These are for you."
Nami blinked. "Me?"
Shiro nodded. "You're a navigator, but you'll need to defend yourself. These will help you build core strength without bulking up. Agility over raw power."
Nami hesitated, then took the bands. "I'm not much of a fighter."
Shiro's smile was calm and encouraging. "You don't need to be a fighter. You just need to be strong enough to protect yourself when we're not around."
Nami looked at the bands, something uncertain flickering in her eyes. Then she nodded. "Alright. I'll try."
Shiro picked up a collapsible bo staff, testing its weight and balance. "This'll work for you too. Lightweight, easy to carry, and effective if you know how to use it."
Nami took it, extending it experimentally. It locked into place with a satisfying click. "I've used staffs before. Back when I…"
She trailed off, her expression closing.
Shiro didn't push. "Good. Then you already have the foundation."
Luffy was already piling supplies into a cart—rope, weights, training dummies, even a set of wooden swords. "This is so cool! We're gonna get super strong!"
Nami calculated the total in her head, then nodded approvingly. "With the discount, this comes to about 180,000 beli. We'll still have plenty left for food and ship supplies."
The owner packed everything carefully, his expression warm. "You kids take care of yourselves out there. The Grand Line's no joke."
Shiro paid, and they hauled everything back toward the docks. Luffy carried the training dummies on his shoulders like they weighed nothing, whistling cheerfully. Zoro carried the weights without visible effort, though Shiro noted the slight strain in his posture—good, it means he's already pushing himself.
Nami carried the staff and resistance bands, walking beside Shiro. "You really think I need to train?"
Shiro glanced at her. "The Grand Line has pirates who'll target the weakest link. If they think you're defenseless, they'll come for you first."
Nami's grip on the staff tightened. "I can take care of myself."
Shiro nodded. "I believe you. But being able to take care of yourself and being ready to take care of yourself are different things."
Nami was quiet for a moment. Then, softly, "You're not like other pirates."
Shiro smiled faintly. "I get that a lot."
They found an empty clearing on the outskirts of town—far enough that they wouldn't disturb anyone, close enough that they could get back to the ship easily. The ground was flat and packed dirt, perfect for sparring.
Shiro set down the equipment, surveying the area with his awareness. No civilians nearby. No Marines. Just open space and fresh air.
"Alright," Shiro said, clapping his hands once. "Zoro, you're up first. Luffy, you'll spar with him after I run through the basics."
Zoro strapped the weights onto his wrists and ankles, testing their resistance. "These are heavier than I expected."
Shiro smirked. "That's the point. You'll train with them on until they feel like part of your body. Then we'll increase the weight."
Zoro grunted, drawing his swords. "What's the first lesson?"
Shiro walked to the center of the clearing, hands in his pockets. "Close your eyes."
Zoro's expression didn't change, but he obeyed. His swords remained steady in his grip, his posture relaxed but ready.
Shiro picked up a small stone and threw it.
It hit Zoro's shoulder.
Zoro's eyes snapped open, irritated. "What was that?"
Shiro's smile was patient. "You didn't sense it. That means your Observation Haki hasn't awakened yet."
Zoro scowled. "I know how to sense an opponent's killing intent."
"That's instinct," Shiro said. "Observation Haki is more. It's sensing movement, intent, and presence without relying on sight or sound. Close your eyes again."
Zoro's jaw tightened, but he closed his eyes.
Shiro threw another stone.
This time, Zoro shifted slightly—but the stone still grazed his arm.
"Better," Shiro said. "You're starting to feel the air pressure. That's the first step."
He picked up a third stone. "Focus. Don't think about where the stone is. Feel where it wants to go."
He threw it.
Zoro tilted his head—and the stone missed by a hair.
Luffy, watching from the side, clapped excitedly. "He's getting it!"
Nami sat on a nearby rock, arms crossed. "You're going to throw rocks at him for hours, aren't you?"
Shiro nodded. "Probably."
"That's insane."
"That's training."
Zoro opened his eyes, sweat already beading on his forehead. "How long did it take Luffy to master this?"
Shiro glanced at Luffy, who was picking his nose. "About six months to get the basics. Another six to refine it."
Zoro's eyes burned. "Then I'll do it in three."
Shiro's grin widened. "Good answer."
For the next hour, Shiro threw stones, sticks, and even small telekinetic pulses at Zoro. Sometimes he warned him. Sometimes he didn't. Zoro dodged more and more, his body adapting, his instincts sharpening.
Nami watched, fascinated despite herself. "He's actually learning."
Shiro nodded. "Zoro's disciplined. He'll push through anything if it means getting stronger."
After an hour, Zoro was breathing hard, sweat dripping from his chin. But his eyes were sharper, more focused.
Shiro tossed him a water bottle. "Take a Break. Drink this and warm up."
Zoro caught it, drank deeply, then wiped his mouth. "What's next?"
"Sparring," Shiro said, nodding toward Luffy. "You and Luffy. No holding back."
Luffy jumped to his feet, grinning wildly. "FINALLY! I've been waiting for this!"
Zoro smirked. "Try not to cry when I cut you."
Luffy laughed. "You can't cut me! I'm faster!"
Zoro's smirk widened. "We'll see."
They stood twenty meters apart in the clearing. Luffy cracked his knuckles, bouncing on his feet like a coiled spring. Zoro drew his swords slowly, the blades gleaming in the afternoon sun.
Nami leaned toward Shiro. "Shouldn't you stop them? They're going to kill each other."
Shiro shook his head, his expression calm. "They won't. This is how they grow."
Luffy grinned, pulling his straw hat down firmly. "Ready, Zoro?"
Zoro settled into his stance, swords crossed. "Whenever you are."
For a moment, neither moved.
Then Luffy vanished.
"Gomu Gomu no—Pistol!"
His fist shot forward like a bullet.
Zoro's eyes flickered—reading the trajectory—and he sidestepped smoothly, his swords flashing in an upward arc.
Luffy's arm snapped back just in time, his body twisting midair. "Fast!"
Zoro didn't respond. He charged, his swords cutting through the air in a precise pattern.
Luffy bent backward impossibly far, his spine curving like rubber. "Gomu Gomu no—Whip!"
His leg stretched out in a wide arc, sweeping toward Zoro's legs.
Zoro jumped, flipping over the attack, and came down with both swords aimed at Luffy's shoulders.
Luffy's eyes sharpened—Observation Haki kicking in—and he twisted, rolling away at the last second.
The swords struck dirt.
Luffy grinned. "You almost got me!"
Zoro pulled his swords free, breathing steadily. "Almost doesn't count."
They clashed again—Luffy's stretching limbs against Zoro's precise cuts. Rubber whipped through the air, swords whistles sang, and the ground cracked under their feet.
Nami watched with wide eyes. "They're… they're actually strong."
Shiro nodded. "Stronger than most East Blue pirates. And they'll only get stronger."
Luffy stretched both arms back, winding them around trees. "Gomu Gomu no—Bazooka!"
He launched forward, fists slamming toward Zoro like twin cannons.
Zoro crossed his swords, bracing himself. The impact rang out like thunder, and Zoro skidded backward, his boots digging trenches in the dirt.
But he stayed standing.
Luffy's eyes widened. "Whoa! You blocked it!"
Zoro grinned, breathing hard. "I'm not done yet."
He sheathed one sword, gripping the other two. "Oni Giri!"
He moved—faster than before—his blades crossing in a devastating X-slash.
Luffy's body twisted, dodging the first blade by instinct, but the second caught his shoulder, cutting shallow.
Luffy stumbled back, clutching the scratch. "Ow! That actually hurt!"
Zoro straightened, panting. "Told you."
Luffy's grin returned, even wider. "You're strong, Zoro! I like you!"
Zoro smirked. "You're not bad yourself."
Shiro raised a hand. "Alright. That's enough. Save your energy for the Grand Line."
Both of them collapsed onto the ground, breathing hard, grinning like idiots.
Nami stared at them, then at Shiro. "They're insane."
Shiro smiled. "That's why they'll survive."
Nami's subtle training begins
While Luffy and Zoro rested, Shiro turned to Nami. "Your turn."
Nami blinked. "My turn? I'm not sparring with them."
Shiro shook his head. "No. Something simpler. Balance training."
He handed her the resistance bands. "Loop these around your ankles and walk across that fallen log over there."
Nami looked at the log—narrow, weathered, about ten meters long. "That's it?"
Shiro nodded. "That's it. For now."
Nami shrugged, looping the bands around her ankles. "Fine. Seems easy enough."
She stepped onto the log.
Immediately, her legs wobbled. The resistance bands pulled at her movements, making every step feel heavier, slower.
"Whoa—"
She stumbled but caught herself, arms flailing.
Shiro watched calmly. "Core strength. Balance. Precision. You need all three if you want to fight on a rocking ship."
Nami gritted her teeth, focusing. Step by step, she made her way across the log. By the time she reached the end, her legs were shaking.
"Good," Shiro said. "Now do it again. This time, faster."
Nami's eye twitched. "You're enjoying this."
Shiro's smile was innocent. "Maybe a little."
For the next hour, Shiro had Nami run through drills—balance exercises, core strengthening, and staff strikes against a training dummy. He never called it "combat training." He framed it as "agility training" or "coordination exercises."
Nami didn't realize it, but every movement Shiro taught her was preparing her body to fight.
By the time the sun began to dip toward the horizon, Nami was sweating, exhausted, and grudgingly impressed.
"I hate you," she muttered, leaning on her staff.
Shiro handed her water. "You'll thank me later."
Nami took the bottle, drank deeply, then glared at him. "Doubt it."
As the group packed up their training equipment, Shiro pulled a small, boxy camera from his bag.
Luffy's eyes lit up. "What's that?!"
"A camera," Shiro said, inspecting it. "Bought it while you were eating. Thought we should have a record of the crew's beginning."
Zoro raised an eyebrow. "A photograph?"
Nami crossed her arms. "I'm not sure I want evidence of me being part of this chaos."
Shiro smiled. "Too late. You're already part of it."
He set the camera on a rock, angling it toward a clear spot with the ocean in the background. Then he gestured for them to gather.
"Alright. Luffy in the front. Zoro on the left. Nami on the right. I'll be in the back."
Luffy immediately struck a pose—arms raised, mouth wide in a laugh, straw hat tilted back. "PIRATE KING POSE!"
Zoro stood with his arms crossed, swords at his side, his expression stoic. But there was the faintest hint of a smile at the corner of his mouth.
Nami shifted nervously, unsure where to put her hands. She settled for standing with her staff, trying to look confident but clearly uncomfortable.
Shiro stood behind them, his calm purple eyes glowing faintly as his telekinesis activated. The camera floated into the air, adjusting its angle automatically.
Nami's jaw dropped. "You're controlling it with your mind?!"
Shiro nodded. "Easier than setting a timer."
The camera's shutter clicked.
The photograph captured them perfectly:
Luffy, wild and fearless, his laughter frozen in time.
Zoro, calm and deadly, his swords glinting in the fading light.
Nami, uncertain but present, her eyes sharp despite her nerves.
And Shiro, standing behind them all, his white hair catching the wind, his purple gaze steady and knowing.
Shiro caught the camera as it floated back, pulling out the photograph as it developed. He looked at it for a long moment, then smiled.
"This'll be worth something one day."
Luffy snatched it. "Let me see! LET ME SEE!"
He stared at the photo, grinning even wider. "WE LOOK SO COOL!"
Zoro glanced over. "Not bad."
Nami looked at the photo, her expression softening slightly. For a moment, she almost believed this could work.
Then she shook her head, pushing the thought away.
Don't get attached. You'll only betray them later.
But the photograph stayed in Shiro's hands, carefully tucked into his jacket.
A record of a beginning.
Two boats, one destination
They returned to the docks as the sun set, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink. Their stolen sloop was still there, but Shiro had already spotted another small boat tied nearby—abandoned, seaworthy, and perfect for their needs.
"We'll split up," Shiro said, nodding toward the two boats. "Luffy and Zoro in one. Nami and I in the other."
Luffy tilted his head. "Why split up?"
Shiro smiled. "Because if I put you and Zoro in a boat with Nami, she'll throw both of you overboard by the end of the day."
Nami nodded immediately. "Smart man."
Zoro grunted. "Fine by me."
They loaded the boats with supplies—food, water, training equipment, and the stolen Grand Line map that Nami had "liberated" from the Marine base.
As they prepared to set sail, Shiro turned to Nami. "Next stop is Syrup Village. Should take us a day if the wind's good."
Nami nodded, checking her navigation tools. "I'll plot the course."
Luffy jumped into his boat, nearly capsizing it. "Adventure time!"
Zoro climbed in after him, settling into a corner. "Wake me when we get there."
Shiro and Nami pushed off from the dock, the two boats drifting side by side as the current caught them.
The sea stretched out before them, endless and waiting.
And as Shells Town faded into the distance, the crew sailed forward—together, but not yet fully united.
That would come later.
For now, they were just four people chasing dreams, testing limits, and trying to survive.
But Shiro, watching the horizon with calm certainty, already knew how this story would end.
With victory.
With growth.
With a crew that would shake the world.
He just had to guide them there.