One Piece: The Arm of Fate

The moonlight was bright and the night breeze cool.

Inside the cabin of the End.

Shano carried Robin in his arms, walking through the long corridor. He gently opened the door with his elbow and stepped into her room.

The weight in his arms was lighter than he expected.

Moonlight shone through the porthole as Shano carefully placed Robin onto the bed.

Robin unconsciously curled up like a black cat that had finally found a safe corner, her hair scattered on the pillow, her breathing long and even.

The faint scent of alcohol, mixed with the unique elegance of a mature woman, entered his nose. The incredible elasticity he felt when his arm brushed past her—

It was hard not to have one's heart skip a beat.

But his eyes remained clear. After tucking her in with a thin blanket, he stood quietly by the bed.

Looking at Robin's sleeping face, flushed and peaceful, Shano sighed.

She really was drunk.

To the point that she said something like "Just a partner?" in public.

He was shocked.

Perhaps—

It was meeting Aokiji today that finally dispelled the nightmare from her childhood, lifting the heaviest shackle in her heart.

That's why she relaxed so much she lost composure.

"If I didn't have Observation Haki, I'd think you were really asleep."

Shano squatted down, arms folded, smiling. "I would've thought you were testing me, Sister Robin."

He couldn't handle too many tests.

If this happened again, he might not be able to hold himself back.

After all, who doesn't like a cool big sister with black hair?

But...

His relationship with Robin wasn't at that point yet.

Robin had been the last to join the crew. Compared to the others, she'd only started blending in over the past month.

Only after today's events did the final barrier crack open.

Did Robin like him?

Maybe a little.

But Shano knew very well—her reliance on him during dinner tonight came more from her longing and dependence on a sense of safety.

Rather than other kinds of feelings.

Right now—

If he took advantage of her while she was unconscious, it would be like destroying the hard-earned trust she'd just built.

As for how their relationship would develop in the future...

Let it take its course.

"Good night, Robin."

Shano stood up and gently closed the door. His footsteps gradually faded down the corridor.

…

Once his figure disappeared behind the training room door—

Swish, swish, swish.

Three heads popped out from behind the corner, stacked vertically.

Black hair, orange hair, blue hair.

"See? I told you! Brother is always open and upright—not that kind of person!"

"Why do I feel like he noticed we followed him? Too bad... If we weren't here, would it have happened?"

"No."

"Huh?" Nami and Nojiko looked up in surprise.

"What do you mean, 'no'?"

"..." Someone's breathing halted, realizing too late she'd blurted out her thoughts.

"..."

The young swordswoman lowered her gaze, expressionless. "I mean, don't keep spying. Go back to sleep. This isn't good."

Hmm?

Weren't you the one who told us to come back at the restaurant?

Nami and Nojiko exchanged glances. They could both see the doubt in each other's eyes.

Hiss... Why does it feel like...

There's more than one "Sister Robin" on this ship?

…

In the blink of an eye—

It was early morning the next day.

When Robin opened her eyes, sunlight already filled the room.

The hangover still made her head slightly dizzy. She rubbed her temples as memories of the previous night came flooding back.

"Under the warm orange light, she grabbed the hem of Shano's clothes."

"Ah, just a partner?"

As soon as that line surfaced in her mind, her ears turned red.

"What did I do…"

She buried her face in the pillow in embarrassment, not daring to turn over for a long time.

So, so rude.

Those words and actions from last night—thinking back now—were suffocatingly shameful.

Wait, Captain didn't take it seriously, did he?

"..."

Robin took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down.

She slowly sat up and looked around the room—

There was a glass of water and some hangover pills on the bedside table. He probably left them there in the morning since she hadn't woken up yet.

Other than that, the room looked untouched. She glanced down at herself—everything was proper.

So nothing happened?

That's good…

…Right?

She pursed her lips, got up, and went to freshen up.

Her reflection in the mirror looked normal, with just a bit of redness left near her ears.

Robin stared for a while, then lightly patted her cheeks. After practicing her usual calm smile a few times in the mirror, she finally regained her composure.

…

Squeak—

She pushed open the cabin door and stepped onto the deck.

All the crewmates were there, most of them gathered at the long table under the parasol.

"Over here, Sister Robin!"

Nami spotted her first and raised the lottery tube with a grin.

"You're the only one left. Did you forget? It's time to draw lots—to decide who's taking the train and who's sailing!"

"I'm here. Good morning, everyone."

Robin smiled and greeted everyone calmly, but her eyes couldn't help drifting toward Shano.

He'd already finished his morning training and was lying on a wicker chair, sipping coffee and basking in the sun lazily.

When he heard the commotion, he turned and casually asked, "You're up? Took the medicine? Does your head still hurt?"

His tone was casual, as if nothing had happened.

"Yeah, much better." Robin smiled.

Now she was sure—nothing happened last night.

She breathed a sigh of relief, but for some reason, there was a faint sense of... disappointment.

Luckily, Nami began shaking the lottery tube again, instantly pulling her thoughts back to the moment.

"Come on, one by one."

Seven hands and one big paw reached in at the same time, each drawing a stick.

"Meow!"

Nuomizi wanted to join in too, but as a round fluffball without hands, it was ruthlessly ignored by Nami.

The results were quickly revealed:

Shano, Smoker, Zeff, and Gin would take the train.

Robin, Kuina, Nami, and Nojiko would sail.

This was the plan for heading to Spring Queen City. On the way to the next destination—Water 7—they would switch routes.

"..." Shano held his wooden stick, lost in thought.

"What's wrong, brother?" Nami asked, coming over to peek. "Isn't it good to try the Sea Train first? I want to ride it. Want to switch?"

"It's not about the draw…"

Shano frowned, trying to remember. "It's just... we're about to leave this island, and I feel like I forgot something…"

What was it?

Forget it. Probably not important.

Just as the crew prepared to sail toward the station, a frantic voice called out from the shore.

"Lord Shano! Lord Shano!"

Pike rushed to the ship, panting, face filled with anxiety and sweat dripping down.

"What's wrong?" Shano walked up to meet him. "Weren't you settling down on the island? What happened?"

"You... you're leaving?"

"Yeah," Shano nodded. "We're stocked up. It's time to head to the next island."

"Then... where's my son?"

Pike looked across the deck, disappointment showing on his face. "I don't see him. So... you didn't accept him after all?"

Of course.

Lord Shano's ship doesn't accept just anyone.

I was hoping for too much…

"Your son?" Shano looked puzzled.

"Jack. You've met him, right?"

Pike scratched his head, confused. "He came to see you yesterday, to apologize and ask to follow you. Didn't you see him?"

Who?

Jack?!

"..."

Shano smacked his forehead.

Finally remembered what he forgot.

…

Ten minutes later.

Town center, garden.

Jack had turned back into his human form and was huddled on a bench, hands outstretched to warm by the fire, still shivering.

Ice crystals clung to his hair and brows, and his lips were purple. It was clear he'd been suffering through the cold all night.

"Dad… I'm sorry. I... I messed up…"

He trembled as he spoke, voice filled with regret.

"You didn't mess up. Just missed it by a little!"

Pike stood on the bench, stretching to rub his adopted son's arms with a hot towel.

"Good thing I noticed you didn't come back last night and got worried, so I went to Lord Shano. If I'd been a little later, you'd be a frozen idiot!"

"That's the admiral of the navy! You rushed in without a word. What have I always taught you? Don't be reckless! If you'd explained first, would this have happened?"

Nearby—

Shano and the others had already figured out the situation.

This honest, straightforward giant had felt guilty after learning he'd fought against the benefactor who saved his father. He'd come to apologize and ask to join.

Pike, seeing his son's potential, encouraged him to follow Shano.

But...

Jack arrived just as Aokiji was pressing in, and, full of rage, attacked without hesitation.

As for Shano—because of Alabasta's past, Jack thought he was an enemy.

And later, because of Robin's drunken state, everyone returned to the ship early.

And so—

Due to a string of coincidences...

The poor guy had been frozen alone in the quiet garden the entire night.

If not for his Fishman blood and the toughness of the Mammoth Fruit, he would've been long gone.

"Hehe, good thing I'm here!"

Nami puffed her chest and snapped her fingers. Dazzling sparks burst from her fingertips, feeding the fire.

She had built this fire. Earlier, she'd used the Flame-Flame Fruit to melt Aokiji's ice.

Otherwise, it would've taken a lot of work to free him.

"It's much warmer now…"

Jack raised his head and looked at the orange-haired girl in front of him. Although still shivering, he tried to force out a grateful smile:

"Thank you, thank you, Big Sister Nami!"

His teeth chattered, and his voice was broken, "If you hadn't rescued me, I might really have frozen to death..."

In the endless cold, his consciousness had long blurred, and he didn't know how long he had endured before gradually recovering.

Then, the first ray of fire he saw, the first smile he received, all came from the kind and warm human girl in front of him.

So, from the bottom of his heart, he was filled with gratitude toward Nami. He tried hard to stand and salute, but his legs gave way and he almost fell.

Pike quickly caught him and shook his head in pain.

"Oh, don't be so formal!"

Nami waved her hands, "It's just a small favor. But remember, don't be so reckless next time. He's the Navy Admiral! Among us, only Shano can stand up to him, so forget it."

She tried to act mature and show her big sister aura, patting Jack's shoulder to comfort him, but she found she couldn't reach it, so she patted his knee instead.

Still...

The wild curve of her mouth showed how proud she felt inside, and even the tips of her hair happily curled into small flames.

—He called me "big sister"!!!

"You're right to teach me a lesson."

Jack nodded vigorously, "That guy really is strong, but if it happens again and I see him attacking Lord Shano, I still won't let him go!"

Nami: "?"

No, did I say that much for nothing?

Damn it.

It's not that she had a stereotype against big guys.

But...

As expected, tall people don't always have good brains.

"Ouch, that hurts!"

Nami's ear was suddenly pulled hard by Shano.

"What are you doing, brother?" Nami turned her head aggrieved.

Even if it's my brother, he needs a reason to bully me!

Nami wanted to fight back, but suddenly remembered how tall he really was, smiled awkwardly, and shrank back.

Shano snorted coldly. They'd grown up together—how could he not know what this girl was thinking?

Jack clearly didn't know what Nami was thinking. He turned to Shano and knelt directly before him.

"Yes, I'm sorry!"

Jack stammered, "Lord Shano! I haven't even thanked you properly for saving my father's life, and I've caused trouble again. Back in Alabasta, I— I followed Hanafuda and attacked everyone…"

"No one remembers that!" Nojiko laughed, "You sank straight to the bottom of the sea! No one even saw what you looked like."

Jack blushed immediately.

That scene was really embarrassing.

Fortunately, even after eating the devil fruit, fishmen can breathe underwater, otherwise, the body drifting to Food City would have been a corpse.

"No need to apologize."

Shano shook his head and helped Jack up:

"After all, you were under Hanafuda's control back then and didn't cause any real trouble."

He paused and looked Jack over with interest, "But I heard from your father you want to follow me now?"

Eh?

Lord Shano took a liking to me?

Pike suddenly became excited and almost kicked his adopted son secretly.

Jack suddenly raised his head, eyes shining brightly, excitedly speaking incoherently:

"Yes! Lord Shano! I'm strong and can work hard! Although my brain is a bit slow, if you tell me to go east, I'll never go west!"

"And I have this ability!"

He patted his chest. "Hanafuda said I'm a very rare ancient species with great growth potential. Although I can't beat that powerful admiral, I will definitely beat other pirates, vice admirals, and so on in the future!"

"What about Vice Admiral Garp?" Nami asked with a smile.

Garp?

Never heard of him, but since he's just a vice admiral...

"Absolutely no problem!" Jack held his head high and answered decisively, "No matter how many of those guys come, I will beat them!"

Puff!

Nami and Nojiko burst out laughing.

"..." Shano was speechless too.

He looked up at Jack, who scratched his head confusedly, pinched his chin, and fell silent.

Seeing Shano really thinking it over, Jack grew uneasy. Pike next to him subconsciously grabbed his son's arm, sweating nervously.

...

I have to say.

Shano was indeed tempted.

Six years after the original timeline, Jack was only in his twenties, and he was already one of the Three Disasters of the Beasts Pirates.

Just like Hanafuda said, this guy's potential is outstanding.

More importantly,

Jack, at only 22, hadn't gone astray yet. He was straightforward and loyal, and because of Pike, grateful.

As long as he stayed on the ship, he'd be a trustworthy partner.

The only flaw?

Maybe... his style was a little reckless.

"Brother, why not take him in?"

Nojiko whispered beside him, "The boat needs a strong guy to help with moving things and repairs."

"Yes, yes!"

Nami hurriedly agreed, looking at Shano eagerly, "Although this boy is a little dumb, he's got a good heart and is very reliable!"

She kept calling him "this boy," as if Jack were younger than her.

But Nami only knew one thing:

—This big guy was rescued by her own hands, and he called her "big sister"!

Just hearing that made her vanity explode.

If she could get him onboard, she'd finally have an obedient little brother, and her status on the ship would soar.

Besides, Jack hadn't even asked for a reward yet, so she wouldn't be last in line!

Shano glanced at everyone. Seeing no objections, he finally nodded.

"Okay."

He smiled and extended his hand to Jack. "I left you behind last night and forgot. I'm sorry. Thank you for your help. From now on, you're one of us. Welcome to the Ender Adventure Group."

Jack was stunned, then ecstatic, grabbing Shano's hand and shaking it excitedly, almost lifting him off the ground:

"Thank you, Lord Shano! I will never let you down!"

"Relax, don't get so excited."

Shano used a bit of force and steadied himself instantly. Noticing someone's expression, he thought for a moment:

"Also, don't call me Lord. Call me Captain or Boss."

Kuina's furrowed brows relaxed suddenly.

"Yes! Boss Shano!!!"

Jack shouted loudly, his voice so loud everyone's ears buzzed.

"Go home, pack your things, have breakfast with your father, and say goodbye."

Shano patted his arm. "I'll give you an hour, then we set off."

"Yes, Boss Shano!!!"

...

The End finally left the port.

Riding the wind and waves, it sailed toward the sea train station on the island's north side.

Pike stood on the dock, laughing and waving goodbye to Jack as the ship slowly disappeared into the horizon.

His wish was fulfilled. Pride surged and even overwhelmed his reluctance.

When he returned, he would brag to the freed slaves.

Ordinary folks like them wanted to be handymen but were not favored by Lord Shano.

But now his son was officially a crew member on the End!

A man's ambition is to travel the world.

Since Jack was lucky enough to follow Lord Shano, he would definitely become a great man when he returned home one day.

...

At the same time,

On the deck of the End.

"Before we get to the sea train station, arrange your rooms. Boys' and girls' rooms are separate, ten each. Boys' rooms on the right. Don't go to the wrong side. Follow me, newcomer."

Smoker, holding a cigar, was about to show Jack around when he suddenly heard a bang behind him.

"..."

He turned to see Jack covering his head, frowning:

"It's really tall, over eight meters... Seems like you have to duck all the time in the cabin. Be careful."

The End's main door was a full five meters high, and the first floor ceiling inside about six meters.

Usually enough space—but this kid was an exception.

"Yes! I'll be careful, Brother Smoker!"

Jack stood at attention seriously.

Not bad, this kid.

Smoker grinned.

"Don't keep banging your head, it's too frustrating."

He thought for a moment and advised:

"Boss Shano is a world-class physical martial arts expert. You should learn from him to regain your life—so you can move freely inside the cabin soon."

"Regain my life? I see. Thank you for the advice, Senior Smoker!"

"Well, that's for the future. Now, keep following me."

Walking down the corridor, Kuina came the other way with her sword and glanced at Jack.

"Hey, newcomer, you're capable. If you have time, come spar with me."

With thick skin and flesh, she was a good target to test sword strength.

"Okay! Vice Captain Kuina!"

Jack nodded without hesitation.

"Yes."

Kuina smiled with satisfaction, sheathed her sword, and strode off.

"Hey, Jack!"

Zhepu's voice called from the kitchen again.

"After you settle in, come help me move ingredients. There's too much stuff that needs storing!"

"No problem! I'll be there soon, Mr. Zhepu!"

"Haha, you agreed fast. After that, I'll make some special dishes to thank you!"

"Really, Mr. Zhepu? I want to eat cheeseburgers! French fries, grilled fish! And salted butter cake, and…"

"That's enough! You've got some nerve with all these requests, you brat!"

...

On the open-air kendo field on the second floor.

Shano held a cup, listening to the noise from the cabins, smiling as he sipped coffee.

A reckless man has his strengths.

Whether Smoker or Robin—both late arrivals—it took a long time for them to adapt after joining. In the first days, they were reluctant.

But Jack was different. This kid was genuine, no tricks, warm and sincere to everyone.

If he kept this up, he'd probably integrate the fastest.

Setting down the coffee, Shano casually opened a newspaper Nami had bought. Though she said she didn't care about bounties, she had developed the habit of buying news as soon as the bird came.

The headline stunned Shano at first glance.

Large bold font read:

"Breaking News! Four Emperors Kaido has left the New World alone and has now appeared in the first half of the Grand Line. His whereabouts are unknown!"