One Piece: The Arm of Fate

In front of the castle, Shano quickly figured out the whole story.

After parting with him on Drum Island, Bear followed Dr. Kureha's instructions and went straight to Dressrosa in the New World, where he met Doflamingo and made an agreement.

The agreement was simple:

—Help Doflamingo with three tasks, and he could temporarily take Mansherry back to the South Blue to treat Bonnie.

The first two tasks were fine—just eliminating two pirate crews that had grudges with Doflamingo.

But the third task was to go to an island called "Agatha," massacre the local civilians, and steal their sacred artifact.

That went against Bear's values.

He didn't have the heart to carry it out.

Not only did he let those innocent civilians go, he even helped them escape pursuit by the Donquixote Family.

Diamante, the Float-Float Fruit user sent after them, was severely injured in the process.

From that moment, Bear and the Donquixote Family had a complete falling out.

Relying on his Flexible Fruit powers, he infiltrated Dressrosa multiple times.

Eventually, he successfully located and rescued the imprisoned Mansherry, breaking through the family's blockade.

However, it was the enemy's home turf.

Though Bear was strong—able to suppress Doflamingo in a one-on-one fight—he was still outnumbered.

On top of that, he had to protect Mansherry, and ended up seriously injured by a trap Doflamingo had laid.

As for why Mansherry, a Healing Fruit user, couldn't heal him…

"No wonder you kept asking us to find a doctor."

Shano lifted the hem of Mansherry's dress slightly and saw a miniature seastone shackle around her ankle. "I see…"

"The key is still with the Donquixote Family. I can't unlock it." Mansherry pouted. "I can't use my powers like this. Waaaah…"

Before she could cry—

Shano pinched the seastone cuff with his right hand.

Crack—it snapped cleanly in two.

"Huh?!"

Mansherry was stunned.

From what she knew, seastone couldn't be destroyed by normal means. Yet this big human broke it so easily—without even using a weapon?

"Brother isn't a Devil Fruit user."

Nami boasted proudly, "He's the world's strongest swordsman! Something like this? He just flicks his fingers and—whoa! Ouch! Why're you pulling my ear?!"

Expressionless, Shano let go of her earlobe.

Fourteen years old… peak age of adolescent delusions.

Fingers as swords, darkness-splitting slash energy—what nonsense.

The truth was simple: he could break seastone bare-handed because of his strong physique and powerful Armament Haki.

"Go ahead and heal Bear."

Shano looked at Mansherry. "It shouldn't take too long now, right?"

"Y-Yes! Thank you, Lord Shano! Leave it to me!"

Mansherry nodded vigorously, then grabbed her skirt and ran to Bear's side.

Everyone gathered around, curious to see what Healing Fruit powers looked like in action.

Especially the girls—their eyes were wide open.

The Healing Fruit sounded so magical.

In their minds, Mansherry would lift her hands like a fairy-tale magician, chant a spell, and release golden light to drive away pain and illness.

Instead—

Mansherry took a deep breath, her little face tensed up. She scrambled onto Bear's chest, then suddenly pinched her own thigh hard!

"Waaah—!!"

Tears the size of beans instantly streamed from her eyes, falling onto Bear's body.

"Wait, what? Why are you crying all of a sudden?" Nami's eyes widened in shock.

"It hurts, it hurts!" Mansherry sobbed, rubbing her reddened thigh. "I didn't want to, but if I don't hurt myself, I can't activate my powers!"

Still not working?

She pinched herself again—tears rolled down even faster.

Bear wasn't a normal person—he was a giant. Maybe more tears were needed!

"Please hang in there, Mr. Bear!"

Finally, a soft green healing light bloomed from her tears, spreading like ripples to envelop Bear's body.

Within seconds—

The hideous wounds began to close before their eyes. Bear's pale face gradually regained color and turned rosy.

"It's a little different from the 'healing magic' I imagined," Kuina murmured, "but the power is undeniable."

"She's adorable too," Robin added with a smile as she watched Mansherry sobbing and pinching herself.

"She's kind, cute, and has amazing healing powers… plus, she's not a combatant, so her bounty won't be high."

Nami's eyes sparkled. She clenched her fist and declared, "She's our ship's doctor now!"

"You're not the captain—stop making decisions!" Nojiko shouted, punching her on the head.

Just then, Bear's eyelids trembled and slowly opened.

"Mr. Bear!" Mansherry cried out.

Bear blinked, then focused. His hoarse voice came out:

"…Mr. Shano?"

"It's me." Shano smiled. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm almost fully recovered."

Bear tried to sit up. Although he still felt weak, his movements were smooth. He looked around and quickly understood the situation, then chuckled:

"Seems I'm lucky after all. I was able to run into you even in such a desperate state."

He stood, placed a hand over his chest, and gave a solemn bow.

"Thank you for saving my life, sir. I'll never forget this kindness."

Shano remained still and accepted the gesture calmly.

Bear turned to Mansherry, smiling warmly. "Thank you too, Mansherry."

"You're welcome! That's my job!"

Mansherry wiped her face, then clung tightly to Bear's arm and tried to force a cheerful smile.

Truth be told, she'd cried that fast not just from pinching—but also from how pitiful Bear's injuries were.

He'd protected her and got hurt for no reason… if only she could break seastone cuffs with her hands like Shano…

Ding! Ding!

Suddenly, the sound of clashing metal echoed, startling everyone.

"Alright, touching reunion over!" Zeff stood at the castle gate, banging a lid with a ladle.

"You haven't even finished breakfast and you're standing around chatting? Bring the guests in already! They must be starving!"

Such a fierce old man.

"I'm not even that hungry…" Mansherry covered her ears, annoyed by the loud noise. But right as she raised her hand—

Growl~

Her stomach betrayed her. She instantly blushed and covered it, embarrassed.

Everyone laughed.

Bear smiled gently, knelt down, picked up Mansherry, and carried her into the dining hall.

...

At the dining table.

Once everyone was full, Bear and Shano chatted about the past.

During that conversation, Bear learned Doflamingo had been killed.

He wasn't surprised.

Even back on Drum Island, Bear had considered Shano stronger than himself.

Still, he was surprised to learn Kuina, Shano's vice captain, could hold her own against Doflamingo. He looked at the young girl with newfound respect.

"What are your plans now?" Shano asked. "Heading back to the South Blue with Mansherry?"

Bear shook his head. "No, sir. I don't plan to return yet."

"Huh?" Nami blinked. "You were so desperate to go back and heal your daughter. Now that you can, you're not going?"

"Bonnie's condition is stable. In comparison, the situation in Dressrosa is more urgent."

Bear's voice was serious. "Once news of Doflamingo's death spreads, chaos will follow. Will the citizens face revenge from his remaining subordinates? Will the Tontatta dwarves be targeted and massacred?"

"This is all my responsibility. Before things spiral out of control, I have to go back and take responsibility."

Classic Bear.

Shano sighed and drank the last of his soup.

There were few people in the world like him—wounded, newly healed, and finally able to fulfill his wish, yet still worrying about the safety of others thousands of miles away.

A truly admirable man.

But it was precisely this noble character that cast a tragic shadow over his life.

"Then I'll leave it to you."

Shano nodded. "I was planning to swing by Dressrosa after entering the New World, but it would take a month at least. If you go now, you'll arrive sooner. Watch out for Sugar's ability. The rest of the remnants shouldn't be a problem for you."

"Understood, Mr. Shano."

Bear nodded.

Without Doflamingo, the Donquixote Family was nothing.

Their so-called top executives were jokes to him.

"I should be back in half a month."

He paused, looked at Shano, eyes calm but firm.

"Sir, after Bonnie recovers, I'll come find you again."

"Oh?"

Shano raised an eyebrow, then laughed. "What for? To repay a debt?"

"Yes."

Bear replied seriously. "Though you and your crew don't need my help, I still want to do what I can. After all, you and I… share some ideals."

Shano remembered that Bear once told him that Dragon tried to recruit him.

Indeed.

Dragon wanted to change the world from the bottom up.

Shano intended to do it from the top down.

Different methods, same goal.

"And more than that…"

Bear recalled something and smiled.

"Bonnie's a restless child. She's always wanted to go on adventures. If she recovers and joins your crew, she'll be overjoyed."

"Huh?!"

Nami's eyes lit up. "Uncle Bear, are you saying you'll bring your daughter to join us?!"

"Hey, don't volunteer others!" Nojiko scolded, knocking her on the head.

"No, Miss Nami is right." Bear smiled. "If Lord Shano and everyone are willing, I would like to do that."

Dislike?

Shano chuckled.

How could he dislike that?

Bear's combat ability was among the best of the Seven Warlords—on par with a Navy admiral.

Even the Four Emperors would celebrate if he joined them.

Back on Drum Island, Shano had considered recruiting Bear. But since Bear was in a hurry and they lacked rapport, he gave up.

"Well then, it's settled."

Shano laughed and agreed. "Once Bonnie's well, you're both welcome to join us. You too, Mansherry—if you're willing to leave your people!"

He winked at the little princess, who had eaten herself into a round fluff ball.

Startled, she quickly ducked behind Bear's arm, blushing.

Lord Shano just invited me to join! I want to say yes! But… what about Leo…?! So torn!!

"This is my Vivre Card!"

Nami quickly handed over a piece of paper. "Keep it, Uncle Bear! Don't get lost. A man's word is a promise—bring Bonnie here soon!"

After all these years, she was finally getting a little sister!

Bear carefully pocketed the Vivre Card.

Looking at the excited faces around the table, he smiled softly.

Bonnie—if she came here, where everyone accepted her—she would probably smile every day.

...

Ten minutes later.

Bear carried Mansherry into the sky and waved goodbye, heading back to Dressrosa.

After watching him leave, the crew returned to the castle.

Nami raised her hand excitedly. "Brother! When are we leaving? Or are we still waiting two more days?"

"In such a rush?" Shano looked at her.

"Of course!"

Nami pouted. "This island's cold and gloomy. I'd rather drift at sea!"

"You're so impatient." Nojiko poked her head. "Think about your brother—he was at sea for a whole month."

"Well, that's why he's the brother! I'm me!"

Nami stood proudly. "One has a bounty of a billion. The other has eighty thousand. Tolerance levels are different!"

"You're even proud of your bounty…"

As the sisters squabbled, Shano glanced at his companions.

Everyone had the same eager look in their eyes.

This island was truly dull. Even Mihawk couldn't bear it and adopted a child and a swordsman.

Not everyone could be like Shano, who had long since learned to enjoy solitude in his previous life as a corporate drone.

Besides—

Everyone had grown stronger.

They were eager to face the unknown challenges of the New World.

"Then we won't wait."

Shano made the call.

"We set sail today. To our next destination!"

Cheers erupted.

Nami rushed to her room to pack.

Shano walked to the window, staring at the distant sea through the fog.

He cracked his knuckles. Black and red lightning danced between his fingers like living flames.

He was ready.

And you?

World—are you ready to welcome my return?