In One Piece World:
"Finally back!"
Stretching, Shin felt the familiar atmosphere of the Pirate World. Though it lacked the intense seriousness of the Shinobi World, it still carried an impression of freedom balanced with a sense of chaotic danger.
Shin couldn't fully explain it, but perhaps traveling between worlds heightened his awareness of these differences.
"One day left before the agreed return," Shin thought. "Might as well take a look around the island." He realized he hadn't seen much of this place before, so he decided to explore and maybe buy a few supplies.
After completing his transactions in the Shinobi World, Shin had spent the last three days practicing the ninjutsu he acquired. Now, thanks to the Pirate World's more durable physique, his chakra reserves had grown tremendously, rivaling a skilled Jonin's. This improvement helped him master two basic Water Release jutsus more easily than before.
Shin hadn't forgotten about the Spade Pirates or the marine officer who had previously threatened him. So, he focused on Water Release techniques, hoping to counter Devil Fruit users with their natural weakness.
Half an hour into his exploration of the market, an explosion and billowing black smoke rose from the direction of the docks.
"Well, looks like break time's over," he muttered, recognizing the sounds of battle. "It's starting."
Spotting the fireball erupting from the dock, Shin immediately guessed that Ace was facing a formidable opponent. "It has to be the Vice Admiral's ship," he thought.
Shin's suspicions were correct, though it turned out to be more intense than anticipated. When he arrived, he found Ace caught between two Vice Admirals in a fierce battle.
"Hold on," he murmured. "Was there a scene like this in the original story?"
He watched as Ace fought against the combined assault of two Vice Admirals. One was unfamiliar to him, but he recognized the other—a man with a partial dog head, known as Vice Admiral Dalmatian. His distinctive appearance was memorable, as was his ability. Shin recalled from the original story that Dalmatian possessed the Dog-Dog Fruit, Model: Dalmatian. "This guy demonstrates that no Devil Fruit is worthless; only users of Devil Fruits users can be."
Both Vice Admirals' fists glowed with Haki, forcing Ace back with every strike. It was clear that facing these Armament Haki experts was a jarring experience for Ace. Fortunately, Shin had been training with him, and Ace had already begun learning the basics of Haki. If Ace had still relied solely on his Devil Fruit powers, he might already have been defeated.
Ace's other crew members could barely approach the battlefield and had to keep a safe distance.
Watching closely, Shin noticed that despite the overwhelming odds, Ace was slowly adapting. His movements became more fluid, and he dodged and countered with increasing skill.
"Could he be on the verge of awakening his Haki?" Shin wondered. Although Shin had taught Ace the basics, the young pirate had been preoccupied with his responsibilities as navigator. But this high-stakes fight seemed to be the catalyst he needed.
Suddenly, Ace was struck and flew, landing right at Shin's feet.
"Need some help, Captain?" Shin asked, tilting his head.
"...No," Ace grunted, standing up again. "I'm the captain. I won't let my ship's doctor step in on my behalf."
Shin smirked. He was starting to understand why the Spade Pirates struggled. Ace, while strong, tended to shield his crew too much, leaving them underprepared for actual combat.
"Then again," Shin thought, "if Ace's crew were anything like the Straw Hat Pirates, they'd probably be long gone by now." Luffy's crew, though strong, had a habit of getting into life-threatening situations on a regular basis. By comparison, the Spade Pirates' crew seemed to rely on Ace's protection a bit too heavily.
But Shin wasn't an ordinary member of Ace's crew. He hadn't joined the Spade Pirates just to stand on the sidelines.
'If I wait until the New World to face the Four Emperors, I'll miss out on valuable combat experience.'
Shin shook his head. "Sorry, Captain, but there's no way you're taking on two Vice Admirals alone."
Ace groaned, "Hey, I said—"
"It's settled!" Shin interrupted, sidestepping Ace's protest. He pulled out two kunai and hurled them at Dalmatian.
Dalmatian caught sight of the attack and sneered. "A new face in the Spade Pirates? Joining this battle is a mistake," he said, crushing the kunai in his grip.
Before Dalmatian could finish, he lunged forward, closing the gap with surprising speed.
"So fast!" Shin's pupils narrowed. With heightened senses from his Eagle Eye and Observation Haki, he barely followed Dalmatian's trajectory. Reacting quickly, Shin threw a punch directly at him.
Just before impact, Shin's fist shifted, extending metallic bone spikes covered in chakra.
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Mass Release: [2/5]
For every power stones milestone: 50,100, 200, 300,400,500 I will release a bonus chapter.
I will also release a bonus chapter for every two reviews until it reaches ten reviews.
Review status: [4/10]