Shiro stared at the horizon, the endless expanse of the sea stretching out before him. His thoughts drifted back to his childhood, growing up in the shadow of poverty and hunger. The island in West Blue had been a harsh place, where the struggle for survival was constant. He never knew his parents, and the orphanage where he was raised was just as bleak as the island itself. But even in those conditions, Shiro learned to adapt, to fight for what little he had, and he grew strong in the face of adversity.
When the pirates came, it wasn't the first time the village had been raided, but it was the worst. Shiro could still hear the screams of his fellow villagers as the pirates pillaged their homes, setting fire to everything in sight. With no one left to protect them, Shiro had acted on instinct. He grabbed a katana and flintlock from a fallen pirate and made his way to the edge of the village. The pirates were too preoccupied with their spoils to notice him slip away.
Now, alone on the open sea, Shiro wondered what was next for him. He wasn't sure where the boat would take him, or if anyone would ever find him. But he knew one thing: he couldn't go back. The life he had known was gone, and whatever lay ahead of him was something he would have to face on his own. With a deep breath, he tightened his grip on the oars and pushed forward, determined to survive, no matter what.
Two days later, Shiro was jolted awake by a loud voice calling to him from a nearby ship. His eyes opened slowly, groggy from days of drifting, but the voice cut through the haze.
"Oi, kid! You need help?" the voice bellowed, booming across the sea.
Shiro's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately grabbed the hilt of his katana, ready for whatever was coming. As his vision cleared, he saw the imposing figure of a man standing at the bow of a large ship. The man was wearing a Marine's uniform, his white coat billowing in the wind. The ship was large and sturdy, with a few sailors moving around the deck. The figurehead was a fierce dog's head, matching the man's intimidating presence.
The man was none other than Monkey D. Garp, a living legend, and Shiro could instantly recognize him from the tales he'd heard over the years. Garp was known for his immense strength and unorthodox methods, but Shiro wasn't sure whether he was friend or foe.
"You look like you've been through hell, kid," Garp called down, a hint of concern in his voice. "How about you let us help you out of there before you end up fish food?"
Shiro hesitated, eyeing the Marine warship. This might be his only chance. The sea was vast and unforgiving, and drifting alone on a small canoe was not a sustainable way to survive.
"I'm fine," Shiro called back, his voice hoarse from dehydration. "I just need to get somewhere safe."
Garp chuckled, the sound deep and booming. "Safe? Out here? Come on, kid, I'm not gonna let you rot out here. You're coming with us."
Shiro felt a strange sense of recognition at the name "Monkey D. Garp"—the legendary Vice Admiral known for his raw power and his somewhat chaotic personality. He'd heard the stories, but now here he was, face-to-face with the real deal. Was this a trap, or was Garp genuinely offering him a way out?
"I'm Monkey D. Garp," the man shouted with a grin. "You've heard of me, right? I'm not gonna bite, kid. Just come aboard, and we'll get you something to eat and some rest."
Shiro's grip on his katana loosened slightly, and he weighed his options. The vast, empty sea stretched out all around him, and the thought of being alone out there any longer was almost unbearable. With no other choice, he finally nodded.
"Alright," he called back. "I'll come aboard."
Garp grinned wide, his laughter echoing across the water. "That's what I like to hear!" He motioned to his crew. "Prepare to pull him up!"
In an instant, Shiro was pulled aboard the Howling Wind, the strong hands of Garp's crew helping him onto the deck. As he stood there, catching his breath, Garp slapped him on the back with a force that nearly knocked the wind out of him.
"Welcome aboard, kid! Let's get you fed. We've got a lot to talk about."
Shiro looked around, noticing that the crew didn't seem hostile. Garp's presence was commanding, but there was a warmth to it—a sense that maybe this wouldn't be the worst thing to happen to him after all.
As the ship sailed off into the vast ocean, Shiro felt the weight of his isolation lift just a little. Wherever he was going, at least he wasn't alone anymore.
Some moments later, Shiro found himself sitting at a sturdy wooden table in the ship's kitchen. The smell of freshly cooked meat filled the air, making his stomach growl louder than he cared to admit. He tore into the large piece of meat in front of him, chewing ravenously. The hunger that had gripped him for so long seemed to finally subside, at least for now.
As he took another bite, Garp, sitting across from him with a grin, watched the young boy eat. After a few moments of silence, Garp spoke again, his tone casual but curious.
"So, kid," Garp said, leaning back in his chair, "where are you headed? Got any plans, or are you just drifting?"
Shiro stopped mid-bite, his fork hovering above the plate. He lowered it and looked down at the meat, suddenly feeling the weight of his uncertainty. He had no direction, no purpose anymore. His home was gone, and now he was just... here.
"I don't know," Shiro muttered, his voice low. "I never really thought about it. Just... kept going. My village was destroyed by pirates. They came in and burned everything down... Took what they wanted. I managed to escape, but... everyone else..." He trailed off, his voice faltering as the memories flooded back.
Garp's face softened, the usual mischief replaced by a rare seriousness. He leaned forward, his gaze intense but understanding. "Pirates, huh? The sea can be a cruel place. So you've been out here for two days? Just you and your canoe?"
Shiro nodded, a bitter chuckle escaping his lips. "Yeah. I didn't have much. Just a katana and this flintlock I stole from one of the pirates. And... I found this fruit. It was disgusting. Didn't know what it was, but I ate it because it was the only thing I could find. It tasted like garbage, but I was starving."
Garp raised an eyebrow, his expression shifting to one of surprise. "A fruit, huh? What kind of fruit?"
Shiro frowned, trying to recall its appearance. "It was strange. It had a weird texture, kind of... slick? And it was yellowish with some black spots on it. I didn't think much of it at the time. Just figured it would help me survive."
Garp rubbed his chin, his expression thoughtful. "Sounds like you might've eaten a Devil Fruit, kid."
Shiro's eyes widened. "A... Devil Fruit? What's that?"
Garp leaned back, his hands behind his head as he relaxed into his chair. "Devil Fruits are special fruits that grant the person who eats them incredible powers... but they also take away your ability to swim. You'll never be able to swim again after eating one."
Shiro blinked, processing the information. "Wait... So, if I ate one of these Devil Fruits, does that mean I have some kind of power now?"
Garp gave him a knowing smile. "That's right, kid. But if you don't figure it out soon, you might just end up falling into the sea without even realizing it. But don't worry about that for now. You'll have time to learn."
Shiro sat back, his mind racing. A Devil Fruit... He had no idea what it could do, but now he realized the strange sensations he had felt earlier—unexplained bursts of energy, a strange pull in his body when he focused too hard—might have something to do with it.
Garp's eyes twinkled as he watched Shiro process the information. "You're lucky, kid. A lot of people would've given anything to get their hands on a Devil Fruit. But you still have to figure out how to control it. And remember—no swimming."
Shiro nodded slowly, his head still spinning with the revelation. "I... I'll figure it out," he said quietly, determination rising within him. He had no choice now. Whatever this power was, it was his only chance to survive in a world full of pirates and chaos.
Garp laughed heartily. "That's the spirit! You're stronger than you think, kid. And you'll get stronger, too. For now, just relax and eat. You're safe here."
Shiro took another bite of the meat, but his mind was already racing with the possibilities of what lay ahead. With the Devil Fruit and the guidance of someone like Garp, maybe, just maybe, he could find a new path in this unpredictable world.
Garp leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed as he studied Shiro, who was still processing everything. After a moment of silence, Garp cleared his throat and decided to explain further.
"Alright, kid," Garp began, his voice more serious now. "Since you ate a Devil Fruit, you need to understand the different types. There are three main kinds, each one more dangerous or useful than the last."
Shiro looked up, his interest piqued. He was eager to understand what had just happened to him and what kind of powers he might have gained.
Garp raised a finger, his tone shifting to a more educational one. "The first type is the Paramecia. These are the most common ones. They give you superhuman abilities or allow you to alter your body or the world around you in some way. Take, for example, someone like Luffy my grandson—he ate the Gum-Gum Fruit, which made his body as stretchy as rubber. Paramecia fruits usually make you stronger, but they come with their own limitations."
Shiro's eyes widened slightly. "Stretchy body? That sounds... crazy."
Garp chuckled. "Yeah, it sounds insane, but it's a pretty handy power. However, there are others with Paramecia fruits that can do things like control fire, make their body hard as stone, or even turn invisible. It's a mixed bag."
Shiro nodded, trying to take it all in. "Okay, so what's the second type?"
Garp held up two fingers now. "The second type is the Zoan type. These fruits give you the ability to transform into animals or even mythical creatures. Zoan fruits are rare, but powerful. They can make you faster, stronger, and can help you heal faster too. There are regular Zoans—like the ones that turn you into a lion or a bird—but the really rare ones are the Mythical Zoans. These are like turning into a creature from legends, like a phoenix or a dragon. You'll get enhanced physical abilities, but the main advantage is usually the transformation itself."
Shiro thought for a moment. "So... if I ate one of those, I could turn into an animal or a creature?"
"Exactly," Garp replied, grinning. "Zoan fruits are very versatile. They can be great for fighting or for escaping danger. But you'll still have to learn how to use them properly."
Shiro was now getting more curious about what type of Devil Fruit he might've eaten. He'd never heard of a fruit that could do all of this.
"And then," Garp continued, his voice growing more serious, "there's the third type—the Logia fruits. These are the most dangerous and powerful of the three. A Logia fruit allows you to transform into, create, and control a natural element or force of nature. Fire, ice, lightning, smoke—anything that exists naturally in the world. It's the most powerful type because it makes the user almost invulnerable. If someone with a Logia fruit gets attacked, they can turn into their element and avoid the damage entirely."
Shiro's eyes widened in disbelief. "Wait... So, if I ate a Logia fruit, I could turn into fire, or... ice, or something?"
Garp nodded, his face growing more serious. "That's right. Logia users are feared for their power. They don't even need to fight the way normal people do—they can just manipulate the element they've eaten and control everything around them. But it's also dangerous, because once you eat a Logia fruit, you're tied to that element for the rest of your life. It's not easy to control, and it comes with a lot of responsibilities."
Shiro felt his pulse quicken. "That... sounds amazing. But... What if my fruit isn't a Logia or a Zoan?"
Garp looked at Shiro with a knowing smile. "Then it's probably a Paramecia, kid. But even then, you've got potential. You'll find out soon enough what your fruit can do. Just don't expect it to be all smooth sailing. Devil Fruits come with a price—you lose your ability to swim, and you'll be vulnerable in water. It's something you need to learn to live with."
Shiro nodded, taking in everything Garp had said. The possibilities of his newfound powers were both exciting and overwhelming. A part of him feared the responsibility that came with it, but another part of him was eager to see what kind of strength he could gain.
"Thanks, Garp," Shiro said, his voice quieter now, as he thought about his future. "I'll figure it out. I have to."
Garp grinned, his usual brash demeanor returning. "That's the spirit, kid! You'll figure it out. Just remember—Devil Fruits are both a gift and a curse. Use them wisely."
Shiro looked down at his hands, feeling the weight of the decision ahead of him. Whatever this Devil Fruit had done to him, it was only the beginning of his journey. He just had to learn how to harness it—and survive in a world full of pirates, Marines, and endless adventure.
Garp leaned back in his chair, watching Shiro thoughtfully as the young boy digested the information about the Devil Fruits. After a moment, he broke the silence with a suggestion that caught Shiro off guard.
"I know, kid," Garp said with a smirk. "Why don't you become a Marine?"
Shiro blinked in surprise, unsure of how to respond. The idea seemed out of nowhere, but the more he thought about it, the more it made sense. The Marines were powerful, and Garp was a Vice Admiral—a man who knew what it meant to fight for justice. Maybe there was a place for him in that world.
"Become a Marine?" Shiro repeated, his brow furrowing. "But I don't know anything about being a Marine. I was just trying to survive. What do I have to offer?"
Garp's grin widened as he leaned forward, his eyes twinkling. "Kid, you've got the will to survive, don't you? And you've got a fire in you. You wouldn't have made it this far if you didn't. Marines are made of people who want to protect others, to fight for justice. You've got the heart for it."
Shiro hesitated, thinking about it. He didn't have a place to call home anymore, and he had no family. The thought of joining something bigger than himself, something that stood for justice, gave him a sense of purpose he hadn't had in a long time.
"Besides," Garp continued, chuckling, "you're already in the middle of it all. If you want to survive in this world, it's better to have the strength of the Marines behind you than be just another lost soul in the sea."
Shiro sat back, his mind racing. He could still remember his destroyed village, the pirates who attacked, and the helplessness he felt. The thought of becoming someone who could fight for something greater, someone who could stand up to those who caused destruction, appealed to him.
"I... I don't know," Shiro muttered. "It seems like a big step. I'm not sure if I'm Marine material."
Garp's eyes softened, but his voice remained firm. "You don't need to be perfect. No one is. The Marines train you, teach you, and give you the tools to be strong. What you need is the will to fight, to stand up for what's right. And that's something you already have."
Shiro met Garp's gaze, feeling the weight of the decision before him. Joining the Marines could give him the chance to make a difference. He could use his powers for something more than just survival.
"Alright," Shiro said, his voice quiet but filled with determination. "I'll think about it. Maybe becoming a Marine is the way forward."
Garp's grin returned, a proud glint in his eyes. "Good. You've got the spirit, kid. Don't forget it. Now, get some rest. You've got a lot to think about."
After some time of silence and deep thought, Shiro finally made up his mind. He looked up at Garp, his resolve clear in his eyes.
"I'll do it," Shiro said quietly. "I'll join the Marines."
Garp's face broke into a wide grin, as if he had been expecting this answer. "Good choice, kid. You're making the right call. The Marines can give you purpose, strength, and a place to stand tall. But don't think it'll be easy."
Shiro nodded, understanding that the path ahead would be full of challenges. As Garp began to speak again, his tone shifted to one of seriousness, as he outlined what Shiro was about to step into.
"The Marine Headquarters is in the Grand Line, kid," Garp began, his voice taking on a deeper edge as he spoke of the place where the strongest Marines gathered. "It's a massive organization, one that spans the entire world. The Marines stand as the shield against pirates, criminals, and those who threaten innocent lives. But don't get it twisted—there's a lot of danger out there. The Grand Line, where most of the strongest pirates roam, is a wild place. If you're weak, you'll never make it."
Shiro listened intently, his heart racing as Garp continued.
"You'll see some of the strongest figures in the world among the Marines," Garp went on. "People like Admiral Sengoku, the 'Marine Hero'—he's a living legend. Then there's Admiral Aokiji, Kizaru, and Akainu... These men are like monsters in battle. And don't forget about the Vice Admirals, like me. We might not have the same fame, but we'll crush you just as fast."
Shiro's eyes widened with a mixture of awe and nervousness. The Marines were no joke. He would have to work hard to keep up with these powerful figures.
"But it's not just the Marines you need to worry about," Garp said, his face hardening. "There are dangerous pirates out there, and they're no joke. You've got the Yonko—guys like Whitebeard, Shanks, Kaido, and Big Mom—ruling their own territories. You'll also have to deal with the Revolutionary Army, rogue groups, and the pirate crews that want to topple the world government. If you want to survive, you've got to be strong. You've got to be prepared for anything."
Shiro swallowed hard. He'd faced pirates before, but hearing about the Yonko and the Revolutionary Army made him realize just how small he was in the grand scheme of things. But at least now, he had a chance. The Marines could give him the tools he needed to fight back.
"And speaking of strength," Garp said with a knowing grin, "let's talk about that Devil Fruit of yours. If you're gonna join the Marines, you'd better know what you're working with. So, let's figure out what kind of power you've got."
Shiro looked down at his hands, still unsure of what the fruit had done to him. He hadn't felt any drastic changes since eating it, but Garp was right—he needed to understand what he could do.
"Alright, kid," Garp continued, his tone becoming more practical. "Try to concentrate. Focus on your body, and think about the fruit you ate. What does it feel like? Any odd sensations?"
Shiro closed his eyes, trying to remember the taste of the fruit and the odd sense of power it had given him. He started to concentrate, focusing on his body and any changes he might be feeling.
After a few minutes of focusing, Shiro felt an intense heat surge through his body, followed by a sharp pain that caused him to gasp. His body was changing, warping in an unfamiliar way. The world around him seemed to blur as his arms grew longer and his skin shimmered with an ethereal glow.
Suddenly, with a burst of energy, Shiro felt his body collapse and reshape into something completely different. His limbs stretched out, his back grew wide, and wings erupted from his shoulders, gleaming like a vibrant white. Before he knew it, Shiro was standing there as a majestic pegasus—his body was covered in smooth, snow-white fur, and two powerful wings sprouted from his back.
He stared at his new form in complete shock, his eyes wide. "What the...?"
Garp's eyes shot open in surprise. "Well, I didn't see that coming!"
Shiro flapped his wings in panic, trying to regain control. "What's happening to me?!"
"You're transforming, kid!" Garp said, standing up quickly. "It looks like you've got a Tori Tori no Mi, Model: Pegasus or Uma Uma no Mi, Model: Pegasus! Both are Zoan-type Devil Fruits, but one lets you transform into a pegasus, and the other lets you transform into a horse with wings—either way, you've got the ability to fly!"
Shiro's heart raced as he struggled to maintain his balance on his new hooves. His wings fluttered involuntarily, lifting him slightly off the ground. Panic surged through him—he had no idea how to control his new form.
Garp, seeing Shiro's growing distress, quickly approached him. "Alright, relax! Just focus on yourself. Close your eyes, and try to think about your original form. You've got to let your body shift back to normal, or you'll be stuck like this for a while."
Shiro closed his eyes and concentrated, focusing on his human form. His mind raced through the images of himself as a person—his body, his arms, his legs, his face. Slowly, after what seemed like an eternity, he felt the change begin to reverse. His wings receded, his hooves transformed back into feet, and his body shrank down until he was standing again in his normal human form, breathing heavily.
"Whoa..." Shiro muttered, swaying slightly as he steadied himself. "That was crazy."
Garp let out a hearty laugh. "That's the power of the Tori Tori no Mi, Model: Pegasus—or Uma Uma no Mi, Model: Pegasus, whichever one it is. You've got some serious potential, kid. Flying and speed are your strengths now. But it'll take some practice to control it. You'll learn to shift between forms at will, and if you get really good, you can use your wings for combat too."
Shiro looked down at his hands, still feeling the lingering power of his transformation. "So I'm... a pegasus? I can fly?"
Garp grinned. "Yep. You've got wings now, kid. You'll be able to soar through the skies, cover long distances fast, and probably even pack a punch in battle with those wings. But the key is controlling it. You've got to master the transformation."
Shiro smiled faintly, feeling a sense of excitement mixed with the challenge ahead. "I'm going to make this work."
"Good," Garp said, slapping him on the back with a booming laugh. "You've got a long way to go, but I've got a feeling you'll be one of the greats. The Marines are gonna love having you around."
Shiro's resolve strengthened as he considered the future. He didn't know what awaited him, but with this newfound power and the support of Garp, he was ready to face whatever came next.