One Piece: The Arm of Fate

In the blink of an eye, two days passed.

Midday, inside the training chamber.

Cold air filled the space. Snow, compressed to the extreme and more than a meter thick, blanketed the floor entirely.

This was a cushioning layer that Nojiko had specifically created using her Yuki Yuki no Mi ability.

This way, the Poneglyph could be better stabilized, preventing it from slowly shifting out of place under Shano's relentless physical strikes.

At the same time, it greatly reduced the vibrations to the ship and dampened the noise—a win on all fronts.

"Huff—"

Standing before the stone monument, Shano's eyes gleamed with intensity as he slowly exhaled a deep breath.

After a short rest, he clenched both fists with a crackling sound, and a dense black Haki surged over them like a tidal wave.

"Again!"

With a low shout, he suddenly launched his right fist forward!

BOOM!!!

The instant his fist met the stone, a terrifying shockwave exploded outward. Snowflakes scattered in all directions, and the air pressure blasted throughout the chamber!

The Poneglyph remained unmoved, its surface still smooth as ever.

"Clicking my tongue. Still not enough…"

Shano bared his teeth, shaking out his slightly numb fist. A faint sting prickled his knuckles.

Over the past few days…

Even though the stone remained untouched, he could clearly feel it—his Armament Haki was becoming denser and purer with each and every strike.

Like steel being forged again and again under extreme pressure, he was transforming bit by bit.

Keep going!

While adjusting his breathing, Shano's hands didn't pause. His fists rained down like a storm.

BOOM!

BOOM!

BOOM BOOM BOOM—!!!

The heavy thuds resounded without pause. He wasn't just training his fists. He continuously rotated through different attack forms—fist, elbow, knee, leg, waist, abdomen, even his head…

Every inch of muscle in his body had now become a weapon, relentlessly striking the Poneglyph!

This was a full-body, all-out forging of the flesh!

"Not enough! Still far from enough!!!"

Shano's onslaught grew increasingly ferocious. His eyes were bloodshot from the excitement, his grin wide and wild. Beads of sweat evaporated as soon as they appeared, turning into steam that wreathed his body like mist.

His skin split from the recoil, blood seeping out, only to rapidly heal thanks to his potent regeneration.

This cycle repeated over and over.

In truth, his body and Haki had long since neared a bottleneck since before he even set sail.

The stronger he grew, the slower the gains.

But now—with this new "toy"—he could finally feel that satisfying sensation again… of his stats steadily rising.

His muscle fibers were reorganizing, his Haki bubbling like molten lava!

Each punch nudged his long-stagnant bottleneck just a little further. The numbers were visibly climbing!

That thrilling sense of constant positive feedback—he was drunk on it!

Pain?

That was merely fuel for his growth!

When he entered this self-tormenting, obsessive training state…

Things like pain—ceased to exist!

"More! Keep going!!!"

Shano burst into crazed laughter, his roar almost louder than the thunderous impacts.

In that moment, he seemed to return to that small island in the East Blue, before Arlong's arrival—a nameless boy who trained day after day by pounding his fists into the mountain—

Pure.

Mad.

Tireless.

This was his truest self when he first set foot on the path to power!!!

…

On the deck.

Feeling the faint tremor beneath his feet, Smoker couldn't help but glance back, his eye twitching.

"I swear, if he punches the wrong way and blows a hole in the Final Curtain, we're doomed…"

Lighting two cigars but not bringing them to his lips, Smoker frowned in thought:

"It doesn't make sense. What's gotten into the captain? Why's he suddenly ramped up his training intensity like this?"

From what he had seen of Shano, the captain had always struck a healthy balance between training and relaxation aboard the ship.

To be honest, even Smoker's impression was a bit colored by bias from following the guy around.

Most of the time, the black-haired youth was just lying on a lounge chair on the deck, basking in the sun and breeze.

Sometimes he'd bicker with Nami over oranges, or when really bored, punt Gin into the sea for fun.

As for actual training effort?

Forget Guina, who immersed herself in swordsmanship around the clock—even Nojiko during her desperate Haki training days was more diligent.

At most, he was just a bit better than Nami, who practically invented slacking off.

"Well, you just don't know him well enough."

Nojiko walked up from behind, carrying a cup of orange soda. She smiled brightly:

"Actually, for a long, long time, he was exactly like this. A complete training maniac—that's his true nature."

She glanced at the training room, listening to the dull impacts inside, and her smile deepened.

"Every time he feels a sense of crisis, or that he's not strong enough, or discovers a new way to train—he'll go berserk like this, pushing himself to the brink."

Not strong enough?

Smoker froze, his eye twitching.

Seriously now—what kind of logic was that?

Not strong enough?

From the moment he secretly snuck aboard back in East Blue, everything he'd witnessed since had been nothing short of mind-blowing.

The former Warlord Crocodile? Squashed like a bug.

The 500 million bounty tyrant, Brachiosaurus Kazana? Used as a punching bag for two whole hours.

Even Admiral Akainu, at full force, couldn't manage to detain him…

"And that's still not strong enough?" Smoker's forehead veins bulged. He couldn't help but curse:

"Then what about the rest of us? Should we all just quit life?"

Across the Grand Line—

No, across the entire world, who the hell else is eighteen and this damn strong?!

"Heh."

Nojiko chuckled, about to tease him again, when her eyes drifted to a nearby table—where a few roughly sketched blueprint papers were scattered.

She bent down to pick one up.

It was covered in complex mechanical diagrams, the lines wobbly and clearly reworked over and over.

Around the edges, notes like "Flame Propulsion Unit" and "Mera Mera no Mi Energy Conversion Rate" were scribbled.

"This is…"

She raised a brow. "You're trying to modify the ship's stern? Add a row of fire vents to boost speed using Nami's Mera Mera no Mi ability?"

Scratching his head in embarrassment, Smoker mumbled:

"Yeah… I got the idea while checking out the emergency boats the other day. I saw that cola-powered speedboat and it sparked something."

"Oh, that one?"

Nojiko laughed. "It was from Guina's place. Nami snuck it aboard and it's been with us ever since. Big bro said it's probably the work of shipwright legend Tom."

"Tom? The guy who built the Oro Jackson for Roger?"

Smoker was stunned. "No wonder—it's a masterpiece."

He then pointed at the blueprint on the table:

"Theoretically, if we can convert the flame energy from the Mera Mera no Mi into propulsion force with this setup, the Final Curtain's speed could more than double."

"It might not be needed under normal circumstances, but in emergencies—like dodging a sudden maelstrom, escaping pursuit, or even crossing the Calm Belt—if Nami's stamina holds, it could be a lifesaver."

"That's brilliant!"

Nojiko's eyes lit up. "How's progress? Have you built it yet?"

"Just moved from theory to test phase. Here's the prototype I cobbled together yesterday."

He pulled a small, sleek device from under his chair.

"But it's tiny. At most, it could power a motorbike. I want Nami to try it out first, then we'll gradually scale up to a version fit for the Final Curtain."

"Then what're we waiting for? Go get Nami and test it now!" Nojiko looked around. "Weird, where is she?"

"The newspaper just arrived. Where else do you think?"

Smoker sighed, glancing upward. "Until she finishes reading it, nobody but the captain can get her attention."

"Got it."

Nojiko snapped her fingers with a grin.

She walked to the bow, on the other side of the silver wolf figurehead.

Sure enough—

There sat the orange-haired girl, crouched in the shadows by the railing, eyes red, teeth clenched, violently flipping through the latest paper like she wanted to tear it apart and eat every word.

"C'mon now, if it's not on the front page, it's not in there. The bounties still haven't updated?"

Nojiko handed her the soda.

"Nothing yet—waaah!"

Nami finally snapped. She ripped the newspaper into shreds in frustration.

"This is the third day already! What the hell is Morgans doing?! Why hasn't he reported anything yet?!"

"And what's the Navy doing?! Why haven't they updated the wanted posters?!"

This had pretty much become Nami's daily routine these days.

As soon as the News Coo arrived with the newspaper, she would be the first to buy it and read it immediately—so much so that everyone on the ship had started teasing her, calling her the "Newspaper Queen" and the "Information Collector King."

However—

Although she still quite enjoyed watching her little sister's reactions for fun...

This time, something really did feel off.

"It's been four days and there's still no bounty update. Could it be, once again, the World Economic News has been pressured by the World Government?"

Nojiko rested her chin on her hand and spoke thoughtfully. "Just like that time on Whiskey Peak?"

"No, it's different."

Smoker also walked over and shook his head slightly at her words.

"Last time, the Marines wanted to save face and tried to take us down quickly. That's why they delayed the news for half a month. But after the battle at Thor Island, the World Government should be fully aware—given the captain's strength—that's not something they can just make happen."

He exhaled a ring of smoke, frowning slightly. "Besides, that day at the mouth of the St. Dora River, there were merchant ships from all over gathered there. There were tens of thousands of eyewitnesses. The news of the Hanazura Pirates being wiped out has likely already spread throughout the surrounding seas and even into the New World and the Four Blues. It won't take more than ten days or half a month. They can't suppress this."

"Then why…"

"There are two possibilities."

Smoker narrowed his eyes. "First possibility: Marine HQ has gathered an even stronger force than last time, mobilized more than one admiral, and is planning to go all out to eliminate us."

"But considering what happened at Enies Lobby, Marine forces are already stretched thin. This is unlikely and can basically be ruled out."

"True," Nojiko nodded. "So what's the second possibility?"

"I get it!"

Nami suddenly cried out as if awakening from a dream. She spread her left hand and punched her right fist into her palm.

"It must be that, after seeing my true strength, they realized it's too hard to set my bounty! Marine HQ can't decide whether to raise it to 200 million or 300 million. They must still be in a meeting arguing about it! Wahahaha!!"

"…"

Nojiko and Smoker fell silent for a second.

"I'm sorry, Nami."

Nojiko gave her sister a hug and gently patted her head, looking guilty. "From now on, I won't tease you anymore or call you Newspaper Queen."

Look at what it's done to her—so heartbroken she's starting to spout nonsense.

"Ahem."

Smoker rubbed his temples and sighed helplessly. "I'll continue. The second possibility is that Marine HQ—no, perhaps even the World Government itself—has bypassed the Marines and decided to recruit the captain to fill the vacant seat among the Seven Warlords."

He flicked away some ash from his cigar and looked toward the sea in the distance. "If I'm not wrong, the envoys they sent to negotiate must already be on their way, trying to get in contact with us soon."

Trying to recruit big bro into the Seven Warlords?

Nojiko was stunned. She tilted her head slightly, looking thoughtful.

That actually makes a lot of sense. Becoming a Warlord would mean the bounty gets canceled right away, which would explain why the Marines haven't updated the bounty yet.

But…

With big bro's personality, would he really accept such an invitation?

…

Meanwhile, on the second-floor open-air training ground—

Robin leaned against the railing, her long fingers lightly supporting her chin as the sea breeze carried Smoker's analysis to her ears.

She smiled slightly.

"Ara, Mr. Smoker really lives up to being a former Marine. That was quite a sound analysis. Did you hear that?"

"I did, Robin-nee."

The sea breeze lifted the black hair falling from beside Kuina's face. She lay reclined in a rattan chair, eyes calm and focused, fully absorbed in the sword manual by Yasuo in her hands.

She didn't even look up as she responded softly:

"In my opinion, the World Government should've done this a long time ago. With Lord Shano's strength, if he joins the Seven Warlords, it wouldn't be an honor for him—but for the entire Warlord system."

"…," Robin was speechless.

If someone had told her when they first met—

That this cold and proud sword girl was actually the most fanatical supporter of Shano on the whole ship…

She absolutely wouldn't have believed it.

But after spending some time together and observing her secretly…

It really did seem to be the case.

"How's your progress with it?"

Robin sat across from Kuina. "I see you've started reading it from the beginning again. Does that mean you've already finished it once?"

She had seen it with her own eyes—how Shano had casually tossed the sword manual to Kuina during breakfast.

His movement was so casual, everyone thought it wasn't anything important.

But this sword-obsessed girl had treated it like a treasure, practically dedicating all her time to it for the past few days.

She'd even approached Robin a few times to help her interpret the difficult parts.

"Mm. Thanks to your annotations, Robin-nee, I've pretty much read through it all. I've even mastered a few of the basic techniques."

Kuina rubbed her slightly sore eyes and looked up.

"But some of the techniques are still too difficult. From here on, I'll need to devote all my energy to practice and truly internalize them as soon as possible."

"Good luck." Robin smiled gently. "If it's you, Kuina, I'm sure you can do it."

"Mm."

Kuina nodded seriously, eyes full of determination.

"Well then, I'll head to the library."

Robin stood and left. The ship's library had become her favorite place—quiet, elegant, and exactly her style.

If she hadn't known that the ship was already being built before she and Shano even met, she would've thought he'd designed it just for her.

Kuina sat in the rattan chair and silently watched Robin leave.

Once her figure disappeared into the cabin, Kuina lowered her head, closed the book, and gently ran her fingers over the sword manual's cover, as if she could feel the white-haired old swordsman's lifetime of effort behind it.

This manual Shano-sama gave her really was precious.

Even she—trained since childhood by Koushirou with very high standards—had to admit the brilliance of it.

If it were put up for auction at a major house, it would surely cause swordfighters around the world to fight over it.

But now that it was in her hands—

She would never let Shano-sama down!

She had to master it—fully and quickly!

Once she did, even as someone who already stood at the level of a swordmaster, her skills would definitely rise more than a notch!

Buzz—!

Kuina took a deep breath and finally stood up, drawing her sword and staring at the target ahead.

Today, she would start with the first technique: Steel Flash Slash!

———

Marine Headquarters, Marineford.

Inside an office, a plaque reading "Justice Over All" hung on the wall.

"Have you already confirmed the general sea area where the target is? Good. Keep investigating. The negotiator will depart soon."

Sengoku hung up the call, then looked across at the old man on the couch sneakily munching on his senbei.

"Garp, the Celestial Dragons have already decided. You'll be in charge of this Warlord negotiation and agreement signing."

Pfft—

Garp spat out senbei crumbs all over the place, eyes wide.

"Huh?! Are you joking?! I'm still on vacation! I haven't even used up half my time off! And besides, the Seven Warlords stuff—wasn't that usually just left to some random rear admiral or vice admiral? Why bother with an old man like me?"

Sengoku calmly wiped off the crumbs, snatched away the remaining senbei, and slapped a folder onto the desk.

"This is a direct order from the Five Elders. Stop complaining. Just go already. All of Mary Geoise is paying close attention to this. We don't have time for your nonsense. Get Shano to sign this agreement ASAP."

"Get lost! I'm not—"

Garp roared, but then froze suddenly. "Wait a sec… Who did you say I'm going to see?"

"Shano. Your fellow East Blue native, your good disciple—Shano."

Sengoku replied grumpily. "Forgot already? Last time, weren't you the one who suggested recruiting him into the Warlords? Now that we're actually sending you, what, you're unwilling?"

"Puhahaha! Oh, it's him? Well, can't be helped then. I'll go."

Garp scratched his head and laughed heartily. "I've said it all along—this kid's a good guy. Why keep hounding him? Making him a Warlord is clearly the best way to settle this…"

So it was the Marines harassing him all along?!!

Sengoku nearly tore out his beard in rage. This old fool—did he even know what he was saying?

Shano had killed two Marine vice admirals and taken down two Warlords. He'd trampled Marine HQ's pride into the ground.

If Mary Geoise hadn't directly ordered this…

Sengoku would never have backed down so quickly!

"I'm telling you, Sengoku—"

"What now?!"

"You're actually not so bad. No wonder those old fogies in the Holy Land insisted I be the one to go. Turns out you reported my idea up the chain!"

That idea of yours was crap!!!

This guy… How could he think that's why?

Sengoku's face darkened. Mary Geoise was originally going to send CP agents to negotiate, but he had personally lobbied to let Garp go instead.

That guy named Shano was no pushover.

If Garp went in person, as old friends, at least they wouldn't start fighting on sight. That alone improved the odds of a successful negotiation.

…

Half an hour later—

The Dog-Head Warship set sail from Crescent Bay, cutting through the waves at full speed toward Alabasta.

Garp stood at the bow, happily tossing donuts into his mouth while laughing loudly.

"Shano, my boy, long time no see! The old man's coming!!"