I let out a long sigh, releasing some of the tension I had built up.The high moon bathed the town of Fuschia in a pale, calm light, as if trying to soothe restless souls.I left our base in silence and melted into the shadows of the alleys, gliding noiselessly to where Nami and Nojiko were waiting for me.The two sisters were seated in a quiet corner near the central fountain, gazing out into the night, wrapped in cloaks I had given them.
Nojiko held her arms tightly around herself, still clutching her little shadow kitten to her chest, while Nami kept a hand on her sister's shoulder — protective, but weary.They didn't speak. They didn't need to. The bond between them was enough.I gave them a nod and, without a word, led them to Makino's bar.
The lights were off, just like everywhere else in the sleeping village.I knocked gently on the glass door. Once. Twice. No more.A few seconds later, the soft rustle of fabric told me she had gotten up.The door opened slowly, and Makino appeared in the doorway, still in her nightgown, her hair slightly tousled.
Her eyes softened the moment she recognized me."Jordan?" she said, not angry — just surprised. "What's going on?"I gave her a small apologetic gesture.
"Sorry to wake you, Makino... I need a favor."She listened without interrupting as I explained the situation. I didn't hide anything: the trauma, the need for a safe space, the importance of a gentle transition before bringing them to Grandma Heartless.She asked no questions.She gave no judgment.Just that familiar warmth that made her the beating heart of Fuschia."Of course, Jordan. Bring them in," she said with a gentle smile."There's a room upstairs with a big bed. Nojiko can rest there. And if her sister wants to stay close tonight, that's perfectly fine. You can even take the couch if you'd like."
I returned her smile... but mine already carried the weight of departure.Without a word, I pulled a small wad of bills from my inner pocket — 20,000 berries. I handed them to her carefully."Thank you, Makino. But I won't be staying."
I saw the protest form on her face, so I cut her off with a soft but firm tone:"I still have things to do tonight. If I'm not back by morning, use 15,000 berries to cover the clinic and anything Nojiko needs to settle in with Grandma and Léa. Keep the rest for the trouble."
She opened her mouth to refuse — of course she was going to refuse — but I didn't wait.I vanished into the shadow behind me, disappearing like a breath into the night before she could say a word.
I heard her sigh behind me, her soft voice carried on the night breeze:"This boy... he's impossible."But despite her words, I knew she was smiling.I let her go fetch the two sisters while I quietly slipped away.
Taking advantage of the night's silence, I carried out the idea Kuro — or rather Xurok now — had suggested to me.I teleported quietly from town to village across the seas of East Blue, leaving behind a small structure in each place I visited.
A modified Roundy — gentler, more welcoming than standard Heartless — stood in the center of each settlement. In its arms, a basket made from my shadows, soft but sturdy, was accompanied by a simple sign crafted from another shadow:
"Hello, everyone.My name is Sora.I leave this basket here for those who might wish to support my travels and battles.No need to give much — or anything at all, if you don't want to.But if your heart feels like it… a few berries would be appreciated.Thank you."
I reread the message each time before leaving.Not pushy. Not threatening. Not commercial.Just… honest.
I did this in nearly a hundred villages, ports, inhabited clearings, and tiny, barely-charted islands.The Goa Kingdom alone had a major city and a dozen or so villages — each received its own Roundy.Even Fuschia, despite my embarrassment, got one. It would've seemed strange if every village had one except it.It took me five full hours to complete the circuit.
Five hours of portals, rapid travel, magical anchoring, and endlessly repeated gestures.By the time I finally returned to our base island, completely drained, dawn was already creeping across the horizon.I collapsed onto the sand, face turned up to the still-visible stars.
I think I'll call this island Kingdom Hearts, just for the joke.The name brushed through my mind almost tenderly.
But I changed my mind right away. It wasn't my island.It was our base.We'd vote on the name together.I fell into a deep, dreamless sleep — like the dead.
I was jolted awake just four hours later by high-pitched screaming.
Kuroobi.I sat up reluctantly, still groggy. My bad mood was palpable, and I would've gladly thrown the nearest rock just to vent.As I checked my surroundings, I noticed that MooMoo was sleeping peacefully under the watchful eye of my crocodile.
Octy, meanwhile… had regained some color. His arm had, miraculously, regenerated overnight — a strange and rare trait, probably linked to his species. But the bruises covering his body were still dark and violet, living proof of Arlong's brutality.
I would heal him soon. But first…I made my way slowly toward the inner chamber, where Kuroobi was being held.He was bound by solid shadows, trapped in the center of a circle of unmoving Heartless. The Heartless from the island must have understood that I wouldn't let them touch this one — they had scattered, but remained alert in the surroundings.
"Tch... A human."His voice was hoarse, dripping with disgust.
I didn't respond.I simply looked at him.
Then, I let the shadow overtake me.My features stretched and shifted.My chest expanded, my arms doubled in size. My skin was coated in a semi-organic, living layer of shadow.Fangs, claws. My eyes turned a spectral blue.I merged with the gorilla-type Heartless.
Kuroobi, for the first time, went silent.He recoiled slightly, his breath catching.His pupils dilated."W-What… what is that…?" His voice trembled. He knew what Devil Fruits were, and he realized he stood little chance against someone like me."Wait… wait, we can talk—"
I took a step forward. Then another.The heavy sound of my footsteps echoed across the stone."No… please! NOT THAT!!"
He got no further plea.I let my rage out — a rain of methodical, relentless blows.I vented on Kuroobi in my fused gorilla-Heartless form.He passed out quickly; Octy's earlier beating had already left him weakened.
Octy was waiting for me, lying on a rock.I walked up to him, placed a hand on his shoulder, and cast a slow, deep healing spell, silently.The bruises on his body began to fade, little by little.
Without another word, I placed my hand on Octy's arm and opened a portal into the still-cool morning air.We arrived in Fuschia seconds later, just at the village entrance, beneath a sky streaked with rose and gold.
I hadn't changed my appearance.Here, everyone knew me.Jordan, Luffy's vice-captain. The flying sorcerer — though thankfully, no one actually used that nickname, or I wouldn't know where to hide.
The octopus-man slowly sat up, groggy, and instinctively tried to pull away — the defensive reflex of a warrior.I gently held him in place, without force, then raised my hands, palms open, to show I meant no harm."Easy, Octy. You're safe."
He frowned, puzzled, but I simply raised a finger to my lips, asking for silence.I left him there, seated calmly in front of Makino's bar.
The idle Heartless stationed nearby paid him no more attention than they would a passing seagull.And the people of Fuschia… having learned to trust the little Heartless, greeted him.Naturally. Without judgment or fear — mostly thanks to my presence beside him when we arrived.
An old man gave him a friendly wave.A fruit vendor tossed him a casual "Good morning."
Even a child gave him a little wave before running off after a patrolling Heartless soldier.
Octy froze, his expression blank.No screaming. No hateful glares. No insults.
Just… a simple, disarming peace.He couldn't believe it.
I left him to process it all and headed upstairs, where the two sisters were resting.I was just about to open their bedroom door when a quick hand grabbed my ear.I flinched.
"Ow, ow, ow!"
Makino stood in the hallway, arms crossed and a teasing smile on her face, giving me a mock-stern look.
"Jordan… You weren't really about to walk into a lady's room without knocking, were you?"
I played along — I wasn't actually hurt, and I knew full well I was about to do what 95% of men in erotic comedies end up doing: walk in on girls changing and get labeled a pervert, likely extorted for a million berries by Nami.
I raised my hands in mock surrender, playing the part.
"Ouch, ouch! Alright, alright! Sorry, Makino! I swear I'll knock next time. Scout's honor."She let go of my ear, laughing, shaking her head like a fond, exasperated big sister.I carefully stepped away from the door, rubbing my ear like a kid caught red-handed, and gave her a playful wink."Got it, boss. Thanks for saving me from Nami's wrath. I'd like to keep my vital organs, you know."
Makino gave a small, amused smirk and returned to the kitchen.Then I turned to the door…This time, for real.And I knocked.
"Nami, Nojiko… you can come out. Someone wants to see you," I said gently through the door.
A few seconds later, the two sisters emerged.Nami, dressed simply in a white top and beige pants, walked with confidence, though her eyes still betrayed lingering exhaustion.Nojiko wore a plain floral dress, probably borrowed from Makino. Her hair was messily braided, and in her arms — like a living talisman — the little shadow kitten purred softly. She clung to it like a shield.
I led them outside, where Octy — Hachi — was still waiting, standing stiffly, arms at his sides, clearly nervous.When he saw them, his eyes widened, as if he hadn't truly believed they'd come.Then, suddenly, he dropped to his knees.The impact kicked up a small puff of dust.
"I'm sorry! So sorry!!" he cried, head bowed to the ground, his voice trembling. "I should never have been part of a crew that could let something like this happen! Nojiko, I… I left you unprotected..."
It was like the world stopped for a moment.
Nojiko suddenly let go of the little kitten, which tumbled gently into the grass.She took two steps forward, then knelt down in front of Hachi and — to everyone's surprise — wrapped her arms around one of his, resting her cheek against his shoulder.
"You're not to blame, Uncle..." she sobbed, her voice like a little girl's.Tears streamed down her cheeks, but they were tears of release.Not fear. Not anger. Just… sincere forgiveness.
Nami joined her instantly, kneeling as well and taking Hachi's other arm in her hands."She's right. You have nothing to apologize for," she said calmly. "You defended her. You stayed true to yourself, even among THEM."Her voice dripped with contempt when she spoke of the rest of the fish-man crew.
Hachi wrapped both sisters in his arms, and the scene was deeply moving.I had a feeling that, with a heart as pure as his, Octy was even better than in the original… but I hadn't expected he'd become like an uncle to the two sisters.
"I'm truly sorry, Nojiko. I never thought someone in our crew would do that. I gave him a beating as soon as I saw him coming down from your place," he said, apologizing again, while the sisters continued to reassure him that he wasn't responsible for the atrocities of others.
"Sorry to interrupt your moment," I said, stepping forward, "but can we head into the bar? I've got a few questions for you, Octy."
Nami shot me a deadly glare, her eyes full of lightning."Jordan. You really have no sense of timing."
I immediately raised my hands in surrender."I said I was sorry!"
Hachi chuckled weakly, shaking his head before slowly standing up, effortlessly supporting Nojiko."You can call me Hachi. And... thank you. For getting Nami and Nojiko away from Arlong."
I gave him a simple nod, and together, we entered the bar.
Makino was waiting for us inside. I handed her a small bundle of bills — 1,000 berries.She frowned. "Jordan, you know very well I don't charge my friends for—""It's not for you. It's for the peace and quiet. One hour. The bar, just for us."
I gently slid the bills into her hand, closing her fingers over them."And also for your patience with me."
She smiled, resigned, then sighed."Fine… But you better bring Luffy back here sometime. I want to hear one of your adventures — not the ones the Marines tell," she said with a grin.
I gave her a playful wink, and she walked off, leaving the four of us alone in the main room of the bar, bathed in the soft morning light streaming through the windows.The moment had come to talk.
"You can call me Jordan," I said, showing him my wanted poster — which clearly startled the poor guy. He looked at me with a hint of fear, until a light smack on the back of my head shattered my dramatic flair.
"Jordan, stop scaring my uncle," Nami scolded as she sat down beside me. "It's thanks to him that Nojiko and I were able to stay safe after his crew settled in our village."
"Alright, alright. No need to hit me, I'll behave..." I muttered, before continuing more seriously:"I have a question, Hachi. How did you end up so badly hurt… and missing an arm?I know Kuroobi couldn't have done that to you — not in the state I found him."
Hachi looked away for a moment, letting out a deep sigh.He glanced at Nojiko, who gave him a shy smile — steadier than before. She seemed at ease around him, like his presence helped restore some balance to the things that had broken inside her.
"When I dragged Kuroobi back to Arlong, I told everyone what he had done."His voice was calm, but heavy with burden."I thought the boss would understand. That it would be… a wake-up call.But aside from scolding the others because Nami might stop cooperating on the sea charts, he did nothing."
He paused, throat tight."So I told him our old comrades would be ashamed of him. That what he was becoming disgusted me."
He clenched his fists."And he attacked me. I didn't fight back. He was still my captain.I just took the hits… until I blacked out."
At those words, Nojiko lowered her head. Then, without warning, she slowly approached him and rested her head against his chest.Hachi opened his three remaining arms and embraced her with infinite gentleness.
She whispered against him, her voice trembling:"You shouldn't have let him do that to you… Uncle."
Her tears began to fall again, but this time they were soft. Not violent.Just the relief of knowing he was alive… and that he had chosen their side.
I let the moment linger a little longer before gently adding:"Alright… that explains the bruises. And about your arm… I'm guessing he tossed you unconscious into the sea.He thought he'd… killed you. The fish-men too. Everyone believes you were eaten by sharks."
Hachi raised his head, surprised."What?"I nodded slowly."I saw Arlong destroy his own stronghold, screaming your name.He thinks you're dead. All he found was a severed arm in the water."
Hachi looked down at his newly regenerated arm."That's one of the few traits where I'd say we octopus-men have an advantage. I can regenerate limbs — useful when you're a swordsman."He paused, frowning slightly."But I still don't know how I survived if sharks really attacked me..."
I gave a small smile."I do. You had some serious luck. Or… a very loyal ally."
He looked at me, confused."It was a sea cow that saved you. A huge one. Very protective.She pulled you out and kept you hidden in a cave.I think she cares a lot about you."
A quiet, amused silence settled for a moment… until a small sound caught our attention.The little shadow kitten, forgotten until now, trotted in through the half-open bar door, looking around curiously.It brushed against Nojiko's legs before curling up at her feet, purring loudly.Nojiko smiled through her tears, gently petting the creature with her fingertips.
Hachi still held Nojiko in his arms, rocking her gently.He seemed to be finding some peace at last… until his expression darkened slightly, troubled by a sudden thought.He looked up at me, concern in his eyes."Tell me… You didn't hurt MooMoo, did you?" he asked quickly, real worry in his voice. "She didn't attack you, right? She just wanted to protect—"
I immediately raised my hand in a calming gesture, offering a reassuring smile."No, don't worry. She's fine. I moved her to a safe place."
"You… you didn't hurt her, right? MooMoo?" he asked again, almost panicked. "She didn't mean to attack. She's… she's really gentle, you know."
I raised both hands again, soothing his fears."It's okay, Hachi. She's fine. I just relocated her. Somewhere safe. She's asleep.You'll be able to see her as soon as we're done here."
Relief washed over his face instantly.He looked down for a moment, as if silently offering a thank-you to something… or someone.
Then, without changing my tone, I continued — more serious this time:"I found Kuroobi. He was unconscious, underwater. I captured him.He's alive… for now."
I paused, locking eyes with Hachi."Would it bother you if I killed him?"
The question fell like a guillotine.Nojiko, sitting beside him, flinched at the mention of her attacker. She instinctively tightened her grip on Hachi's arm, as if her body remembered the fear even as her mind tried to move forward.
But Hachi didn't look away. He thought for a moment… then slowly nodded."Personally…" he said, his voice low but steady, "you can do whatever you want with him.What he did is unforgivable. He dishonored everything our people stand for.And I know you're not doing this out of hatred for our kind — but out of respect for Nojiko… and for Nami."
He gently placed his hand over Nojiko's, with a tenderness that caught me off guard."So no. I don't mind."
I gave him a quiet, grateful smile.Then I turned to Nojiko, my voice softer, almost solemn:"Nojiko… do you want to witness his end? Or would you rather go straight to your new home?"
She didn't answer right away. Her deep blue gaze remained fixed on the table.Then, without lifting her eyes, she asked in a quiet but firm voice:"Can't I… kill him myself?"
I took a slow breath and gently shook my head."A very wise person told me that it would eat away at you.That you'd punish yourself again and again for something that was never your fault.I can carry that weight.You… you've already suffered enough.But if you want to see him pay… you can. I give you that right."
Her fists clenched slightly, and after a brief silence, she whispered:"I want to see him. I want him to understand what he's done."
I nodded, then stood in silence."Then let's go."
I walked out of the bar, followed by Hachi, Nojiko, and Nami — all silent, their expressions solemn.The little shadow kitten leapt nimbly after Nojiko, sticking close to her legs like a protective shadow.
We made our way down the village's main street, and though it was still early, Fuschia was already buzzing with activity.Some people stood around the Roundy, reading the sign and chatting among themselves.
I greeted them with a simple wave, as I always did.Some responded with a smile, others nodded respectfully.
But it was Hachi's reaction that almost made me smile — he blinked several times, surprised, as he noticed the calm, neutral, even warm looks the villagers gave him.
"For a pirate with such a big bounty… you're pretty well-liked," Hachi commented, a little incredulous, as we headed toward the village outskirts.
I raised an amused eyebrow, but it was Nami who answered before I could, a sly smile tugging at her lips. She reached into her pocket and carefully unfolded a piece of paper."Are you kidding? Jordan's bounty is almost personal revenge. It's Garp — the Marine hero — who jacked it up.He wanted to punish his grandson for becoming a pirate… so he went after his allies instead."
She gave me a knowing glance and held up Luffy's wanted poster."Him? He doesn't care. Says it's 'cool'."
Hachi's eyes widened as he saw the picture of Luffy laughing like a kid.
I said nothing. I simply opened a portal in the air.Dark light pulsed around us, and in a blink, we returned to our base — the island we secretly shared.The sky was still gray there, dawn barely breaking.
Kuroobi, firmly restrained by the most powerful shadow creatures under my control, thrashed about, screaming and spewing insults.But he didn't stand a chance.The high-level Heartless — especially the guardian-armored elites — formed a tight circle around him. Their azure eyes locked on him, unblinking, as their gauntlets held him firmly in place.
"Nami," I said calmly, without taking my eyes off Kuroobi, "feel free to zap him to quiet him down."
She had been waiting for that."With pleasure," she replied coldly.
A crackling tension filled the air, static magic raising the hairs on everyone's skin.Then she raised her arm.A massive bolt of lightning shot out, striking Kuroobi square in the chest with a deafening crack.
He screamed briefly… then collapsed, limp and smoking.
"That felt good," she muttered, putting her staff away and crossing her arms.
I slowly approached the scorched body and pressed two fingers to his neck.Still alive. Barely, but alive.
I healed him with a quick spell.Just enough to keep him standing.
"Letting him die without understanding would be too kind," I said softly.Then I turned to Hachi."I want you to see this."
He looked at me, unsure.
"What's going to happen now… it isn't vengeance.It's a lesson. For anyone who thinks that race, status, or power gives them the right to act without consequences."
I made a gesture.The guardian-armors stepped aside, opening a gap… and the island's Heartless surged forward.
A dark tide, creeping, relentless.They approached slowly, like a living shadow, silent — no roar, no scream.Only the sound of their footsteps against stone.
Kuroobi regained consciousness at the worst possible moment."What… what is this?"
He started screaming, flailing, calling for Arlong, Jinbei — anyone.His strikes met only emptiness.His power meant nothing against the flood of shadows.
I leaned in briefly toward Hachi."These creatures don't discriminate.Pirates, marines, nobles, fish-men, revolutionaries... If they carry evil within them, they will be judged.Mercilessly."
The island's shadows and soldiers swarmed him, and despite his renewed strength and raw power, he was ultimately consumed by the creatures.In the end, only a single Roundy remained.Small. Silent. Almost peaceful.
I stared at it without a word.I had no intention of granting him a Nobody form. No second chance. No redemption.
I still didn't fully understand the exact mechanism behind the birth of Xurok or Xaheis…But Kuroobi didn't deserve the opportunity to be reborn.He was done.
The sight shocked the other three.Most of the time, Nami had seen me transform people into Heartless myself — but this time, I didn't want to reveal that part of me in front of Hachi and Nojiko.
(Author's note: That's it for today. This chapter's about twice as long as usual, but I needed to tell everything at once to avoid another cliffhanger.If you're enjoying my fanfiction, please consider leaving a review so I can get a rating on Webnovel — it really helps me rank better. Thanks to everyone who does!)