The abandoned stretch of Windmill Village's coast was quiet, save for the crash of waves against the graveyard of shipwrecks. Splintered hulls jutted from the sand like broken ribs, a reminder of how merciless the East Blue could be.
Tina followed Jin with stiff steps, cigarette dangling between her lips, pink hair catching the salty wind. "You bring me all the way out here just to wander a wasteland? I thought you wanted me to test one of your crew."
"Patience." Jin's voice was smooth, almost amused. He leapt lightly onto a jagged boulder, the sea spray catching in his black hair. "This beach has its charm. Don't you think? Worth admiring, if you stop pretending you've seen everything already."
Tina's brows furrowed. "Scenery?" She almost laughed. Of all things, scenery? I've lived my whole life at sea. The horizon doesn't impress me anymore. Still, something about his silhouette against the surf made her chest tighten. Against her better judgment, she caught herself staring.
Then—
Boom!
A thunderous splash shattered the moment. Tina's instincts snapped alive as she turned toward the sea. Out in the distance, colossal shadows writhed beneath the waves, dorsal fins and monstrous maws breaking the surface. Sea Kings, clashing in a frenzy of teeth and scale.
Her eyes narrowed. "Sea Kings fighting each other this close to shore? That's rare."
The ocean raged for a time, then, as suddenly as it began, the violence sank into stillness. The water grew calm, too calm.
Jin's violet eyes glinted. "Your opponent's here. Ready yourself."
Tina blinked, confused. Then she saw it—something dark cutting through the surf, fast and deliberate. A massive shape emerged, spraying saltwater as it landed with a heavy crash on the sand.
"Old man, what are you doing here?"
Kuma shook himself dry like a beast, towering over them. His furred arms gleamed wet in the sun, his frame broader and harder than before—scarred muscle packed onto a body that looked carved for war.
Jin smirked. "Came to check on you. And, conveniently, I found you a sparring partner."
Kuma blinked, then followed Jin's nod toward the slim figure standing on the rocks. His ears twitched. "Wait… you mean her?" He pointed, almost childlike in his surprise.
"Yes." Jin's grin widened. "That's Tina. Marine Headquarters elite. Stronger than she looks. Treat this as a chance to learn."
"Marine… Headquarters?" Kuma's eyes lit up, like a cub hearing the word "king." His booming voice carried excitement. "So strong opponent! Much better than boring Sea Kings!"
Tina stiffened. Her cigarette nearly slipped from her lips. What the hell… it's a walking bear. The image of the Sea Kings' corpses flashed in her mind, realization dawning: it hadn't been monsters killing each other. It had been him. This… creature. This "Kuma."
Jin folded his arms, watching with quiet amusement. "Tina, meet Kuma. My partner, my brother-in-arms. Everything he is, I built with my own hands."
Kuma lumbered forward, his massive shadow blotting out the sun. He stopped just before her, his wide grin breaking the tension. "Hello, Tina-san!" He extended a paw the size of her torso.
The sheer sincerity almost disarmed her. Almost. Tina stared, frozen, before finally brushing her hand against his palm. His warmth radiated like a furnace. "…Hello, Kuma."
Jin's eyes flicked between them, satisfied. "So then. No excuses left. Both of you ready?"
"I'm fine," Tina replied coolly, regaining her composure. Her mind, though, ticked fast. A beast like this… I'll need to use my fruit carefully. He's huge, but size means sluggish. Slow things break the fastest.
"I'm ready, Old man!" Kuma roared, chest heaving with excitement.
Jin's smirk sharpened. "Then listen closely. This is a spar, not a bloodbath. Push hard, but no killing blows." His gaze swept them both, a warning hidden behind the lazy smile.
"Yes, boss!" Kuma nodded vigorously.
Tina flicked her cigarette to the sand, grinding it under her heel. "Fine. But don't expect me to hold back just because he's your pet monster."
"Good." Jin's voice carried finality. "Then begin."
The fighters moved toward the open sand, the wrecks looming like an audience. Jin stayed atop his boulder, eyes following every shift of muscle and intent.
Kuma flexed his claws, excitement bubbling over. "I'm coming first!"
His roar split the air. He surged forward with shocking speed, a living avalanche. Sand exploded beneath his weight, and the shadow of his paw swallowed Tina as it descended.
The pressure alone made her chest tighten.
He's fast—faster than I expected for his size!
Tina sprang back, boots skidding against the sand. The paw smashed into the beach with a deafening boom, sending debris flying.
She narrowed her eyes. Raw strength like that… one clean hit and I'm done. I'll have to control his movements, bind him down.
The moment her heels touched ground, she lunged back in, body twisting. Her leg whipped out, a sharp heel aimed at the beast's ribs.
From his perch, Jin chuckled softly. Good. She isn't timid. But she's underestimating him. Kuma's not just muscle—he's been bleeding for strength every damn day. Let's see how long her arrogance holds once she feels it.
His violet eyes glowed faintly as the sand cloud rose, watching two worlds collide.
The first exchange had begun.
This story is inspired from various fanfics i have read from around the world so if you find any similarities please dont mind . Thank you
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T/N :
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