Time passed quietly, and two years slipped by unnoticed.
During these two years, twelve-year-old Shiro maintained his habit of rising early for training, his determined figure moving across the deck. Joining him in sweat and effort were the lively little duo, Shanks and Buggy.
One morning, as the sunlight just pierced the horizon, Buggy aggressively challenged Shanks. His eyes burned with determination, fists clenched, stance ready for victory.
However, the skill gap was too great. In just five rounds, Buggy was decisively knocked to the ground by Shanks.
Bitterness filled Buggy's heart. Sitting at the stern with his head down, tears streamed like pearls, soaking his clothes.
As the eldest of the trio, Shiro immediately approached to comfort him. He gently patted Buggy on the shoulder, speaking softly yet firmly:
"Buggy, you know, everyone has different gifts. Your talent may lie elsewhere!"
Buggy raised his tear-filled eyes, lost and confused:
"Shiro… I'm useless. I have no talent for training, probably can't even awaken Haki… maybe I'm not cut out to be a pirate!"
He cried, utterly hopeless, sinking into despair.
Shiro's expression was serious, his tone unwavering:
"Buggy, trust me. You might not awaken Haki, but you naturally possess something no one else has—Conqueror's luck!"
In fact, in the original story, Buggy does have a natural charm that endears him to the common folk. Though cunning and cowardly, he is ambitious. For a small figure navigating a turbulent world, doing anything to survive makes him a pure pirate. And with his absurd luck, even his weak abilities are enough to elevate him to the rank of a Yonko.
"Really? Shiro… I really have Conqueror's luck?"
Buggy leapt to his feet, his dim eyes suddenly shining with hope.
"Of course! When have I ever lied to you? Think about it—you've gotten things others can only dream of without even trying."
Shiro smiled knowingly, hinting at more than he said. Buggy's eyes darted as he remembered the Devil Fruit he had secretly stashed away, realization dawning:
"Maybe that's true… Shiro, thank you! I won't be lost anymore!"
He happily clasped Shiro's hand, hope for the future reignited.
At that moment, a small boat slowly approached the Oro Jackson. The sea was calm, the only sound being the faint splash of oars.
Suddenly, a figure leapt from the small boat like an arrow, rushing toward the Oro Jackson, shouting:
"Roger! Accept my challenge!"
On deck, besides the trio, almost everyone was still hungover from yesterday's banquet. The deck was silent except for occasional snores.
Roger, sensing the threat with his Observation Haki, instinctively drew Ace and struck the newcomer with a "Divine Departure"!
"Ah!"
A shrill scream pierced the silence as the person fell back into the small boat. The scream roused everyone; they turned toward the boat, murmuring:
"I think someone is challenging Captain Roger."
"Who? How strong are they?"
"No idea… looks like they got hit by Roger's Divine Departure. Probably dead, right?"
Roger stretched and yawned lazily, walking over to Rayleigh:
"Rayleigh, I sensed a strong guy approaching just now. Wonder how he's doing?"
Rayleigh's expression turned serious:
"You hit him with a Divine Departure, do you think he's even alive?"
Roger scratched the back of his head sheepishly:
"Uh… instincts! But I didn't go all out. He should be fine…"
But just as everyone thought the challenger was done for, an incredible scene unfolded.
The man leapt again toward the Oro Jackson, moving with the same agility as before, seemingly unscathed. Everyone was curious and let him board.
The trio followed, eager to see the newcomer.
Standing on deck was a man over five meters tall, muscles defined, his red skin shining under the sun. He wore a military uniform, his enormous frame and imposing aura chilling those nearby.
Shiro immediately recognized him: the boss of the movie "Stampede," Douglas Bullet.
Bullet bore a deep slash across his chest, blood soaking his clothes, yet his eyes still burned with fighting spirit.
"Who are you? Why challenge me?" Roger stepped forward, hand on Ace.
"I'm Douglas Bullet, fifteen years old. My goal is to defeat everyone and become the strongest in the world!" Bullet proclaimed boldly, ignoring his bleeding wound, his voice ringing with ambition.
"You're lying. Fifteen and look like that?"
Buggy blurted out in disbelief, causing everyone to burst into laughter. Shiro quickly covered Buggy's mouth, thinking: Well… Bullet does look a bit overdeveloped for his age.
Bullet, frustrated at the distraction, shouted:
"Stop laughing! I will defeat your captain!"
His face twisted in anger, radiating an indomitable aura.
Roger didn't mock Bullet. He drew Ace with a serious, excited gleam in his eyes:
"Kid, your ambition is impressive. Come on, give it your all!"
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