"Good. Moria—remember what you just said."
Shiro nodded with satisfaction as he rose slowly from the shogun's throne, his cloak swaying behind him like a silent wave.
He walked up to Moria and placed a firm hand on his shoulder, his voice gentle again:
"If something happens in Wano that you can't handle—whether it's rebels inside the country or enemies coming from outside—contact me.
The Virtue Pirates will always have your back."
"C-Captain…"
Moria's eyes suddenly stung. Tears welled up uncontrollably, blurring his vision as he froze in place.
For years, he had always believed he'd been forced into the Virtue Pirates. Everyone aboard was stronger than him, and whenever he messed up, they weren't shy about knocking sense into him. He spent most days quietly thinking:
If I ever get the chance… I'll leave. Start my own crew. No more being pushed around.
But now?
Now that he truly had the chance to rule a land…
He found himself thinking of the Virtue Pirates differently.
During the battle on Onigashima, everyone helped clean up after his fights.
And now, Shiro had entrusted him with something so important—and even promised to stand behind him.
As Moria looked into Shiro's sincere eyes, memories of sailing with the crew filled his mind. A warm feeling, unfamiliar yet comforting, rose inside him.
"So… they've always treated me as a comrade," he murmured silently.
"Not for my strength. Not for profit.
Just… as a fellow crewmate."
Shiro chuckled softly at Moria's dazed, teary-eyed expression.
He gave him a small push, guiding him back toward the shogun's seat.
"Moria," Shiro said warmly, "we'll continue sailing toward the New World in search of an even wider sea. You stay here and lead the people of Wano—protect this land.
And remember—no matter how much time passes, or where you are…
you'll always be part of the Virtue Pirates."
With that, Shiro tapped his chest lightly. Space rippled around him—and his figure vanished from the hall.
He reappeared aboard the Virtue, docked along Wano's coast.
Back in the palace, Moria sat motionless for a moment. Then he wiped his eyes, took a deep breath, straightened his back, and settled firmly into the throne—the seat of responsibility, hope, and a new beginning.
Shiro leaned against the rail of the Virtue's deck, waiting for his crew.
More than half an hour later, the scattered members of the crew returned one after another, clearly exhausted from handling the post-war cleanup, but wearing the relaxed expressions of people who had completed a difficult job.
"Captain, that kid Moria isn't coming back?"
Jinbe was the first to approach, adjusting the hem of his kimono as he spoke curiously.
The others gathered quickly—Hachi, with his wide-eyed concern; Patrick Redfield, silent but attentive; even Brook and Crocodile glanced over. Clearly, Moria's fate mattered to more than just one of them.
Shiro gazed toward Wano. Onigashima was visible in the sunlight, casting its shadow over the sea.
"That's right," Shiro said softly. "Moria is staying. From now on, he'll help rebuild Wano—make sure its people can finally live peaceful, happy lives."
"Moria?"
Patrick Redfield—usually quiet—frowned, doubt dripping from his tone.
"That man is full of dirty tricks. He used to steal shadows for his schemes. You're certain he'll guide Wano to a better future?"
Shiro couldn't help but smirk.
"He will, Redfield.
After all… people change. Don't forget—you've changed too, haven't you? You used to walk your own path. Now? You stand beside us in battle."
Redfield froze. A faint flush crept up his cheeks before he gave a sharp "Hmph," turning away with stiff dignity.
He didn't deny it.
"Still… Moria is a lucky one."
Crocodile took a drag from his cigar, watching the shores of Wano with a distant, almost jealous glint.
"To have a place that sees him as a hero… a people who trust him… Even thinking about it feels good."
Shiro understood. The former desert king carried a longing for belonging that he rarely voiced.
He clapped Crocodile on the shoulder, grinning.
"Crocodile, don't worry. Everyone has a destiny waiting for them. Yours is coming soon."
Crocodile removed the cigar, gaze turning deep as he stared toward the endless horizon.
"Destiny, huh…"
He didn't know what Shiro meant, but something inside him stirred—an unfamiliar spark of anticipation.
Shiro turned back to the crew and raised his voice.
"Everyone accounted for? Check your gear—we're setting sail soon!"
"Not all here, Captain!"
Hachi raised all of his hands energetically.
"Zeff is still on Onigashima! I just saw him up top, keeping the whole island floating with the Float-Float Fruit!"
"Right—Zeff!"
Shiro slapped his forehead and scratched his chin in annoyance.
"If Zeff doesn't come back, we'll have no cook on board. We'll be eating ration biscuits until we die.
But if Zeff does come back… no one will be holding up Onigashima. It'll fall into the sea and cause a massive tsunami that'll crush half of Wano. So what do we do…?"
As he muttered, he reached into his coat.
His fingers wrapped around a fruit marked with swirling patterns—the Fish-Fish Fruit.
Shiro stared at it thoughtfully.
"Looks like we'll have to find someone suitable to eat this. Once the Fish-Fish Fruit awakens, it can generate Flame Clouds. If I can get someone to hold Onigashima in place with those… Zeff will be able to come back safely."
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