One Piece- Sentry

FOUR YEARS BEFORE THE GOD VALLEY INCIDENT – HOLY LAND OF MARY GEOISE

It had been six years since the birth of Saint Robert Van Figarland, son of Saint Garling Figarland—Commander of the God Knights—and Saint Maria de Van Astrea—the Sword Saint. As the child of two of the most powerful and revered figures in the Holy Land, expectations for the young Figarland were astronomical. And yet, to everyone's astonishment, Robert didn't just meet those expectations—he obliterated them, ascending to heights no one could have foreseen.

You see, Robert was a once-in-a-lifetime prodigy. Just two months after his birth, he uttered his first words. By the third month, he was walking. By the fifth, he had already mastered the alphabet and moved on to grammar. Witnessing such extraordinary development, the Figarland couple fed their son more knowledge, more books, more material to devour.

By the time Robert's first birthday arrived, he was solving mathematical equations with the precision of a scholar. The whispers of a child genius spread like wildfire throughout the Holy Land—from the decadent halls of the Celestial Dragons to the silent quarters of the slaves. Many began to call him a 'GOD' reborn. When the Five Elders heard of Robert's miraculous feats, they were stunned—and impressed. Quietly, they reached out to their shadowy sovereign: the mysterious Ruler of the World. They spoke of the boy in hushed, reverent tones.

"A 'GOD,' you say?" the Ruler mused, their uneven voice echoing across the dark throne room. After a few long moments of silence, the shadowy figure finally spoke. "Teach the boy. Give him everything he needs. I want to see how far Robert Van Figarland can go. Keep me updated on his progress. Let's see… what kind of 'GOD' this boy becomes."

The Five Elders bowed and departed, ready to carry out their master's orders. Left alone, the Ruler tapped gloved fingers against the iron armrest, their voice dropping into a rare, gentle murmur.

"Robert…" they whispered, this time without rasp, "Are you the one I've been waiting for… all these centuries?"

While this was unfolding, Robert—once known as John Carter—was buried in the mountain of knowledge showered upon him by his new parents. He understood that some of the history he was learning was twisted, even fabricated, but he had no reason to refuse the books. Maybe one day he would uncover the true history of this world. For now, his photographic memory from his past life served him well, letting him absorb information at a monstrous rate.

His powers—the powers of the Sentry—were not yet fully awakened, but his body was already being shaped by them. His growth, both mental and physical, bordered on the absurd. When granted access to the Great Library of the Gods, Robert knew he had hit the ultimate jackpot. By age three, he had memorized half its contents.

Shortly after his third birthday, Garling Figarland declared it was time to begin physical training. And it came as no surprise to anyone that Robert, upon entering the training hall, swiftly outclassed students who had been training for years. Seeing both intellect and physical prowess blooming in his son, Garling took over his training personally. Each day, he challenged the boy with new trials. Each day, Robert overcame them as if the answers were carved into his very soul.

Garling couldn't have been prouder. He and Maria had brought into the world a child who might one day surpass every legend and carve his name into the annals of history as the greatest of them all.

By the time Robert turned six, he had already mastered every basic form of swordsmanship and hand-to-hand combat. Maria herself began teaching him the intricacies of the blade, while Garling introduced him to the foundations of Haki. By then, it was obvious to all—Robert was a freak of nature, but in the best possible way. Noble families whispered among themselves, discussing potential betrothals and future alliances. But Maria declined them all.

"No matter how much of a genius my son may be, he is still a child. It will be his decision who he wishes to take as a wife when the time comes," she stated firmly.

After that, the proposals stopped—but the ambition didn't. Families began sending their daughters in person to meet Robert, hoping to impress him. Some of the older ones even volunteered themselves, eager to be part of the prodigy's orbit. Maria sighed in theatrical frustration; Garling, meanwhile, merely smirked with quiet amusement. Still, both parents shared a confidence—Robert would not be swayed. His face remained stoic, unreadable. He displayed no interest in romance or socializing. The only things that moved him were books and battle.

Sometimes, Maria's heart ached at her son's emotional distance. She wondered whether she would ever witness him express affection or vulnerability. Garling, on the other hand, believed emotional detachment to be a strength. In his eyes, emotions clouded judgment. Robert's indifference was a sign of greatness.

And Robert? He had no complaints.

In his previous life, he had lived alone, surrounded by corruption. In this new life, the corruption remained—though it now wore silk robes and jewelled rings. Still, it didn't concern him. He was born into the elite. Pampered by a mother who doted on him like a cherished plush toy. Adored by a father who saw the future in his eyes. Desired by women of all ages. For now, it was a comfortable life.

"Say, Kuma," Robert asked one day, "have you ever thought about leaving everything behind and settling somewhere at the edge of the world? Building a quiet house, raising a farm… finding a loving wife and having children. A simple life, far from all this chaos?"

Bartholomew Kuma, six years old Buccaneer child, stood beside him. A year ago, his family had been captured by the World Government. The Buccaneers were a cursed bloodline—marked by ancient crimes against the World Government. Those discovered were either enslaved or killed.

Robert had learned of their capture from his personal maid, Rose. The name—Kuma—had triggered a memory from his past life. Though he'd never touched a manga, Kuma's tragic fate was widely known. For the first time since his reincarnation, Robert decided to intervene.

"I want that Buccaneer," he told his father.

Garling raised a brow but shrugged. "Fine with me."

Of course. In the eyes of the so-called 'Gods,' such requests were hardly unusual. Together, they approached the Celestial Dragon who had enslaved the Buccaneer family. Garling demanded they be handed over.

The Celestial Dragon trembled in fear and obeyed without a word.

Sadly, Robert was too late. Kuma's parents were already dead. Only the boy remained. It was a tragedy—but Robert had come for Kuma. And he still had time to change his future.

In the eyes of the world, Kuma became Robert's 'slave.' But in truth, Robert treated him like an equal. It took time for Kuma to grasp that he was no longer in the hands of monsters. That someone—someone powerful—actually saw him as human. No one in the Holy Land knew that Kuma was being treated with kindness by their star child. No one but Rose.

Rose, Robert's personal maid, was a quiet and gentle soul. She had once been a slave, brought by Maria to care for their son. She adored Robert—not romantically, but as an older sister might. From the beginning, she knew Robert was different. He had no love for wealth or privilege. Only strength and knowledge mattered to him.

So, she kept his secrets. Always.

And when she saw how he treated Kuma, it only confirmed her faith in him. Robert was truly unique—and she would follow him anywhere.

As for Kuma, life took a sharp turn for the better. He was treated with care, fed delicious meals daily, and, for the first time since losing his parents, began to smile again. With Robert and Rose, he found a new family—a brother and a sister. Though they warned him to stay silent and act normal in public, he understood. They were protecting him.

It warmed his heart. In a place filled with cruelty, he had found kindness. And so, he asked Robert to train him—to grow strong enough to protect others, just as Robert had protected him. In time, the three of them became a quiet, hidden family—bound by something deeper than blood.

Which brings us to the present—Robert's question.

He and Kuma had just finished their training session. To the world, it looked like a prodigy preparing his servant. But Robert's words struck something deeper.

Kuma smiled sadly.

"It would be nice… living a life away from all this. But we can't run from who we are, Bob. My ma once told me—our life is a test, to decide where we belong once it's over."

He rubbed the back of his neck.

"As for a wife and kids… I don't think it's smart for someone like me. They'd be hunted too. Just for being tied to me."

Robert considered this in silence. Then he turned, his eyes calm but intense.

"And what if I was there to protect you—and everyone you love? Would you still not think of building a life of your own?"

Kuma's eyes widened. "Bob…" he whispered, shaking his head. "You don't have to go that far. You and Big Sister Rose already risk so much. I can't keep taking…"

A soft hand landed on his back. Rose smiled gently.

"You're a kind child, Kuma. No one should carry that kind of burden forever. If Robert says he'll protect your future… then believe him. I do."

Kuma looked into her eyes and found only sincerity. Then he turned to Robert—his brother—who stood tall, his gaze steady, wordlessly promising:

"I'll be there."

Tears welled in Kuma's eyes. A wide, toothy grin spread across his face.

"Thank you… for everything."

And in that moment, he remembered his father's final words:

"Always believe in Nika. He'll bring joy into your life."