Chapter 3: Yonko
Two years later, amidst the eerie silence of a warship graveyard, the sound of heavy impacts echoed through the air. A man with striking white hair braided in a Viking style stood before the remnants of a massive warship, his lean but muscular figure glistening with sweat. Dressed in only white pants, he delivered powerful punches to the ship, his muscles flexing with each strike. This man was Shiro.
Over the past two years, under the relentless training of Vice Admiral Garp, Shiro had transformed into a formidable Marine. His fists, coated in shimmering black Armament Haki, shattered parts of the ship's hull with every blow. He exhaled deeply, surveying the damage as he prepared for another strike.
Suddenly, the sound of footsteps approached, and a voice called out, "Rear Admiral Shiro!" Turning around, Shiro saw a pink-haired boy running toward him—Koby, a new recruit Garp had brought in six months ago.
"What is it, Koby?" Shiro asked, straightening up.
Koby stopped a few feet away, catching his breath. "Fleet Admiral Sengoku is calling for you. He wants you in the conference room immediately."
Shiro wiped the sweat from his brow, nodding. "Got it. Thanks, Koby." Without another word, he turned and headed toward the main building, his mind already shifting to whatever task awaited him.
As Shiro walked toward the conference room, memories of the past two years flooded his mind. He thought back to his first mission after six months of intense training under Garp. It had been a turning point in his journey—a battle against Garbo, the notorious captain of the White Tiger Pirates, who carried a bounty of 150,000 berries. Shiro had emerged victorious, showcasing the strength and discipline he had gained through Garp's tutelage.
Soon after, he had played a pivotal role in saving the Tru Kingdom from the ruthless Jackal Pirates, cementing his reputation as a capable Marine. Along the way, his understanding of his Devil Fruit powers had deepened. He had learned that the fruit he had eaten was the Tori Tori no Mi, Model: Pegasus. Through rigorous practice, Shiro had gained the ability to partially transform, summoning only the wings of a Pegasus from his back instead of undergoing a full transformation. This newfound control gave him versatility and elegance in combat, making him an even more formidable opponent.
His growing list of accomplishments, combined with the awe-inspiring sight of his winged form, had earned him the title "The Guardian Angel of the Marines" among his peers and the public alike. Shiro couldn't help but smirk at the thought, though he knew the title came with great responsibility.
As Shiro pushed open the heavy doors of the conference room, a palpable tension filled the air. The usual hum of chatter was absent, replaced by a weighty silence that hinted at the gravity of the situation. His sharp eyes quickly scanned the room, taking in its occupants.
At the head of the table sat Fleet Admiral Sengoku, his expression stern, his goat chewing lazily on some documents as if unaware of the tension. To Sengoku's right and left were the three Admirals: Kizaru, lounging with his trademark casual demeanor, Aokiji, leaning back with his arms crossed and an almost bored expression, and Akainu, his piercing gaze sharp as molten lava.
Around the large table stood most of the Vice Admirals, including Garp, who gave Shiro a toothy grin and a small wave as he entered. The room was filled with an air of seriousness, and Shiro immediately knew this was no ordinary meeting.
"Take a seat, Shiro," Sengoku said, his eyes fixed on him.
Shiro moved to an empty chair, his mind already racing with possibilities. Something big was coming, and he could feel it in his bones.
"Let's talk about the situation on the Grand Line," Sengoku began, his voice firm and commanding as his gaze swept across the room.
Shiro leaned forward slightly, his attention sharpening as Sengoku continued.
"Yesterday, Kaido was spotted on the border of the New World," Sengoku said, his tone heavy. "It seems he is making his way toward Paradise. We don't know his intentions yet, but we cannot afford to take any chances."
The room grew even quieter at the mention of Kaido, the infamous Yonko whose mere presence was enough to send ripples of fear through even the strongest Marines.
"Aokiji," Sengoku said, turning to the Admiral, who opened one lazy eye to acknowledge him. "You will lead a task force to prepare for his potential arrival. Take five Vice Admirals with you and be on guard. We need to be ready for anything."
"Understood," Aokiji said coolly, his voice as calm as ever despite the gravity of the order.
Shiro sat silently, absorbing every word, realizing just how high the stakes had become. Kaido was a name that symbolized overwhelming power, and the idea of him stepping into Paradise sent a chill through the room. Whatever was about to unfold, Shiro knew it would test the resolve of the Marines like never before.
Sengoku shifted his attention after issuing Aokiji's orders. "Momousagi," he said, addressing the graceful Vice Admiral seated at the far end of the table.
"Yes, Fleet Admiral," Momousagi responded, her posture upright and her tone composed.
"You will escort the Empress, Boa Hancock, to Mary Geoise for the upcoming Shichibukai meeting. Ensure her safety and that she arrives without incident," Sengoku commanded, his expression unyielding.
"Understood," Momousagi replied with a nod, her calm demeanor unwavering despite the task.
The mention of Boa Hancock, the Pirate Empress, brought a ripple of murmurs among the Vice Admirals. Escorting one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea was no small matter, especially one as unpredictable as Hancock. Shiro took in the exchange silently, noting the complexity of balancing power between the Marines, the Warlords, and the larger threats looming on the horizon.
Sengoku's gaze swept across the room once more, ensuring everyone understood the weight of their responsibilities. The tension remained thick, as though the very air was bracing for the storm to come.
Sengoku's stern expression softened slightly as his gaze shifted to Shiro. "On a happier note," he began, his voice steady but carrying a rare warmth, "I would like to announce the latest promotion."
The room grew silent, and all eyes turned toward Shiro, curiosity and anticipation filling the air.
"For his strength, his unwavering dedication, and the deeds he has accomplished over the past two years, I am promoting Rear Admiral Asura D. Shiro to the rank of Vice Admiral."
A faint smile appeared on Sengoku's face as he finished, "Congratulations, Shiro."
For a moment, Shiro was stunned, his usually calm demeanor faltering as the weight of the announcement sank in. Garp let out a hearty laugh, clapping loudly, while others in the room murmured in approval.
Shiro stood from his chair, saluting sharply. "Thank you, Fleet Admiral Sengoku. I will continue to serve the Marines to the best of my ability."
Sengoku nodded. "See that you do. We have high expectations for you, Vice Admiral Shiro."
The room erupted into applause, though the air of tension from earlier still lingered beneath the surface. Shiro, now Vice Admiral, felt both the honor of recognition and the heavy responsibility of his new rank pressing on his shoulders. This was just the beginning of a greater challenge.
Sengoku's tone turned serious again as he continued, "For your first mission as Vice Admiral, you will head to Tontatta Kingdom. A ship from Big Mom's crew was spotted heading there. We suspect they might be trying to take over the island."
He leaned forward slightly, his eyes sharp as he addressed Shiro directly. "Go there, assess the situation, and see what's going on. If you confirm that Big Mom is there, contact headquarters immediately. We will send an Admiral to handle the situation."
Sengoku paused for a moment, glancing around the room before adding, "I also want some Vice Admirals and Rear Admirals on standby. While we can't afford a full-scale war with the Big Mom Pirates, we must protect the kingdom and prevent any unnecessary bloodshed."
The room fell into a tense silence. The Big Mom Pirates were a force to be reckoned with, and even the idea of dealing with one of the Four Emperors sent a chill down the spines of the room's occupants.
Shiro, now fully aware of the magnitude of his new responsibilities, nodded firmly. "Understood, Fleet Admiral. I will leave immediately."
Sengoku's expression softened slightly. "Good. I expect your best, Vice Admiral Shiro."
After the meeting, Shiro walked briskly to his room, the weight of his new promotion settling in but quickly pushed aside by the urgency of his mission.
His room was as simple as ever—a small space, almost bare. The dull gray walls seemed to reflect his own no-nonsense attitude toward life. He had never seen the point in decorating or personalizing the space; all he ever needed was a bed and a desk for the tasks at hand.
Shiro opened his duffle bag and began to pack. His fingers moved efficiently, grabbing the essentials for his upcoming mission. He placed a Den Den Mushi inside, checked the Log Pose to make sure it was calibrated, then unfolded a map to ensure he knew the layout of Tontatta Kingdom. After that, he packed some food for the journey—rations that would sustain him through the unpredictable nature of his travels.
Once everything was packed, Shiro took a moment to glance at the empty room one last time. He didn't linger, though. There was no time to waste. He slung the bag over his shoulder and exited the room, the door clicking shut behind him.
The mission ahead was critical, and he knew he had to be ready for whatever lay in wait.
As Shiro walked down the corridor, the sound of footsteps echoed behind him. He turned to see Momousagi running toward him, her breath coming in quick gasps. She was holding a Vice Admiral coat in one hand and a katana scabbard in the other.
"Shiro!" she called, her voice slightly out of breath.
Before Shiro could react, she was almost upon him, and he instinctively reached out to grab her arm, preventing a collision.
Momousagi's cheeks flushed as she was pulled into his chest for a brief moment. Shiro's ice-blue eyes met her deep red ones, and for a fleeting second, the two of them stood frozen in place.
"Here," she said quickly, trying to compose herself. "It's your Vice Admiral coat and uniform. I knew you'd forget to put a shirt on." Her gaze flickered down to his bare chest, and she licked her lips, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Shiro raised an eyebrow but didn't comment. He grabbed the shirt and slipped it on, before donning the Vice Admiral coat with a practiced ease. Momousagi, still blushing, watched him as she tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear.
"Also," she added, her voice a little softer now, "this is a gift from Garp. He said it's to replace the sword you broke."
Shiro took the katana from her hands, immediately recognizing the craftsmanship. His fingers brushed against the handle, and his sharp eyes focused on the blade as he unsheathed it. The gleam of the metal was unmistakable. It was one of the 21 Great Swords: Murasama.
Shiro's eyes widened ever so slightly. The blade was legendary, known for its razor-sharp edge and unrivaled cutting ability. This was a gift worthy of the strongest of warriors.
"Thank you, Momousagi," Shiro said, his voice steady as always, but there was a hint of admiration in his tone as he studied the blade.
Momousagi grinned, still clearly flustered, but she gave him a wink. "Don't mention it, Vice Admiral."
As Shiro fastened the katana to his waist, he felt the weight of the responsibility and the power of the blade. It was a reminder of how far he had come—and the long road still ahead.
Shiro walked toward the edge of the building, the cool breeze tousling his white hair as he made sure his katana, bag, and flintlock were securely fastened to him. He checked each item methodically—years of discipline making the task second nature. The weight of his new responsibilities pressed against him, but he was ready.
He reached into his bag and pulled out the Log Pose, carefully examining the direction to Tontatta Kingdom. The compass needle pointed firmly in the right direction, confirming his course. He nodded to himself, tucking the Log Pose back into his bag.
With a quick roll of his shoulders, Shiro focused, feeling his Devil Fruit abilities awaken. In an instant, a pair of large, angel-like wings sprouted from his back, their feathers gleaming in the light. The wings stretched wide, catching the wind as he tested their strength.
Taking a deep breath, Shiro bent his knees slightly, then launched himself into the air, his wings beating with powerful strokes. He soared above the Marineford skyline, cutting through the clouds as he set his course for Tontatta Kingdom.
The world below him shrank, and the sea stretched endlessly beneath his wings, but Shiro was focused. The mission ahead was critical, and he wouldn't let anything get in his way. As the wind rushed past him, he flew toward the unknown, prepared for whatever challenges lay ahead.