Punching my way through One Piece

The lazy sun hung low over the horizon as Noboru's small boat drifted aimlessly across the calm sea. After days of lounging and letting the currents take him wherever they pleased, he found himself gazing at a peculiar silhouette in the distance. A lone island emerged from the mist, crowned by jagged cliffs and dense vegetation. At its heart was a grand, gothic castle that stood as a monument to solitude.

The rocky shores of Kuraigana Island rose in the distance as Noboru's small boat drifted closer, carried by the currents. He stood lazily at the helm, the wind tousling his hair as he took in the eerie sight of the ruined castle perched atop the cliffs. Vines and moss crept over the broken walls, giving the entire island a haunted, desolate air.

As the boat bumped against the jagged shore, Noboru leapt lightly onto the rocks, his sandals crunching against the coarse sand. The sound of distant crows echoed through the silence.

"Cheerful place," Noboru muttered, stretching his arms above his head. He looked up at the towering structure, then at the winding path leading to it. "Guess I'll see if the famous Mihawk is in the mood for company."

He began his ascent, the salty breeze mingling with the faint scent of decaying wood and earth. The climb was slow, not because of the steepness, but because Noboru wasn't in any rush. He enjoyed the solitude, the way the world felt still and quiet here.

When he reached the castle gates, they stood ajar, creaking slightly in the wind. Without hesitation, Noboru pushed them open and strolled inside.

The castle's grand hall was as imposing as its exterior, its high vaulted ceilings casting long shadows in the fading light. At the center of the room, Dracule Mihawk sat at a long table, a goblet of wine in his hand and a newspaper spread out before him. He looked up as Noboru entered, his piercing golden eyes narrowing slightly.

"Noboru," Mihawk said, his voice calm but edged with curiosity. "To what do I owe the honor?"

Noboru grinned and shrugged. "Drifted here. Figured I'd see what the greatest swordsman in the world does to pass the time."

Mihawk gestured to the seat across from him. "I drink wine, read, and wait for challengers who never arrive. You'll find I'm not much for hospitality, but if you want wine, pour yourself a glass."

"Don't mind if I do." Noboru poured himself a goblet and took a seat. He swirled the wine, appreciating its rich aroma, then took a slow sip. "Not bad. You've got taste."

Mihawk leaned back in his chair, studying Noboru with an unreadable expression. "You've been the subject of much speculation since Marineford. Admirals, warlords, and pirates alike are trying to figure out what to make of you."

Noboru smirked. "Let them guess. It's more fun that way."

The two fell into a companionable silence, sipping wine as the light in the hall grew dim. The stillness was broken only by the distant rustling of leaves outside.

---

Noboru's presence on the island extended beyond a single evening. What was meant to be a brief stop turned into days of quiet respite. He spent his mornings wandering the island's dense forests and cliffs, marveling at its desolation and untamed beauty.

One afternoon, as Noboru lounged on the castle's crumbling battlements, Mihawk approached, his expression as impassive as ever.

"Do you plan to stay here indefinitely?" Mihawk asked, his tone more amused than annoyed.

Noboru stretched and grinned. "What can I say? It's peaceful here. You don't seem to mind my company."

Mihawk's lips twitched, almost forming a smirk. "It's rare to find someone who can appreciate solitude without trying to fill it with noise. But I suspect you have other reasons for lingering."

Noboru didn't answer immediately. Instead, he looked out at the ocean, the horizon a faint blur in the distance. "Maybe I do. Or maybe I just like the wine."

Mihawk's eyes narrowed, but he let the comment pass. "Zoro's training in the courtyard. He's been asking questions about Marineford—questions I've no interest in answering. Perhaps you'd like to enlighten him."

The clanging of steel echoed through the castle grounds as Zoro trained relentlessly in the courtyard. His swords danced in precise, powerful arcs as he practiced against a towering stone boulder he had sliced into smaller slabs.

Noboru leaned against a nearby wall, watching with an amused smile. Zoro noticed him and lowered his swords, sweat dripping down his face.

"You're Noboru," Zoro said, his tone blunt.

"Guilty as charged," Noboru replied, stepping forward.

Zoro's green eyes narrowed. "You were at Marineford. You fought the Navy, even the Warlords. Why? What's your goal?"

Noboru scratched the back of his head, his expression thoughtful. "Goals are overrated. I don't have some grand plan to conquer the world or become Pirate King. I fight because I can, and because someone has to stand against those who think they own everything."

Zoro frowned. "That's it? No grand ambitions?"

Noboru chuckled. "What's the point? Ambition's just another chain if you're not careful. Freedom—that's what matters."

Zoro considered his words, his grip tightening on his swords. "Then why save Ace? Why fight the Navy?"

"Because the World Government thinks it can decide who lives and who dies. I don't like that. And I don't like people who try to snuff out others' dreams." Noboru's eyes grew sharp, his tone more serious. "Ace had people who cared about him—Luffy, Whitebeard, his crew. That was enough reason for me."

Zoro nodded slowly, his respect for Noboru evident in his gaze. "I don't fully get it, but thanks for answering."

"Keep training," Noboru said, clapping Zoro on the shoulder. "The world's full of people who'll test your resolve. You'd better be ready."

As the days turned into weeks, Noboru and Mihawk developed an unspoken camaraderie. They shared wine in the evenings, discussing philosophy, battle tactics, and the nature of power. Mihawk was intrigued by Noboru's lack of attachment to ambition, while Noboru respected Mihawk's quiet confidence and mastery.

"People say you're the greatest swordsman alive," Noboru said one evening. "Do you think anyone will ever surpass you?"

Mihawk's golden eyes gleamed. "Perhaps. Strength isn't stagnant; it evolves. Someone, someday, will claim my title. But it won't be given lightly."

Noboru grinned. "Well, if Zoro's as determined as he seems, you might not have to wait too long."

Mihawk's smirk was faint but genuine. "We'll see."

---

Eventually, Noboru decided it was time to move on. The sea called to him, as it always did, but he left Kuraigana Island with a new sense of clarity.

As he prepared to set sail, Mihawk stood on the shore, his imposing figure silhouetted against the rising sun.

"Where will you go?" Mihawk asked.

Noboru shrugged, his expression serene. "Wherever the wind takes me. The world's a big place."

Mihawk nodded, a rare glimmer of respect in his eyes. "You're an enigma, Noboru. But I suspect the world hasn't seen the last of you."

Noboru smirked, stepping onto his small boat. "I wouldn't count on it."

As he drifted away, the island's silhouette faded into the distance, but the memories of his time there lingered—a brief pause in the chaos of his journey.

---

Far away in the desolate wastelands ofWano , Kaido sat on his massive throne in Onigashima, surrounded by the dim glow of torches. His hulking form exuded raw power, a force of nature whose mere presence suffocated the room. He drank deeply from a large gourd of sake, his mind heavy with thoughts about the man who had turned the tides of Marineford: Noboru.

Kaido growled lowly, his voice like a distant storm. "The brat who shattered Marineford's balance… Noboru." He crushed the now-empty sake gourd in his hand, sake spilling onto the stone floor. "What a piece of work."

King, Kaido's right-hand man, stood silently nearby, his dark wings folded as he observed his captain. Kaido's musings didn't require input—at least, not until he asked for it.

"He's like a wild storm," Kaido continued, pacing before his throne. "Completely untamed, answering to no one. Admirals, warlords, the entire Navy—he fought them all and walked away. That kind of strength… Hah! It's rare."

King finally spoke, his deep voice calm and deliberate. "Do you think he'd ally himself with us, Kaido? Or would that just cause more trouble?"

Kaido grinned, his sharp teeth glinting in the firelight. "Trouble? I thrive on trouble. But a man like him… convincing him won't be easy. He's not one to kneel or follow orders. The only way to deal with a beast like that is to show him who's bigger."

King nodded slightly. "And if he doesn't fall in line?"

Kaido's laugh echoed through the chamber, shaking the very walls. "Then I'll break him, just like I've broken every other so-called indomitable spirit. But I'll give him a choice first—join me and become a King of the world, or fall like the rest."

Jack, the hulking All-Star who had been listening from the shadows, stepped forward, his heavy footsteps echoing ominously. "Do you think he'd even entertain the idea of joining us? He doesn't seem like the type to care about power or territory."

Kaido considered this, his grin fading into a scowl. "Everyone has a price, Jack. Even Noboru. The trick is figuring out what it is. Maybe he wants freedom—true freedom, like no one's ever had. Or maybe it's revenge against the World Government. Either way, I'll find it. And if I can't, I'll show him why they call me the Strongest Creature."

King inclined his head slightly. "Do you plan to approach him directly, or will you draw him to us?"

Kaido's grin returned, his eyes gleaming with malevolent excitement. "Directly? No, no. That's not my style. I'll let him wander into my domain on his own. Men like Noboru… they can't resist the pull of chaos. When he does, I'll be waiting."

Kaido's massive form settled back into his throne, the room plunging into a heavy silence. In his mind, the pieces were already moving—plans forming to bring Noboru into his fold, one way or another.

---

In the vibrant, sugar-coated world of Totto Land, Charlotte Linlin, better known as Big Mom, sat at the head of her grand dining table. Her enormous form dominated the space, her presence as overwhelming as the decadent feast spread before her. Surrounding her were dozens of her children, each vying for her attention—or, more often, trying to avoid it.

Despite the chaos of the table, Big Mom's focus was elsewhere. In her hand, she held a wanted poster bearing the face of Noboru, the man who had risen to infamy after the events of Marineford. Her eyes gleamed with interest as she examined it.

"This Noboru," she said, her voice cutting through the chatter like a knife. "He's intriguing. Strong, unpredictable… a free spirit."

Perospero, her eldest son, leaned forward, his long tongue flicking nervously. "Mama, are you thinking of recruiting him? A man like that… he might be more trouble than he's worth."

Big Mom's grin widened, a predatory expression. "That's what makes him perfect, Perospero. Trouble is exactly what I need. The more the world fears me, the closer I am to becoming the Pirate King."

Smoothie, one of her towering daughters and one of the Three Sweet Commanders, frowned slightly as she studied the poster. "Men like Noboru don't join crews, Mama. He's a lone wolf. What makes you think he'd agree?"

Big Mom chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound. "Oh, Smoothie, men are simple creatures. If they won't join willingly, you offer them something they can't refuse. Power, revenge, freedom… or a beautiful bride."

Smoothie stiffened, her calm demeanor faltering for a moment. "And who would you offer?"

Big Mom's grin turned sly. "You, of course. You're strong, beautiful, and smart enough to keep him in check. Together, the two of you would be unstoppable."

Smoothie's jaw tightened, but she said nothing. Big Mom continued, her tone becoming more animated. "Think about it! With Noboru in our family, we'd be the strongest crew on the seas. Even the other Yonko would think twice before challenging us."

Katakuri, her most trusted and powerful son, finally spoke, his voice steady and thoughtful. "Mama, if Noboru doesn't agree to the marriage, what then? A man like him won't take kindly to being forced into anything."

Big Mom waved a hand dismissively. "Then I'll show him why no one refuses Big Mom. Either way, he'll join us—willingly or otherwise."

Katakuri didn't respond, but his sharp eyes lingered on the poster, his mind already anticipating the chaos that would come from any interaction between Noboru and their family.

Big Mom leaned back in her chair, her laughter filling the hall. In her mind, she was already imagining Noboru as part of her crew, another pawn in her grand game to dominate the seas. Whether through marriage, persuasion, or brute force, she was determined to make him hers.