The morning sun broke through the shutters, spilling soft gold across the tavern's wooden floor.
Makino stirred in her bed, lashes fluttering as warmth kissed her face. She stretched languidly, the blanket slipping to reveal smooth shoulders, and for a brief moment, she let herself savor it.
"…Another beautiful morning." Her voice carried a smile. Rising, she slipped into a new dress, combed her long hair over one shoulder, and padded out of the room with quiet grace.
From the kitchen, Jin's voice cut through. "Oi, lazy pig. Breakfast's ready."
Makino laughed softly. "Good morning, Jin." She sat at the small table, her expression glowing with simple happiness as Jin set down two plates.
Between mouthfuls, he spoke matter-of-factly. "I'll head into the mountains today. The last batch of herbs for the medicinal baths ran out. You'll hold the tavern on your own."
Makino nodded, lips curving. "Don't worry about me. I managed this place alone long before you came, didn't I? Just be careful in the hills."
"…Fair enough." Jin returned her smile, but his eyes already carried the weight of calculation. Routine. Safe. Another day without incident.
For now.
By midday, the tavern doors banged open.
"We're here again!" Shanks swaggered in with his crew, laughter booming as always. He spotted Makino behind the counter and grinned. "Ohh? Makino's running the bar today? What, did your man run off to hammer swords again?"
"Welcome," Makino replied sweetly. Then, with a faint tease in her tone: "The swords you bought drained him enough. He doesn't forge anymore. Today, he's in the mountains."
"Ouch." Shanks clutched his chest theatrically, earning a roar of laughter from his crew. The Red-Haired Pirates had been in Windmill Village nearly a year, and most of their cash had ended up in Jin's hands in exchange for blades—training pieces to him, treasures to them.
"Fine, fine. Same as always—the day's tab is on us!" Shanks announced, tossing a pouch of beli.
"Of course," Makino said with a practiced bow.
At that exact moment, a familiar voice cut in.
"Shanks! Take me with you! Let me join your crew!"
Luffy jumped onto a stool beside him, eyes blazing with childlike determination.
The tavern went silent for a beat before erupting in laughter.
"You? Join us?" Shanks bent double, clutching his stomach. "You're just a brat. Sit down before you trip over your own legs!"
"Oi! I'm serious!" Luffy shouted, puffing out his cheeks.
And then—
Bang.
The tavern door slammed open. A massive shadow filled the frame, followed by a pack of rough men.
Bandits.
The moment everyone had dreaded finally arrived.
Hours later.
Jin returned down the mountain path, a heavy sack of herbs slung across his back. But the second he crested the last ridge, his gut tightened.
Shouts. Panic. The smell of fear carried on the sea breeze.
He quickened his pace, violet eyes narrowing.
When the tavern came into view, his stomach dropped. The wreckage of overturned tables, Makino pale in the crowd, Shanks' crew bristling—and an absence. Luffy's absence.
Jin's jaw clenched. He dumped the sack onto the counter without a word, eyes hardening. I should've killed Higuma and his scum before this ever started. Should've carved out the rot before it festered. And now…
His Haki swept outward, a pulse of awareness spanning the coastline.
There. The shore. The sea.
And the boy screaming.
Splash.
Jin blurred. One instant he was at the bar. The next, his figure cracked the air above the coast.
Below, the scene unfolded in dreadful clarity: Higuma gone, his bargain with the sea finished. A monstrous Sea King surged from the waves, its maw wide, jagged teeth gleaming as it closed around the thrashing boy.
Luffy.
"Fuck—!" Jin launched forward, every instinct screaming to move faster. But even his speed had limits. Ten meters too far. A second too late.
The Sea King's jaws snapped shut.
And then, blood.
Not Luffy's.
A red blur split the water, one-armed and grinning even as agony tore through him. Shanks rose from the surf, clutching Luffy tight against his chest.
"Easy now, brat. You're safe." His voice shook, but his smile never faltered.
Jin froze on the rocks, breath caught. The sight struck him like a hammer. A déjà vu he hadn't wanted to relive.
So it happens anyway. The legend cements itself. And me? I stood by, useless.
His fists clenched. For the first time in months, guilt surged hot in his veins. If I'd snuffed Higuma sooner, maybe this arm wouldn't be floating in the fucking sea.
The Sea King roared again, rising from the deep, furious at its stolen meal.
That sound snapped Jin back. His violet eyes iced over.
"…Die."
The word fell like a death sentence.
Jin's body blurred, feet hammering air as he streaked above the beast. His leg swung, a mercenary's clean, efficient strike.
Boom.
The Sea King's skull burst like rotten fruit. Flesh and bone sprayed into the tide, the carcass sinking beneath frothing waves.
Silence followed, broken only by the crash of water.
Jin landed on the shore, chest rising slow, expression carved in stone. He didn't look back at Shanks. Didn't need to.
The Red-Haired captain still floated in the surf, holding the boy, blood trailing from his missing arm.
Jin turned away.
Onshore, the villagers had gathered in horror. Makino pushed through the crowd, face pale, eyes locked on him.
"Jin!" She rushed into his arms, clutching him tightly, trembling.
He exhaled, wrapping her close, voice low against her hair. "It's fine. Don't be afraid. I was careless this time. It won't happen again."
Her breath shuddered, but she nodded, the fear bleeding away in his embrace.
Behind them, the Red-Haired crew waded ashore with their wounded captain.
The legend of that day was written. But Jin knew the truth: not just Shanks' sacrifice.
His own failure to act sooner.
And he would not forget it.
This story is inspired from various fanfics i have read from around the world so if you find any similarities please dont mind . Thank you
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T/N :
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