Just as the awkward silence settled in, Shiro stepped forward with a warm, confident smile.
The three looked up at him, hope rekindling in their eyes.
"My name is Jabal Shiro. It's an honor to meet you, Brother Ivankov, Brother Kuma, Sister Ginny!"
Shiro introduced himself sincerely, his voice full of earnestness and enthusiasm.
"That's great, little Shiro! With you here, we can go anywhere!" Ivankov exclaimed, scooping him up in a joyful hug and even leaning in to plant a kiss on his cheek.
Shiro recoiled, pressing a hand against Ivankov's head. After all, he knew this man was destined to become a future trans-gender king—definitely not his type.
After some heated discussion, the three decided to head toward Kuma's homeland, the Sorbet Kingdom.
Before leaving, Shiro grew serious and warned Kuma:
"You must protect Ginny at all costs. And when you grow up… you have to marry her."
Kuma scratched the back of his head, cheeks reddening as he nodded shyly.
Shiro believed that if Kuma married Ginny, it would change her tragic fate in the original timeline—avoiding capture and being forced into servitude by the Celestial Dragons. Without the Paw-Paw Fruit, Kuma's role in the Revolutionary Army would also be reduced, giving him more time to stay by Ginny's side. Perhaps this would finally alter the sad fate that awaited them.
Kuma enthusiastically invited Shiro to travel with them, hoping they could continue journeying together.
But Shiro had his own plans and goals. With a polite refusal, he sent the three on their way to the Sorbet Kingdom, leaving him alone at the harbor to wait quietly.
As the Devil Fruits were snatched and the battle in God Valley drew to a close, the aftermath of the war became apparent.
Rocks, the man who had once slain an admiral single-handedly and infiltrated enemy strongholds alone, had been severely defeated thanks to the combined efforts of Roger and Garp.
From that day, Garp earned the nickname 'Hero of the Marines.'
Rayleigh had easily defeated Kaido, who at that time was only an apprentice in the Rocks Pirates. Jaba had fought Charlotte Linlin for dozens of rounds, ending in a stalemate.
Whitebeard had a narrow clash with Figarland Garling , leader of the Divine Knights, leaving a scar across his chest. Thrilled by his opponent's strength, Whitebeard unleashed his Conqueror's Haki in a fierce battle, which ended inconclusively.
The Roger Pirates hadn't captured a single Devil Fruit, yet each member left the battle exhilarated, satisfied by the thrill of combat.
Roger strode to the harbor with Rayleigh, Gaban, and the rest of his crew, his steps confident and full of grandeur. The salty sea breeze carried the faint stench of blood from the battlefield, but it didn't dampen their spirits.
"What a battle! It's been so long since I've fought like this! Wahahaha!" Roger's hearty laughter echoed across the harbor, startling a few seabirds overhead.
He cradled a small baby in his arms, a few tufts of red hair fluttering in the wind.
At that moment, a small figure darted out from the corner of the harbor.
"Uncle Gaban!" Shiro ran forward, shouting with barely-contained excitement.
Gaban's stern post-battle expression softened instantly. He bent down and scooped Shiro into his arms, examining him carefully.
"Hey, little one! How did you escape here? Are you hurt?"
He gently checked Shiro's arms and legs for injuries, making sure nothing was missed.
"I'm fine, Uncle Gaban! Thank you for saving me!" Shiro said, looking up with bright, sincere eyes.
Jaba exhaled in relief, patting Shiro on the head.
"Good. Now go hide somewhere and don't let the Celestial Dragons see you."
But Shiro shook his head resolutely, eyes burning with determination.
"No, Uncle Gaban. I want to join you and become a pirate!"
He spoke with the utmost seriousness, his gaze unwavering. In his heart, this was the ship of the future Pirate King. How could he miss the chance to ride on it and "win by just being there"?
Rayleigh raised an eyebrow and laughed:
"Wait, the captain's already carrying a baby, and now this little brat? Are we turning this pirate crew into a daycare?"
The surrounding crew chuckled at his remark.
Roger didn't mind in the least. He held the baby tighter and planted a kiss on its soft little cheek. The infant giggled, waving its tiny hands in the air.
Suddenly, Roger's face went stiff as a salty stream splashed across it—it turned out the baby had peed on him. The crew burst into laughter, and Roger, flustered, handed the baby to Rayleigh while rushing to the water's edge to clean up.
Shiro couldn't help but smile. He knew the identity of the baby: the son of Figarland Garling, the future Red-Haired Shanks. Even in this swaddled state, Shiro could already imagine him commanding the seas in the future.
After washing up, Roger returned, shaking the water from his hair. He looked at Shiro in Gaban's arms, curiosity in his eyes.
"Little one, why do you want to join us as a pirate?"
Shiro straightened his back, puffed up his chest, and answered without hesitation:
"To turn the world upside down and become the freest person in it!"
The crew paused, exchanging surprised glances.
Then, laughter erupted simultaneously.
"That's our captain's philosophy! This kid's got spirit!"
"Maybe it's fate!"
"You're perfect for our crew, little one!"
Roger's excitement grew. He stepped forward, patting Shiro on the head.
"Wahaha! Alright, I accept you into our crew! What's your name?"