Morning on the Night Guild's Ship
The sun rose over the endless ocean, its golden light reflecting off the calm waves. The crew of the Night Guild was stirring, some stretching out on the deck, others preparing for the day ahead. But one thing had everyone's attention—the large, metal figure standing silently near the ship's mast.
The Guardian.
It hadn't spoken since coming aboard, nor had it moved unless necessary. Yet, despite its silence, the crew couldn't ignore its presence. The time had come to give it a name.
Hiro, arms crossed, stared at the towering being. "We can't just keep calling it 'Guardian.' That's too vague."
Musica leaned lazily against the railing, strumming his guitar. "How about 'Rusty'?"
Demetrius scoffed. "That's a dumb name. What part of it looks rusty?"
Hikari, standing beside Hiro, watched the Guardian with a thoughtful expression. "It should be something fitting. Something that represents strength, endurance… something grand."
Soruto smirked. "Then how about 'Titan'?"
The crew exchanged glances. The name had weight to it.
Hiro scratched his chin. "Titan, huh?" He turned to the metal figure. "What do you think? Does the name 'Titan' mean anything to you?"
The Guardian stood motionless for a moment. Then, in a deep, mechanical voice, it repeated, "Titan…"
A strange pause followed. The name seemed to stir something in its artificial mind, though it couldn't place why. Finally, it spoke again. "I accept this designation… Titan."
The crew nodded in satisfaction.
Titan was born.
---
News Coo's Arrival
As the crew continued their morning routine, a familiar sight appeared in the sky—a seagull carrying a satchel of newspapers. The News Coo swooped down, dropping a rolled-up paper onto the deck before flying off.
Hikari picked it up and unfolded it. "Let's see what's happening in the world."
Her eyes scanned the front page, and her expression hardened. "Big Mom's territory…"
The crew gathered around as she read aloud:
"Reports confirm the presence of several Straw Hat Pirates within Big Mom's domain. The infamous Captain Monkey D. Luffy is rumored to be preparing for a major confrontation against the Emperor herself. Sources claim he has already clashed with one of her top officers."
Hiro's brow furrowed. He had never paid much attention to the Four Emperors before. They were just distant figures of power—too much of a hassle to deal with. But this news… something about it made him pause.
Demetrius folded his arms. "Luffy's crazy if he thinks he can just waltz into Big Mom's territory and take her on. Yonko aren't pushovers."
Soruto nodded. "Even the Navy doesn't move recklessly against them. Luffy's playing a dangerous game."
Musica smirked. "But he's always been that way, hasn't he? The kind of guy who does the impossible just because he believes he can."
Hikari turned to Hiro. "This is the first time you've shown interest in a Yonko. What's on your mind?"
Hiro remained quiet for a moment. He had always avoided unnecessary trouble. Fighting a Yonko? That was a headache he never wanted. But something about this situation felt… different.
Maybe it was time to pay closer attention to the world's strongest pirates.
With a small smirk, Hiro finally spoke. "Let's see how this plays out. If the balance of power shifts… we might have to make a move of our own."
Midnight on the Night Guild's Ship
The ship sailed smoothly under the moonlit sky, the ocean whispering against the hull. Most of the crew had turned in for the night, resting after the day's events. A few remained on watch, their voices barely audible over the sea breeze.
Hiro stood alone on the upper deck, leaning against the railing. In one hand, he held the crumpled newspaper from earlier. His sharp eyes traced over the headlines again.
"Straw Hat Pirates Invade Big Mom's Territory!"
A heavy sigh escaped him. "Luffy… you really don't know how to sit still, do you?"
The world saw him as the ruthless "Night Terror," a captain who made cold, calculated decisions. A pirate feared by both marines and outlaws alike. No one—not even his crew—knew the depth of his thoughts.
Because if they did… they'd realize just how much he cared about a brother who didn't even know he existed.
---
Hiro closed his eyes, allowing himself a moment to remember. He had spent years digging into his own origins, trying to make sense of the tangled bloodline that connected him to the infamous Monkey D. Luffy.
He never grew up with him. Never met him. Never laughed or fought alongside him like real brothers should. But the moment he discovered their connection, he couldn't help but keep an eye on him. Watching from the shadows, tracking his progress, making sure he survived.
Luffy didn't need him. That much was clear.
But Hiro… he wasn't so sure if he could say the same.
---
A Gentle Approach
Soft footsteps echoed behind him. Hiro didn't turn—he already knew who it was.
"You're overthinking again."
Hikari Hikaru stood beside him, her silver eyes reflecting the moonlight. She wasn't the type to pry, but she was perceptive—too perceptive for Hiro's liking.
"Tch. Can't I enjoy some peace and quiet without you assuming things?" Hiro scoffed, rolling his eyes.
Hikari smirked. "You've been staring at that newspaper for hours. That's not 'peace and quiet.' That's concern."
Hiro didn't respond. What was there to say?
Hikari's gaze softened. "Luffy's tough, you know. He's not some weakling who needs protecting."
Hiro finally let out a dry chuckle. "Yeah… but neither was Ace."
The words hung in the air. Hikari's playful expression faded.
"Ace was strong. But that didn't save him from Marineford."
His grip on the newspaper tightened. "Luffy's reckless. He never stops to think about what comes next. Big Mom is on another level. If he underestimates her, he won't just lose… he'll die."
Hikari sighed. "And what are you going to do about it? Rush into Yonko territory just to babysit him?"
Hiro finally looked at her, his expression unreadable. "No. That's not my place."
His place was here. With his crew.
But that didn't mean he wasn't watching.
Didn't mean he wasn't worried.
And if the day ever came when Luffy truly needed him…
Hiro would be there.
No matter what.