ONE PEICE: LONG ROAD

Back Hill

The dense canopy of the forest blocked the sunlight almost entirely, creating a shadowy, damp environment. No birds chirped, no insects buzzed—the quiet was suffocating, as though the forest itself were holding its breath, waiting to pounce.

"Crunch, crunch."

The sound of chewing broke the eerie silence, an almost comical intrusion amidst the ominous atmosphere.

"Ahh, I'm stuffed!" Siby leaned back against the base of a tree, patting his bloated stomach with satisfaction. He had been gorging on the peculiar fruits scattered across the ground. Looking over at Wang Li, who was carefully examining the bark of a nearby tree, he grinned.

"Hey, Little Li! What are you doing over there?"

"I'm trying to figure out why these fruit trees look so different from those in the village," Wang Li muttered, his fingers running along the rough bark. "But I can't make sense of it."

Siby huffed, clearly unimpressed. He stood abruptly, brushing dirt off his pants. "I've got an idea!" he declared, his grin widening mischievously.

"Oh?" Wang Li didn't look up, too engrossed in his study of the trees.

Siby pouted at being ignored. "Aren't you curious about what's deeper in the forest? These fruits were delicious, but what if there's something even better in the center?"

Wang Li froze, his hand halting mid-stroke against the bark. He scanned the shadowy forest, an uneasy feeling gnawing at his gut. "I don't think it's safe to go any further," he said finally, turning to face Siby. "We've got what we came for. Let's head back to the village."

"What, you're scared?" Siby teased, crossing his arms and smirking.

Wang Li's face flushed. "I'm not scared! I just—what if we run into danger?"

Siby rolled his eyes. "Come on, you've got superhuman strength! And if something happens, I'll protect you!" He gave a mock-serious salute, his grin never wavering.

Wang Li stared at him, conflicted. Siby's words were absurd, yet something about his unwavering confidence made Wang Li feel a little braver. Finally, he sighed and nodded. "Fine. But if something goes wrong, we're turning back immediately."

"Deal!" Siby cheered, thrusting his wooden sword into the air before charging ahead into the forest.

The deeper they ventured, the darker it became. The air was thick and heavy, and Wang Li's unease grew with every step. Siby, however, seemed completely unfazed, laughing and swinging his wooden sword at low-hanging branches.

Neither of them noticed the golden eyes watching them from the shadows.

A sleek black panther crouched silently in the underbrush, its piercing yellow eyes locked onto its prey. Its muscles tensed beneath its glossy fur, rippling with raw power. With a low growl, it launched itself toward the two children, moving faster than the eye could follow.

Siby's instincts kicked in. Without thinking, he shoved Wang Li to the ground and rolled to the side just as the panther's claws slashed through the air where they'd been standing.

"Wang Li!" Siby shouted, scrambling to his feet. His wooden sword was up in an instant, but his hands trembled.

The panther turned, its gaze now fixed on Siby. Its lips curled back in a snarl, exposing sharp teeth that glinted in the dim light.

Wang Li stumbled to his feet, his heart pounding. The sight of the massive predator froze him in place. "S-Siby…" he stammered.

The panther lunged again, its claws glinting. Siby swung his sword wildly, managing to deflect the attack, but not without cost—a deep gash opened on his arm. He bit back a cry of pain, his grip on the sword tightening despite the blood dripping onto the ground.

"Run, Wang Li!" Siby yelled, his voice breaking.

Wang Li's legs refused to move. His chest felt tight, his breath shallow. He could only watch as the panther toyed with Siby, circling him like a predator savoring its meal.

Siby was growing weaker, his movements slowing. The panther seemed to sense his exhaustion and prepared to deliver the final blow.

Then, it turned its attention to Wang Li.

The predator's powerful legs carried it toward him in a single bound. Wang Li's breath caught as the panther's massive paw raised above him. Time seemed to slow.

And then Siby was there.

He threw himself between Wang Li and the panther, raising his sword in a desperate attempt to block the attack. The force of the panther's strike shattered the wooden weapon and sent Siby sprawling to the ground.

"Siby!" Wang Li's voice cracked, the sound raw and desperate.

The panther paused, tilting its head as though amused by the futile resistance. It turned its gaze back to Wang Li, who was still frozen in fear.

Siby coughed, blood staining his lips. "Wang Li… you have to fight," he rasped.

Wang Li clenched his fists. Something inside him snapped. He wouldn't let Siby die—not like this.

With a roar of his own, Wang Li launched himself at the panther, his fist connecting with the side of its head. The impact sent the massive beast skidding across the ground, dazed.

The panther shook its head, recovering quickly. It let out an enraged growl, but before it could attack again, Wang Li was already moving. His newfound strength surged through him, each punch landing with enough force to crack the trees behind the panther.

The predator, sensing it was outmatched, retreated into the shadows, its growls echoing in the distance.

Wang Li collapsed to his knees, his chest heaving. Siby gave him a weak thumbs-up before passing out.

With trembling hands, Wang Li lifted Siby onto his back. "Let's get out of here," he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.

As he carried Siby out of the forest, Wang Li couldn't help but wonder what kind of power he'd just unleashed—and what it meant for the both of them.