ONE PEICE: LONG ROAD

The sharp claws of the black panther, dripping with blood, descended like a death sentence, yet Siby stood unwavering, arms spread wide, eyes closed in despair. He braced for the impact, expecting pain to sear through him, but nothing came. Slowly, he opened his eyes—and what he saw defied logic.

The black panther, its sleek body rippling with muscle, trembled as if struck by an invisible force. Its golden eyes, usually predatory and fearless, were wide with terror. Siby stared at the beast, unable to comprehend its sudden change in demeanor.

Wang Li, stunned and overwhelmed, watched Siby with admiration. He felt a warmth in his chest at Siby's selflessness, but it was quickly replaced by self-loathing. He clenched his fists, lowering his head in shame. Just as his thoughts began to spiral, a deafening roar broke through his daze.

The panther suddenly bolted, its movements a blur as it vanished into the dense, shadowy forest. It was as though some unseen force had driven it away. Wang Li stood frozen, struggling to process what had just happened.

Siby collapsed onto the grass, gasping for air as adrenaline coursed through him. His small chest heaved as he tried to regain his composure. Realizing Wang Li might have been hurt, he turned abruptly and asked, "Xiao Li, are you okay? You're not hurt, right?" His voice carried both panic and concern.

"I'm fine…" Wang Li's response was quiet, almost hollow. His mind was consumed by guilt. He had vowed to protect Siby, yet here he was, unable to move, forced to watch as Siby risked everything for him.

"That's good." Siby sighed in relief, clutching his chest. "I don't know why that panther ran off, but we're safe for now. Let's head back to the village." His tone was cheerful, almost oblivious to Wang Li's inner turmoil.

Wang Li raised his head, shaking off his despair. "I'm sorry," he said earnestly, his voice firm despite the pain in his heart.

"Eh?" Siby looked confused but quickly waved it off with a laugh. "What are you apologizing for, idiot? You should be thanking me! I've saved you twice now, so you owe me a big meal!" His carefree grin and hearty laughter were like a balm to Wang Li's troubled soul.

"Alright." Wang Li nodded with determination, his spirit somewhat rekindled.

"Come on, let's head back! Oh, and let's grab some fruit on the way, haha!" Siby grabbed his ironwood knife and marched ahead with a spring in his step, Wang Li following close behind.

Behind an unassuming tree in the forest, a figure emerged from the shadows.

Kunke, a seasoned warrior, muttered under his breath, "These brats have some nerve. If I hadn't been patrolling, they'd be panther food by now."

The sun hung low over the vast ocean, casting its golden light on the shoreline where Siby and Wang Li walked. The waves kissed the sand, and the foam curled gently around their ankles.

"Siby, am I useless?" Wang Li suddenly asked, his voice barely audible over the sound of the surf.

"Huh? Why do you think that?" Siby, distracted by the seafoam, didn't immediately look at him.

"When we were in danger, I froze. I couldn't move, couldn't do anything. But you… you stood your ground." His small face turned toward Siby, searching for validation.

"You're a kid. It's normal to feel scared in a situation like that. Me? I'm practically an adult!" Siby puffed out his chest, his tone lighthearted.

Wang Li scoffed. "An adult? Please. You're barely taller than me, you shrimp."

"Excuse me?! I'm taller than you, short stack!" Siby retorted, swinging his ironwood knife in mock anger.

"Oh, really? Who're you calling short, you pint-sized wannabe adult?" Wang Li grinned as he took off running, leaving Siby fuming behind him.

"Get back here, you little brat!" Siby shouted, chasing after him. Their footprints zigzagged across the sand, a testament to their fleeting worries and innocent banter.

At the village elder's home, the aged Hede reclined in his chair, leisurely fanning himself with a bamboo fan. His peaceful moment was interrupted by Kunke, who returned from his patrol with an urgent report.

"Old man, we've got a situation in the back mountain," Kunke began.

Hede's expression darkened. "What happened?" he asked, sitting upright.

Kunke sighed. "It's those two troublemakers, Siby and Wang Li. They slipped through the cave entrance I sealed and ran into the lightning black panther. Luckily, I was patrolling nearby and stepped in before it got worse. They're fine, though."

Relieved but annoyed, Hede exhaled heavily. "You had me worried, you fool. Couldn't you have started with the fact that they're safe?" Then, frowning, he added, "Wait. The entrance was sealed. How'd they get through?"

Kunke rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I suspect it was Wang Li. The kid doesn't look like he has much strength, but it's possible he's eaten a Devil Fruit. If so, the type remains unclear."

Hede's face grew pensive. "Devil Fruit, huh? Could be. In any case, it's time we told Siby the truth about who he is."

Kunke's eyes widened. "Now? Don't you think it's too soon? He's just a child. Knowing the truth might change him."

"It's precisely because he's a child that he needs to know," Hede replied firmly. "He's already ventured into the back mountain. It's better he learns now than stumbles upon the truth on his own later."

Kunke sighed, resigned. "Alright. I'll tell him." Without another word, he left, heading toward Siby's house.