Supreme Emperor of One Piece

"Forgive me!"

Shirayama calmly extended his hands, allowing T-Bone's men to clasp the seastone cuffs around his wrists.

"Ugh!"

The moment the cuffs snapped shut, Shirayama let out a muffled grunt.

A wave of weakness swept through him as his strength was drained by the seastone. The oppressive feeling weighed heavily, making it difficult to breathe, and his face turned as pale as a ghost.

"You're a Devil Fruit user!" T-Bone exclaimed in surprise.

"Of course. Why else would I let you use seastone cuffs?" Shirayama replied with a faint smile, his voice strained. "I told you, I mean no harm."

"I figured I'd show a bit of sincerity since you clearly don't trust me. How's that for a gesture?"

Shirayama's grin, despite his obvious weakness, was disarming.

T-Bone, impressed by his composure, gave a respectful nod. "Sir, your gesture speaks volumes. Once we've reassured the islanders, I'll personally offer you a drink as an apology."

He clasped a fist to his chest in a gesture of respect, his admiration evident.

Turning to his men, T-Bone's tone grew stern. "You two, guard him well. If anything happens to him, you'll answer to me. Understood?"

"Yes, sir!" the two officers replied, standing at attention.

By the time T-Bone had calmed the residents of Kulo Island, more than an hour had passed. Exhausted, Shirayama had fallen asleep, slumped against a tree.

Despite the blazing sun, T-Bone's men stood like statues, sweat drenching their uniforms. They remained steadfast, out of respect for Shirayama's bravery.

In his sleep, Shirayama heard faint voices calling his name.

"Shirayama... Shirayama..."

Slowly, he opened his eyes. Blinking away the haze of sleep, he saw a young girl, Aki, crouched beside him, gently shaking his arm.

" Aki. What's up?" Shirayama stretched, yawning as he sat up.

"That Navy officer is calling for you!" Aki sighed in relief, pointing behind her.

Following her gesture, Shirayama saw T-Bone raising a cup, grinning and beckoning him over.

"Come on, you two," Shirayama said, glancing at the two sunburned officers. "Let's have a drink together."

Relieved, the officers exchanged a smile. "Finally, some shade!" one of them chuckled, wiping his brow as they followed Shirayama toward T-Bone.

"This drink is my apology for doubting you earlier," T-Bone said as Shirayama joined him. He raised his cup and drained it in one go.

Shirayama laughed heartily. "They say, 'no fight, no friendship.' We didn't exactly fight, but I'd say we've gotten to know each other! Cheers, Navy brother!"

Raising his cup, Shirayama clinked it against T-Bone's. His enthusiasm was infectious.

"Well said! A true man of the sea!" T-Bone laughed, downing his drink with gusto.

Around them, the islanders had broken into song and dance, celebrating in a joyous scene that belied the bloodshed that had taken place just hours before.

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