Forged in the Shadows

Authors Note

Hello, dear reader! First and foremost, thank you so much for picking up this story and giving it a chance. This is a project that's been close to my heart for a long time, and I'm genuinely excited to finally share it with you. Kaito Ishida has been a character I've thought about for years, and now, after much planning and refining, it's time to bring his story to life.

This is my first time writing something on this scale, and I want to pour my heart into it. Writing, for me, has always been a way to explore deeper themes—strength, legacy, and identity are just a few of the things I'm trying to tackle through Kaito's journey. I hope his growth resonates with you as he tries to balance the weight of his father's past, the expectations he places on himself, and the lessons he learns along the way. There's something incredibly powerful about forging your own path, especially when the world is determined to label you based on things you cannot change.

The quotes are a glimpse into Kaito's thoughts, his struggles, and the ideals that drive him. They represent the evolution of his character and the principles that guide him through the trials he faces. These words won't just be part of the narrative, but integral to understanding the very core of who Kaito is.

As for the world he's in—yes, it's a world full of pirates, danger, and adventure, but it's also one where people are defined by what they choose to protect, not just what they take. I want to explore that in-depth, to challenge the idea of what it means to be a "pirate" or a "warrior" and to show that not all labels define a person's worth.

I should also mention that while this is Kaito's story, there will be moments where I dig deep into his relationships with those around him, particularly the Strawhats.

Now, a few things you should know: this is just the beginning. The chapters will come in time, as I work to make sure everything aligns and the world of Kaito's story feels rich and alive. There's a lot of planning and development still to be done, but I promise I'll be working as hard as Kaito himself to bring this story to its fullest potential.

Thank you for your patience and for joining me on this journey. Writing is a deeply personal experience, and knowing that someone is out there reading makes all the hard work worthwhile. I hope you'll stay with me as Kaito's story unfolds. His journey is about discovering who he is, where he belongs, and the lengths he's willing to go to protect those he cares about.

Once again, thank you for being here. I can't wait to share what's next!

With gratitude,
Author.