New Shining Star |『 Male Reader 』• One Piece

Cover Story 2: Marines of Tomorrow - Part 5

The dust settled in the aftermath of Esther and Orion's scuffle, their hybrid forms still radiating power. Koby glanced at Usagi, preparing to step forward. "Should we stop them before it gets worse?" he asked, his tone a mix of uncertainty and concern.

Before Usagi could answer, Calypso leaned casually on her rifle, adopting her usual dramatic flair. "Oh, no need for that, Hero," she said with a confident wave. "This is perfectly normal. They do this all the time!" she added, grinning mischievously.

As Koby hesitated, his attention was caught by the faint sound of scribbling nearby. He and Usagi turned their heads to the right, where a young man crouched near the wreckage, his notepad balanced on his knee as he wrote furiously.

His lips moved silently as he mumbled to himself, his pencil darting across the page. "Fascinating... Orion's transformation indicates a mastery of the Dog Dog Fruit Model: Anubis... enhanced reflexes, heightened balance... markings likely tied to the fruit's mythical properties..." he said.

"Uhm, who are you?" Usagi asked, tilting her head curiously. The young man paused mid-scribble and looked up, blinking as though he'd just noticed them. Adjusting his glasses, he stood, brushing dust off his coat.

His short silver hair glinted faintly in the sunlight, and blue eyes seemed to glow with curiosity. "Oh, apologies," he said, his voice soft but animated. "I'm Elric Volran, devil fruit researcher and general observer of extraordinary phenomena," he explained, tucking his notebook under his arm.

"I like to... catalogue intriguing abilities," he added, gesturing toward Orion. Koby raised an eyebrow. "And why are you taking notes?" he asked, his curiosity piqued. Elric blinked as if surprised by the question.

"Why wouldn't I be? This is invaluable data! Hybrid forms like his are rare enough, but one tied to a mythical zoan? The implications are endless!" he said, his tone almost reverent.

*Shiver*

Before Koby could press further, a sudden, oppressive aura washed over the training grounds, making the air feel heavy. Usagi, Koby, Esther, Orion, Calypso, and even Elric froze, their heads snapping toward the source of the murderous intent.

Masaru approached from the far side of the clearing, his hulking frame casting a long shadow. His marine coat flared dramatically behind him as he puffed smoke from his cigarette, his sharp gaze fixed on the group.

"I leave for one minute to take a dump," he growled, his voice low and dangerous. "And you're already fighting? Do you all have a death wish?" he asked, his tone sending chills down their spines.

Esther and Orion, both still in hybrid form, immediately straightened, but before Masaru could continue, Usagi darted toward him, a bright smile breaking through the tension. "Dad!" she called, throwing her arms around him in a hug.

Masaru's intimidating aura softened slightly as he placed a hand on her head, ruffling her hair. "Long time no see, kiddo," he said, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I heard from Riki that you've been making great progress," he added, pridefully making Usagi beam.