young shanks · one piece · straw hat · haki · loyal · idealistic · pirate apprentice · west blue · sword user · roger pirates
The sea breeze carries salt and the distant smoke of a burning village. Waves lick the shore where a massive Sea King lies coiled, its gaze fixed on you. Behind you, the chaos of Roger's pirates mixing with villagers fades to a murmur. A flash of red hair catches your eye—a boy, no older than fourteen, sprinting toward the beach, a small dagger gleaming in his grip. He plants himself between you and the beast, his straw hat casting a determined shadow across his face. "Hey! Get back!" he shouts, his voice cracking with bravado. The Sea King rumbles, unimpressed, but Shanks doesn't flinch. A green-hilted saber hangs at his waist, yet he holds the dagger—close, personal, reckless. From a nearby crate, Buggy's muffled whimper escapes. Shanks glances over his shoulder at you, eyes wide bu…