One Piece: Curse of Immortality

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He could no longer remember how many years had passed since hearing that name. 

On the day his old friend became an admiral, they celebrated for three days and nights. But shortly after, he received an even more devastating piece of news. 

It could be said that Shinbu had watched his friend rise from an unknown soldier to a world-renowned admiral. 

He had witnessed every twist and turn of his life and had always been a loyal follower. 

That year, after the battle against the Roger Pirates, he became a legend among the younger Marines, while Arashi became a new legend.

"Arashi?" Shinbu's gaze was complicated as he looked at the young girl before him and sighed. 

"He's in a place where outsiders can hardly reach now." 

"You know my teacher?" Kuina asked excitedly. 

"If it were anyone else in the Marines, they might not know much about this matter," Shinbu said. 

"But as for me, I happen to know a few things about him, including where he is now." 

A faint smile appeared on his face as he spoke, his expression warm as he looked at the young ensign before him with a touch of familiarity. 

At this moment, in his eyes, Kuina was just like a junior.

"That's great! Can you take me to see my teacher?" Kuina asked, full of joy. 

"This..." Shinbu hesitated. 

Seeing the excitement and anticipation in the young girl's eyes, he could not refuse. 

Finally, he nodded slowly. "Alright, just this once." 

A bright smile spread across Kuina's face. She had travelled from the West Blue to the Grand Line for six months, battling numerous pirates and criminals. 

Eventually, near Long Ring Long Land, she encountered Shinbu, who was fighting against pirates. 

She had faced many hardships along the way, but she had made it through overall.

"Follow me!" Shinbu said. 

"Remember, Kuina, you must never reveal this to anyone." 

"Right now, your teacher is a forbidden topic within the Marines." His voice was low. 

Kuina felt a wave of doubt but nodded lightly. She had never met her teacher in person. 

She had only seen a photograph of him in the West Blue Commander's office, where he stood alongside Ifia and Vice Commander Bullet. 

In her memory, her teacher was a warm man, always smiling, with a tall and muscular build. But now, Shinbu called him a taboo?

As far as she knew, her teacher was an admiral. "If you want to meet him, we must leave this place. 

Get on the ship," Shinbu said, turning his head. 

Kuina's confusion deepened, but she wisely suppressed her questions and silently followed him. 

The warship passed through the Gates of Justice and adjusted its course. 

Kuina was momentarily stunned when she suddenly noticed Shinbu standing at the bow draped in his Marine cape.

He pulled a cigarette from somewhere, lit it with a crisp flick, and inhaled deeply. "I met your teacher a long time ago," he said with a chuckle.

"That was already in the previous era. Back then, the most famous figures in the world were not the current emperors." 

"The Pirate King, Gol D. Roger. The Golden Lion, Shiki. Whitebeard, Edward Newgate." 

"These three were known as the three great legendary pirates of their time." Shinbu paused, a trace of nostalgia in his eyes. 

"That time, your teacher and I were on the same warship, carrying out the same mission." 

"It was the first time I met him and also the first time I faced the Roger Pirates in battle," he said slowly. His words left Kuina stunned.

The Marines standing nearby listened with admiration. Their superior was a man who had once fought the Pirate King—a true legend of the Marines. 

"Your teacher was an incredibly powerful man. Back then, he was called a monster!" 

"A monster even stronger than the three admirals who dominate the world today!" His voice grew distant as if lost in memories. 

Shinbu stared ahead at the massive, ominous prison. 

"After returning to Marine Headquarters, I was reassigned to another post," he continued. 

"But the rumors about him never stopped, and I never stopped searching for information about him."

"Over the years, I rose from an unknown officer to a senior Marine commander. Many of the younger vice admirals today were once trained by me," Shinbu said with a smile. 

"I have to say, this was all because of your teacher's influence." But then, his expression suddenly turned heavy. 

Kuina listened intently, her eyes filled with curiosity and excitement. "Your teacher has been missing from the world for many years," she said. 

"Most people have no idea where he is." 

"I had to gather countless clues and use every connection I had to finally track him down." Shinbu took a deep breath, lowering his voice.

Kuina listened carefully. "He is in Impel Down," Shinbu said. Kuina froze. 

Then, her expression changed drastically as she looked up at the mist-covered prison ahead. 

"That's right, he's there!" 

"If you want to see him, you'll have to enter the world's most secure prison," Shinbu said gravely, his gaze flickering. 

He was already considering ways to get his old friend's disciple into Impel Down and fulfil her wish. 

"Enter the world's most secure prison?" Kuina murmured.

A sudden sense of nervousness and fear crept into her heart. 

She had heard plenty about Impel Down but had never imagined it would have anything to do with her. 

It was a place that held the world's most notorious criminals—a den of danger and corruption, possibly even more treacherous than the outside world. 

"I'll find a way for you!" 

"But first, you need to answer one question. Do you have the courage to face the world's most dangerous prison?" 

Shinbu turned around and asked seriously. 

Impel Down was not a place for the faint-hearted. The criminals locked away there exuded a murderous aura that could drive the weak-willed insane.

"I do!" Kuina nodded firmly. 

She had travelled all this way alone from the West Blue to meet her teacher. 

"Good," Shinbu nodded in satisfaction. 

As expected of Arashi's disciple—so young, yet already possessing such firm resolve and courage. 

Moments later, the warship arrived at Impel Down. 

The two of them quickly met with Vice Warden Hannyabal. "Huh? Where's the prisoner you brought?" 

"Just hand them over to me," Hannyabal said, glancing around and noticing no prisoner. 

His expression puzzled him as he looked at Shinbu. "I am Rear Admiral Shinbu," Shinbu said through gritted teeth. I need your help with something."

"I don't have time to help you with anything!" Hannyabal rolled his eyes impatiently. 

Within the Marines, Impel Down operated almost as an independent entity. Even Marine Headquarters officers had little authority over them. 

"This is about Admiral Arashi," Shinbu said in a low voice. 

"And I am Admiral Arashi's closest friend." Hearing the name "Arashi," Hannyabal immediately shrank back, instinctively glancing around nervously. 

His expression softened. "Admiral Arashi?" 

"He's been quite busy lately, dedicating himself to Impel Down's operations." 

"I respect him greatly!"

Arashi's influence in Impel Down dates back to the Golden Lion Shiki's escape. 

Hannyabal vividly remembered the terror he felt when facing that legendary pirate. But soon after, he heard that Arashi had slain Shiki. 

From that moment, he was completely in awe of that Marine. "This Marine ensign is Kuina!" 

"She is Admiral Arashi's disciple!" 

"She came here to ask Vice Warden Hannyabal to take her to see her teacher!" Seeing an opportunity, Shinbu quickly explained. 

He was only able to meet Hannyabal through Impel Down's connections. 

Normally, even a criminal of high status would not warrant Hannyabal's presence.

"Ensign Kuina!" Hannyabal's expression turned gentle as he nodded at the young girl. 

Kuina, feeling nervous, gave a small bow. 

"Come with me," Hannyabal said. 

"Everything about Admiral Arashi is strictly confidential. No information is allowed to leak, and no one outside of Impel Down is permitted to see him." 

"Rear Admiral Shinbu, you must leave now." 

Shinbu nodded, giving Kuina an encouraging smile before turning and departing.

Hannyabal then led Kuina through the massive gates of Impel Down and retrieved a key for Level Two, the Beast Hell. 

"Admiral Arashi is in Level Two," he said. 

"But I don't know exactly where." 

"Once you're there, you'll have to find him on your own." 

"However, Beast Hell is dangerous. Be careful not to engage the jailer beasts head-on."

Hannyabal explained the situation in Impel Down with a smile.

"Thank you," Kuina whispered.

Hannyabal smiled faintly and stepped forward. 

Soon, they passed through the first underground level, Crimson Hell. 

Kuina saw prisoners covered in blood, tormented by bladed trees and needle grass, and she couldn't help but break into a cold sweat.

"The prisoners on this level have committed lesser crimes, so the punishments aren't as severe," Hannyabal said.

Kuina remained silent. She was beginning to understand why the world feared Impel Down. This place was truly like hell.

Even the most vicious criminals from the outside world turned into pitiful wretches here, suffering endless torment. 

Soon, they crossed the first level and arrived at the second underground floor.

"The second level is far more dangerous than the first. Even I don't like staying here too long," Hannyabal said seriously. 

He used a key to unlock the corridor door and stepped in cautiously.

The moment Kuina set foot inside, her face turned pale. A suffocating aura pressed down on her, making it hard to breathe.

"You—" Hannyabal barely started his sentence.

But upon seeing her discomfort, he hesitated, then shook his head sharply.

"Forget it. I'll take you to find Admiral Arashi!"

Kuina forced a smile. "Thank you."

"I can't guarantee we'll see him," Hannyabal warned. "In all these years, I've never seen him once when coming to the second level."

Kuina followed him silently, the oppressive atmosphere growing heavier with every step.

Suddenly, the figure ahead of her came to an abrupt stop.

Kuina looked up, shocked to see his body trembling.

"Ar—"

"Admiral Arashi?!"

Hannyabal's trembling voice sent a jolt through Kuina, her eyes widening.

Teacher?

The flickering torches cast shifting shadows along the corridor.

Kuina's heart pounded as she looked ahead.

"Clank—clank—"

The sound of chains echoed as two figures slowly emerged from the darkness.

On the left was a tall, gaunt man. His legs were shackled with Seastone cuffs, his arms were missing, and chains dragged behind him.

On the right stood a Fish-Man, arms crossed, staring at them.

"Deputy Warden Hannyabal."

Arashi raised his head, his expression cold and devoid of emotion. His black hair swayed, revealing his face.

"I—I brought your disciple!" Hannyabal stammered.

For some reason, every time he saw this man, he couldn't help but feel both reverence and unease.

"Disciple?"

Arashi turned his gaze to the girl stepping out from behind Hannyabal.

A high ponytail, a fair and pure face, a sword at her waist, and eyes locked onto him—filled with shock and excitement.

"Kuina, huh? I never expected you to find your way here," he said with a faint smile.

The suffocating pressure in the air suddenly vanished as if spring had arrived, bringing blossoms in full bloom.

"Teacher?" Kuina called out in a daze.

This Arashi was completely different from the man she had seen in photos. It shattered all the expectations she had held in her heart.

"I've delivered your disciple, so I'll be taking my leave now," Hannyabal said cautiously.

"Go," Arashi waved his hand.

With a smile, he turned his attention back to Kuina.

Ever since entering Impel Down, he has lost contact with the outside world and completely forgot about the disciple Eveya entrusted to him.

Yet here she was, having sought him out.

"If you made it this far, you must have been through a lot," Arashi said gently. "So, why have you come?"

"If it's just for swordsmanship, Kozuki Oden's teachings should've been enough to lay your foundation."

Kuina took a deep breath and said solemnly, "Master Kozuki's teachings were indeed thorough."

"But I've hit a bottleneck. No matter what I do, I can't progress any further. That's why I came to you, Teacher. I hope you can personally instruct me."

Arashi gazed at her for a moment before suddenly laughing. He shrugged his shoulders, drawing attention to his missing arms, a teasing smirk.

"Tell me, what exactly do you think I can teach you now?"

Kuina was stunned.

A swordsman without arms—could he still be called a swordsman? Could such a person truly teach her swordsmanship? For a moment, doubt clouded her mind.

Had she fought so hard to reach the world's greatest prison… only to be wrong?

After a long silence, she took a deep breath and bowed deeply.

"Please teach me the way of the sword!"

Arashi's eyes narrowed slightly before he let out another laugh.

"Follow me."

Kuina looked up, her gaze falling on the chains piercing through her teacher's body.

A chill ran down her spine.

She couldn't even imagine what he had been through—how he had once become a forbidden name in Marine Headquarters—only to end up like this.

Moments later, the three arrived at a secluded open area.

"If I'm going to take you as my disciple, then I should indeed teach you something," Arashi said with a faint smile.

Fisher Tiger stood silently to the side, observing without speaking. Kuina listened carefully, waiting for her teacher's guidance.

"Now, use your strongest sword technique—your most refined understanding of the blade—to attack me," Arashi commanded.

Kuina nodded, gripping the hilt of her sword at her waist. It was a Marine-issued military blade—sharp and sturdy.

"A swordsman must never hesitate! Has no one ever taught you that?"

Arashi stood there, an unmoving mountain, his voice deep and commanding. Kuina gritted her teeth, tightened her grip—

And in the next instant, her legs bent, and she exploded forward, shifting from stillness to motion in the blink of an eye.

Her figure blurred, leaving behind afterimages. She leapt above Arashi's head in a flash, gripping her sword with both hands.

A heartbeat later, she swung down—her blade slicing through the air.

But just as the edge of her sword reached Arashi's head, she realized in shock—

He was still standing there. He hadn't moved at all.

"Shing!"

The blade struck his forehead.

Yet, to Kuina's disbelief, her sword vibrated violently—sending a numbing shock through her hands and launching her backwards.

"Your strength and speed are decent. Keep going," Arashi said with a calm smile.

Kuina's eyes widened. That was Tekkai—one of the Marine's Six Powers!

But she had never seen anyone use Tekkai to such an extreme, to the point of withstanding her strongest strike.

"Alright!"

Realizing her teacher was testing her limits, Kuina took a deep breath and moved again.

"Shing!"

This time, she vanished even more abruptly—faster. It was Soru—one of the Six Powers!

In an instant, she reappeared behind Arashi, her blade slashing downward.

But unlike the last time, just as the blade was about to reach him, stopping merely a millimetre away, Arashi's body made the slightest movement. 

In that instant, the blade narrowly missed him and slashed toward the ground. 

The sudden shift in rhythm threw Kuina off balance, and at that moment, a foot landed firmly on her backside.

"Boom!"

She tumbled across the ground in an embarrassing roll.

"I won't go easy on you just because you're a girl," Arashi grinned. 

Kuina got back on her feet, feeling the scrapes and bruises left by that unexpected kick. 

She slowly raised her head, a sharp determination flashing in her eyes.

"I don't want you to see me as a girl either."

"There's no distinction between men and women on the path to becoming the world's greatest swordsman!"

Arashi was momentarily stunned, then burst into laughter.

"That kind of resolve is exactly what you need!"

Kuina charged at him again, gripping her sword tightly. Arashi effortlessly dodged her strikes, occasionally countering, making her look more and more dishevelled. 

As the spar continued, he gradually assessed her full potential. Without a doubt, Kuina was a fighter who combined natural talent with relentless hard work.

Despite being born a woman, she possessed an unwavering will and an extraordinary sense of determination. 

Her body had already surpassed the limits of an ordinary human through rigorous training in the West Blue.

 She had mastered Soru, Geppo, and Rankyaku from the Rokushiki techniques. 

More impressively, she had fused Rankyaku with her sword, allowing her to unleash flying slashes.

"Not bad! To have reached this level at your age is truly remarkable! But!"

Arashi's tone suddenly became stern, and his sharp gaze locked onto her.

"With just this level of strength, you're still far from becoming the world's strongest!"

Kuina's body tensed, her lips pressing together.

"If you want to go further and truly understand what power is...You need real combat experience!"

"Only through the trials of life and death, and the enlightenment that comes in moments of desperation, can you break through your limits and climb even higher!"

Arashi's voice carried a heavy weight.

"And here… you have the perfect opportunity to evolve!"

Kuina's eyes shone with excitement. "Please guide me, sensei!"

"From now on, I will teach you Haki when the time is right. But for the rest of the time… you will be nothing more than a beast that knows only battle!"

A chilling smile crept onto Arashi's face, his gaze piercing. Kuina felt a shiver run down her spine, sensing an ominous premonition.

Sure enough, within minutes, Arashi led her and the Fish-Man beside him straight into a battle against the Jailer Beasts. 

The intense combat put Kuina under immense pressure like never before. 

But as Arashi said, her understanding of swordsmanship and life-and-death combat deepened with every fight.

Little by little, she broke through her current limits, now able to easily unleash devastating slashes.

Even more astonishing was her evolving battle instinct.

The constant high-intensity fights honed her killing intent, sharpening her gaze into something cold and piercing. 

At the same time, the more she learned about Arashi, the more she revered him.

Wounds that should have been fatal barely seemed to affect him. Even without his arms, he still displayed overwhelming power.

And most incredible of all—his strength was still growing alarmingly.

Within the depths of Impel Down, the three of them battled tirelessly against the Jailer Beasts, honing their skills without rest.

....

Before long, the year 1518 arrived.

"A new emperor has risen on the seas? It's Red-Haired Shanks… the world calls his crew the Iron Wall Pirates!"

"The New World now has a total of four emperors! This power is enough to make even the World Government tremble." 

"The chaos of this era has far surpassed the days of Gol D. Roger…"

The world was shaken.

The Four Emperors had taken shape, and Red-Haired Shanks had become the youngest ruler of the seas.

On an island in the East Blue, in a small town…

"Crack!"

A glass bottle shattered into dust without any noticeable force.

The glass fragments turned into fine powder, scattering into the air like dust.

"Heh~"

"Red-Haired Shanks..."

A cold chuckle escaped a man's lips with a bright red nose as he slowly raised his head, his expression unreadable.

His crew watched their captain in surprise and curiosity.

"Boss, do you know Red-Haired Shanks?"

"He's one of the biggest names in the pirate world right now!"

One of the pirates asked excitedly. At the same time, he couldn't help but wonder—how did their captain just turn that glass bottle into dust? 

Was this some new power?

"I don't know him!"

The red-nosed man scoffed.

"A guy like that? I have no interest in knowing him!"

Then, his gaze shifted to his right hand. Tiny, dust-like specks of shattered glass rested quietly in his palm.

"I've finally reached this point! The awakening of the Chop-Chop Fruit! And now… I can feel the immense power you once spoke of!"

"If I went to the New World, I might not be any weaker than Shanks. But why… why does everything suddenly feel so meaningless?"

Confusion flickered in his eyes as he gazed into the distance.

"When… will you finally return to the world?"

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