The crew ended up staying in the Torino Kingdom for a full week, each member finding something valuable in the tree-shaped library of the scholarly island.
Joichiro, ever the culinary perfectionist, immersed himself in the science of fermentation. He studied rare ingredients and how their chemical breakdown could be used not just to enhance flavor, but to elevate the bodily performance of those who consumed them. The idea of "functional cuisine" fascinated him. He began experimenting with fermented sauces and condiments, imagining meals that could improve agility, sharpen focus, or accelerate healing.
During this time, Joichiro also devoted himself to better understanding his newly gained Devil Fruit: the Hebi-Hebi no Mi, Model: Titanoboa. It was here, by the shorelines of the island, that he stumbled upon an unexpected discovery. While testing his limits, he transformed partially and produced a thick, mucus-like gel from his serpent form. Upon entering the sea in this state, Joichiro realized that the gel completely insulated him from the usual crippling effects of seawater. Somehow, it allowed him to remain buoyant and mobile, effectively making him… waterproof.
"This changes everything," Joichiro whispered to himself with a smirk, already theorizing new combat techniques.
Greenbull, meanwhile, was captivated by the diverse flora recorded in the Torino archives. What began as a task from Koa quickly became a personal obsession. He dove into books about carnivorous plants, ancient botanical toxins, and rare species capable of photosynthesizing volatile acids.
One plant in particular caught his attention—"Dissolvia Magna," a massive flower capable of producing a corrosive sap that could melt steel. Inspired, Greenbull began incorporating acid-producing abilities into his Devil Fruit usage. His creativity surged, finally pushing past the stagnation he had felt in his training.
Koa noticed the change. He considered introducing specialized movesets inspired by Hashirama Senju—legendary techniques involving wood constructs and deep-rooted chakra control. But he held back. Koa wasn't here to babysit. Greenbull's potential would only flourish if he pushed himself beyond imitation, and Koa believed that time would come once Greenbull asked for it, not before.
Kuzan, predictably, made a beeline for the alcohol section. To everyone's surprise, the Torino library had an extensive collection of brewing methods from across the Grand Line. He studied how different climates and fermenting conditions could affect taste, aroma, and strength. He focused on crafting wines, sakes, and rums—the holy trinity of his drinking pleasure.
His plan was simple: create a brewing station aboard their ship. That way, he wouldn't need to bother Joichiro to keep him stocked, and it gave him a peaceful hobby during the quieter parts of their journey.
Every evening, he and Joichiro would sit on the deck, sipping their drinks and enjoying the breeze. Koa would join them too, though with his usual preference: a warm chocolate drink. Greenbull, surprisingly, shared that preference, which Kuzan never stopped teasing him about.
As for Koa himself, he spent most of his time devouring books on technology and weather systems. The paradox of the One Piece world always intrigued him. They would have laser-based weaponry and ancient robots, yet lacked basic flight or computing technology.
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Just as the crew was preparing to depart the Torino Kingdom, Koa sensed something unusual.
A small, unfamiliar presence—faint and nervous—lurking within the ship's storage area. Narrowing his eyes, Koa silently made his way to the supply room, his Haki guiding him to the source. As he approached, the rustling and shifting of crates confirmed it.
He already had a hunch.
"Shanba," Koa called out, voice calm but firm. "Come out of there."
There was a startled crash of a barrel, followed by a frantic scuffling. After a pause, a sheepish figure emerged from behind a stack of sacks. It was indeed Shanba, face flushed red with embarrassment and guilt, eyes refusing to meet Koa's.
Koa crossed his arms and looked at him expectantly. "Mind telling me what you're doing sneaking around on my ship?"
Shanba mumbled something under his breath.
"Louder."
"…Big Brother Greenbull said I could come with you if I could sneak onto the ship unnoticed," Shanba admitted, fidgeting with his fingers.
Koa raised a brow.
So that's what this was about.
He sighed, already piecing the situation together. Greenbull, likely tired of being the youngest in the group and constantly teased for it, had tried to rope Shanba in as an unofficial "little brother" on board. It was irresponsible—and reckless.
"GREENBULL!" Koa roared.
It didn't take long. A moment later, Greenbull poked his head in, already grimacing as he saw Shanba standing there.
"Uh… hey, Boss," Greenbull said, scratching his head nervously. "So, uh… this looks bad, huh?"
Koa didn't even blink. "What. Were. You. Thinking?"
Greenbull wilted under the weight of Koa's glare. "I just thought… you know, he's smart and curious, and I figured—"
"He has a father. A leader of this island. Who would've panicked if his son went missing," Koa said sternly. "You don't get to make that call."
Greenbull nodded, shoulders slumping. "Yeah. I messed up. Sorry, Boss."
"Take him back. Now," Koa ordered.
Greenbull gently guided the disappointed Shanba off the ship and back through the forest, where Canba was already waiting—and furious. The elder scolded Shanba with a booming voice, not out of anger, but fear. He had nearly lost his son.
Koa and the others caught up shortly after. Kneeling beside Shanba, Koa rested a hand on the boy's shoulder.
"Listen. You've got potential, and a bright spark. But you're not ready for the sea just yet," Koa said kindly. "Study hard. Grow stronger. The books I left behind—read them. Train with them."
Shanba's eyes brimmed with tears, but he nodded.
"And when the day comes that you feel ready, truly ready…" Koa gave a rare, warm smile. "Come find us."
Joichiro gave the boy a small food pouch. Kuzan tossed him a tiny carved flask as a keepsake. And Greenbull—still a little guilty—patted him on the head.
As the crew finally set sail, the figure of Shanba and Canba waved from the beach, growing smaller as the ship pulled away, until they were little more than specks beneath the towering tree of Torino Island.
Koa stood at the railing, wind brushing through his coat.
Another spark lit. The world was vast and full of promises waiting to bloom.