Introductions (4)
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"H-Hey."Shanks turned at the sound of the voice. Standing near the edge of a small fruit stall was a young girl—maybe around his age, though noticeably shorter. She had slightly messy brown hair, warm tanned skin, and large brown eyes that seemed to hold back a mixture of nerves and determination.
She looked unsure of herself, as if calling out to someone took everything she had.
But Shanks recognized her instantly.
Cana Alberona.
His half-sister.
He smiled softly and waved. "Yo. You talking to me?"
The girl nodded shyly. "Um… You're Shanks, right?"
He gave a lazy salute, lips curled up in a grin. "That's me. And who might you be?"
She clutched the strap of the small bag around her waist, summoning her courage. "I… I'm Cana. Cana Alberona."
Shanks tilted his head. He already knew the truth from his memories and knowledge as a reincarnator, but still—he let her speak, let her have the moment.
"I'm… Gildarts' daughter."
The words hung in the air.
Shanks blinked. It wasn't the truth that caught him off guard—it was how plainly and suddenly she said it. No buildup. No hesitation. Just… honesty. Raw and small, like her.
"Wow… really?" he replied, blinking. That was all he could say for a second. No clever comment. No grin.
Cana nodded again, more timidly this time. "Yeah…"
Shanks crouched down to her level. His expression softened, the usual joking air gone. "That makes you my little sister."
Cana's eyes widened.
"Come here," Shanks said gently, opening his arms.
She hesitated for half a second. Then she rushed forward, flinging herself into his arms. Shanks held her close, careful not to squeeze too tightly. She was so small, so fragile.
And yet—there was strength in her hug. A silent scream to not be left alone again.
"Do you want to go to the guild?" he asked after a moment, voice soft against the top of her head.
Cana nodded, sniffling. "Yes… I can use magic."
Shanks pulled back and looked at her with mock awe. "No way. What kind?"
She sniffed again but managed a proud grin. "Card Magic!"
He grinned. "Ooh~ Fancy. Can you summon a flying fish or something?"
"No," Cana giggled. "But I can tell fortunes. A little."
"Useful for gambling," Shanks said with a wink, then chuckled. "And me? I use Destruction Magic."
"Whoa…" Cana's eyes widened again. "That sounds really strong."
"It is," he said, puffing his chest slightly. "But it's also very flashy. Perfect for someone cool like me."
Cana laughed softly. For the first time in a long while, her laugh didn't feel heavy or forced.
As they started walking slowly, Shanks glanced at her bag, feeling the faint magical energy from it. He didn't need confirmation—he already knew what she was capable of. Card Magic suited her. Mysterious, versatile, adaptable.
The silence between them was light now. But then Shanks, without thinking, asked, "So… where's your mother?"
He regretted it instantly.
Cana stopped walking. Her grip on the bag tightened. Tears welled up in those big brown eyes that had just begun to shine.
Shanks mentally cursed himself. He crouched down again and gently patted her head.
"Hey… it's okay," he said, voice quieter now. "You don't have to say anything. I'm here, alright? You've got me now. Your big brother."
Cana looked up at him. The sadness in her face was deep, but in his warm smile… she saw something.
Something familiar.
The love of family.
It reminded her of the way her mother used to smile. Not just with the mouth—but with the heart. Unconditional. Steady. Safe.
And in that moment… she let go.
She cried.
Shanks didn't say anything more. He just let her be, letting her grief pour out as he gently held her again.
Because sometimes… that's all someone needs.
And in the streets of Magnolia. The two siblings met.
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Name: Shanks Clive
Power Level: C
Magic: Destruction (+)
Skills: Cooking (+) - Level 3, Improved Breathing System (+) -Level 2
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Currently Available Mission: 01
Mission: Train! (+)
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Author's Note: These chapters are all prologue(s).
Advance chapter available:
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