With the new additions of Kuro and Jango, the small boat that Taiyo and Van Augur had been using quickly became too cramped for all four of them. So, Taiyo decided to commandeer the Marine warship. It was an advanced vessel capable of sailing through the Calm Belt without issue, and it would serve their purposes far better, especially as Taiyo now intended to head to the South Blue to recruit another crew member.
Once aboard the Marine ship, Taiyo decided not to leave their route to chance. He didn't want to leave the East Blue without first visiting the "Town of the Beginning and the End." With their destination in mind, the newly formed crew set sail immediately.
During the journey, Van Augur took the time to introduce Huginn and Muninn to Kuro and Jango. He even allowed the birds to share their vision with Kuro. This was essential, as Kuro's primary role within the crew was to be the Chief of Staff—the mastermind behind their strategies. It was a role that suited him perfectly, given that he was considered the second-smartest man in all of the East Blue.
As they traveled, the crew passed by a ruined kingdom that lay in their path: the Oykot Kingdom, once a peaceful land now destroyed by pirates. It was also the birthplace of Nojiko and Nami. Taiyo, curious about the history and ruins, decided to explore the island briefly. But from what he could observe, it had long since been abandoned by civilians. No humans lived there anymore—only a massive serpentine creature could be seen slithering in the far north of the island.
To scout more thoroughly, Taiyo released Huginn and Muninn into the skies while Van Augur took up his role as ground scout. After more than three hours, the group regrouped with a report: there was nothing of value left on the island, save for an abundance of wild fruit, which they collected to replenish their supplies.
With little else to gain from Oykot Kingdom, they raised the sails once more and let the wind guide them forward—toward the next chapter in their journey.
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As the days aboard the ship passed, Taiyo, Van Augur, Kuro, and Jango began to grow closer. Their bond deepened through shared meals, long conversations, and the rhythm of the sea. Jango, with his natural friendliness and goofiness, quickly became the morale booster of the crew. Often dancing to the music in his head, he kept spirits high and brought laughter even during quiet days on the open sea.
However, Kuro—ever the cautious strategist—soon identified a glaring flaw in their crew's composition. Despite Taiyo and Van Augur being formidable fighters, they lacked any real knowledge of navigation. Kuro, for all his intelligence, could offer only limited help in that area. He wasn't a navigator at heart.
"Taiyo, we need to recruit a navigator," Kuro said one evening as the two spoke privately in the captain's quarters. His tone was calm but firm—this wasn't just a suggestion; it was a concern.
"I know," Taiyo replied, nodding. "But fate hasn't brought us one yet. I believe we'll find one on the next island we reach."
"Fate?" Kuro raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Do you believe in that silly, made-up thing? That's what weak people use to shift blame from themselves when things go wrong."
Taiyo chuckled softly but didn't take offense. "It's fine if you're a non-believer. But I think one day, you'll change your mind."
Kuro rolled his eyes and looked around the room, his gaze landing on a treasure chest sitting quietly at the back. Curiosity got the better of him. When he opened it, his eyes widened in disbelief. Inside was a Devil Fruit—its swirling, unnatural patterns unmistakable. It was one of the rarest treasures in the world, worth up to 150 million berries—or even more if it was a particularly powerful one.
"Taiyo… what is this?" Kuro asked, stunned, still staring at the fruit.
"That," Taiyo said, standing up and walking to the door, "is your fate in your hands."
He left the room without another word.
Taiyo had no intention of eating any Devil Fruits himself, and in his mind, either Jango or Kuro could have them if destiny saw fit. But in the past few days, Jango—despite spending plenty of time in this very room—had never found the Devil Fruit hidden within. Yet Kuro, on his first visit, had discovered it effortlessly.
That was enough for Taiyo.
He believed Kuro was meant to find—and eat—the Nue Fruit.
And fate, as always, had already made its move.
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On the deck of the Marine warship, Taiyo and Van Augur stood side by side, the ocean breeze brushing through their hair as the sun began its slow descent into the horizon. The golden light reflected off the calm waters, creating a peaceful contrast to the conversation they were having.
Van Augur—quiet, calculating, and unwavering—was the closest thing Taiyo had to a best friend in this world. While Kuina and Zoro felt like cherished siblings to him, Van Augur was different. He was Taiyo's first true companion in this new world—his very own Zoro. And just like Taiyo felt this bond, he knew Van Augur did too.
Van Augur wasn't just loyal—he was devoted. The kind of man who would follow Taiyo to the ends of the earth, lay down his life without hesitation, and strike down anyone who dared to betray their captain. It was an unspoken connection, the sort of mutual respect seen in the best Captain and Vice-Captain duos.
Now, the two stood in silence before Van Augur broke it, his voice cutting through the wind.
"Are you sure it's wise to give a Devil Fruit that powerful to him?" Van Augur asked, his tone low but serious. His eyes never left Taiyo, though Taiyo himself was still gazing into the horizon.
"Maybe," Taiyo replied calmly, then turned to glance at his Vice-Captain with a knowing smile. "But even if I'm wrong, I can count on my Vice-Captain to right my mistake… isn't that right, Vice-Captain?"
Van Augur didn't smile. He didn't need to. His response was sharp and steady.
"You don't need to say it. If he ever raises a hand against you… My bullet will be the last thing he ever sees."
Taiyo let out a soft chuckle—not out of mockery, but pride. Pride in knowing he had earned a loyalty so fierce. In that moment, he believed that perhaps he had a bit of Luffy's magnetic charm—or even Blackbeard's ability to inspire absolute devotion. Whatever it was, Van Augur wasn't following him for power or fame.
He was following Taiyo.
And for Taiyo, that was more than enough.
After some time, the door to the captain's quarters creaked open, drawing both Taiyo and Van Augur's attention. Kuro stepped out slowly, his presence immediately commanding the air around him. There was a subtle shift—an invisible pressure, like the quiet before a storm. His movements were more fluid now, his posture more refined, his breath deeper. He hadn't said a word, but both Taiyo and Van Augur knew it: he had eaten the Devil Fruit.
The Zoan transformation had already begun working through him. His aura crackled faintly with newfound vitality. He didn't look physically different—not yet—but the difference in his energy was palpable. The quiet predator instinct now simmered just beneath the surface.
Van Augur's body tensed. His hand instinctively brushed the side of his rifle, his sharp eyes locked onto Kuro's every movement. He was in a state of caution. Zoan users, especially Mythical ones, often experienced surges of power that could reveal their hidden ambitions.
But before things could escalate, Taiyo stepped forward and gently patted Van Augur on the back—a silent command to stand down.
"He's not a threat," Taiyo said calmly, not looking away from Kuro. "Not to us."
Van Augur didn't answer, but slowly withdrew his hand from his rifle. His eyes, however, remained vigilant.
Taiyo, who was born with an exceptional Observation Haki, as well as being able to read memories and thoughts, was able to read Kuro completely. Kuro wasn't like Van Augur—he wasn't bound to him by fierce loyalty or brotherhood forged in shared battles. Not yet. But there was something else in Kuro's eyes now. Respect. Deep and unwavering. It wasn't born from debt or admiration for Taiyo's strength. No, it was something quieter, older. A recognition, perhaps, of something Kuro had been searching for, or maybe someone.
Taiyo didn't know exactly what had earned him that respect, but he welcomed it.
It was a good start.
Kuro stopped a few paces away from them, his expression as calm and unreadable as ever. But behind his glasses, those calculating eyes were alive with curiosity—and purpose.
"I won't ask for thanks," Kuro said smoothly. "Power is meant to be used. You offered me a key, and I've taken it. Let's see how far this crew can go."
Taiyo smiled faintly, the wind tugging at his coat.
"Then let's find out."