Egghead Island, New World. On the jagged coastline, a colossal mechanical shark lay motionless, its gaping maw frozen in a silent roar. From the darkness of its metallic throat emerged a small figure—a pink-haired girl, her clothes drenched and clinging to her as she stumbled onto the shore.
She steadied herself with a shaky breath, shaking seawater from her hair before tilting her head to gaze up at the paralyzed behemoth. Her voice was soft, almost disbelieving. "What just happened? Still... I guess I'm lucky to be alive." As she spoke, her body began to shift and change, as though time itself had accelerated around her.
Her flat chest swelled into fullness, her stubby legs lengthened into shapely perfection, and her youthful face matured into striking allure. Her clothes strained against her new curves—her short-sleeved shirt riding up into a crop top, her striped shorts tightening into hot pants that accentuated her hips. In moments, the child was gone, replaced by a woman in her twenties, radiating confidence and charm.
This was Jewelry Bonney, wielder of the Age-Age Fruit. Though her body now appeared mature, she was still only ten years old. Known as a Super Rookie among pirates, her bounty stood at a staggering 140 million Berries, earning her the nickname "Big Eater." Her escape from the mechanical shark's jaws had been a desperate gamble. Moments before, the beast had torn apart her ship and crew, leaving her no choice but to shrink herself and hide within its mouth to survive.
The shark, having destroyed her vessel, had plunged into the depths, continuing its programmed patrol of the island. For Bonney, a Devil Fruit user, falling into the sea would have meant certain death. Trapped inside the metallic predator, she had waited, hoping for a chance to escape. Then, without warning, two violent impacts rocked the shark from outside.
The first strike caused its internal systems to short-circuit, sparks and thick smoke erupting from its mechanical core. Panicked, Bonney rushed out of the wreckage, her heart pounding. As she steadied herself on the shore, a gnawing hunger gripped her. She pressed a hand to her flat stomach, her tone laced with frustration. "Ugh, I'm starving! I need food, now!"
A smooth, mocking voice cut through the air behind her. "Hehe! Miss Jewelry Bonney, the Super Rookie with a 140 million Berry bounty... Hungry, are you? Why not come with me? My basement—no, our Marine prison—can provide a meal."
Bonney's heart skipped a beat. She spun around, her eyes narrowing as she took in the figure before her. A young man stood there, draped in a Marine Admiral's cloak, silver hair cascading over his shoulders. His face was strikingly handsome, almost unnervingly so. Carl D. Sephiroth.
Recognition hit her like a tidal wave. Her body tensed, her pupils shrinking to pinpoints. Sephiroth's reputation preceded him—his exploits during the Marineford War had been broadcast far and wide. To pirates, he was a nightmare, a butcher even more feared than Akainu. Bonney didn't pause to think. Survival instinct took over.
At such a close distance, the first thought that appeared in her mind was to strike before he could react. She raised her right hand sharply, aiming for his chest. "Aging Shock!" she cried, activating her Devil Fruit power to age him instantly. But in the next moment—Clang!
Bonney felt a sudden grip on her right hand, the force jerking her body sideways. She stumbled, nearly falling as a wave of weakness washed over her. Her body shrank rapidly, deflating back into the form of a petite pink-haired girl. Her eyes widened in shock.
She glanced down at her wrist, where a shackle had somehow appeared. "Damn it! Sea stone shackles?!" she exclaimed.
Sephiroth chuckled, squatting down to fasten the other end of the shackle to her left wrist. His fingers brushed her cheek in a teasing pinch. "Hehehe! Little sister, Big Brother's not in the mood for games right now. Behave yourself, or I'll make you cry."
Bonney gritted her teeth, thrashing wildly. "You bastard Marine! Let me go!" Her fists and feet flailed, but Sephiroth effortlessly dodged her strikes.
With a smirk, he grabbed the back of her collar and hoisted her into the air. Bonney dangled like a scruffed kitten, her limbs flailing uselessly. She glared at him, her frustration palpable.
Her stomach growled loudly, interrupting the standoff. The hunger drained her energy, and she slumped slightly, hands clutching her stomach with a pitiful expression.
Sephiroth flicked her forehead, making her wince. "Had enough of your tantrum?" he teased. "If you behave, maybe Big Brother will treat you to something tasty."
Bonney curled her lip, her pride clashing with her hunger. Despite her disdain, her stomach won the argument. "Fine," she muttered. "I'm hungry. I want meat."
Sephiroth chuckled, still holding her by the collar as he carried her toward the interior of Egghead Island. Bonney squirmed in his grip. "Can't you put me down? I can walk on my own."
"Nope," he replied cheerfully. "This island's too dangerous. I'd hate for something to eat you again."
Bonney rolled her eyes but couldn't help glancing at the rank insignia on his shoulder. Curiosity got the better of her. "Why is an Admiral like you here, anyway?"
"I came to talk to Vegapunk about some things," he answered casually.
Hearing this, Bonney's eyes immediately lit up, and she temporarily abandoned her plan to escape at the first opportunity. If what Sephiroth said was true, then she wouldn't have to bother trying to find Vegapunk to settle the score herself; she could just have him take her directly...