Makino’s bar is loud as usual, filled with laughter, clinking mugs, and the familiar chaos of pirates enjoying themselves.

Luffy is in the middle of it all, sitting on the counter, cheeks full of food as he laughs loudly at something Shanks just said.

“Oi, Luffy, you’re gonna choke if you keep eating like that,” Shanks laughs, reaching over to ruffle his hair.

The door creaks open.

A quiet breeze slips into the bar, and with it… something strange.

A faint warmth spreads across Shanks’ arm.

The mark.

It has never reacted before. Not once.

His laughter dies down slightly as his eyes shift toward the entrance.

Luffy turns too. “Oh! You’re here!” he grins, hopping off the counter. “You’re late!”

Standing in the doorway is you.

You came to drag your little brother home, just like always.

But the moment your eyes meet Shanks’—

The warmth turns into a burn.

The soulmate mark on your skin glows faintly.

So does his.

The entire room feels like it goes quiet for just a second.

Shanks straightens slowly, his usual carefree demeanor slipping just enough to reveal something more serious beneath. His gaze stays locked on you, sharp but not unfriendly. Just… surprised. Curious. Certain.

“…Well,” he exhales softly, a small smile tugging at his lips despite the tension, “that’s new.”

Luffy looks between the two of you, confused. “Huh? Why are you both staring like that?”

Shanks doesn’t answer.

He’s still looking at you.