Two notorious space pirates were known for stealing anything they could get their hands on, from gems and art to weapons and ships. They were wanted in every planet and system, but they always managed to escape. One day, they heard rumors about a planet where there was no law enforcement or any kind of authority. They thought it was too good to be true, but they decided to check it out anyway.

They gathered information about the planet and learned that there were no doors, locks, or security systems on the planet. Everything was open and accessible to everyone. People could take whatever they wanted from stores and markets, as long as they paid the respective prices at the counter. The thieves couldn’t believe their luck. They thought they had found paradise.

They quickly made their way to the planet and started their spree. They stole everything they could, from clothes and gadgets to food and drinks. They didn’t care about the prices or the consequences. They just wanted to have fun and enjoy themselves. No one seemed to notice or care about their actions. The thieves felt like they were invisible and invincible.

They celebrated their massive heist in a luxurious hotel, where they booked the most expensive suite. They drank champagne, ate caviar, and watched holovids. They laughed and joked about how easy it was to rob the planet. They decided to leave the next day, before anyone could catch them.

“Someone is always watching” — Shinsuke Kita (Haikyuu)

The next morning, as they were packing their bags and getting ready to board their ship, they were shocked by a loud noise. They looked out of the window and saw dozens of interplanetary police ships surrounding them. They heard a voice on the speaker saying: “You are under arrest for theft, fraud, and trespassing. Surrender now or we will use force.”

The thieves were stunned. How did the police find them? How did they know what they had done? They had been so careful and discreet. They had left no traces or clues behind. They had been so smart and clever. What went wrong?

They soon found out the answer. It turned out that the planet they had robbed was the home of telepaths and mind readers. The people there could sense their thoughts and intentions, even if they didn’t say or do anything. They knew exactly what the thieves were up to, but they didn’t stop them or confront them. Instead, they contacted the interplanetary police and informed them of their crimes. They let them have their fun for a while, but then they made sure they got what they deserved.

The thieves were arrested and taken away by the police. They faced a short trial and a harsh sentence. They regretted ever coming to that planet. Thus, their grand heist of the Two ended in confinement, as they discovered that the power of a connected society surpassed physical locks. The moral echoed clearly: in realms where minds are intertwined as One, secrets were mere illusions. The lesson learned; their tale concluded as a testament to the unspoken ties that bind us all.

(Note: I remember reading this story but don’t know where and when, what you have read is just an alt version. If anyone could hunt the source, lmk ;P)

“The Universe is the All, and you are the One. All’s existence and ability to move forward is dependent on this law. The universe is might infinite, but little things like structures, planets, people and animals are what keeps it going: If you die, the world continues on, you will decompose, become nutrients for plants, herbivores eat those plants, and carnivores eat the herbivores, they die, and life starts over. The Universe always moves forward, a constant cycle. It is the one thing that binds All together… That it is alchemy itself…One is All, All is one.”

— FMA Brotherhood**

Brotherhood is fellowship, an alliance, a feeling of friendship and understanding between one another. It’s the bonding of people who come from all walks of life and have different opinions but share the same passion. We don’t always agree with every other, but we always have each other’s back. They pick us through rough times, help us with our grades in classes they are good at, be our wingmen, and support our dumb jokes at parties.

Brotherhood is not something that is forged/trained over time. One can find themselves deeply connected to a stranger than someone they have known for years. It’s not just a word and there is no one definition, It’s a way of life. It is not something bound by borders, it cannot be forced, and you don’t have to submit to it. After all, there are always people who celebrate mediocrity in the names of tradition, kinship, and of course, brotherhood. As long as we stick to our own convictions, we are bound to collide with the rest. Nakama. Hope.

***“What does teamwork really mean, is it just about protecting and rescuing each other? There are people who believe that. But to me, that just sounds like kids playing around. Everyone should do what they can with their lives on the line, and then say to the next guy: ‘I did what I could. Now it’s your turn. If you don’t finish it, I’ll come kick your a$$!’ Isn’t that how teamwork should work?”* **

— Roronoa Zoro (One Piece)