In the world, there exists a truly unique pirate crew. Its fame is known across the globe, and it stands utterly distinct from its peers. Undoubtedly the most robust pirate crew in the world, its supremacy is unquestioned, recognized universally without justification.
This crew is like a family, unlike any other pirate crew, which bands together merely as comrades in peril. Its members are genuinely bonded, rallying around a patriarchal figure, ready to wage a war that could sweep the world just for their kin.
This pirate crew is the Whitebeard Pirates, led by the legendary pirate of the previous era, Edward Newgate, the most muscular man in the world, commanding the mightiest crew in the Grand Line.
Today, the world's most muscular man and his sons leisurely sail across the seas.
"Thatch, you're heading to that damned place again today?" On the flagship Moby Dick of the Whitebeard Pirates, a young man with a unique hat, bare-chested and speckled face, is leaning over the ship's rail shouting down to a smaller boat below, his voice full of jest.
The man is Portgas D. Ace, former captain of the Spade Pirates and current second-division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates. After challenging the Whitebeard Pirates and failing, he and his crew were absorbed into Whitebeard's ranks. He was quickly subdued by the world's most muscular man, who he now willingly calls 'Pops', and became one of his sons.
"Yeah, what about it?" replies the group leader in the small boat, a middle-aged man with brown hair styled like a pompadour, wearing all white and sporting a sleazy smile.
"Are you going too, Ace? That makes sense," says Thatch, the fourth division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, winking and nudging towards Ace above, "Ace, you're at that age too, huh?"
"Hahaha, I'll pass!" Ace laughs, pressing down his hat with his right hand, "You guys have fun!"
"Come on, don't be shy, Captain Ace, join us!" laughs another pirate from behind Thatch, "It's an essential experience for a man!"
"Hey, hey, cut it out, idiots," Thatch chides his crew member but then loudly jokes, "Ace coming with us? He's still a..."
"Virgin!!!" Thatch yells so loudly it could be considered a scream.
Bursts of laughter erupt from the small boat.
"Thatch!!!" Orange flames soar into the sky.
"Oh, oh, Ace is angry!" Thatch laughs heartily, "Run, run, lads! Angry Ace is terrifying!"
"Whoa!" The small boat sets its sail and gradually moves away.
"Thatch, that guy!" Ace grumbles, leaning against the rail, looking slightly annoyed.
"The relationship between Captain Ace and Captain Thatch is perfect," notes a deep voice.
"Teach!" Ace looks at his subordinate and comments, "You didn't go with Thatch today!"
The cheery, seemingly harmless fat man replies, "Well, I lost all my money gambling with them last night!"
"Hahaha, that's so Thatch," laughs Ace, "I wonder why he dares to go again today, typical of him."
"Ha ha ha!" Teach joins in the laughter; his name is Marshall D. Teach.
"Enough already," says the pineapple-haired man with his arms crossed, looking somewhat helpless, "Pops, aren't you going to do something about Thatch? He's been like this five times this week already!"
"Ku la la la la!" The man with a crescent-shaped mustache lounging on a deck chair laughs, "What's wrong with a man of the sea chasing beautiful women!"
"The problem is," Marco seems drained, "Thatch doesn't think that way!"
...
"Ah, what a pleasure!" As the sun rises, painting the ocean red, it's the next day's morning. With a refreshed expression, Thatch is followed by his crew, who share similar looks of contentment.
They are on an extraordinary island that draws countless men from all corners of the world each day. The reason is the town on the island is known as the Street of Customs, a name that hints at its nature. Undoubtedly, this place is a paradise for men, home to the world's most famous pleasure district.
Since the Moby Dick arrived nearby, Thatch and his party, famous for this place, visited frequently every couple of days. "Hahaha, it's still the best here!" A pirate behind Thatch, glowing with satisfaction, speaks, "What a great place, Captain Thatch; when are we coming back?"
"When?" Thatch smiles and declares, "We won't be coming back here after this!"
"Eh?" "Why, Captain Thatch, why?"
"Why?" Thatch calmly explains, "It's fine to enjoy simply, but if it ensnares your heart, that's where the line must be drawn."
"Understood, Captain! We are, after all, the Whitebeard Pirates!"
"Ha ha ha, glad you understand! Now, let's head back, lads!" Thatch leads the way, laughing.
The group slowly makes their way to their small boat docked at the well-constructed port, facilitating easy access for visitors.
"Hey, Captain Thatch," says one of the pirates as they approach their boat. Not all recognize Thatch, especially without the Whitebeard Pirates' flag, "There's someone on the boat!"
"A person?" Thatch, surprised, moves forward to check, "What kind of person?"
"Severely injured!" Thatch frowns at the sight of the man lying on their boat, grievously wounded with a vicious gash across his stomach showing hints of his innards, covered in wounds, yet the man is conscious, his eyes glaring at Thatch like a lone wolf.
"Oh, he looks like a tough guy!" Thatch thinks to himself.