Sabaody Archipelago, Area 17.
A three-masted sailboat, displaying a pirate flag, docked at the island's edge.
The ship's hull was painted in pink, and pirates disembarked in small groups, moving at a leisurely pace. The leader, surprisingly, was a robust and powerful... girl?
"Carmena, how about we head to Area 30 first? I heard there's a renowned shopping street from the Grand Line. I can get you some clothes so they won't be too snug."
After disembarking from the boat, the feminine-looking man winked at Carmena beside him and said,
"No, I better go purchase some supplies. The food on the ship is nearly depleted, Salparov! You guys can come along to buy some things with me."
Carmena politely declined the proposal from the feminine-looking man and then issued instructions to the several pirates trailing behind.
"Yes! Sister Carmena!" ×5
Several pirates responded quickly.
"Hey! You all need to protect my precious vice-captain!"
Observing this, the feminine-looking man had no choice but to relinquish the idea. She adopted a serious expression and provided instructions to several pirates before heading directly to Area 24.
They had devised a strategy before arriving at Sabaody. Area 24 is the location of Sabaody's renowned restaurant, an essential destination for Urasova, who is resolute about relishing delectable cuisines from around the world!
The Gluttonous woman Urasova! Her bounty stands at 120 million Berries!
...
Area 21 of the Sabaody Archipelago.
There was no dance rock music as people imagined, and there were no cheering and screaming crowds.
Contrary to people's expectations, there was no dance rock music, and there were no exuberant cheers and screaming crowds.
In the center of the bar, a man with waist-length, disheveled hair and ragged attire sat at the bar, absorbed in his own thoughts. His entire demeanor unmistakably revealed his identity as a pirate.
Behind him were onlookers at a distance. The entire bar was unusually hushed, with everyone's gaze drawn to the composed man.
"Gehrman! The bounty is 220 million Berries, making him the highest among the Pirate Supernovas!"
In the crowd, a man nervously plucked Gehrman's wanted poster from a stack of bounty orders, his voice tinged with disbelief.
"These pirates actually dare to come to Sabaody Archipelago, where the Marine Vice Admiral is stationed!"
"Hey! Whether you like it or not, this is the only path to enter the New World."
"Pirates are indeed a bunch of life-risking lunatics..."
Little did they expect that not long after Atlas had restored calm to Sabaody Archipelago, this group of troublesome pirates would once again disrupt the island's tranquility.
"Vice Admiral? Perfect timing, it's been a while since my bounty got an update..."
Gehrman, seated silently at the bar, absorbed every word of the ongoing discussions. He downed the potent wine in his glass in a single gulp, his eyes revealing an enigmatic meaning.
I have never met such opponent...
...
"Are you Matt Glennon? The bounty is 100 million Berries!"
In a vast expanse, devoid of trees and with minimal signs of human activity, a man with curly hair, adorned in a Marine uniform and a massive sword strapped to his waist, unmistakably labeled as a sergeant, stands prominently.
Next to them stood Marines brandishing guns and swords. Every one of them clutched their weapons firmly, exuding a subtle air of tension.
The pirate before us is this year's supernova! A pirate whose bounty surpasses 100 million berries.
"Swordsman?"
Glennon's expression turned cold as he shifted his gaze slightly to the broadsword on Kyros' waist.
"Captain! What if we withdraw for now? It's wiser not to clash with the Marines at the moment. Let's stir up trouble after we coat the ship."
The tall man behind Glennon earnestly warned him.
The man's name is Eric, one of the scarce members of the Swordsman Pirates. He sports numerous hats. The journey to Sabaody Archipelago was fraught with challenges. How could he end up with someone who seems to only know how to search for people all day long? Where's the foolish captain who dared to challenge me?
Unfortunately, they had initially chosen such a secluded corner to moor the pirate ship, but unexpectedly crossed paths with the patrolling Kyros, resulting in the initial confrontation.
"No, wait until I defeat this Marine!"
Faced with Eric's admonition, Glennon remained steadfast, fixing his gaze on Kyros before him. He didn't underestimate Kyros due to his military rank. As a swordsman, he could easily sense the formidable sword aura emanating from Kyros.
Thick! Sharp!
"Alright, seriously, who made us deal with such a stubborn captain like you..."
After hearing Glennon's response, Eric had no choice but to draw his weapon and confront the Marine in front of him. The atmosphere remained tense for a while.
"Soru!"
Kyros took the lead in launching an attack. He drew his broadsword while advancing at high speed, and veins popped out on his arm due to the excessive force.
"Very good!"
Glennon shouted, and the Western sword on his waist was swiftly unsheathed, a cold gleam suddenly illuminating the scene.
Clang, clang, clang!
There was a flurry of swords and shadows, accompanied by the haunting sound of metal and iron. Two towering figures were entangled in a wild dance, and clusters of sparks erupted from the clash of their blades.
"Let's go!"
Eric, who stood behind, saw that his captain was already engaged in combat. He swiftly called on his companions, urging them to charge toward the Marines.
...
"Altluk, it seems we're fated to be enemies on this narrow path. I didn't expect to encounter someone like you here."
Sanchez glared fiercely at Altluk across from him and couldn't help but touch the massive wound that ran through his entire face, feeling a dull ache in his heart.
"What? Wasn't the lesson I gave you last time sufficient?"
Altluk declared as he raised the weapon in his hand. The design was peculiar, resembling an axe, but it was about one-third larger than a typical axe. At the end, there was a drill, and a short spear protruded from the axe, creating a thick and formidable sound.
Altluk is a Paramecia Speed-Speed Fruit user, a variant of the More-More Fruit. It enhances his attack speed and movement speed. The extent of his speed depends on how well he has developed his abilities.
The scar on Sanchez's face was inflicted by Altluk. The axe nearly cleaved his head in half. If he hadn't been a Zoan Horse-Horse fruit user, relying on Zoan's robust vitality to endure, he might have become a lifeless corpse at that moment.
"Hmph! I'll let you off this time, but I'll settle the score with you in the New World!"
Altluk appeared to be contemplating the dire outcome of their previous battle. He hesitated for a moment, but unwilling to lose face, he uttered harsh words and reluctantly executed a tactical retreat in despair.
...
Marine Base, Commander's Office.
"What a troublesome situation! It appears that everyone has gathered here."
Atlas, feeling bored, repeatedly employed Observation Haki to scan the entire Sabaody Archipelago.
The pirates' arrival naturally went undetected by his senses, and they seemed to be setting a trap, ready to seize the advantage when the opportunity presented itself.
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