In the South Sea, a gentle breeze carried across the blue waters, accompanied by the soothing sound of a lyre.
Walking out of a space portal created by Luo Xiaohei, Venti, Huihui, and Kazuma Sato stood upon the sea's surface. Stroking his lyre, Venti glanced in the direction of the East Blue.
"As expected of Infinite. Since that's the case, let's quickly finish things here," Venti said with a faint smile. "After all, if the celebratory feast's wine is all gone by the time we return, I'll be devastated."
A breeze blew from the shore as Venti turned his gaze toward a nearby town and flew into the sky. Holding Huihui's hand, Kazuma watched Venti soar with uncharacteristic energy. Exchanging puzzled glances, both followed him upward.
"Venti, why are you so motivated this time? You're usually all about slacking off," Kazuma asked.
Venti chuckled lightly, looking over the vast ocean and land below. "Because the wind carries the scent of the distant horizon."
His tone turned serious as he added, "In a world claiming freedom on the open seas, I see no true freedom."
With a faint smile, Venti's face grew solemn. "This so-called freedom is nothing but a veil for endless greed. Pirates, in the name of freedom, destroy lives and oppress true liberty."
"Then," Venti declared, "I shall show them what freedom truly means."
Boom!
As Venti spoke, emerald winds converged from all directions. Closing his eyes, he gently plucked his lyre, the melody resonating through the winds. The gale swirled and danced to his tune, transforming into streams of air that spread across the land.
In a small town, the crackling of burning houses echoed through the air. Flames consumed buildings as pirates rampaged, their violent laughter mingling with the terrified screams of townsfolk.
The once-beloved town square, a gathering place for fond memories, was now filled with frightened villagers herded by the pirates. This plaza, where couples pledged eternal love and elders reminisced, was now a stage for destruction.
Amid the chaos, a gray-haired man stepped forward from the crowd. Suppressing his rage, the town's mayor, Gera, forced a smile as he addressed the pirate captain holding a decapitated Navy officer's head.
"Great sir," Gera said obsequiously, bowing low. "Your strength and that of your crew are truly awe-inspiring. I deeply regret this Navy fool's futile resistance against you."
Groveling on his knees, Gera added, "The townsfolk are all gathered here. Whatever you need, we will gladly provide, as long as you spare our lives. And when you return in the future, we will prepare offerings for you."
"To show my sincerity," Gera continued, "allow me to punish this foolish Navy officer myself." He gestured toward the unconscious sergeant at the pirate's feet.
"Oh?" The pirate captain, Sator, tossed the barely conscious officer toward Gera. "As a pirate with a bounty of 120 million, I'll grant you this opportunity."
"Thank you, great sir!" Gera exclaimed, groveling further. Leaping up, he viciously kicked the sergeant, shouting, "How dare you defy the great one! You deserve this!"
With a final kick, he sent the sergeant sprawling into the crowd. Turning back, he bowed deeply. "Great sir, as you can see, I've dealt with him. Please let us know your desires."
"Not bad," Sator said, grinning as he silenced his laughing crew with a wave. "Initially, I planned to slaughter everyone here like in the last town, but your obedience has changed my mind."
Lowering his gaze, Sator continued, "Hand over all your women for my men and 20 million berries. Then, let 30 women board our ship. Do this, and I'll spare your town."
Gera's face twisted as he tried to suppress his despair. "Great sir, our women are too plain to be worthy of you and your men. Instead, we can offer you 30 million berries if you leave us in peace."
Sator's eyes narrowed in irritation. Standing abruptly, he kicked Gera, sending him flying. "Ungrateful wretch! My terms are final: 20 million berries, your women for my men, and 30 more to join us on the ship!"
"Mayor!" The villagers rushed to Gera's side, helping him up. Blood streaming down his face, he whispered urgently to a young man beside him, "Have the children and the sergeant escaped through the secret tunnel?"
"Yes," the young man replied, his gaze filled with hatred as he glanced at the pirates. "They've made it out, and the tunnel is sealed."
"Good," Gera said, straightening with difficulty. "Then let's destroy the tunnel and fight. Even if we die, we'll take some of them with us."
He glanced back at the fountain surrounded by anxious villagers and smiled faintly. "It's fortunate we built that tunnel when we were just a small village. Though narrow, it's enough for the children and that brave sergeant to escape."
Turning toward the laughing pirates, Gera said grimly, "Notify everyone. I'll distract the leader. When I signal, attack together. Let's make them pay in blood!"