The Stormbreaker docked quietly at Kraken's Cove under the cover of night. Lantern light from the nearby jungle cast eerie shadows across the crescent-shaped bay. Yuri stood at the railing, scanning the cliffs surrounding the island. The air carried an unnatural stillness, broken only by the soft rustling of leaves.
"Feels like walking into a graveyard," Yuri muttered. His fingers lightly drummed against the wood of the ship.
Cora joined him, her cutlass gleaming under the moonlight. "You're not wrong. This place hasn't been the same since Ironfang started prowling these waters. People are scared to even leave their homes."
"Then it's a perfect place for us to gather information," Yuri said, turning away from the view. "The less noise we make, the better."
Cora smirked. "You don't seem like the quiet type."
Yuri shrugged, a faint grin on his lips. "Only when it counts."
---
The crew made their way into the jungle, following a narrow dirt path that wound its way toward the island's heart. Towering trees formed a dense canopy, their branches intertwined so tightly that even the moon's light struggled to break through. The air was thick with the scent of earth and salt, and every step was accompanied by the crunch of leaves underfoot.
As they walked, Yuri's senses remained sharp. His Observation Haki pulsed outward like an invisible radar, scanning for any signs of danger. He could feel faint presences scattered throughout the jungle, though none seemed hostile—yet.
"This place gives me the creeps," muttered Cal, the ship's navigator. "Feels like we're being watched."
"You're not wrong," Yuri replied, his voice low. "Keep moving."
---
The path led them to a small village hidden deep within the jungle. The houses were built from rough wood and thatch, their walls worn and patched from years of neglect. Dim candlelight flickered through cracks in the shutters, and shadows moved behind closed doors. It was a village alive, yet paralyzed by fear.
The group was met with wary eyes as they entered. Villagers peered out from behind curtains, their faces pale and drawn. A few brave souls stood in the square, their hands resting on crude weapons—pitchforks, machetes, and broken swords. They tensed at the sight of Yuri and his crew.
"We're not here to fight," Yuri called out, raising his hands in a gesture of peace. "We're looking for information about Ironfang."
The villagers exchanged uncertain glances before an older man stepped forward. His face was weathered and his back slightly hunched, but his eyes were sharp. "You're fools if you think you can take on Ironfang," he said, his voice rough. "His crew would slaughter you before you even got close."
"We're not fools," Cora replied. "We've handled worse."
The man snorted. "That's what the last group said. You want to know where they are now? At the bottom of the sea."
Yuri stepped closer, his gaze steady. "We're not them. But if Ironfang's got this much control over the Grand Line's entrance, then it's only a matter of time before he finds us. We can fight now, or we can run forever."
The old man studied Yuri for a long moment. Finally, he sighed. "You've got spirit, I'll give you that. Come inside."
---
Inside a modest hut, the man introduced himself as Jonas, a former sailor who had settled on Kraken's Cove years ago. He explained how Ironfang's reign of terror began.
"He's not just a brute," Jonas said, pouring a cup of tea for himself. "He's smart. He doesn't just plunder ships—he takes over entire islands, forcing them to pay tribute. Those who refuse are left with nothing but ashes."
"Does he have a weakness?" Yuri asked.
Jonas shook his head. "Not that anyone's found. His ship, the *Bloodfang*, is nearly impossible to track. It's fast, well-armed, and he knows these waters better than anyone."
"What about his crew?" Cora asked. "If we can't find the ship, maybe we can start with them."
Jonas hesitated. "There's a rumor...a group of his men uses this island as a hideout. They're not here often, but when they are, they leave a trail of misery behind them."
Yuri leaned forward. "Where?"
"An abandoned fort on the northern cliffs," Jonas said. "But be careful. If you go after them and fail, it'll bring Ironfang down on all of us."
Yuri's expression hardened. "We'll handle it."
---
The crew set out before dawn, guided by Jonas's directions. The jungle grew denser as they approached the cliffs, the path narrowing until it was barely a trail. Yuri led the way, his Observation Haki on high alert. He could sense the presences growing stronger—several individuals, their movements deliberate and slow.
When they reached the fort, Yuri signaled for the crew to halt. The structure was little more than a crumbling stone tower surrounded by overgrown foliage. Yet it was clear that people were inside. Faint voices carried on the wind, punctuated by the clink of metal.
"Five of them," Yuri said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Armed, but not expecting company."
Cora smirked. "Good. Let's make this quick."
Yuri nodded and stepped forward, his fists already glowing with the faint sheen of Armament Haki. With a burst of speed, he closed the distance to the fort's entrance, catching the first guard off guard. A single punch sent the man flying into the wall, unconscious before he hit the ground.
The remaining four pirates scrambled to react, but they were no match for Yuri and the crew. Cora's blade flashed in the dim light, cutting down one opponent while Yuri dispatched another with a precise kick. The remaining two tried to flee, but Kael, the crew's newly recruited swordsman, intercepted them with ease.
In minutes, the fort was silent.
---
The crew searched the hideout, finding maps, supplies, and a stash of stolen treasure. Most importantly, they discovered a ledger detailing Ironfang's operations—routes, hideouts, and the islands under his control.
"This is it," Yuri said, holding up the ledger. "This is how we find him."
Cora nodded, her expression grim. "We've got what we came for. Let's get back to the ship before someone notices."
---
Back at the *Stormbreaker*, the crew poured over the information they had gathered. The ledger indicated that Ironfang's ship frequented a small archipelago not far from Kraken's Cove.
"It's a trap," Kael said bluntly. "He's bound to have defenses in place."
Yuri leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing in thought. "Then we'll spring it on our terms. We've got the element of surprise now. Let's not waste it."
Cora looked at him, her expression a mix of curiosity and admiration. "You're really set on this, aren't you?"
Yuri met her gaze. "Ironfang's a monster, and he's hurting people who can't fight back. If we don't stop him, who will?"
Cora smirked, standing up and drawing her cutlass. "Fine. Let's take him down."
The crew cheered, their spirits high despite the danger ahead. As the *Stormbreaker* prepared to set sail once more, Yuri felt a sense of resolve settle over him. The Grand Line had thrown its first challenge his way, and he was ready to meet it head-on.