Chapter 4: A Name on the Winds of Sabaody
The golden afternoon sun cast a warm glow over Grove 13, where the scent of salt, grilled seafood, and freshly cut wood blended into the air. Life here moved at a steady rhythm, with merchants calling out their wares, travelers exchanging news, and shipwrights discussing repairs in low voices.
Ash walked through the streets at an unhurried pace, blending in with the crowd. Though he kept to himself, whispers followed him wherever he went.
"That's the guy from the bar, right?"
"Yeah… the one who took down that bastard Kradis in one move."
A nearby vendor scoffed. "You mean Dregg. Kradis is still alive, I saw him just yesterday."
"Ah… right. Dregg, then. Either way, that storyteller ain't normal."
Ash smirked slightly but didn't react. He had expected rumors to spread after what happened at Shakky's bar. People always exaggerated stories, and he had no intention of correcting them.
For now, he wasn't interested in conflict. He had come to Sabaody for his own reasons—to understand this world, its timeline, and where he fit in. Until he was certain of his path, there was no need to draw unnecessary attention.
---
Exploring Grove 13
The market was lively, filled with colorful stalls and the chatter of vendors trying to outdo each other. Ash stopped by a small wooden cart covered in bright fabrics, where a merchant with a long gray beard was selling smoked fish and dried meats.
"You've got a good eye," the vendor said, noticing Ash's gaze. "This here is deep-sea smoked shark. Best you'll ever taste!" He tore off a small piece and offered it.
Ash took a bite, nodding in approval. "Not bad. How much?"
"500 berries a piece. Since you look like a man with good taste, I'll throw in some dried clams."
Without hesitation, Ash handed over the money and received a small bundle wrapped in waxed paper. He willed it into his storage space, causing it to disappear instantly. The vendor blinked in confusion before shaking his head.
"Huh… must be seeing things."
Further down, Ash stopped at a blacksmith's stall, where a burly man was polishing weapons. A particular dagger caught his eye—a curved blade with intricate engravings on the hilt.
"That one's from Water 7," the blacksmith grunted. "Seastone alloy. You wouldn't happen to be a Devil Fruit user, would ya?"
Ash smirked but didn't answer. "How much?"
"15,000 berries. But for a swordsman like you, I'll make it 12,000."
Ash handed over the money, and as soon as the dagger touched his palm, he stored it away. The blacksmith's brows furrowed, but he didn't question it.
---
A Sudden Delivery – The Newspaper
Just as he was about to leave the market, a shadow flickered above him. A seagull swooped down, dropping a newspaper at his feet. Ash glanced up as the bird let out a loud squawk, waiting for payment.
With a quiet chuckle, he flipped a coin into the air. The seagull caught it in its beak before flying off.
He unfolded the newspaper and began reading.
"A Wandering Storyteller Killed a 30 Million Bounty Pirate with a Single Gesture of His Hands!"
The article detailed the death of Dregg, describing how a mysterious storyteller had defeated him with an effortless motion.
"With nothing but a flick of his fingers, he erased the life of a fearsome pirate. Who is this man? A warrior? A legend in the making? Only time will tell."
Ash frowned slightly. The details were exaggerated. Sure, he had taken down Dregg easily, but the way the newspaper painted it made it sound like some divine execution.
More importantly, there was no bounty attached to his name. That was a relief. The last thing he needed was Marine Headquarters setting their sights on him too soon.
Still, this meant that powerful figures would begin taking notice.
With a quiet sigh, Ash folded the newspaper and tucked it away.
"It seems I won't be able to stay low for long."
---
Meanwhile – Marine Branch GR 66
Inside a dimly lit office, the scent of ink and parchment filled the air. A single lamp flickered on a wooden desk, illuminating stacks of reports and an unfolded newspaper.
A man sat behind the desk, his sharp eyes scanning the article before him. The paper crinkled slightly as his fingers traced the bold letters spelling out Ash's name.
He leaned back in his chair, exhaling slowly.
"So… he's finally surfaced."
His voice was quiet, but the weight behind his words was unmistakable.
Outside, the Marine base of Grove 66 stood tall, its banners swaying in the evening breeze.
The man known as The Benevolent King of the Waves placed the newspaper down, his expression unreadable.
He had been expecting this day to come.
Now, all that remained was to see what kind of path Ash would carve out next.
---
Ash's Next Steps
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Ash wandered to a secluded spot by the shore. The waves lapped against the roots of the mangrove trees, their rhythmic motion steady and calm.
He sat down on a fallen log, pulling out the newspaper once more.
He had no desire for fame or fortune. But it seemed that this world was already setting him on a path, whether he wanted it or not.
For now, he would stay in Sabaody a little longer, observing, learning, and growing.
Because the next time his name appeared in the news… it wouldn't just be as a wandering storyteller.
It would be as someone who truly left a mark on history.
[PS/: I didn't know name of the captain of GR 66 but all I know is that he was titled as Benelovent King of the Waves in the novel. This was before 1520 so I'll put him instead of Sentomaru]