"Then... let's take this island."
Orin's words were calm, as if he were just talking about having a meal or a drink of water. But to the townspeople, it felt surreal.
They looked at the boy they had watched grow up, now a man capable of determining the fate of an entire nation. The emotion was overwhelming, and many felt a chill down their spines.
Some of the girls who had grown up with Orin, now looking at the tall, handsome, and powerful man he had become, whispered among themselves with fluttering hearts.
"You know... I always thought Orin was super handsome when we were kids~"
"Hmm? Yuri, did you forget the time you gave Orin a handkerchief and he used it as toilet paper because he ran out of tissue?"
"..."
The townsfolk chatted excitedly, but Old Keek furrowed his brows, speaking up with concern:
"You do understand, don't you, brat? The king of this country has ties with the World Government!"
"You're still young, you don't know... The World Government has terrifying depths. Even someone as strong as Captain Rocks... 800 years of foundation—it's a behemoth! Orin, listen to me, don't act rashly..."
Orin smiled as he watched Old Keek ramble, clearly worried he might do something reckless.
"Relax, old man."
"The World Government is powerful, yes... but I'm not stupid enough to face them head-on. As long as I want to leave, there's nowhere in this world that can hold me."
"Besides, the World Government owes me a favor. A tiny country in the New World? I doubt they'll care."
Old Keek was stunned by Orin's words.
The World Government owes him a favor?
Sure, he knew Orin was strong now, but how strong exactly? He didn't really know.
Maybe as strong as the former captains?
"Well... you'll see tomorrow. It's getting late, time to rest." Orin shrugged.
Although the townspeople were excited and curious, they were sensible enough to disperse.
Old Keek led Orin and Mihawk toward his home.
On the way, Old Keek sneaked glances at the cold, sharp young man with a massive sword strapped to his back.
He couldn't help but tap Orin's leg and whisper,
"Is that one of your crewmates?"
"Crewmate?"
Orin paused, scratching his chin.
"Not exactly. I haven't officially announced the formation of a pirate crew yet. He's more like a companion."
"Oh, and he's a great swordsman too."
"Oh!!! I get it! Just like Captain Shiki, huh?!"
Hearing that, Old Keek's lingering doubts disappeared. He had been worried Mihawk was some weird fetish of Orin's—he looked too delicate and clean.
But someone who could unleash such sword aura couldn't be a fake.
Thankfully, not some weird grandson-in-law...
If he's like Captain Shiki, then being Orin's vice-captain is acceptable.
Old Keek, a longtime "Orin fanboy," had always thought highly of him—practically viewing him as the next Rocks.
When he'd seen the note saying Orin had been taken away by Roger, he'd nearly died from anger.
Since then, he'd developed the same habit as Orin—constantly reading the newspaper to follow the Roger Pirates' movements.
Hoping to catch even the tiniest mention of Orin in reports or bounties.
He couldn't describe the joy he felt two years ago when Roger was captured—he thought Orin would finally come home. But then... nothing. No news for two full years.
That's why he always said Orin had "forgotten his roots!"
"Brat, how long are you staying this time?" Old Keek asked, hunching slightly, hands behind his back, shooting Orin a sideways glance.
He tried to act casual, but his fingers clenched tightly behind him.
"Hmm... maybe a few months. I still have things to do."
"I see... Busy, huh? That's good, stay busy..." Old Keek nodded in understanding.
He hadn't expected Orin to stay long—someone of his caliber belonged out there on the seas.
What he didn't know...
Was that Orin's version of "busy" had nothing to do with turf wars or building crews.
Aside from fighting the Marines, Orin didn't do any of the "proper" pirate things.
...
The next morning—
Old Keek appeared energized, dressed in the combat gear he used to wear as a fighter. It was a bit oversized now.
In his room, Orin used Observation Haki to watch the scene and held back laughter.
After changing instantly, Orin appeared in the yard.
"It's not even a big deal, why dress up so formally?"
"Brat! This is my first battle since retirement!!!"
"Suit yourself. It'll be over in a flash anyway." Orin shrugged and headed toward the kitchen, where Mihawk had already prepared breakfast.
Outside the courtyard, many townspeople had gathered.
Old Keek opened the door with pride.
The humble residents knew exactly what they were about to do, and couldn't help but worry:
"Are you sure this is okay? Old Mayor, that's the Kingdom's army and the World Government you're talking about!"
"Hahaha, don't worry..."
Old Keek grinned proudly.
"Orin... he's insanely strong!!!"
...
"Still no word?"
Inside the opulent royal palace, the aristocrats and ministers whispered among themselves.
On the high throne sat a young man wearing a crown, questioning his guard.
"No news at all. Count Huko hasn't responded since his mission last night!"
"Useless!!!"
The king scowled and shouted,
"The World Government envoys will be here any moment, and we still haven't gathered the Heavenly Tribute as promised..."
"If it comes to it, we'll have to squeeze more from the residents around the capital..."
"Report!!!"
A panicked voice rang out from outside the palace.
"Enemy attack!!!"
"Nani?!?"
The young king sprang to his feet and descended from the throne, facing the soldier.
"What did you just say?!"
But before the soldier could even speak, his eyes went wide, mouth opening and closing but no words came out.
"Hmm?"
Following the soldier's frozen, terrified gaze, the king turned around—and froze.
There, lounging on his throne with crossed legs, was a figure clad in black.
One hand propped up his head, the other formed a finger gun aimed at the king.
With a smirk, he spoke one word:
"Bang—"
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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