The warship eased into the port, its deck buzzing with urgency.
Every Marine was gearing up for battle. The Straw Hats had earned their wariness after their last encounter. Only Garp and Bogard had faced them directly, engaging in a fight that, against all odds, ended with the pirates slipping away. The crew had vanished once, an unthinkable outcome that now fueled a palpable tension among the Marines.
No one had anticipated such intensity in the East Blue. The Navy, hailing from the Grand Line's headquarters, had underestimated these waters. They'd assumed no challenge could arise here. But the air had shifted dramatically since their arrival. Every face was taut with nerves, the usual chatter replaced by a heavy silence.
A pirate crew that escaped Vice Admiral Garp's grasp? Unheard of, unless they were on par with the Pirate King himself. Could such a crew exist? Fear mingled with the weighty atmosphere on the ship. If possible, they'd rather avoid a fight.
But Garp was resolute. His mission was clear: bring Luffy home and capture the pirates he'd let slip before. Defeat wasn't an option; his resolve had only hardened since their last clash.
"We'll reach the island shortly… Are you sure about this?" Bogard asked.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Garp replied gruffly.
"Taking on those two lackeys is one thing, but this goes beyond our original orders. It's excessive. We should avoid unnecessary combat and return to headquarters promptly."
"Hmph. A Marine letting pirates go free?" Garp shot back.
"You, of all people, say that?" Bogard countered, his tone sharp. "The business in the mountains of Foosha Village—I know you're not naive enough to think I'm unaware. Really, now?"
Garp fell silent, his lips pressed tight. He knew his guilt. As a Marine sworn to fight pirates, he'd crossed a line he shouldn't have. A sin buried deep, one he carried while still hailed as the Navy's hero, revered by many and likely to be for years to come.
He closed his eyes briefly, then opened them, his hesitation gone. Words were unnecessary now. The target stood before him.
"My grandson Luffy and his crew will be captured. No changes to the plan," Garp declared.
"Understood," Bogard replied, pressing no further, his posture one of obedience.
As the Marines finalized their preparations, Garp was the first to disembark, Bogard close behind. All but one unit followed, descending onto the island. Over a hundred armed Marines poured into the town, their presence imposing.
The sight was immediate: a lone figure at the town's entrance. Arms crossed, he stood defiant, staring down Garp. A red shirt, denim shorts, sandals, and a straw hat—Luffy, no longer the frightened child cowering from a fist.
Garp couldn't help but grin at the fierce resolve in Luffy's eyes. "Been a while, Luffy. You running today?"
"No way, Gramps. I told you before—I'm not quitting being a pirate," Luffy shot back.
"You damn fool! Listen to your grandfather! Piracy's nothing but trouble—no good comes of it!" Garp barked.
"That's not for you to decide!" Luffy retorted.
The exchange was brief. Luffy dropped into a fighting stance, low and brimming with determination. This wasn't an act—he was ready to fight for real.
Garp snorted, a smirk tugging at his lips. Even if it was his grandson, an enemy was an enemy. If Luffy came at him, Garp would meet him with his fists, no family ties holding him back. He shed his coat, readying himself.
"If you wanna drag me back, you'll have to do it by force. I'm not going!" Luffy challenged.
"You stubborn brat. If you're so set on it, show me your strength. You think you can survive the seas ahead without even knowing Haki?" Garp taunted.
"Haki?" Luffy echoed, confused.
"The title of Pirate King isn't so cheap you can claim it without knowing it," Garp said.
"Don't care what I don't know. I'm adventuring to learn it all. So shut up, Gramps!" Luffy snapped.
"Telling your grandfather to shut up?!" Garp roared.
"I'm the man who'll be Pirate King!" Luffy bellowed, his fist clenched, his voice shaking the air.
The sheer force of his declaration rattled the Marines. For a rookie just setting sail, his presence hinted at untapped, formidable power. Blood didn't lie. Garp, secretly stunned, held his tongue.
"He hasn't mastered it, but the potential within him is immense," Bogard observed quietly.
"As expected of my grandson. But I won't go easy," Garp replied, clenching his fist, his resolve unwavering.
The standoff narrowed to just Luffy and Garp. The Marines stood frozen, unsure of their role, while Bogard chose to observe silently.
Tension gripped the port. Then, Bogard's gaze snapped upward.
A fireball arced from a rooftop, its trajectory too high to hit anyone directly. Garp noticed it too, tracking its path. It was an unexpected move.
The fireball struck true, igniting the Navy flag on the warship's mast. The seagull emblem blazed, and every Marine looked up, speechless.
An attack on their flag—a declaration of war. A ragtag crew of fewer than ten dared to challenge Garp, the hero.
"No way…!" a Marine gasped.
"Our flag…!" another stammered.
"Gramps!" Luffy shouted.
Before anyone could identify the culprit, Luffy's cry cut through. The air trembled with intent. Doubt turned to certainty: this crew couldn't be left unchecked. They had to be stopped here. Even Bogard's grip tightened on his sword.
"Come at me as many times as you want! We'll keep pushing forward!" Luffy taunted.
"Cocky little punk!" Garp growled.
Luffy spun and bolted up the slope into the town. At first glance, it looked like retreat, but with their ship at the port, running inland was illogical. He had a plan. Garp, undeterred, gave chase.
"Wait, Luffy! I'll knock some sense into you!" Garp shouted, charging after him.
"Vice Admiral, wait—damn, he's not listening," Bogard muttered, realizing Garp had left him behind.
Garp's lone pursuit felt like a trap, isolating him. Provoked, he'd never let Luffy slip away. Bogard's expression darkened—a bad feeling crept in, one he hadn't felt in years. A single misstep could cost them dearly.
His gaze flicked to the rooftop where the fireball originated. Two figures had been there moments ago, now gone.
Something was starting—a calculated ambush sparked by that declaration of war. Bogard steadied his mind amidst the chaos and issued orders.
"Secure the enemy ship. If anyone suspicious approaches, fire without hesitation, but don't kill," he commanded.
"Yes, sir!" a Marine replied.
"The rest, with me. We're capturing these pirates," Bogard added.
Ten Marines moved to guard the Going Merry, while nearly ninety followed Bogard into the town, splitting into squads to hunt the enemy. Their numbers were unclear, but searching and detaining suspects was the only option.
The situation escalated rapidly. Marines flooded the town, some staying at the port, the pirates' full strength still unknown. Luffy led Garp on a chase through the streets, racing up slopes toward the mountain, pulling him away from the port. Garp kept pace relentlessly.
Three minutes into the plan, Yosaku and Johnny made their move near the port.
"Alright, their numbers are down. Now's our chance," Yosaku whispered.
"Never thought we'd be fighting the Navy. They were supposed to be our cash cow," Johnny muttered.
"Don't tell me you're chickening out. This is for the crew!" Yosaku snapped.
"I know, I know. I'm with Zoro, no backing down," Johnny replied.
Crouched behind crates at the port's edge, they scanned the scene. About ten Marines guarded the Going Merry, with the warship nearby, potentially holding more. Compared to the initial force, it was manageable. They gripped their weapons—distinctive swords shaped like cleavers—and leapt into action.
"Let's do this, partner!" Yosaku shouted.
"Hell yeah! Let's raise hell for the crew!" Johnny roared.
The duo charged straight for the Merry, startling the guards. Weapons raised, they were pegged as pirates. The Marines readied their arms in an instant.
Bounty hunters mistaken for pirates, Yosaku and Johnny fought to reclaim the Merry.
Elsewhere, Kiri and Usopp darted across rooftops. After burning the Navy flag, they moved cautiously to avoid detection. Using binoculars, they confirmed the Marines had split up.
If they stayed hidden, they could slip to the port. But Kiri's face was known from their last encounter. Staying completely out of sight risked heightening the enemy's guard. The better play was to appear briefly, sow chaos, then vanish.
To boost their escape odds, they descended from their perch far from the starting point and slipped into a narrow alley.
"Seriously, declaring war on the Navy? Even pirates don't pull that!" Usopp hissed.
"It's just theatrics. You need a big move to shake them up," Kiri replied.
"But have you thought about the fallout? We're marked now—by Garp's ship, no less! You know what that means?" Usopp pressed.
"Too late for that. We were on their radar before you even joined," Kiri said.
"What?! Why?" Usopp exclaimed.
"Shh. Long story," Kiri hushed, peering out. No Marines nearby.
They had prep to do. Kiri turned to Usopp, urging him to stay calm. "Don't worry, it'll work. Deep breath."
Usopp inhaled sharply. "Nope, still freaking out."
"Keep that edge—it's good. Let's move," Kiri said.
"You say that so casually! Don't underestimate my cowardice!" Usopp retorted.
"Not underestimating. You're perfect as is," Kiri said with a grin, either encouraging or earnest—hard to tell.
Talking kept the pressure at bay. They had time, so Usopp let Kiri continue.
"Usopp, you're a new type for our crew. You can't match us in a straight fight, but that's why you've got tricks we don't," Kiri said.
"What's that supposed to mean? Flattery won't make me braver. My negativity's certified," Usopp countered.
"Not flattery, truth. Remember what I said about fighting? Exploiting the enemy's weakness and landing the hit."
"Yeah, easier said than done," Usopp grumbled.
"And one more thing," Kiri said, tapping his head. "This is what you need. With it, anyone can get stronger."
Usopp nodded. He wasn't built like Luffy, skilled like Zoro, or powered like Kiri or Silk. His only edge was his brain—outsmarting the enemy. He knew it, but knowing and doing were worlds apart. His expression stayed grim.
"Your weapons are your aim, your lies, your speed, and your arsenal's variety. That's enough to fight in your own way, to help us in ways we can't," Kiri pressed.
"Using my head, huh?" Usopp muttered.
"This town's terrain is your playground—slopes and alleys. Stick to the plan we discussed. That's all you need for now," Kiri said.
"Got it," Usopp replied.
"Time to stir panic until Luffy reaches the target," Kiri added, checking the street. Marines appeared. His grin widened as he glanced at Usopp, whose face was tense but better than before. They nodded.
The plan was set. Numbers didn't matter if they played it right.
"Ready?" Kiri asked.
"Y-Y-Yeah, I'm good!" Usopp stammered.
"Your legs are shaking," Kiri noted.
"Warrior's tremble!" Usopp shot back.
"Knew it. Lead the way, Captain," Kiri said, stepping aside.
Usopp stepped into the street, body rigid with nerves, barely able to move. But he'd sworn to fight for his crew. No stopping now.
He leapt out, instantly spotted by the Marines. That alone wasn't enough—they wouldn't peg him as a pirate yet. So he fired a lead pellet from his slingshot.
"Special Attack: Lead Star!" he shouted.
"Guh!" a Marine grunted as the pellet hit.
"Who's that?!" another barked.
"I'll make this clear—it was me who shot your flag!" Usopp declared.
The hit to a Marine's stomach spiked their alertness. Before their shock could spread, Usopp dove back into the alley, sprinting full-tilt. They'd chase now—trusting the enemy's reaction was part of the strategy.
Kiri was already gone, moving to prepare. Usopp raced through the alley to a wider street, pausing to wait. The Marines would follow, but the narrow paths meant they'd come one by one.
Sure enough, they appeared. Usopp raised his slingshot again.
"Special Attack: Gunpowder Star!" he cried, firing.
"Gah!" a Marine yelped.
"That bastard!" another shouted.
"Wahahaha! Come and get me!" Usopp taunted, sticking out his tongue before bolting up the slope.
He had no room for bravado, but lies were his weapon. Bluffing was strategy, and he leaned into it.
He kept his distance—long-range was his strength. Getting close was too risky. The Marines spilled into the street, chasing. Usopp's speed outmatched them.
As he passed the target point, he shouted, "Oi! You're up!"
Instantly, paper fluttered on the rooftops above, scattering barrels that rolled down the slope toward the Marines. The sudden onslaught shattered their composure, their formation crumbling.
The barrels struck, knocking Marines down one after another. Non-lethal but dangerous on the steep incline, they were makeshift weapons. Most Marines fell, a few knocked out, their ranks in disarray.
Usopp kept running, putting over two hundred meters between them before turning, slingshot ready. "Come after me if you dare! Special Attack: Smoke Star!"
The pellet hit a Marine square in the forehead, bursting into a thick smokescreen—an unfinished prototype. The Marines coughed, blinded, stuck in place.
The stall worked. Usopp raced up the slope, Kiri following via rooftops. They'd bought time and dented the enemy's morale.
"Nice one, Usopp! Keep them scrambled!" Kiri called.
"Hell yeah! I'm starting to feel it!" Usopp grinned.
They headed for another squad, though their borrowed barrels drew the ire of a tavern owner. "You brats! How dare you steal my stock!" he bellowed.
"Sorry, pops! Bill the Navy guys!" Kiri shouted back, the duo dashing off with perfect timing.
Their guerrilla tactics—small numbers, big chaos—were pure pirate. Disrupting civilians forced the Marines to respond, playing into their hands. Kiri and Usopp tore through the town, sowing disorder.
Elsewhere, on a main road from the port, a Marine squad led by Bogard was stalled. A lone figure blocked their path, standing defiant as if to keep them from Luffy. A man with a headband, wielding three swords—Roronoa Zoro.
"Roronoa Zoro," Bogard said.
No response. Zoro's sharp gaze peered from under his headband, two swords in hand, the third in his mouth. His presence was overwhelming, a raw intensity rare for someone so young. This crew—Luffy, Kiri, now Zoro—was too formidable. Even if they weren't a threat now, their potential was chilling. Bogard wanted them stopped.
With a hand signal, he held his men back, stepping forward alone. Zoro didn't flinch, ready to fight.
"Even skilled bounty hunters turn pirate. The world's gone mad," Bogard said.
"Blame your side for that. I was coerced into this," Zoro replied.
"The Shells Town incident," Bogard noted.
"Doesn't matter now. I've got a score to settle with you lot," Zoro said.
"And what's that?" Bogard asked.
Zoro's grin was menacing, almost demonic, unsettling the Marines. Bogard alone remained steady, meeting his gaze.
"Your admiral landed a hit on me last time. I haven't paid it back," Zoro said.
"I thought you got a blow in," Bogard replied.
"Not enough. It barely fazed him," Zoro admitted.
Correct. Garp had shrugged off every attack. Yet Zoro's resolve only grew. His rare three-sword style and palpable aura screamed potential. Bogard's instincts screamed danger as he readied his sword.
"If I can't beat you, the world's greatest swordsman is out of reach. Time to close the gap," Zoro declared.
"No surrender, then?" Bogard asked.
"Take a look," Zoro smirked, charging.
Their blades clashed, ringing out sharply. The town's peace shattered, last night's revelry replaced by escalating chaos as battles erupted across the streets.
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