Chapter 2
The Baratie rocked on restless waves, its fish-shaped hull glowing under the lantern light. Inside, the floating restaurant was alive—glasses clinking, sailors roaring, pans hissing in the kitchen. The air was thick with grilled fish and salt.
Waiters moved like clockwork, weaving through the crowd with trays of lobster and frothy ale. The story of yesterday's red-haired stranger still lingered—four men dropped in four seconds.
Outside, the sea growled. A storm was coming.
At the Straw Hats' table, chaos was business as usual.
Luffy tore into crab legs like a man starved.
"MEAT! MORE MEAT! THIS IS PARADISE!" Shell fragments flew like confetti.
Zoro sipped his sake, scowling.
"Louder than a Sea King in heat."
Nami clutched her purse, eyes narrowing at the growing bill.
"Luffy, slow down, or you'll be washing dishes until we hit the Grand Line."
Usopp waved his spoon like a conductor.
"And then Captain Usopp wrestled a sea serpent… with one hand tied behind his back!"
A grizzled sailor snorted. A kid at the next table gasped.
In his corner, Silas sat with cold coffee, crimson hair catching the lantern glow. His sabre and flintlock rested on the table—silent, but not forgotten.
Diners stole glances. His eyes drifted toward the Straw Hats, lingering on Luffy's laugh.
That laugh… it cut through the noise like a lighthouse beam.
I don't trust legends, he told himself. But I trust what I see.
---
It pulled him somewhere else.
A small home by the shore. The cry of gulls. His mother's voice.
"Mother, what makes the Warrior of Liberation so special?"
She'd laughed, warm as summer rain.
"He has a very special power, my little warrior."
"Really?! Tell me!"
"He can make people believe again. Fill their hearts with hope when all seems lost."
The words burned now. Silas glanced at Luffy, who was trying to fit an entire fish in his mouth, grinning like an idiot.
Impossible. And yet… every time I hear that laugh, see that smile… something stirs.
He drowned it in coffee. Heroes were fairy tales. Steel and gunpowder were the only truths.
---
The doors slammed open.
"Behold! Lieutenant Ironfist Fullbody of the Marines, terror of the East Blue!"
A Marine strutted in, uniform gleaming, blond hair slicked back. A young woman clung to his arm, her discomfort plain.
Luffy's head popped up, shrimp dangling from his lips.
"Whoa! Shiny guy! Is he a pirate?"
Zoro didn't look up.
"Marine. All flash, no substance."
Nami's eyes sharpened. An ego with a wallet.
Usopp ducked halfway under the table.
"I bet Gunblade Guy takes him out before dessert."
Fullbody claimed a table like a throne.
"Waiter! Your finest wine, befitting a Marine lieutenant!"
He turned to his date, voice booming.
"I've sunk pirate ships from here to Loguetown! None command respect like Ironfist Fullbody!"
Sanji strolled over, cigarette glowing. Pouring wine with a flourish, he smirked.
"Micqueot red, vintage 1519. Fine enough for… discerning tastes."
The jab landed. Laughter rippled through the room.
Fullbody's cheek twitched.
"DISCERNING?! This is clearly a 1517 northern vintage!"
Sanji leaned in, grin sharp.
"South side, 1519. I know wine. And I know posers when I smell them."
The place erupted. Fullbody's date giggled before hiding it.
Luffy nudged Zoro.
"That cook's amazing! He's joining my crew!"
Zoro smirked faintly.
"Cocky bastard. Might be worth crossing swords with."
Nami sighed.
"Why is it always a circus with you people?"
Usopp peeked out.
"That Marine's going to sink us all."
Silas watched, amused. Small man, big mouth. He'd seen the type a hundred times.
---
Under the table, Fullbody's hand moved. A fly appeared, dropped into his soup. He shoved the bowl forward.
"WHAT IS THIS?!" he roared.
"A filthy bug! This place is a disgrace!"
Sanji didn't blink.
"Ah, Batchee's having trouble swimming. Just fish him out—the soup's still perfect."
The tension spiked.
Silas stood. Three steps, silent. He stopped at Fullbody's table, holding the crushed fly between his fingers.
"Dropped something," he said, voice low, bored, but edged with steel.
"Sloppy trick."
The room froze. Fullbody's bravado cracked, sweat beading at his temple. His fist clenched, trembling.
Outside, thunder rolled. The sea waited.