The shouts carried over the village, sharp with that mix of fear and excitement that only the word "pirates" could spark. Jin stepped out of the tavern, hands tucked loosely into his vest pockets, and watched the panicked trickle of villagers heading toward the docks.
Pirates in a pirate world… funny how reality shifts when you're living in it. Back in my old life, I thought pirates were all adventure and charm. But here? They're killers first, stories second.
He took his time walking, letting the tension roll over him. By the time he reached the dock, the crowd was thick—broad-shouldered fishermen, wary mothers clutching their kids, and at the front, old Mayor Cuss, spine stiff but eyes narrowed with unease.
Luffy, of course, was right at the edge, leaning so far over the pier he might fall in.
Jin stepped up beside him. Without a word—smack!—he flicked the boy on the back of the head.
"OW! What the hell, Jin?!" Luffy yelped, clutching his head.
Another smack.
"That's for running toward danger without thinking, you little idiot. Pirates rob, kill, and take what they want. You wanna find out the hard way?"
Luffy blinked, confusion creasing his brow. "Wait… all pirates are bad?"
Jin pinched the bridge of his nose. "Unbelievable. Even toddlers in this world know that." And this kid's supposed to be the future Pirate King? God help the crew that follows him.
He ignored the boy's pout and lifted his gaze. Out beyond the dock, the ship was coming into view—a towering hull crowned by a bright crimson prow and a flag snapping in the wind. His purple eyes glinted with interest. Finally. Red-Haired Shanks. Let's see if the legends match the man.
On deck, a boisterous laugh rang out.
"Ha! Look at that, Beckman! The whole village turned out to welcome us!" Shanks beamed, hands planted on his hips.
His first mate sighed, black hair brushing his shoulders. "They're not welcoming us, you idiot. They're wary because we're pirates."
"Pfft. Details!" Shanks grinned wider, unbothered.
Behind them, the crew chuckled.
"Docking…" Mayor Cuss muttered under his breath. "Hope they don't bring trouble with them."
Then a voice boomed from the ship: "Oi! Been a long time!"
Cuss's head jerked up, frown softening in surprise. That voice was familiar.
The gangplank thudded into place, and one by one, the Red-Haired Pirates descended. When the red-haired captain himself stepped onto the pier, Cuss's eyes widened.
"Shanks?! You—You're a pirate now, and you have the gall to come back here?"
Shanks only laughed. "It's been years, old man. I wanted to see the village again."
From the back of the crowd, Jin studied him. So this is him in his prime. Not quite the aura of an Emperor yet… but there's steel under that smile. I'd like to cross blades, just to measure the gap.
He turned away, leaving Luffy still staring in awe. Let the boy have his moment. I'm not here to babysit every expression he makes.
But Shanks's first mate noticed him. Beckman's gaze swept the crowd, snagging briefly on the man in the black vest with his hands in his pockets, already walking away. His eyes narrowed—just slightly—but he said nothing.
"Why are you here?" Cuss pressed. "Planning to plunder my village?"
Shanks shook his head. "Just stopping by. Haven't been here in years."
"Hmph." Cuss's bark was worse than his bite; his relief was almost visible. "Fine. Just don't stir up trouble."
The villagers began to disperse, reassured by the old mayor's stance.
Then, of course, Luffy burst forward, curiosity burning in his eyes. "Hey! Are you pirates? Jin says pirates are all bad guys!"
Shanks crouched to his level, putting on an exaggeratedly serious face. "That's right. Pirates are terrible people. You should stay far away from them."
Behind him, the rotund Lucky Roo snorted through a mouthful of meat. "Sound familiar, Captain."
Beckman smirked. "Idiot recognizes idiot."
The crew laughed, the sound rolling over the dock.
"Alright!" Shanks straightened. "Let's head to the tavern. Been too long since I had a proper drink in Windmill Village!"
Cheers rose from his men. Luffy trailed after them like a curious pup.
The tavern door slammed open a moment later, letting in the noise of half a dozen loud voices. Jin glanced up from behind the bar.
"Welcome," he said evenly, sizing up the crew as they filled the room.
Shanks strolled up to the counter, a spark of recognition in his eyes. "Huh. I thought the barkeep here was a girl. When'd she get replaced?"
Jin's smile was polite but edged. "She's still the owner. She just happened to get herself a man. Any problem with that?"
The captain blinked, caught off guard, then laughed awkwardly. "Guess not. In that case—drinks for my whole crew! And… twenty seafood fried rices!"
"Coming right up." Jin moved to the kitchen, mind already ticking. So it begins
This story is inspired from various fanfics i have read from around the world so if you find any similarities please dont mind . Thank you
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T/N :
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