Not far away on the sea, a pirate ship stood anchored.
The massive sail bore the image of a simple skull with two crossed swords behind it.
It was still the year 1503 in the Sea Calendar, and Shanks hadn't yet received his scar from Blackbeard, so the skull lacked the three distinctive red marks symbolizing wounds.
Through his telescope, Dier could see crew members singing and dancing on the deck.
They seemed to have just emerged victorious from a battle, with treasures piled across the deck.
On the cargo ship's deck, Dier lowered his telescope, stroking his chin thoughtfully.
There weren't many notable figures appearing in the North Blue.
He only remembered the Germa Family, the Donquixote Family, and characters connected to these two groups.
Running into any of them wouldn't have surprised him, but he never expected to encounter the Red Hair Pirates first.
But since they'd crossed paths, he couldn't let this opportunity slip away.
While hypnotic control might be difficult, harvesting some "belief" would be child's play.
He needed to find a way to showcase some talents.
Currently aboard a cargo ship loaded with provisions, he'd originally planned to eat his way to the next island.
The crew was small—only ten men in total—all under Dier's complete control.
If he shouted "Pull alongside them" now, these men would steer the cargo ship straight toward Shanks' vessel.
But that would be far too conspicuous.
A normal merchant ship should flee at the sight of pirates.
"B-boss, that ship seems to have spotted us," the bald captain stammered as he approached, voice trembling. "We should make a run for it."
Dier snapped out of his thoughts and noticed the distant pirate ship had changed course, now heading straight for them.
His face lit up—now he wouldn't need to figure out how to approach them.
"Run, but take it slow."
Under his orders, the ship turned to flee, though not at full speed.
Robin emerged from the cabin, frowning at the approaching pirate ship.
Pulling a Den Den Mushi from her pocket, she approached Dier. "Should we call for backup?"
The Red Hair Pirates had substantial bounties—she knew well they weren't to be trifled with.
Over the past six months, Dier had taken control of leaders across multiple islands.
The nearest was about an hour's sail away.
If they could buy some time, reinforcements might arrive.
But Dier knew these weren't enemies approaching, so backup wasn't necessary.
Besides, against Conqueror's Haki, numbers meant nothing.
"Not needed. Go back inside. Where are Hina and the others?"
"Perona stayed up late again and is still asleep. Hina's reading comics."
The most popular story in North Blue: Sora, Warrior of the Sea.
Originally serialized in newspapers, its popularity in the North Blue led to dedicated comic book releases.
Hina had become obsessed recently—though her favorite character was the villain, the Germa Family's Poisonous Powder.
After Robin returned below deck, the cargo ship continued its leisurely escape.
The small merchant vessel couldn't outrun a pirate ship even at full speed, let alone now.
Before long, the two ships drew alongside each other.
A straw-hatted figure leaped down, landing on the deck with a solid thud.
Carrying a bag, his face broke into a radiant smile:
"I mean no harm. We're just running low on supplies for our feast. Could you sell us some food?"
As he spoke, Shanks opened the bag in his hand, revealing the treasures inside.
The sailors exchanged glances before unanimously turning their eyes toward Dier.
"Of course, we can even give it to you for free," Dier said fearlessly, stepping forward to face the red-haired man.
"That is, if you'll let us join the feast."
"You are...?"
Shanks looked puzzled, surprised that the one making decisions was just a child.
Before Dier could introduce himself, Yasopp, who had been leaning over the ship's railing, called out his identity:
"Kali Dier, from The Youngest Pirate Crew in History?"
Dier: "..."
Who the hell still remembers that ridiculous title?
Shanks suddenly laughed in realization.
"Then of course you're welcome! The more, the merrier at a feast!"
"You know about me?"
"Not much. Yasopp here knows more."
Bang!
Yasopp landed on the deck at that moment.
Rubbing his chin, he studied Dier with a curious gaze.
Last year, his wife back home had become pregnant.
Though he wasn't officially a father yet, the instincts of parenthood had already begun stirring within him.
Let's see how other people's kids are doing.
Coincidentally, the newspaper article about The Youngest Pirate Crew in History had caught his attention, making him take note of Dier and his crew.
Not long after, on April 1st, Usopp was born.
After witnessing the birth of his child, Yasopp had hurriedly set sail again with the Red Hair Pirates, swearing never to return.
Before leaving, he had deliberately left behind the wanted posters of Dier and his crew, hoping Usopp would one day surpass them.
"You don't look all that special. My son will definitely surpass you in the future."
Dier was baffled, completely unaware that he had already become Usopp's benchmark.
But that didn't stop him from showing off a little—both to prove his own worth and to earn Yasopp and Shanks' belief.
With a light step, he hovered in midair, his entire body radiating a soft, bright glow.
Fire, lightning, and water condensed into three football-sized orbs, orbiting him like satellites.
A single gold coin from Shanks' bag floated in the air, spinning continuously under the force of telekinesis.
Finally, Dier activated his Mind Communication ability, sending a single thought directly into Yasopp's mind:
"Still confident now?"
Yasopp grinned, his tone brimming with unwavering pride.
"My son will still surpass you—because he's Yasopp's son. He'll grow up to be a brave and mighty warrior of the sea!"
If you believe in him so much, why didn't you take him with you?!
Dier inwardly scoffed.
It was the year 1503—the year Usopp was born, and also the year the Red Hair Pirates would find Uta.
The fact that both events happened in the same year only made Yasopp's character all the more peculiar.
But he didn't say anything. After all, family matters were personal.
Besides, this was his first meeting with Yasopp. Showing off could be chalked up to a young man's competitive spirit, but meddling in someone else's affairs would only sour the mood.
Click!
A flash went off as Yasopp snapped a photo of him with a Photographing Transponder Snail, muttering to himself:
"Maybe I'll go back one more time... Give this to Usopp as encouragement."
Dier dispersed all his abilities and shrugged helplessly.
"I think this will only discourage him."
"How could it? He's my Yasopp—"
"Alright, alright."
Dier ignored the man overflowing with "fatherly love" and turned instead to Shanks, who wore a peculiar smile.
"Just because this uncle knows me shouldn't be enough, right? I've killed a King before. Aren't you afraid I might be a bad person?"
Shanks chuckled.
"You mean that strange island full of Diers, don't you? We went there recently—the curse on the island has vanished."
The curse disappeared after the King died. Anyone with eyes could see where the curse had come from.
Besides, he was a Pirate. When making friends, gut feeling was enough.
Like right now—he quite admired this young man with multiple abilities.
"Dier, how about joining my—"
"I refuse!"
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