On this day, at noon, in the waters of the Konomi Islands.
The sky was clear, the wind soft, and the sun warm.
It should have been good weather for a post-lunch stroll.
However, at the end of the horizon, thirty Pirate Ships with black sails suddenly appeared, approaching Cocoyashi Village.
From a distance, they looked like a dark cloud pressing down.
...
Near the dock, beside the small forest along the shore.
A few villagers who were fishing and chatting noticed the terrifying sight.
"Hey, pirates."
"Yeah..."
A villager who was napping was startled awake, gazed sleepily, and lazily yawned.
"It's been a long time since any pirates dared to come here, and this time so many came all at once?"
"It must be that guy, the one who's been making waves recently, calling himself the East Sea Dominator, what's his name?"
"Clark? Or Clara?"
"Seems like it, oh well, who cares..."
The villagers shook their heads and changed the topic, continuing to fish.
It seemed they were long accustomed to this scene.
...
The warm sun hung in the sky, and the salty sea breeze blew across the flagship's deck.
A tall figure, measuring a full two meters forty-three, clad in golden heavy armor, stood coldly at the bow, staring at the small island that was getting closer, the cloak behind billowing in the wind.
"Governor Klik! Everything is going smoothly, we'll probably reach Cocoyashi Village's dock in about twenty minutes!"
The lookout at the top of the mast reported.
"Is that so?"
Click squinted, "Keep advancing at full speed. Once we dock, all combat personnel from ships one to fifteen, come ashore with me, the other ships surround the dock, be ready to fire at any time!"
"Yes, Governor!"
The pirates around responded in unison.
"Leader."
A low voice suddenly came from the right side, "Although I've mentioned it several times before, with the last chance before us, I still want to advise you once more."
Hmm?
Click slowly turned, looking unpleasantly at the chief combat commander in front of him.
"We shouldn't have come to Cocoyashi Village."
Ignoring his expression, Gin lowered his head and said, "Your goal is to assemble the strongest fleet to conquer the Grand Line, so why travel all the way south to provoke that man named Shano?"
"This is truly unwise. That man's strength is perhaps more formidable than you estimate..."
"Hmm?"
Click suddenly reached out and choked Gin's neck, grinning:
"So you're scared, Gin! The so-called Orge who's followed me for many years, frightened by an old rumor! Now thinking of deserting?"
"I didn't mean that, captain. My loyalty to you will never change, and I am always willing to fight by your side."
Gin struggled to speak, "But the risk this time… Wasn't it a confirmed fact back then that he single-handedly defeated those Fishmen? Didn't you warn me privately after reading the newspaper not to provoke that..."
"Shut up!"
Click violently released his hand, coldly watching Gin, who fell to the ground, coughing violently:
"Times have changed! Don't you know! I only had five ships back then, and now, now there are a whole thirty!!!"
"The entire East Sea sings of my fame, even the Navy avoids my fleet! What is that country bumpkin brat! If he were truly strong, he would have ventured into the Grand Line long ago, but after years of growing oranges in the countryside, he dares to bear the title of the strongest swordsman of the East Sea?!"
Click spread his wide arms, letting the sea wind rush in, laughing wildly.
"This time, I'm going to beat that brat to the ground, make the fools in East Sea understand who truly is the most powerful of the East Sea!"
"Long live Lord Click!!!"
This speech instantly stirred a frenzied cheer across the entire deck.
"..." Gin was silent for a moment, then suddenly exhaled lightly. When he stood up, his eyes were filled with resolute determination.
"Since you've made up your mind."
He pulled out iron clubs from his back, his expression indifferent as he looked toward the dock that was already within reach, "Gin is willing to charge at the first line for you."
Thud!
The few Pirate Ships at the front fiercely crashed into the dock, instantly crushing the wooden jetty that had been repaired just a few years ago to smithereens.
A large number of pirates, wielding knives and guns, excitedly charged off the ships, crowding the coast near the dock until it was impassable.
"Smoke over there, I see the village!"
"Is this the only dirt road? Truly a rural place!"
"Don't worry about these, let's charge! The Governor said whoever finds that brat Shano first gets a two-million Belly reward!"
Expressionless, Gin disembarked with the first group, inadvertently spotting a strangely shaped, slender speedboat moored in a secluded spot beside them.
The flag on the mast bore the words "Shimotsuki."
Shimotsuki?
Gin frowned slightly, feeling that this name, or perhaps surname, seemed familiar, as if seen in a newspaper a few years ago…
Didn't have time to think further.
Bang!
The front suddenly became noisy, a few pirates at the very front inexplicably flew up, crashing into the coconut trees on either side, their heads tilting as they passed out.
"Ah, sorry."
A blue-haired girl with a red ribbon headband suddenly blocked the only road, smiling at the pirates while casually twirling her hair.
"There are still many in the village who haven't finished lunch, I can't let you rude guys disturb them."
Wowowow!!!
Nobody paid attention to those unlucky ones who got knocked flying.
The pirates at the front widened their eyes; some whistled, others drooled, and some even twisted their bodies into noodle shapes.
"Wow, a super gorgeous beauty!!"
"How can such a beautiful girl be in this rural area!"
"Hey! Beautiful lady, why don't you join us on the ship tonight after we finish our business!"
Eyes filled with greed and malice scanned up and down the visitor.
"Staring at a girl like this is quite rude, you know."
Nojiko still smiled gently, but somehow her hands were now adorned with blue Metal Boxing Gloves, "I say, you guys really don't…"
Soru!
Before she finished speaking, Nojiko's figure vanished from where she was, reappearing in the center of the pirates.
"—Listen to what I'm saying!!!"
With a roar like a mother Tyrannosaurus, she crossed her fists, fiercely punching out, the two pirates closest to her had their heads directly caved in.
Before their bodies could hit the ground, Nojiko's long and powerful right leg swept in a circle, causing over a dozen pirates around her to scream in agony as they flew back like broken kites!