Shakky's Rip-Off Bar — Sabaody Archipelago
The owner of this bar, Shakky, had once been a pirate of some renown.
More impressively—
she had even managed to escape from the pursuit of Garp the Fist.
But after growing tired of the pirate life, she chose to retire and settled here in the Sabaody Archipelago, running this quiet little bar.
"Oh my… a bar, huh? Didn't expect you to have such refined taste."
Gin Ichimaru narrowed his eyes, smiling like a fox.
"You've got it wrong," Ren Kuro chuckled. "I didn't come here just to drink."
With that, he pushed open the door.
It was still early afternoon.
The bar was empty—no other customers in sight.
The moment Ren Kuro stepped inside, his gaze was drawn to the lone figure behind the counter.
A young woman with short black hair, wearing a top patterned with spiders, held a glass of wine as she drank alone.
The bar was quiet.
Peaceful.
The soft light from the hanging lamp cast a long shadow of Shakky across the floor.
Far from the cruelty of battle…
far from the noise of the world…
She had abandoned the identity of a pirate to live as an ordinary person.
And yet—
the faint ripples in her glass carried a trace of loneliness.
No customers.
Only solitude—
and wine.
Creaaak—
The sound of the door snapped her out of her thoughts.
Shakky turned, alert.
But when she saw Ren Kuro's face—
she froze for a moment.
That calm, gentle smile of his… like a spring breeze—
almost enough to sweep away loneliness itself.
However—
when her gaze shifted to Gin Ichimaru, her expression changed instantly.
Though Gin was smiling—
an invisible pressure leaked from him.
Something unsettling.
Her instincts screamed at her—
This man is dangerous. Extremely dangerous.
"Well now, what a rare guest," Shakky greeted, lifting her glass with a casual smile.
"Shakky, business seems quiet. Looks like I came at just the right time."
Ren Kuro stepped up to the counter and, without ceremony, picked up a glass.
"You came here on purpose?" Shakky's eyes narrowed slightly as she studied him.
"That's right. I came specifically to find you." Ren Kuro lowered his voice slightly. "Doesn't seem like I'm very welcome."
"If I remember correctly, this is our first meeting."
Shakky had dealt with pirates her entire life.
She prided herself on reading people.
Yet—
she couldn't read Ren Kuro at all.
And compared to him—
it was Gin who truly unsettled her.
That emotionless gaze.
That unreadable smile.
He was like a puzzle with no solution.
"Ah, don't look at me like that," Gin said lazily, leaning against the wall with his hands behind his head. "I'm just here to enjoy the show."
"…What a troublesome man."
Shakky glanced at him deeply, a flicker of wariness flashing in her eyes.
He felt like a hidden viper—
waiting for the moment to strike.
Just what did they want?
Her brows furrowed as thoughts raced through her mind.
She tried to stay composed—
but a crack still showed.
Just from a single glance from Gin.
"Fufufu… you're quite the joker, aren't you?" Shakky laughed lightly, quickly masking her tension. "Anyone who walks in is a guest. Why wouldn't I welcome you?"
"Shakky… you're curious about who we are, aren't you?"
Ren Kuro seemed to see straight through her.
She took a slow drag from her cigarette and nodded.
Her instincts told her—
this boy was anything but ordinary.
"You can call us…"
Ren Kuro smiled faintly.
"Shinigami."
The moment those words left his mouth—
Shakky's expression changed drastically.
A storm surged in her heart.
Shinigami?
The same name tied to the recent incident—
the destruction of Onigumo.
"You mean… that mysterious man was you?!"
She couldn't hide her shock.
No matter how she looked at him—
he didn't resemble someone with Admiral-level power.
"You're right."
Ren Kuro nodded without hesitation.
He admitted it openly.
"…That's quite the shocking revelation."
Shakky slowly set her glass down, forcing herself to calm her emotions.
"Now that we've cleared that up…" Ren Kuro continued, "can we talk business? I came here for one reason."
"For Rayleigh."
"Rayleigh…" Shakky's eyes flickered.
From just those few words, she realized—
this boy was far more dangerous than she'd thought.
"No need to hide it. I know he's here."
Ren Kuro smiled.
At that moment—
A deep, steady voice came from the upper floor.
"Defeating Onigumo… stealing a Devil Fruit…"
"Shinigami… you're even more impressive than the rumors say."
Footsteps echoed from above.
A man descended the stairs.
He had long white hair, a matching beard, and wore glasses. A vertical scar ran across his right eye.
His presence was calm—
but overwhelming.
Silvers Rayleigh.
Even after years of retirement, his strength had not faded.
Even Marine Admirals would think twice before provoking him.
"Oh my… now this is interesting."
Gin narrowed his eyes slightly, a glint flashing within them.
Rayleigh was… intriguing.
"Kid, what do you want with me?"
Rayleigh walked up to the counter and casually drained his drink in one go.
"I want to make a deal with you," Ren Kuro said directly.
"A deal?" Rayleigh laughed heartily. "I'm not interested in deals."
He set the glass down.
"Unless…"
"You can defeat me."
His tone turned sharp.
"The power to burn the sea… to kill Onigumo instantly…"
"I'm curious to see it for myself."
"…Figures."
Ren Kuro shrugged helplessly.
Things were never going to be that simple.
"Oh my, Ren Kuro… looks like I'll have to step in."
Gin spoke lazily, though that same mysterious smile never left his face.
As if nothing in this world truly concerned him.
He stepped forward.
Facing Rayleigh—
that fox-like grin deepened.
"Well then, old man…"
"Let me play with you."