On the Grand Line, many people were shaken by the news of the Shichibukai system whether they were pirates, bounty hunters, or even civilians living on edge. The creation of such an institution meant major shifts in the balance of power.
But none of this disturbed Rin.
As time passed slowly, the span of half a month had gone by. Now, half a month later...
An island near Jaya Mock Town.
The notorious pirate haven featured in the original One Piece manga.
This was the place the Pandora Pirates finally reached.
After docking their ship at the coast, Rin, Artoria, and Casa disembarked and headed toward the lively town.
As a pirate settlement that thrived before the Skypiea arc began, the majority of Mock Town's population consisted of pirates, outlaws, and bounty hunters. Even though the story had not yet reached the moment of Luffy's arrival in canon, the town was already a hotbed for troublemakers.
Mock Town was bustling with activity.
Crowded, rowdy, and reeking of alcohol and danger.
As Rin and the others walked into the heart of the town, their presence immediately drew attention.
"Wait... aren't they the Pandora Pirates huh?"
"I think so. Didn't expect them to be so young... matches the bounty posters."
"Three kids with bounties that high from the start? The Navy must be pulling our leg."
"Let's hope their strength matches the bounty. Otherwise, this island's full of bounty hunters itching to cash in."
Many pirates and mercenaries scoffed and murmured, making no effort to hide their disdain.
In this world, a pirate's bounty usually reflected their power and threat level. But Rin and his crew, appearing so young, had caused a stir with their debut bounties.
Most pirates on the Grand Line, especially early in their careers, rarely surpassed 30 million Berries. Yet Rin's crew had already been given over 100 million Berries combined. It was no surprise this drew jealousy and suspicion.
Rin, Casa, and Artoria heard the chatter, but they simply smirked and ignored it.
"Unhappy? Then come challenge me. See if you survive."
That was Rin's unspoken thought as his eyes swept over the crowd.
The trio walked directly into a large tavern near the town's square.
Rin turned to the others. "The ship's supply stores are running low. We'll restock here before we set out for the Sky Island."
"Sky Island?" Artoria's eyes sparkled. "You mean the floating island in the clouds?"
"Exactly," Rin nodded.
"I've heard tales of the Sky Island, but always thought it was myth," Casa muttered, clearly skeptical.
"It exists," Rin said, smiling with certainty. "The Knock Up Stream phenomenon near Jaya leads to Skypiea. Enel rules it now... but we're headed there before that part of the story unfolds."
As they chatted, they found seats in the tavern.
But Rin's voice perhaps a bit too loud caught the attention of the nearby drinkers.
The tavern fell eerily silent.
One pirate finally broke the tension with laughter.
"Hahahaha! Did I hear right? They're talking about Sky Island? They really believe that place exists?"
More laughter followed.
"They're just kids! Listening to bedtime stories, thinking they're real!"
"Hey, hey, go home to your mamas before a real pirate cuts you down!"
"Hahaha! Seriously, it's like watching kids play pirate."
"Wait… aren't they the Pandora Pirates?" one man suddenly asked, holding up three wanted posters.
The others turned, expressions shifting as they recognized the names.
"Yeah! That crew from half a month ago!"
"The ones who made waves with debut bounties over 100 million."
"Hmph. I bet the Navy just overreacted. These kids aren't worth a damn."
More jeers followed.
Then, a tall man at the bar stood up—clearly a seasoned bounty hunter. He took a long swig of rum, then slowly unsheathed the katana hanging from his hip.
"Well, joke or not," he said with a sneer, "I'll take their heads and find out if they're worth that bounty."
The man walked toward them with deliberate steps.
At the tavern door, Rin, Casa, and Artoria stood calmly, unmoving. But the flicker of killing intent in their eyes told another story.
Before the bounty hunter could reach them, Rin gave a quiet but deadly command to Casa:
"Kill them. Kill everyone who laughed."
His tone was ice.
The room froze in shock.
Then
"Hahahaha! Did he just say that?"
"Kill us?! That's rich. Must be a joke!"
"He's trying to scare us what a clown!"
Casa didn't laugh.
Instead, he stepped forward, his crimson Devil Fruit ability transforming one arm into a monstrous clawed limb.
His eyes burned with quiet fury. The jeers from earlier had already ignited his temper.
"Is it funny?" he asked quietly.
One pirate stepped forward. "You need to lighten up, kid. Not every "
He never finished the sentence.
With a sudden boom, Casa vanished from sight—reappearing behind the man in a blur of movement. His monstrous fist, infused with crimson energy, slammed down into the back of the bounty hunter's skull.
CRACK!
The man's body cratered into the floorboards, convulsing as blood gushed from his mouth.
Dead silence.
Casa raised his eyes again, looking at the room full of pirates and hunters, now stunned into speechlessness.
"Is it still funny?" he asked, voice low.
No one dared answer.
---
This chapter is dedicated to @[ Joshua stadt].....Thanks for your subscription...There will be a bonus chapters in few hours
40+ advanced chapter on patreon....Visit patreon now to read my exclusive content... posting 5 chapters per day, Our collection is now available on PATREON
visit patreon.com/Mgoldtranslation to view 40+ advanced chapters
Please subscribe guys