Loguetown Port
Four pirate ships were currently anchored in the bustling port of Loguetown. The area was alive with activity as numerous pirates hurriedly loaded supplies onto their ships.
Their anxious expressions made it clear—they were aware of the looming threat that was Smoker, the notorious Marine officer known as the "White Hunter" and gatekeeper of the Grand Line.
Despite the danger, these pirates had still chosen to stock up in Loguetown. Ikki couldn't help but think their decision was both reckless and foolish.
Perched atop a tower overlooking the port, Ikki observed the scene below. His sharp eyes soon caught sight of several figures skulking in the shadows, each holding a Den Den Mushi and keeping a close watch on the pirate crews.
"Marine spies," Ikki muttered to himself, quickly piecing together the situation. They were undoubtedly reporting the pirates' movements to their superiors.
"Move it, you slackers! The White Hunter will be here any minute!"
"Captain, if you're so scared of Smoker, why did we come to Loguetown in the first place?"
The leader of the gang slapped the subordinate across the face. "Idiot! As a pirate in the East Blue heading for the Grand Line, it's tradition to start here in Loguetown—the place where the Pirate King's journey ended and ours begins!"
The gathered pirates exchanged awkward glances.
Their captains' insistence on adhering to this so-called tradition was met with silent disbelief. It was like students relying on rituals for success in exams—knowing full well they were futile but clinging to them regardless. The difference here was that this ritual might cost them their lives.
Ikki, who had been eavesdropping from his vantage point, couldn't help but chuckle. "A sense of ritual, huh?" he muttered.
He was about to leap down and confront the pirates when he remembered the strange "fashion item" he had won in a lottery not long ago. Curious, he reached into his bag and retrieved it—a plain white T-shirt. The instructions were clear: once worn, the shirt would transform into whatever outfit he imagined. However, the transformation could only occur once, and distractions during the process could result in... unexpected outcomes.
Ikki smirked. "No way I'd lose focus," he assured himself.
With the T-shirt on, Ikki closed his eyes and concentrated. He imagined an outfit inspired by the regal robe worn by the Fourth Hokage—a long, flowing coat with intricate designs. In his mind, the phrase "In the Name of the People" was emblazoned across the back, symbolizing his vision of justice.
The outfit materialized as intended, though Ikki had almost veered off course during the process. He'd briefly thought about random things—like Marine slogans, bureaucracy, and even noodles—before snapping back to his original vision just in time.
Satisfied with the result, Ikki admired his new appearance. The coat gave him an air of authority, elevating his presence instantly. "Perfect," he said, grinning.
Ikki jumped from the tower, landing dramatically in front of the pirates. The sudden appearance startled them, and they instinctively readied their weapons.
"Who the hell are you?" one pirate barked.
Ignoring the question, Ikki pointed at the nearest pirate captain. "I am Admiral Ikki of the Private Marines! You've been surrounded. Surrender now, and I may go easy on you!"
The pirate captain squinted in confusion. "Ikki? Never heard of you. Isn't the Marine here supposed to be Smoker, the White Hunter?"
"He doesn't look like the White Hunter," one pirate muttered. "Legend has it that the White Hunter has white hair and always has at least two cigars in his mouth. And... we're not surrounded!"
"Oh?" The pirate captain's expression darkened. "So this kid is playing tricks on us."
After a brief pause, the pirate with a bounty of seven million berries grinned wickedly and pointed at Ikki. "Kill him!" he bellowed.
The pirates, spurred on by their captain's order, charged at Ikki with swords raised and battle cries echoing through the port.
Ikki remained unfazed. With a simple gesture, Toyako Bokuto materialized in his hand. Surrounding the blade with a swirling current of air, Ikki dashed forward to meet the attackers head-on.
Every swing of Toyako Bokuto sent multiple pirates flying through the air. Bodies crashed into the ground or slammed against nearby walls, leaving their fates uncertain.
Ikki's strength was undeniable. Compared to these rookie pirates, who had yet to step foot on the Grand Line, he was leagues ahead—his abilities comparable to those of an entry-level pirate on the Grand Line.
The pirate captain quickly realized Ikki was far stronger than anticipated. Desperate, he sought out the other three captains of the pirate ships anchored nearby.
The captains, having heard Ikki's earlier declaration, didn't need much convincing. Banding together, their crews joined forces, forming a massive group to confront their common enemy.
As the combined forces of the four pirate crews charged, Ikki took a deep breath. Channeling his strength, he unleashed a devastating attack: Sky Dragon's Roar.
The air rippled as a colossal roar, several meters in diameter, erupted from Ikki's position. The shockwave tore through the pirate ranks, scattering bodies and leaving devastation in its wake. In mere moments, the majority of the pirates were incapacitated.
Ikki noted with satisfaction that his actions were increasing his justice value.
"Damn it... this guy's too strong! Attack together!" one of the captains shouted, rallying his fellow leaders.
The four pirate captains charged at Ikki, their desperation evident. But to Ikki, these so-called million-berries pirates were no different from the minions they commanded.
With a single Sky Dragon's Wings Ikki ended the fight. The captains were sent flying, their bodies crashing through portside buildings. The force of the attack left them unconscious, their injuries severe. Unlike formidable foes like the Arlong Pirates, these captains lacked the durability to withstand Ikki's overwhelming power.
From a distance, a group of Marines tasked with monitoring the port observed the entire battle. They were awestruck. It was the first time they'd seen someone other than Colonel Smoker take down a pirate crew with such ease.
Meanwhile, at the entrance to the port, Smoker and his squad of Marines were making their way toward the commotion. On their way, they encountered a young man with a straw hat who seemed completely lost.
The boy, smiling as though he didn't have a care in the world, approached them. "Excuse me," he began, "can you tell me how to get to the execution platform? This town's so big, I got turned around and ended up here at the port."
Smoker regarded the boy carefully. "Why are you looking for the execution platform?" he asked, suspicion creeping into his voice.
The boy grinned widely, his expression full of innocent excitement. "I want to see where the Pirate King, Gold Roger, died."
Smoker's eyes widened at the answer. Memories of that fateful day flooded his mind—the calm, fearless smile Roger had worn as he faced his execution, the quiet power he had exuded even in death. For a moment, Smoker was taken aback.
The boy in front of him gave off the same aura, the same sense of inevitability and destiny. Smoker couldn't shake the impression that this young Straw Hat could become a monumental problem for the world if he truly became a pirate.
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