The port town was a chaotic blend of noise and movement, its narrow streets crammed with merchants, sailors, and townsfolk. With his lean frame and dirty blonde hair tied up into a small ponytail, Hongo moved through the crowd with quiet efficiency. His mission was clear: gather medical supplies and fresh provisions for the crew. The Red Force was in dire need of repairs, and the crew's well-being was his priority. But as he navigated the bustling bazaar, something caught his attention.
Near the edge of the market, a group of rough-looking men were herding a line of women and small children into the back of a large, unmarked wagon. Bound and gagged, their eyes were wide with fear. Hongo's scarred gaze narrowed as he observed the scene. The men were clearly pirates, their clothing adorned with the symbols of the Bellamy Pirates, a notorious crew known for their brutality. But what made Hongo's blood run cold was the presence of a World Government official overseeing the operation, his Marine insignia barely concealed beneath his cloak.
Human trafficking. The realization hit Hongo like a punch to the gut. These people were being sold as slaves, and the World Government was complicit. His fists clenched at his sides, but he forced himself to stay calm. He needed to gather more information before acting.
Hongo blended into the crowd, his movements deliberate and unhurried. He trailed the wagon to a secluded port area, where a ship bearing the World Government's flag was docked. The pirates and the official began unloading the captives, their voices low and businesslike.
Hongo's mind raced. This was bigger than he had anticipated. He needed to get back to the crew and warn them, but he also couldn't ignore the suffering in front of him. As he weighed his options, a small child—a girl no older than six—locked eyes with him from the back of the wagon. Her face was streaked with tears, and her silent plea for help was unmistakable.
That was all it took. Hongo's resolve hardened. He couldn't walk away.
Moving swiftly, Hongo slipped into the shadows of the dock, his footsteps silent against the wooden planks. He needed to get closer, to find a way to disrupt the operation or at least gather evidence to bring back to the crew. But as he edged closer to the ship, his foot caught on a loose board, the sound echoing in the quiet dock.
The pirates and the official froze, their heads snapping toward the noise. "Who's there?" one of the pirates barked, his hand moving to the hilt of his sword.
Hongo cursed under his breath. He had been careless. Before he could retreat, a group of pirates surrounded him, their weapons drawn. The World Government official stepped forward, his expression cold and calculating.
"Well, well," the official said with dripping disdain. "What do we have here? A nosy little rat, sneaking around where he doesn't belong."
Hongo stood his ground, searching the group. He was outnumbered, but he wasn't defenseless. "Let those people go," he said in a low and steady voice. "They've done nothing to deserve this."
The official laughed, a harsh, grating sound. "You're in no position to make demands, pirate. But since you're so concerned, why don't you join them?"
The pirates lunged at Hongo, their blades flashing in the dim light. Hongo moved with precision, dodging the first strike and disarming one of the attackers with a swift kick. But the numbers were against him. A blow to the back of his head sent him to his knees, and before he could recover, his arms were bound tightly behind his back.
The official leaned down, his face inches from Hongo's. "You should have minded your own business," he sneered. "But don't worry. You'll fetch a good price on the auction block."
Hongo's eyes burned with defiance, but he remained silent. He had been caught, but he wasn't beaten. Hongo's mind raced with plans as he was dragged toward the ship. He would bide his time, gather information, and wait for the right moment to strike. The port town faded into the distance as the ship set sail, its dark silhouette cutting through the waves.
*****
Marya led the way through the passage, a hidden artery carved into the heart of the island. Its walls were lined with ancient stone and illuminated by the flickering light of torches. The air was cool and damp, carrying the faint scent of earth and the distant murmur of the ocean.
Knox went ahead of the group, his handlebar mustache twitching with irritation as he muttered under his breath. "Notorious pirates," he grumbled, his voice low but carrying clearly in the quiet of the tunnel. "Amel and Nanette are going to have my head for this."
Marya glanced over her shoulder at Knox's. "They're not here to cause trouble."
Knox snorted skeptically. "Famous last words. Let's just hope the Ellingtons see it that way."
Master Gaius's chuckle was warm and rich. "Relax, Knox. Shanks may be a pirate, but he's not the type to abuse trust. And if he wanted to cause trouble, he wouldn't need a secret passage to do it."
Shanks grinned, eyes crinkling, "He's got a point. If I wanted to stir things up, I'd just walk through the front door."
Yasopp chuckled lightly. "And probably bring a bottle of sake with us. No sense causing trouble without a drink in hand."
Aurélie's lips curved into a small, almost imperceptible smile, though she remained watchful. "Let's just focus on getting through this passage. We can deal with the Ellingtons' reactions later."
The walls gradually became narrower when they nearly reached a seemingly dead end. Marya paused and examined the wall ahead of her. She reached out, her fingers brushing against a series of carved symbols.
The air was thick with anticipation, the faint hum of energy emanating from the ancient mechanism. Behind her, they watched in silence. There was a low, resonant click, followed by the sound of grinding stone. The door shuddered, then began to slide open, revealing a sliver of light that grew wider with each passing second. Marya stepped back, as the cavern beyond came into view. The light shifted, flooding the passage with a warm, golden glow that seemed to breathe life into the ancient stone.
As the door fully opened, the sight before them was nothing short of breathtaking. The cavern fell away, revealing a city nestled inside the hollowed stump of a petrified titan. The sheer scale of it was staggering—the titan's massive form had been transformed into a natural fortress, its walls lined with countless windows that glittered like stars from floor to ceiling. Light spilled from within, casting a soft, other worldly glow over the entire city.
A roaring waterfall cascaded from high above, its waters splitting into a shimmering river that wound through the city's heart. The river glinted with flecks of gold, its surface reflecting the warm illumination of lanterns that hung from polished wooden and stone bridges. These bridges arched gracefully between balconies and walkways, forming an intricate transit system that connected the city's many levels. The air was alive with the sounds of life—laughter, chatter, and the distant hum of music. The vibrant markets, bark-carved homes, and rune-adorned temples showcased the people's ingenuity and resilience.
Behind her, Shanks let out a low whistle, as he took in the sight. "Well, I'll be damned," he said, his voice filled with genuine admiration. "This is something else. A city inside a titan? I've seen a lot of things in my time, but this... this takes the cake."
Yasopp, taking in the scene. "You're not kidding," he said, with a mix of awe and disbelief. "This place is incredible. Look at those bridges—how do they even build something like that? And the waterfall... is that gold in the water?"
Master Gaius chuckled, his weathered face creasing into a proud smile. "It's a sight, isn't it? The titan's remains have been our home for generations. Every inch of this place tells a story."
Aurélie's silver hair caught the light as she gazed at the city. Her usual stoic demeanor softened slightly, with a flicker of pride in her big gray eyes. "It's more than a home," she said quietly. "It's a sanctuary. And it's our duty to protect it."
Shanks crossed his arms, his expression thoughtful as he took in the bustling city below. "I can see why you'd want to keep this place a secret," he said, his tone light but carrying a note of respect. "It's not every day you find a hidden gem like this."
Yasopp nodded, "Yeah, this is... something else. I can't believe you've been keeping this under wraps all this time."
Marya turned to face them, showing a blend of pride and caution. "This is our home," she said, her voice firm. "And we protect it at all costs. You're here because we trust you—but that trust comes with responsibility."
Shanks met her gaze, his expression unreadable for a moment before he broke into a grin. "Don't worry, Marya. We're not here to cause trouble. Just passing through, remember?"
Yasopp emitted a soft laugh, speaking with a light-hearted tone. "Yeah, and maybe sampling some of that gold-flecked water while we're at it."
Master Gaius laughed warmly. "Come on, then. Let's not keep the Ellingtons waiting. They'll want to meet our... guests."
As the group stepped into the city, the warm glow of lanterns and the hum of life enveloped them. They walked along one of the polished wooden bridges that arced gracefully over the shimmering river, the city's golden light casting a welcoming radiance on their faces. Shanks and Yasopp followed, observing the bustling metropolis around them.
Shanks glanced at Marya, "So, who exactly are these Ellingtons? The ones Knox mentioned?"
Marya opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, a loud voice cut through the air. "Marya! Marya!"
They turned to see Riggs sprinting toward them, his lanky frame moving with reckless energy. His shaggy blond hair bounced with each step, and his katana swung wildly at his side. His eyes were wide with excitement, his attention fixed entirely on Marya.
"Marya!" he shouted again, skidding to a stop in front of her. "Is it true? Did you really take down a Vice Admiral? I heard it from one of the guards, and I couldn't believe it! Tell me everything!"
Marya blinked, taken aback by his sudden appearance and barrage of questions. "Riggs, welcome back," she said calmly, with a touch of exasperation. "I'm glad you made it in time for the festival—"
"Forget the festival!" Riggs interrupted, waving his hands dramatically. "A Vice Admiral, Marya! That's huge! How did you do it? Was it a fair fight? Did you use your Devil Fruit powers? Tell me everything!"
Marya sighed, rolling her eyes. "Riggs, it's not that simple—"
But Riggs wasn't listening. He leaned in closer, his excitement bubbling over. "And what about the pirates? Did you hear? There are pirates on the island! Real pirates! Not just any pirates, but—" He finally seemed to notice Shanks and Yasopp standing behind Marya, his words trailing off as his eyes widened.
For a moment, Riggs froze, his mouth hanging open as he stared at Shanks. Then, like a spark igniting, his excitement exploded anew. "No way," he said, his voice rising an octave. "No way. Is that—? Are you—? Shanks? THE Shanks? Red-Haired Shanks?"
Shanks grinned, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "That's me," he said lightly, with amusement.
Riggs' jaw dropped, and he turned to Yasopp, his enthusiasm reaching new heights. "And you—you're Yasopp! The legendary sniper! Oh my—this is incredible! Marya, did you know about this? Why didn't you tell me? This is the best day of my life!"
Marya pinched the bridge of her nose, her patience wearing thin. "Riggs, if you'd let me get a word in—"
But Riggs was already turning back to Shanks, his hands gesturing wildly. "I can't believe you're here! This is amazing! Do you think—? Could I—? Would you ever consider sparring with me? Just once? Please? I've been training so hard, and I've always wanted to—"
"Riggs," came the deep, stern tone of Jax. Before Riggs could react, a large hand grabbed him by the collar, yanking him back mid-sentence. Jax, the muscular guardian, stood behind him in exasperation. "Do you ever stop talking?"
Marya sighed, softening slightly. "It's good to see you, Riggs. But yes, I took down a Vice Admiral. And yes, I know about the pirates. They're... guests. For now."
Riggs flailed slightly, his shaggy blond hair bouncing as he tried to regain his footing. "Jax! I was just—!"
"I know what you were doing," Jax interrupted with a firm but fond tone. He released Riggs' collar and stepped forward, his attention turning to Marya. His expression softened slightly as he looked her over. "Marya. I heard you were seriously injured. Are you okay?"
Marya met his gaze, reflecting a mix of gratitude and determination. "I'm fine," she said with calm reassurance. "It was just a scratch. Nothing to worry about."
Jax's brow furrowed with evident concern. "A scratch? That's not what I heard. You took down a Vice Admiral, Marya. That's not something to downplay."
Marya shrugged with a light tone lightly. "It's over now."
Riggs, who had been momentarily silenced, suddenly burst back into the conversation. "But Marya, you have to tell us everything! How did you—?"
Jax cut him off with a glare, his hand clamping down on Riggs' shoulder. "Enough, Riggs. We need to report in. Now."
Riggs pouted, his excitement deflating slightly. "But—"
"No buts," Jax said, his tone leaving no room for argument. He turned back to Marya, his expression softening again. "We'll catch up later, Marya."
Marya nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "You too, Jax. Glad you made it back in time for the festival."
As Jax dragged Riggs away, Riggs called over his shoulder, his voice still brimming with excitement. "We're not done, Marya! I want to hear everything! And Shanks—!"
Jax rolled his eyes, his grip on Riggs tightening as he muttered, "You're impossible."
The group watched as Jax and Riggs disappeared into the bustling crowd, their voices fading into the hum of the city. Shanks quietly observes the exchange with a mix of amusement and curiosity.
"So," he said lightly but with a note of seriousness. "A Vice Admiral, huh? That's no small feat. I'm impressed."
Marya glanced at him with a gleam in her eye. "Yeah, she was pretty tough."
Shanks' expression softened, his eyebrows drawing together, his usual easygoing demeanor giving way to a flicker of concern. "Still, taking on a Vice Admiral is no joke. You're lucky to walk away from that with just a scratch."
Marya's lips curved into a small, almost imperceptible smile. Pausing, she leaned against the railing, fixated on the water below. With a note of calm vulnerability, "The fight with the Vice Admiral... it wasn't just physical," she began thoughtfully. "She knew exactly how to get under my skin. She mentioned my father. I wasn't prepared for that. It threw me off balance, and for a moment, I lost focus. That's when she struck."
Shanks, who had been leaning casually against the railing beside her, listened intently with an unreadable expression. Yasopp and Aurélie stood nearby, their attention focused on Marya, while Master Gaius puffed on his kiseru pipe.
"I've always prided myself on my discipline," Marya continued, her voice steady but carrying a hint of frustration. "But in that moment, I let my emotions take over. It was a mistake—one I can't afford to make again."
Shanks nodded thoughtfully. "Emotions can be tricky. They can make you stronger, but they can also be your downfall if you let them control you."
Marya glanced at him with a flicker of optimism. "That's why I have an idea. You're here, waiting for your crew. Why not use that time to help me? You've faced some of the strongest fighters in the world. If anyone can teach me how to stay focused under pressure, it's you."
Shanks raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a small, amused smile. "You want me to train you?"
Marya nodded, resolutely. "Not train, exactly. Just... spar. Push me. Help me learn how to keep my emotions in check, even when someone's trying to rattle me."
Shanks allowed himself a small laugh, his voice remaining light yet imbued with a hint of respect. "You're not one to back down from a challenge, are you?"
Marya's lips twitched in a small smile. "Neither are you."
Shanks studied her for a moment, his gaze thoughtful. "Alright," he said finally, his tone serious now. "I'll help you. But don't expect me to go easy on you."
Marya gleamed with determination. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
Aurélie stepped forward, her stoic demeanor softened. "I'll join you," she said. "If you're going to learn how to stay focused, you'll need more than one opponent."
Marya nodded with a grateful expression. "Thank you, Aurélie."
Master Gaius let out a chuckle, his voice exuding warmth and richness. "Looks like you've got quite the team, Marya. Just remember—training is one thing, but real growth comes from within."
"There you are," Knox said, his gruff voice tinged with relief. "I've been looking all over for you. The Ellingtons are ready to meet with you in the Library's Main Assembly Hall. They're not exactly thrilled about the... situation." He shot a pointed look at Shanks and Yasopp, making it clear that the "situation" was their presence.
Shanks grinned, "I take it we're not the most welcome guests?"
Knox snorted, dryly. "That's putting it lightly. Amel and Nanette have a lot of questions, and they're not the type to wait for answers. Let's move."
Marya nodded, "We'll head there now."
Knox grumbled under his breath as he turned to lead the way. "Notorious pirates in our city. What could possibly go wrong?"
The group followed Knox through the bustling streets, the golden light of lanterns and the hum of festival preparations surrounding them. The Library loomed ahead, its grand structure carved into the petrified bark of the titan stump. Its towering doors were adorned with intricate runes, and the shine of light spilled from its windows, casting a welcoming aura.
As Shanks and Yasopp crossed the threshold into the Library, they faltered for a moment in genuine awe. The grandeur of the place was unlike anything they had ever seen, and even for two seasoned pirates who had traveled the world, it was a sight to behold.
Shanks paused just inside the entrance, as he took in the gleaming marble floors that reflected the soft glow of enchanted lanterns suspended from the vaulted ceilings. His eyes traced the intricate mosaics above, their colors vibrant and their patterns mesmerizing. "Well, I'll be damned," he murmured in reverence. "This place is something else."
Yasopp, standing beside him, was equally stunned. His eyes darted around the room, taking in the towering shelves of polished mahogany that seemed to stretch endlessly in every direction. The countless volumes—ancient tomes with gilded spines, scrolls sealed in crystal tubes, and illuminated manuscripts that shimmered faintly—caught his attention. "I've never seen anything like this," he said, in a mix of wonder and disbelief. "It's like... a treasure trove of knowledge. But fancier. Way fancier."
Shanks chuckled, his usual grin returning. "Fancy doesn't even begin to cover it. This is... impressive. And I don't say that often."
As they moved further into the Library, the crisp, faintly scented air of lavender and cedar enveloped them, a testament to the care taken to preserve the collection. Scholars moved quietly through the aisles, their footsteps barely audible on the marble floors. Floating orbs of light drifted lazily through the air, guiding the scholars to their desired sections. Shanks reached out to touch one of the orbs, his fingers passing through it as it shimmered and danced away. "Now that's a neat trick," he said, with a note of admiration.
Yasopp, meanwhile, was drawn to one of the towering shelves, his fingers brushing against the spine of an ancient tome. The gilded lettering seemed to glow faintly under his touch, and he pulled his hand back as if burned. "Whoa. These books... they feel alive."
Marya had been watching their reactions with a small smile. "They are, in a way. The Library is more than just a collection of books. It's a living testament to the knowledge and history. Every volume here has been carefully preserved and protected."
Shanks glanced at her thoughtfully. "I can see why you'd want to keep this place a secret. It's not just a library—it's a sanctuary."
As they approached the heart of the Library, the Celestial Atrium came into view. The domed chamber was breathtaking, its ceiling adorned with a massive, rotating astrolabe that projected constellations onto the surface above. The stars seemed to shift and dance, their patterns forming intricate designs that told the story of the eternal pursuit of knowledge. Shanks and Yasopp stopped in their tracks, their eyes fixed on the spectacle above.
"Now that," Shanks said, with genuine admiration, "is something you don't see every day."
Mouth slightly agape, Yasopp nodded, "It's like... the entire universe is right here. In this room. I've never seen anything like it."
Marya flickered with pride as she watched their reactions. "The Celestial Atrium is the heart of the Library. It's a reminder that knowledge is infinite, and that there's always more to learn."
Shanks turned to her thoughtfully. "You've got quite the treasure here, Marya. I can see why you're so protective of it."
Yasopp, still staring at the constellations above, added, "Yeah, this place is incredible. I mean, I've seen a lot of things in my time, but this... this is something else."
Knox Penrose stood at the edge of the Library's grand entrance, his handlebar mustache twitching with impatience as he watched Shanks and Yasopp marvel at the surroundings. His teeth clenched, and he crossed his arms over his broad chest, his tone gruff and no-nonsense. "Alright, enough gawking. The Ellingtons aren't the type to stand around, and I'm not about to keep them waiting because you two decided to turn into tourists. Let's move."
Shanks chuckled, as he glanced at Knox. "Relax, Captain. We're coming. Just taking in the sights."
Yasopp, who had been examining a glowing orb of light that hovered near a shelf of ancient tomes, reluctantly pulled himself away. "Yeah, yeah, we're moving. But seriously, Knox, this place is incredible. You're telling me you walk through here every day and don't stop to appreciate it?"
Knox snorted dryly. "I've got a job to do. Appreciating the scenery isn't part of it. Now, come on."
Marya, with a flicker of amusement. "He's right. The Ellingtons are waiting. We can admire the Library later."
Knox grumbled under his breath as he turned and led the way, his heavy boots echoing on the gleaming marble floors. The group followed, their footsteps blending with the soft hum of the Library's enchanted lanterns. Knox guided them through a series of elaborately designed, arched double doors, each one more intricate than the last. The doors were carved with scenes from the island's history—battles, festivals, and moments of discovery—their details so fine they seemed to come alive in the flickering light.
As they passed through the final set of doors, Master Gaius suddenly stopped, his eyes narrowing as he took in the room before them. The space was vast, its vaulted ceilings stretching high above, adorned with glowing chandeliers that cast a golden light over the room. "This room," Master Gaius said, his voice low and carrying a note of reverence, "is the Hall of Echoes. It's said that the knowledge contained here is so powerful, it resonates through the very walls."
Shanks raised a curious eyebrow, "Echoes, huh? Sounds like the kind of place where secrets come to life."
Yasopp, who had been quietly taking in the sight, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, this place feels... alive. Like it's watching us."
Knox, who had been waiting impatiently by the door, cleared his throat loudly. "As fascinating as this is, the Ellingtons are waiting. Let's keep moving."
Marya glanced at Master Gaius with curiosity. "We'll come back later. For now, let's not keep the Ellingtons waiting."
Master Gaius nodded thoughtfully as he turned to follow Knox. The group moved through the Hall of Echoes, their footsteps reverberating softly in the vast space. As they approached the far end of the room, Knox led them through another set of elaborately designed, arched double doors. The doors opened into a grand chamber, its high ceilings supported by massive wooden beams and its walls lined with shelves upon shelves of ancient tomes. At the far end of the chamber stood Amel and Nanette Ellington, their presence commanding and their expressions unreadable.
Knox spoke with a formal but deference tone. "Amel, Nanette, I've brought them."
Amel nodded. He was a figure of striking presence, his appearance commanding immediate respect with a chiseled jawline and smooth medium-brown complexion that seemed to glow under the chamber's golden light. His dark brown eyes, both expressive and intelligent, convey a blend of warmth, intensity, authority, and understanding. His tall, athletic frame was accentuated by his tailored attire, a blend of elegance and practicality that spoke to his role as a leader and a protector of his community. "Thank you, Knox. You may leave us," he said with a calm note of authority.
Knox hesitated, his eyes flickering to Shanks and Yasopp before he nodded and stepped away. "I'll be outside if you need me."
As Knox left, Amel turned his attention to the group, his gaze settling on Shanks and Yasopp. "So," he said with measured skepticism. "The infamous Red-Haired Shanks and his sniper, Yasopp. To what do we owe the... pleasure?"
Shanks grinned, "Just passing through, Mayor Ellington." He said with light respect, "We heard there was a festival, and who could resist a good celebration?"
Nanette's eyes narrowed slightly, her tone cool but probing. "And yet, here you are, in a place known to very few outside our community. How exactly did you find your way here?"
Shanks shifted his weight, cocking a hip. "We were caught in a storm—a bad one. The kind that makes even the most seasoned sailors think twice. The waves were like mountains, and the wind... well, let's just say it wasn't on our side. We got separated from our crew, and the next thing we knew, we were washed up on your shore."
Yasopp, standing beside him, nodded in agreement. "It was chaos. One minute we were fighting to keep the ship afloat, and the next, we were in the water. We're lucky we made it out alive."
Shanks chuckled with a note of gratitude. "Luck had a lot to do with it. But we're here now, and we're grateful for the hospitality."
Amel's brow furrowed cautiously. "And your crew? Where are they now?"
With a flicker of concern, Shanks replied, "We're not sure. The storm scattered us, but they're a tough bunch. They'll find their way back to us. In the meantime, we're here, and we're willing to help however we can."
Nanette's brow furrowed, "And what exactly do you expect in return for this... help?"
Shanks looked directly at her, his demeanor now solemn. "Nothing. We're not here to cause trouble or make demands. We're here because we need to regroup, and if we can lend a hand while we're at it, all the better."
Marya's lips pursed with determination. "They've already agreed to help with training and strategy. Their experience could be invaluable."
Amel and Nanette exchanged a glance, their silent communication speaking volumes. Finally, Amel sighed. "Very well. But understand this—our trust is not easily earned. Any misstep, and you'll be dealt with accordingly."
Shanks nodded resolutely. "Understood. We're not here to cause trouble. You have my word."
Nanette's lips curved into a small, almost imperceptible smile. "We'll hold you to that."