Sabaody Archipelago, No.44.
This was the outer area where commoners would enter the main island.
The port was always filled with numerous civilian and merchant ships dropping anchor year-round.
Amid the endless rows of old-fashioned sailing vessels, there was one small ship that stood out.
Nestled among the boats, it didn't look like anything special at first glance.
But anyone who laid eyes on it would immediately realize—it was no ordinary ship.
It radiated sunlight and spirited energy.
It carried a warmth like the very rays of the sun.
It was built from the precious Adam Wood.
Crafted by the greatest shipwrights in the world.
A miracle ship capable of braving any storm.
It was the Thousand Sunny!!!
The beloved ship of the Straw Hat Pirates!!!
At this very moment—
On the deck of the Thousand Sunny sat a man.
His sharply defined features made him decently handsome, sitting cross-legged calmly on the grassy deck.
His body was wrapped in bandages in many places, some of which were still stained with fresh blood.
After a while, the roar of a motor echoed through the sky.
A young man in a black leather jacket descended on a flying fish motorbike.
"Boss! Take a break. Let me take over the next shift!" he called out.
The leader of the Rosy Life Riders, Duval, casually accepted a large chunk of meat from one of his men and tore into it like a ravenous beast.
"These little scratches are nothing. The Straw Hats owe me a mountain of debt. They're my friends. I swore to protect their ship with my life—this is my code of honor!!!" Duval declared with absolute conviction.
Twenty-two years ago, when the Great Pirate Era began, Duval was born into the chaos.
Because of his horrendously ugly face, he was rumored to be a cursed child and endured a tragic childhood.
As an adult, Duval left his hometown and formed the Rosy Life Riders.
He thought he was finally on the path to success.
But then came the Water Seven incident.
A wanted poster of Sanji was released—with a sketch that looked exactly like Duval.
Duval became a target of both the Marines and bounty hunters alike.
Once again, like in his childhood, he had to wear a mask to hide his face from the world.
Duval developed a deep hatred for Sanji, who had unknowingly caused him so much suffering.
So when he heard that the Straw Hats had arrived at Sabaody—
He made up his mind to take Sanji down and reclaim a peaceful life.
Eventually, he did confront the Straw Hats.
But upon learning of Duval's tragic past, Sanji took responsibility.
With one brutal session of "consecutive feeding kicks," Sanji performed a facial reconstruction.
From a cursed, hideously ugly man, Duval transformed into a handsome fellow.
His life changed forever.
Because of that, Duval's feelings toward the Straw Hats shifted completely.
From deep hatred to heartfelt gratitude.
Now, in the aftermath of the Tyrant Kuma's attack that scattered the Straw Hats, Duval never stopped believing they would return.
And in the meantime, he took it upon himself to protect their ship—the Thousand Sunny—as his personal mission.
For ten days straight, he and the Rosy Life Riders fought off wave after wave of outlaw scum trying to take the ship.
They never let a single finger touch the Straw Hats' precious vessel.
But the cost was high.
Nearly every member of the Riders was injured.
Thankfully, none had died—yet.
Clack! Clack!
The hum of more motors filled the air.
Another flying fish rider crash-landed hastily.
"Boss! Makuro's gang is back again! These guys just won't give up! We've driven them off countless times and they still keep coming. They're a huge pain!"
The rider gritted his teeth in frustration.
"Are the brothers in position?" Duval asked in a low voice.
"Yes, sir! We've got them surrounded!"
"Good. Then this time, let's make sure they don't even think about targeting the Sunny again."
Duval's eyes gleamed with a sharp killing intent.
Finishing the last bite of meat, he turned to mount his flying fish.
He and another rider blasted off, speeding away.
Soon, Duval arrived at the place where his men had surrounded Makuro's gang.
Before he could even speak—
"Cut cut cut—" Makuro, the leader of the gang, suddenly grinned darkly.
"What's so funny?" Duval frowned.
"Oh, nothing," Makuro shrugged. "Just wanted to tell you—I'm not here to steal the Sunny this time."
"What do you mean?" Duval's instincts flared with alarm.
"There are too many people eyeing that pirate ship. You Rosy Life Riders really think you can protect it forever?" Makuro said mockingly.
"What are you getting at?" Duval snapped.
"Be honest. If the Marines weren't too busy to act, you think you'd have been able to hold the ship this long? Sooner or later, they'll come to claim it. When that happens, are you going to fight the Marines, too?"
Makuro stepped closer.
"If it's going to fall into their hands anyway, why not split it with us now? Wouldn't that be more enjoyable?"
"That ship belongs to my friends! I won't let anyone touch it!" Duval growled.
"Too late for that now."
Makuro's face twisted into a smug grin.
"Duval! Bad news!" a flying fish rider shouted in panic. "The ship—the Sunny's been taken! Another outlaw gang made their move. Makuro's bunch was just a decoy to distract us!!!"
"Damn it! So that's what this was?!" Duval clenched his teeth.
His worst fears had come true.
After countless failed solo attempts to seize the Sunny, all the outlaw groups had banded together.
Even so—
He had no reason to back down.
"Rosy Life Riders! With me! We're taking the Sunny back!!!"
Duval raised his arm and roared.
Leading the Riders, he dashed back at full speed.
Prepared to risk everything in a bloody battle.
But—
When they returned to the harbor...
And caught sight of the fleeing Thousand Sunny...
When they looked closely at the deck...
And saw the single boy standing there under the sun...
The expressions on all the Rosy Life Riders, Duval included, froze.
A moment later—
"Wha-wha-wha... Straw Hat kid!!!"