A soft hum broke the air as a tear in space opened beside the Orca Pirates, who had been waiting under the scorching Alabasta sun. From the shimmering rift stepped Creed, Zino, and Galdino—who was dragging a massive, overstuffed bag behind him. The portal closed quietly behind them.
"Took you long enough," Nami called out, arms crossed and brow furrowed. "What were you doing, migrating continents?"
Zino rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, convincing him took a bit of effort."
"Really? I can smell something," Sanji added, sniffing the air suspiciously. "That's freshly cooked food, isn't it?"
Galdino muttered. "Yeah. They took their sweet time eating the food I made... every last drop."
All eyes turned to Zino and Creed, who both started sweating under the crew's collective glare.
"Okay, okay!" Zino raised his hands in surrender. "It's our fault, alright? Let me make it up to you guys."
"The ice path already melted," Mikita muttered, shielding her eyes from the sun.
"It's too hot for this nonsense," Alvida complained, fanning herself.
"Right. I hear you." With a wave of his hand, Zino activated his ice element. Ice rapidly grew from the ground, forming a dome of crystal-blue ice—an igloo large enough to house the entire crew. Cool mist wafted from within.
"There. Chill spot secured. Let's have lunch inside."
Sanji squinted at him. "Didn't you just eat?"
"That was over there," Zino argued, pointing vaguely into the distance. "This is here. Completely different vibe."
With a sigh, Sanji relented and began preparing lunch for the crew using the supplies on hand. Everyone stepped inside the igloo, grateful for the shade and the cool air. The temperature drop was immediate and refreshing.
As the crew settled in, Galdino scanned the room and his eyes locked onto a familiar face.
"Huh?" he blinked. "Marianne? You joined them too?"
Marianne, previously known as Miss Golden Week, nodded. "Not just me." She pointed to the side.
Galdino followed her gesture—and froze.
His jaw dropped. "Miss All Sunday! You're here too?!"
Robin smiled serenely. "Hello, Mr. 3. Or should I say... Galdino." She offered a slight nod. "Let me reintroduce myself. My real name is Nico Robin."
Galdino's eyes widened. "*You're* Nico Robin?"
He had heard of her before—the infamous child of Ohara, with a bounty since the age of eight. Realizing that Miss All Sunday and Nico Robin were one and the same left him stunned.
"If you're all here... then what about the boss? Is Crocodile here too?"
Robin gently shook her head. "He's been captured by the Marines. Alabasta's rebellion exposed everything."
Galdino fell silent, absorbing the weight of her words. Without Crocodile, Baroque Works was officially dissolved. There was no chain of command left to return to. And now, several former agents were standing here… as part of a pirate crew.
No orders. No hierarchy. Just freedom.
"…I guess that explains a lot," he muttered.
After lunch, the Orcas packed up. The icy trail that Zino had created earlier had begun melting in the heat, so he quickly restored it with another blast of his ice element.
Zino took Galdino's heavy luggage with a laugh. "Here. I'll carry this so you don't fall flat skating."
"Thanks," Galdino replied, relieved, but then felt shocked.
In front of him, Zino waved his right hand, and the luggage disappeared into thin air.
"My luggage..."
"I kept it." Zino smirked.
Galdino stared blankly, but didn't ask more.
With their new member officially welcomed, the Orcas continued trekking toward Nanohana Port, the cool path of ice leading them onward through the desert heat.
While they were trekking, Zino took his time to check his status in the system.
[STATUS]
*Name:* Monkey D. Zino
*Age:* 17
Pirate Group: Orca Pirate
Ship: Silent Orca
Crews: Alvida, Zoro, Nami, Kaya, Ussop, Sanji, Gin, Nojiko, Miria, Hibari, Binko, Mikita, Kruz (plus Creed and Friday), Stev, Chloris, Moris, Marianne, Vivi, Karoo, Nico Robin, Galdino.
Devil Fruit Ability: Nomu Nomu no Mi (Swallow Swallow Fruit)
- Primary Power: Ability to swallow and control elemental substances.
- Current Limitation: Can only control one element at a time.
- Unawakened Power: Grants transformation into the currently swallowed element (Vary according to the owned elements.)
Swallowed Elements:
1. Air - Stage 3 (Level 75)
- Techniques: Hokoken (Roaring Fist), Hokokyaku (Roaring Kick), Fujin (Dust Storm), Arasatsujin (Storm Slaughter), Ran-geki (Storm Clap).
- Special ability: Palm Vortex (Stage 2 unique skill), Partly Element Transformation (Stage 3 unique skill).
2. Medicine – Stage 1 (Level 38)
3. Smoke - Stage 1 (Level 22)
4. Ice - Stage 2 (Level 51)
- Technique: Hokuteiken (North Emperor Fist), Hyouken (Ice Fist), Kori Kosei (Ice Construct), Hyodo (Ice Path), Palm Vortex (Stage 2 unique skill)
5. Sand - Stage 1 (Level 17)
- Technique: Decay
Skills:
- Rokushiki Techniques: Soru, Geppo, Shigan, Rankyaku, Tekkai, Kami-e.
Advanced Skills:
1. Observation Haki - Stage 1 (Level 17)
2. Armament Haki - Stage 1 (Level 1)
3. Conquerors Haki - 97% awakening
Unique Skill:
1. Nomu Touch
- Harden and touch the body of a logia user, whose body element has been swallowed by the host.
- Nomu Touch list: Smoker, Crocodile.
...
Nanohana Port.
After trekking for a while, the Orcas reached the port. As the crew stepped into the main street, people paused what they were doing. Conversations stopped. Eyes turned. Then came the whispers.
"Is that really them?"
"The heroes of Alubarna!"
"No mistake. That's Monkey D. Zino!"
Children waved enthusiastically, while adults nodded in respect. Some still watched cautiously, especially at the sight of former Baroque agents walking among them.
"Hero! You're here!" an eager man ran up from the crowd, panting lightly, holding a rolled-up newspaper under his arm.
Zino, at the front, raised a brow as the man leaned in closer.
"You should be careful," the man said in a hushed voice. "The Marines... they've updated your bounties."
Zino blinked. "New bounties?"
The man nodded quickly, then handed him the newspaper along with a small stack of fresh wanted posters. "Not just for you. They've renewed bounties for your crew. You all have quite the reputation now."
Without waiting for a response, the man gave a quick bow and disappeared into the crowd.
Zino flipped through the posters, a small smirk curling on his lips. "Interesting…"
The top poster was his own.
"Monkey D. Zino – 220 Million Berries," he read aloud, eyes widening slightly. "Whoa. That's a jump."
"You serious?" Zoro asked, leaning in.
Sanji craned his neck too. "Let me see! Did I finally get one?"
Zino chuckled and began reading them out.
"Roronoa Zoro – 60 Million Berries."
Zoro gave a satisfied nod. "About time."
"Gin – 38 Million Berries."
Gin let out a low whistle. "Huh. Guess I'm officially a threat."
"Alvida – 20 Million."
Alvida scoffed. "Still low. I need to make a bigger mess."
"Hibari – 40 Million."
Hibari blinked in confusion. "I haven't even done anything *that* flashy. Why do I suddenly have a bounty?"
Zino flipped open the newspaper, skimming through the printed columns. "Let's see... Ah, here it is. According to the article, you were spotted sniping and taking down two notable Baroque Works agents—Miss Doublefinger, with the Spike-Spike powers, and Miss Merry Christmas, the one with the Mole-Mole ability."
He glanced up with a grin. "That's pretty flashy if you ask me."
Hibari blinked. "I just did what I had to do…"
"Sounds like the World Government noticed," Gin said with a chuckle. "Speaking of which... what about me?"
Zino checked again. "It says your consistent presence during recent events and previous actions made you a confirmed threat. You're a known name now, and they're keeping an eye on you."
"Same goes for Alvida," he added. "Though your role in the Alubarna clash is not stated much."
Alvida snorted. "So that's the reason why the increase in bounty was too little."
Sanji, however, looked increasingly annoyed. "Why don't I have a bounty?! I defeated that Okama guy, Mr. 2!"
Zino looked back at the paper, flipping through the pages again. "Er… Sorry, Sanji. There's no mention of you at all."
"What?!"
"Not even a silhouette," Zino muttered. "It's like you weren't even there."
Sanji fell to his knees, dramatically gripping the ground. "Why?! Am I that forgettable?!"
As he sulked, Robin spoke up calmly. "Any news about us former agents?"
Zino nodded. "Yeah, they updated your profiles too. The government's keeping a close eye on anyone tied to Baroque Works."
He pulled out several wanted posters and read them aloud:
"Nico Robin, still at 79 million berries. No change there."
Robin gave a subtle smile. "I suppose I'm holding steady."
"Galdino—Mr. 3—now 24 million."
"Hmph. A little low, but they'll learn," Galdino muttered.
"Mikita—Miss Valentine—is now at 9 million."
"Tch. They still underestimate me," Mikita huffed, crossing her arms.
"Marianne—Miss Golden Week—has jumped to 30 million."
Marianne's eyes widened as she took her wanted poster. "I'm... worth thirty million now?"
"You must've really freaked them out," Gin teased.
Binko, ever quick with numbers, clapped his hands and said, "In total, that brings our crew's bounty to 520 million berries!"
Everyone paused for a moment.
"Whoa," he continued. "If I were the World Government, I'd definitely consider us a serious threat. They might even send a Vice Admiral... or worse…"
He gulped dramatically. "Maybe an Admiral."
"Hey, don't jinx it!" Nami smacked Binko on the back of the head.
"Sorry! Just stating facts!"
Zino, meanwhile, folded the posters and tucked them into his coat. "Still, this puts things in perspective. We're not in the shadows anymore."
"Being wanted is part of the pirate life," Robin said quietly, gazing at her poster. "But the higher the bounty, the more eyes on us."
Zoro put his hand on the handle of his swords. "Let them come."
Sanji stood up again, brushing off his clothes with a groan. "No bounty, no recognition... What a cruel world."
Zino smiled. "Then make them notice you next time. That's how it works."
Sanji clenched his fist, determination lighting his eyes. "Then I'll make sure to do something big next time. They won't be able to ignore me."
Creed smirked. "Maybe I should make a move too. A bounty does sound... fun."
Chloris tilted her head. "Why is everyone so excited about being wanted criminals?"
"Don't ask," Nami sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Only these bounty-happy lunatics enjoy seeing their faces plastered on wanted posters."
She turned to Zino, her tone shifting to serious. "We should move. Binko may have been joking about the Marines showing up, but I'm starting to feel the same. That many bounties in one place? We're bound to attract attention."
Zino nodded. "Right. Let's head back to sea."
The crew quickly mobilized, making their way through Nanohana's busy port streets and down toward the shoreline. Despite the rising sun and the bustle of the city behind them, tension hung in the air like fog.
When they reached the beach, Zino stepped forward and raised his hand toward the ocean.
With a flash, the Silent Orca popped out of thin air. The ship dropped down, splashing and settling on the surface of the sea.
Zino smiled fondly. "It's been a while, Orca."
He moved closer to the ship. "Ready for another adventure? Take us to our next destination."
"Oi, stop talking to your ship like it's alive," Sanji called from the ramp. "Everyone else is already boarding!"
"Uh… right." Zino snapped out of it and leapt up onto the deck with a swift jump.
"Alright, everyone! Let's set sail!"
Zoro and Gin moved to the rigging, working in sync as they unfurled the sails. The fabric caught the wind with a satisfying snap, and the ship slowly began to glide forward, guided by the Log Pose toward its next destination.
The sea stretched ahead, calm and vast, promising adventure.
BOOM!
The tranquility shattered as a cannonball tore through the air, narrowly missing the ship's hull and splashing into the sea just meters away.
Kaya yelped, clinging to the railing. "Ah! What was that?!"
"Cannon fire!" Usopp shouted from the crow's nest, peering through a spyglass. "It's a Marine ship! Big one—fast, too!"
The shout alerted everyone of the incoming threat.