"Let's combine the air element… and Observation Haki," Zino whispered to himself.
A soft breeze began to stir around him. It was subtle at first—barely noticeable. But then, the air around the ship thickened with pressure, expanding outward in all directions like an invisible pulse.
Winds began to ripple from Zino's body, laced with invisible threads of Haki. They swept across the sea, gliding above the surface and through the air like a wave of searching intent.
The crew stood quietly, watching in awe.
"It's like he's becoming the wind itself…" Robin murmured.
Minutes passed.
Zino's brows furrowed slightly, focusing hard. His mind extended far across the ocean, listening to every subtle change in the breeze—currents, pressure shifts, faint sounds of birds, even distant vibrations in the air.
Then—he opened his eyes.
"There's something out there," he said, standing. "Roughly twenty kilometers to the west. A small island. Trees, stone buildings. Definitely inhabited."
"You serious?!" Ussop looked amazed. "You picked up an island that far away?!"
Zino nodded. "Wind carries more than air. It carries information—if you know how to read it."
He didn't tell them that he 'saw' a man on a rooftop, using a rifle to aim at a distant target.
That guy must be one of the Blackbeard Pirates' crew, Van Augur, Zino thought.
"Well, what are we waiting for?!" Stev shouted, already adjusting the sail.
"Set course to the west!" Nami ordered.
The Silent Orca slowly turned direction, riding the waves toward the new destination.
Some time later, just as Zino had predicted, the Silent Orca approached an island. As they neared the shore, the crew noticed something that instantly set them on edge—dozens of pirate ships anchored in the harbor.
"Whoa... That's a lot of pirate flags," Stev muttered, shrinking behind the ship's railing.
"Yeah, I'm starting to think this place isn't exactly tourist-friendly," Ussop gulped.
Nami scanned the chaotic docks with a worried look. "This place looks like a nest of trouble. We better be careful."
Once they docked, Zino gathered the crew on the deck for a quick plan.
"So... who's actually going out to look for info?" Ussop asked, clearly hoping he wouldn't be chosen.
"I'll go inland," Gin said calmly, checking the tonfas at his side.
"This place feels lively," Zoro added, glancing toward the crowded streets. "Might be worth a walk—and I might hear something useful."
"Hold it." Alvida stepped in, crossing her arms. "You? Alone? You'll get lost before you reach the tavern."
Zoro raised a brow. "I don't get lost."
"You always get lost," Alvida said flatly, glaring at him.
Zoro grumbled but didn't argue when he saw her eyes narrow like drawn daggers.
"I'll stay on the ship," Hibari offered, scanning the harbor. "I have a bad feeling. It's like someone's watching us. Someone should keep guard."
"I'll stay too," Sanji said quickly, striking a pose. "The ladies on board may need my protection."
"You mean you just want to be near the girls," Galdino snorted.
Zino nodded, his tone firm. "Good. The rest of you—if you're going ashore, do it in pairs. No one goes alone."
Everyone gave an understanding nod. Safety in numbers.
"And one more thing," Zino said, his voice dropping a pitch. "Don't go starting anything. Stay out of trouble if you can."
He paused, then added coldly, "But if someone picks a fight with you… beat some sense into their skull."
He swept his eyes across the crew. Their expressions changed. Smirks crept in. Eyes sharpened.
Zoro smirked. "No problem."
"We're not just some rookies," Gin said quietly.
Zino's voice carried finality. "Exactly. We may be quiet pirates—but we're not pushovers."
With that, the group split up.
Zoro and Alvida moved out together, a strange but formidable pair. Gin teamed up with Robin, both moving with calm confidence. Zino walked side by side with Mikita, casually chatting as they made their way toward the marketplace. Galdino and Marianne teamed up like when they were still agents. And Kruz (now Creed) headed off with Nojiko, both curious to explore.
Back on the ship, the rest held down the fort. Hibari kept her rifle close, eyes on the dock. Sanji made tea for the remaining ladies while occasionally peeking toward the town.
Ussop sighed with relief. "Thank goodness I'm not going."
"You were never even close to volunteering," Nami said, rolling her eyes.
"Looking at this many pirates," Hibari said, "those pairs might just beat some. Their bounties might skyrocket."
"Really?" Sanji's eyes flashed. "Should I go too?"
"You stay," Nami commanded.
...
The five pairs split up and headed into the bustling port town, each duo choosing a different path through the maze of alleys, stalls, and shady-looking taverns.
Zino and Mikita made their way to a busy tavern, where the smell of ale, grilled meat, and sea salt filled the air. Inside, a rough crowd filled every corner, laughing, drinking, and shouting over each other. Zino led Mikita to the bar and ordered two drinks.
"Keep your eyes and ears open," he whispered as the bartender poured. "Places like this talk louder than any den den mushi."
Mikita nodded and leaned casually on the bar, scanning the room.
Zino listened quietly to the chatter—rumors of bounties, treasure maps, and rising tensions in the Grand Line—but then, an unsettling pressure brushed against his senses. It wasn't Haki... it was presence.
His eyes shifted to the corner of the tavern—and froze.
Sitting alone, devouring a cherry pie with unnerving enthusiasm, was none other than Marshall D. Teach, Blackbeard Pirates' Captain. The man looked larger in person, with his scruffy beard, missing teeth, and unnerving grin.
As if sensing the stare, Teach turned and locked eyes with Zino.
"Well, well... a new face!" he said with a grin full of mischief. "What crew are you with, huh?"
Zino took a slow sip of his drink. "Just a traveler," he replied coolly.
Internally, his mind raced. Blackbeard... He is here. And yet, Ace is supposed to be hunting him around this time... Do I interfere? Or will I break the flow of events?*
He exhaled slowly. No. Not now. I already told the crew not to stir up trouble.
Blackbeard chuckled, clearly amused by Zino's calmness. "Heh, travelers don't last long in a place like this. Better watch your back."
Zino gave a polite smile, then turned his attention back to Mikita, who gave him a questioning glance.
Elsewhere, Gin and Robin stepped into a smoky pub filled with gamblers shouting over dice and card games. The air was tense, loud, and chaotic—perfect for gathering information unnoticed.
Gin was about to speak to Robin, but when he turned, she was already gone.
"Tch... of course," he muttered. "Always moving on her own."
Left alone, Gin shrugged and walked toward an empty table. "Guess I'll blend in and listen."
But just as he pulled the chair back—
A rough voice growled, "Get out. This seat's not for small fry."
Gin looked up.
A tall, broad-shouldered man stood there, arms crossed and eyes filled with arrogance. His blond hair was messy, and a sneer stretched across his face.
Bellamy the Hyena.
Gin narrowed his eyes but kept his cool. "Didn't see your name on it."
The pirates nearby paused, sensing the tension rising.
Bellamy laughed, loud and mocking. "You've got guts, I'll give you that. But this town ain't for nobodies pretending to be tough."
Gin slowly let his hand drift near his waist. "I'm not pretending."
The pub was silent for a moment.
Bellamy's sneer deepened. "Heh... maybe I'll make an example out of you."
Gin narrowed his eyes. "Go ahead—"
Bang!
The gunshot rang out like thunder. Bellamy fired.
But Gin was quicker. He twisted his head just in time, the bullet grazing past his ear. In the same motion, his fist came up like lightning, slamming hard into Bellamy's gut.
Thud!
The force sent Bellamy stumbling back, crashing into a nearby table with a grunt. Cards and coins scattered everywhere. Silence fell across the pub.
Gin stood straight, cracking his knuckles, expression flat.
"Tch. That killed my mood," he muttered. He turned toward the exit.
All eyes were locked on him.
"Did... did he just punch Bellamy?"
"Bellamy the Hyena?!"
"Who the hell is that guy?"
Whispers filled the room. The gamblers and pirates quickly stepped aside, afraid to get in his way.
But Gin didn't care. He moved for the door, unbothered—until a low voice stopped him.
"Wait."
Gin paused and looked over his shoulder.
Bellamy was back on his feet, wiping blood from his lip, eyes gleaming with fury and amusement. "Heh... I felt that punch. You're not just some thug, are you?"
Gin scowled. "Why would I tell you anything?"
Bellamy's grin twisted into something darker. "Because that was your last chance to speak."
"Spring Snipe!"
Boom!!
Bellamy launched himself forward like a cannonball, using the power of his Bane Bane no Mi—his legs turning into powerful springs.
In an instant, he closed the distance.
Gin barely had time to cross his arms before the attack smashed into his guard. The force was incredible.
Crash!
Gin was sent flying through the swinging pub doors, slamming onto the street outside, skidding across the stone road.
Inside the pub, gasps erupted. Some rushed to the windows. Others backed away in fear.
Outside, Gin groaned and rolled to his feet, bruised but standing. His eyes sharpened.
He dusted himself off and muttered under his breath, "Alright... you want to play, huh?"
Bellamy stepped out of the doorway, cracking his knuckles, spring-loaded legs bouncing slightly beneath him.
"This town's for real pirates," he growled. "Not for nameless trash."
Gin smiled coldly. "Then I'll carve my name into your memory."
Instantly, many people, pirates and civilians alike, were drawn to their fight.
...
Elsewhere in the bustling port town, Creed and Nojiko strolled through a narrow street lined with colorful merchant stalls. The scent of grilled seafood and spices lingered in the air. Pirates, traders, and townsfolk milled about, casting curious glances at the unfamiliar pair.
Some whispered, but no one dared approach.
Creed stopped at a small stall cluttered with old books, maps, and dusty trinkets. A middle-aged shopkeeper sat behind the counter, polishing a rusted compass.
"Excuse me," Creed said calmly. "Mind if I ask something?"
The shopkeeper looked up, sizing him and Nojiko up. "Depends. You looking to buy something?"
"Not exactly," Creed replied. "Do you sell information?"
That piqued the merchant's interest. He leaned forward, voice lowering slightly. "Information, huh? Depends on what you're asking."
"I'm looking for anything related to the Sky Island," Creed said. "Rumors, items, stories—whatever you've got."
For a second, the shopkeeper stared at him.
Then he burst into laughter.
"Pfft—Bwahaha! Oh man... that's rich! Sky Island? Seriously?" He slapped the counter as he laughed.
Creed's eyes narrowed. Nojiko was unimpressed.
"What's so funny?" she asked flatly.
The man wiped a tear from the corner of his eye. "You two must be new around here, huh?"
Neither of them answered.
"Thought so," he said with a smirk. "Listen, you need to read a little book called Noland the Liar. That whole 'Sky Island' nonsense? It's just a fairy tale. Kids' stuff."
Creed didn't flinch. "That so? We saw a Marine warship fall out of the sky not long ago. Just dropped from the clouds. Doesn't seem like much of a fairy tale now."
The shopkeeper blinked. "…What?"
"Believe what you want," Creed said with a sigh. He turned away. "Come on, Nojiko. This place has nothing useful."
Nojiko gave the merchant a disinterested look and followed without a word.
"Wait! Hey, hold on—" the shopkeeper called out, scrambling to stand. "You serious? A warship? From the sky?!"
But the two were already walking away, disappearing into the crowd, leaving behind only the buzz of disbelief and a man with far more questions than answers.