Spring Queen City — St. Popura!
A city where spring never ends, nestled within the latter half of the Grand Line's first half, just a short sail from Marineford and Mary Geoise. One island forward lay the Sabaody Archipelago, and to the east, the legendary shipbuilding hub, Water 7.
Blessed by gentle breezes, blooming flowers, and endless trade routes, Spring Queen City thrived in both wealth and reputation. Pirates rarely dared to attack so close to Marine Headquarters, making it a paradise for merchants, nobles, and travelers.
The city's streets glittered with luxury. Ports teemed with ships of every size, and dockworkers bustled endlessly, loading goods under the golden afternoon sun. The island's climate guaranteed bountiful harvests, and its entertainment scene rivaled any in the Grand Line, from theatres and spas to the famed Queen's Casino, its crown jewel.
It was to this prosperous haven that Marshall D. Teach arrived.
The island's matriarchal culture was evident everywhere, even the most powerful enterprises, from the palace to the casino, were run by women.
Teach walked casually through the lively streets with his two companions; Gar, the towering Mink whose appearance drew curious stares, and Peto, whose small frame was nearly hidden by the mountain of food she carried.
Three days had passed since they'd left Sabaody. Three days since Mostima's massacre shook the world and since the black market's Devil Fruits mysteriously vanished without a trace.
The underworld was in chaos. Dozens of factions hunted for the thief. Yet by the time they began their search, Teach and his crew had already disappeared into the night, leaving Sabaody silent and stripped bare.
"Teach, where are we going next?" Gar grumbled, glancing at the gawkers eyeing his fur.
"Zehahaha! I've been workin' too hard lately," Teach said, flashing his trademark grin. "We're gonna relax for once. Buy what ya like, enjoy the town."
He tossed Gar a stack of Berries and headed straight for the heart of temptation, the Queen's Casino. Peto skipped after him, munching happily on skewers, while Gar sighed and followed.
The casino loomed ahead like a palace of gold. A massive statue of a regal queen stood atop the highest spire, her gaze proud and commanding. The streets surrounding it overflowed with life.
"Wow! Look how long the line is today!"
"They say the Lucky Lady showed up again!"
"Really?! The one who wins every time?"
"She's gorgeous too! I heard she's here for her seventh visit!"
The gossip spread like wildfire. Every conversation revolved around the same name — the Lucky Lady.
According to rumor, she had appeared at the Queen's Casino six times, and every single time, she'd left with unimaginable winnings. Nobles, merchants, even pirates had tried to approach her, only to meet strange misfortune.
One high official's son, after trying to have her followed, somehow choked on an apple core, fell down the stairs, and... well, lost a rather precious part of himself. Not long after, his father was arrested for corruption and stripped of rank.
Coincidence or curse, no one could say. But her legend only grew.
Now, on her seventh visit, half the island had come to witness her luck — or her beauty.
Teach smirked as he listened to the whispers. A Lucky-Lucky Fruit user, huh? A faint spark of recognition flashed in his mind.
At the casino's grand entrance, two lines stretched down the boulevard. Suited ushers shouted to keep order.
"Tickets! Three thousand Berries per head! Keep the line moving!"
Armed guards in crisp uniforms stood watch. Even pirates queued quietly here; no one dared cause trouble in the Queen's domain.
Peto groaned, shading her face with a tiny hand. "It's sooo hot. How long will this take?"
Teach chuckled. "Zehahaha! Don't worry about it. I've got a faster way."
He swaggered up to three men near the front of the line. "You three. Ten thousand Berries each for your spots."
The men blinked. Then they saw the stacks of cash in Teach's hands, crisp, heavy bundles.
Their hesitation vanished. "Deal!"
In seconds, Teach and his crew stepped into their places, drawing a few annoyed glares but no resistance. This wasn't unusual here as wealth bought convenience.
After paying for their tickets, they entered the grand hall.
Inside, light and sound collided in a symphony of chaos. The scent of perfume, tobacco, and expensive liquor filled the air.
Gambling tables stretched across the vast chamber, each surrounded by eager players. The dice table at the center, however, drew the largest crowd — six layers deep.
Teach grinned. "Zehahaha... Guess we found her."
A beautiful dealer in a revealing uniform called out, "Place your bets! Bets close when the bell rings!" Her sultry voice drew the attention of countless men, though their focus quickly shifted elsewhere.
At the center sat a young woman.
She had short, crimson hair that framed a sun-kissed face. Her green eyes gleamed like polished emeralds. A confident smile curved her lips as she toyed idly with her chips.
Even from a distance, Teach recognized her instantly.
Baccarat, the Lucky-Lucky Fruit user.
"So it's really her..." Teach murmured.
Around her, gamblers buzzed excitedly.
"Miss Baccarat's betting again!"
"She's choosing last, as always!"
"Small or big? Miss Baccarat, please choose small!"
"Let me bet beside her for once!"
A few men practically worshipped her, treating her presence as divine fortune. Even the dealer, though secretly jealous, didn't dare let it show.
This game was simple — high or low dice rolls. Pure luck.
Baccarat waited calmly, letting everyone else place their bets. Then, just as the final seconds ticked down, she rose gracefully.
Her movements were languid yet elegant. She crossed her legs, leaned forward slightly, and placed her chips on "small."
The crowd erupted.
Even those who bet against her held their breath. Her confidence, her poise — it was mesmerizing.
Teach watched intently, eyes glinting beneath the shadow of his hat.
Let's see if that luck of yours really exists...