The waves surged under the unobstructed, clear sky. The sun shone brightly overhead, and the wind carried a pleasant warmth. Above, a flock of milky white seagulls circled a school of fish dancing through the shimmering sea, their scales reflecting the golden sunlight like jewels.
Beneath the water's surface, the fish leapt and dove with the rolling waves, part of a great migration following the ocean currents. This was the East Blue, one of the four seas of the world, near the Kingdom of Goa. It was a peaceful, scenic place, where beauty and danger often danced hand in hand.
In the distance, a luxurious merchant ship glided smoothly through the waves. It was a picture of harmony—elegance drifting on the sea. But that peace was soon shattered.
Next to the merchant ship, another vessel appeared—a gaudy pirate ship with a swan-shaped bow and a heart-shaped pirate flag. From this ship came the clamorous sounds of laughter, threats, and steel being drawn.
This was the ship of Alvida the Pirate. With a bounty of five million berries on her head, she was infamous across East Blue. Here, where even a ten-million bounty earned someone the title of "Great Pirate," Alvida's name was feared.
Alvida's ship had caught up with the merchant vessel, and her crew was preparing for a full-blown plunder. She cared little about who might be aboard the ship or if they were someone she couldn't afford to offend. Her goal was treasure.
"Run! Pirates, it's the pirates!"
"It's Alvida! I heard she carries a massive iron club and crushes anyone she catches!"
Panic erupted. Merchants, nobles, sailors, and crew members all began scrambling for safety. The calm sea scene was replaced by chaos and screaming.
Amid the confusion, a young man in a formal black suit, white shirt, and matching vest strolled calmly across the deck. A top hat rested in one hand, and in the other, he held a sleek cane. With each step he took, the cane tapped softly against the wooden deck, sending subtle sound waves across the floor.
Strangely, anyone who heard those sound waves seemed to overlook the young man entirely, as if he blended into the background.
This man was Leo.
He had observed Alvida's pirates board the merchant ship. Three in particular had already disappeared deeper into the cabin. Leo had no intention of being caught up in unnecessary drama. He had come for something—or rather, someone—specific.
The future Pirate King.
To witness Luffy's first appearance, he had to move quickly.
Inside a hidden room on the lower deck, three pirates surrounded a massive wooden barrel, whispering with greedy eyes.
"That's the biggest wine barrel I've ever seen."
"Same here. That coward Coby actually found something worthwhile for once."
In the corner stood a pink-haired boy, nervously fidgeting—Coby.
"We're thirsty. Let's crack it open!"
One of the pirates, fat and gruff, raised a heavy fist, preparing to smash the lid open.
"Uhm..."
Coby mustered his courage. "This was part of our haul, right? If we mess with it without permission, Miss Alvida will have our heads."
The other pirates scoffed.
"As long as she doesn't find out, we're fine. You just keep your mouth shut, coward."
"Yeah, Coby. You know how this goes."
Cold sweat dripped from Coby's brow as he mumbled, "I-I didn't see anything... Hahaha..."
Just then—
BANG!
The lid of the barrel exploded.
Out shot a fist, long and stretchy, slamming into the face of one of the dark-skinned pirates and sending him flying across the room.
"Ahhh, that was a good nap!" a cheerful voice rang out.
"Looks like I'm saved! I thought I'd die floating in the sea. Hahahahaha!"
Out from the barrel emerged a boy with short black hair, wearing a red vest, blue jean shorts, and sandals. He had a wide, carefree grin and bright, squinting eyes. A worn straw hat sat on his head, bouncing with his every move.
This was Monkey D. Luffy.
He stretched his arms with a yawn, then looked around.
"Who are you?"
"Who are you?!" the pirates and Coby shouted back in disbelief.
Luffy ignored them, patting his stomach. "I'm starving. Got anything to eat?"
"You brat! We're pirates! You just punched one of us and now you ask for food?!"
Two of the pirates unsheathed their knives, furious.
Seeing the weapons, Coby backed up, trembling.
"I said, I'm hungry. Hey, you—" Luffy pointed at Coby, "—got food?"
"You little punk! Listen when we're talking!"
They lunged at Luffy, swords raised.
BANG!
But before the blades could touch him, both pirates were sent flying into the wall with bone-rattling crashes.
Leo stood behind them, cane extended.
Luffy blinked. "Huh?"
Leo tipped his hat slightly. "Hello. I'm Leo, the magician."
He smiled. "You're hungry? I have plenty of food."
Luffy's wariness instantly turned to delight. His eyes sparkled.
"Really?! Where?! Here?!"
With an excited yell, Luffy leapt from the barrel and hugged Leo tightly.
"Let me go first and I'll show you," Leo chuckled.
Luffy immediately released him and took a few steps back, bouncing on his heels with anticipation.
Leo twirled his cane. Sparkling lights danced in the air, swirling gently. Moments later, the floor was covered with roasted meats, tropical fruits, and warm pastries. The room filled with the aroma of fresh, mouthwatering food.
A simple magician's trick—just retrieving food from his storage space.
"WOW~~~"
"I'm going in!!!"
Luffy dove into the feast, devouring everything in sight.
Leo watched with a calm smile, then picked up an apple and turned to Coby.
"Want something to eat, Coby?"
The boy blinked in confusion.
Leo's warm offer was unexpected. But remembering how Leo had just flattened two pirates with ease, he nervously nodded.
"Y-Yes, sir! Thank you!"
He took the apple with trembling hands.
Leo's eyes softened. He remembered how he too had once been new to this world—uncertain, cautious, and afraid.
As Luffy continued stuffing his face, and Coby bit into the apple, a new bond was forming.
A Pirate King, a cowardly boy, and a magician named Leo—all brought together by fate on a sea where adventures waited just beyond the horizon.
The first meeting had begun.
And nothing would ever be the same again.
pàtréóñ(Gk31)