Night had fallen by the time Atharva's ship reached the shores near the island.
The sea had turned dark, reflecting the quiet glow of the moon. Instead of heading straight toward the village, the crew chose a safer route—anchoring near a remote jungle at the edge of the island.
The sound of waves faded behind them as they stepped onto land.
Tall trees surrounded them, their shadows stretching across the ground.
"It's too late to head into the village now," Nami said, glancing at the dark forest ahead. "We should explore tomorrow."
Atharva nodded. "Yeah… no point rushing."
Nojiko stretched her arms. "A quiet night in the jungle doesn't sound too bad."
Lillie looked around nervously. "As long as nothing jumps out at us…"
Miko laughed. "Relax! We're strong!"
Atharva smirked. "Still, we'll set up camp carefully."
Soon, a small fire crackled in the center of their campsite.
The crew settled down, the warmth of the flames pushing away the cold night air. Above them, the stars shined brightly.
For a brief moment—
Everything felt peaceful.
But far away…
A different kind of storm was brewing.
The scene shifted.
Cocoyashi Village.
The air there felt tense.
Standing in the middle of the village was a towering figure—his presence alone enough to silence the surroundings.
Monkey D. Garp crossed his arms, his sharp eyes scanning the villagers.
Beside him stood Bogard, calm and observant as always.
A few steps behind them, Asta watched quietly, taking in every reaction.
Garp's deep voice broke the silence.
"This 'Atharva'… tell me everything you know."
The villagers exchanged uneasy glances.
No one spoke.
Not a single word.
Garp frowned.
"The more you hide… the more suspicious it gets."
Still—silence.
The tension grew heavier.
But then—
"…He saved us."
A voice slipped out.
Everyone froze.
An old villager stepped forward, his hands trembling slightly.
"He… defeated the Arlong Pirates."
Murmurs spread across the crowd.
Another villager added, "We had no hope… but he stood up for us."
"He wasn't like other pirates," someone else said. "Not even close."
Garp's eyes narrowed.
"He fought for the weak…" the old man continued. "Protected us… without asking for anything."
A woman spoke, her voice filled with emotion.
"In all my life… I've never seen a pirate like him."
Silence followed.
Heavy.
Garp stood still.
For a moment, even he was stunned.
A pirate… protecting civilians?
His mind raced.
Then why…?
Why didn't he join the Marines?
But just as quickly—
Another memory surfaced.
Government agents.
Dead.
Slaves.
Freed.
Defiance… against the World Government itself.
Garp let out a slow breath.
"…I see."
His expression hardened.
"No matter his intentions… he's crossed a line."
Bogard adjusted his glasses slightly. "He is now considered an enemy of the Marines."
Asta remained silent… but his eyes showed he was thinking the same.
The three of them exchanged brief glances—
—and nodded.
The conclusion was clear.
Atharva… could no longer stand in the gray.
He was now on the opposite side.
Garp turned toward the villagers again.
"Where can I find more about him?"
The villagers hesitated.
But before fear could take over again—
Garp spoke calmly.
"I'm not here to harm you."
After a pause, one name came forward.
"Genzo…"
A few moments later—
Genzo stood before Garp.
Tension was written all over his face.
Garp looked at him seriously.
"You. Come with me. I want to talk… alone."
Genzo swallowed.
"…Alright."
He turned and began walking.
Garp followed.
Behind them, Bogard and Asta stepped forward—
—but Garp raised his hand slightly.
"Stay."
They stopped.
Garp didn't even look back.
"…This is something I'll handle myself."
Bogard nodded. "Understood."
Asta crossed his arms. "We'll look around the village."
The two of them turned, walking in the opposite direction.
"If anyone needs help… we'll take care of it," Asta added.
Bogard gave a slight nod.
As Garp and Genzo disappeared into the distance…
The village remained uneasy.
And somewhere far away in the jungle—
Atharva rested, unaware of how close the Marines were getting to his trail.
The calm before the storm had begun.
To Be Continued… 🔥