A Shadow in the Light
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting its last golden glow over the seas, something unprecedented had taken hold across East Blue and South Blue. The world was changing—and no one knew who was behind it.
The Great Hunt Begins
High atop Mary Geoise, in the grand hall of power, five men sat in tense silence. The Five Elders, rulers of the world from the shadows, had gathered once more—this time, over something far more dangerous than any pirate.
"This isn't just entertainment," one of them finally spoke, voice tight with restrained anger. "This is influence."
"'Monster,' 'Attack on Titan'… These stories question the very foundations of power. They force people to think."
Another elder exhaled sharply. "The stores cannot be destroyed. The books cannot be burned. Even the Celestial Dragons are powerless against them."
They looked at the bounty poster before them—a blank silhouette, an unknown figure responsible for this rapid shift in the world. Beneath it, a number never before assigned to anyone without a face:
[WANTED: The Phantom]
Bounty: 7,000,000,000 Berries (Alive Only)
"They must be found. They must be controlled."
"And if they cannot be controlled?"
The room fell into silence.
The Spread of Influence
While the world debated who was behind the stores, another wave of shock spread as Volume 3 of Attack on Titan hit the shelves, alongside a… rather peculiar publication.
"A gay romance manga?" People blinked at the newly released title, flipping through its pages with a mix of fascination and scandalized horror.
"What in Oda's name is this?!" a Marine shouted, his face red as a tomato.
A pirate nearby smirked, shrugging. "Eh, love is love."
A woman leaned closer, intrigued. "Actually… the storytelling is kinda deep."
Regardless of the controversy, the sales skyrocketed. It seemed that even in a world of pirates and Marines, love stories—of any kind—found their audience.
The Straw Hats Set Sail
Having left Cocoyasi Village behind, the crew now headed toward Loguetown—the town of beginnings and endings. The mood on the Going Merry was light, with Luffy standing at the front, arms crossed dramatically.
"This is it! The last stop before the Grand Line!"
Sanji lit a cigarette, exhaling. "Tch. We still need supplies."
"Oi, Ren," Usopp called, leaning over the railing. "I gotta ask—what's the deal with that crazy stuff happening everywhere? Those stores? Those books?"
Ren, lounging with a cup of tea, smirked. "Wouldn't you like to know, weather boy?"
Usopp squinted. "That… that didn't answer my question."
"Exactly."
Meanwhile, Nami observed Ren quietly. He always seemed so… in control. Not in the reckless way Luffy was, or the disciplined way Zoro was, but in a way that made everything feel planned. Like he knew what was coming before anyone else did.
It was… frustratingly attractive.
Sanji, noticing her gaze, twitched. "Oi, Nami-swan, if you need anything, ask me!"
Ren just chuckled, taking another sip of tea. "Jealousy's a disease, cook. Get well soon."
Sanji turned red. "WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?!"
Luffy, completely ignoring the tension, grinned. "Hey, Ren! Can you make more of that food from your old home?"
Ren stretched lazily. "Alright, alright. Ever heard of tteokbokki?"
The crew stared blankly.
"It's spicy rice cakes. Trust me, it's good."
A Taste of the Past
As the dish sizzled, the scent of gochujang, garlic, and simmering broth filled the ship. Even Sanji had to admit—the smell alone was enough to make his mouth water.
"Alright, taste test." Ren handed out plates.
Luffy took one bite and immediately teared up. "IT'S SO SPICY—BUT SO GOOD!"
Usopp, fanning his mouth, wheezed. "WHY DOES IT FEEL LIKE MY TONGUE IS UNDER ATTACK?!"
Zoro, unfazed, nodded approvingly. "Not bad."
Even Nami, despite the heat, found herself savoring the flavor. It was different from anything she had ever eaten—complex, layered, alive.
"Where did you even learn to cook like this?" she asked.
Ren simply smiled. "From another life."
Sanji, though reluctantly impressed, huffed. "Tch. I guess you're not completely talentless."
Ren smirked. "High praise, coming from you."
Shadows on the Horizon
As the crew laughed and enjoyed their meal, the world outside moved against them. The Cipher Pol agents had already been dispatched, their mission clear: Find the one responsible for the system stores and manga. Find The Phantom.
And in the darkness of Mary Geoise, Imu sat on their throne, gazing at the latest volume of Attack on Titan. Their fingers traced the image of Eren Yeager standing atop a pile of bodies, his declaration echoing through the pages.
"I am free."
A whisper filled the air.
"…Interesting."
For the first time in centuries, something had shifted.
The world would never be the same again.