The four left the tavern and arrived at what seemed to be their destination: the central plaza.
The sheer mass of people packed so tightly that the ground itself was invisible created a bizarre, almost surreal spectacle.
An overwhelming heat. Voices booming triumphantly. Fighters hungry for battle buzzed with ceaseless chatter, their movements rippling like waves. From above, the sight might even stir a primal fear.
Luffy's eyes sparkled with excitement, Ace pressed his hat down with a faint smirk. Kiri, however, looked utterly fed up with the crowd, while Baby 5—clinging even tighter amid the throng—was in high spirits.
Their figures vanished into the sea of bodies, impossible to spot from afar.
The town's largest circular plaza sat at the island's heart.
Connected to six major boulevards, it was a famous hub used for heading anywhere in the city.
What was astonishing was its sheer scale.
No one had bothered to count, but already tens of thousands had gathered there—not just pirates, but people from every nation. Add in those peering from the surrounding buildings, and the numbers swelled further. Pirates competing in the event mingled with nobles and royals from neighboring countries, mafia bosses and gangsters from the underworld, merchants, and even ordinary citizens drawn by the rumors to watch the spectacle.
It was the first time so many had flooded the town, and chaos had already erupted.
But for now, anticipation for the impending Treasure Battle Tournament overshadowed it all.
Even with pirates in the mix, no fights broke out—people simply gathered in the plaza, eager to listen.
Pushing through the crowd, they followed Luffy's lead to the plaza's midpoint.
Kiri had hoped to meet up with their companions here, but it was hopeless. The sheer volume made searching feel futile; even thinking about it drained her energy. "We'll link up later," she sighed.
Just standing there meant shoulders bumping constantly. Exhaustion was already setting in.
Luffy and Ace were barely visible ahead, and it felt miraculous they hadn't been separated.
In this chaos, Baby 5's presence was a unexpected blessing.
Kiri wrapped an arm around Baby 5's waist, pulling her close and peering into her face. Baby 5 beamed with genuine bliss, showing no sign of discomfort.
"You okay? It's a bit stifling around here."
"No problem at all. As long as I'm with you♡"
"Ah, yeah. Well, just stay sharp, okay?"
Baby 5 nuzzled against Kiri's chest, all cheer—no need for worry there.
In this maddening crush of humanity that made her want to flee, Baby 5 became a soothing sight for sore eyes.
Kiri, weary but resigned, settled in to wait.
Soon, a change rippled through the crowd.
On the plaza's north side, a section of what must have been a specially built stage rose hydraulically. At the same moment, a blistering guitar solo blasted at ear-splitting volume, echoing across the town.
The opening ceremony had begun.
The throbbing speakers seized everyone's attention, whether they liked it or not.
Atop the towering special stage, a lone man shredded on his guitar. His technique was otherworldly, though whether the noise qualified as "music" was debatable—yet some in the crowd seemed genuinely impressed.
As spectacle, it worked.
When he abruptly cut off the performance, applause erupted from every corner without restraint.
This was supposed to be sponsored by Blueberry Times, yet he looked nothing like a reporter.
His vivid blond hair spiked wildly upward; he wore a black jacket over a red hoodie, blue jeans. A guitar slung over his shoulder, sunglasses masking his eyes. He appeared strikingly young, more rock star than journalist—his vibe inspired a vague distrust.
Was this guy the organizer?
As doubts multiplied, he snatched the mic from its stand and bellowed:
"YEAH!!"
He thrust a fist skyward, pure musician.
A few simple souls—including Luffy—roared back with "Woooah!", but most faces registered stunned disbelief.
Undeterred by the confusion, the man launched into his spiel.
"Thanks to everyone—pirates and all—who showed up! I'm the organizer and Blueberry Times reporter, Rocky Hattari! Nice to meetcha!"
"Woooaaaah! Hattari-saaan!"
One line from organizer Rocky Hattari, and the plaza ignited.
Pirates really were that straightforward—easily swayed, itching for any excuse to make noise.
Luffy, predictably swept up, pumped both fists and hollered. From across the square, Usopp and Chopper joined in with full-throated frenzy.
He was a reporter in name only, but no one moved to stop him.
Hattari pressed on with bouncy enthusiasm.
"You all know why you're here—what's about to kick off. This massive event starting right here? It'll go down in history! The world's first, made by us! You're all living witnesses!"
"Ooooh!!"
"I friggin' love pirates! You guys love pirates too, right?!"
"We looove 'em!!"
The roar was deafening, ears ringing.
The plaza doubled in frenzy; Hattari, buoyed, waved breezily.
"OK, OK—got your fire loud and clear. Thanks. But hear me out on something personal now. Y'know, that pirate-loving bit I mentioned."
For some reason, the pirates obeyed meekly, falling silent at his request.
The plaza hushed in an instant.
Grateful for it, Hattari grew earnest.
"I've admired pirates since I was a kid. Still do. So why become a reporter instead? Like it said in the letters we sent: by the time pirate news hits the public, it's twisted beyond recognition. Are pirates really as evil as they say? I don't buy it... Pirates embody freedom."
Nods rippled through the crowd—uncannily synchronized, as if rehearsed.
From his perch, Hattari saw the bizarre unity, timing perfect down to the second.
He nodded too, subtly.
"That's why I want you to see the real pirates—not the rumors peddled by info manipulators, but with your own eyes. Sure, some are rotten. Maybe even killers among us here. I get that. So I racked my brain: what if we let them show their true selves through a game?"
Heat built in Hattari's voice, rising steadily.
"Build a stage and rules to keep spectators safe, and we can reveal who they really are. Binding free pirates with rules feels wrong, so let me be clear: no killing! Anyone who slays a participant or spectator gets nabbed and shipped to the Marines on the spot! But beyond that? A little cheating? We'll turn a blind eye. Because you're free pirates!"
"Ooooh!"
The pirates surged again.
Hattari amped his voice, syncing with their rhythm.
"Victors get whatever they desire! Don't worry—the audience here includes tycoons, royals, underworld kingpins, you name it! They've pledged full support for the tournament's success. Want something? Fight to win!"
Fists shot up once more.
Expectations for glory, thirst for victory, dreams of the future—every greed ignited.
The roar swelled uncontrollably, waves of sound shaking the plaza.
"Winners claim glory and prizes! Losers get nothing! So there's only one thing you crave, right? Wanna win this tournament? Wanna be champions?!"
Fury exploded.
But it wasn't enough. Hattari dropped the hammer.
"Right here, right now—I declare the Treasure Battle Tournament... OPEN!!"
The island seemed to quake under the eruption.
It felt like every soul on it punched the sky and screamed—impossible, yet the sheer volume made it real. The town transformed in a heartbeat.
Hattari's spark had caught perfectly.
They craved battle, victory, commitment to the games.
Luffy, Usopp, Chopper—all fists high, howling.
Ace crossed his arms with a sly grin; Kiri plugged her ears, grimacing at the noise.
Reactions varied, but as a kickoff ceremony, it was a resounding triumph.
Hattari strummed his guitar to the chaos, beaming as he scanned the crowd. He gripped the mic with live-wire energy.
"OK! Next up: the rundown! Stick with me, everyone!"
Over the din, he bellowed on.
"First big announcement: Treasure Battle is pairs only! One winning duo. With crowds this huge from the start, we've got qualifiers! No mistake—only eight teams advance to the main event!"
Murmurs rippled instantly.
How many were on this island?
Eight spots from likely hundreds? Boos started brewing.
Hattari waved them off, unflappable, smile unwavering.
"Whoa, whoa—easy now. Only one can win ultimate. Gotta trim the field first. Qualifiers start tomorrow!"
The crowd settled surprisingly quick.
"Registrations open now—at the harbor! Pairs head there to declare, and you'll board ships to qualifier islands! Check the monitors!"
His gesture lit up massive screens everywhere.
Den Den Mushi feeds showed another location: the sea by the town's edge.
Something breached the waves, surging up.
"Built for this day—a luxury liner for competitors only! Behold—"
Water cascaded off a colossal vessel the size of an island. Soap bubbles shrouding it burst, exposing the deck.
Gasps rose with Hattari's scream:
"The Gooorgeous Hattari!!"
"Woooaaaah!!"
The island shook again.
As a symbol to stoke battle lust, it was perfection. The ship's absurdity fired hearts: We're in for something epic.
Sponsors and backers abounded, no doubt. The hype felt real; prizes legit.
Pirates were hooked, stamping feet, bellowing demands.
Hattari had masterfully riled them.
Surveying their impatience, he stayed cool—fanning the flames without letting them rage free. Above all, no harm to civilians.
He spun the mic stand flamboyantly, yanking eyes back.
"Pairs to the harbor desk by sundown! At sunset, ships sail to qualifier islands! Spectators, stay in town—watch via Den Den Mushi monitors!"
It was go-time.
Pirates twitched to bolt.
Hattari unleashed them.
"Warriors! To the harbor if you dare fight! Good luck!"
"Ooooh!!"
"And no hurting civilians! Freedom's fine, but show some damn sense!"
Like beasts from cages, pirates stampeded with thunderous steps.
They shoved past citizens, racing to the harbor.
In the wild melee, Luffy bolted too—until Kiri snatched his collar, yanking him back. His legs churned futilely.
Sighing, she dragged him to the plaza's edge.
"Woooah! We're winnin' this!"
"Luffy, pairs first. Let's regroup."
"Chill a sec. Registration's still open."
Kiri and Ace herded Luffy; Baby 5 stuck to Kiri. At the fringe, they scanned.
If everyone was here, no hunting needed—ideal. But with masses still sprinting by, spotting them wasn't easy.
The heat was oppressive. Kiri scratched her head, annoyed.
"This'll be a pain to search. Hmm."
"No Den Den Mushi?"
"Oh, right. Hope they didn't split off."
At Ace's prompt, Kiri pulled out a baby Den Den Mushi, dialing Usopp.
It blinked awake—connected.
"Usopp? Kiri here."
"Captain Usopp here~! Pumped to the max—over!"
"Glad to hear it. Our captain's the same. Let's all meet, pick pairs. We're hunkered at the plaza edge."
"Me and Chopper are in the plaza! Others: Hachi's takoyaki stand, Nami's at nearby shops! We'll round up and head your way!"
"Sounds good. Meet at Hachi's."
"Roger! Calling Nami—get there first!"
"Got it. Later."
Roars muddled the line, but they got through. Hanging up, they looked up.
Time to move—this spot was bedlam.
"Luffy, back to Hachi's. Everyone's coming."
"Aye! Hey, when's Treasure Battle start? I wanna fight nooow!"
"Qualifiers tomorrow, remember? Not today."
"Aww..."
Only Kiri knew Hachi's spot.
No trusting Luffy to lead, she and Baby 5 took point, weaving another boulevard—geography clear in her head.
The town buzzed with frenzy.
Unlike Dead End's pirate-only vibe, spectators outnumbered fighters here.
Bloodlust drew the masses, it seemed.
Kiri eyed the revelry with dismay.
Smiles everywhere, knowing battle loomed. Folks chatted amiably, shopped carefree, bet on winners amid the throng.
To a pirate-raised soul like hers, it grated.
Pirates, society's outcasts, faced endless scorn—yet these bloodthirsty civilians lounged smugly, risking nothing, shielded by others, content in their bubble.
Kiri scanned the idyllic chaos, smirking bitterly.
Baby 5 noticed, tilting her head.
"Something wrong? Bad thoughts?"
"Nah. Just thinking you're cute."
"Ehh!? S-Sudden much...!"
Kiri's grin flushed Baby 5 crimson; she ducked shyly. Unexpected innocence.
Trailing Luffy and Ace yammered, oblivious.
Kiri ruffled Baby 5's hair, heading for Hachi's.
A detour, but they reached the square safely.
Usopp's crew beat them—plaza still mobbed with harbor-rush stragglers. Waving allies welcomed them.
All present. Time to talk.
"Alright, full crew! Wait—who're they?"
"Met 'em on Pirate Island."
"Who's that guy?"
Usopp, Silk, Chopper gawked.
Fair enough: Baby 5 glued to Kiri, Ace by Luffy—new faces.
Others voiced varied confusion.
Luffy grinned, announcing:
"Meet my bro!"
"How's it goin'? Lookin' after my little bro."
"Bro...? Luffy's brother?!"
Usopp's yell sparked group shock.
Rule-breaking Luffy with a sibling? Unheard, unimagined.
Ace's polite bow screamed refinement—no way to guess kinship without telling. Stares lingered, disbelieving.
Eyes flicked to Kiri for confirmation.
She nodded casually; they bought it.
Shocked yelps persisted.
Luffy and Ace beamed in sync.
"L-Luffy's got a bro? First I've heard..."
"Wait—this guy's familiar..."
"Oh yeah? Get this: Fire Fist Ace."
"Fire Fist...? Wha—?!"
"Whitebeard's crew?!"
"No way! Superstar! Luffy's brother...?!"
"Fire Fist? Whitebeard? Famous?"
Chopper alone puzzled innocently; rest gaped. Even distant Nami panicked.
Ace pressed his hat, pleased.
"Oh? You know the old man?"
"Know him? Whitebeard's a legend! Fire Fist's huge too! 2nd Division Commander of the top crew—really you?!"
"Incredible... Whitebeard Pirates are real..."
"And Luffy's bro...? This makes no sense!"
Faces twisted in overload.
Usopp jaw-dropped; pirate-obsessed Silk dazed at elite crew; Nami clutched her head.
Kiri cut in abruptly:
"So, about pairs—"
"Hold up! You can't just gloss over Luffy's bro?!"
"Impossible! Fire Fist Ace as Luffy's kin? I-It's a joke, right? You met, hit it off, pranking us...!"
"Luffy doesn't lie—or joke much."
"True..."
"For real?"
"Shishishi. Yup."
"Stuck together as kids. Gave me headaches."
Ace tousled Luffy's hat-hid hair—natural, brotherly.
The crew finally accepted, gaping mutely.
Silence fell; Kiri reignited:
"Pairs, then."
"How you so chill?!"
"Heard before you all met. Shocked me too."
"R-Right."
"Headache... Need a breather."
"Pairs first—gotta register."
"Only you and Luffy got energy for this..."
Usopp et al. wilted.
Zoro, arms crossed, prodded:
"How we pickin'?"
"Can't lose, no random draw. Factor skills for max win rate. I'll plan if no objections."
"Do it. They're brain-dead."
"Yeah. Sanji's mermaid-smitten."
"Oh, Luffy's crew! And the cute miss from before~!!"
Sanji bounced ecstatic, spotting Baby 5—bliss doubled. He'd helped Hachi's stall, chatting Keimi mid-shift, cheeks melting.
No Hachi: probably registering. Arlong crew likely joining.
Kiri pushed forward, no lagging:
"Gotta register—let's decide quick."
"That easy?"
"I know your strengths, flaws."
"Fair."
"Pairs to cover weaknesses, boost odds."
She eyed them all.
"First: Luffy and Vivi."
"Eh?"
"Osshi! Let's crush it, Vivi!"
Vivi blinked stunned—toughest charge on her. Luffy buzzed eager.
"Next: Zoro and Usopp."
"Ou."
"Yes! Zoro combo—safe bet!"
Zoro nodded blandly; Usopp fist-pumped relief.
"Uh, Nami and Sanji."
"Phew, solid match."
"Yatta, Nami-swaan! I'll shield you~!"
Nami sighed eased; Sanji euphoric. Pair him with women: protection locked, motivation maxed—beats guy-partners hands-down.
Fewer left, zero gripes.
"Silk and Chopper."
"Yeah. No nerves, Chopper."
"Got it. I'll pull my weight!"
Silk smiled soft; Chopper clenched fists, fired up.
"I'll team with Ace. Don't know him well; tricky with Luffy."
"Count on me."
"Ehhh?!"
Ace agreed smooth; Baby 5 wailed.
Tears welled, clinging desperately:
"M-Me? Weren't we pairing?!"
"Thought it might cause issues."
"No issues! I wanna help you!"
"Didn't see this coming..."
"What's their deal?"
"Dunno. Sanji vibes—pickup artist?"
Usopp and Nami whispered, unsympathetic.
Baby 5's unknown skill left her unpairable with crew—untrusted, bluntly.
Telling her? Tears, breakdown.
Kiri sighed soft, meeting her eyes.
Gentle smile to soothe, hand stroking cheek:
"Appreciate it, but this is our fight—wanna handle it ourselves. Ace is captain's kin; you're not."
"We're past that. Not strangers anymore."
"Mm, true."
"He's foldin'."
"Denyin' means more hassle."
"You come alone?"
"No, one crewmate."
"Then pair with him for the tourney—help me that way? You'll shine at full strength."
"That helps you?"
"Definitely. Counting on you."
Baby 5 brightened, beaming.
It worked. She peeled off, raring:
"Got it! Telling Buffalo now—entering!"
"Thanks."
"I'll get you the win. Wait up!"
"No rush—take your time."
Baby 5 dashed off; Kiri waved.
Crew eyed the oddity. Silk, troubled, chided:
"Kiri, stringing along an admirer? Tasteless."
"Wasn't lying—said it straight."
Shrug, then full scan:
"Last warmup before Alabasta. Tough pirates here—could get rough. Stay sharp."
"Lose this, can't beat Warlords..."
"Ace tips scales big-time, though."
"Wait!"
Igaram burst forward, sweating panic.
"Expected Vivi-sama entering—fine. But my name's missing?!"
"Oh yeah. Forgot."
"Kiri-san?! Harsh!"
"Kidding. Karoo's left."
"Karoo and me?"
"Guard duo—perfect for Vivi."
"Ah, yes!"
Grinning at his leaned-in face:
"Pairs aren't solo guards. Watch close during."
"Then this humble Igaram vows full protection for Vivi-sama! With Super Karoo Squad Captain Karoo!"
"Queh~!"
"Th-Thanks, you two."
Vivi smiled wryly.
Usopp sidled to Kiri:
"Nearly forgot him for real."
"Figured."
"Busy mess. Need think-break."
"Feel ya. But endure—you're our brains."
Hand on shoulder; Kiri chuckled, sighed.
Post-tourney wouldn't be smooth.
Inured to chaos, more turmoil loomed.
-------------------------
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