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How Large Is the Population of Vilia Port?
Aaron didn't know the exact number, but judging from the official census conducted by the Drum Kingdom last year — which listed roughly 500,000 people — the actual population of Vilia Port was likely three to four times higher than that.
Why such a huge difference?
Because the population counted by the Drum Kingdom government included only the commoners' district and the nobles' district. The vast slums that sprawled beyond those borders were not part of the official statistics.
It was obvious that the Drum Kingdom authorities only recognized those living in the commoner and noble districts as proper citizens.
The slums — chaotic, lawless zones formed mostly by illegal immigrants and refugees — were deliberately ignored by the government.
But ignoring the slums didn't mean those people didn't exist.
On the contrary, the number of people living in the slums greatly exceeded the combined population of the other two districts. The slums occupied the largest portion of Vilia Port's land area, and the people there played a vital role in sustaining the city's day-to-day life. Their presence could not be dismissed.
In the Great Pirate Era, a port city like Vilia — which remained prosperous, well-ordered, and untouched by pirate attacks despite being located in the first half of the Grand Line — was nothing short of a remarkable safe haven.
It was like a brilliant pearl along the Grand Line, radiating its unique charm and drawing in countless people from other nations who longed for peace and stability.
This naturally led to a dramatic surge in immigration. Even though the authorities made great efforts to crack down on illegal entry, the number of stowaways continued to rise rapidly and relentlessly, beyond their ability to stop it.
Most of these newcomers were displaced victims of pirate raids — destitute and homeless. Some possessed useful skills, but without formal citizenship, it was nearly impossible for them to find decent work. Many were exploited.
As a result, the lives of these illegal immigrants were harsh. They could only reside in the chaotic, unprotected slums where the city guard never patrolled.
Yet even so, almost none of them ever chose to leave.
For them, Vilia Port was the most stable and prosperous city they had ever seen. Here, they no longer had to fear that everything they worked for would be plundered overnight by pirates, followed by a miserable death. The pirates they so despised didn't dare act so brazenly here.
That fact alone was enough for countless people scarred by pirate violence to put down roots in Vilia Port.
Thus, just eight years into the Great Pirate Era, the eastern slums of Vilia Port had expanded to seven or eight times their original size, now occupying over 60% of the city's total area.
Sea Circle Calendar 1508, January 12
After more than three months of effort since arriving in the Drum Kingdom, Aaron had finally secured a place within Akio's Gang, the largest criminal organization in Vilia Port. He had risen to the rank of a small-time leader, in charge of a portion of the slums under the gang's control.
The day after unexpectedly receiving a friendly visit and some thoughtful swordsmanship guidance from his newfound "cheap mentor," Reggie, Aaron showed up early in the morning at Akio's Gang's largest base in the slums, carrying a crate of premium liquor.
Thanks to his regenerative ability, his injuries had fully healed after a good night's rest.
Still, Aaron kept his body wrapped in bandages, pretending to be still recovering — a little deception to avoid drawing too much attention.
News of Aaron killing "Twin Pistols" Harrett and "Swift Blade" Clarke had already spread throughout Akio's Gang. And with most of the city's newspapers covering yesterday's incident at the docks in sensational detail, Aaron's name was now widely known across Vilia Port.
When he arrived at the base entrance, a crowd of Akio's Gang members quickly gathered and respectfully ushered their new small-time boss inside, telling him that Horton was waiting for him.
Horton — the highest-ranking officer Akio's Gang had stationed in the slums — was someone Aaron had only met twice before.
But compared to their last encounter, Horton now exuded an even more menacing aura. His entire body radiated killing intent, and the stench of blood clung to him.
In the warm room, his bare torso was covered in fresh wounds, one of which came within a few centimeters of piercing his heart — a testament to the danger he had been through.
Lately, Horton had been in near-daily battles with rival gangs. The number of lives he had claimed was likely well over a hundred, not counting the pirates who had foolishly crossed his path. The sheer number of lives he had personally ended, combined with repeated brushes with death, had made this top Akio's Gang officer even more violent and bloodthirsty.
"So battle really is the best forge… This guy's presence is far stronger than the first time I met him. He's probably at the level of a Marine Headquarters captain — maybe even those who frequent Mary Geoise. I wonder if I could stand against him with Kenbunshoku Haki…"
Aaron lowered his head, reading the information in Horton's aura, his expression growing serious.
Haki was a power extremely difficult to master, usually wielded only by powerful figures in the New World.
In particular, Kenbunshoku Haki (Observation Haki) was rare even among Marine Headquarters vice admirals, since awakening it often required intense external stimuli — as well as a natural gift.
By contrast, Busoshoku Haki (Armament Haki) was more common. With the right training methods, most Marine officers of commander rank or higher could eventually learn it.
Aaron had been trying to learn Armament Haki ever since Hancock taught him the basics, but he still hadn't succeeded. He had yet to sense the "flowing life energy" within his body that Hancock spoke of.
He suspected that this was because his physical condition still wasn't up to the standard required to train in Armament Haki.
After another month of intense training, his stats had improved:
Stamina and Strength had reached 28 points,
Agility had reached 25 points.
The stronger he grew, the harder it became to improve further. Aaron had already noticed that his daily gains from relentless training — combining Kuja body-forging techniques with swordsmanship — were slowing down.
It had to be said: Hancock was a prodigy. She had mastered all three forms of Haki at a very young age. If she hadn't been forced to eat the Mero Mero no Mi and then shackled with high-purity Seastone cuffs, she might have escaped from Mary Geoise.
Horton's status as one of Akio's Gang's top officers was well-earned.
Judging by aura alone, Aaron believed Horton's power was comparable to a Marine Headquarters captain. Whether he had mastered either type of Haki remained unknown — but if he had, even just one, Aaron knew he stood no chance in a direct fight.
So when Aaron faced him now, he kept a respectful and obedient expression, greeted him politely, and bowed his head, showing deference in front of the others — giving his superior all the respect he was due.
Yet even though Aaron behaved with such humble respect, his superior didn't offer him so much as a friendly glance.
Without a single word, Horton suddenly attacked.
That familiar sense of looming danger returned once again!
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