Foss Town.
With a population exceeding 30,000, it is the wealthiest town on Pokala Island, located in the first half of the Grand Line and connected to multiple sea routes, leading to highly developed maritime trade. The island's only Marine branch is also established here.
People live and work in peace here, without having to worry about pirates.
Thanks to the era, although this period was characterized by warlords, the Marine also saw the emergence of many talents. In the first half of the Grand Line, thanks to the deterrent power of the Marine's strong lineup, the number of pirates was far less than in the later Great Pirate Era.
Makima surveyed the surrounding streets.
Children chased dogs and played hide-and-seek with their friends.
Elderly people sat in the fountain plaza, chatting and reminiscing about their youth, their faces flushed and their words flowing like a torrent.
Young people were busy with their new day; those with leisure and elegance would also come out with their loved ones to enjoy life, and laughter filled the air everywhere.
(The overall style of this world is almost identical to the Western Age of Sail I know, but some daily necessities and clothing designs are almost on par with my modern era, or even... more fashionable?)
Makima's interest in this world gradually increased.
Just the tip of the iceberg, it certainly lived up to the man's description of "spectacular."
And that Transponder Snail, whose mechanism is unknown.
How did such a creature come into existence?
And the Devil Fruit, which she had not yet encountered... Due to her own nature as a devil, Makima developed a strong interest in Devil Fruit.
However, the man said that even across the entire sea, such things were scarce resources and not something one could just pick up around a street corner.
Makima walked slowly ahead, letting her imagination run wild.
Reo followed behind, carrying bags that were truly spectacular. Men passing by on the street would look at him with a respectful gaze.
(Hmm... Sure enough, even as the Control Devil, do you still possess the nature of a woman?
Once you start, do you unconsciously buy all sorts of things, big and small?)
Reo thought this, but the items in his hands felt as light as a feather to him.
Drink shop.
The two rested for a while. A pretty young girl approached with a clipboard, a gentle smile on her face.
"Mr. Reo, and this... young lady. What would you two like to order?"
Reo smiled, "Helen, you've grown so much. In just three years, you've become so graceful. I'm sure the boys of Foss already consider you their dream girl."
Helen's cheeks flushed, "Mr. Reo, please don't tease me. I think the red-haired young lady is truly beautiful."
Makima: "Please give me a Blue Crystal Sundae."
Helen: "Yes!"
Reo: "Red Tequila Iced Drink."
Helen: "Yes!"
With the order placed, the short blue-haired girl went to prepare the drinks.
The fresh air transformed into a breeze, bringing waves of refreshing comfort.
Reo smiled, "Miss Makima seems very happy."
"Is that so?"
Makima smoothed her red bangs. The gentle breeze lightly blew, making her exude extraordinary charm as she stood in the wind.
"Today's newspaper! Today's newspaper!"
A newspaper girl was enthusiastically promoting today's news.
At this time, there was no such thing as News Coo. Morgans, the future absolute king of the news world, was just a kid now. Currently, newspaper sales were still operated by normal human labor.
Reo waved, and she scurried over.
After he paid, the little girl politely bowed and then continued to promote to other crowds.
Reo opened the newspaper, and the headline on the front page was again about the Rocks Pirates.
(Extra! Extra! A born monster! Kaido, an apprentice of the Rocks Pirates, shows his prowess! He and Charlotte Linlin destroy Marine Branch G-11 in the New World! Marineford Vice Admiral Andrews killed!)
(Bounty! Increased to 579,000,000 Berries! Dead or alive!)
(The Roger Pirates recently clashed with Marineford Vice Admiral Garp on Eros Island in the New World!)
(After several days of fierce fighting, the Roger Pirates escaped! The Marine achieved another glorious victory! All evil will eventually be brought to justice!)
Most of the news in the newspaper featured familiar faces.
Kaido, only seventeen years old this year, was making a name for himself and had already formed a bond with the young Linlin. Their joint effort to annihilate a major Marine branch in the New World was definitely big news.
Garp was his usual self, constantly pursuing Roger, and the World Government continued to exaggerate the Marine's achievements.
There were countless other reports about rebellions and wars in various affiliated nations.
The drinks and sundae were brought to the table. Makima elegantly tasted hers, her eyes curiously looking at Reo.
At this moment, the man had a serious expression, with a slight upturn at the corner of his mouth. Even without saying a word, just sitting there so calmly, he exuded such a strong presence that it was hard not to notice him.
...What are you looking at?
"The world situation."
Reo chuckled as he put down the newspaper, then picked up his straw and drank his iced drink.
"Today is a peaceful and beautiful day. Hmm... Even the iced drink tastes more delicious."
Makima was silent for a moment, then the corners of her mouth curved slightly upwards. She closed her eyes and took another large bite of her sundae; it was cool and so sweet.
...It's certainly been a long time since I've relaxed like this. This feeling isn't bad.
Reo's smile deepened. This was a good start; Makima, who had always been empty and sickly, was finally willing to relax a bit.
She had always been searching for the Chainsaw Man, understanding human society but always being disappointed, then numb, and finally despairing.
Not yet having met Denji and confirmed him as the Chainsaw Man, Reo was very much looking forward to building a good relationship with her by summoning Makima to this world during this period.
"! ?"
An unpleasant sensation welled up in his heart.
His Observation Haki sensed it.
It was as if something filthy had been injected into the peaceful and harmonious scene around them, making Reo feel only disgust and hatred.
"This feeling... it's at the port."
As soon as Reo confirmed it, he immediately stood up.
Makima looked up in confusion, her sundae only half-eaten.
Reo looked at Makima's slightly dazed actions, hesitated for a moment, then made his decision.
"Miss Makima, our date has been interrupted.
And incidentally, I'll also reveal another main theme of this world to you."
...?
"Combat."
"..."
Makima frowned slightly, appearing somewhat troubled.
Reo also waved his hand helplessly.
"This world always has some inexplicable guys who intrude into your sight and bother you.
And my usual way of dealing with those inexplicable guys is to blast them away. To make them regret being presumptuous in front of me, to make them never dare to appear before me again.
And I'm very curious what you will think, and what you will do?"
Reo had a serious expression.
Miss Makima is a cute and charming villain, and a super-villain at that.
Reo was expectant and curious. What kind of chemical reaction would a character from a psychological horror manga world like her have when faced with a shonen manga world like One Piece?