Redmane: Jinbei, The First Son of The Sea

(Starrk's POV)

"Alright, a couple of us will spread out and go around the island looking for Jinbei." I said to the crew, "The rest of you will stay and guard the ship."

They all looked at me with uncomfortable looks. We had docked the ship at a small port town on the side of the island. The main city of the kingdom was deeper within the island and past a forest. We lost contact with Jinbei; Teach says he is probably laying low and avoiding attention. Makes sense, he's a warlord and the Government wants nothing to do with Redmane at the moment.

"Teach, take some guys, and ask around in the town." I said, "Stay away from trouble. I will go by myself and make my way to the city."

"Starrk, you sure about that?" Teach asked me, "You really think we should separate like this?"

I nodded, "We'll regroup at the city." I said, "I have to speak to Jinbei. Remember, we're in enemy territory. Don't forget that. We may be Whitebeard Pirates, but we're alone here. The rest of the crew is in the New World."

They all nodded in agreement. I nodded back and walked down the ramp.

*****************************************

Half an hour later, I had made my way down a road leading through the forest. The main city was several miles away across the forest. That is where the Festival was supposedly taking place.

We don't know what to expect. From what Rayleigh told me, the King is really strong. Not only that, he has access to the same type of weaponry I found back then. Not only that, it is the same type of tech that the Dragon Knight has.

Speaking of, that sort of weaponry can only be explained by one thing. Egghead Island. From what I understand, the Island possesses technology from the past, or rather, the Ancient Kingdom. It sort of makes sense if weaponry from that era was spread all over the world. What doesn't make sense is that the Government didn't know of it.

Maybe they did but were not able to access it.

As I walked, I noticed a presence behind me.

I stopped and placed my hand on the handle of my sword. I turned around to see nobody on the road behind me.

I narrowed my eyes, "Who goes there?" I said aloud, "Show yourself."

Then, from the shadows of the trees, a large figure emerged.

I then slowly released the grip on the handle.

"Hm." I said as the person approached, "So this is how we meet, Jinbei."

Jinbei stood in front of me with a serious look on his face. He wore his usual attire. He had his arms crossed as he looked at me.

"So you're Starrk." He said, "The Black Wolf."

I nodded, "That's me."

"Hm." He said as he walked up to me, "You're taller than I thought."

"I get that a lot," I said, "Anyways, enough about me. What's your deal? Why haven't you been responding to the calls?"

Jinbei shook his head, "I've been compromised. The Redmane Army has become aware of my presence in the city. I was on my way to the port town."

I nodded, "You were followed?" I asked

"No." He said, "But still, it is a good thing I ran into you here on the road."

I raised an eyebrow, "How so?"

He looked at me, "I require your assistance with something. But we have to go now." He said, "To the west of the City, there is a Fortress. There, they hold prisoners of war. Some that the Naval Fleet captured and those they capture here on the island."

"And what of it?" I asked

He looked at me, "There is a certain person that some of my informants told me there." He said, "They infiltrated the Fortress in search of information. Unfortunately, they were caught in a pickle and they cannot escape it at the moment. That being said, my informants were captured and are also being held prisoner."

I sighed, "Is that so?" I said, "Your informants, they're fishmen?"

Jinbei nodded, "Yes. How'd you know?"

"Lucky guess, I suppose." I said, "I assume you're still in touch with the Sun Pirates."

He nodded, "From time to time, I lead them." He said, "But we must go. The Redmane soldiers haven't figured out that person's identity yet. If they do, it'll be troublesome. They'll want her at all costs."

He started to walk past me.

I turned around and followed him, "Her?" I said, "Who is it?"

He looked at me with a serious expression,

"Nico Robin."