Chapter 5 : Tanuki?

The distinctive scar running down Akainu's face mirrored an expression akin to savoring a meal. In the eyes of those present in the East Blue, it was nothing short of wondrous.

To be frank, if this weren't someone else's territory, Hancock and Crocodile would have burst into laughter without hesitation.

Certainly, Moria's countenance bore a resemblance to the Akainu's. Despite one being a Marine admiral and the other a pirate, they were bound by an unusual kinship...

Meanwhile, on the Windmill Village side...

Luffy gazed up at the sky, wearing a puzzled expression.

"Gecko Moria... Who's that?"

As those words left his mouth, Dadan and the villagers stared at Luffy in sheer disbelief.

"No, Luffy, you don't even know Moria?"

Everyone was left utterly speechless, wondering how Luffy, who had embarked on a journey to become a pirate, could remain oblivious to such a prominent figure.

Dadan looked rather embarrassed; even as a bandit, she had knowledge of these matters.

This young man possessed an entirely unique personality, even more eccentric than his grandfather.

"Moria, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, is second in power only to the Four Emperors, acknowledged by the World Government as a Pirate under them!"

"Each of them wields devastating strength, rivaling that of entire nations!"

"Seven Warlords of Sea not only exerts immense influence upon the seas but also enjoys special privileges bestowed by the World Government. In short, they are truly formidable!"

"And among these extraordinary individuals is Gecko Moria."

"He possesses the power of the Shadow-Shadow Fruit, allowing him to manipulate shadows, and he is known as a Shadow Person."

"Although I've never seen him personally, rumors describe him as immense, grotesque, and downright monstrous."

"Even disregarding his strength, his appearance alone is enough to send shivers down one's spine..."

Dadan's voice quivered as she conveyed this information, her face growing pale, and her body trembling slightly.

It was as if the very thought of Moria, as she had imagined him, filled her with immense dread.

The villagers and the bandits behind Dadan were similarly terrified upon hearing her words.

Luffy, however, had a mind that operated differently from the norm. Instead of succumbing to fear, he was driven by curiosity.

"Is he really that frightening?"

"If he's as powerful as you say, it only makes sense for us to defeat him!"

...

[The scene transitions, revealing a sea cloaked in shadow...]

[And at its center, a colossal island emerges, enormous yet steeped in eerie and bizarre charm...]

[Luffy and his crew steer their pirate ship, gradually drawing closer...]

[Onboard the ship, in addition to Luffy, Zoro, Usopp, Sanji, and Nami, their group has expanded once more...]

[Chopper, Franky, and Robin]

"It's Thriller Bark Island, and we're about to dock!"

"As the pirate ship gradually makes landfall, Luffy and his crew disembark and venture further into the island, where their journey becomes increasingly unsettling..."

[Faces among the crew take on expressions of horror and dread...]

"All because of the island's peculiar inhabitants..."

[Sphinxes, talking trees, centaurs, giant earthworms... and the most terrifying of all, zombies...]

[Nami is so frightened by the spectacle that she almost faints, while even the usually composed Robin and the fearless Luffy find themselves dumbfounded...]

"Gee..."

"Moria's island sure has a unique aesthetic, but who on earth could appreciate these things?"

"Even if I were invited to visit, I'd hate it!"

Doflamingo lounged on the table and remarked to Moria with a knowing smile.

Hancock, wearing an air of superiority, squinted her eyes. "These truly are repulsive creatures; merely gazing upon them is nauseating!"

"Who invited you anyway?" Moria retorted, his voice raised. "I'm the only one who appreciates them here!"

Hawkeye chimed in, an unusual expression on his face. "Indeed, they're revolting. I'm almost tempted to unsheathe my blade."

"Calling them disgusting?"

"Don't think I don't know about the bunch of baboons on your island!"

"Your taste is no better than mine!"

Moria was on the verge of tears, shouting at the top of his lungs. Being on the Shichibukai list was bothersome enough, and now his peculiarities were laid bare for all to see.

This was truly embarrassing beyond words...

"A skeleton, a cyborg, and a talking... pet, is it?"

"Luffy, your future companions come in quite an assortment!"

Makino, Dadan, and the others looked bewildered. They were astounded by everything they were witnessing, from the peculiar creatures to Luffy's eclectic crew.

None of this was in their realm of prior knowledge.

At this moment, they were overwhelmed by curiosity, wondering where Luffy had found such unique allies.

Luffy, on the other hand, felt nothing but excitement. He raised his arms toward the sky.

"Wow! I've got so many awesome crew members!"

"And that talking skeleton and tanuki are just amazing!"

Makino, Dadan: "..."

Wait a minute... Isn't that supposed to be a reindeer?

Why is it being mistaken for a tanuki...