chapter 2

"This is the Old Gun Tavern, right?"

Rhodes pushed open the door and stepped inside, his eyes scanning the dimly lit interior. A flash of surprise crossed his face. He stepped back, glanced at the doorplate outside, and re-entered with a puzzled expression.

"I thought I was in a library. Why is it so quiet in here?"

Shrugging off his confusion, Rhodes strode toward the bar.

"Boss, give me two glasses of your best beer!"

"Coming right up."

As Rhodes exchanged words with the barkeep, the tavern began to stir. The initial deathly silence was replaced by murmurs and cautious glances.

Still, everyone's eyes drifted to the corner of the room, where a solitary figure sat. Even the loudest drinkers toned down their voices, mindful not to disturb the red-haired young man who had so effortlessly silenced Black Bear Victor's crew just moments ago.

No one wanted to be the next target.

"Let's settle the tab later," Rhodes said, taking the beer from the bartender. With casual confidence, he headed for the corner.

In the far corner, the red-haired young man—Neru—sat alone, surrounded by a conspicuous circle of empty tables. Although the tavern was packed, no one dared occupy the seats near him.

As Rhodes approached, the room fell silent once more. The sound of his footsteps echoed in the tense atmosphere, each step sending shivers down the spines of the patrons.

When he reached Neru's table, Rhodes pulled out a chair and sat down.

Thud.

The sound of the beer glass hitting the table was almost deafening.

Neru raised his eyes slightly, and the room seemed to freeze. Every patron held their breath, their gazes locked on the interaction.

"Long time no see, Neru."

Rhodes slid one of the beers toward the red-haired young man, his lips curling into a faint smile.

"Yes."

Neru closed the book in his hands and placed it aside. Taking the offered glass, he raised it for a toast.

The two clinked glasses and drank.

So they know each other.

The realization rippled through the tavern. With the pair drinking instead of fighting, the oppressive tension lifted. Gradually, the tavern returned to its usual rowdy atmosphere.

---

"It looks like you're ready now," Neru said.

"It's just seasickness," Rhodes replied with a grin. "I've spent the past few months floating on the sea and finally overcame it."

He finished his beer in one gulp, radiating confidence.

"Once we return to Feiyan Island and regroup, we'll raise our flag on the sea."

---

Nott Rhodes' Story

Nott Rhodes was a time traveler. Orphaned at a young age, he found himself in a perilous world teeming with pirates, corruption, and violence. He was 19 years old now, having grown up alongside Neru, another orphan. Whether they were related by blood remained uncertain, but their bond was undeniable.

Rhodes had no memories of his original body's past, only fragments of his previous life on Earth. He retained some knowledge of this world, pieced together from brief glimpses he'd seen of the One Piece saga.

This was a world of immense danger, where the strong could destroy entire nations. The monsters at the top of the seas—Admirals, Yonko, and others—wielded power capable of altering the very environment.

Thankfully, Rhodes wasn't entirely powerless. He had two "golden fingers" that gave him an edge:

1. Knights Do Not Die Barehanded – This allowed him to master any weapon he held instantly, unlocking unparalleled skill with it.

2. What Doesn't Kill Me Makes Me Stronger – Rhodes fondly nicknamed this ability "Sit-Ups." Any form of extreme pressure, injury, or near-death experience made his body stronger upon recovery.

With these abilities, Rhodes and Neru had managed to survive their early years in this brutal world.

For over a decade, Rhodes had witnessed the darkness beneath the surface. Pirates raided villages without mercy, nobles exploited the masses, and even the navy, acting under the guise of justice, often plundered the weak. Above it all stood the Celestial Dragons, parasitic "gods" who lived off the world's labor and wealth.

Rhodes had no illusions about reforming this cruel system. He didn't seek to change the world—he sought to conquer it. In a world ruled by might, he would ensure his fist was the strongest.

Unfortunately, his journey was almost derailed by seasickness.

Though he could have swum across islands years ago, his body rebelled every time he set foot on a ship. After months of drifting at sea, however, he had finally overcome the condition.

---

"The next ship to Feiyan Island leaves in three days," Neru said, sipping his beer.

He reached into his bag and pulled out a notebook, handing it to Rhodes.

"This contains information on people of interest. You might find something useful."

Rhodes flipped through the pages, pausing at a familiar name.

"Bartholomew Kuma..." he muttered, his tone unreadable.

The door to the tavern creaked open.

A tall woman entered, her striking figure drawing every eye in the room. She wore a form-fitting orange athletic outfit that highlighted her curves, her wheat-colored skin glistening under the dim light. Her purple ponytail swayed as she walked, and her golden, cat-like eyes glinted with mischief.

Neru glanced at the notebook and smirked.

"Catwoman Nia," he said, his voice low.

Rhodes leaned back in his chair, a faint smile playing on his lips.