Chapter 5: The Red-Haired Pirates

Do you know why the East Blue is home to renowned figures like Roger, Garp, and Dragon, yet is still referred to as the "Weakest Sea"?

The title of "Weakest Sea" is something that only came about in Luffy's era.

This is because, during Garp's youth, he spent much of his time caring for Luffy, frequently traveling back and forth between Windmill Village and the Navy Headquarters. Along the way, whether they were rookie pirates just starting out or those with some experience who had come to the East Blue, they all encountered Garp, the boss-level figure, and had no chance to escape.

Garp essentially "cleared" the East Blue, making it the "Weakest Sea." Stronger pirates were dissuaded from coming, and the rookies, half-trained, would be easily overwhelmed. How could it not be considered weak?

....

"Are you leaving, Vice Admiral Garp?"

"Yeah, the vacation's over. If I don't leave soon, Sengoku will be calling to hurry me along."

Garp replied, having changed into his Navy uniform and adjusting the collar.

If it weren't for his high-ranking position and the fact that he was an old friend of Sengoku, no other Vice Admiral could take a month off like he did.

"I'll be back next month. For now, Luffy will be in your care."

Garp said.

Little Luffy pouted in defiance.

"But I'm the same age as Kaito! He has to use a wheelchair, and I'm the one who should be taking care of him!"

Since Kaito had crossed over, his body transformed from that of an eighteen-year-old adult into that of a child, and nobody really knew how old he was—let's just say he was around Luffy's age, seven.

Garp's comment silenced little Luffy.

"Can you cook?"

"...."

"When I'm not around, you usually help out at Makino's tavern. Now that Kaito is here, you won't need to, and you'll have more time to train your body."

"Alright, I'll see you next month."

After giving his instructions, Garp pushed open the door and walked out; the naval ship was likely already waiting for him at the dock.

....

Once Garp was gone, Luffy seemed a bit sad.

"Luffy, Vice Admiral Garp has left..."

"Great! Grandpa is finally gone!"

Kaito: "...."

I still don't understand you, Luffy.

"Hahaha, Kaito, let's go play!"

"I don't care what Grandpa says about training. I'm exhausted!"

"Let's go get some juice from Makino."

"I want to hear those old guys tell stories about the Pirate King!"

It turns out the seeds of adventure had already been planted here.

Kaito smiled helplessly. However, it was definitely more entertaining than watching Luffy train.

"Okay."

....

It had been half a month since Garp left Windmill Village, and today the town was as peaceful as ever, with a gentle east wind blowing.

But the arrival of a pirate ship at the port shattered this tranquility.

"Huh? Kaito!! Shanks and the others are back! Hahaha!"

Luffy, who was fishing with Kaito at the dock, became noticeably excited when he spotted the approaching pirate ship. After all, he was the grandson of a Vice Admiral.

"Shanks! The Red-Haired Pirates! They're finally here!"

After Garp's departure, Luffy had talked about the Red-Haired Pirates with Kaito.

During Luffy's seven-year-old phase, the Red-Haired Pirates had made Windmill Village their base for an entire year.

It was during this time that Luffy met Shanks and the crew, learned what it meant to be a pirate, and developed the desire to set sail as one himself.

Although they used Windmill Village as a base, it didn't mean they stayed on land; they would still go out to sea and return after some time. In the month and a half since Kaito crossed over, Shanks and his crew had just returned from a voyage.

Kaito, sitting in his wheelchair, appeared mature for his seven years as he read a newspaper. Hearing Luffy's shout, he immediately set the paper down and looked out at the sea. Sure enough, a pirate ship was slowly approaching.

It was indeed the Red-Haired Pirates' ship, the Red Force, featuring a skull emblem with a square face and three red claw marks over its left eye, with two swords crossed behind it.

....

"Ah! Luffy!"

"Long time no see!"

As the ship docked, Luffy ran to the lower side of the ship. Shanks, standing at the bow with his strong arms, smiled and greeted Luffy.

"Alright! Anchor down! Let's get off! We've got a lot to celebrate this time!"

Shanks turned to Beckman and the others, looking pleased with their haul.

Before Shanks and his crew could disembark, Luffy climbed straight onto the ship and stood proudly at the prow of the Red Force.

Below, Kaito could only push his wheelchair closer with a helpless expression. He knew exactly what Luffy was planning.

From his elevated position, Luffy put his hands on his hips and shouted.

"Hey! Shanks! Take me with you next time! I want to be a pirate!!"

As usual, Luffy's shout was met with laughter from Shanks and the crew, considering Luffy was just a little kid and didn't know how to swim.

"Hahaha! Luffy, stop messing around and get down! You're just a little kid and can't even swim! Hahaha!"

Shanks teased without mercy.

Luffy gritted his teeth in frustration and pulled out a dagger from behind him.

"I'm not joking! I've had enough!"

"I want to prove it to you!"

"Hahaha... that's hilarious! Go ahead, I really don't know what you plan to do!"

"Luffy is up to something interesting again."

Shanks and the others clearly didn't believe in Luffy's determination, treating him like a child.

But the next moment.

Luffy resolutely slashed a knife across his left cheek!