"It's a great day for harvest." A blue-haired woman murmured as she looked outside from the window of her house.
The village was a small one located in the East Blue. It hadn't even been a year yet since the Arlong Pirates were driven out, but the memory of their occupation still hung in the air like a fading scar.
The village's name was Cocoyasi Village.
Nojiko went outside and started harvesting her tangerines. It was her family's only way of income. Though now, the only family member left was her…
"Nojiko!"
When she was peacefully harvesting, a nervous shout from an old man called her name desperately. It was Genzo—a father figure for both Nami and Nojiko.
"What happened?" Nojiko asked nervously, her eyes dropping to the newspaper he was clutching.
Did something happen to Nami and her crew? The thought pressed cold against her ribs.
And as she feared, Genzo said, "The Straw Hat boy—Nami's captain—got involved in a war. He almost died."
"What?!" Nojiko's hands flew to her mouth. If someone as strong as Luffy had nearly been killed, what about the rest of the crew?
"He survived in the end," Genzo continued, "rescued by a guy named Sengoku's grandson."
"Sengoku's grandson?!" Nojiko's eyebrows rose.
"Yeah, that's what the paper calls him. No other name given."
"Never mind that—what about Nami? Is she okay?!" Nojiko pressed, her voice tightening.
"About that… there's nothing written about the Straw Hat crew…" Genzo muttered. Living in the countryside of the weakest sea meant news arrived late—sometimes days old. This paper was no exception.
No news about Nami? Did this old man come just to spread worry? Nojiko felt a flicker of frustration.
"Hm? Worried about Nami? She's doing just fine."
A calm, kind voice settled between them, cooling the tension like a breeze.
"Really? Thank goodness," Genzo sighed, shoulders slumping in relief—before they stiffened again. "W-Who are you?!"
A man had appeared out of nowhere.
He looked about eighteen, with white hair and a distinctive pair of white eyebrows.
I feel like I've seen him somewhere… Genzo thought hard, squinting.
"Y-You're Sengoku's grandson!" Genzo finally blurted, thrusting the newspaper up to compare the image.
Nojiko leaned over his shoulder. "It's really him."
"How do you know about Nami?" she asked carefully. She didn't remember this man being in the Straw Hat crew. A new member, maybe? He couldn't be an enemy—not after saving Luffy.
"That's because I'm the one who knows about her the most in this world," Shun said—and his words carried a quiet, surprising certainty.
Then he added, a faint smile touching his lips, "After all, she stole a great deal from me."
Nami… what have you done now?
Nojiko and Genzo shared a glance. Hearing Nami was still her burglar-cat self was almost reassuring… but now the victim was standing in their village.
"She broke a promise to me and went into hiding," Sengoku's grandson said, the smile turning bitter.
He seems genuinely hurt, Nojiko thought, watching the shadow cross his expression.
"What did she promise?" Genzo asked, voice low. The man in front of them was clearly powerful—likely stronger than Arlong, maybe even the Straw Hats. Their village couldn't afford another enemy.
"It was a deal we made. You saw the news about the war, right?"
They nodded.
"In that war, Nami's captain's brother was about to be executed. Luffy rushed in without his crew to save him."
That sounded exactly like Luffy.
"Nami wanted to help—to repay Luffy for saving her in the past. But she was powerless in a war of the strongest."
Shun let the words settle between them.
"So she came to me. She offered to become my woman in exchange for me saving her captain… and his brother."
Nojiko and Genzo stared, struck silent. It was a reckless bargain—but one they could imagine Nami making for the sake of someone who'd saved her.
"I held up my end. But once it was done… she said her adventure wasn't over yet. That she still had a dream. She told me to wait… and then she vanished." Shun's story trailed off, leaving a hollow space in the air.
Nojiko and Genzo didn't speak. The tale was outrageous, yet it fit Nami and Luffy perfectly.
"I'd imagined a future with her," Shun murmured, almost to himself. "Ten children, five boys and five girls. A loud, full house. But I was betrayed…"
"So… why did you come here?" Nojiko finally asked, her voice cautious.
"I heard Nami had a sister just as beautiful. I thought… perhaps her sister might be willing to take her place." He said it plainly, without shame.
Nojiko's cheeks warmed. "W-What?!"
"There's no way that's allowed, you bastard!" Genzo stepped forward, face flushed.
"As expected… it was too much to hope for." Shun sighed, exaggerated but tinged with real weariness. "I'll just have to find Nami, then. Sorry for the trouble."
He turned and started walking toward the sea.
Nami…
Guilt tugged inside Nojiko. Nami had already given eight years of her life trying to buy their village's freedom from Arlong. She'd borne enough. She deserved to live free—to chase her dream without another chain.
But if this man went after her…
"Wait!" Nojiko called, her voice firm.
Genzo grabbed her arm. "What are you doing?!"
"If a man strong enough to save Luffy in that war chases Nami, what do you think will happen? She'll never be free."
"Ah, you misunderstand. I wouldn't harm her," Shun said, glancing back.
"Nami took responsibilities and sacrifices for our village since she was a child. I'll do it for her this time."
"Nojiko…" Genzo's voice was heavy, as if watching her walk toward an altar.
"I'll take Nami's place. So don't go after her." Nojiko held Shun's gaze, her resolve clear.
"Alright. I'll honor that promise."
Then, without waiting for Genzo's protest, Shun took her hand—and they vanished.
"If you make her cry—!"
Pop.
Genzo stood alone, his warning unfinished, staring at the empty space where they had been.
---
"Where… is this?"
Nojiko blinked as her surroundings changed in an instant.
Everything gleamed—gold walls, gold trim, gold fixtures. Even the light seemed to shimmer with a metallic glow.
"It's all gold?!" she breathed.
"Yes. It's a famous golden ship in the New World. A moving country recognized by the World Government." Shun explained beside her, still holding her hand. "Well, let's go out. I'll show you around."
He guided her through gleaming halls, into an elevator, down to the first floor, and out into a wide, vibrant avenue.
Nojiko's eyes widened. Everywhere she looked, people drifted in beautiful, expensive-looking clothes and glittering jewelry. She suddenly felt painfully plain in her simple village wear.
Well, I am a countryside girl… she admitted to herself.
"What's wrong? Feeling insecure?" Shun asked, a teasing smile on his lips.
"Then first, let's go get you some clothes."
They started toward Marina Mall—the largest shopping center in Gran Tesoro, a place that sold almost everything.
Shun glanced around as they walked. He'd arrived a week ago, following another of his unpredictable journeys. He could teleport back to places he'd been, but since the ship was always moving, he couldn't return easily once he left. So he'd decided to enjoy his time here.
Gran Tesoro was massive—ten kilometers long, shaped like a luxury liner but built like a fortified city. It had everything: hotels, casinos, restaurants, shops, even prisons beneath its golden surface. A place that promised freedom and fun, but hid danger behind its glitter.
At the entrance to Marina Mall, a woman was waiting—tall, poised, with sharp eyes and a polite smile.
"Baccarat," Shun recalled. She worked for the city's owner.
"We've just been informed that you would be arriving here with your… friend," she said smoothly.
"She's my wife, Nojiko," Shun corrected.
"Hello…" Nojiko said softly, feeling even more out of place beside this elegant woman. Why did this guy even bring me here? she wondered, a flicker of resentment rising.
"Oh, my apologies. Then please allow us to assist you in the mall," Baccarat said, her smile unchanging.
Shun glanced at Nojiko, as if asking her opinion. Seeing her slight glare, he chuckled. "Well, then help her pick an outfit."
"Of course."
Baccarat led them to a boutique that looked impossibly luxurious. Nojiko's stomach tightened.
"What do you think of this, Miss Nojiko?" Baccarat held up a sleek red backless dress.
"I'm not sure…" Nojiko hesitated, then remembered her sudden irritation at Shun. Dragging me here without warning…
"I want the most expensive dress!" she declared, lifting her chin.
Shun laughed softly. "Just like Nami's sister."
Nojiko flushed, realizing her small rebellion had only amused him.
Baccarat's smile didn't waver. "Of course. Right this way."
She returned shortly with an ensemble: a form-fitting black mini dress layered with exquisite gold brocade, paired with long black gloves and a delicate veil-adorned fascinator hat.
"This look projects sophisticated, high-rolling elegance—perfect for blending into the casino's elite crowd," Baccarat explained with quiet pride.
Nojiko swallowed. "I like it."
Once she'd changed and stepped out, even Shun's expression softened. The dress transformed her—her sun-tanned skin contrasted beautifully against the black and gold, and her presence shifted from village girl to striking noblewoman.
"She's beautiful," Shun said simply, offering his arm.
Nojiko took it, cheeks warm. Just hours ago, she'd been harvesting tangerines in peace. Now… she wasn't sure what she was.
Shun led her back toward their hotel.
"Where are we going now?" Nojiko asked, her voice steadier.
"To a place all new lovers visit," Shun said, a playful mystery in his tone.
Nojiko's face heated. Was he…?
"We're going to gamble!" he finished, grinning at her expression.
Nojiko's face shifted—part relief, part annoyance.
"Hm? Were you expecting something… different?" Shun teased.
"N-No!" she refuted quickly.
"Well, don't be disappointed. We'll get to that point later tonight," he said, his tone light but intentional.
Baccarat and a few of her people were still following at a respectful distance. At the word "gamble," Baccarat's expression brightened.
"If you're planning to gamble, as a VIP of Gran Tesoro, we would be pleased to extend you a line of credit—one hundred million Berries," she offered, stepping forward.
Shun wasn't short on money—not when his Observation Haki let him cheat discreetly. In Gran Tesoro the one who gets deceived is at fault, he agreed what the King of this country said in the original.
"Thanks," he said, accepting the chip case and handing it to Nojiko.
"W-What am I supposed to do with this?" she asked, holding it like it might burn her.
"That's your budget. Try to pay off the debt for that dress—it was three hundred million Berries."
Nojiko stared. "Three hundred million?!" That was more than Arlong's bounty. Her little act of defiance suddenly felt terribly expensive.
She grabbed Shun's arm. "Let's return it."
"Haha, don't worry. Just win and pay it back. Even if you lose… you can pay me in other ways." His smile was easy, as though money meant nothing to him.
Baccarat and her attendants exchanged glances. Using their signature plan to flirt with his own wife…
Soon they reached their hotel—Leoro, the only eight-star hotel in the world, complete with its own lavish casino. Shun had been given a suite as soon as he arrived a week earlier, his name already on some VIP list.
Inside, the casino buzzed with energy—poker, baccarat, blackjack, slot machines, all glowing under crystal lights.
While Nojiko looked around curiously, Shun leaned toward Baccarat and lowered his voice. "Let her win a little at first—build her confidence. Then… take all her luck away."
Baccarat almost sighed. Is this man really her lover? But her orders were clear: treat him with courtesy, no tricks. An Admiral was beyond their reach—let alone the Fleet Admiral's grandson.
"Understood," she said simply.
---
"What do you want to play?" Shun asked Nojiko.
"You're thinking too negatively. With a hundred million Berry budget, you only need to win twice to cover the dress and still walk away with a profit," he said, his voice low and coaxing.
Nojiko knew it was a gambler's logic, but part of her listened.
"I don't know any of these games…"
"Allow me," Baccarat said, touching her shoulder lightly. "Let's start with something simple."
She led Nojiko to a blackjack table and explained the rules. Nojiko placed a single chip—20,000 Berries. Her heart ached as this one chip equaled… Two boxes of tangerines…
The dealer introduced herself and a lot about this table's rule like the smallest bet available was a 20000 Berries.
Since the game started without her chance to decline.
"Hit," she said, closing her eyes.
"Blackjack! Congratulations!"
She won. Then she won again. And again. Ten times in a row, her bets growing slowly.
Maybe I'm actually good at this? she wondered, a flush of confidence warming her.
On the eleventh round, she placed fifty million Berries.
And lost.
Her confidence crumbled. Bet by bet, her stack shrank until it was gone.
"I lost… everything!" Nojiko stood abruptly, grabbing Shun's collar. "You're working with them, aren't you?!"
Around them, people stared. An Admiral being accused by his wife—gambling really did bring out worst of people.
"You've got it wrong," Shun said calmly. "But don't worry—I'll win it back."
He led her to a roulette table and placed five consecutive bets, calling the numbers with eerie accuracy. Their money returned, and then some.
Nojiko watched, her anger cooling into baffled relief.
Then Shun scooped her into his arms.
"Enough gambling for tonight. Now it's time to settle your debt."
Her face flushed as she remembered—the dress, the losses… her promise.
Shun just smiled and carried her toward the elevators, leaving the shimmering chaos of the casino behind.
When they reached the highest floor of the Hotel Leoro, where Shun's suite was located, the atmosphere shifted. In the past, CP0 agents assigned to the Celestial Dragons had deliberately avoided Shun. But tonight, the self-styled king of this country had orchestrated a charade. If he couldn't directly challenge an Admiral or the Celestial Dragons, why not let them clash with each other? That was the plan Tesoro had devised.
The elevator doors opened onto Shun's floor. A shrill, foolish voice cut through the quiet hallway.
"Wait! That woman is good! Put a collar on her neck and send her to my room—eh!" The ridiculous demand was directed at Shun and Nojiko, who was still cradled in his arms.
"Huh?!" The harmony between them shattered as the stranger intruded. He punctuated his sentences with a grating "eh" and shook his head in a bizarre, twitchy rhythm.
Shun's eyes settled on the group: a man riding a giant panda, flanked by three armored knights and a CP0 agent. Two more Celestial Dragons stood nearby, clad in their typical absurdity.
The crowd watching through the giant Den Den Mushi screens—set up by Tesoro as the night's main entertainment—fell completely silent.
Would an Admiral, Sengoku's grandson, bow before the Celestial Dragons and surrender his wife to slavery? Or would he become a traitor to the World Government?
All eyes were fixed. Especially Tesoro's. His usual smirk was gone, replaced by a grim stare, as if the scene were dredging up a terrible memory.
"What will you do?" Tesoro muttered to himself, his voice low.
"Saint Giorno, that man is the Navy's new Admiral… Perhaps we could select another target?" The CP0 agent spoke nervously. Normally, even an Admiral wouldn't give a Celestial Dragon's guardian pause—but this man was Sengoku's grandson, known for being unpredictable. If he resisted, protecting the Dragons would be impossible. The agent hoped for a peaceful resolution, but—
"New Admiral? Who—eh?" The lead Celestial Dragon, Giorno, swung a gloved fist, knocking the CP0 agent to the floor. He drew a pistol and aimed it squarely at Shun. "Useless worm. Can't follow a simple command. I'll do it myself."
He fired without hesitation.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The shots were surprisingly accurate, all aimed for Shun's heart and temple.
'This scum probably practices on slaves,' Shun deduced, sighing inwardly.
Each bullet struck its target.
"Ahh, Father, I wanted to add him to my collection! His white hair and eyebrows were unique enough!" one of the younger Dragons whined.
"Shun!" Nojiko cried out. Though they had only been together a few hours, her husband had just been shot by lunatics. Her day kept spiraling into madness.
Shun felt a flicker of conflict. He had used Sengoku's name freely in the past and had always allowed such provocations to pass—but today was different. He looked down at Nojiko's worried face in his arms.
'How could I face her again if I run now, after talking big all day?'
"Sigh…"
Unharmed by the bullets, Shun let out a deep, weary breath.
"If you leave now, I'll spare your lives."
Silence.
Everyone, even the Celestial Dragons, went still.
"Hahaha!" Tesoro barked a laugh from his monitoring room, though it sounded strained. "Both sides were given everything from birth, so neither can back down. An immovable object meets an unstoppable force. This is peak entertainment!"
"Will the new Admiral really go against the Celestial Dragons?!" one of his crew asked nervously.
"If he attacks them, there could be a Buster Call! A marine Admiral will come!" Baccarat warned.
"There's already a Marine Admiral on our ship…" murmured the short man with the Phrase-Phrase Fruit ability.
The crew fell quiet. Normally they would laugh along with Tesoro, but now they could only watch with dread.
Back in the corridor, the lead Celestial Dragon trembled with rage. "You inferior worm, what did you say—eh?!" His head shook even faster. "CP0—kill him!"
'Goodbye, Ted… Bob…' The CP0 agent accepted his fate in that instant. If he attacked Shun, he would die. If he refused, the Dragons would kill him. Either way, this was the end.
Whoosh!
He moved with blinding speed, vanishing from ordinary sight—but not from Shun's.
'Finger Pistol!' The agent aimed for Shun's neck. To him, Shun seemed not to have reacted. A spark of hope flared—
POP—!
With a casual flick, Shun sent the agent flying through the air, far out to sea—whether he survived or not was irrelevant.
"I gave you a chance," Shun said calmly. "Since you enjoy calling yourselves gods, this one is perfect for you."
He drew a deep breath into his mouth.
'Fire God's Bellow!'
Without even calling upon his More-More Fruit powers, Shun unleashed a torrent of darkish flame. It swallowed the Celestial Dragons, their armored guards, and the giant panda whole. The fire didn't stop there—it blasted clean through the outer wall behind them and roared into the night, carving a path a full kilometer long before finally fading.
The entire hotel shook.
"An earthquake!" someone screamed among the guests unaware of the broadcast.
"Idiot, we're on a ship!" another snapped back.
When the flames and smoke cleared, the spot where the Celestial Dragons and their entourage had stood was empty. Completely empty. Not even ash remained.
"Ha… ha… This crazy bastard actually did it." Tesoro tried to laugh, but the sound caught in his throat. His little experiment—creating a "coincidental" clash between these two forces—had gone farther than he'd imagined. And he had streamed it to every screen on the ship. There was no concealing this.
"Three Celestial Dragons, killed by the new honorary Marine Admiral…" Tesoro whispered, then raised his voice, forcing out his signature line: "Hahaha! This is the peak of entertainment!" Yet beneath the performance, he felt a flicker of respect for a man who had done, without hesitation, what he himself never could.
A cold sea breeze swept into the corridor through the gaping hole in the wall.
Nojiko blinked, trying to process what had just happened. She thought her day couldn't get any stranger, yet here she was. Even she could tell those arrogant fools were important—nobles of some kind, surely.
"Is that okay?" she asked quietly. "Won't you get in trouble?"
"Hmm? I probably will," Shun replied, without a trace of remorse. "But that's fine. I'll leave that for future me to worry about. For now, let's go to our room."
And with the entire ship still watching through the screens, he carried Nojiko across the threshold and closed the suite door behind them.