Commander Keigo clutched the Den Den Mushi in his left hand, his gaze fixed on the small boat fleeing across the waves—a fragile craft that seemed destined to capsize at any moment.
"Moshi moshi?" Uttered the marine at Headquarters, snapping commander Keigo back to the call.
"Yes. According to them, they're the Blue-Eyed Pirates. Their captain, Gojo, has white hair and piercing blue eyes. The first mate is Ryuken, a swordsman."
"Understood. But wait—what about the rest of the crew?"
"At the moment, it's only the two of them. It appears they've only recently begun their piratical endeavors and are still in the process of recruiting."
"Just two? How did they manage to overpower your entire fleet?"
"I can't explain it—I'm not entirely certain myself. But I witnessed the captain employing some form of bizarre power—an invisible barrier, perhaps."
"Then… do you suspect he has consumed a cursed fruit—a Devil Fruit?"
"I'm not sure. Maybe I was just seeing things. Regardless, I will transmit their photographs to you immediately. You are to issue bounties for both."
"Noted. I will disconnect now."
…
The Blue-Eyed Pirates sailed onward through the day, their vessel slicing cleanly through the swelling waves as both Gojo and Ryuken gazed ahead in exhilaration.
A cool, salt-tinged breeze whispered across the open sea. Gojo stood motionless, enveloped in an unfamiliar yet electrifying sensation—a feeling worlds away from the rigid constraints of the Jujutsu society he had once known.
Even in his previous life, he had never tasted such raw freedom or thrilling uncertainty. This was different—untamed, unpredictable.
Ryuken stole a glance toward Gojo, who stood utterly captivated by the vast, shimmering expanse of the ocean, even as he continued to paddle.
The weather remained serene—a stark contrast to the infamous Grand Line, where storms materialized without warning, where monstrous pirates dominated the waters, and where uncharted islands concealed unimaginable horrors.
Any navigator foolish enough to venture into the Grand Line without the ability to read the skies would meet certain death—no, a thousand percent certainty of annihilation.
Yet here, their ship glided effortlessly across calm waters—until—
Without warning, a colossal Sea King erupted from the depths directly ahead, its monumental form casting a vast shadow over the tiny vessel and causing both men to stare in disbelief.
"A… a Sea King?" They exclaimed in unison.
"Awesome!"
"Food!"
Gojo and Ryuken leaned eagerly over the railing, their eyes alight with excitement as they studied the towering leviathan.
The duo shared a fierce laugh before turning their full attention back to the approaching beast.
"I'll go first!"
Gojo lunged forward before Ryuken could fully unsheathe his blade. A wild grin spread across Gojo's face as he clenched his fist, blue energy erupting around it like a swirling inferno.
Ryuken watched, stunned, as Gojo's punch tore cleanly through the Sea King's flesh, leaving a gaping hole in its wake. A torrent of crimson rained down, staining the ocean a deep and violent red.
Ryuken's lips curled into a smirk. Once again, he was reminded of the sheer, overwhelming power of the man he had chosen to follow.
"He really is the one who will become the Pirate King."
"…Hehe."
The Sea King's lifeless body crashed back into the sea, bobbing grotesquely atop a pool of its own blood. Gojo leapt effortlessly back onto the boat, leaving Ryuken to carve up the remaining carcass for their meal.
The small boat staggered erratically from the turbulent sea current as Ryuken leaped to carve a modest portion of the Sea King's flesh for them to feast upon later, a necessary precaution since Gojo had just lost their entire cache of cash won from the casino.
For the first time, Satoru Gojo felt truly unshackled—and he couldn't help but wish his beloved students were here to share this adventure, sailing the high seas, clashing with pirates and marines alike.
…
[Back at the dock]
Commander Keigo and his fleet watched the scene with utter disbelief, their eyes wide and their jaws agape. Sweat slid down their faces as they processed the extraordinary event they had just witnessed.
"What is it, commander Keigo?" The marine over at HQ had heard the loud, shrieking cry of the Sea King through the Transponder Snail but was uncertain of its origin or if the fleet was under attack again.
"T-Those pirates… they just killed a Sea King," commander Keigo stammered, his teeth gritted and his fist clenched.
"Stop joking, commander Keigo. What is actually happening?!"
"Those bastards just killed a fucking Sea King?!"
"How the hell is that possible for any pirate there in the East Blue?"
"His hands.." Keigo swallowed hard. "I witnessed everything, and I can confirm Gojo, the captain, possesses some kind of inexplicable power."
"What did he do?"
"His hands… were sheathed in blue flames, and he literally one-shot the Sea King, leaving a massive hole in its wake."
"Are you fucking serious, commander Keigo? You know the consequences if this intelligence proves false."
"Fucking shit! Those damn pirates are not ordinary! Relay this news to the higher-ups immediately; they must be placed on the 'Dead or Alive' list. We cannot allow them to roam free—recruiting new members will inevitably transform them into a significant threat."
"Understood, commander Keigo. I will act on this immediately!"
CLANG…
The Transponder Snail fell asleep as the call was disconnected shortly after the protracted conversation.
This man is dangerous—playful yet profoundly lethal.
Keigo thought to himself, watching the boat begin to fade into the distant shadows.
"Let's retreat for now and treat the wounded. We will return for them soon."
"Yes, sir!"
The Marines proceeded to carry their wounded comrades as they made their way back to their base.
…
CRACK!
A violent bolt of lightning split the sky. The once-calm breeze twisted into a howling gale, and thick, menacing storm clouds blotted out the sun. Within moments, torrential rain lashed against the boat, the horizon completely swallowed by the fury of the storm.
Gojo and Ryuken paddled the boat as fast as they could while the sea erupted into chaos, waves battering the hull and thunder roaring overhead.
"What the hell is this?!"
Ryuken shielded his eyes with his forearm, squinting into the relentless tempest.
***
Dawn broke over calm seas, the morning sun glinting off tranquil waves as the boat cut smoothly through the water. The duo lay sprawled against the gunwale, their chests heaving with the exhaustion of having paddled for hours.
Ryuken's sharp eyes caught movement on the horizon. He squinted, shielding his brow with one hand. "Isn't that... an island?"
Despite his fatigue, Gojo scrambled upright and fumbled for his telescope. The brass instrument shook in his trembling hands as he focused on the distant shape. "Land ho!" He cried, his cracked lips splitting into a grin before his legs gave out, sending him collapsing back onto the weathered planks.
They had fought hard throughout the night, paddling the tiny boat with desperate strength to avoid being swallowed by the raging sea.
As the boat picked up speed toward the emerging landmass, matching grins spread across the duo's faces.
"Maybe we'll find a proper navigator here," Gojo mused.
"Here's hoping," Ryuken agreed.
Trader's Haven gradually revealed itself in the afternoon light, its coastline fringed with vibrant citrus groves. The settlement's distinctive orange rooftops peeked between swaying palm fronds, while the small harbor promised safe anchorage.
"Port side! Make it clean!"
Wood creaked in protest as the vessel settled against the dock. The impact sent a flock of gulls screeching into the air as the gangplank descended with a definitive thud. Gojo's boots made first contact with the pier, the solid sound marking their official arrival.
The rhythmic bustle of the town faltered as locals turned to study the newcomers. Pirates were no rarity in East Blue waters, but every new arrival carried potential danger—sometimes immediate, sometimes lurking beneath superficial smiles.
Gojo's lip curled upward before a smile crept across his face. "We're free now," he declared before striding into town with Ryuken at his side.
Curious eyes tracked their progress through the streets, unaware that these visitors would soon become part of Trader's Haven's troubled history.
The duo let out a loud sigh, stretching their bodies to free stiff muscles cramped from sitting in one spot and paddling a boat for an entire day.
"Damn! We need a ship!"
"We'll get one soon, or perhaps we can inquire if there is a competent shipwright nearby or on the next island."
"And where are we going to find the money to afford a nice and decent ship?"
"Well… we'll leave that to fortune."
"Anyways, we've escaped the marines, so let's take this chance to relax a little before our next adventure."
"Aye aye."
They abandoned the boat on the shore—the very vessel that had nearly been their oceanic tomb just hours before.
Gojo, with his blindfold secured around his eyes, led the way with his hands tucked inside his pockets, while his right-hand man trailed behind him, a sword resting casually upon his shoulders.
The townsfolk glared at them, attempting to discern if they were pirates who had come to cause a ruckus, but they immediately dismissed that thought upon seeing how the two men simply smiled and exchanged lighthearted stories.
"Well, I believe they are here merely to enjoy their adventure," the townsfolk whispered amongst themselves before warmly embracing the duo's presence.
"Welcome to Trader's Haven. Are you gentlemen here for an adventure?" A woman inquired.
"Trader's Haven, huh?"
"Indeed. We came to explore and have a pleasant time here."
"But we come in peace; we are not here to cause you fine folks any trouble."
"Well, that is excellent to hear," a man uttered. "Why don't you follow me, and I shall give you a tour?"
"That is a splendid idea, mister. We would love that, but…" Gojo's stomach growled audibly, causing the villagers to smile. "I require sustenance while I still can."
"Then follow us; we will take you to the finest restaurant you will encounter here in Trader's Haven."