Winds swept across the desolate island, slicing through the sea like silver blades.
The pirate flag grew clearer with every passing second—a skull flanked by two crossed hammers. Nami narrowed her eyes. "That's the Iron Hammer Pirates."
Ron glanced toward the approaching ship. "You know them?"
"I think I saw them in the paper," Nami said, tapping her chin. "Their captain's bounty is around eight million berries. They've never dared to enter Arlong's waters, probably out of fear."
Ron nodded calmly. Eight million wasn't much. Anyone below ten million wasn't a real threat. Stronger pirates like Kuro or Krieg were dangerous opponents, but this crew was far from their level.
Still, it was a little disappointing. If the bounty had reached ten million, he could have unlocked another Achievement. For now, all he could aim for was the Slayer title—defeating ten enemies in a single battle.
"The distance's right," Nami said, signaling him with a glance.
The two lifted the treasure chest they'd dug up, pretending to flee toward their small boat. It was all part of the bait. The Iron Hammer Pirates took it, roaring with laughter as they closed in.
Their twin-masted ship cut through the waves like a charging beast. The captain, Iron Hammer Loff, stood at the bow, resting one hammer on his shoulder. "Don't fire the cannons," he said coldly. "Ram them. Crush their little boat."
The next moment, the massive ship slammed forward with thunderous force.
Boom!
Ron and Nami's small vessel shattered into debris, wood exploding across the sea as the pirates erupted in laughter.
"Haha! That's what happens when you try to run!"
"Captain, should we fish up the bodies?" one shouted.
Loff grinned. "Yeah. If they're alive, finish them off."
A few pirates moved toward the rail, but one frowned. "Captain, when we hit them… I didn't see anyone on the boat."
Loff blinked. "What? Where else would they go? Underwater?"
Before his voice faded, a light, playful tone rang out from behind them.
"Excuse me, Captain—were you looking for me?"
Everyone turned. Nami sat on top of the ship's cabin, legs crossed, smiling like a mischievous cat.
For a second, the pirates froze. Then laughter broke out.
"Just a kid?"
"She's cute though. Hey, Captain, she'd fetch a good price as a slave in the noble district."
The crew laughed among themselves. One pirate sneered, "Where's your friend, little girl?"
Nami grinned, her voice teasing. "Him? Oh, he's right… there."
Heads turned instinctively.
"Climbing up was annoying," came a calm voice.
Ron pulled himself over the railing, dripping wet, his expression relaxed.
The pirates laughed again. "You two think you can fight us?"
Ron dusted off his sleeve, his gaze level. "Now then," he said softly, "shall we begin?"
For a heartbeat, silence. Then laughter exploded again.
"Begin? With what, kid? That toy of yours?"
One of them swung his blade and stepped forward.
Ron's smile deepened.
He lifted both hands. Within his mind, two Wind Runes intertwined and blazed with energy.
A sharp whistle cut through the air.
Three blades of pure wind shot forth, invisible until the moment they struck. The leading pirate froze mid-step as all three slashed through him, then continued on, slicing through the deck and out the far side of the ship.
The men had no time to scream.
Blood burst into the air like crimson rain. Bodies collapsed one after another, hitting the deck in a wave of thuds. The laughter was gone—swallowed by silence.
Every surviving pirate stood stiff, eyes wide in disbelief.
They stared at the boy who stood among the corpses, his expression as calm as still water, as though all he had done was brush away dust.
Nami gazed down from above, the wind tossing her hair.
And Ron, surrounded by death, finally exhaled softly.
"The first step," he murmured. "Not bad."
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