Pirates in the lawless zones mostly moved in groups of three or five. Even those walking alone carried themselves with an intimidating air, looking like trouble that no one dared provoke.
The reason this body had been enslaved by the Celestial Dragons was exactly as the Marines had guessed earlier.
For one thing, he was exceptionally handsome… features that made him stand out all too sharply to someone like Saint Charlos.
But there was another reason: his background.
He was originally a prince of a kingdom in the West Blue.
However, because his country had failed to pay the "Heavenly Tribute" on time — an act deemed disrespectful to the Celestial Dragons — it had been punished, and he was taken prisoner.
After being passed around from hand to hand, he eventually became Saint Charlos's property.
So, he had become a slave not because of his lineage or strength, but simply because of his status and appearance.
Years of abuse had left him emaciated. Added to that, his clothing didn't look like anything a pirate would wear, and he soon drew unwanted attention.
While he walked along reading his newspaper, a few pirates trailed behind him, eyeing him up and down.
When Oboro turned into a dark, narrow alley, they made their move, cutting him off and blocking his path from both ends.
All of them held weapons, their expressions menacing.
"Robbery?"
Oboro lowered the paper, his eyes calm.
Even in this world of pirates, he had never viewed them as figures of "justice." They were simply portrayed in an entertaining way in the manga.
But judging from the storyline and the reality before him, most pirates were ruthless, cruel beings who burned, killed, looted, and committed every kind of evil.
Those like Luffy and Ace — who held true beliefs, built their own crews, and fostered a unique bond among their members — were rare.
One might even say they were "few and far between."
Compared to typical pirates, they were more like adventurers of the sea.
"Heh… kid, I can tell right away you ain't no pirate."
The leader — a blond‑haired man — twirled a dagger between his fingers as he approached slowly, a malicious grin on his face.
"Got it in one."
Oboro smiled faintly.
From his aura to his clothes… he really did stand out from everyone else on the street.
"Ever heard of the Flame Dragon Pirates?"
The man stepped closer, sounding proud and boastful.
As he spoke, he deliberately raised his arm to reveal a prominent tattoo etched into his skin — the symbol of their crew.
But as the distance closed, and the man caught sight of Oboro's scar‑covered face beneath the hood, his eyelids twitched uncontrollably.
He instinctively took a step back, nearly dropping his dagger in the process.
He was clearly terrified.
"No, I haven't."
"Then you're in luck! The name's Dom. I'm an officer in the Flame Dragon Pirates… You seem like a decent sort, so how about this… I'm feeling generous today. I'll give you a chance to join us. Work under me… and before you know it, your name'll be known all across the Grand Line."
Though still somewhat unnerved by the scars, Dom quickly regained his composure. He cleared his throat and extended an invitation.
Oboro felt a moment of surprise, then understood.
This was Sabaody Archipelago after all. Any crew that made it this far was generally supposed to be tougher than the rookies hanging around the Four Blues.
Robbery was common enough in the lawless zones, but no one would waste time robbing someone who clearly had no wealth.
However… the fact that the Flame Dragon Pirates were recruiting members this way only proved one thing: they were weak trash.
"Our Captain, Balanos the Dragon King, is a big name all over the Grand Line. His bounty is 15,000,000 berries… You know, not just anyone gets the chance to be under the protection of such a great man right when they start out as a pirate."
Seeing Oboro remained unimpressed, Dom emphasized the number again.
15 million.
That was far too little.
Even though the World Government's bounties hadn't yet exploded to the levels seen a year later — where dangerous figures worth hundreds of millions were everywhere — 15 million was still nothing more than small fry in the Grand Line.
In the Four Blues, maybe it would have ranked among the elite, but certainly not here.
"Just as I thought… this won't do."
Oboro suddenly sighed.
"Won't do what?"
Dom frowned, confused.
Oboro's soul abilities were still intact, yet many of his techniques felt as if they had been "sealed" away.
For instance, he had been constantly trying to sense the soul wavelength of this pirate, Dom.
He could feel it, and he clearly perceived that Dom's soul was incredibly fragile… yet he couldn't use it to read the man's thoughts or intentions.
The power of the soul did exist in One Piece… but it simply hadn't been fully integrated or connected into this world's system of powers.
"Hey… you got a death wish, kid? Don't you know a good offer when you see it? You think I won't—"
At that moment, a large brute standing at the back grew impatient. He swung his arm, aiming a heavy slap at the back of Oboro's head.
Oboro leaned slightly aside to dodge it, but the hood covering his head slipped down, revealing his true face to them all.
"..."
The brute's hand froze in mid‑air.
Silence filled the alley.
They were staring at Oboro's "ferocious" face — covered in crisscrossing knife wounds and thick, healed scars.
He looked more like a ruthless pirate than any of them, despite their tough act.
Just looking at his face was terrifying enough.
His new companions suddenly understood why Dom had been stalling and hesitant to use force.
"Can I leave Sabaody Archipelago if I go with you?"
Oboro didn't get angry at the attack. Instead, he asked calmly.
"Huh? You'll join us?"
Dom snapped back to reality.
"Mm…"
Oboro nodded.
"Of course! We were only stopping here to resupply and pick up new hands. As soon as we've stocked up on provisions, we set sail immediately."
"Captain… then I…"
Oboro changed his tone, addressing Dom with respect.
His current situation was far from ideal. Targeted by the Will of the World, even if he escaped for the moment, he would still need outside help to truly leave this place.
Pirates were the perfect stepping stone.
Joining them would also give him the chance to learn the "rules" of this vast ocean.
Hearing himself addressed as "Captain," Dom felt immensely pleased.
As if he knew exactly what Oboro wanted to ask, he naturally threw an arm around his shoulder and spoke in the tone of a senior mentor.
"Now, don't rush. Take it one step at a time. You were recruited by me, so of course I'll look out for you. Besides, me and the Captain go way back…"
"That's great…"
"You'll start as a shipwright."
"Understood."
Oboro bowed his head.
He wasn't surprised in the least.
Why would he ever have high expectations for a low‑level crew like this?
It was obvious: before reaching Sabaody, the Flame Dragon Pirates must have suffered some kind of accident that left them short on crew.
In any pirate organization, the hierarchy was strict. Leaders and officers wouldn't dirty their hands with every little task… they needed plenty of subordinates to do the hard labor.
Plus, the environment of the Grand Line was brutal. Ship maintenance, repairs, steering, raising sails… all that work fell to the lower ranks.
The higher‑ups only needed to enjoy the benefits and give orders.
Basically, they were just looking for cheap labor — or free labor, to be precise.
And Oboro had been "lucky" enough to be chosen.
"Run! It's the Marines!"
"Damn it! What are they doing here?!"
"We didn't get any report of Marine ships docking near the island!"
"Don't just stand there! Move!"
"What the hell is going on?!"
A moment later, just as Oboro followed the pirates out of the alley, chaos erupted in the streets.
Pirates everywhere began running frantically in the same direction, panic written all over their faces.
"What's happening?"
"Marines?"
Dom and his crew exchanged confused glances.
While they were still puzzled, gunshots rang out in the distance, mixed with the roars of fighting.
At the same time, disciplined "white‑uniformed units" advanced toward them, spreading out and slowly forming a encirclement.
"Let's go!"
Dom's face turned pale, and he shouted.
The group immediately merged into the fleeing crowd.
Along the way, Oboro pulled his hood back down to hide his features.
He glanced back over his shoulder.
As expected… such a massive mobilization by the Marines could only mean one thing: they were coming for him.
____________________
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