Setting Sail

The azure East Blue lay under a light breeze that brushed past the edge of the Kingdom of Goa, carrying with it a salty, fresh scent of the sea.

Foosha Village, a peaceful little border town just like its name suggested, was bathed in warm morning light.

The huge wooden windmill creaked long and slow in the sea breeze, as if telling of quiet years gone by.

However, that peace was soon shattered by an extremely piercing, booming voice.

"Hey! Everyone! I'm heading out to sea! I'm the man who's going to become the Pirate King!"

Wearing a straw hat, Luffy charged through the town streets like a reckless whirlwind.

Whenever he saw someone, he excitedly waved his arms and went door to door, announcing his decision to set sail.

The townsfolk had long since grown used to the brat's wild energy. Some smiled helplessly and shook their heads, while others stuck their heads out of windows, laughing and scolding him to be careful on the road and not get swallowed by a Sea King on his very first day.

After a chaotic round of farewells, Luffy kicked open the weather-beaten wooden door of Makino's tavern with a bang.

"Makino! Shanks! I'm leaving!"

Behind the bar, Makino, who had been carefully wiping a white porcelain plate, paused.

She raised her head and looked at the rash young man before her, grinning so widely his eyes nearly disappeared, with even one of his sandals lost from all the running. A trace of helplessness flashed through her gentle eyes.

"Honestly, Luffy. Going out to sea is such a big thing, and you're still this careless."

The tavern was not quiet at the moment.

Red-Haired Shanks and the members of his pirate crew were sprawled all over the place, drinking rum and letting