The year's end drew near. Even Fruit Star, which had only emerged from the flames of war a little over ten days earlier, took on a fresh look under the Empire's guidance. Red silk hung along its streets and alleys, lending a festive air to the lingering scent of gunpowder.
Under the Empire's rule, its people no longer had to fear being seized as slaves by nobles because they could not afford the exorbitant Heavenly Tribute.
They no longer had to fear pirates arriving at any moment to plunder their homes.
Amid the tides of history, the Great Pirate Era, sparked by a trailblazer's declaration of "One Piece," finally gave way to true peace.
The former Holy Land Mary Geoise was now the provincial capital of the Empire's Mist Province.
The lavish buildings perched atop the Red Line had been given new purposes.
Those traveling its streets were no longer Celestial Dragons riding on the backs of living beings, but imperial citizens of every race, walking with dignity.
A burly blind swordsman with scars around his tightly closed eyes and a solemn expression walked down the main street.
He wore a dark kimono. Though the fabric was hardly luxurious, it was clean and neatly kept.
He held a cane sword. Despite his blindness, every step landed firmly, as though even the earth gained weight beneath his feet.
The blind swordsman moved through the bustling street with greater ease than those who could see.
His cane sword tapped the ground, probing his path as though taking the city's pulse.
Whenever children ran past, he shifted slightly aside; whenever a merchant's cart approached, he stopped half a step early, waiting for the traffic to pass before continuing.
He did not walk quickly, but his destination was clear.
Not far ahead, a bright