Gecko Moria

"Wh-what are those monsters?"

Major Hake's legs went weak, and his voice shook. "How... how can things like that exist in this world?"

"They look like zombies, Major."

Ryan was no calmer. Sweat covered his forehead as he stammered, "It must be a Devil Fruit power, Major... We've run into a pirate with an ability!"

"Damn it, damn it..."

Hake forced himself to calm down, then turned and roared, "What are you standing around for? Fire the cannons! Fire! Send those monsters into the sea before they get aboard!"

"Yes, Major!"

Meanwhile, aboard the enormous pirate ship.

Mist shrouded the deck. Behind a row of zombie monsters, an unusually tall middle-aged man lounged in a wicker chair, gently swirling a glass of red wine.

His eyes were half-closed, and his face was as pale as a demon's. Reddish-purple hair rose from his head like an onion, while his bat-collared shirt gave him the air of an aristocratic gentleman.

He was "Gecko" Moria, one of the Shichibukai.

"There's a Marine warship ahead, Master."

A scrawny blond youth bowed and reported respectfully, "The Marines aboard seem a little rattled by the zombies. Should we tell them who we are?"

"Hee-hee-hee! Ignore them, Absalom!"

Moria could not be bothered to open his eyes. He waved a hand lazily.

"Marines from a backwater like this might not even know what the Shichibukai are. I came home for a vacation, not to deal with them. Just sail around!"

"Yes, Master."

The blond youth, Absalom, bowed slightly. As he straightened, he stole a glance at Moria, who was sipping his wine at leisure, and felt a measure of relief.

A hometown really was a haven where a wounded man could find comfort.

When Absalom had joined him last year, Lord Moria had been like a