February, Marineford Era 1503.
Ever since Pirate King Roger ushered in the so-called Great Pirate Era, the Marines had finally relied on absolute military force to steer the world back onto the "right track."
The people of the Four Blues could clearly feel that the seas had become much safer. Fishermen no longer had to venture out trembling with fear, and merchant ships following official routes no longer had to worry about pirates suddenly appearing to plunder them.
Those living along the coast had not suffered pirate attacks for quite some time, and the economy had begun to gradually recover.
Although small-scale crime still occurred without end, overall, Sengoku's rise to power had indeed changed some things. At the same time, the Sabaody Archipelago had also become increasingly prosperous.
The foundation of economic development was peace and stability. With the situation in the Four Blues stabilizing, the Sabaody Archipelago, located at the "end" of the first half of the Grand Line, benefited as well.
"Sengoku really has done quite well."
"If everywhere could be like this, then the Marines truly would be benefiting everyone."
Along the coast of the Sabaody Archipelago, a lone skiff slowly approached the shore. On the small boat, a middle-aged man with long golden hair slowly rose to his feet as it reached land.
The middle-aged man had a small curled black mustache and wore a pair of round, narrow-rimmed glasses. He wore a floral shirt on top, fitted crimson cropped pants below, a white cowboy hat on his head, and flip-flops on his feet.
His whole outfit was flashy in a way that felt indescribably out of place.
Holding down his cowboy hat with one hand, the blond man picked up a small backpack from beside the boat, then lightly leaped onto the Sabaody Archipelago.