Pirate King and Great Swordsman's First Meeting!

It was May, and the sea breeze was gentle.

The East Blue had a mild, humid climate. Having just left Shells Town, Luffy lay on a small boat, leisurely basking in the sunlight.

His straw hat covered his face. Lying on the deck with one leg crossed over the other, Luffy tilted his head slightly and watched the sea through the gap. Beside his hand, a fishing rod was secured to the gunwale. Several meters away, its float bobbed gently with the waves.

It was a pleasant afternoon. Beneath his straw hat, Luffy breathed in the intoxicating scent of the sea, his face full of smiles.

After leaving Marine Headquarters, Luffy had finally gotten his wish and begun living this free, unrestrained life.

He had lost count of how many times he had imagined such a scene in his dreams. Now, he had finally taken the first step toward fulfilling that dream.

A life without restraints—on his first solo voyage, Luffy had already fallen in love with it.

Although he had been accompanied by his two older brothers at Marine Headquarters, and dearly missed their brotherly affection, compared to his current life, Luffy still preferred this freedom, this ease, and the exciting sea adventures that awaited him.

"Luffy, where are we going next?"

At that moment, a somewhat timid voice sounded beside Luffy's ear, interrupting his thoughts.

He gently shifted his straw hat aside and saw a pink-haired boy wearing glasses, his hair parted neatly down the middle.

His stiff middle part and heavy round-rimmed glasses made the pink-haired boy look rather dull. Combined with the way he spoke, his timid nature was plain for Luffy to see.

The pink-haired boy was named Koby, a friend Luffy had met by chance after setting out to sea. When Luffy had fled