The Susein Archipelago was a highly renowned group of islands in the first half of the Grand Line. It enjoyed a warm climate year-round and was famous for fruits such as bananas, pineapples, and Mumu fruit.
To most people, it was merely a fairly important trade route and supply stop.
Under normal circumstances, pirates rarely came here. The reason was simple: there was not much profit to be made.
Though it was a trade route, the place was truly not prosperous—poor would be a more fitting description. Over the past century, its defenses had been virtually nonexistent. Though it was nominally governed by the Ssein Royal Family, the islands were too scattered, and many places harbored criminal forces of varying sizes.
Throughout history, the King of Ssein had invited the Marines to help suppress them, often with considerable results.
But due to the unique geography and local customs, rebel forces would often emerge again shortly after the Marines left.
After going back and forth several times, the Marines grew fed up as well. They were an important force tasked with upholding justice across the entire sea—how could they waste their time endlessly dealing with this tiny island nation?
Moreover, dispatching the Marines every time required a considerable amount of money, something a poor country like Ssein simply could not afford. Over time, the Marines began ignoring the King of Ssein's requests altogether.
By now, it had become an island kingdom that everyone overlooked.
That was everything Dracule Mihawk knew before arriving.
Come to think of it, he had no real interest in what this kingdom was like. He was only here to track down the Bloodsail Pirates.
As he walked down the narrow street, the smell of fermenting fruit mingled with strange odors in the air. Mihawk frowned imperceptibly.
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