Higuma the Bandit King

The tavern door opened with a creak.

A cold wind poured in through the gap, carrying a savage air with it.

A man stood in the doorway—

A reddish-brown coat hung over his body, its hem swaying gently in the wind. Bold circular patterns were printed across the coat.

His hair was crudely braided, and his beard was messy yet thick.

The man swept his gaze across the tavern, and the next second—

The corner of his mouth curled up.

"Ohoho..."

He drew out the sound, his mockery undisguised.

"This place is full of pirates... It's my first time seeing such laughable faces."

The air instantly froze, and the Red Hair Pirates stopped what they were doing.

Shanks tilted his head slightly, still wearing that carefree smile.

Ace raised an eyebrow, a hint of displeasure appearing in his gaze.

Makino was also stunned for a moment, the wineglass in her hand suspended in midair.

However—

No one noticed.

Luffy's face was bright red, his eyes wide as he frantically pounded his chest with both hands.

"Cough... Cough, cough—!"

A piece of grilled meat had nearly choked him speechless.

In his panic, he reached into the box beside him and blindly rummaged around.

He stuffed whatever he grabbed into his mouth. He happened to grab a fruit and bit into it—

"Gulp!"

He swallowed it forcefully, his throat bobbing violently.

His whole body went stiff for a moment, then—

"Phew—!!"

He let out a long breath and slumped into his chair.

"I almost died..."

By then, the man at the door had already strode inside.

The floor boomed beneath his footsteps.

He walked straight to the bar and slapped his palm down on the counter.

"Boss lady."

His voice was rough, carrying an imperious tone.

"We're not here to cause trouble