The first half of the Grand Line, Rusukaina Island.
Snow fell thick and fast. On an island with forty-eight seasons, snowfall was nothing unusual.
A young man in red, an X-shaped scar across his chest, walked slowly through the snow.
Crunch, crunch.
Soon, he reached a great tree—though it looked more like a giant radish.
"Time flies. It's already been two years."
He walked up to a protruding stone and picked up the Straw Hat resting on it. A little snow had gathered on the brim.
This young man was Luffy, who had spent two years training on Rusukaina Island.
Today, Luffy was ready to continue his adventure.
The women of the Kuja Pirates had been waiting on the shore for some time. When Hancock saw Luffy approaching, her cheeks reddened, and she hurried toward him in tiny steps.
"Luffy, I've prepared plenty of food. Surely a woman as thoughtful and caring as me would make a wonderful wife."
As she spoke, Hancock rested a hand against her cheek and closed her eyes in bliss.
"Forget about marriage. I'll take the food, though."
Hancock let out a mournful cry. Then the Kuja Pirates carried Luffy out of the Calm Belt, bound for the Sabaody Archipelago.
Meanwhile, at Shakky's Rip-off Bar in the Sabaody Archipelago...
Rayleigh sat at the counter, chatting with Shakky behind the bar.
Soft golden sunlight streamed into the bar, filling it with warmth.
Rayleigh gently swirled the drink in his hand. Chips of ice tapped against the glass with faint, crisp clicks.
As Rayleigh and Shakky chatted, the door directly behind him was suddenly pushed open.
Jingle, jingle.
The brass bell above the door rang. A man in a dark green robe stood in the doorway.
Three swords hung at his waist. Judging by his presence, he