Mr. Tanaka Lurking in the Shadows

Sea Circle Calendar, February 1528.

New World, Dressrosa.

Music and the aroma of grilled meat drifted along Love-Love Street. People clinked their glasses together, and laughter surged toward the star-filled night sky like waves.

This nation, known as the "Country of Love and Passion," seemed never to grow tired.

King's Plateau, on a balcony deep within the royal palace.

The evening breeze gently stirred Scarlet's long pink hair. Leaning against the railing, she tightly clutched a wanted poster whose edges had begun to wear.

Moonlight spilled across the paper, illuminating that young, resolute face: golden hair cascading like a lion's mane, aqua-blue eyes so clear even on the rough print that they made her heart tremble.

After all these years, that figure remained etched deep in her memories, as clear as if it had been yesterday.

"Looking at that wanted poster again, Sister?"

A cheerful female voice sounded from behind her. Like a nimble cat, Viola approached without a sound, wrapped an arm around her sister's waist, and craned her head to look at the paper in Scarlet's hand.

"N-No! I was just... looking at the moon."

Scarlet hastily hid the wanted poster behind her back, her cheeks flushing crimson under the moonlight.

Viola blinked those eyes that seemed capable of seeing through people's hearts. "The moon wouldn't make you blush like that. But Sister, a big shot like him must have plenty of women around him, right?"

Scarlet fell silent for a moment. Her gaze passed over the royal capital's brilliant lights and settled on the dark sea in the distance.

"I don't care. No matter who is by his side, no matter what he becomes... my feelings will never change."

"But he might not even remember you. That was six years ago."

"It's enough that I remember."

Scarlet's