In the world of pirates, starting with Roger's execution

This was Area 21 of the Sabaody Archipelago.

Inside a bar lit by flickering neon lights.

There was none of the wild dancing and rock music one might expect, nor any crowds cheering and screaming.

At the center of the bar counter sat a man with waist-length hair and ragged clothes, minding his own business. Everything about him proclaimed that he was a pirate.

The other patrons kept their distance behind him. The entire bar was unusually quiet, every gaze drawn to that unruffled man.

"Gellman! A bounty of 220 million Beli—the highest of this year's pirate Supernovas!"

Among the crowd, a trembling man dug Gellman's wanted poster out of a stack, disbelief creeping into his voice.

"These pirates actually dare to come to Sabaody? There's a Marine Vice Admiral stationed here!"

"Heh! They have to come, whether they want to or not. This is the only route into the New World."

"Pirates really are a bunch of suicidal lunatics..."

None of them had expected these wretched pirates to disturb the islands' peace again so soon after Atlas had restored order to Sabaody.

"A Vice Admiral? Perfect. My bounty hasn't gone up in ages..."

Sitting quietly at the counter, Gellman caught every word of their discussion. He drained the strong liquor in his glass, an unreadable look in his eyes.

I still haven't found a worthy opponent...

"You're Matt Glennon? A bounty of 100 million Beli. What a lucky break!"

In a wide clearing without any trees and scarcely any signs of human activity stood a curly-haired man in a marine uniform. A massive sword hung at his waist, and his epaulets clearly marked him as a sergeant.

Beside him stood marines armed with gun-swords, each gripping his weapon tightly, their faces somewhat tense.

The pirate before them was