On the streets of Yarlin Town, Orens had brought his wife Ann and their ten-year-old son Vic out to shop.
The cries of vendors and the sounds of haggling rang out from time to time, making for a lively, harmonious scene.
As they strolled leisurely along, people greeted them now and then. It was clear that Orens and his wife were well liked and something of a name around town.
That was indeed the case. Orens was tall and handsome, and as the mayor's secretary, he handled many of the town's affairs.
He was also very amiable in his dealings with people. Most importantly, he had married Ann, the goddess of every young man in town.
She was a beautiful young woman, gentle and kind, with a sweet smile that warmed the town's young men like sunshine.
His smile could have melted even a block of ice!
Their union had been the envy of everyone, and the following year, Orens and Ann had a healthy, adorable son.
With a successful career and a happy family, Orens was a winner in life, the object of others' envy.
At that moment, a voice filled with hearty laughter came from beside them:
"Mr. Orens, you're out shopping in person today? That's a rare sight."
Orens turned and said gently:
"Oh, Uncle Arno. Yes, the mayor went out to attend a meeting today, so he gave me the day off to spend some time with my family."
Arno asked in surprise, "Oh, is it because of Pirate King Roger's execution a few days ago?"
Arno sold fish and was familiar with the fishermen who went out to sea. From them, he had heard that the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger, had been publicly executed in Loguetown a few days earlier.
Orens said, "That's probably about right. Before Roger died, he admitted that he'd obtained the One Piece and hidden it on an island somewhere.
"I reckon a lot of people will go to sea as pirates to search for the One Piece."
Orens paused, then added gravely:
"There will be more and more pirates in the world from now on. Even the East Blue, known as the most peaceful sea, will be thrown into turmoil!"
Because it was a public execution, the government had sent word around the world in advance, hoping to use the Pirate King's life to intimidate the world.
As a result, many reporters had gathered at the execution grounds in Loguetown. The World Government had also set up large Camera Den Den Mushi to broadcast it live. The whole affair was grander than Ace's later execution.
The scenes depicted in the manga and anime might have looked shabby, but a spectacle that small could not have reflected the importance the World Government and the Marines placed on the Pirate King.
Arno asked fearfully, "Mr. Orens, what should we do, then? The town's armed forces aren't very strong."
Ann looked worried as well. She looked up at her husband's profile, unconsciously tightening her grip on his hand.
Orens noticed the change in his wife. He released his son's hand and gave the hand he was holding hers with a comforting pat.
Then he said to Arno:
"Don't worry. Before the mayor left, he mentioned that he would propose sending more Marine forces to the East Blue at the meeting.
"The World Government and the Marines also know that the execution in Loguetown is bound to drive up crime around the world.
"The Marines will send more forces to the East Blue. We just have to wait."
Arno couldn't help letting out a sigh of relief. With an expectant look, he said:
"That's wonderful. If only we had a Marine Base on our island too. We'd be much safer that way."
"Actually, our island was authorized to establish a Marine Branch a long time ago.
"But the East Blue has been at peace for a long time and is known as the weakest sea. There have always been young people on the island who joined the Marines, as well as retired Marines.
"On top of that, every town has a security team. So the Marines haven't placed much importance on building a base here, and most of their forces are concentrated in the Grand Line," Orens explained.
Hearing that, Arno dropped the subject and addressed the child beside the couple:
"Little Vic, you're growing more handsome by the day! You'll be a heartthrob just like your father when you grow up, hahaha!"
Little Vic was very shy. His cheeks reddened, and he hid behind his parents, making Arno burst out laughing.
Orens said apologetically to Arno:
"Please don't mind him, Uncle Arno. Vic has been shy since he was little. Rebecca is the only child he plays well with.
"Ann and I are usually busy with work and don't have much time to play with him, so his personality hasn't changed much. Sigh!"
Arno laughed and said:
"It's all right. I know what little Vic is like. It's good that he plays with Rebecca.
"That child lost her parents when she was young. Poor thing. Having little Vic play with her can ease her loneliness too."
He paused, then added:
"By the way, a fresh batch of fish just came in today. Take a couple home to eat, and take a couple to Rebecca's family too."
Orens replied, "You have fresh fish? I'll pay for them. Making a living as a merchant isn't easy either.
"I'll buy Auntie Maria's fish too. You know she's the one who looks after Vic when Ann and I are at work. We've always been grateful to her."
While the two men were talking, a commotion and startled cries came from the end of the street nearest the sea.
A figure came staggering toward them from that direction, shouting as he ran:
"Pirates are here! Pirates are here! They've killed so many people! Run! Run..."
Watching the man run toward them, Arno said anxiously to Orens:
"That's A Si, a sailor on a fishing boat. Today's fish came from their boat.
"They should be sorting their nets by the sea around this time. He's hurt, so pirates really must have come ashore.
"Go, hurry and run for your lives! Pirates kill without batting an eye."
As soon as Arno finished speaking, his body gave a sudden shudder. He had probably been badly frightened too.
He turned and began tidying up his shop, preparing to close it and flee.
Orens was somewhat panicked as well, but his years of experience handling affairs helped him calm down. He turned to his wife and said:
"Ann, hurry home with Vic and pack some clothes, water, and food. Don't take anything else.
"Take Vic, Auntie Maria, and Rebecca and hide in the forest to the south.
"The pirates can't stay on the island for long. They'll leave once they've finished looting.
"We'll be safe as long as we stay in the forest for a few days. Go, quickly!"
Ann hesitated and said to her husband:
"What about you? Aren't you coming with me? Vic and I need you."
The commotion, curses, wails, and arrogant laughter were growing louder.
Orens said anxiously, "Don't worry. I'll go tell the security team to come and hold off the pirates, then I'll meet up with you. I'll be fine. Go!"
Seeing that his wife was still hesitating, he quickly turned her around and gave her a push in the direction they had come from.
But it was already too late. The pirates were moving fast and were now less than two hundred meters away.
"Boss, look at that woman over there. Isn't she a real prize? Great figure, pretty face.
"Looks like the man next to her is her husband, too. Hahaha, getting excited, boss?" Jianzui said with a lewd grin.
"Haha, you've got talent, kid. You even know the appeal of a married woman. Did you often do this sort of thing back on your island?"
Derek laughed, his face full of wickedness:
"Hehe, you're wise and mighty, boss. I did it a few times before.
"Then her husband found out and gave me a terrible beating. He's the one I finished off myself last time," Jianzui said bitterly.
Derek said indifferently, "Oh, you mean that woman? She really was juicy. To stay alive under me,
"she had plenty of tricks and made me feel real good. The woman today is an even finer prize. When you catch her, don't touch her. He's mine, understand?"
When Derek finished, a lustful gleam appeared in his eyes as he glanced at Jianzui beside him.
Jianzui bowed repeatedly and clasped his hands, saying in a trembling voice:
"Understood, understood. Boss, let's hurry after that woman. Don't let her get away."