New World, Dorona Island. The Bivins Kingdom.
This was an island characterized largely by desolate plateaus and rugged wilderness. It was a major producer of saltpeter for gunpowder and boasted a high output of steel. Consequently, the landscape was dotted with over fifty fortified castles and strongholds.
By selling these raw materials to the Whitebeard Pirates and other major crews, the nation had amassed immense wealth. Years ago, during a general meeting of the Chris Pirates, the crew had considered annexing the territory. However, because Aeridar took a dislike to the barren environment and the Whitebeard Pirates exerted a powerful deterrent influence, the plan was scrapped.
But with the end of the Paramount War and the fall of the Whitebeard Pirates, the Bivins Kingdom's golden days came to an abrupt halt. Without their "borrowed" authority and the protection of a Yonko, countless pirate crews began to eye the nation's riches.
Despite their sturdy fortresses and heavy artillery, the kingdom's defenses were barely holding on against the relentless tide of pirate incursions. To make matters worse, the previous King had died from chronic exhaustion, leaving the throne to a young successor who was tyrannical, cruel, and hedonistic.
As the saying goes, "if the upper beam is crooked, the lower ones will follow." Under such a despot, the rising nobility consisted entirely of sycophants who indulged in extreme extravagance. In less than six months, the country had been plunged into destitution, and rebellions were breaking out everywhere.
With pirates harassing the borders and uprisings flaring internally, even a fool of a King, and the nobles surrounding him, knew they were in trouble. Recognizing that the Royal Army was too weak to do more than hold the city walls, the nobility pressured the King to seek external help to suppress the internal dissent.
Through Underworld channels, the Royal Family paid a fortune to hire a mercenary force under the banner of the Chris Pirates. In the mercenary industry, the Chris Pirates remained the undisputed leaders, outclassing even Germa 66, let alone Buggy the Clown's newly formed pirate dispatch service, "Buggy's Delivery."
…
Crofort, Capital of the Bivins Kingdom.
Due to the twin plagues of rebellion and piracy, even the capital city of Crofort felt desolate. The wide streets, designed to fit four horse-carriages abreast, were nearly empty. Pedestrians, street vendors, and shops were few and far between, leaving the city with a chilling, hollow atmosphere.
Two figures draped in heavy black coats walked down the main thoroughfare, their hoods pulled low to mask their identities.
"Lord Knight... please, you haven't paid yet!"
In front of a tavern, a middle-aged man with weathered, dark-brown skin was bowing and scraping with a forced smile.
Before him stood two large men in plate armor, swaying drunkenly. They clutched half-empty bottles, reeking of alcohol so strongly they could barely keep their footing.
One of the armored thugs pointed a finger at the owner, his tongue thick with drink. "Boss... do you... do you even know who... who I am?"
"I know! I know!" the tavern owner nodded repeatedly, his smile pained.
"You know me... yet you dare ask... ask for money?!" The man staggered, nearly falling, but jabbed a finger toward the owner's nose. "Dammit, if it weren't for us guarding the walls, you'd have died to those... those pirates long ago! And those... those Rebels aren't easy to deal with either! You peasant... you dare charge me? Drinking your wine is... is doing you a favor! Get lost! Beating you... would just get my hands dirty!"
Without another glance at the bitter shopkeeper, the two "knights" stumbled off down the street.
"Disgraceful!"
The two figures in black coats had witnessed the entire scene. The taller of the two hissed in anger, stepping forward as if to teach the departing "Lord Knights" a lesson.
"Sabo, stay calm!"
The shorter figure reached out, a small hand clad in a dark brown glove firmly gripping the taller man's arm.
A stray breeze caught the hood, revealing a handsome young face with wavy blonde hair and a distinct scar over his left eye.
Sabo remained tense, his fury unabated. "Koala, they are the soldiers of this nation! How can they bully the very citizens they are meant to protect?"
Koala looked up, brushing a strand of her orange hair aside. She met Sabo's gaze and said softly, "There are too many people in this world being bullied, Sabo. Don't forget why we're here. Only if we succeed can we truly change this country."
Sabo fell silent for a moment. Without a word, he turned and headed toward a street corner, with Koala following close behind.
They navigated through a maze of alleys and side streets before stopping in front of a bar that bore a "Closed" sign.
"According to the address, this is it," Koala said, cross-referencing a piece of paper.
"Seriously, these turns almost made me lose my way," Sabo grumbled slightly, adjusting his hood.
"Sabo!" Koala rolled her eyes at him.
"Heh... sorry," Sabo rubbed his nose with a sheepish grin.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
Koala stepped forward and rapped on the door three times.
"We're closed for the day!" a muffled, booming voice called from inside after a few seconds.
"Family has come from afar!" Koala replied with a bright smile.
"Family? Which family?" The voice inside paused, sounding puzzled.
"The Main House. Big Brother's side!" Koala answered.
A moment later, the door creaked open just a crack.
"Get in here!" the booming voice said, now tinged with a hint of excitement.
Sabo and Koala shared a smile, glanced around the street one last time to ensure they weren't followed, and slipped inside, latching the door behind them.
The interior was small and dimly lit by flickering candles. The man who had opened the door was a tall fellow wearing a chef's hat. He had dark skin and a simple, honest face. He didn't say a word, merely offering a small smile as he led them to a back room.
The inner chamber was brightly lit by a dozen large candles. Six people were gathered around a circular table. Sabo looked at the group, pulled back his hood, and flashed a confident, warm smile.
"Allow me to introduce myself. I am the new Chief of Staff of the Revolutionary Army, Sabo!"
He paused, gesturing to the girl beside him. "And this is Koala, my second-in-command!"
Looking at Sabo's youthful face, the people around the table exchanged hesitant glances. A few seconds later, a middle-aged man dressed in noble finery stood up, a warm smile on his face.
"Len, the Regional Coordinator for the Bivins Kingdom and member of the Revolutionary Army. It is an honor to meet you, Chief of Staff!"