The sun dipped low on the horizon as Ritter stepped onto the shores of Silver Shell Island with the three little ones at his heels. The last rays of sunset washed the white beach in warm orange light. Gentle waves rolled up the sand, creating what should have been a peaceful, welcoming scene. The small port town ahead, normally bustling at this hour, sat unnervingly silent.
Ace hopped off the small boat first, slinging a cloth sack over his shoulder. Judging by the smell wafting from it, Ritter suspected it was filled with pudding again.
Sabo followed with light footsteps and a thoughtful frown, adjusting his top hat as he surveyed the empty docks. "Something's wrong. By this time the fishermen should be hauling in their nets. Why is there no one here?"
Ann walked behind them, both hands gripping the hilt of the enormous greatsword nearly as tall as she was. Her expression remained solemn. "It feels like a trap. In stories, islands that look like this always have danger waiting."
Ritter waved casually. "Relax. Maybe my reputation got here faster than I did."
Ann suddenly straightened her back, then made dramatic background music with her voice. "Dun dun dun dun dun. Dun dun. Dun dun."
Ritter stared at her, curious. "Ann, what are you doing?"
"I'm doing the theme music. When the transponder snails broadcast your last fight, they used this tune when you appeared. It sounded powerful, scary, cool, and a little bit evil." Ann nodded earnestly, as if she were stating a scientific fact.
Before Ritter could respond, rustling noises came from the palm trees ahead. Several small heads peeked out for a split second.
"There!" Ace shouted. "Someone's hiding!"
Sabo dashed forward. "Stop right there!" He parted the bushes only to find nothing but leaves and empty shadows.
Ritter reached out and stopped Ace and Ann from charging after the figures. "Don't chase. Let's head into town. We're here to collect a bounty. Walking in openly is fine."
The four followed the sandy path further inland. The silhouettes of palm trees stretched across the ground like long, thin claws. As they walked, windows along the street slammed shut one after another. Ritter even heard panicked whispers behind the doors.
Ace tugged Ritter's sleeve. "Why do they look so scared? Have you been here before?"
Ritter scratched his chin. "Nope. Never heard of this island until today. And look at me. Do I seem scary? I am very friendly."
Sabo suddenly pointed toward the town square. "There. Look at that."
Only then did Ritter remember he had not worn his mask today. A small detail, yet enough to bring headaches. The whole point of this trip was to let the Marine Headquarters see Ritter without making him look too similar to his usual wanted appearance. And to let Garp know exactly where to find him.
Once Ritter vanished again, the Marines would panic. Sengoku, Tsuru, even the Elders would lose sleep, not knowing where their walking natural disaster had gone.
Somewhere far away, Admiral Sengoku sneezed, slamming documents on his desk. "Of course I'm worried. One atomic bomb went missing and that bomb can run across the sea on its own!"
The stillness on Silver Shell Island lasted only a moment longer before the screams began.
"Evacuate the civilians immediately!"
"Move the women and children first!"
"Quickly, hurry!"
Dozens of Marines were herding villagers away from the streets. Mothers hugged their children tightly while fathers gripped pitchforks and wooden implements, standing behind the Marines as though preparing for a last stand.
"Mom," a small girl whispered, pulling at her mother's sleeve. "Who is the Mist Lord?"
"Quiet. Do not speak his name," her mother answered in a trembling voice.
Ritter's eye twitched. "See? This is your fault." He pointed accusingly at the Marines.
Sabo observed the residents peeking nervously from windows. "They really think we're dangerous."
Ann raised her sword higher in discomfort.
Ritter tapped his fist into his palm as if an idea had clicked. "Wait. Did they think I came here to destroy the island?"
Before anyone could answer, a roar echoed from down the road.
"Stop right there! Ritter the Mist Lord, your wickedness ends today!"
"Huh?"
Ritter blinked at the group of Marines blocking the road. He expected hostility eventually, but the speed at which they threw accusations was impressive.
"Do you Marines ever think before you talk?" Ritter muttered.
The Marine officer leading the group stepped forward. He was a middle-aged man, sturdy, rigid, and visibly terrified. But he held his sword high anyway, as did the trembling Marines behind him. Every musket was pointed directly at Ritter.
"Enough pretending!" the officer shouted. "You kidnapped three children and forced their sister to join you. Today, we refuse to let you commit another crime!"
Ritter paused, then slowly turned to the three kids.
Ace scratched his cheek. "Uncle Ritter… when did you kidnap us?"
Rouge nearly choked on air. "Their sister? Me? I…"
Sabo muttered, "Well, if someone doesn't know the truth… it really does look suspicious. We are kids. And Ritter's wanted by pretty much the whole Navy."
Ritter sighed deeply. "This misunderstanding is way too big."
"Protect the civilians! The kidnappers are here!"
Ritter: "What kidnappers?"
"You vile traffickers," one Marine yelled. "You will not get away with this!"
Ritter stared blankly, silently questioning the universe. "What?"
The major stepped forward with a righteous fury that felt far too exaggerated. "Even children. You heartless fiend. I will save them, even if it costs me my life. No matter who you are, justice will stand tall!"
Ritter threw his hands in the air. "I have not said a single thing for five minutes and you people are doing speeches by yourselves!"
"Silence!" the major shouted. "I have already seen through your lies. These kids are obviously being threatened. You even tried to force their poor sister onto your ship. I despise you!"
Ace stomped his foot. "Do we look kidnapped to you?!"
Sabo squinted. "Actually… maybe a little. If someone didn't know us."
The Marine commander shouted loudly to the three kids. "Children, do not fear. Reinforcements are on the way. Vice Admiral Garp himself is rushing here. Even if we fall today while standing in your defense, know this: your families will be proud of us. We bleed for the light behind us. We stand for justice."
The Marines behind him lifted their weapons and roared with unbelievable determination. The fear in their eyes was replaced entirely with conviction.
Ritter stared at them, stunned. "There is definitely a political commissar standing with them. There must be. No normal Marine gives speeches that good."
The Marines roared again, charging forward.
Ritter raised both hands, bewildered yet impressed. "This is… emotional manipulation at its peak."