Sabaody Archipelago.
A chaotic haven that didn't look the part on the surface.
The archipelago was made up of 79 individual islands, each rooted atop a massive Yarukiman Mangrove.
Buildings stood tall on these living giants, their trunks breathing out bubbles that floated lazily into the air.
Located just before the Red Line, Sabaody was the final stop for pirates aiming to enter the New World.
For those unwilling to climb the Red Line or brave the gates of the World Government, coating their ship and diving down to Fishman Island was the only route forward.
Kavi and little Robin stepped onto this infamous island cluster.
Despite its reputation, the area they landed in buzzed with life and laughter.
A sign overhead read Island 33, one of the archipelago's entertainment districts.
No wonder it was so festive—bubbles floated past happy children, and music played in the background.
Each zone on the archipelago served a different function. Islands 1 through 29? Illegal activities—human trafficking, shady auctions, and black-market deals.
Islands 30 through 59 covered the more civil side of things—shopping, dining, ship-coating services.
Islands 60 to 69 housed the Marines and their World Government checkpoint. And from 70 to 79? That was Hotel Street.
Kavi recalled that Shakky's Rip-off Bar was supposedly located on Island 13, right in the thick of the lawless zone.
The fact that someone had the gall to open a tavern there—and call it a Rip-off Bar —spoke volumes about the owner's nerve.
A former member of the Rocks Pirates, no less.
He made a mental note to visit later.
First, though, he let Robin wander with him through the lively streets. They tasted Sabaody's specialty: Shuishui meat, soft and cool, melting instantly in the mouth.
Kavi, impressed, bought it in bulk to stash away for later.
They spent the day indulging in every bit of fun and flavor the archipelago had to offer.
When the sun dipped beneath the horizon, they finally dragged their tired bodies toward Island 13.
The Lawless Zone.
Night did not bring quiet. It stirred the beasts from their dens. Laughter grew darker, footsteps heavier, and behind every alley, hungry eyes watched.
Pirates loitered in the open, and in the shadows, traffickers prowled. Many eyes landed on Robin—young, pretty, rare.
To them, she wasn't a child. She was high-value merchandise.
Kavi's tall, muscular frame was seen as little more than a bonus prize. Some twisted rich women enjoyed the strong and silent type.
These scumbags probably thought it was a buy one, get one free deal.
But they had no idea who they were stalking.
As they turned into a narrow, unlit alley, Kavi suddenly stopped walking.
A dozen figures appeared, blocking the only exit. Their expressions were a cocktail of greed and malice.
Kavi didn't bother speaking.
"Robin," he said softly, picking her up, "close your eyes."
She didn't protest. She was used to this. She curled against his chest and shut her eyes without a sound.
Then came the screams. Short, sharp, followed by silence.
Moments later—
"Okay. You can open them now."
Robin blinked her eyes open. They were out of the alley, walking again as if nothing had happened. Behind them, the alley was deathly still, a faint trail of red trickling toward the main road.
No one followed them anymore.
Word spread fast in the underworld.
Eventually, they reached a busy corner of Island 13. Amid the chaos, a familiar wooden sign came into view:
Shakky's Rip-off Bar.
Kavi pushed the door open.
The pub was rowdy, filled with pirates, drunks, and those trying to forget something. No one looked twice at the newcomers.
Behind the counter stood a short-haired woman with a cigarette between her fingers, wearing a lazy smile.
"Big brother, what'll you have?" she asked smoothly.
That was her—Shakky, former intelligence agent of the Rocks Pirates.
Kavi watched her. She stared back, frowning slightly.
There was recognition in her eyes, but not full memory.
"I'll take a glass of wine," Kavi said casually. "And some juice for the little one."
Shakky poured the drinks with practiced ease and slid them over.
"You look familiar, brother," she said, tilting her head. "Have we met before?"
Kavi gave a faint smile but didn't answer directly. "Miss Shakky, I'm here to find Rayleigh. Where is he?"
He glanced around the room—Rayleigh was nowhere in sight. Probably out gambling. Or maybe, knowing him, he'd wandered into some trouble and was half-naked in a barrel.
Rayleigh's retirement lifestyle was... colorful.
Shakky's expression didn't change. "Rayleigh? I'm not sure who you mean."
'Ah. Classic denial. Her poker face was impressive.'
Kavi chuckled. "Come on. I'm a friend. You don't have to pretend."
Before she could respond, the tavern door swung open.
A voice rang out.
"Brother Kavi?"
Kavi turned. Silvers Rayleigh, wearing his small glasses and a surprised smile, walked in.
"Well, speak of the devil." Kavi smirked. "Didn't I say we were friends?"
Shakky clicked her tongue, clearly caught off guard.
She gave Rayleigh a look that could only mean you're going to pay for this later before flashing Kavi a bright, practiced smile.
"Ohhh, Brother Kavi! Now it makes sense. Rayleigh's told me about you before—just didn't recognize you right away. My bad, it's been years!"
Kavi raised a brow. "Really now? Funny. I clearly remember it was you who passed Roger the info to find me."
Shakky's grin twitched. "Ahaha, is that so? I don't recall the details—long time ago, you know."
Rayleigh, sensing danger, quickly cut in. "Brother Kavi! So, what did Captain Roger want from you back then?"
Kavi smirked, knowing exactly what Rayleigh was doing. "Nothing major. Just a little favor. You'll find out eventually."
He sipped his wine.
Rayleigh laughed nervously, scratching the back of his head. Shakky rolled her eyes but didn't push the matter.
The three sat together, reminiscing, laughing, sharing drinks in the corner of a chaotic tavern—one that would go on to witness many legends pass through its doors.
And Robin, wide-eyed, listened quietly.
A silent observer to the ever-turning wheel of history.