I'm A Plunderer In The World Of One Piece.

After a night of sailing, the Going Merry finally arrived at Drum Island.

"We've reached a snowy island—and it looks like it's inhabited."

Shirogai's calm voice echoed from the helm, carrying across the Going Merry.

"An island? Inhabited? That means Nami-swaaan can be saved!"

Everyone, who had been gloomy before, instantly perked up.

Bundled in thick cotton coats, they stood on the deck, marveling at the snow-blanketed landscape of the Drum Kingdom.

"Wow! So much snow! I'm so happy!"

Only Luffy, clad in nothing but his usual red vest, shorts, and straw sandals, beamed as he sat atop the sheep figurehead, scanning the island with childlike excitement.

"Hey, Luffy, aren't you cold?"

Usopp, who was shivering despite his heavy coat, eyed Luffy in disbelief.

"Cold?"

Luffy blinked, glanced around at the snowy environment and the bundled-up crew, then noticed even Duck Runner was wrapped in a thick scarf.

"Oh, right!"

Whoosh—

In a flash, Luffy's face turned pale. He hugged himself and shivered uncontrollably.

"So cold! I'm freezing to death!"

"Your reaction's way too slow!"

Everyone was speechless. How long did it take his brain to catch up?

"Go change."

Shirogai tossed him a thick winter coat.

"F-freezing!"

Luffy bolted to the cabin to change, trembling.

"Being healthy feels amazing."

Nami stood on the deck, inhaling deeply with a content smile. Her complexion had regained color.

Though the air was biting, the crisp cold was better than the fevered warmth of a sickbed.

Sanji slid up beside her with a steaming cup.

"Nami-swaaan, I've made you a nutritious hot milk. Please enjoy."

"Thank you, Sanji."

Nami's sweet smile sent Sanji into orbit—literally. Heart eyes ablaze, he soared into the air.

Shirogai sipped his milk tea calmly as he watched Sanji slowly float back down, dazed.

"Not bad. A few more of those sugar-loaded hits, and Sanji might unlock Moonwalk."

...

"Stop right there! You pirates aren't welcome here!"

Before the Going Merry even docked, armed figures emerged along the shore.

"So many people..."

The crew stiffened.

"This is as far as you go, Pirate Crew!"

Dozens of men in heavy winter gear aimed rifles at the Merry. Cannons in the distance swiveled toward them.

"Pirates! Hear this!"

A burly man in a green coat stepped forward, weapon slung over his back. His tone was grim.

"Turn around and leave. Now."

[Host Observed: User of the Ox-Ox Fruit, Bison Form. Capable of transforming into a bison with great strength and durability.]

Shirogai blew calmly on his tea.

"Not a warm welcome."

Luffy raised his hands.

"We're just here to find a doctor! Our friend's sick and needs help!"

The crowd stirred uneasily at the word doctor. Their expressions hardened.

"We won't fall for that! Lying pirates!"

Sanji muttered, "Man, we're really hated."

Someone above heard him.

A shot rang out, narrowly missing Sanji.

"Despicable pirate! Don't talk back!"

Usopp shrieked and ducked for cover.

"They fired! They really fired!"

Sanji scowled at the bullet mark.

"Looks like you want a fight. Bastards."

He prepared to leap ashore, but Vivi grabbed his arm.

"Wait! Sanji, think about Nami—"

"The pirates are attacking!"

The gunman from before raised his weapon again—this time aiming at Vivi.

Bang!

Vivi collapsed.

"Vivi!"

Luffy's cry pierced the air.

He clenched his fists as rage surged through him.

"You shot our friend!"

The tension snapped.

Zoro took a battle stance.

Sanji shielded Nami.

Usopp pulled out his slingshot, shaking.

Shirogai, meanwhile, sipped his milk tea as if none of it concerned him.

"The crew's getting ready to fight! Await Dalton-sama's order!"

The soldiers loaded their guns, aiming at the Going Merry.

Dalton—the man in green—stepped forward. He didn't want this to escalate, but his people had suffered under Wapol and seen too many pirate attacks. They were on edge.

"It's not too late to leave, Pirates."

Then—

"Wait!"

Vivi forced herself up.

"I'm okay! It's just a graze! Don't attack! Think about Nami!"

"My illness doesn't matter—Vivi, are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Vivi lied, her face pale. "Let me explain."

She began to kneel in surrender—

But Shirogai's calm voice cut through:

"Luffy. Lesson time.

When someone shoots your companion, you don't beg for mercy. You remove the threat.

Don't give them a second shot."

He snapped the lid onto his cup. A fierce black gleam sparked in his eye.

"Kneel."

[Perfect Grade Haoshoku Haki Activated]

A monstrous pressure blanketed the area.

It felt as if a colossal beast had awakened, staring into every soul.

The guards' minds blanked.

One by one, they dropped to their knees—and collapsed unconscious.

Only Dalton remained kneeling, blood streaming from his nose, staring at Shirogai in disbelief.

The Straw Hats were stunned.

Shirogai sipped his tea again, unfazed.

Luffy stared, wide-eyed.

"Luffy," Shirogai said calmly.

"Don't expect kneeling to earn you pity.

Make those who harm your friends kneel instead."

"Shirogai-san makes so much sense!"

Realization dawned in Luffy's eyes.

A lesson burned into memory.

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