One piece: A Tale Before the Wind

"Land ho!" Luffy shouted from the ship's bow, spotting an island two hours after resuming their dawn voyage.

Kiri, at the helm, had already noticed. Silk, washing dishes in the kitchen, and Zoro, napping on the deck, stirred at Luffy's call.

They'd changed clothes, as Silk, the crew's only woman, insisted on cleanliness despite shipboard life. Luffy wore knee-length jeans and a sleeveless red hoodie, his straw hat ever-present. Silk had a long-sleeved T-shirt with rolled-up sleeves and shorts. Kiri sported a white hoodie, black jeans, and sandals. Zoro wore dark cargo pants, an open blue shirt exposing his chest, and his green haramaki.

The fresh attire gave them a new look. They gathered on deck, eyeing the island ahead.

"Finally, the next island. Hope it's got a proper town," Zoro said.

"Curious? Check it out. You'll find what you want there," Kiri replied, tossing him a telescope.

Zoro peered through it as Kiri confirmed a town. The harbor was straight ahead, promising supplies—Zoro's sake, Luffy's meat—if all went smoothly. But Zoro lowered the telescope, suspicious.

"There's a town, but something's off."

"What?" Silk asked.

"Looks like a pirate ship."

Silk took the telescope, spotting a large ship in the harbor, not a merchant vessel. Its black flag, a Jolly Roger, confirmed pirates in the town.

"It's a pirate ship, alright," Silk said.

"Might be raiding. No time for shopping," Zoro added.

"Yeah… this happens too often," Silk murmured, recalling her own town's near destruction, saved by Luffy's crew. Raids were rarer in the East Blue, but rampant elsewhere. She turned to Luffy, resolute.

"Luffy, if that town's under attack, we should help. Otherwise, why am I a pirate?"

"Sure," Luffy agreed.

"That easy?" Zoro scoffed.

"Silk joined to be a Peacemain. Ignoring this wouldn't make her one," Luffy said.

"Thanks, Luffy," Silk smiled.

"No problem."

The strategy meeting ended abruptly. Zoro, baffled, was joined by Kiri, who explained, "Old terms: Morganias plunder blindly; Peacemains hunt Morganias. That's what pirates once were."

"So, pirate hunters," Zoro said.

"Like you, Pirate Hunter. Funny coincidence," Kiri teased.

"Hmph. Didn't choose the name."

As they neared land, Kiri directed preparations. Sails furled, speed slowed, they entered the quiet harbor. No townsfolk appeared, even with their large ship. Anchoring, Zoro noted the eerie silence, the pirate flag confirming trouble.

They gathered on deck for a quick discussion. Kiri spoke first. "Too quiet. Something's wrong."

"No signs of attack, though," Silk said.

"Maybe they're holed up somewhere, like the last crew," Zoro suggested.

"Let's look. They're probably nearby," Luffy said, striding off.

The others, deep in discussion, didn't notice until too late. Kiri analyzed, "No activity on their ship—most are likely in town. This quiet means a raid's almost certain. The issue is how to handle them."

"Either they're cocky or stupid," Zoro said.

"Kiri, recognize their flag?" Silk asked.

"Hmm… that red nose feels familiar," Kiri mused, closing his eyes. The Jolly Roger's red-nosed skull rang a bell, but no name surfaced. Frustrated, he frowned.

Silk and Zoro exchanged glances. Outnumbered, they debated strategy. Silk favored caution—gathering intel first. Zoro disagreed.

"Let's get info from townsfolk before acting," Silk said.

"Too slow. Just take 'em out," Zoro countered.

"That's risky. We could get hurt."

"Delaying risks more damage to the town. Cut 'em down fast."

"Maybe, but…"

As they argued, Kiri gave up recalling the flag. "Can't remember. Let's go."

"You didn't hear us?" Zoro grumbled.

"We were planning," Silk added.

"Oh? By the way, where's Luffy?" Kiri asked.

Noticing his absence, they slumped. Despite vowing to watch him, Luffy had vanished again. Zoro sighed, Silk shook her head, and Kiri shrugged.

"Here we go again. Town's a mystery, so let's move. I'll find Luffy. You two scout," Kiri said.

"Got it," Silk replied.

"If we meet enemies?" Zoro asked.

"Fight, but don't alert their main force," Kiri said.

"Tricky, but fine," Zoro grinned.

Silk nodded, sensing the plan. "Watch Zoro. Don't let him get lost," Kiri added.

"On it," Silk said.

"Don't lecture me. Luffy's just as bad," Zoro snapped.

Kiri smirked, disembarking first. Silk and Zoro followed, entering the silent town. The stillness was unnerving. Silk gripped her saber, haunted by what her hometown could've become without Luffy. She steeled herself—this time, she'd protect the town.

Zoro noticed her tension. "Don't overdo it. You'll be slow if trouble hits."

"Right… this town just makes me nervous," Silk admitted.

"Your hometown thing? Focus. You wanted to stop these pirates," Zoro said.

"Yeah. I need to calm down, or I'm useless."

Breathing deeply, she relaxed. Her expression softened, and she smiled at Zoro. "Thanks. Did I worry you?"

"Not really. Just don't drag us down."

"I won't. If I can protect myself, you can fight freely, right?"

"Guess so," Zoro muttered, scratching his head awkwardly.

Silk grinned. "You're too serious. Should I act more like them?"

"Nah, two's enough trouble," Zoro said.

"True. Maybe I'll loosen up a bit."

At a crossroad, Zoro's eyes sharpened, hand on his sword. Silk noticed, gripping her hilt.

"Enemy?" she asked.

"Maybe. Someone's there."

From a left corner, a figure emerged—not a pirate, but an elderly man, white-haired and frail, wielding a spear. They relaxed, hands off weapons.

"Pirates! Leave our town! What more do you want?" he shouted.

"Who's he?" Zoro asked.

"Probably a local, but he's wary," Silk said.

"Natural, with a raid ongoing," Zoro replied.

The man's spear trembled with rage, making dialogue impossible. Silk stepped forward, shielding Zoro, signaling peace. Zoro crossed his arms, unfazed.

"This town's our treasure! I'll stop you, even at my life's cost!" the man roared.

"Wait! We're pirates, but not the ones attacking—" Silk began.

"No use. He's too far gone," Zoro interrupted.

The man charged clumsily, spear swinging. His amateur moves risked hurting himself. Zoro sighed, stepping forward.

"I'm the mayor! I won't let brats ruin us!"

"Mayor, huh?" Zoro smirked.

The man's spear aimed for Zoro's head. Dodging, Zoro slipped inside his guard, grabbed the spear, and threw him over his shoulder. The mayor hit the ground hard, gasping.

Silk panicked. "Zoro! Too much!"

"Had to. He wouldn't listen otherwise. He'll live," Zoro said, tossing the spear aside.

The mayor groaned, opening his eyes to see Silk's concern and Zoro's cold stare. "I could've killed you, but we didn't. Get it? We're not enemies," Zoro said.

"So rough. There had to be another way," Silk muttered.

"He'd have stabbed us otherwise," Zoro countered.

"True, but… Sir, are you okay? We're here to stop the pirates attacking your town," Silk said.

"You… aren't with them?" the mayor asked, sitting up with Silk's help, bowing deeply. "I'm sorry! I thought you were Buggy the Clown's crew."

"Buggy the Clown?" Silk asked.

"The ones who attacked?" Zoro clarified.

"Yes. They stormed in, took over the tavern, and stole our money. We evacuated most townsfolk, so casualties are low, but they blasted houses with cannons to intimidate us, crushing resistance."

Silk's face darkened. This was true piracy—unlike Luffy's crew. Powerless townsfolk could only flee, unable to protect their treasured home. Her fists clenched, understanding their pain. She gently touched the mayor's back, speaking softly.

"Don't worry. We'll handle it."

"You… came to fight them? Who are you?"

"We're pirates too, but our captain's different. He doesn't attack the defenseless. He'll help," Silk said, smiling.

"My treasure was saved by them. This time, it'll be okay," she added.

The mayor, stunned, nodded reluctantly. Zoro, scanning the empty town, muttered, "If we can find those two."

Silk sighed, knowing Luffy and Kiri's knack for trouble. How many incidents awaited before they left? Zoro, already exasperated, let out a weary breath.