One Piece: Gawain The Knight Of The Sun

Raven Port, Lord's Manor.

Gaza sat in her top-floor office as her attendant reported the movements of the two groups.

"Gawain's group acted normally, procuring food and water, then heading to the black market for arms. Understandable, since it's cheaper than official channels."

Gaza nodded, murmuring, "Gawain… feels like I've heard that name before. Maybe I'm mistaken."

"And the others?"

"Strange," the attendant frowned, presenting a file detailing Gin's group's actions, pointing to key spots. "These are our ammo depots."

"They didn't seek supplies. It's like they're…"

A calm voice cut in from the window. "Scouting your defenses."

Before they could react, Gawain pushed the window open, crouching on the sill, gazing at them.

"Major Gawain?!" The attendant, Molly, stepped protectively in front of Gaza, wary.

As she signaled for guards, a gentle hand touched her shoulder. "Molly, stand down. He means no harm."

Gaza turned to Gawain, realization dawning. "Major Gawain—no, Knight Gawain."

"Three years ago, you were at the heart of a scandal in the Goa Kingdom."

"A knight captain, caught with the queen, you abandoned knighthood to become an East Blue pirate."

"Bounty: 8 million Berries—Knight Gawain."

"How could I forget?"

Gaza shook her head, missing Molly's trembling gaze.

She smiled. "You know, your story's a movie now, playing around the Goa Kingdom."

Gawain nearly slipped, mentally cursing his predecessor, but smoothly changed the subject. "I'm here to warn you. The other 'Marines' are pirates too. The one called Gin is Admiral Krieg's subordinate, Ghost Man Gin, with a 12-million-Berry bounty."

"They're likely planning the same old trick."

"Posing as Marines, infiltrating, and taking Raven Port with minimal effort."

Gaza's brow furrowed. Combined with Molly's report, she believed Gawain but remained puzzled. "Why help me?"

"Maybe because you called me handsome," he quipped.

Gaza laughed. "That's your reason?"

"That's the freedom of a pirate!"

In the red sunset glow, Gawain leaned against the window, a faint smile on his lips, almost glowing. Gaza stared, momentarily entranced.

"See ya!" Gawain waved, about to leave…

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

Piercing sounds cut the air. Crimson meteors—cannon shells—streaked from the horizon, exploding across the port, igniting chaos.

One shell hurtled straight for Gawain.

"Well, guess I'm not leaving," he said, voice tinged with resignation. His sword flashed, but as it unleashed a flying slash, it shattered along its cracked spine.

Thankfully, the incoming shell was sliced in half mid-air.

Boom!

Crimson flames erupted outside.

Despite the wall blocking the blast and heat, Gaza paled. Raised in comfort, she'd never faced such brutality.

But as her gaze shifted from Gawain to the burning port, she gritted her teeth, forcing herself to stand.

Despair followed. Their foe was Admiral Krieg, with a massive fleet of dozens of ships. How could the port's guards stop them?

Molly, now calm, whispered, "My lady, only he—Gawain—can help us."

"His bounty's only 8 million. How could he…?" Gaza shook her head.

Molly's next words stunned her. "48 million!"

Gaza froze, then repeated, "How much?"

"48 million!" Molly said again.

Gaza looked at Gawain like he was a savior. "Mr. Gawain, wait!"

As Gawain paused, preparing to meet Kuro and plan their escape, Molly retrieved a long, cloth-wrapped object from a safe.

"This is…" Gawain began.

"It was meant for my father's 50th birthday," Molly said, "but it's found a better owner."

She unwrapped the black cloth, revealing a sheathed katana.

Even from meters away, Gawain felt its sharp aura.

No ordinary blade!

Molly continued, "Meito Wado Ichimonji."

"One of Wano's finest blades from a century ago, fourth among the 21 Supreme Grade Blades, coveted by countless swordsmen."

"Mr. Gawain, repel the Krieg Pirates, and it's yours!"

Gawain licked his lips. "Couldn't I just kill you here and take it?"

Gaza met his gaze, clear-eyed. "You came to warn me in this crisis. A grateful man like you wouldn't resort to robbery."

"Heh." Gawain chuckled, shaking his head. "The sword alone isn't enough."

Gaza bit her lip, making a weighty decision. "Raven Port can provide long-term, stable logistical support, on one condition: you protect the nearby seas."

"Drive off or eliminate those pirates!"

Gawain raised an eyebrow. "That's usually the Marines' job."

"You saw what they're like today," Gaza scoffed. "Raven Port's too vital, yet in a dangerous area."

"The Marines are unreliable, pirates even more so. Our defenses are too weak. Why not work with you?"

"Bold move!" Gawain didn't hide his admiration.

Whether you liked it or not, the pirate era was a man's world.

Over decades, countless men rose to Emperor status, but only Big Mom stood among them, with even Empress Hancock falling short.

For a woman to show Gaza's resolve was rare.

With matching strength, she could be a powerhouse!

"Deal!"

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