One Piece: New Order

"Monkey D. Dragon, huh..." Sakazuki's voice carried a contemplative tone.

But he quickly dismissed the thought. With a slight nod, he signaled for the young officer to continue dealing with the remaining pirates.

Seeing the man who would one day become a rebel leader stirred nothing in him.

Right now, Dragon was just a talented young man. With Garp as his father, it was only natural that his strength and potential were well above his peers. Other than that, he was simply a capable marine. His background was notable, but nothing else about him stood out.

With Dragon's participation, the battle was swiftly crushed in the marines' favor. He led his men in securing the battlefield and tending to the wounded.

Meanwhile, Sakazuki's warship finally arrived. Without a word, he made his way toward it.

Dragon hesitated, as if wanting to say something, but in the end, he only watched Sakazuki's retreating figure.

The vice admiral raised a hand in acknowledgment before boarding the warship.

...

Six months later.

In the waters near Jaya Island, a marine warship sailing toward its destination spotted something unusual.

"What's that? A pirate ship?"

"There's a lot of debris."

"It's completely wrecked. Must've been in the water for years."

"Should we haul some up for inspection?"

"There's a small boat over there. Looks like someone's on it."

The marines murmured among themselves as they observed the scattered remains of an old pirate ship. The wreckage was ancient, its wood long worn by the sea.

Carlo walked up to Sakazuki and asked. "Vice Admiral, we've spotted ship debris ahead. Should we retrieve it?"

"Check it out," he ordered.

"Yes, sir."

As the warship drew closer, a small figure lurking beneath the water noticed its massive shadow approaching. Holding his breath, he swam upward and stopped beneath the small boat.

Poking his head out just enough to catch a breath, he peered toward the incoming warship. Seeing the marine insignia, he let out a quiet sigh of relief. Then, he quickly hid behind the boat, waiting for the warship to pass.

But as soon as the boy surfaced, Sakazuki sensed him. He cast a glance in the boy's direction but paid it no further mind.

Meanwhile, the marines on deck went into the water with ropes, securing them to floating debris and crates.

Carlo examined the recovered wreckage, taking note of the markings and symbols. Holding up a tattered flag, he said.

"This ship appears to be from around 170 years ago. This flag belonged to the Derrick Kingdom, which was destroyed 170 years ago. After its fall, the kingdom split into two nations, both preserving much of Derrick's traditions—including their flags, which still resemble the old Derrick Kingdom's.

"They're known as the Kingdom of Malakar and Galzburg. The two have been fighting ever since, completely cut off from the outside world. Because of the constant warfare, few outsiders ever venture there.

"This ship was likely caught in the Knock Up Stream near Jaya Island. It must have drifted in the White Sea for who knows how long before finally falling back down."

Suddenly, a marine burst out from the water, holding up a gleaming object.

"Gold! We found gold!"

Gasps of excitement spread through the crew.

"Whoa!"

"Seriously?!"

"Look at the size of that piece!"

"Get me a rope, quick!"

"Hahaha!"

Behind the small boat, the boy's eyes widened in shock as he stared at the golden artifact. His lips trembled as he muttered, "It can't be wrong…my ancestor didn't lie… It's real!"

He wanted to rush out several times but restrained himself with great effort. His gaze remained fixed on the golden object, filled with unwillingness.

Sakazuki noticed the boy's strange reaction. And the source of it was the golden artifact in the marine's hands.

He turned in that direction and spoke.

"Come out, kid. Stop hiding. There's no one else around. You, behind the small boat."

The boy behind the boat hesitated before cautiously emerging. All eyes on the ship turned toward him, and for a moment, he froze in place.

Sakazuki took the golden object from the marine who found it and held it up.

"You seem to recognize this. Care to tell us about it?"

"I... I do!" The boy suddenly snapped out of his daze, stammering as he spoke.

Sakazuki sighed. 'Am I really that scary?'

With a slight nod, he signaled a marine, who immediately used Geppo to land on the small boat. The soldier grabbed the boy and brought him aboard.

The boy's shoulders tensed, his nerves still on edge.

Sakazuki handed him the golden artifact. As the boy took it into his trembling hands, his panicked breathing gradually steadied. Taking a deep breath, he began explaining its origins.

"I've seen this in my family's records. Based on the carvings and my ancestor's descriptions… This is a ceremonial dish used by the Shandia tribe of Jaya Island—four hundred years ago."

A wave of shock rippled through the marines.

"What?!"

"Four hundred years?!"

"Incredible!"

"Holy...!"

Even Carlo became intrigued.

"Can you tell us your ancestor's name?" he asked.

"My ancestor's name is…Mont Blanc Noland," the boy replied hesitantly.

Some of the North Blue-born marines felt a flicker of recognition but couldn't immediately recall where they'd heard that name before.

"That name sounds familiar..."

"Where have I heard it?"

"I swear I know this!"

"Wait, let me think!"

Just then, Carlo seemed to realize something. "Your ancestor is the legendary 'Liar Noland' from North Blue folklore, isn't he?"

Silence fell over the group before understanding dawned on them.

"Right! Noland!"

"That's why it sounded so familiar!"

"Yeah! I heard his story all the time as a kid!"

"You too? Hahaha!"

As the marines laughed and reminisced, the boy's expression darkened. His furious glare swept over them.

"That's not true!" he shouted.

"My ancestor was not a liar! He never deceived anyone! This gold is proof! My ancestor was wrongly accused!"

His reddened eyes glistened with unshed tears. His flushed face burned with anger.

This artifact was only the beginning. He would prove it—no matter what it took. No matter how long it took. He would prove that his ancestor did not lie.

The marines fell silent, awkward expressions creeping onto their faces. They didn't know what to say. None of them had expected such an outburst.

Then, a large hand landed on the boy's head. He flinched, ready to push it away—until a deep, calm voice echoed.

"I believe you."

The boy froze. His vision blurred as tears welled up uncontrollably.

"Sob…! Hwaaahhh!!!"

**

**

**

Thank you for reading! If you'd like access to extra chapters and want to support my work, you can visit my P@treon:

P@treon/SilverShark769

Vote with Power Stones for Bonus Chapters!

Your support means a lot, thank you!