Chapter 1: Two Barrels

Author: Xiao Yifeng

Translator: PapaSmurf0700

In the East Blue, a gentle sea breeze wafted over an island, carrying with it the sounds of seagulls scouring for food. Anchored near the island's shore was a ship bearing a distinctive pirate flag: a skull fused with a heart. Without question, it belonged to the renowned East Blue pirate, Iron Mace Alvida, who had a bounty of 5 million Bellys on her head.

Alvida, wielding her signature mace, confidently asked her favorite question: "Who is the most beautiful woman in this sea?"

Without hesitation, her crew shouted in unison, "It's you, Miss Alvida!"

Smiling, Alvida replied, "That's correct! I am the fairest of them all, and I cannot stand anything unsightly. With beauty like mine, it's only fitting that I have a ship that matches my splendor. Get to work, crew! I want this ship to shine!"

Eager to please and hopeful for a peaceful life, the pirates on the deck hustled to fulfill Alvida's demand.

-----

While the crew busily scrubbed the ship's deck, deep inside a storage room of the pirate ship, a surprising discovery unfolded.

"Koby, did you really fish out wine barrels from the sea? Two of them?" A lazy pirate exclaimed, hardly believing his luck. "Who would've thought? Koby, usually so good-for-nothing, has finally proven useful!" he laughed.

Another pirate, relishing the thought of the prize inside, nudged the timid, pink-haired Koby aside and rolled the barrels into the room. "Why are we waiting? Let's drink all this wine!"

An older pirate with a beard, however, was more cautious. "What if the captain finds out? She'll have our heads!"

But the third pirate, a blond man who seemed more clever than his mates, reassured them. "How would she find out? It's just us in here and useless Koby. If we keep it a secret, who's to tell?"

The group's gaze shifted to Koby, who, looking both nervous and fearful, blurted, "I didn't see anything. I promise."

Satisfied with his response, the eager pirates turned their attention back to the barrels. "Let's get this one open first," one of them declared, readying his fist to break the barrel's seal.

BOOM!!!

The wooden barrel burst open with a sudden force, catching everyone off guard. It wasn't any of the three pirates' doing. As the barrel splintered apart, long arms reached out, striking the cleverest of the pirates square in the chin and sending him flying toward another barrel.

A cheerful voice exclaimed, "Looks like I'm saved!"

Emerging from the debris was a young boy, his clothing simple: a red vest, blue shorts, and straw sandals. But what stood out most was the unassuming straw hat perched atop his head. He took a moment to survey his surroundings before his lips curled into a broad, infectious grin.

With genuine curiosity, he asked, "Who are you guys?"

The pirates, recovering from their initial shock, bristled. "We should be asking you that!" The hooded pirate, acting on impulse, lunged forward, gripping the boy's vest.

Unfazed and with unwavering optimism, the boy introduced himself, "I'm Monkey D. Luffy, and I'm going to be the Pirate King!" His sincerity was palpable.

The room went silent for a heartbeat before the remaining pirates burst into laughter. "Pirate King? If you're the Pirate King, then I must be a Navy Admiral!" Their laughter echoed, their amusement unrestrained as they slapped the floor in mirth.

Seeing the two pirates laugh, Luffy remained unfazed. He believed there was no point in explaining himself to people who made fun of others' dreams so carelessly.

Suddenly, a hesitant voice chimed in, "Are you... heading to the Grand Line for the One Piece?"

Luffy then noticed the young man named Koby. He confidently replied, "Yes, I am."

Koby's usually timid demeanor shifted. "You must be joking! All pirates are after that treasure. You'll never find it. You'll surely die!"

Without hesitation, Luffy raised his voice, exclaiming, "Enough! I'm not afraid of dying. I aim to be the Pirate King, even if it means risking my life!"

His words, spoken with such conviction, left Koby momentarily speechless. Could someone possess such determination?

Seeing Luffy's confidence, Koby slumped down, contemplating, "If I wasn't afraid... could I achieve my dream too? Can someone like me truly become a respected navy officer? Mr. Luffy?"

Luffy, slightly puzzled, responded with a broad smile, "I don't have all the answers, Koby. But if you have a dream, you deserve respect. I believe you can do it."

However, their moment was interrupted by mocking voices, "Did we just hear right? Koby wants to join the navy?"

Another sneered, "Have you gone mad like this straw hat kid? Planning to betray our captain?"

The two pirates unsheathed their knives, approaching with menace, "Regardless if you want to be in the Navy or the Pirate King, today will be your last!"

Just as the pirates were about to attack with their knives, and Luffy was preparing to counter, an unexpected voice chimed in.

"Hey, are you guys filming a movie or something?"

Everyone's attention shifted to the source of the voice. They saw the blonde pirate, who Luffy had knocked out earlier, still unconscious on the floor. Next to him, amidst the remnants of the shattered wine barrel, stood a young boy.

This boy, with his long hair, wore a blue gown, black pants, and simple cloth shoes. What stood out most was his strikingly handsome face, one that could easily captivate many. However, confusion was evident in his eyes.

Bai Ye scanned the room, recognizing yet not recognizing the faces he saw. He murmured, "Is that Straw Hat Luffy? And the one with pink hair, Koby?"

Three questions raced through his mind, leading him to one conclusion: "I must still be dreaming..."