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Currently, Yosaku was explaining to Luffy and Sanji about how Mihawk is one of The Seven Warlords of the Sea.

The Seven Warlords of the Sea, or simply the Seven Warlords, were a selection of seven powerful and notorious pirates allied to the World Government.

Collectively, they constituted one of the Three Great Powers (Marine, Yonko, and the warlords themselves) that kept the world in balance.

The Seven Warlords of the Sea were seven extremely powerful pirates who entered into the service of the World Government. The purpose of the Seven Warlords was to have the pirates deal with other pirates.

They were also a great symbol of the government's strength. In return for their alliance with the World Government, every member's bounty was frozen, and they had significantly more leeway to commit crimes.

Although they worked for the World Government, the Seven Warlords themselves typically did not care about nor respect the Government or even the other Warlords and were often considered by the Marines to be no different from any other pirate.

On the other hand, they were known at large as 'government dogs' and despised by other pirates yet were still feared and respected for their infamous reputation and strength they had acquired before and during their Warlord tenure.

Luffy hummed as he processed the information. The information was useful, maybe Yosaku's aim was to scare him, but he won't back down anytime soon.

"Alright, that was a good talk. Sanji, can you cook something for us? " Luffy grinned at her. Sanji nodded.

"Sure, but come help me cook some meat Luffy. I wanna try it again."

" Okie dokie!! "

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Meanwhile at the northwest part of the East Blue. A heavily bandaged Zoro hummed as he saw Johnny and Usopp looking at something.

It was a giant building built on the coastline. Kaya opened up a book. "Shall I explain the layout of Conomi Islands?" She asked them. Usopp nodded.

" Please do, I do not want to step on that island without knowing what it has." Usopp replied. Kaya nodded and started reading.

"Conomi Islands is an archipelago located in the northwestern region of the East Blue. Containing at least twenty different communities, the Conomi Islands appear to be largely agricultural, with several plantations of rice and oranges.

The Marine 16th Branch appears to have jurisdiction over this region, although other branches like the 77th Branch can also act here if necessary." Kaya read out loud. Zoro hummed.

" If the Marines are here, why aren't they doing anything about the Arlong situation? " Zoro wondered. Usopp nodded.

" Oh, maybe they're defeated! Oh.....If the Marines lost, then what hope do we have?" Usopp asked while trembling. Kaya put her hand on his shoulder and smiled at him.

" Don't be scared Usopp, be brave like you were back in Syrup Village? Please? For me?" Kaya gave him puppy doll eyes. Usopp blushed and nodded. He puffed his chest out confidently.

" Yes, Kaya! I will do it for you!" Usopp answered with a grin on his face, making Kaya giggle.

"Let me continue. The islands were simple and peaceful until the Arlong Pirates landed at Cocoyasi Village. From there, they quickly tyrannized the entire region and extorted a monthly 'survival' tax— 100,000 Belly for every adult and 50,000 Belly for every child."

" Failure to pay would result in violent retaliation, up to and including the complete destruction of a town. They have been here for eight years with not a single Marine stopping them. " Kaya explained while closing the book she used to explain Conomi Islands to them.

Zoro narrowed his eyes at the explanation.

"Something's off. Eight years of subjugation and no outsiders, especially the Marines giving a fuck?" Zoro asked out loud. Usopp nodded.

"It's most definitely bribes. It's common during situations like these. " Kaya guessed. Usopp hummed.

" The 16th Branch. Who leads it, Kaya?" Usopp asked her. Kaya hummed while flipping the pages of the book.

"The 16th Branch Base is a Marine Base and the seat of the 16th Marine Branch in East Blue. It is commanded by Captain Nezumi. The 16th branch is responsible for the region of Conomi Islands. " Kaya explained while reading the contents of the book.

"Here's a picture of Captain Nezumi." Kaya showed the pages of the book to them, showing a picture of Nezumi.

Nezumi is a slim, dark-haired man with—appropriately for his name—a strongly mouse-like appearance.

His eyes are constantly narrowed, while his facial hair consists of a thin goatee and six long, wire-like whiskers on his upper lip.

His Marine uniform is heavily customized, with the standard cap converted into a mouse-eared cowl, connected to a buttoned-up greatcoat that reaches to his feet, with a belt and blue epaulets as the accessories.

"A rat, how fitting. " Johnny commented.

" What do we do now, Zoro-aniki? " Johnny then asked her. Zoro hummed as he grabbed the binoculars from Kaya who gave it to her.

He used it and looked around a little. "I see the Going Merry. Nami's made anchor over there." Zoro passed the binoculars to Usopp for him to use.

"That's strange, she's anchored close to Cocoyasi Village." Johnny muttered while looking at a map of Conomi Islands. Kaya hummed as she flipped through the book once again.

"Here's the geography of it. Cocoyasi Village is a fairly tropical place located in the seaside, with palm trees, tangerine groves and rice fields. It is located to the west of Gosa Village and east of Arlong Park. There is a simple wooden dock for ships as well.

Cocoyasi Village also has a doctor clinic owned by Nako and at least one bookstore." Kaya explained.

" It's probably Nami's hometown or something. " Usopp mumbled. He then looked at Zoro.

" What's our next course of action, Vice Captain? " Usopp asked.

" Luffy told us to wait for him while he recruits curly eyebrows as our cook. So I think we should wait it out first and explore the place." Zoro replied.

They docked at a place called Gosa Village. Usopp looked at Zoro who was still on the boat.

" You guys go ahead. I'll go uh.... thin out the numbers first. " Zoro grinned at them. Kaya frowned in concern.

" But Zoro-san. Your wounds, they're still healing. I would advise against going straight to enemy territory. " Kaya advised her. Zoro nodded.

" Yes I know, but don't worry. I know Soru, so I'll be fine. " Zoro assured her.

" Be sure not to kill Arlong though Zoro, that's Luffy's target." Usopp added. Zoro nodded.

" I know. Good luck with your exploration, Usopp!"

" You too, Zoro!! "

To be continued.....