Chapter 4: The Thief and the Freedom of Freedom
Somewhere on the outskirts of Gekain, not far from Orangetown
The morning was fresh, the sea was calm, and the mood was like that of a captain who has no map, ship, or money.
"Okay, we have three people, one raft, and a big dream," Luffy said enthusiastically, standing on the bow of a raft made from debris.
"And no food," Zoro added sullenly.
"And we also have... freedom!" Katsuro raised his fist.
"You've already fit into Luffy's crew one hundred percent," the swordsman chuckled.
An island appeared on the horizon. Towers, tiled roofs, a flag with tangerines. Katsuro squinted:
"It looks like a normal city... until you take a closer look.
"This is Orangetown. I heard there's a clown there who cuts people into pieces." Zoro snorted derisively. "Literally."
"Are you serious?" Katsuro sighed. "I've only been in this world for three days, and I'm already starting to miss the tax office."
Orangetown. Afternoon
The crowd scattered as soon as they got off the raft. There was a strange silence in the city, as if people were waiting for something. Or someone.
"They clearly don't like guests here," Katsuro said, keeping his hand close to his hip.
"The Buggy Pirates," someone said from behind the counter. "They take what they want. And anyone who argues disappears. Or explodes."
"Explodes?"
"He has a trick with a cannon. It's his joke." The man turned pale.
Katsuro grimaced.
"'Clown'... It sounds funny. But in reality, he's a classic maniac with a gun.
In the alley
Noise. Chase. Someone shouts:
— Stop her! The thief stole the map! She's from the village of thieves!
A figure flew out from around the corner — thin, fast, deftly jumped over the box. Behind her — three pirates in ridiculous costumes.
— This is… — Katsuro began.
— The map? — Luffy.
— The girl. — Zoro.
Katsuro silently stepped forward, putting his foot in front of the nearest pirate. He fell with a thud, hitting the second one. The third one had already swung his club, but received a punch to the jaw — from Katsuro, with all the acceleration of his body.
— Wow. Thank you. — The girl stopped next to her. Bright red hair, a quick glance, from under her brows.
— Who are you?
— Who — it doesn't matter. The important thing is that I'm running away. "And she disappeared again."
"Did you like her?" Zoro grinned.
"No. I just... feel like we'll meet again."
"Do you feel that?"
"Don't ask."
Evening. Church Ruins
They found shelter for the night in a ruined building, apparently after one of Buggy's "tricks."
"This city is a powder keg," Zoro said gloomily. "Everyone's scared."
"But not her," Katsuro added, looking at the map that someone had left near their resting place. "She stole the Grand Line map. I wonder..."
He closed his eyes. Inside, there was the familiar pulsation. He was starting to heal faster than he should have. His muscles didn't hurt anymore. His wounds were almost healed.
And at the same time, the heat inside him increased. He could hear his blood "singing." The rhythm was beating like a drum on a march. But where is this leading?
"You can hear me again."
He didn't answer. He just took a deep breath. He listened.
There was silence inside. But a silence filled with anticipation.
Meanwhile. Across town
Nami threw the map on the table. There was a man standing next to her, an old man in a cloak.
"You said they helped you?"
"One of them... he's not normal. He moves like he can see everything in advance. And his eyes... are like those of someone who's lost something."
"Then he'll be interesting." The old man stood up. "The world is changing. And if they're heading for Buggy... they should be careful."
Morning. New Target
"Did you find the ship?" Zoro asked, twisting the bandage around his shoulder.
"No. But we found the map." Katsuro picked up the folded sheet. "The same one. Someone gave it to us.
Luffy lit up:
"Then it's time to find this girl! And Buggy. And adventure!"
"Order is important," Katsuro grumbled, but he was already smiling.
He felt a pulse humming inside him. A vein of Energy. Something inside him—like a magnet for events. He was walking toward the unknown… and it felt like everything was already happening.