At the 'Social Club' Tavern

.

.

.

The following morning casted a tranquil spell over the small outskirt town as Hongo, a senior executive of the Red Hair Crew, strolled leisurely along its streets. The countryside ambiance enveloped him, with its humble houses, bustling farmers' markets, and quaint groceries lining the path. Despite the worn-out appearance and the scarcity of people, He liked the simplicity and serenity of the surroundings of this area, unlike the lavish capital city located deep in the heart of the island.

Guided by familiarity, Hongo made his way to his chief's favourite haven, a sprawling tavern known as The Social Club. Its weathered exterior belied the warm and inviting atmosphere that awaited within.

Inside, only a handful of patrons gathered, engaged in quiet conversations and small gatherings. The camaraderie in the air was palpable, breathing life into the aged walls.

"Over here, Hongo!" called out a familiar voice from a corner. He then joined his group, finding a table adorned with breakfast dishes and alcoholic bottles.

"How is Roux doing?" asked Shanks, concern in his voice.

Hongo's grin conveyed some reassurance, "He's looking alright. Law came by to check on him this morning. He said Roux should be waking up soon. The doctor even jokingly told us to prepare extra plenty of food. Apparently, He will have an even bigger appetite than usual when he wakes up."

"Doc said he had witnessed inhuman gluttonous behaviour before so he kinda recognised it when he saw the potential one," added the man with a snicker.

Laughters erupted among the group. "Hahaha...so true with our Roux!!"

Hongo leaned against a wooden crate. "Speaking of which, I didn't expect Doc to rise so early in the morning. Considering how he almost passed out cold as soon as we arrived at our hideouts yesterday," before he added, "His unusual fatigues looked concerning though. Must be related to his unique Devil Fruit abilities..."

Limejuice, sharpening his knife nearby, chimed in with a hint of curiosity. "Yeah, we have been talking about him for a while, trying to decipher how he suddenly popped up in the middle of that Forbidden Forest. Not a single town folk would step near it since the 'Basilisk Pirate Crew' took over the whole area, wouldn't it?... Or that's what we were told anyway."

Yasopp nodded in agreement, "I asked Farlan if anyone had seen the dark-haired traveller with his descriptions, and the guy had no idea at all. Isn't it strange since the only route to enter that forest is passing through this town?."

Benn, calmly examining his pistol, interjected thoughtfully. "No matter how I look at it, he looked more like a pirate than a doctor to me, don't you think?"

"Yeah...with all those tattoos, plus what kind of doctor walks around carrying a nodachi like that?" agreed Bonk Punch good-humouredly.

A knowing smile tugged at Benn's lips as he added, "One thing I'm sure though. Pirate or not, Law is a high-level Haki fighter too. He wasn't at all affected by the Chief's Conqueror's outburst that almost knocked out all the Basilisk crew back then. Only a handful of people would withstand it like that. None of our newbies would stand a chance if they were there with us."

Silence fell around the table...

Shanks, sitting atop a barrel, observed the conversation with a glint of amusement in his eyes. "That's true. There are so many mysterious things around him that we're going to find out! I must admit though, he would be a splendid addition to our crew. Care to share your thoughts?"

"Go for it, chief!! Think we had a greater chance this time than with Marco! You've been trying to recruit him for years... all for nothing Wahahaha!!"

Yasopp raised his mug in a toast, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Right! With our exceptional resident doctor, the mighty Red Hair Force would become unstoppable!"

Limejuice joined in, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Plan for a good courting approach though, chief! We're cheering you on...hehehe!"

The Redhead chuckled heartily, fuelled by his crew's infectious energy as the tavern erupted in lively laughters, echoing through the morning fresh air...

However, their joyful banter was soon interrupted by the arrival of some town folks, their faces alive with excitements and reliefs...

"We heard you took down the Basilisk Crew yesterday! Is that true, chief?!!" one of them exclaimed, unable to contain their enthusiasm.

"Thank you, thank you so much!!! You don't know how much it means to us around here!!!"

Another guy joined in, tears glistening in his eyes. "To think that we're finally free from their evil grasps! It's really been the tough two years!!!"

Limejuice raised his hand, calming the eager newcomers. "Easy guys... It wasn't like we were the ones who started the fight. Ever since we set foot on this island, it seemed as though their thirst for conflict grew with each passing day. And yesterday, they crossed the line provoking us into the fight so..."

Yasopp nodded in agreement, his eyes narrowing as he recalled the encounter. "Well, they actually almost got us with that contagious venom shot though. That Devil Fruit guy was quite tricky!"

"The government put 870 millions bounty on their captain's head for a reason, I guess." .

.

.

.

.

A month ago...

The Red-Hair Pirates had arrived upon the shores of "Rinascita Island," a newly designated territory under the jurisdiction of the Marines for a mere 9 years. The island had swiftly transformed with the arrival of an appointed leader from outside, spearheading its rapid development.

As the crew ventured further into the heart of the island, the sight that greeted them was nothing short of awe-inspiring.

The central island housed a grand castle and various sprawling infrastructures that had flourished over the years. It was a testament to the miraculous growth and prosperity of the very young nation. Despite its short existence, the city outlook almost rivalled the capital cities of other established countries, bustling with commerce and life.

The town where the Red-Hair Pirates resided was called 'Raduno Town'. It was named and existed long before the new Lord's governing system, with people migrating to this uncharted island at that time, finally forming a self-sustainable and tranquil community in this area for decades...

However, as time passed and the swift emergence of the new capital, many had chosen to leave this small town, seeking employments and opportunities within the expanding city. The once lively town had gradually quieted down, a somber transformation brought about by the whirlwind of changes that had swept through the island...or so it seemed.

.

.

.

"One thing that's unusual to me, though..." Raised Bonk Punch, his voice tinged with curiosity. "...is how a ruthless pirate group managed to exist on the island under the Marine's wings for two whole years?"

Farlan, the tavern's owner and bartender, approached them... "Ah, that's all part of 'Lord Bogart's new administration policy," he began. "I heard about it from my father, who used to be this town's community leader back in the old days. When the high-ranking Marines appointed Lord Bogart as our new country's leader, they told us that he was once the Royal Family, someone who knew well how to rule and develop a country. Apparently, he had quite deep connections with the marines. Though why he left his old kingdom remains a mystery. Nevertheless, my father was appointed as his assistant since then."

Farlan paused, allowing the weight of his words to sink in, "Initially, Lord Bogart arrived here with an astonishing amount of wealth. That's how he funded all the city constructions, lavishly supplying materials from his personal fortune. Marine squads were even brought in to assist in designing and monitoring the city's new infrastructure. It was a feat us commoners could never hope to accomplish on our own. In return, he encouraged everyone to contribute their labor without imposing any taxes." He spoke on while serving more whisky...

"Well, truth be told, most of us didn't have much to pay in the first place anyway. So, we gladly joined in the construction efforts, hoping that the new ruling systems would bring better lives and securities..."

"But it seems like Lord Bogart's rapid expansions depleted his wealth just as quickly. I imagined he must be under immense stress, especially since several construction projects suddenly came to a halt due to his financial crisis." One of the town folks sitting nearby further explained.

Farlan nodded with a somber expression... "Indeed...That happened about 4 years ago. As the Lord's desperation grew, he began imposing taxes on us and intensifying our labor efforts to continue on those constructions. The city expanded rapidly, but at a great cost! Mountains were destroyed for stones, trees were mercilessly cut down for wood, our agricultural lands gradually diminished. Food and vegetables became scarce, and our lives became increasingly miserable..." He paused, as if reliving some distasteful memories...

"And then he reached a point where he could no longer afford the marine security services at his castle grounds. With the lawless pirates swarming in New World recently, the absence of marine presence and flag would make this newly-lavish country vulnerable to invasions and looting. That's when he struck a deal with the Basilisk Pirates who arrived here two years ago! He offered them permanent hideouts on the outskirts of the Forbidden Forest in exchange for their assistance in fending off any threats to the capital!"

Shanks slightly raised an eyebrow, "Wait...so the deal only covered the capital city? Not the entire island?"

Farlan nodded again, his voice tinged with resignation... "Yes, it seemed that way. As long as no other pirate groups invaded the city, the Basilisk Crew were given free reins to roam. Can you imagine what it was like living with those cold-blooded pirates as neighbours?!"

"What's more curious was the conspicuous absence of the Marines, who seemed to have vanished from sight, leaving this place on its own ever since..." supplied another nearby local customer.

Shanks's gaze fixed on the man. "So...this arrangement protected the capital without imposing any additional financial burden on Lord Bogart and indirectly forced all inhabitants to move into the city, which will also benefit from collecting more taxes and labours?"

"That was probably part of his plans. To create a grand city that would attract admirations and more immigrations. It seemed he had unparalleled ambitions to create The Kingdom, not just a small country. But the reality is, many residents could no longer afford to live in those extravagant surroundings! Tax rates soared, and the prices of basic necessities reached unfathomable heights. Some of us had no choice but to return here, seeking comforts in the familiar, but things were never the same again."

Farlan cast a wistful glance around the tavern, his eyes capturing the essence of a community forever altered... "Raduno Town used to be a place of warmth and camaraderie... where neighbours knew one another and offered a helping hand... But with the appeals of the new capital, people dispersed, chasing dreams that faded as quickly as they emerged. The vibrant pulse of our once-thriving community has died down, leaving behind only a sense of nostalgia now..."

The room fell silent, the once joyful vibe replaced with a shared feelings of empathy...

"Then wouldn't he be furious that we just took down the Basilisks Pirates? Casually asked Yasopp, though he didn't really give it a damn, given his increasing disapproval for this Lord Bogart every minute...

Before anyone could respond, the sudden sound of commotions outside reached their ears...

Moments later, the tavern's entrance door swung open, revealing the imposing figure of an elderly man... With his lean frame, tall stature, and a sharp face adorned with an impressive, flowing white moustache, he commanded everyone's immediate attention.

.

.

.

"My name is Fugar, The Chief Advisor of Lord Bogart," he announced, his voice carrying a weight of some serene authority...

.

.

.

"I humbly request you, Red Hair Pirates, to accompany me for now..." .

.

.

.

.

.

.

.