At The Peak of One Piece

Victor asked an older man at a street stall for directions to the execution platform. The man's expression didn't change much—probably because many people had come to see the execution platform over the past few years, after all, it had only been four years since the King of the Pirates's execution.

As he walked, Victor observed the town. Occasionally, a patrol of marines passed by. The townsfolk lived well, thanks to the prosperous trade here. As long as they didn't run into brainless pirates, doing business was easy.

The townspeople loved to watch excitement and gathered in clusters here and there.

After a short walk, Victor arrived at the central street where the execution platform stood. Walking on the patterned stone slabs, his footsteps made soft scraping sounds.

Gradually, the outline of the execution platform came into view. As he approached, he imagined the crowds during the King of the Pirates's execution. But now, there were only the occasional passerby.

Standing beneath the platform, Victor looked up at the not-so-tall structure and pictured the tall figure of the King of the Pirates—such a stark contrast. Such a glorious life ended on this simple little stage.

Roger's final words had a purpose, but the cost was high—the whole world had to pay. Victor could guess some of it.

Speaking of which, Victor's previous life's parents died because of the King of the Pirates. But the current Victor did not hate him. He only understood the truth of the world and wanted to do something for it before he died. That was all. As for the consequences, he had surely thought about them, but he still acted. Whether it was right or wrong would only be clear in twenty years.

The ladder used for climbing to the platform during the execution had long been removed, leaving only the steel framework beneath. Ordinary people wouldn't go up onto the stage. Victor looked up silently, filled with emotion.

"Hey, kid, this is execution ground. Don't get too close," a rough, deep voice sounded from Victor's right.

Victor turned and saw a man with white hair, slightly taller than himself, large build, and a rebellious look.

It had to be the marine Smoker, famous for his triple kneel. He wasn't wearing a uniform or smoking. Victor didn't know if he had joined the navy yet.

"Are you navy?" Victor asked, curious.

"No. So what? You just can't come near the execution platform, or I'll beat you up," Smoker threatened.

"Oh... aren't you overstepping a bit? Is this execution platform your family's property? Take it home then," Victor teased.

"I'm not navy now, but soon I will be. My dad promised I could join," Smoker's face flushed red.

Smoker was now about fifteen or sixteen years old, still thin-skinned. He didn't rush to fight. His values were fairly well-formed. Having witnessed the King of the Pirates's execution and living at a crucial transportation hub like Log Town, he knew things others didn't. He had seen a lot of darkness and yearned for light and justice inside.

Victor planned to join the navy as well and didn't want to become enemies with this future navy rear admiral who held a righteous heart. Deep down, they were the same kind.

But Victor knew it was hard to make a difference without strength. Without strength, justice couldn't be realized.

"Oh, I'm planning to join the navy too. Maybe we'll be classmates, haha," Victor laughed, walking over and patting Smoker's shoulder.

Smoker's expression softened and he carefully studied the man before him. Handsome, a bit shorter, strong build, two swords at his waist, wearing a black coat reaching his calves with the collar slightly raised, tight black pants, long leather boots—confident and carefree, much more presentable than himself.

"Oh, you're joining the navy too? Nice to meet you. I'm Smoker, born here," Smoker extended his hand.

"I'm Victor, Orens Victor. I came here to buy a sword, then wait for some old guy to get me into the navy," Victor shook his hand with a grin.

"Well, see you then. I need to find some leverage to get that old guy to recruit me. See you at navy headquarters," Victor said, waving goodbye and turning to leave.

Smoker said nothing, feeling a bit puzzled by Victor's words, staring blankly after his departing figure.

Only after Victor had walked far away did he murmur, "We will meet again. I can feel it."

... 

Victor didn't linger. With his business concluded, he only needed to wait for Captain Buck to finish loading the cargo before setting sail. Since there was still time, he decided to sample some of Loguetown's local delicacies. 

He entered a bustling restaurant and ordered a spread of signature dishes. 

"Handsome, eating alone? Need some company? Hehehe!" A woman in her late thirties, her charm still evident, slid into the seat beside him with a teasing smile. 

"No thanks. I prefer solitude," Victor replied flatly. 

"Then how about keeping me company? My treat!" She leaned in closer. 

Victor didn't respond. Instead, he turned and met her gaze. 

The woman froze—as if plunged into an icy abyss. His eyes were terrifying, sharp enough to flay skin. She scrambled to her feet and bolted from the restaurant. 

The other patrons, who had been snickering moments earlier, fell silent as they watched her flee in terror. The atmosphere turned heavy. 

Only when the server brought Victor's food did the tension ease. No one dared speak loudly again. 

Victor sampled each dish but didn't indulge—just tasting the flavors before settling the bill and leaving. The food in this world truly was exceptional. 

Strolling leisurely toward the docks, he suddenly heard shouts and clashing steel. A bad feeling gripped him—Buck's ship might be under attack. 

His relaxed demeanor vanished. In a few swift leaps, he arrived at the harbor to find pirates swarming Buck's crew. The sailors were backed against their ship, desperately fending off the assault. 

Victor glanced at Yubashiri at his waist and murmured, "Didn't expect you'd taste blood so soon." 

In a flash, he appeared between the two groups. 

Shing! 

Three streaks of cold light flickered—so fast Yubashiri seemed never to have left its sheath. 

Silence. 

The pirates stood motionless. Buck and his crew gaped, bewildered, until they recognized Victor and sagged in relief. 

Then— 

*Splurt!* 

Blood erupted from the pirates' bodies as they crumpled to the ground. Onlookers stared, jaws slack. 

Smoker, who had come to help his father with cargo, witnessed the scene. A spark of admiration lit his eyes. 

'Orens Victor… So this is the strength of someone bound for the Marines. I'll train harder.' 

The pirates hadn't been weak—their captain boasted a 10-million-berry bounty. They'd planned to raid Buck's ship before sailing into the Grand Line, never expecting to cross paths with Victor. 

No survivors. 

Buck's crew had lost two men during the skirmish. 

"Check if they have bounties," Victor said coolly. "If so, distribute the reward to the families. If not… the cost falls on you." 

No pity colored his tone. This was the world's reality—one he couldn't yet change. But if he could help, he would. 

"Y-Yes! Their captain announced himself—10 million berries. The families will live comfortably for years. I'll add compensation too," Buck said mournfully. 

Life at sea was merciless. Without strength, survival depended on luck. 

Victor said nothing more. He returned to his cabin, sitting cross-legged with Yubashiri across his lap. 

A new blade required understanding. 

Today, he'd needed three strikes with Yubashiri. With his other sword, two would've sufficed. He needed to attune himself to this weapon. 

The ship's affairs no longer concerned him. Buck could handle the rest.