The bustling port was teeming with people, the dock alive with noise and activity. More than a dozen sailboats of varying sizes were moored at the piers, and workers were constantly hauling goods from the merchant vessels onto shore.
Since the dawn of the Great Pirate Era, pirate ships had been rampant across the seas, devastating commerce in the North Blue. Aside from a few powerful nations and places with a Marine presence, it was rare to see such a thriving, peaceful harbor.
"The scent of peace… what a beautiful thing!"
Standing on the wooden jetty, Fabian stretched his arms wide, loosening up his lean, weathered frame. He rubbed his sallow, narrow face and adjusted his slightly disheveled brown captain's coat, gazing out at the bustling port with heartfelt admiration.
As a member of the Beck Trading Company and captain of the New Reid, this was his third time visiting the Tobias Kingdom. And each time, he found it more prosperous than before.
"Captain Fabian, is this really the Tobias Kingdom? It's incredible!"
A few young sailors had just disembarked from the large sailing vessel and now looked around the dock and distant port buildings with awe.
"That's right," Fabian nodded with a smile. "This is the Tobias Kingdom, one of the few peaceful places left in the North Blue."
"Alright, get the cargo unloaded first. After that, you've all earned two days of shore leave. Make the most of it, relax and enjoy yourselves!"
"Yeah!"
"Long live Captain Fabian!"
"Finally, no more watered-down rum!"
The young sailors cheered in unison and quickly swarmed back aboard the ship to start unloading.
"Hahahaha! What a lively little place."
Not far away, a large caravel bearing a red maple leaf flag on its mainmast docked. A lean man with a scar across his forehead led several dozen men ashore. One of his crew handed him a black coat stitched with gold thread, which he draped over his shoulders. As he looked out at the vibrant harbor, the greed in his eyes was impossible to miss.
Just then, a port tax officer approached, flanked by several soldiers clad in partial armor and armed with swords and flintlock rifles.
"Your ship needs to be inspected. Taxes will be assessed based on the quantity and value of your cargo," the official declared, holding a notebook and quill. He pointed at the men's visible weapons and added sternly, "Swords and firearms are not allowed ashore. And any trouble in the port will be met with strict—"
"You talk too much. What a pain in the ass."
The scarred man pulled a flintlock pistol from his belt and, without warning, pulled the trigger.
Bang!
A flash burst from the blackened barrel. A lead bullet tore through the air and struck the tax officer squarely in the thigh.
"AAAAAHHH—!!"
The man collapsed, clutching his bleeding leg and howling in agony.
"What the hell?!"
"What do you think you're doing?!"
"Bastard! Are you looking to die?!"
The soldiers reeled in shock. One immediately dragged the wounded officer to safety while the others raised their weapons in defense.
"Shut the hell up!"
Snarling, the scarred man waved his pistol threateningly. At once, the dozens of men behind him surged forward, drawing muskets, cutlasses, and battle axes as they surrounded the soldiers and the wounded tax official.
At the same time, more than a hundred armed men poured out from the caravel's deck, every one of them muscular and dark-skinned, brandishing rifles, blades, and axes. Their eyes gleamed with menace as they glared at the civilians on the dock.
"I'm Captain Yonok of the Yonok Pirates, bounty: 28 million berries!"
Greed shining in his eyes, Yonok shouted for all to hear:
"As of now, this city belongs to me!"
"Gasp—! It's that Yonok, the 'Mad Dog'!"
"No doubt about it. I've seen his wanted poster!"
"He's the bastard who disguises his ship as a merchant vessel, then launches surprise attacks the moment he docks!"
The earlier gunshot had already drawn the crowd's attention. Now that the shooter had identified himself as a pirate with a hefty bounty, panic began to spread among the onlookers.
But surprisingly, many people remained perfectly calm, some even took a seat, watching the scene unfold as if it were some kind of show.
"Captain Fabian, we've got to run—huh? Wait, why isn't anyone else panicking?"
The young sailors from the Beck Trading Company looked around in confusion, hands half-extended to pull Fabian to safety, only to realize that the crowd around them was barely reacting.
"Don't be scared. This is your first time here, so you wouldn't know," Fabian said with a calming wave of his hand. "But the reason Tobias Kingdom is so peaceful and prosperous… is because of a man who's practically a living legend. Just sit back and enjoy the show."
"A living legend?!"
The young sailors exchanged bewildered glances.
Someone nearby, chest puffed out with pride, added:
"That's right. With the pride of the Tobias Kingdom, the esteemed Count Amphitrite Cross here, some measly pirates don't stand a chance!"
"If they want to rob us, let 'em. Whatever they take, we'll get back soon enough," the man added with a sneer.
On the other side of the harbor, Yonok the 'Mad Dog' raised his pistol and roared,
"Raise the black flag! Bring out the cannons! Anyone who resists, I'll turn this city into a sea of flames!"
"No problem, Captain!"
One of his crew shouted back cheerfully.
Moments later, the red maple flag on the caravel's mainmast was swapped out for a black skull-and-crossbones pirate flag.
At the same time, the cannon hatches along both sides of the ship swung open, and heavy cannons rolled into position. Thick metal barrels emerged, their dark muzzles aimed directly at the surrounding merchant ships.
Even the deck was packed with movement, at least a hundred pirates, ready for action.
Seeing no resistance from the quiet harbor, Yonok nodded with satisfaction. Waving his pistol high, he shouted,
"Alright, boys, grab everything of value!"
"Woooo! Time to loot!"
"Let's go, boys!"
"Long live Captain Yonok!"
With a chorus of cheers, the pirates surged forward.
Aside from the gunners and watchmen who remained aboard, over 150 pirates poured from the ship, ready to pillage everything in sight.