One Piece: Pirate Code

Edmond and Oliver's small boat finally arrived safely at the Red Maple Village pier.

Oliver, sensing an opportunity to prove himself, trusted no one. Even when faced with Tony's men, he refused to relent and insisted on personally escorting Edmond to meet William. Left with no choice, Tony's men brought Oliver and Edmond to William and Tony.

At the time, William was pacing in Red Maple Village. Concerned about the ship carrying Edmond and Valon not arriving on time, he had been waiting anxiously in Tony's tavern for news.

The moment Edmond saw William, the worry and anxiety built up over days melted away. His eyes welled with tears as he exclaimed, "William, our ship was attacked by the Redbeard Pirates!"

William and Tony's expressions changed instantly.

Tony immediately asked, "What about the cargo?"

William, however, pressed with a grim tone, "How about the people?"

Oliver, observing them both, first glanced at Tony, then at William, before lowering his head. He didn't fully grasp the difference in priorities between "cargo first" and "people first," but William's approach was undeniably more comforting to someone who had once worked for him.

Ignoring Tony, Edmond looked at William with reddened eyes and said, "Everyone on board... they're likely all dead. Valon... Valon, he's gone too!"

Tony, already panicked upon hearing the mention of the Redbeard Pirates, grew even more flustered upon learning that the crew had been killed and even Valon was dead. He muttered, "What are we going to do?"

William forced himself to stay composed. Silencing Edmond, he instructed Angie to find a few men to escort the weakened Edmond to see a doctor.

Once Edmond was taken away, William pulled out his wallet from his coat pocket, grabbed Tony's wallet as well, and placed all the money into Oliver's hands.

"Oliver, right? I remember you. This time, consider it as me owing you a favor. Don't think this is too little; take it. Stroll around the village, stay here tonight, and tomorrow..."

Before he could finish, Oliver interrupted, "Sir, I don't need money. I just want an opportunity."

He pushed William's hand back as he spoke.

William was momentarily stunned but eventually placed the money back into Oliver's hands. "This money isn't for saving Edmond. Have you ever been educated?"

Oliver, tempted by the money, stopped resisting. Embarrassed, he shook his head in response to William's question.

"Can you endure hardship?" William continued.

Oliver nodded enthusiastically. "I've grown up fending for myself. I've never been afraid of hardship, Sir William."

"Good," William said, calling over Manny. "From today onward, you'll stay here. I'll have Manny arrange for a teacher to teach you to read and send you to a dojo to learn swordsmanship. I'll cover your tuition and living expenses. In the future, you can help me, or if you choose to leave and seek other opportunities, I won't stop you. Do you agree?"

Oliver nodded fervently, his excitement palpable. William, seeing this, carefully instructed Manny in front of him, which left Oliver grateful as he followed Manny out.

Once the outsiders were gone, William's face turned grim. He glanced at the despondent Tony, then used his Transponder Snail to contact Gin and Aramis, who were far away in Frostmoon Village.

Inside the best clinic in Red Maple Village, William privately listened to Edmond recount the events in detail.

Edmond did not shy away from his mistakes and didn't hide any of his foolish actions.

To Edmond, William was like an elder brother. In private, as he spoke about causing Valon's death, Edmond was filled with regret and pain, nearly bursting into tears again.

William consoled Edmond, urging him to focus on recovery. Once Edmond fell asleep after taking his medicine, William left the ward.

"Damn Edmond!"

Outside Edmond's ward, Gin and Aramis, who had arrived in haste, listened as William recounted the events in detail. Aramis, his eyes bloodshot, cursed and moved to storm into the ward.

William grabbed him firmly, dragging him out of the clinic.

"Do you want Edmond dead too?"

"He killed Valon!" Aramis screamed, his face twisted in anger.

"Shut up!" William locked eyes with him, speaking slowly and deliberately. "I'll say this only once: the ones who killed Valon are the Redbeard Pirates!"

Aramis, consumed with rage, locked eyes with William for a moment before turning away. He drew his sword and began furiously hacking at a small tree outside the clinic.

"What did Sherlock say?" Gin asked hoarsely.

Although calmer than Aramis, Gin was also deeply shaken. Having lost a comrade with whom he had once sailed and trained in swordsmanship, Gin's heart was heavy.

Since choosing the pirate's life, they had always known such a day might come. The reality of being a pirate was far from the romanticized tales; it was like strong liquor—both intoxicating and bitter. True pirate life had its share of laughter and heartbreak.

"I just contacted Sherlock. It turns out his father was recently arrested under the charge of 'tax evasion.' Sherlock initially thought it was due to other reasons and didn't tell us. Like Edmond, Sherlock might seem more easygoing on the surface, but deep down, he's just as proud," William explained, lighting a cigarette he had bought on his way to the clinic. "Now, looking at these events—their pursuit, Sherlock's father's arrest—it's clear this attack involved more than pirates. The Navy and the Navia Kingdom's official forces are likely involved as well."

Gin's expression darkened. Though steady, he was still young and unaccustomed to such harsh setbacks. Over the past year, under William's leadership, their smuggling business had thrived, bringing wealth and prestige.

Now, however, their success had been shattered. The Navia Kingdom, as a member nation of the World Government, and the Navy, representing the Government's authority, were forces they couldn't easily oppose.

"What do we do next?" Gin asked.

Compared to the disheartened younger men, William, as a mature transmigrator who had experienced many trials in his previous life, remained resolute.

After a moment of silence, he crushed the still-lit cigarette in his hand, his expression filled with murderous intent. His voice carried no fear or hesitation:

"Find out who the masterminds are and carve them up one by one to avenge Valon!"

"Victory and defeat must both be savored. Only after enduring hardship, painful memories, and the bitterness of relentless pursuit can a man truly stand on his own. Even if you cry, press forward. Overcome this challenge."

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