Chapter 76 – The Silver-Hair Pirates Arrive
The ship cut across the calm waters of South Blue like a blade through silk, the morning sky painted in hues of peach and gold. Seagulls followed in lazy arcs, their cries mingling with the rush of the sea.
On the deck of the Silver Dawn, the crew bustled with a restless energy. Their last journey — the perilous mysteries of Shayia Island — had tested every muscle and nerve, but now their spirits rose at the prospect of landfall.
Arthur stood at the bow, cloak whipping in the wind, his silver hair glinting like polished steel under the rising sun. His gaze was locked on the distant silhouette of Cleaica Kingdom — towering spires, white marble walls, and colorful banners fluttering in the breeze.
At first glance, it was breathtaking.
Behind him, Surv leaned on the railing, her long hair catching the sea spray. "Well, it looks like paradise," she said with a faint smirk. "Bet the food's expensive enough to drain a man's soul."
"Expensive food's still food," Rio muttered, adjusting his rifle slung across his shoulder. "If we're lucky, they'll have barrels of good wine. South Blue's known for it."
Lisa, their navigator, frowned as she compared the skyline with her maps. "Don't let the facade fool you. Look at the docks — the patrol density's too high. And the sails of those warships? Marines. Not merchant fleets."
Arthur's sharp eyes confirmed it. Two Marine vessels lingered near the harbor, their flags billowing proudly. Soldiers in white coats patrolled the pier with mechanical precision.
"It's locked down," Arthur murmured.
"Not unusual," Alex said from his perch atop the mast, his rifle balanced across his knees. "But the way people move on the streets…" He adjusted his scope, peering down into the city beyond the walls. "No laughter. No chaos. Just… silence."
Rei Hiroshi, polishing his blade Sriyo at the side of the deck, let out a low grunt. "A kingdom where the air smells of gold, but the people don't smile? That's a coffin painted pretty."
Arthur's lips curved faintly. "Well said. And where there are coffins, there's always someone hammering the nails in."
The crew chuckled, but tension laced their voices.
---
Dockside Arrival
When the Silver Dawn slid into the port, the illusion of paradise cracked further.
Nobles in jewel-laden carriages passed the harbor, their laughter high-pitched and hollow. Yet just beyond the carriages, ragged children crouched, eyes sunken, holding out trembling hands for scraps.
Every few paces, Marines shoved them back with rifle butts, barking orders.
"Keep order! Keep distance! This dock belongs to the Kingdom!"
The sight soured Surv instantly. Sparks of electricity crackled faintly along her arms before she forced them down. "They're treating kids like vermin…"
Rus, massive arms crossed, rumbled low. "I don't like this place."
"None of us do," Arthur said, stepping onto the dock. His presence alone drew glances — a man whose silver hair gleamed unnaturally, whose calm stride carried the weight of storms.
The Marines didn't recognize him — not yet. The Silverhair Pirates had just entered South Blue; their wanted posters hadn't spread this far with force. For now, they were only seen as another pirate crew docking in a monitored city.
"Keep your heads low," Arthur said softly to his crew. "Observe before we strike. This kingdom smells of chains, but we need to know who's holding them."
They nodded, dispersing into smaller groups to blend in.
---
Cleaica's central plaza looked like a festival ground. Stalls of silk, glassware, and wine stretched along polished streets. Fountains of crystal water sparkled in the sun. Musicians played near the square — though most looked pale, their hands trembling as they performed.
But for all the wealth, there was no joy. The people walked quickly, heads bowed, as if unseen eyes bore down on them. A hush lingered in every corner, broken only when Marines barked orders or nobles shouted.
"Creepy…" Lisa muttered, sticking close to Surv. "It's like the whole city's forced to smile, but their eyes are screaming."
Before Surv could reply, a ripple spread through the crowd.
Music.
Not the timid plucking of forced performers — but a bold, defiant rhythm, carried by a single guitar in the plaza center.
Arthur and the others turned instinctively toward the sound.
There, on the raised stone steps of a fountain, stood a boy — no, a young man, perhaps only a few years younger than Rei. His hair was dark and unruly, his clothes patched and worn, but he held his guitar as if it were a royal instrument.
Each note rang sharp, unafraid, carrying through the tense air like a spark in a powder keg. Children swarmed closer, clapping in rhythm, their faces brightening. Even weary adults paused, as though remembering for a moment what hope felt like.
Arthur's eyes narrowed.
"That song…" Alex muttered from behind, lowering his gaze from a rooftop vantage point. "It's not just music. It's… coded. Like marching rhythm — rebellion hidden in sound."
Arthur smiled faintly. "Interesting."
---
As the crew mingled among the crowd, Leo's eyes flickered across the plaza — and caught Arthur's silver hair shining in the sunlight. For just a second, his song faltered.
Arthur noticed.
He walked forward slowly, the crowd parting unconsciously around him. Stopping near the fountain, he raised his gaze.
"You play well," Arthur said evenly, his voice carrying across the hush.
Leo forced a grin. "Music keeps the heart alive, stranger. Even when bread doesn't."
Arthur tilted his head. "And sometimes, music carries blades sharper than swords."
Leo's smile faded, eyes narrowing. The stranger's words cut too close. Does he know?
Before he could reply, the square erupted.
A column of Marines marched in, rifles gleaming. Their captain barked orders, his eyes locking onto Leo.
"There! The street rat again!" he shouted. "By decree of the King, all unsanctioned performances are forbidden. Arrest him!"
Children screamed as soldiers surged forward. Citizens stepped back instantly, faces pale.
Leo's fingers clenched on his guitar-axe. His eyes darted to the Marines, then to the frightened kids around him. He could run — but they'd hurt the children in retaliation.
Not again… not while I can still stand.
He raised his guitar, steel glinting at its base. "Then come take me!"
The Marines charged.
But before they could reach him, a silver flash cut across their path.
Arthur had moved.
One hand rested casually on Sriyo, still sheathed, but the sheer pressure of his presence froze the soldiers mid-step. The air rippled with invisible force — Conqueror's Haki brushing like a storm wind through the plaza.
Several Marines collapsed instantly, eyes rolling back. The others stumbled, gasping for breath as if invisible chains pressed on their chests.
The plaza went dead silent.
Arthur glanced at Leo. "Play your song. I'll handle the noise."
Leo's breath caught. He didn't know who this man was — but in that moment, the weight pressing on the kingdom felt lighter.
Arthur turned his silver eyes back to the Marines, his voice calm but edged with steel.
"This kingdom doesn't deserve silence."
---
As Leo's defiant rhythm rose once more, the Silverhair Pirates watched their captain take his first step into Cleaica's oppression.
The crowd whispered.
"The Silver-Hair Pirates…"
"Could it be… the ones from the North seas…?"
Fear mingled with awe, the spark of rebellion spreading like wildfire.
Leo's hands trembled on the strings — but not from fear. For the first time in years, his music felt alive.
And Arthur, silver hair catching the sunlight, smiled faintly.
The storm had arrived.
---