Garso's feet swung gently from the barstool as he clutched his blue cup with both hands. The bar smelled of citrus and sea salt, and laughter bounced off the walls like rubber bullets. He'd never seen so many strange people in one place.
Behind the counter, Makino leaned forward, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "You okay, baby?"
Garso nodded, eyes wide. Garso put the blue cup down and asked. "Are they all pirates?" "Mm-hmm," she said, pouring a drink for the skeleton who'd just asked for milk. "Thankfully for us they're the good kind."
The skeleton raised his glass with theatrical flair. "Yohoho! To good kinds and good kids!" Garso giggled. "You're a skeleton!" The skeleton bowed low, coat flaring. "And you're observant! I like you already." He said in a high pitched voice
The door swung open with a gust of wind. A woman stepped in, her orange hair catching the light like fire. She moved like someone who'd wrestled a storm into submission and charged it rent. Her eyes scanned the room, landing on Garso with a curious tilt of her head. "Who's the kid?"
A man beside her leaned in, nose long and voice loud. "He's got potential. I saw him lift a whole barrel with one hand. Might be part giant."
Garso blinked. "I did?" "Probably," the man said, puffing his chest. "I'm a great judge of strength. I once arm-wrestled a sea king."
From the corner, the green-haired swordsman snorted into his drink. "You lost to Chopper last week." "Details," the long-nosed man muttered.
A woman with raven-black hair and a calm, curious gaze slid onto the stool beside Garso. Her presence was quiet but commanding, like a library that could punch you. "What's your name?"
"Garso!" he said proudly. "I'm gonna be strong. Like Luffy!"
Luffy, who had been upside-down on a stool for no apparent reason, flipped upright and grinned. "Then you need a challenge! First test: beat me in a staring contest!"
Garso leaned in, eyes wide. Luffy puffed his cheeks, crossed his eyes, and grinned like a cartoon come to life. Garso burst out laughing. "Failed!" Luffy declared, throwing his arms up. "But, I like you!"
From the kitchen, a man stepped forward with a plate in one hand and a cigarette in the other. His blond hair curled over one eye, and he moved like a dancer who'd memorized every beat of the room. His suit was crisp, his posture elegant, and the food he carried looked like treasure.
He set the plate in front of Garso with a flourish. "Eat first. Train later. That's the rule." Garso stared at the food. "Is this… for me?"
"Only if you finish every bite," the man said, lighting his cigarette with a flick. "No strength on an empty stomach." Garso nodded solemnly. "I promise." The man smiled, smoke curling past his lips. "Good. I'm Sanji, by the way and I don't cook for quitters."
The bar filled with clinking glasses and cheerful noise. Garso took his first bite—and his first step into a world that felt bigger, brighter, and full of possibility.