On the bustling streets of Arling Town, Orens walked alongside his wife Ann and their ten-year-old son, Victor, enjoying a relaxing day out shopping.
The street buzzed with the lively sounds of vendors shouting, customers bargaining, and casual chatter—a picture of harmony and cheer.
As they strolled, people greeted them warmly from time to time, a clear sign that Orens and Ann were well-liked and respected in town.
It wasn't surprising. Orens was tall, handsome, and worked as the mayor's secretary—he handled many of the town's affairs and always treated others with kindness and respect. And most notably, he had married Ann—the dream girl of every young man in town back in the day.
She had been a gentle, kind, and sweet-smiling beauty whose smile warmed everyone around her like sunlight.
Even the iciest heart could melt under that smile.
Their marriage had been the talk of the town—admired, envied, and even resented by some. Within a year, they had a healthy, adorable son together.
With a thriving career and a loving family, Orens was the kind of man others looked up to—a true winner in life.
Just then, a cheerful, hearty voice rang out beside them:
"Mr. Orens, it's rare to see you out shopping yourself! What a surprise!"
Turning with a friendly smile, Orens replied, "Uncle Arno, good to see you. Yeah, the mayor's out of town for a meeting today, so I'm taking the day off to spend with my family."
Arno raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "Ah… is this because of the King of the Pirates execution the other day?"
Arno was a fishmonger who had close ties with the local fishermen. Through them, he had heard about the recent public execution of Gol D. Roger in Loguetown.
Orens nodded. "That's likely the reason. Before his death, Roger admitted to finding the great treasure—and said he left it on some island."
"I imagine a lot of people will now set sail as pirates in search of it."
He paused, then spoke with a grave expression:
"Pirates will be on the rise all over the world from now on. Even the East Blue—known as the most peaceful of the seas—won't be spared from the coming storm."
Roger's execution had been a global broadcast, orchestrated by the World Government to use his death as a warning to others. The news had been spread far and wide before the event, drawing reporters from across the seas. Massive Transponder Snails were used to broadcast it live—it had been a far more grand affair than even Ace's future execution would be.
Despite how the manga and anime depicted it with a relatively modest crowd, the actual importance the World Government and Marines placed on Roger's death was far beyond what a small public square could contain.
Arno asked with visible worry, "Mr. Orens… what should we do? Our town's defenses are practically nonexistent."
Ann's expression turned anxious as well. She looked up at her husband, gripping his hand just a little tighter without even realizing it.
Sensing her unease, Orens let go of Victor's hand to gently squeeze Ann's, comforting her.
Then he turned to Arno and said,
"Don't worry. Before the mayor left, he told me he'd bring this issue up at the meeting—he's going to propose that the Navy increase their presence in the East Blue."
"The World Government and the Marines understand that Roger's last words will ignite a surge in global crime. They'll send more forces to the East Blue. We just have to wait."
Arno let out a relieved sigh. "That would be great. If only our island had a Marine base—it would make things feel so much safer."
"Actually," Orens said, "our island was granted permission to establish a Marine branch a long time ago."
"It's just that the East Blue has enjoyed peace for so long—it's considered the weakest of the four seas. We've always had locals join the Navy or retired seamen living here. Plus, every town has its own security team."
"So the Marines prioritized deploying forces to the Grand Line instead of building bases here."
Arno nodded, understanding, and decided to drop the topic. He turned to the little boy standing beside the couple with a grin.
"Little Victor, you're getting more and more handsome! Bet you'll grow up to be just as popular as your dad—haha!"
Blushing, young Victor shyly ducked behind his parents, making Arno burst into hearty laughter.
Orens gave Arno an apologetic look.
"Uncle Arno, please don't take it to heart. Victor has always been a shy boy—he only really gets along with Rebecca. Between work and everything else, we never had much time to play with him, so his personality never really changed. 'Sigh.'"
Arno laughed heartily.
"Don't worry about it! I know what the boy's like. It's good he's got Rebecca to play with. That poor girl lost her parents so young—having Victor around must ease her loneliness."
He paused, then added, "Ah, right! We just got a fresh batch of fish today. Take a couple for yourselves, and bring two more to Rebecca's family."
Orens waved him off.
"You don't have to give them for free—I'll pay. I know how tough your business is. And I'll cover Aunt Maria's share too. She's looked after Victor for us while Ann and I were working. We owe her a lot."
Just as they were talking, shouts and screams erupted from the street near the harbor.
A figure came stumbling toward them, covered in blood, yelling:
"Pirates! Pirates are here! They've already killed people—run! RUN!"
Arno's face paled as he recognized the man.
"That's Sam—one of the fishermen who supplied today's catch! They should've been mending nets by the shore. If he's hurt like this… real pirates must've landed!"
He turned to Orens, voice urgent. "Get out of here! Now! Those bastards slaughter without blinking!"
Arno's hands trembled as he started shutting down his stall.
Orens, though shaken, forced himself to stay calm. He turned to his wife.
"Ann, take Victor home. Grab clothes, water, and food—nothing else. Get Aunt Maria and Rebecca, then hide in the southern woods. Pirates won't stay long—they'll loot and leave. A few days in the forest, and you'll be safe. GO!"
Ann hesitated, gripping his arm.
"What about you? Aren't you coming with us? Victor and I—we need you!"
The noise grew louder—curses, wails, and cruel laughter closing in.
Orens shoved her toward the opposite street.
"I'll alert the town guard, then meet you. I'll be fine. Just move!"
But it was too late.
The pirates were already less than 200 meters away.
Among them, a rat-faced man leered at Ann, licking his lips.
"Boss, check out that woman—prime cut, ain't she? Nice curves, pretty face… and that guy next to her's probably her husband. Hahaha! Bet that gets your blood pumpin'!"
Derrik "Razorclaw" smirked, eyes dark with lust.
"Tch You've got taste, I'll give you that. Done this before, have you?"
The rat-faced man chuckled nervously.
"Y-Yeah, a few times back on my old island. Got caught once—husband beat me half to death. Heh. Paid him back with my knife later, though."
Derrik didn't care.
"Mm. That one was fun. Put up a fight at first, but once she figured out what kept her alive… heh. Learned real quick how to please a man."
His gaze slid to Ann, predatory. "This one's even better. You touch her, I skin you. Understood?"
The rat-faced man bowed frantically.
"O-Of course, Boss! Let's grab her before she gets away"