The sea was calm that morning — unnaturally calm. Even the seagulls seemed hesitant to cry as the Rocks Pirates' flagship, cut through the misty waters of the New World.
Their last stop, Elbaf, had left the crew divided. Some spoke proudly of the giants' strength and honor, others mocked their pride.
But Ada Wong—now more respected than ever as Rocks' vice captain—sat quietly on the upper deck, gazing into the distance with an unreadable expression.
"Thinking of that giant kid again?" drawled Whitebeard, leaning against the mast.
Ada didn't look at him. "Loki? He'll be a great king one day. If he survives this age."
Whitebeard chuckled. "You talk like an old woman sometimes."
"I've seen enough to earn the right," she replied dryly.
Flashback
As dawn broke over Elbaf, the Rocks Pirates prepared to set sail. The giants gathered along the cliffside docks, their booming voices echoing across the valley as they watched the human ship ready its sails.
From the crowd, a young boy broke through—Loki, clutching a wooden sword carved from the heartwood of Elbaf's oldest tree. His small legs sprinted as fast as they could carry him toward the ship.
"Wait! Let me join your crew!" he shouted.
A ripple of laughter swept through the Rocks Pirates—Kaido grinned, Linlin scoffed, and even Whitebeard's booming chuckle echoed over the waves.
"Ha! The little giant wants to be a pirate already!" Shiki laughed, tipping his hat.
The crew was mildly amused, but Ada didn't laugh, she stepped forward to the rail, her cloak fluttering in the wind.
She leapt gracefully from the ship to the dock, landing lightly before the boy. The laughter faded as the crew watched her kneel to meet his eyes.
She looked down at him with a rare, gentle smile.
Ada looked up so that her eyes were level with the young giant's. The boy stood tall despite his small stature among his kind, clutching his wooden sword like it was real steel.
She offered a small, composed smile. "You're brave to stand up to pirates. Most grown men would've hidden behind the trees."
The boy puffed out his chest proudly. "I'm not afraid of pirates! I'll be king of Elbaf someday!"
Ada tilted her head, intrigued. "A king, huh? Then I suppose I should know the name of the future ruler I'm speaking to."
He straightened even more. "My name's Loki—son of Harald!"
"A prince," Ada said softly, a hint of warmth in her usually cool voice. "Fitting name for one who dreams of the throne."
Loki blinked curiously. "What about you? Who are you?"
She hesitated for a moment, the sea breeze tugging gently at her coat.
"My name is Ada Wong—first mate of the Rocks Pirates. Some call me the Crimson Shadow."
Loki's eyes widened in awe. "Crimson Shadow… that sounds amazing!"
Ada smirked faintly. "Titles are earned, not given. Maybe one day, you'll have one of your own."
That was when Loki's expression turned determined, and he asked, "Then let me come with you!"
"Loki," she said softly, "you're brave. Braver than most men twice your size. But the sea isn't a place for you yet."
"I can fight!" he insisted, gripping his sword tighter. "I'm not afraid!"
Ada's gaze softened. "That's exactly why you're not ready."
He blinked, confused.
"You think strength is about fighting," she continued, her tone gentle but firm. "But strength is also knowing when to stay, when to protect your home, when to wait for the right moment. If you come with us now, you'll lose who you're meant to become."
Loki's lip trembled, but he nodded slowly. "Then… what should I do?"
Ada reached out and rested her hand on his shoulder. "Become a king your people can believe in. The world will need Elbaf's strength one day—and when that day comes, remember my words, Strength isn't just how hard you fight… it's how much you can protect without losing yourself."
Loki's expression hardened into resolve. "I'll remember that, Ada. I promise."
She smiled faintly—one of the rare, fleeting smiles that made even the ruthless Rocks Pirates pause. "Good. Then make that promise stronger than steel, young prince."
Behind them, Rocks called out impatiently from the ship, "We're leaving, Ada! Let the boy dream on his island!"
Ada gave Loki one last look before leaping back aboard. The ships sails caught the wind, and the ship began to drift away from the dock.
Loki ran along the pier, waving his sword high. "When I'm strong enough, I'll find you! And I'll prove I deserve to sail beside you!"
Ada stood at the stern, her coat billowing in the wind. "Then I'll be waiting, Prince of Elbaf," she called back.
The Rocks Pirates set sail once more, their ship disappearing into the golden sunrise. Behind them, the giants of Elbaf saluted in silent respect, while a small boy with golden hair watched in awe.
Unbeknownst to him, that mysterious woman would one day shape the world his people revered—and her name would be whispered in both reverence and fear, Ada Wong, the Crimson Shadow.
End of Flashback
Hachinosu, the Pirate Island, was chaos given form. Every alley stank of blood and rum, every tavern echoed with laughter and screams. It was the perfect home for the Rocks Pirates, and their power made the island a beacon for outlaws.
The crew disembarked, Rocks and Ada walked together through the streets followed by the crew, drawing stares from every direction. Men whispered in awe, some in fear. Ada's reputation as the "Crimson shadow" had already spread far and wide.
But the attention wasn't all admiration. As they passed the central tavern, a fight broke out over the mere sight of her.
"She's too beautiful to be human!" one man shouted drunkenly.
"Don't look at her, fool!" another warned. "That's Ada Wong, Rocks' right hand—look at her wrong and you'll be a corpse before your mug hits the floor!"
Ada ignored the chaos, her eyes scanning the signs ahead. Her instincts told her something—or someone—was waiting.
After a few minutes of walking, a new sign appeared on a crooked street in Hachinosu:
Shakky's Rip-Off Bar
Inside, smoke curled lazily through the air, and the smell of strong drink drew even the most hardened pirates. But it wasn't the liquor that made them stay.
Behind the counter stood a woman with sleek black hair, sharp eyes, and a smile that seemed to strip the strength from even the strongest men.
"Welcome, boys," she said smoothly, her voice honey over steel. "Spend your coin wisely—or don't. Either way, I'll enjoy it."
The room erupted in nervous laughter, hearts thudding like drums.
It wasn't long before the Rocks crew themselves entered, drawn by the rumors.
Shiki practically floated across the floor, grinning like a fool. "A goddess behind a bar! Tell me your name, beauty!"
Captain John stumbled drunkenly, muttering that he'd trade all his treasure for one smile.
Ochoku and Silver Axe bickered loudly over who would buy her the most expensive drink.
Even Kaido paused, scratching his head with uncharacteristic awkwardness.
Shakky only smiled at them all, pouring drinks with the ease of someone who had long ago mastered the art of handling wolves.
Word spread fast: men fell in love with Shakky at first sight. Even the great Gol D. Roger, on a different day, would find himself smitten with her charm.
When Rocks himself finally entered, the tavern went silent. His presence swallowed the room whole. But Shakky didn't flinch. She met his grin with a cool smile.
"Rocks D. Xebec," she said, sliding a glass of rum across the counter. "The man who wants to own the world. I should be charging double just for your shadow darkening my door."
Rocks threw back his head and laughed. "Hah! You've got guts, woman. I like you."
The crew cheered, but Ada Wong, standing at the back, watched quietly.
Later, when the others were drunk and singing, Ada remained at her corner table, untouched glass before her. Her crimson eyes followed Shakky. The woman's charm was undeniable—men bent around her like reeds to the wind.
But Ada saw deeper. Behind the smile, Shakky's eyes were sharp, calculating, the eyes of someone who chose her place carefully. She wasn't just opening a bar. She was planting roots in the most dangerous island in the world.
And Ada, ever the assassin, respected that.
Rocks leaned over to Ada, rum dripping from his beard. "Even you, shadow girl, can't resist her, eh?"
Ada didn't look away from Shakky. "She's dangerous," she said softly. "Not because of her blade, but because men want her to cut them."
Rocks roared with laughter, slamming his cup down. "Then she's perfect for this den of wolves!"
And so, in Hachinosu, Shakuyaku opened her bar. And from that day on, whether pirate, outlaw, or king of the seas—every man who walked through her door left a piece of his heart behind.
But Ada Wong… Ada D. Nyx… kept her heart locked away, watching from the shadows.
For she knew beauty was just another weapon.