3 Iron and Bounties
The port town of Rustport lived up to its name. Everything was coated in a thin layer of oxidation—the docks, the buildings, even the ships anchored in the harbor. The whole place smelled like salt and decay, with just enough activity to suggest it wasn't completely abandoned.
Perfect for staying under the radar.
"Charming," Kael muttered as we approached the harbor. "Reminds me of every other shithole port in Paradise."
"Which is exactly why we're here," I said, guiding our brigantine—mentally dubbed the Chrome Runner—toward an empty berth. "No Marines, no major pirate presence, just merchants and smugglers who mind their own business."
"You hope."
"I know." I'd checked the area carefully with my knowledge of the One Piece world. Rustport was mentioned once in passing—an unimportant waypoint for ships needing quick repairs. No major events happened here.
Which made it perfect for laying low and gathering strength.
We docked without incident. The harbormaster—a wizened old man with more scars than teeth—took our berthing fee without asking questions. Just the way I liked it.
"Stay three days, leave before you cause trouble," he said. "We don't want Marine attention."
"Neither do we."
Kael and I split up. He went to find a doctor—his ribs were still bruised—while I headed to the market to gather supplies and information.
The market was surprisingly well-stocked for a dead-end port. Rustport's position made it a smuggling hub. I bought food, medical supplies, ammunition, and clothes. The vendor, a nervous woman, packed my items quickly.
"You new to Paradise?" she asked.
"Just arrived. Why?"
"Word is Marines have been active lately. Something has them stirred up."
My stomach tightened. "Any idea what?"
"Rumors. Some metal monster attacking pirate crews near the starting islands. Probably drunk nonsense, but Marines are taking it seriously."
Already?
I'd hoped for more time. But Vargus's survivors must have talked.
"Thanks for the warning," I said, taking my packages.
"Just be careful. Marines don't ask questions first."
I found Kael at a dingy tavern, drinking. His ribs were bandaged, and he looked much better.
"Got everything?" he asked.
"Yeah. But we have a problem." I sat across from him. "Marines are searching for a 'metal monster.'"
Kael grimaced. "How long do we have?"
"No idea. Could be days, could be hours."
"So what's the plan?"
"We finish resupplying today. Train tomorrow. Then we leave the day after. Head somewhere more defensible."
"Where?"
"Cactus Island. Small population, lots of hiding places."
Kael nodded. "Sounds good. But if Marines show up early?"
"Then we deal with them." I flexed my hand. "I'm not running from every patrol."
"Confident. I like it." Kael finished his drink. "Alright, Captain. Let's get this done quickly."
The next morning, we found a clearing outside town and began training.
"First thing you need to learn," Kael said, circling me, "is that Devil Fruit powers don't make you a fighter. They make you dangerous. There's a difference."
"Explain."
"Dangerous means you can hurt people. Fighter means you can hurt the right people at the right time." He threw a jab at my head.
I went intangible. His fist passed through me harmlessly.
"See? Crutch. Turn into metal whenever something comes at you. But what happens when someone has Haki? Or Seastone?"
"I lose my advantage."
"Exactly. So learn to fight." He gestured. "Come at me. No Devil Fruit."
I attacked. He dodged easily and tapped my ribs.
"Too slow. Fighting is instinct." He showed a proper stance. "Copy it."
We drilled for hours. Stance, footwork, how to punch without breaking my hand. Humbling, but necessary.
"Better," Kael said after I landed a weak hit. "Now combine it with your powers."
He attacked. I blocked with a hardened steel forearm—CLANG—then countered with a blade strike. He dodged, but it made him move.
We continued until I was bruised and exhausted.
"You've got potential," Kael admitted. "Give it a few months and you'll be dangerous and a fighter."
"Thanks. I think." I rubbed my ribs. "Where'd you learn this?"
"Marine training." His face darkened. "Saw corruption. Quit. Became a bounty hunter."
"Glad you did. I need someone who knows what they're doing."
"Just remember—power means getting your hands dirty. Ready for that?"
I thought of the pirates I'd killed. Vargus I spared. The ones I left unconscious.
"I'll do what needs to be done," I said. "But not pointlessly. Every death should serve a purpose."
"Fair enough. One more round, then we head back."
We returned at sunset. The town was busier now. Kael went to check the ship while I visited the harbormaster.
He wasn't alone.
Two Marines stood in the office.
My blood ran cold.
One Marine noticed me. "You there. Come here."
I approached calmly. "Something wrong, officer?"
"We're looking for someone." The Marine held up a wanted poster.
My face stared back.
WANTED: DEAD OR ALIVE
"CHROME DEMON" FENRIS
BOUNTY: 25,000,000 BERRY
I kept a neutral face. "Looks like a nasty character."
"Very. Devil Fruit user. Turns into metal."
"Sounds dangerous."
"You look familiar. Name?"
"Marcus," I said quickly. "Marcus Webb. Merchant sailor."
"Where's your ship?"
"Berth seven. Small cargo vessel. Leaving tomorrow."
"Mind if we check it?"
Yes, I fucking mind.
"Not at all."
We walked back to the ship. Kael saw us and read the situation instantly.
"Evening, officers," he said. "Something I can help with?"
"We're checking this vessel for a wanted criminal."
"Actually," Kael said, "we're bounty hunters. Licensed."
A lie. But believable.
"Where's your license?"
"Lost it when we got robbed. Replacement is on the way."
The Marine didn't buy it entirely.
Then the harbormaster yelled from the docks: "Officers! Emergency at the north pier!"
They hesitated, then left.
I exhaled. "That was close."
"Too close," Kael said. "They're hunting you. Seriously hunting you."
"I know."
I picked up the dropped poster. 25 million. Higher than expected.
"We leave tonight," Kael said. "Not tomorrow."
"Agreed."
We prepared fast. Lines untied, sails raised, supplies secured.
QUEST UPDATE: The Chrome Path
Gained first bounty: 25,000,000 Berry √
Defeat a Marine Captain: 0/1
Recruit 2 more crew: 0/2
We slipped out of the harbor before the Marines regrouped.
"Think they'll follow?" I asked.
"Probably," Kael said. "But we'll be ready."
The open sea swallowed the ship.
My first bounty. My first brush with Marine authority.
This is where it becomes real.
Somewhere out there, Luffy was gathering the Straw Hats. The world was beginning to change.
And I was carving my own path.
"Hey, Fenris," Kael called. "You good?"
"Yeah. Just thinking."
"About?"
"How this is only the beginning."
Kael grinned. "Then let's make it one hell of a story."
I smiled. "Yeah. Let's."
The Chrome Runner sailed deeper into Paradise.
And I was ready for whatever came next.
END OF CHAPTER 3