Water Seven.
The streets were noisy and crowded. People came and went without end, the sound of water buses echoing through the canals and mixing with the shouts of shipwrights and merchants.
Raifeng walked calmly through the streets, Bogard and the Marines following behind him.
After leaving the tavern, they had gathered quite a bit of information. At the very least, they were now certain that the Straw Hat Pirates were still in Water Seven—and already entangled in trouble.
"Franky Family…"
Bogard spoke in a low voice. "They're not an easy group to deal with."
Raifeng nodded. "I know."
Bogard glanced at him. "You seem very calm."
"There's no point in being nervous," Raifeng replied evenly.
Bogard was silent for a moment before continuing, "That group of pirates… they're not ordinary."
Raifeng smiled faintly. "I know them."
Bogard stopped walking and looked at him seriously. "You know them?"
Raifeng nodded. "Yes."
"Friends?" Bogard asked.
"Not exactly," Raifeng said, shaking his head.
Bogard studied him for a few seconds, then resumed walking. "Either way—if we run into them, don't act on impulse."
"I won't," Raifeng said, looking straight ahead.
Bogard sighed quietly. "You say that… but I still have to remind you."
He paused. "Those people… they're capable of creating miracles."
Raifeng's eyes shifted slightly.
Miracles.
That word fit. The Straw Hat Pirates were exactly that kind of group—one that constantly overturned common sense.
They turned into a narrower street. The noise gradually faded, and the surroundings grew quiet.
At the end of the street, a few figures appeared. They stood casually, but their gazes were sharp. The moment they noticed Raifeng and the Marines, their expressions changed.
"Marines?"
"Tch."
"What bad luck."
Several men stepped forward. Their clothes were casual, their builds sturdy—clearly not ordinary civilians.
Bogard's gaze sharpened. "Franky Family."
Raifeng recognized them instantly.
One of the men sneered. "Looks like the Marines are sticking their noses where they don't belong again."
"We're just passing through," Bogard said calmly.
"Passing through?" The man laughed coldly. "You think we'd believe that?"
The atmosphere tightened.
Raifeng took a step forward.
Bogard immediately raised his hand. "Raifeng. Don't."
Raifeng stopped.
Bogard faced the Franky Family members. "We have no intention of clashing with you. Move aside."
The men exchanged glances, then burst out laughing.
"Move aside?"
"This is our territory."
"You think you can just walk through?"
One of them cracked his knuckles. "You Marines… always act like you own the place."
Raifeng frowned slightly.
Bogard's expression turned cold. "Last warning."
"And this is our answer," the man sneered.
In the next instant, several figures rushed forward.
"Stop!" Bogard shouted.
Too late.
Raifeng had already moved.
Bang!
His figure vanished—Soru.
In the blink of an eye, he appeared in front of one of the men. A single punch followed.
Boom!
The man flew backward and smashed into the wall, cracks spreading instantly.
Bystanders froze.
"What?!"
"So fast?!"
Bogard's pupils shrank. "Raifeng!"
Raifeng didn't stop. Another figure rushed toward him.
He twisted his body—Shigan!
A sharp thrust.
The man screamed and fell to the ground, clutching his shoulder.
In just a few breaths, several Franky Family members were already down. The rest staggered back in shock.
"This… this kid…"
"Monster!"
Bogard rushed forward. "Enough!"
Raifeng stopped and stood calmly.
The Franky Family members stared at him in fear.
"Retreat!" one of them shouted.
They turned and ran.
Bogard looked at Raifeng, his expression grave. "I told you. Don't act on impulse."
"They attacked first," Raifeng said.
Bogard clenched his jaw. "That doesn't change anything."
He lowered his voice. "You're in Water Seven. This isn't Marine Headquarters. You kill someone here… the consequences won't be simple."
"I didn't kill them," Raifeng replied.
Bogard exhaled. "That's not the point."
He placed a hand on Raifeng's shoulder. "Listen to me. Don't be reckless. You really will die."
Raifeng met his gaze and saw it clearly—concern. Genuine concern.
"I understand," Raifeng said after a moment.
Bogard relaxed slightly. "Good."
He glanced at the fallen Franky Family members. "This city… is more dangerous than it looks."
Raifeng looked toward the direction they had fled. His gaze was calm, but deep inside, he knew—
Water Seven had already begun to move.
And this was only the beginning.
They resumed walking, but the atmosphere had grown heavier.
Raifeng walked in silence.
He understood Bogard's warning.
Strength alone wasn't enough.
This city had rules—and breaking them would bring consequences.
Even so, Raifeng's eyes remained steady.
Because he knew—
When the time came, he wouldn't hesitate.
No matter the cost.
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