The Hunter of Pirates

For the allure of a single Devil Fruit, the West Blue's rogues and outlaws converged in droves, turning the event into a revelry of pirates and underworld figures.

However, amidst the frenzy, a few daring bounty hunters had disguised themselves to infiltrate the gathering, risking everything for a potential payday. Alongside them were Naval undercover agents seeking critical intelligence, undeterred by the life-threatening stakes.

Beyond these usual suspects, a handful of particularly unique visitors had also arrived.

A gentle sea breeze swept through as an unassuming, small pirate ship glided into the bustling inner harbor of Mad Hatter Town.

The waters near the dock were already crammed with ships, leaving no free space for more arrivals. But this modest vessel, thanks to its size, deftly navigated through the tightly packed fleet, finding a narrow gap where it could anchor.

The ship's adept steering revealed the exceptional skill of its helmsman.

On the deck, a young boy with wavy blond hair and a scar over his left eye tossed the anchor into the water.

Splash!

The anchor struck the surface, sending up a spray before sinking to the seabed.

The boy dusted off his hands and, without turning back, praised, "Haku, your helmsmanship is as impressive as ever."

"You forgot again, didn't you?"

The tall man at the helm didn't acknowledge the compliment, instead reminding him of something cryptic.

"What?"

The boy tilted his head in confusion.

Smack!

Before he could react, a swift chop landed on the back of his head.

The one responsible for the strike was a girl clad in a short dress, paired with black thigh-high stockings, her figure lithe and elegant. Her dramatic motion caused the red cap, which had been fitted over her orange hair and goggles, to tumble to the deck.

Ignoring her lost cap, the girl glared at the boy with mild anger.

"How many times do I need to remind you?" she chided. "Use our aliases—aliases! Do you even know what that means?"

"Ah, my bad, my bad, I forgot."

The boy chuckled sheepishly, picking up the hat and carefully placing it back on her head.

Puffing her cheeks in frustration, the girl gave him a withering look, as if she couldn't believe his carelessness.

"Well then, Pipes," she said sharply, emphasizing his alias. "What's my name? And Haku's?"

"You're Clara, and he's Spina," the boy answered promptly.

"Good. If you mess up again, you'll face the consequences!"

The girl clenched her fist for emphasis before turning and heading towards the ship's cabin.

Pipes scratched the back of his head with a wry smile, muttering, "But did you have to give me such a ridiculous alias? Pipes, really? Couldn't it have been something cooler?"

"Hurry up already!" Clara's voice called from the cabin. "Get ready to disembark!"

"Coming, coming." Pipes dashed towards the cabin.

Moments later, both emerged with slightly altered appearances. They now wore darker sunglasses, while Pipes donned a black fedora. Clara, on the other hand, removed her previous hat and tied her hair back.

The most peculiar change was the metal pipe now strapped to Pipes' back.

"Hah... Spina, keep an eye on the ship for us."

Pipes almost blurted Haku's real name but caught himself just in time, thanks to Clara's sharp glare.

Standing by the cabin door, Spina nodded firmly. "Leave it to me. But you two—be cautious."

"Relax. We're just here for reconnaissance." Pipes waved nonchalantly before leaping ashore alongside Clara.

Walking side by side on the docks, Clara glanced at Pipes, lowering her voice.

"I can't believe you called this ship 'home.' It's just a stolen pirate vessel! Even as a joke, don't romanticize it like that."

"Hey, don't sweat the details. It got us here and serves as a perfect disguise," Pipes replied with a carefree grin.

"Well... fair enough. But remember, this mission is just to gather intel. Don't mess it up," Clara warned.

Adjusting the brim of his hat, Pipes nodded earnestly. "I know. The goal is to map out the manpower and layout of the 'Labor Factory.' If possible, we'll also snag a detailed schematic."

Clara nodded in approval, scanning the bustling crowd around them.

"The docks are packed. I can't imagine how crowded the main town must be with pirates and underworld scum."

"Exactly. The chaos works to our advantage," Pipes remarked, his gaze flitting across their surroundings. Each glance absorbed details about the layout and people present.

"Clara," he suddenly muttered, his tone tightening. Grabbing her wrist, he swiftly guided her to the edge of the road.

Startled by the abrupt movement, Clara shot him a questioning look.

"Sorry," Pipes said, scanning the area behind them. "I'm a bit sensitive to killing intent. It's not aimed at us, but..."

Clara followed his gaze, spotting a group of hostile-looking pirates heading toward the town center.

Upon closer inspection, she recognized them and whispered, "That's the Spike Bull Pirates. They're not very famous, but their captain, Kazzet, is a Zoan-type Devil Fruit user. He's no pushover.

"A few days ago, one of the West Blue's largest trading companies, Belkin, had its armed merchant ship raided. It's likely their doing."

Pipes' expression remained calm. "A small-time pirate crew couldn't handle Belkin's security alone. There must've been a collaboration with others."

"Probably," Clara agreed.

"As long as they don't pick a fight with us, it's none of our business," Pipes said nonchalantly, his focus returning to the street ahead.

Clara gave him a sidelong glance, her eyes filled with surprise.

"What?" Pipes asked, noticing her gaze.

"Nothing," she said with a faint smile. "I'm just surprised at how reasonable you're being this time. Makes me think you're finally maturing."

"..." Pipes chose not to respond and kept walking.

The town streets were teeming with armed pirates, most traveling in small groups, though a few walked alone. Bloodstains marred the ground at regular intervals.

The chaotic crowd filled the air with the din of shouting, the clang of clashing blades, and occasional gunfire echoing from afar.

At one street corner, a pirate cleaved another to the ground with a triumphant laugh.

"Ha! That's what you get for messing with me!" the blood-splattered pirate bellowed, looting the corpses for weapons and cash.

The surrounding crowd cheered, treating the bloody skirmish like a gladiatorial spectacle.

Clara sighed quietly. "It's pure chaos here."

Pipes remained impassive, his face betraying no emotion.

In such a lawless world, scenes like this were the norm.