With burnt skin, Pogo arose from his slumber, rubbing his head and realizing a few birds had crapped on his head. “Damnit!” He cupped his stomach, it growled for food. After looking around it appeared he had found himself on a strange island. The boat had washed ashore during his sleep somehow.

“Where even am I?” Pogo got out of the boat and pulled it up so it wouldn’t wash away with the tide. The island was surrounded with rocks at the shore and there was a forest near its center. Pogo could only hope he could find something to eat here.

Venturing further in, he was met with a few men digging a hole in the forest floor. It seemed they had a treasure chest they were trying to stash away and bury. How cliche. But what kind of pirate would stow away beri? This was strange.

Pogo accidentally tripped forward and rolled down the slope and into their hole they had dug out. The three men were completely surprised at this boy who had just appeared from the bushes in an instant.

“Hey! Are you okay?” A young stout man with blue hair peered from above, looking down on Pogo. Pogo was rubbing the back of his head as he stood up, shaking himself from all the dirt that had gotten on him.

“Yeah, I’m fine.” He sighed, climbing out of the hole with the help of the blue-haired man. The man smiled as he introduced his two friends. “This is Rio, and that guy is Luke. Nice to meet you.” He said.

“Oh. Nice to meet you as well. I’m Pogo and you are?” Pogo said, looking at the two brown-haired men behind the blue-haired fellow. He coughed up his identity, “I’m Kibu, just a travelling pirate. Oh. Are you a marine?” He said rather dumbly.

“No, I’m not. I’m a pirate too. But why are you burying this treasure instead of keeping it?” Pogo asked.

“This is our fall back beri. We plan on sailing the grand line, but if worst comes to worst, we will have some money to fall back on in retirement.” Kibu said.

“I see, and are you the captain?” He asked. “N-Not that I care. I just was wondering.” He blushed a little.

“Yeah, I’m the captain of the Blue Brigade! We are going to sail these seas like true men! Gyah Gyah Gyah!” He had a weird laugh. “Are you trying to join my crew?” Kibu asked.

“No. I am looking to start my own pirate crew. I don’t have the time to join anyone else’s even though you guys seem like the nice kind of people. Now, I ought to be getting on my way.” He said.

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“Oh, I see. We were just heading on our way too. If you want, you can join us on our ship to the next island. It’s not big, but I doubt you have better seeing as how young you look boy.” Kibu said.

“Yeah, I suppose you’re right. I’ll join your ship, but just know I’m not joining your crew. I plan on exceeding everyone!” Pogo said.

Kibu nodded, he was impressed such a young boy had that kind of determination like that. Usually there were two types of people who said those kind of things. The ones who were all words and didn’t have any intention to do anything they said, and the monsters of the sea who quickly surpass the world and all of its riches.

They boarded the ship together, it was large enough to house them all and had a small cabin to stay out of the weather. They adjusted the sails and made way to the high seas. The water was calm today. “Captain, we’re on course for the Yotsuba Island Region. We should reach the island in about a day’s time if the wind keeps at this rigid pace.” Luke, the navigator said.

Kibu laughed hysterically. “That’s great! I can’t wait to sack that place! Let’s go have a grand time!” Kibu said as his blue eyes flickered with excitement. “The Blue Brigade will rise to the forefront of the world! Gyah Gyah Gyah!” He was confident.

Pogo’s ears twitched at the word ‘sack’ because of his recent experience with Foosha Village. If these pirates really did intend to raid Shells Town, then it would be a serious crime for no reason at all.

If it was for the sake of money and no one was actually hurt, Pogo might be fine with it, but Pogo did have a true sense of justice. He would stop anyone who tried to hurt the innocent. With that statement alone, Pogo’s trust had been lost and he would remain silent for the rest of the trip. They would feed him for free as they arrived at Shells Town.

The marine base in Shells Town was situated here, and so were some marine ships. They had taken down their jolly roger so marines wouldn’t suspect them of being advocates of piracy. After getting off the ship the three men and Pogo began their shopping trip.

“Alright meet back here in an hour. You’re free to go Pogo. I wish you safe travels in your journey.” Kibu said as he spoke to his men afterward.

Pogo was quick to visit the markets and try on every breed and species of equipment and armor. Not that he had any money to spend or buy anything with. With a sigh, he realized he needed beri to accomplish anything.

A marine walked up behind him, and grabbed him by the shoulder. “Sir, I’m going to have to ask you to leave. You cannot try on all of these suits in the market without spending a single beri. So please. Leave.” He said.

The marine was six foot tall, muscular and had a rigged scar across his face. He was a seaman recruit, but he had the look of a damn captain! Pogo wouldn’t listen to this man.

“Sock it buddy!” He hurled his fist at the marine and the fist smashed against him as the marine stumbled back into the streets.

“Game on!” Pogo shouted as he dashed into the streets.