About that many pirates were on the three ships that had just invaded the island.
Despite the bounty on the leader of this pirate convoy, he was just an average man. So with a couple of hundred extra people, this island could likely have deterred them from attacking.
But that didn't take into account the presence of superhumans.
He thought that if even one moderately strong person appeared in the mix, instead of the population of several hundred people serving as a deterrent, they could become a target.
Because more people would mean more potential loot to steal.
"Ugh..." Bill thought to himself.
Because he was silent for nearly a minute, pondering the issue, the two elderly men exchanged glances, and then the mayor spoke: "Sir, don't worry so much about this! Our situation can't be considered the worst—in fact, it's far from it!"
Mitsuboshi: "That's right! Hey, lieutenant, my kitchen is just clean enough to cook on, have you ever eaten at the famous Baratie?"
These people were trying to reassure him; Bill understood this, but their words also touched on old issues he had considered when he first learned about the arrangement of this world, even before he knew about the existence of superhumans. He suddenly realized that over time he had adapted so much to this unique environment that these thoughts had been forgotten.
Not wanting to spoil the mood, Bill looked questioningly at the chef and said, "No, I've never been to that island."
Mitsuboshi: "No! I don't mean this Little Baratie! I'm talking about the truly famous one in the East Blue!"Seeing Bill shake his head, the chef said, "Well, you're in luck! Sit down, I'll cook something for you and your crew!"
With those words, the chef didn't wait and got to work before Bill could stop him.
Left alone with the mayor, the elderly man patted Bill on the shoulder, saying, "Looks like we're in for a treat!"
Smiling and agreeing, they headed towards the group of Scientific Division recruits.
Some time passed, and Bill didn't even notice how half the town ended up in front of Little Baratie, many bringing their own chairs since the fire had destroyed several booths in the restaurant.
Looking around, he saw Yoko playing with Marron, while some teenagers chatted with the other recruits.
He saw Ryudo helping Mitsuboshi and the mayor talking with a large swordsman.
"Hey, boy, are you listening to me?!"
Turning his head to the elderly woman he was talking to, Bill politely said, "Oh, yes, ma'am."
?: "That's better, now, as I was saying..."
While the elderly woman talked about her old village, Bill didn't realize how much this day would stay in his memory. It was a day he'd remember for a lifetime.
In this world, there were two types of tourists. The first admired the beauty of nature, and the second indulged in the excesses of human experience.
The South Blue Sea was a place that attracted both types.
Whether it was Gran Tesoro—City of Sin, where any feeling and sensation could be bought with money.
Whether it was Karate Island—Island of Champions, where men and women fought for martial glory in the Great Colosseum.
Whether it was Crystal Island—Ever-Changing Island, which local legends said contained the Stairway to Eternity leading to treasures on the Frozen Moon.
No matter the place in this sea, the South Blue Sea was known for its unique living conditions.
Even the most barren lands were full of greenery and diversity.
In one of those remote places, at the center of the island stood a beautiful lily, whose roots slowly spread in all directions.
It was like a beautiful idea, floating in the distance; but up close, the frightening nature of this phenomenon became obvious.
The first thing was the smell that filled the air for miles around with the scent of rotting flesh and vegetation.
Secondly, it was the plant's duality, which seemed to be both growing and dying simultaneously.
Finally, the more the lily grew, the darker the island around it became.
And the island was indeed dying step by step, as the roots spread, the earth began to crack and wither.
Finally, in the center of the lily, which rested in the center of the devastated land, the stamen slowly rose from the lily and gradually took on the shape of a man.
In time, the speed at which the man appeared matched the rate at which the island vanished.
When the water reached the lily, the man was fully formed.
Dark-haired, slender, and tall.
This man was not remarkable in a world of giants, half-giants, and other demons.
But in his hand, as the land crumbled, he held an object that could drive the World Government insane.
He knew this, but he knew he had no other choice.
Aramaki was always proud of his family.
He was proud of his wife, who endured for the sake of their child after an attack by one of the vilest, most disgusting, and dangerous creatures in the world.
He was proud of his son. In Aramaki's eyes, his son never did anything wrong, always respected his father, loved his mother, always stood tall, and knew how to work hard.