One Piece: Gawain The Knight Of The Sun

Gin nodded expressionlessly.

Though he disapproved of Krieg's methods, he wouldn't resist.

Krieg had saved his life—a debt worth his own in return.

His personal feelings were irrelevant.

Krieg glanced at Gin, reading his thoughts but uncaring. "For this plan, I paid a steep price to bribe Captain Bart of the 18th Branch, securing you a Marine identity."

"It's a flawless disguise. Even real Marines wouldn't see through it."

"Don't let me down."

Gin nodded silently.

Night fell.

Waves rose in the bay. The crew dispersed, leaving Gin alone on the deck, staring blankly at the distant sea.

…

Days later, a warship limped into Raven Port.

Its hull was too damaged to identify, the Marine flag tattered, and cannon marks scarred its armor.

It had clearly endured a brutal battle.

Guided by port workers, the warship docked at the pier's edge.

The gangway lowered.

Gawain, in a Marine Major's uniform, stepped down, head high, striking in appearance. Anyone would marvel: What a gallant young officer.

The port guards, initially wary, relaxed at his demeanor.

Pirates were usually rough or bizarre-looking. Gawain's face practically screamed "hero."

"Sir, I'm Gaza, the manager here. How can I assist?" A pleasant voice rang out as a woman emerged, escorted by guards.

In her early twenties, Gaza wore refined clothing and subtle makeup. Not stunning, but among ragged civilians, she shone like a lotus.

Following protocol, Gawain placed a hand on his chest, offering a knight's salute, his tone warm. "Ma'am."

"We just fought a bloody battle with Captain Kuro at sea. We need food and medical supplies, or my ship won't reach the nearest Marine base."

"Please assist."

Gaza blushed at his formal gesture. As an East Blue noble, she recognized the orthodox knight's salute, reserved for those sworn to royalty.

Knightly origins, Marine status—Gawain's upright persona was rock-solid.

"No problem, you're free to—!"

Her words were cut off by a distant whistle.

Heads turned.

Another warship entered the port.

Properly numbered, flag intact, with disciplined Marines aboard, it left everyone stunned.

"Two warships in one day?"

"That's never happened. Don't Marines coordinate in advance?"

"Could one be fake?"

"It's possible. Newspapers reported pirates posing as Marines, sneaking into ports to attack. Several East Blue towns fell that way!"

"Who's real, who's fake?"

Whispers spread, and the crowd edged away from Gawain.

…

"What now?" Kuro, hearing the murmurs, tensed and whispered to Gawain.

Before Gawain could reply, Kuro slipped his claw blades from under his cloak, ready to fight.

They were impostors in Marine uniforms. Against real Marines, they'd be exposed in moments.

If it came to blows, it wouldn't just mean failure—this supply point would be lost forever.

Every supply hub was critical to a pirate crew's survival.

"Stay calm," Gawain said softly, his eyes locked on the figure on the approaching ship's deck.

Striped headband, heavy eye bags, gaunt frame…

He felt he'd seen this man before but couldn't place him.

As Gawain puzzled, another figure emerged from the cabin—stocky, with shields on his joints and a massive turtle-shell-like shield on his chest.

"Iron Wall Balu? Then he's…" Gawain glanced at the gaunt man, a smile forming as he connected the dots. "So we're all fakes?"

…

On the other warship's deck, Gin stared at the docked vessel, baffled. He hadn't expected Marines here.

But their ship's damage—clearly fresh from battle—suggested they were no threat.

Gin ordered the gangway lowered, leading Balu and their disguised crew ashore.

"I'm Major Gin of the 18th Branch, East Blue. This is my subordinate, Lieutenant Balu."

"We just fought Captain Kuro at sea. We need food and medical supplies, or we can't reach the nearest base."

"Please assist."

The port fell silent.

Gaza glanced at the ghostly Gin, then at the righteous Gawain, subtly stepping closer to the latter.

Guards raised their weapons, muzzles aimed at Gin's group.

Gawain's warship, scarred by cannon fire, looked the part of a battle survivor. Gin's identical excuse seemed suspicious.

Kuro, beside Gawain, glanced at him, then at Gin's haggard face, his eyes twitching.

What, I'm the punching bag no matter what?

Why me?!

Kuro felt that sticking with Gawain might shave years off his life, even without fighting.

"What's this about?" Gin frowned, calm on the surface but on high alert.

Exposed? Who leaked?

These Marines?

His gaze swept the crowd, landing on Gawain's composed, heroic figure, nearly blinding him with its righteousness. He couldn't help but think: What a gallant young officer.

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