One Piece: Gawain The Knight Of The Sun

Chapter 21: A World Where Only Kuro Gets Hurt

The port fell silent.

Everyone stared blankly at Mouse, unsure what to say. Even Kuro and Gin, mid-standoff, exchanged a glance and wordlessly sheathed their weapons.

This is ridiculous. Utterly ridiculous.

Gaza looked from Gawain to Gin, then asked awkwardly, "So… your opponent was Captain Kuro too?"

Mouse blinked.

Thinking of the small-fry pirate on his ship with a bounty under 5 million, then glancing at the intimidating Kuro and Gin, he puffed out his chest, refusing to be outdone. "That's right! The great East Blue pirate, Captain Kuro, with a 16-million-Berry bounty. I fought him fiercely, sent him running with his tail between his legs!"

Beside Gawain, Kuro, slowly sheathing his claw blades, froze, nearly grinding his teeth to dust.

If not for the bigger picture, he'd have rushed over to carve up these… these two fools.

Why does everyone get to dump on me?

Gawain caught Kuro's resentful glare, barely stifling a laugh.

His crew behind him shook visibly, likely suppressing laughter that would've left them passed out if they were alone.

"Cap—Major…" Kuro gritted out, "Next time, use your own name."

…

Gaza's face cooled as she eyed Mouse's arrogant, domineering demeanor.

If Gin looked like a cold-blooded killer, Mouse had "scheming villain" written all over his face.

"Gentlemen," she said icily, "please clarify who's friend and who's foe."

"Otherwise, I can't let you in. I'm responsible for the civilians here. Who's to say you're not pirates in disguise?"

Mouse blinked, then roared, "I'm the base commander of the 16th Branch! Do you know the cost of defying me?"

"Insolent wench!"

Gaza's expression grew colder.

Mouse's attitude confirmed he was no good—Marine or not, he was the type to collude with pirates and oppress civilians.

She'd long lost faith in the East Blue Marines.

Years ago, they'd taxed Raven Port's people, claiming to build a new base to protect trade routes. Yet no base ever materialized.

Realizing it was a scam, Gaza glared at Mouse. "Hurry up, sir."

Mouse bellowed, "You dare defy the Marines?!"

His shout was cut short as a row of rifle muzzles swung toward him.

He broke into a cold sweat.

Unlike merit-earned officers, Mouse had climbed ranks with polished reports and sycophancy. His men, cut from the same cloth, hesitated to act.

Facing these clearly seasoned guards, they'd likely lose.

"Don't be rash!" Mouse panicked, signaling his men to lower their weapons, then turned to Gin and Gawain, his tone sharp with resentment. "Which branches are you from?"

Gin glanced at him. "I'm under Captain Bart of the 18th Branch. You must know him. They claim to be from Branch GL-5, under Vice Admiral Vergo."

"Preposterous!" Mouse's voice faltered. "GL-5 is in the Grand Line—the New World! No way they'd—"

He stopped, his blood running cold as he recognized Gawain's face.

Not long ago, at an East Blue Marine meeting, they'd discussed his bounty.

Set by Headquarters Major Brannew: 48 million Berries.

It broke the East Blue bounty record, and bounties often reflected strength.

A near-50-million-Berry pirate could slaughter everyone here single-handedly.

Mouse stammered, tongue tripping. "Y-Y-You—!"

"You're the pirate impostor!"

Balu jumped in. "I knew it! No East Blue branch starts with GL, and Grand Line big shots wouldn't come here!"

"Caught red-handed!"

At Balu's words, Gaza turned to Gawain, a flicker of wariness in her eyes.

She wasn't naive—her intelligence had earned her this port at a young age.

The crowd's rifles swung toward Gawain's group.

Gin, nearly exposed, had been sweating bullets. If he cleared this hurdle, their plan would proceed smoothly.

But a new worry gnawed at him.

If these two snapped, could his crew, the port guards, and Mouse's men combined survive their onslaught?

As the tension spiked, Kuro drew his claw blades again, a faint killing intent radiating.

He crouched, readying Silent Step, awaiting Gawain's order.

This time, Gawain didn't stop him, only gazing calmly at the crowd.

If he had a choice, he'd avoid fighting here.

Raven Port's prosperity made it a vital supply hub for weapons, food, and medical goods for years to come.

Sigh…

Gawain's soft sigh reached all ears as he gripped his knight's sword, exuding a crushing presence.

In that moment, even Kuro—whose aura had overwhelmed Gin and unnerved Balu—faded into the background.

All eyes locked on Gawain alone.

"Hey, seriously?" Gin swallowed, clutching his tonfa, feeling like prey before a waking predator.

"There's got to be a limit to this gap!"

But a shrill voice shattered the moment's intensity…

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