On the Sabaody Archipelago, beneath the massive roots of the Yarukiman Mangrove trees, the air was thick with tension. Resin bubbles floated like fragile shields, but everyone knew they were only a thin veil against the harsh world outside. This place was a pressure valve — a fleeting illusion of peace before the storm.

Pirates with bounties over 100 million beli had gathered at Grove 13, threats to the World Government and to each other. No one expected so many of them here — and by chance. Each one was a rising legend, known through headlines, whispers, and bloody tales. Today, they met not by plan, but by coincidence.

Eustass Kid was the first to enter, pushing the door with his shoulder. His gaze was sharp, dangerous. Killer followed close, his mask reflecting the light. They weren’t here for drinks — they came for intel.

— Wonder how many like us are here — Kid muttered.

— Too many for coincidence — Killer replied, eyeing the new group entering.

Trafalgar Law came in next, hands in his hoodie pockets, eyes cold. He sat silently at the bar. His crew murmured behind, but he stayed distant.

Then Monkey D. Luffy burst in like a storm, nearly tearing the door off. Zoro followed, calm and quiet, like he came out of duty.

— Meat! — Luffy shouted, taking the nearest seat. — Zoro, this place smells great!

— Hm. Just another place — Zoro replied, sitting with his back to the wall. — Calmer than I expected.

Jewelry Bonney was already inside, devouring a whole pizza at a corner table, ignoring everyone.

— Anyone eyes my food, I’ll bite theirs out — she muttered, mouth full.

Basil Hawkins laid tarot cards on the table. His presence was quiet but heavy, like a shadow.

Scratchmen Apoo walked in rhythmically, tapping the doorframe.

— What’s this?! A wanted poster reunion?

Urouge sat at the bar, smiling gently. His massive frame contradicted the peace he radiated, but no one dared joke.

X Drake arrived soon after, silent, leaning against the wall, watching.

Capone Bege took a booth by the window with two crewmates. He rolled an unlit cigar, eyeing the room like drawing a battle map.

Silence settled. Not because there was nothing to say — but because no one expected the rest. Each thought they were the only one to arrive. Yet now, eleven familiar faces sat in one tavern, each quietly surprised.

Bonney looked up first:

— Is this a trap? Navy summons?

Law snorted:

— You don’t look like someone who follows orders.

Kid stood, eyeing Luffy:

— What about you? Hungry or stupid?

— Both! — Luffy grinned. — But the meat’s great!

Apoo grimaced:

— This ain’t coincidence. Someone’s pulling strings or watching.

Zoro squinted:

— Or this place stopped being just a checkpoint.

Then the door opened again. Slowly. No words. No noise. A figure entered — unknown to all. No notorious face. No familiar bounty.

Yet… the calm way he moved, the steadiness in his gaze — it froze the room. No one said it, but everyone felt it.

Hawkins glanced at his cards, then pulled a folded sheet from his coat. He unfolded it slightly.

— Hm. New bounty. Just issued… — he muttered.

Law glanced sideways.

— 152 million. Impressive. Strange we’ve heard nothing.

Kid scoffed.

— Another rival? As if we didn’t have enough already.

Bonney stood, stretching.

— Twelve’s too many. But at least it’s a fun mix.

Bege finally exhaled cigar smoke.

— Wonder if the Navy knows. If not, one of us will be the scapegoat.

Luffy smiled wide.

— Hey! Sit with us! We’re all pirates, right?

The newcomer said little, but his look was clear: he knew who they were — and wasn’t stepping aside.

The calm returned, but heavier now. Not from aggression, but from uncertainty. Because twelve pirates with bounties over 100 million beli had gathered. By chance. And on the Grand Line… coincidence never ends well.