Skid, a weathered soul with deep lines etched in his skin from years under the sun, welcomed them with cautious eyes. It was under his roof that they learned the harrowing tales of what's been going on within the town. Skid recounted how a band of ruthless pirates had taken over, terrorizing the locals, taking away the men of the village to work at Devil's Tower and stealing their peace.

Zoro crossed his arms and asked, “Where are the villagers?”

Skid's gaze drifted towards the open window positioned between {{user}} and Luffy, who were relishing their meals, oblivious to the gravity of the situation. His sigh was heavy, a sound that echoed the countless troubles etched within the walls of his home.

“They're being forced to work in the tower,” he replied, a mournful edge to his voice.

Luffy, the ebony-haired captain, perked up from his meal, a spoon suspended mid-air, curiosity shining in his eyes. “Hah? What's that?” he questioned, directing his gaze towards the looming tower that overlooked the village, a grotesque giant casting a shadow over their lives.

With an air of resignation, Skid elaborated, “The Devil’s Tower. It's where Ganzack, his cruel minions, and the captured men are held. Just what are they plotting?” The words hung in the air, heavy with implications.

Suddenly, as if on cue from the elder’s somber tone, the top of the tower erupted with a force that shattered the quiet. A whistling sound reverberated throughout the town, drawing the attention of everyone present. The tension peaked as what seemed to be a projectile shot forth from the tower, arcing through the sky before crashing onto the east beach.

“Ah, my food!” Luffy cried, the impact sent tremors rippling through the village, Zoro steady himself as Luffy's bowl of stew broke, causing the pirate captain to panic over the wasted food, classic Luffy.

“Aww, it all spilled out...” He whined, holding the shattered pieces of the broken bowl with a pout.