One Piece: The Freedom Fighters

Chapter 21: The Terrifying Madam Bobble

After about an hour of slow, careful sailing, the Unfair Maiden's ship made landfall on Minion island with the sloop in tow. They arrive on a desolate dock, with no other ships or people in sight. According to Belle, the 'fleet' of ships her crew owns is hidden in a nearby cave. Ket untied the sloop off of the brigantine before joining the others on the dock. The snowstorm had gotten worse, and he could barely see two feet ahead of him! "Alright, that should keep it still!" He smiled, walking up to Genu and Belle. "Where's Sukato?"

"Oh, he's letting the Pirates out from the brig." Genu answered, gesturing up to the ship. Below deck, Sukato broke the lock on the cage, causing the door to swing open. Inside, the Pirates looked up at their captor and reached for their weapons... Only to find that they were gone!

"Yeah, you're not getting those back," Sukato smirked, his bat slung over his shoulder. He might have... Thrown them overboard during the trip. May as well play it safe! "Anyway, we made it to Minion island. I guess just... Do whatever?" He shrugged, not sure what else to say. "Anway, see y'all around." He finished, turning and walking above deck. The Pirates stared at him in disbelief as he left. What was his problem? Sukato left the ship and joined the others on the deck, giving a small peace sign as a greeting.

"There you are!" Ket smiled, playing with the zipper of his outmost coat. He had stolen even more jackets, and now wore a whopping 12 layers! Belle was at the front of the group, staring down the dock. She had a look of distress about her, one that Ket noticed. "You alright?" He asked, walking up to her.

Belle nodded, not making eye contact with Ket. "Y-Yeah, it's just..." She stuttered, suddenly shaking her head and walking forward. "Nothing. C-Come on, there's a mansion up ahead." Belle explained, starting to walk down the dock. The others exchanged glances before following. Ket looked extremely excited. A mansion? He's never been in one before!

The four walked off the dock and onto snow-stamped cobblestone, their shoes clacking on the ground as they went. They found themselves in a run-down, seemingly abandoned town, with stone buildings and arches covered in snow and grime. Many of the homes were destroyed, reduced to useless rubble.

Some of the houses had faint lights on, and people-shaped shadows could be seen inside. A few cloak-garbed people trudged by the four, shooting distrusted looks their way as they passed. Genu looked down a nearby alleyway and saw a group of rugged, shivering Pirates. They noticed Genu staring at them and flashed intimidating grins, raising their blades in a threatening manner. "S-Scary..." Genu muttered, picking up the pace. "I thought you said this was a safe haven?" He recalled, glancing down at Belle. "Doesn't seem very...Safe."

"I know..." Belle sighed, looking around. Truth is, Pirates were everywhere! In the allies, in the houses... It's about the most dangerous place someone can be, but... "They can't leave. Most of their s-ships were destroyed by the Navy, and they either swam or washed up here." She rambled. "But n-not everyone here are Pirates. Many c-civilians come here to escape the World Government." Belle adds. Minion Island is one of the last places in the North Blue not controlled by the World Government. Two years ago, most islands were independently governed. But ever since the launch of the Navy Guardian Program, any country not allied or willingly to ally with the World Government was quickly and violently taken over.

"Swim?" Ket repeated, shocked at the idea that someone could even dip their toes in such frigid water. Given, they did knock a few of those Pirates off the ship... But at least they were rescued!

"I mean, it's either that or drown." Sukato replied. Given the two options, he knows which one he'll pick!

Ahead of the group was a large hill, marking the end of the town. On the top of it was a large building that towered over everything else. Belle pointed up to the building, gulping. "T-That's the mansion up there." She said, a pit of worry growing in her stomach. She's gonna see her Mom soon... Hopefully, she's in a good mood!