One Piece: Wielder of the Void

56. Kidnapping

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The long, narrow road stretched from the peak of the mountain down to its base, weaving through the lush greenery and rocky outcrops that dotted the landscape.

This was no ordinary road, carved meticulously through centuries of wear, use, and nature's force, yet it retained a sense of ancient dignity.

Below, the sprawling port city of Nanohana spread out in all its sun-drenched splendour, bathed in the golden light of late morning.

The port shimmered, and from the palace halfway up the mountain, they could already make out their ships.

The Tempest, a trusted vessel that had seen many adventures, was quietly docked at the port.

Though sturdy and reliable, it looked rather small compared to some of the larger merchant vessels and warships anchored nearby.

Its presence, however, was enough to stir something in the hearts of Anos's crew.

Here in Alabasta, it seemed out of place too small for the grand port and too modest in comparison to the Alabasta Kingdom's magnificent ships.

Yet, this ship carried with it stories, battles, and the lives of the people who called it home.

Anos, standing with his hands behind his back, took in the view. His gaze swept over the port, lingering momentarily on the pirate ships that were still docked there.

He narrowed his eyes slightly, sensing something odd. These ships, which they had seen the previous evening upon their arrival, remained undisturbed.

No soldiers were attempting to confront the pirates, no alarms had been raised, and the people of Nanohana moved about their business without the usual panic or dread that followed the presence of pirates.

"Strange..." Anos muttered under his breath.

Although Alabasta's military wasn't the most formidable in the world, it was certainly nothing to scoff at.

In Tru Kingdom, such open defiance, the brazen docking of pirate ships flying their flags, would never be allowed.

It would be considered a blatant act of provocation a challenge to the kingdom's sovereignty.

The very sight of pirate flags fluttering in the wind would send shockwaves through Tru Kingdom, spurring action from the highest levels of authority.

But here, in the bustling port of Nanohana, not a single soldier stood guard near the ships.

Daiki, who had been silent, noticed Anos's discomfort. "They're not worried," he said, breaking the silence. "These pirates… it's as though they've been permitted to dock here. It's unusual."

"Indeed," Anos replied, his voice low. "If this were Logue Town or any port within the Tru Kingdom, they would have been dealt with by now. But Alabasta... perhaps the kingdom has other priorities."

He turned his attention back to Abby. The familiarity of the ship brought a fleeting sense of comfort, though that quickly dissipated when a crew member came rushing towards them as they boarded.

"Your Majesty," the crew member called, his voice thick with anxiety, "Barlow hasn't returned since he left yesterday!"

The urgency in his tone immediately put Anos on alert. He straightened up, eyes narrowing. "What do you mean? He hasn't returned? What about others?"

"Neither of them has come back," the man said, visibly distressed. "They went to purchase supplies yesterday, and when we woke up this morning, they were still missing. We've been trying to reach them, but there's been no response. The crew is worried, Your Majesty."