One Piece Chapter 22, page 15-17: YOU ARE A RARE AND PRECIOUS ANIMAL TOO

Gaimon describes the hollow, lifeless expressions of the defeated pirates he saw, suggesting they encountered something truly horrific in the Grand Line. He warns that the One Piece might be nothing more than a myth, especially since twenty years have passed since the start of the Great Pirate Era without anyone finding it.

Gaimon argues that the One Piece is just a dream, and that anyone who actually found such a treasure would keep it a secret. Luffy remains optimistic, saying he is sure there is a better ending and that he will find it because he is always lucky. Gaimon sighs at Luffy's stubborn confidence and offers to explain why he cannot leave the island.

Gaimon begins his flashback from twenty years ago. His pirate crew had landed on the island after finding a map indicating treasure was hidden there. However, after three weeks of searching, the crew of two hundred men found nothing but a single empty, broken treasure chest. The pirate captain, seen from behind wearing a dark coat and bicorne hat, declares the search over and orders everyone back to the ship. A younger Gaimon, wearing a striped shirt, reluctantly prepares to leave.