On the third evening after leaving Twin Cape, the Fairy Tail finally made landfall on the first island since entering the Grand Line.
"What's that? A cactus? It's huge! It's like a mountain!"
From afar, looking at the distant scenery, Nami couldn't help but widen her eyes in shock.
"It should be a mountain that looks like a cactus," Erza nodded.
"Either way, it seems really fun!" Mirajane smiled.
"As long as I can be with the Guild Master, I'm satisfied!" Juvia clung affectionately to Sullivan.
"So we've finally arrived... Whiskey Peak. I wonder if I'll get to meet those two?"
Sullivan curved his lips into a smile.
As for the giant cactus-shaped island in the distance, Sullivan knew it all too well, because this was an island the Straw Hat crew had once visited.
A welcoming island for pirates.
Whiskey Peak.
Although it's called a welcoming place for pirates, in reality, it's a trap set by Baroque Works bounty hunters. They pretended to welcome new pirates, using their hospitality to lower the newcomers' guard, only to capture them without a fight.
Sullivan didn't choose this route just to retrace the Straw Hats' steps.
On the contrary, he preferred to explore unfamiliar islands the Straw Hats never visited.
However…this route contained a main storyline quest.
If he could trigger and complete it, it would surely allow the guild to level up.
To that end, Sullivan had come here specifically, hoping to trigger the quest.
The Fairy Tail ship sailed into Whiskey Peak's inner river.
On the misty shores, silhouettes could be vaguely seen hiding in the shadows, bounty hunters watching them in secret.
"More pirates are coming!"
"...Wait, no, that doesn't look like a pirate ship. There's no Jolly Roger flying!"
"That symbol… it feels familiar?"
"A-A-Ahh! That's Fairy Tail!!"
"Fairy Tail? What's that?"
"Have you not read the news? They're the new rising team from the East Blue!"
"Fairy Tail's Guild Master, Sullivan, has an 80 million bounty from the Navy!"
"Nani?! 80 million?! Th-This is huge..."
"Holy crap, this is amazing! If we capture him, I'll definitely rank up to the elite agent level!"
"Idiot, don't act rashly. Follow Agent 8's plan!"
The bounty hunters whispered among themselves.
On the Fairy Tail ship.
"There seem to be quite a few people on shore," Erza said cautiously, gripping her sword and entering battle stance.
"It's fine," Sullivan waved his hand.
The people hiding along the shore stepped out all at once, gathering on both sides of the riverbank.
A warm cheer erupted.
"Welcome!"
"Welcome to the Grand Line!"
"Welcome to the hospitable city of Whiskey Peak!"
The crowd cheered enthusiastically.
"...Huh?"
Erza was stunned.
Even though she hadn't heard the bounty hunters' secret conversation, the faint aura they gave off told her they weren't friendly.
And yet now…
"Could it be that the locals recognized us as Fairy Tail and want to commission us for a job?" Nami speculated.
"Possibly," Mirajane nodded.
"Guild Master, what's going on...?"
"Well, let's just take it one step at a time. If they want to welcome us, let's accept it!" Sullivan smiled.
The ship docked at the port.
A man with exaggerated curly hair approached the group.
Clearing his throat, he said: "My name is Igaram. I serve as the town head of Whiskey Peak. This is a town of brewing and music. Welcoming guests is our greatest joy..."
Baroque Works Agent Mr. 8, and also the Captain of the Alabasta Royal Guard, Igaram greeted them enthusiastically.
Sullivan did not decline his hospitality and smiled in response.
A grand feast of wine was held at the town tavern.
Igaram habitually cleared his throat again.
"Although we have many beautiful hostesses here, I'm sure Guild Master Sullivan doesn't need them!"
After all, Erza, Mirajane, Juvia, and Nami were all stunning beauties.
In this entire Whiskey Peak town, only one girl could compare with them.
"The seat next to the Guild Master belongs to Juvia!"
Juvia dove into Sullivan's arms like a swallow returning to its nest.
However, this time, Sullivan didn't stop her.
"Well, if possible, I'd rather have that young lady share a few drinks with me."
Sullivan pointed at a blue-haired girl in the crowd.
"Tch, tired of the women around you already and looking for a new flavor? And you went straight for Princess Vivi? Typical behavior for a man worth 80 million..."
Igaram gritted his teeth.
As Captain of the Royal Guard, how could he just stand by and watch the princess be taken?
Just as Igaram was trying to come up with an excuse.
"Sure, Guild Master Sullivan!"
The beautiful blue-haired girl, Princess Vivi of the Alabasta Kingdom, smiled sweetly and agreed.
Under Juvia's jealous gaze, she sat down next to Sullivan.
A year ago, she had gone undercover in Baroque Works to investigate the cause of Alabasta's ongoing drought.
After a year of hard work, she had finally gotten this far.
If she could bring in this 80-million bounty, her standing in the organization would rise dramatically, bringing her closer to the truth and potentially saving Alabasta from ruin.
Everything she did was for Alabasta!
"Don't be so stiff, Miss," Sullivan said casually, wrapping his arm around Vivi's shoulder and pulling her slightly into his embrace.
"Haha, Guild Master Sullivan, please enjoy a drink!"
Vivi smiled and offered a cup of wine.
"If you want me to drink, that alone isn't enough."
Sullivan shook his head.
"Then what would it take for Guild Master Sullivan to drink?"
Vivi asked.
"If I get a kiss from a beautiful woman, then I could even down an entire barrel!"
Sullivan grinned boldly.
Vivi's delicate lips trembled slightly.
She hesitated for just a moment—
"Well, he does look okay... and this is for....HAH, screw it!"
She closed her eyes, steeling her resolve.
With a soft peck on Sullivan's cheek, she left behind a faint lipstick mark.
That was her limit.
And Sullivan knew it too.
He didn't push for more.
"Hahaha! Waiter! Bring us more wine!!!"