Gore frowned, his tone cold. "Village Chief, you must understand the fate of hiding pirates. If you're lying and we later uncover Kaito's whereabouts, the entire Turner Village will face the consequences."
"Enough, Gore," Momousagi said, raising her hand to calm him. "For someone suspected of Admiral-level combat power, flying isn't strange at all. Besides, what the village chief said matches the information given by Rear Admiral Kata Kongbo's adjutant, Yar. Kaito does indeed possess flying abilities."
With that, she turned away, her long coat flowing behind her. "We're heading to Logue Town."
"Village Chief," Gore warned, his voice firm, "if you're lying, you won't escape responsibility."
Momousagi didn't give him another glance. She led her Marines back to the warship, and soon after, the vessel cut through the waves, leaving Turner Village behind as it made for Logue Town.
Logue Town—situated in East Blue—was the only gateway to the Grand Line. Known as the "Town of Beginnings and Endings," it had become a symbol of history and infamy. It was here that the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger, had been both born and executed. Since then, countless people had visited, either to pay homage or chase dreams of the Grand Line.
The town had flourished, its economy thriving from the constant flow of travelers. Over the years, Logue Town had become one of the most prosperous and bustling centers in East Blue.
Overseeing the town was Marine Colonel Smoker, wielder of the Smoke-Smoke Fruit. Unlike ordinary branch officers, a Headquarters Colonel carried real authority, with both strength and influence that far surpassed regional commanders.
That night, under a crescent moon, the sea shimmered silver. Shadows stretched long through the narrow alleys. A figure landed softly from a rooftop—Ayanami Kaito.
He adjusted his cloak and stepped out of the alley, asking passersby for directions before heading straight toward a lively tavern. In this world, taverns were more than just places to eat and drink; they were hubs of information, where merchants, travelers, and pirates alike crossed paths.
Kaito stopped outside a brightly lit tavern, its rowdy atmosphere spilling into the street. Just as he reached for the door, a familiar voice echoed from within.
"Wow! Delicious! More food, Chef! Another table!"
Kaito's brows rose slightly. That voice was unmistakable—Monkey D. Luffy.
So they're here too… He hadn't expected to run into them so soon. Shaking his head with a faint smile, he pushed open the door.
The moment he entered, heads briefly turned before going back to their meals. Though his name was already making waves across East Blue, Marine had yet to post a bounty on him. To most, he was still a stranger.
But not to everyone.
"That guy again…" Sanji muttered, eyeing him with suspicion. "What's he doing here? Planning to head for the Grand Line too?"
"It's him?" Zoro bit into his bread, his eyes narrowing. "I've got a bad feeling about this."
"I-I heard Marines are hunting him!" Usopp stammered nervously. "Should we even be seen near him?"
Luffy didn't bother with any of them, focused entirely on devouring his mountain of food.
At that moment, Nami's eyes brightened. She quickly got up from her seat and made her way toward the bar where Kaito had taken a seat.
Kaito ordered food from the tavern owner, his sharp eyes scanning the room. He was here for information, and taverns like these often doubled as cover for underground intelligence groups.
"Kaito!" Nami's voice rang out, cheerful yet edged with concern.
He turned, slightly surprised. "Nami? You know my name?"
"Of course," she said with a faint laugh. "Your name is all over East Blue lately. You killed a Marine base commander! The news has spread everywhere." She lowered her voice, her expression turning serious. "But that's not all. Marine Headquarters has dispatched a Vice Admiral to capture you."
Kaito raised an eyebrow. "A Vice Admiral? Not one of the Admirals themselves?"
"Don't underestimate her," Nami warned, her tone urgent. "Her name is Momousagi, though her real name is Gion. She's the strongest among all Vice Admirals, and some say she's next in line to become an Admiral. She's not someone you can take lightly."
"Is that so?" Kaito leaned back, his calm demeanor unshaken. He had expected them to send Akainu, Kizaru, or at least Garp. Sending Gion instead almost felt like they weren't taking him seriously enough.
Nami frowned. "You're not worried? She's said to rival the Admirals in strength!"
Instead of answering, Kaito smoothly shifted the topic. "You mentioned an intelligence organization earlier. Do you know where I can find one in Logue Town?"
"You don't?" Nami blinked, clearly surprised. "With how strong you are, I thought you'd already know."
Kaito simply nodded.
After a pause, Nami leaned closer and whispered. "Most intelligence organizations disguise themselves in taverns or restaurants—places where people gather. They mark themselves by printing small paper symbols on their tableware. If you look carefully, you can find them."
She reached over, grabbing a plate from a nearby table, and flipped it over. Etched into its surface was a faint, almost invisible mark.
"See? This tavern is one of their bases. You're lucky—you found it right away."
Kaito chuckled softly. "As expected of the infamous thief cat of East Blue. Your eye for detail is impressive."
Nami gave a playful smile. "All you have to do now is approach that waiter over there and tell him you're here for information. He'll handle the rest." She pointed toward a stern-faced man standing at the side of the tavern.
Kaito narrowed his eyes slightly. "He doesn't look much like a waiter."
"Trust me," Nami replied. "That's how you know it's real."
Kaito rose to his feet. "Thank you, Nami. I owe you one." He paused, then added, "If we meet again, I'll give you a Den Den Mushi. That way, you can contact me whenever you need to."
Nami quickly shook her head, flustered. "No, you've already done more than enough for me. Besides, you saved my village. Helping you with this is nothing compared to that."
Kaito smiled faintly. "Then we'll leave it at that. Until next time."
"Goodbye, Kaito," Nami said, her eyes lingering on him as he walked toward the waiter.