Loguetown
Two ships sail the sea, both flying a straw hat skull flag, one with a shark emblem—Straw Hat and Arlong Pirates. The weather's clear, spirits high.
On the Merry's deck, Luffy spots an island from the bow. "Island ahead!" he shouts, thrilled.
The crew buzzes. Nami joins him, shaking her head at his excitement. "Obviously, we're heading straight."
"You're amazing, Nami. I'd never make it," Luffy grins.
"No kidding," she smirks, unfazed. The navigation's simple; anyone but Luffy or Zoro could manage.
"What's the town?" Luffy asks.
"Loguetown. The town of beginnings and ends," Nami replies.
"Where the Pirate King died, right?"
"Yup. Famous in East Blue. Wanna see the execution platform?"
"Yeah!"
Luffy nods instantly, eyes on his dream. Loguetown was likely Kiri's idea, always protective of his captain.
Kiri's not on deck, nor are Silk and Sanji. Zoro naps by the railing, Usopp tinkers with weapons. The Merry's lively as ever.
Kiri emerges, holding Luffy's straw hat, now with a strap. "Captain's loud as usual. Almost there?"
"Hat done?" Luffy asks.
"Sturdy, so you won't lose it," Kiri says.
"Shishishi, thanks!" Luffy takes it, hanging it around his neck. It feels odd but secure.
Silk and Sanji appear with crepes. "Snack time! Crepes!" Silk announces.
"Our love's masterpiece. Eat every bite," Sanji adds.
"Woo!" Luffy grabs one, devouring it.
Silk distributes crepes, Sanji following. "Silk, give Nami one first. I'll handle the idiots," Sanji says.
"Haha, sure. Not yours?" Silk asks.
"She always eats mine. Let her try yours," Sanji replies.
Silk's crepes dominate her tray, made solo. She's improved under Sanji's teaching, boosting her confidence. Luffy's already scarfing them, but there's plenty.
Nami takes one, smiling at the sweetness. "Delicious, Silk."
"Hehe, not as good as Sanji's," Silk says.
"No, it's different but great. Thanks," Nami replies.
"Wanna cook sometime?" Silk asks.
"Nah, not my thing. Unless you're paying," Nami jokes.
"Same old Nami," Silk laughs, biting her crepe messily, mirroring Luffy.
Sanji and Usopp eat too. "Loguetown's got a Navy base, right?" Usopp asks.
"Yup, confirmed," Kiri replies.
Usopp pales. Their recent stunt—exposing Navy corruption—made Luffy and Kiri wanted men, with high bounties. A Navy base is trouble.
"Isn't that bad? We've got bounties! We'll get caught!" Usopp panics.
"No supplies if we avoid it. Gotta trust it'll work," Kiri says.
"Trust doesn't change reality! Luffy, pick another town!" Usopp pleads.
"Silk, seconds!" Luffy calls, ignoring him.
"Here," Silk hands him another.
"Listen!" Usopp yells.
Luffy's focused on crepes. Usopp turns to Kiri. "It's risky! Caution's free, right?"
"Fair point," Kiri agrees.
"A Navy base means we're screwed if spotted," Usopp insists.
"True," Kiri nods.
"So, another town? Like before?" Usopp suggests.
"No execution platform there," Kiri counters.
"It's just a symbol! Bad luck for pirates!" Usopp argues.
"You're embracing the pirate life. Nice," Kiri teases.
Usopp falters, grinning. "I beat Fishmen! Front-page news!"
"You're tougher now, researching weapons, right?" Kiri says.
"Duh! Who'll protect the crew?" Usopp boasts.
"Captain Usopp's got this. That photo with Luffy? Global fame," Kiri says.
"Haha! Soon the world'll fear me!" Usopp declares.
"Syrup Village knows you're a pirate," Kiri adds.
"Gotta make them proud…" Usopp says.
"So, Loguetown?" Kiri asks.
"Let's do it! I've got this!" Usopp laughs, won over.
Sanji, eating, grumbles, "That photo sucked. Bad photographer."
"Next time, better one," Zoro agrees.
"It's your bad smiles," Kiri teases.
Sanji glares. "Why'd you get a bounty? 20 million, too!"
"Vice-captain, you know," Kiri shrugs.
"Still!" Sanji fumes.
"Newspaper fame's enough for ladies," Kiri says.
"I'm not chasing girls!" Sanji snaps, then reconsiders. "But if they notice… can't help it."
Sanji's hyped, like Usopp. Zoro sighs, "Idiots."
"Happy crew," Kiri laughs.
"You've got them wrapped around your finger," Zoro mutters.
"Captain loves winging it," Kiri says.
"That's why I'm worried," Zoro replies.
"You were napping," Kiri points out.
Zoro glares, but Kiri just laughs. The calm sea and snacks keep the mood light as Loguetown nears.
Nami takes charge. "Time to plan. Money's not endless. Kiri, what's needed?"
"Sanji for food, Zoro for swords, Nami for navigation gear. Luffy's for the platform. Others help or free time," Kiri lists.
"Let's assign," Nami says. "I need a Log Pose and charting tools. Clothes too. Silk, join me?"
"Sure," Silk agrees.
"Zoro, you need swords, but you'll get lost. Usopp, babysit him," Nami orders.
"Me? I've got shopping too," Usopp protests.
"Do it before or after," Nami says.
"I'm fine alone," Zoro grumbles.
"Rejected. You got lost in tiny Cocoyashi," Nami snaps.
"Luffy, Kiri's your babysitter," Nami continues.
"Got it," Kiri says.
"Sanji, you're solo. Cool?" Nami asks.
"Trusted? No problem," Sanji replies.
"Done," Nami declares.
"Stay or go?" Nami asks Luffy.
"Let's go. Grand Line's waiting," Luffy says.
"Two hours, then meet at the Merry," Nami decides.
"Alright!" Luffy cheers.
Kiri checks Arlong's ship, quiet compared to the Merry. "Arlong, heading to town?"
"Nah, we're guarding," Hachi replies.
"Watch the Merry too," Kiri says.
"No sinking. Arlong says no moves till he beats Straw Hat," Hachi says.
"Shut it, Hachi!" Arlong barks.
Kiri laughs, trusting them. The island looms closer, excitement rising.
"Only issue's Smoker, the White Hunter. Hope it's smooth… probably not," Kiri mutters.
"What!?" Usopp panics.
"Let's go. It'll work out," Kiri says.
"To town! Then the Grand Line!" Luffy roars, fists raised.
The crew cheers. The Merry docks at a rocky shore near Loguetown, East Blue's last stop.
The town of beginnings and ends awaits.