Night was closing in fast.
The crew, after rushing through their preparations, was ready to leave Twin Cape without delay. As they boarded the ship, Luffy waved goodbye to Laboon.
"See ya, Laboon!" he shouted. "Listen up—I'm definitely gonna become the Pirate King! Once we've sailed around the world, I'll bring Brook back from the other side of the mountain. Don't forget us till then!"
Laboon let out a massive cry, as if promising he wouldn't. Luffy grinned, chuckling with a shrug.
Everything was set for departure. The crew was aboard, the log had been recorded, and Nami had checked the Log Pose. The next route was decided, and it was time to set sail. On the shore, the crew met Crocus's gaze, offering smiles as they prepared to say farewell.
"No need to rush," Crocus said. "Sure you're okay with those strangers?"
"Hm? Oh, those guys?" Luffy replied, glancing at Mr. 9 and Miss Wednesday.
"This is the only place where you can freely choose your route," Crocus warned. "You might regret your pick."
"If that happens, we'll just circle back around!" Luffy said. "Don't sweat the small stuff."
Crocus chuckled. "Fair enough."
The Going Merry carried the suspicious duo, Mr. 9 and Miss Wednesday, who'd hitched a ride to their town. It wasn't exactly a noble reason to choose a route, but Luffy laughed it off without a hint of regret.
Taking a risk for strangers he didn't trust could seem reckless, but Crocus didn't see it that way. If anything, he seemed to take a liking to Luffy's boldness.
"It's your path," Crocus said. "Do what you want. And if you're a pirate, do it to the fullest."
"You bet!" Luffy raised a fist, grinning wide.
The crew sprang into action, and the Going Merry set sail, with Arlong's ship moving alongside. Luffy waved one last time to Crocus and Laboon. As Crocus watched them go, a bright smile crossed his face, his words a quiet murmur not meant for the crew but for someone absent. "Are they… the pirates we've been waiting for? What a peculiar aura that man has. What do you think, Roger?"
His soft whisper faded into the air, unheard by Luffy and the others.
Laboon's cries echoed into the sky as the ships pulled away. It wasn't until they'd gained some distance that Luffy leaned over the railing, spotting Arlong's ship nearby and calling out, "Hey, Arlong! Don't cause too much trouble, got it? If something goes down, we'll come for you!"
"Shut up!" Arlong snapped. "Don't order me around!"
"Don't worry, Straw Hat!" Hachi chimed in. "Arlong's only after pirates—he's not into plundering!"
"Don't spill my plans, Hachi!" Arlong roared. "Pipe down!"
"Shishishi!" Luffy laughed. "Got it."
Arlong had chosen a different route from the seven available, and his ship soon veered away from the Merry. Luffy, unfazed, waved them off cheerfully. They weren't exactly friends, but he figured it'd be fine. No real reason—just a gut feeling. Turning to the crew on deck, he took in the scene.
With Mr. 9 and Miss Wednesday now aboard, everyone was doing their own thing. The Grand Line was said to be toughest at the start, but no signs of trouble had surfaced yet. Naturally, the crew's attention drifted to the uneasy newcomers.
Sanji, in particular, stood out, his face practically glowing with infatuation. He approached Miss Wednesday with an odd, dance-like step, his voice dripping with flair. "Oh, Miss Wednesday, what a vision you are! Like a flower blooming in a spring meadow, and I, the breeze racing across the plains. Isn't this meeting a miracle?"
"Uh… huh?" Miss Wednesday mumbled, caught off guard.
"But our encounter was fated," Sanji continued. "The breeze pauses at the sight of a single flower, captivated by its beauty. It was inevitable that I'd stop for you. I came to this sea to—"
"Idiot," Zoro muttered.
"WHAT?!" Sanji snapped.
The two immediately clashed, swords meeting kicks in a flurry. Silk frowned, trying to intervene. "Stop it, both of you! You'll damage the Merry!"
"Let them be," Nami said. "They're not gonna kill each other."
"Ugh…" Silk sighed.
"The real issue is these two," Nami said, eyeing Mr. 9 and Miss Wednesday. "Since you're on our ship, mind telling us what you're after?"
Silk's attempt to stop the fight was brushed off as Nami resumed her interrogation. She wasn't one to leap into danger—she'd admit to being cautious herself. If there was a way to avoid trouble, she'd take it.
Her sharp gaze locked onto the pair, ready to press them further. But Luffy cut in. "Does it matter? We'll find out when we get there."
"Are you seriously okay trusting them?" Nami said. "You picked our route on a whim! It's risky!"
"Is it?" Luffy said. "No matter what comes, I'll handle it."
"Sure, you will," Nami groaned. "But I'm a coward. I don't do danger."
"Don't worry," Luffy said. "I'll protect you."
"Ugh, fine!" Nami threw up her hands. "You never listen anyway!"
Luffy's stubbornness wore her down, and she gave up arguing. Sighing, she resigned herself to his decision. For a moment, she understood why Kiri often took things in stride.
With Sanji and Zoro brawling and Nami backing off, Mr. 9 and Miss Wednesday saw their chance. They huddled together, whispering nervously. They'd felt their lives were at stake. Their plan had worked—they'd lured the crew to their town—but Nami sniffing them out so soon was unexpected. Their sloppy cover story had unraveled, and they couldn't predict what would happen next. They were rattled.
"What do you think, Mr. 9?" Miss Wednesday whispered. "Is it safe to stick with them?"
"Hmm, no choice," Mr. 9 replied. "This is a critical mission. We can't back out, and failure's not an option. It's top priority."
"Right," she said. "If we mess this up, we're done for."
"We'll make it work," Mr. 9 said. "Once we reach town, we'll figure it out. This is our moment."
"What're you whispering about?" Nami snapped, her sharp eyes catching them.
"Eek!" The pair jumped apart, bowing in panic. "N-nothing!" Mr. 9 stammered. "Nothing to put you in danger, we swear!"
"Yeah, right," Nami said. "You're not fooling me."
"Hey, Nami, look!" Luffy called. "It's snowing!"
With no progress, Nami gave up—for now. Following Luffy's cheerful voice, she looked up. Sure enough, snowflakes were falling, a sudden shift from the clear skies earlier. Thick clouds had rolled in.
"It was sunny just a minute ago," Nami muttered, her face tightening. "Why's it snowing?"
"You guys new to the Grand Line?" Miss Wednesday asked, glancing at Nami.
"Yeah, so what?" Nami replied, eyeing her warily but forcing a smile.
"Then listen up," Miss Wednesday said. "Don't apply your common sense here. Even veterans who've spent years in these seas can't let their guard down. Clinging to assumptions will get you in trouble. Trust yourself as little as possible."
"Hmph, thanks for the advice," Nami said. "But I don't need your concern." She paused, checking the Log Pose. "And of course we're heading straight for Whiskey Peak. I just checked—"
Her eyes widened in shock. The needle, though steady, was pointing slightly off from their current course. Somehow, they'd veered off track.
"No way!" Nami gasped. "How?!"
"Told you," Miss Wednesday said. "This sea's unpredictable. Currents, weather—it all changes in an instant. The first stretch is especially chaotic."
"Nami, something wrong?" Sanji asked.
"Turn the helm!" Nami shouted. "We're drifting left! We'll miss the island!"
The deck erupted into chaos. Nami's precise orders guided the crew to correct the Merry's course, but the unpredictable environment kept them on edge. The Grand Line's volatility was relentless.
Usopp, staring at the sea, noticed another shift. "Nami, the wind's changed! The snow's gone!"
"What?" Nami said. "It just started!"
"Spring breeze, huh?" Zoro said, arms crossed, grinning casually.
"Are you serious?!" Nami yelled. "This is no time for that!"
As she scrambled to assess the situation, the Grand Line's bizarre weather threw more curveballs. Even Nami's quick judgment couldn't keep up with the rapid changes, especially with the crew's constant reports.
"Nami, strong winds ahead!" Silk called.
"Fold the sails!" Nami ordered. "They'll tear!"
"Nami-saaan!" Sanji shouted. "Sudden downpour!"
"I can see that!" Nami snapped.
"Trouble!" Usopp yelled. "Kiri's down again from the rain!"
"Throw him in the cabin!" Nami said.
"Hey, Nami!" Luffy piped up. "There's a tasty-looking fish! Let's catch it!"
"Shut up!" Nami roared.
The deck became a whirlwind of activity, with the crew—and even Mr. 9 and Miss Wednesday, now roped into helping—running around frantically. Night was nearing, and the sun was sinking. The darkening sky made the voyage feel increasingly perilous, and their anxiety grew. The Grand Line's first leg was proving to be a chaotic ride.
Hours later, night had fallen.
After a grueling battle with the elements, the crew spotted the lights of a town: Whiskey Peak, on Cactus Island. Massive cacti loomed over the landscape, their eerie presence undeniable. The town, nestled by the port, was a lively contrast, buzzing with energy even from a distance.
Luffy, perched cross-legged on the figurehead, let out an awed exclamation. "That's the hospitality town? Looks like a blast!"
Unable to contain his excitement, his body practically vibrated with anticipation. He glanced back at the deck, where his exhausted crew lay sprawled, worn out from the chaotic voyage.
"We're here, guys!" Luffy called. "Hospitality town! Time for a feast!"
No one responded—they were too drained. Luffy, still brimming with energy, seemed puzzled by their state. "How's he so lively?" Nami muttered, her voice laced with resentment. "He worked as hard as us, didn't he?"
"Don't compare yourself to him," Usopp said, exhausted. "He's a monster."
"But we made it through," Silk said. "Let's rest tonight. It's late."
Nami's irritation and Usopp's fatigue gave way to Silk's calm resolution. Staying the night in town was a given. Nearby, Mr. 9 and Miss Wednesday lay just as spent, part of the weary circle. Zoro and Sanji, though tired, seemed less affected, their stamina holding strong as they silently eyed the town.
The deck had grown quiet, a stark contrast to earlier. The cabin door opened, and Kiri emerged. The rain had knocked him out earlier, and he'd been tossed around by the ship's rocking, crashing into walls but somehow unharmed. Not fully recovered, he walked with steady steps, offering a smile to the worn-out crew.
"Good work, everyone," Kiri said. "Sorry I couldn't help."
"Seriously," Nami said, glaring. "Fix that weakness of yours already."
"I'd love to," Kiri replied, "but it's not that simple."
"Kiri, look!" Luffy said. "Hospitality town! Time for a feast!"
"Same old Luffy," Kiri said, chuckling. "Already in party mode."
Ignoring Nami's sharp look, Kiri moved lightly across the deck, joining Luffy at the figurehead. He leaned on the railing, gazing at the same view. The town's lights cut through the darkness, their glow amplified by the night. Fresh off a grueling voyage, the sight stirred an overwhelming sense of joy. Luffy and Kiri, unfazed by fatigue, beamed with excitement.
"Check out those giant cacti!" Luffy said. "They're huge!"
"They're the island's signature," Kiri said. "First thing you notice."
"You been here before?" Luffy asked.
"Not exactly," Kiri said. "I know of it, but my crew picked a different island back then."
"Huh," Luffy said.
Something was off about Kiri today, and Luffy had noticed. Yet, instead of calling it out, he kept the conversation casual, as always. Kiri, sensing this, relaxed his shoulders. Talking naturally came easier with Luffy.
"Hey, Luffy," Kiri said quietly, his tone different. "This island's probably gonna be trouble."
"Huh? Why?" Luffy asked.
"Just a feeling," Kiri said. "But don't worry—Zoro'll handle it. He's itching to test his swords."
"Cool," Luffy said.
"You'll get your welcome," Kiri added. "Just have fun. I'll keep the others in the dark and handle the grunt work."
"Got it," Luffy said. "I'm leaving it to you."
Luffy flashed a grin, and Kiri's eyes softened, a hint of sadness in his smile. "Luffy," he said.
"Yeah?"
Kiri looked out at the night sea, then spoke softly. "I… personally, I see myself as your crewmate."
"Duh," Luffy said. "Obviously."
"Yeah," Kiri said, nodding.
Their eyes met. For once, Luffy's grin faded, recognizing the weight in Kiri's words. Kiri's smile held a rare seriousness, one Luffy hadn't seen before.
"But keeping me on this ship might drag you into danger," Kiri said. "We could face enemies most would flee from. Even so… is it okay if I stay?"
"Of course," Luffy said. "You're my crew. I chose you."
He didn't hesitate, his usual grin returning as he answered. Kiri gave a wry smile, nodding slightly. Taking a breath, he gazed at the approaching town. No more doubts escaped his lips, though his caution lingered. The reluctance to share details felt off, but Luffy didn't press. Kiri was still wrestling with something, and Luffy chose to listen, not pry.
"Then I'll fight for you," Kiri said. "I'll protect this crew."
"Sweet!" Luffy said.
"When things settle," Kiri continued, "I'll tell you everything. It'll probably cause trouble. If you're still willing to keep me after that… maybe then I can really be your crewmate."
His smile vanished, his expression heavy with meaning Luffy didn't fully grasp. Kiri still held back the details. Luffy stayed silent for a moment, then met his gaze head-on. "Whatever you're thinking, whoever's got a problem with it—Kiri, you're my crew. We made that promise. It's not about 'letting' you stay or not anymore."
"Haha, true," Kiri said, laughing softly.
"But if someone else claims you as their crew," Luffy added, turning to the town as the Merry neared the port, sails folding as they drifted with the current, "I'll beat 'em and take you back. I'm not giving up."
"…Got it," Kiri said, a faint smile returning. He stepped away quietly, returning to the deck. Passing the recovering crew, he approached Zoro and whispered something, out of earshot of the others, who were caught up in the town's lively cheers.
Soon after, the Going Merry came to a stop. Safely docked at the port, the voyage ended without a scratch. Luffy was the first to leap off, jumping from the figurehead to the dock, taking in the vibrant town. The "hospitality town" lived up to its name—crowds cheered the Merry's arrival with beaming smiles. No reason was needed; the arrival of guests sparked this energy. A wave of people greeted them, led by a distinctive man.
Dressed in a black suit with a bow tie, he carried a gentle, gentlemanly air. His most striking feature was his tightly curled hair, which immediately caught Luffy's eye. Before introductions or questions, Luffy blurted out his first thought. "Welcome, travelers," the man said. "I'm Igarappoi, mayor of Whiskey Peak."
"Man, your hair's super curly!" Luffy said.
"This town loves a good party," Igarappoi continued, unfazed. "We throw feasts at the drop of a hat—sometimes to my chagrin—but we welcome all guests, no matter who they are. Care to join us for a banquet, with your adventures as the centerpiece?"
His warm smile met Luffy's instant enthusiasm. Raising a fist, Luffy didn't hesitate. "Count me in!"
His booming voice carried, and the crew nodded in agreement. Exhausted, they welcomed the break. Except for Kiri and Zoro, who hung back, the group returned the townsfolk's smiles. Mr. 9 and Miss Wednesday, quick to disembark, darted behind a building, their movements blatantly suspicious, betraying their unease.
Out of sight, they exhaled in relief, catching their breath. Ignoring their fatigue, they glanced back at the Straw Hats. "Phew," Mr. 9 said. "Phase one complete."
"We got them to the town," Miss Wednesday said.
"Now we wait for the right moment," Mr. 9 added.
"And capture them cleanly," she said.
"Make sure they're out cold, Mr. 8," Mr. 9 said.
With that, they slipped away, heading to their hideout to report and prepare for the next step.
--+--
T/N: Although I'm an inexperienced Editor, I do have a Patreon account! Although it seems like I don't have many supporters right now, my webnovel will be released in full every day, and the advanced chapters will be uploaded to Patreon.
It may not be worth it now, but who knows, it might be different in the future. Who knows!
patreon.com/Greyhounds
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