It took three full days to reach the next island after abandoning the Log Pose's guidance.
As they approached, night had fallen. The Going Merry followed a small, roofed boat through thick fog, the island's silhouette gradually emerging. The crew's curiosity was palpable, their eyes wide with wonder at the strange, captivating vista.
It was like gazing at Reverse Mountain.
The island featured several canals, with water flowing from a high peak down to the sea. The mountain loomed tall, its summit shaped like a dish, likely the source of the cascading streams.
At its base sprawled a sprawling town, its lively clamor audible even from a distance, hinting at a raucous atmosphere.
From the Merry, Luffy's eyes sparkled with excitement. The noisy scene reminded him of a pirate's feast, and his enthusiasm was infectious, his body practically leaning forward, eager to set foot on land. The rest of the crew shared his intrigue, their gazes fixed on the island.
Kiri, watching the approaching shore, let a relaxed smile spread across his face. His explanation began, tinged with enthusiasm.
"The Grand Line has a few places called pirate havens," he said. "They're not all called Pirate Island, but this is one of them. Only pirates can reach it."
"Why only pirates?" Luffy asked, perched on the figurehead.
"You need a guide's help to get here," Kiri said.
"Oh, that old lady?" Luffy said.
"And the guides only lead pirates," Kiri continued. "Stowaways might sneak in, but the Navy or bounty hunters? Even if they miraculously found it, they couldn't set foot here."
"Cool," Luffy said, nodding, his understanding vague but sufficient. Kiri chuckled, letting it slide.
Nami, the navigator, seized the chance to clarify her doubts. "What about the Log Pose?" she asked. "You don't need a guide if you follow it, right?"
"Not here," Kiri said. "This island doesn't register on a Log Pose."
"No log?" Nami said, stunned.
"Yep. And the island's always moving," Kiri said. "It's never in the same place twice, so charts are useless. Log-based navigation doesn't work here."
"There's an island like that?" Nami said, incredulous. "That's insane."
Kiri's smile widened as Nami's confusion grew, but he wasn't done. "You could theoretically get here without a guide or log, but that's a method you never use here," he said. "Keep that in mind."
"Why not?" Nami asked. "Sounds easier. No payment needed."
"The guide isn't just for navigation," Kiri said. "Their presence is your ticket in. A ship without one gets sunk—turned to sea dust by the island's guardian."
"Guardian?" Nami said. "You don't mean an actual god, right? Who cares about that? Is it even real?"
"Who knows?" Kiri said. "Few know the guardian's true nature. Anyone who sees it gets dealt with."
The chilling tale made Nami and Usopp pale, their spines tingling. An unknown entity stirred primal fear. Kiri glanced at them, teasing, "Wanna test it? Think you can take on a sea-dwelling guardian?"
"N-no thanks!" Nami stammered. "I'll pass!"
"Y-yeah!" Usopp added. "I mean, with Captain Usopp here, there's no need to worry, but we've got better things to do!"
"Glad you think so," Kiri said. "Honestly, I don't fancy our chances."
Their frantic denials wrapped up the guardian topic, but Kiri had more to say about the island. "We're getting close, so listen up about how to handle this place," he said. "There are no rules here. Everyone's a pirate, so there's no law. That makes it dangerous."
"You just glossed over that?!" Usopp shouted. "What kind of danger?!"
"It's a place where anything goes," Kiri said. "Robbery, assault, murder—name it, it's fair game. Only those who can protect themselves set foot here."
"I propose we turn back now!" Usopp yelled. "This place is too dangerous!"
Kiri shot him down instantly. "No can do. We've got business here. Plus, it's too late."
"Damn it!" Usopp wailed. "I wanted to live longer!"
"You're not doomed," Kiri said. "But there are three unspoken rules you can't break. Everything else is fine, but break these, and every pirate on the island turns on you."
"Every pirate?" Usopp said. "This place is crawling with them!"
"Exactly," Kiri said. "It's a lynching. So be careful."
He raised a finger for each rule, the crew listening intently. "First, don't harm the guides," he said. "No attacking them."
"No one's gonna attack an old lady," Zoro muttered.
"Second, especially for Nami—don't touch other ships," Kiri said. "The port's full of pirate vessels. No attacking or stealing their food or treasure."
"Got that, Nami?" Usopp said sternly.
"Don't single me out!" Nami snapped. "I get it, okay?"
Usopp's fear matched Nami's, though she hid her reluctance poorly. The crew relaxed briefly at their familiar bickering, but Kiri raised a third finger. "Last, don't enter the island's depths," he said. "I don't fully know what that means, but there's a restricted area. Rumor is, it's guarded, so you can't just stroll in. Listen to the guards."
"What happens if you do?" Luffy asked.
"No idea," Kiri said. "But the guards make sure it's not easy. Just do what they say."
"Got it," Luffy said, turning back to the town with a grin. Details didn't matter—he'd see it for himself. Kiri's warnings couldn't curb his bubbling curiosity, his face now alight with adventure.
The Merry pierced the fog, drawing closer. The town's lights blazed, defying the night, the noise growing louder.
A pirate haven. Luffy's body thrummed with anticipation.
"This place looks fun!" he said, laughing. "Shishishi, I'm pumped!"
"Trouble's brewing," Nami muttered.
"Luffy, please don't go too wild!" Usopp pleaded. "This place is crawling with pirates!"
"So, a mountain of 'em, huh?" Luffy said, eyes gleaming.
"Oh no, his eyes are sparkling!" Usopp cried. "Kiri, I'm getting bad vibes!"
"Can't stop him," Kiri said. "Might as well give up."
"No way!" Usopp wailed.
Luffy's deaf ears only fueled his excitement, clearly ready to stir chaos the moment they landed. Usopp's pleas grew louder, desperate to keep him in check.
Kiri turned to the crew, shifting gears. They'd reached their destination; now they needed a plan. With a hint of tension, he scanned their attentive faces, his calm demeanor betraying a spark of excitement, as if returning to familiar ground. "We're here to get an Eternal Pose to Alabasta," he said. "There's a shop that sells them. If we avoid trouble, we should be fine."
"Split up once we're there?" Sanji asked.
"Yeah," Kiri said. "I've got some business too, and Luffy needs a chaperone. We'll probably split into three groups. Let's decide now."
Nodding at Sanji's question, Kiri scanned the crew, then pulled out a set of lots. "Let's draw," he said. "Red's for Luffy's group, white's for getting the Eternal Pose. I'm fine alone, but Zoro, you're with me."
"Me?" Zoro said.
"Got reasons," Kiri said. "Everyone else, draw."
Zoro skipped the draw, singled out for Kiri's unspecified errand. As the others grabbed their lots, Vivi and Igaram stood, visibly confused.
"Um, Kiri," Vivi said, "what about us?"
"You're in," Kiri said. "You're out of your kingdom—experience everything."
"But a pirate-filled island?" Igaram protested. "It's too dangerous for Lady Vivi!"
"Our crew's got her back," Kiri said. "No worries."
"On what grounds?!" Igaram demanded.
"I know this place well," Kiri said. "Looks rough, but there are decent folks here."
"Not everyone!" Igaram insisted.
Igaram's protectiveness, evident over the three-day voyage, bordered on paranoia. He'd fretted when Vivi climbed the mainmast with Luffy, fearing a giant bird might snatch her; panicked when she fished with Usopp and Sanji, imagining a massive fish dragging her away; and even worried about snipers when she relaxed with Nami and Silk. His overbearing concern, likely tied to their dangerous Baroque Works infiltration, was relentless.
Vivi, accustomed to it, gave a wry smile, her unease fading. "It's fine, Igaram," she said. "These people seem trustworthy, and I've been trained through our mission. I can handle myself."
"But, Lady Vivi, what if—!" Igaram began.
"You worry too much," Nami cut in. "It's like you don't trust her."
"Yeah," Silk added. "We get it, but have a little faith in her."
Nami and Silk's words silenced Igaram, who realized his concern implied a lack of trust in Vivi's strength. It wasn't his intent, but he couldn't argue.
Reluctantly, he nodded, though his protests persisted. "Fine," he said, "but please, let me guard her! I'll accept the draw, but put us together!"
"No dice," Kiri said. "The draw's gotta be fair."
"But my duty as her guard—!" Igaram pleaded.
"Luck's all you've got," Kiri said. "Everyone, grab one. On three."
Kiri's casual dismissal prompted Vivi and Igaram to hastily grab lots. At his signal, they drew.
The results were immediate. Red lots, for Luffy's group, went to Usopp, Nami, and Vivi. Usopp and Nami, knowing Luffy's chaos, looked despairing, while Vivi, unaware of his recklessness, seemed puzzled by their reaction. Her three days with him painted him as boyish, not dangerous.
"Is being with Luffy good or bad?" Vivi asked hesitantly.
"Bad, obviously," Nami said. "Nothing doesn't happen with him."
"Ugh, my chest hurts!" Usopp groaned. "I've got a disease that forbids island visits—"
"Is that true, Usopp?" Vivi asked, concerned, rubbing his back.
"It's a lie, Vivi," Nami said coldly. "Ignore him. He's always fine."
Usopp clutched his chest dramatically, but Nami's dismissal was routine. White lots, for the Eternal Pose group, went to Silk, Sanji, and Igaram. Silk took it in stride, Sanji mourned missing Nami and Vivi but cheered at being with Silk, and Igaram stared at his lot, nearly in tears with worry.
"We'll grab the Eternal Pose," Silk said. "Got it."
"No Nami-san or Vivi-chan," Sanji sighed, "but I'm relieved to be with you, Silk-chan. Don't worry—I'll protect you!"
"No!" Igaram wailed. "This can't be! Please, let me guard Lady Vivi!"
"Shut it, old man," Sanji snapped. "Relax. Luffy's got her covered."
Sanji reined in Igaram's outburst, and Silk gave a wry smile. Igaram's worry lingered, but Silk and Sanji were level-headed, reliable for solo tasks.
Zoro, left with Kiri, would follow his lead. The island loomed closer.
"Get ready to dock!" Luffy shouted from the figurehead.
"Captain's orders," Kiri said. "Let's move."
The Merry reached the port smoothly, docking without a hitch. Luffy, buzzing with excitement, was held back by Kiri, barely restraining himself. Turning to Vivi with a playful grin, Kiri said, "Welcome to Pirate Island Hannabal, Princess."
He offered a hand, and Vivi stepped ashore first, stunned by the scene. It was a world apart from Alabasta. Stone buildings lined the streets, men caroused with liquor and women, women teased for coin, shouts of violence and screams mingled with the occasional explosion. A world ruled by chaos and desire, yet not without its own allure.
Pirates, a rare sight in Alabasta, filled every corner. The sheer madness overwhelmed Vivi, leaving her speechless.
The crew disembarked, each reacting to the clamor. Luffy, Kiri, and Silk grinned at the chaotic energy; Nami and Usopp betrayed faint unease; Sanji reveled in the freedom, eyeing the women; and Zoro, sensing battle, wore a feral smile.
The noise was deafening. Igaram's anxiety spiked, but no one paid him mind, their focus on the town. Luffy, ready to bolt, ignored any caution.
"This place is too wild for Lady Vivi!" Igaram cried. "I must protect her—!"
"This is gonna be awesome!" Luffy said. "Let's eat first. Any good spots?"
"The biggest tavern in town," Kiri said. "Nami, I marked it on the map."
"Wait, listen!" Igaram shouted. "I need to guard Lady Vivi—!"
"Let's go, Vivi!" Luffy said, grabbing her hand. "Meat time!"
"Uh, okay!" Vivi said, startled.
Luffy dashed off, half-running, with Nami and Usopp scrambling to keep up. Igaram watched Vivi's retreating figure, tears streaming as he wailed, "Lady Vivi?!"
"Annoying old man," Zoro muttered. "Kiri, where're we going?"
"Hang on," Kiri said, scanning the port. "Looking for someone… There."
He spotted a figure on a barrel—a kid in tattered clothes, cap pulled low. "Anita," Kiri called, raising a hand.
"Hey, Kiri-nii!" the kid replied, hopping off and approaching.
Short pink hair framed a cute yet cheeky face, with a boyish demeanor but a higher-pitched voice, hinting at a girl. The androgynous kid exuded confidence, a perfect fit for this island.
Clearly Kiri's acquaintance, Anita's grumpy expression barely hid excitement. Kiri ruffled her cap, and though she pouted, she leaned into it, feigning annoyance. Kiri's smile grew.
"Why're you here?" Anita asked. "Haven't seen you in ages."
"Was in the East Blue," Kiri said. "Long story."
"I know," Anita said. "Saw your wanted poster and the papers. Having fun without me?"
"You mad?" Kiri teased.
"Not really," Anita huffed.
"Haha, sorry," Kiri said. "I'll hear your complaints later, but I need a favor."
"A job?" Anita asked.
Kiri glanced at Silk, Sanji, and Igaram. Anita followed his gaze, her face tightening slightly. "My crew," Kiri said. "Can you guide them to the navigation shop?"
"You said you were done with pirating," Anita muttered.
"Still sulking?" Kiri said.
"I'm not," Anita insisted.
"Things happened," Kiri said. "We'll talk later."
Anita sighed dramatically, stepping away from Kiri to face the trio with a scowl. "This way," she said. "Follow me."
"Who's she?" Silk asked.
"A friend," Kiri said. "Grumpy but reliable."
"Shut up," Anita snapped.
"Cheeky kid," Zoro said. "Got guts, though."
Anita led the way, Sanji dragging a protesting Igaram, with Silk trailing behind. Kiri called after them, "She's a girl, Sanji, just so you know."
"Huh?" Sanji said.
"Don't say 'just'!" Anita snapped.
"She's tough, though," Kiri said. "No need to protect her. Everyone here's strong—nobody dies easy. You're good."
"A kid like that?" Sanji said. "Guess you gotta be tough to live here."
Anita guided the trio into the town, their figures swallowed by the bustling crowd. Only Kiri and Zoro remained.
Zoro, arms crossed, waited boredly, unfazed by Kiri's gaze. Finally, it was their turn to move, no words needed as they started walking.
"Let's go," Kiri said.
"Where to?" Zoro asked. "You haven't said."
"Need something," Kiri said. "Got a usual spot in mind."
"Usual spot, huh?" Zoro said.
"Used to come here a lot," Kiri said. "Know a few folks. Want intros?"
"Nah," Zoro said, shaking his head.
The conversation paused, Kiri sharing tidbits about the island as they walked, the mood light. The Straw Hats, now split, plunged into the increasingly chaotic Pirate Island Hannabal. The night's clamor grew, amplified by the stillness, their smiles reflecting the town's wild energy.
--+--
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
If you want to see it, then why not?