The sun rose slow and golden across the waves.
The Going Merry creaked gently as it sliced through the morning sea. Gulls circled above. The sails caught the wind like wings. Luffy stood on the prow of the ship, arms wide.
"LOGUETOWN, HERE WE COME!!"
Usopp stumbled out of the cabin, half-asleep. "Isn't that where that Gold Roger guy got executed?"
Zoro leaned against the mast. "The place where it all started."
Nami adjusted the wheel, calm but focused. "It's the last stop before the Grand Line. If any of you want supplies, now's the time."
Sanji exhaled a puff of smoke, one leg crossed over the other. "I'm only looking for rare spices… and beautiful women."
Rex stood quietly at the back of the ship, watching the island draw closer.
He said nothing.
But his eyes narrowed slightly.
Because Loguetown wasn't just any place.
It was a crossroads.
For dreamers.
For fools.
For kings.
Loguetown – The Shoreline
The city rose tall behind its stone port walls — a place of brick, smoke, noise, and memory. Crowds flowed in and out of the gates. Vendors yelled from stalls. Marines patrolled openly. The scent of grilled fish and old metal filled the air.
Nami tossed a pouch of coins to Luffy. "Don't get distracted."
"I'm gonna go see the execution platform!" he said, eyes blazing.
"Idiot," she muttered.
Zoro shrugged. "I'll find a new sword."
Sanji adjusted his tie. "Leave the women to me."
Usopp shouted, "I'll… I'll go look for goggles!"
Rex turned slightly. "I'll scout."
Nami looked over. "You sure?"
He nodded once.
She handed him a folded note. "Pick up these herbs if you pass the alchemist quarter."
He took it without a word and stepped into the crowd.
Elsewhere – Loguetown Market
The town buzzed with life.
Rex weaved through vendors and musicians, eyes sharp under his calm exterior.
He watched Marines move.
Watched civilians trade.
Watched the execution platform looming in the distance like a reminder.
The place where the Pirate King died.
Where Luffy would one day return.
[…Target mood: stable. Environmental danger: low. Local command structure: Marine Captain Smoker. Caution recommended.]
Smoker.
That name echoed in the air like smoke on the wind.
Rex kept walking.
Then paused.
A bakery window caught his reflection.
He looked into his own eyes for a moment.
Then turned away.
He wasn't here to look back.
He was here to walk forward.
With them.
With the crew.
And soon… into the Grand Line.