"This tree covers quite a large area..." Usopp remarked as he looked around. "We've been walking for so long and still haven't left its shade."
"Otherwise, why would it be called a small island?" Hachi laughed.
"How many years have these trees lived?"
"That's unclear," Hachi shook his head. "But they've been here for a very, very long time."
For an archipelago that had existed for ages, no one knew exactly when it first appeared. As far as he could remember, these islands had always been here.
"For a Red Tree to grow this big... it must be at least several hundred years old," Meiser said.
"Who knows?"
"Hahaha, does it even matter?" Luffy grinned. "Hachi, is there anything good to eat inside?"
"Oh, that?" Hachi chuckled. "The area we're passing through is the shopping district, so of course there's food."
"Shopping district?"
Nico Robin and Nami exchanged glances before smiling in unison.
Shopping was practically second nature to women—whenever they came across a commercial street, they naturally had to explore it.
"By the way, you all must treat Camie and me as ordinary humans," Hachi said seriously. "Please remember this—we are neither Fish-men nor Merfolk."
"Why?"
Luffy looked at Hachi in confusion, not understanding why he suddenly brought this up.
"Luffy, have you forgotten about those people who tried to capture Camie earlier?" Meiser said. "If our identities are exposed, they might be targeted again."
As he spoke, Meiser glanced at Camie. The reason she couldn't go to the amusement park was probably the same—a place filled with all sorts of people would make her an easy target for traffickers.
Hearing Meiser's explanation, Luffy paused for a moment before nodding. "Got it."
"Good."
Seeing Luffy agree, Hachi sighed in relief.
If it were revealed that he and Camie were from the Fish-Man race, countless people would come after them. Not only would that put them in danger, but it would also cause trouble for the Straw Hat Boy and his crew—something Hachi definitely didn't want.
Soon, they arrived at the shopping district.
"Wow, this place is amazing!"
Chopper gaped at the bustling commercial street lined with shops in the distance.
"It really is a great place~"
"Hey, what's that over there?"
Luffy pointed at a nearby Bubble Car shop. "What's a Bubble Car?"
"It's a unique mode of transportation in the Sabaody Archipelago," Hachi explained with a smile. "Want to try it?"
"Yes, yes!"
Before anyone could respond, Luffy dashed off in excitement.
Coming to a new place and not trying its specialties would be a waste!
"Boss, give me one Bubble Car!"
"Ah!"
"You've got excellent taste, sir!" The shopkeeper fawned with a merchant's grin. "The Bubble Cars here are top-notch!"
"How do I use this thing?"
"First, climb into this bubble, then place the Bubble Car inside."
Following the shopkeeper's instructions, Luffy eyed the bubble before attempting to squeeze himself in.
"That's right, just like that~" The shopkeeper chuckled. "Give it your best, customer."
As Luffy climbed into the bubble, the shopkeeper brought out a Bubble Car and placed it inside, saying, "Just pedal this bicycle and you can move forward."
Luffy tried it and was surprised to find it actually worked!
"Hahaha, this is so fun!"
"Ahahaha, glad you like it, customer."
While speaking, the shopkeeper glanced at the group following Luffy, a shrewd glint flashing in his eyes.
His expression seemed to say... fresh prey spotted!
"This guy seems to think we're easy targets," Meiser remarked.
"Easy targets?"
Nami's eyes widened. "No one's ever gotten the better of me in a deal!"
With that, Nami stormed over, making the shopkeeper's eyelid twitch.
Seems... she's not someone to be trifled with.
Glancing at Luffy floating around nearby, Nami turned to the shopkeeper. "How much for this thing?"
"Ah... purchasing one costs 10,000."
"10,000?!"
"You might as well rob us!"
A rickety little wooden cart plus a bubble that costs nothing... worth 10,000 Berries?
This business model is practically daylight robbery.
Robbery isn't even this fast... the shopkeeper thought to himself.
If every customer bought his Bubble Cars, he'd make money faster than any thief could steal.
Clearing his throat, the shopkeeper said, "If you don't want to buy, you can rent one for 500 Berries per day."
"That's more like it," Nami snorted.
She remembered Hachi's warning—these bubbles would burst once they left Sabaody Archipelago.
Meaning these so-called Bubble Cars couldn't be used anywhere else!
With that in mind, spending 10,000 Berries to buy one would be downright foolish.
"Right, renting is fine," Hachi nodded. "Shopkeeper, we'll take four."
"Very well."
Clearly recognizing Hachi as a local, the shopkeeper stopped pushing the sale.
Angering him could lead to trouble.
"Why rent?" Luffy complained as he rode back. "I want to buy one to take home."
Hachi: ???
Had his earlier explanation gone in one ear and out the other?
"Weren't you listening to Hachi?" Nami said. "Once we leave this island, the bubbles will mysteriously burst, just like you saw earlier."
"Eh?!"
Luffy gaped at Nami. "That's how it works?!"
"Then I won't buy one."
Soon, four Bubble Cars were handed to Hachi. After paying 2,500 Berries, the group left.
Glancing back at the receding shop, Usopp, riding his Bubble Car, remarked, "Even though renting costs 500 Berries per car... what if someone doesn't return it?"
Wouldn't they just get a free car?
"Eh?!"
Hachi, mid-pedal, froze. He'd never considered that possibility.
Who wouldn't return a rented vehicle?
"Never thought about it..."
"Perhaps it's because the cost of this thing itself isn't very high," Meiser speculated.
"Could he still make a profit at 500 Berries?!"
Chopper stared at Meiser in shock—just how much of a swindler was that guy?
"Hmm, making this thing isn't difficult," Franky said, stroking his chin. "If the materials here aren't expensive, he could definitely still turn a profit."
Thinking about it carefully, the cost of this thing was just too low.
Selling it for 10,000 would be a massive profit, and even at 500, he wouldn't lose money.
Of course, if a lot of people returned the Bubble Cars, the owner would make even more.
In short... for that owner, this was a guaranteed money-making scheme.
Chopper:
Was he just too naive?
When Usopp mentioned it earlier, he had worried the owner might lose money, but... turns out the guy was a swindler?
"Not sure if that's the case, but the locals always return them," Hachi said.
After all, every time he used one, he would return the Bubble Car.
Though, to be fair, he hadn't used one that many times.
Most of the time, he just relied on his own two legs to get around.
"With this Bubble Car, shopping will be a lot more convenient..." Sanji mused around his cigarette before turning to Luffy. "Luffy, you guys go with Hachi to find a Coating Craftsman. I need to stock up on supplies."
"There's not much left on the ship."
Even though there was still that sea beast Meiser had taken down... after the Devil's Triangle Ship Graveyard, their remaining supplies were running low, so they had to restock.
"Ah, go ahead."
"We'll go together," Franky said. "I need to buy some cola too."
With that, Franky nodded at Luffy and rode off on his Bubble Car toward another direction—where a sign marked "Shopping Street" stood.
Clearly, that was the designated area for supplies.
"Camie, where's the clothing store?" Nami asked.
"That one over there," Camie pointed to the 30th island on the side. "That's where they sell clothes."
"Got it." Nami smiled and nodded before turning to Luffy. "Luffy, leave the Coating to you guys, then~"
"Ah, got it."
Luffy nodded before dashing off toward the food stalls, his eyes practically sparkling.
"Delicious food!"
"Wow!"
Hearing about the food, Chopper and Merry immediately rushed after him, their faces brimming with excitement.
Nami sighed helplessly—seems Merry wasn't interested in shopping with them.
Shaking her head, she said, "Alright, everyone, see you back on the ship."
"Mm, stay safe," Meiser said.
"Don't worry, we know what's on this island."
Nami waved without looking back, riding off on her Bubble Car with Robin.
"Then I'll—"
"Stop! What are you doing?!"
Usopp grabbed Zoro just as he was about to jump off the Bubble Car, abandoning the ride entirely.
"Bastard, what the hell are you doing?!" Zoro roared, his shark-like teeth bared.
With Usopp yanking his leg like that, he nearly face-planted into the ground.
"You idiot! What were you about to say—were you planning to go shopping alone?"
"What's the problem with that?"
"Of course there's a problem!" Usopp said earnestly. "If you get lost in a place like this, how are we supposed to find you?"
Listening to Usopp's words, Meiser nodded in agreement. "Zoro, you should think twice about this."
He knew all too well just how ridiculously bad Zoro's sense of direction was.
Not to mention distant incidents, just take the time they fought the Arino family.
This guy managed to get lost straight into the enemy's stronghold... That was truly impressive.
If he got lost here, Meiser was afraid Zoro might somehow end up at Fish-Man Island by himself.
"Bastard, how could I possibly get lost?!"
"Don't you have any self-awareness?"
"Stare~"
Zoro: "..."
Faced with the two of them staring at him, Zoro's mouth twitched, momentarily at a loss for words.
"You two..."
After taking a deep breath to calm himself, Zoro pointed at a nearby tree. "I clearly saw the number on that tree earlier. There's no way I'd get lost."
Before leaving that tree, he'd made sure to look back at it.
He'd seen it clearly—the number "1" written on the tree, partially obscured by bubbles!
With such crucial information, how could he possibly get lost?
"Oh~"
"So you're actually this smart." Usopp said as if suddenly enlightened.
"Hey!"
"Ahahaha, Zoro, if that's the case, then go ahead." Usopp waved his hand. "But if you can't find your way, remember to ask for directions."
"Tch, who'd get lost in a place like this?" Zoro snorted.
After jumping off the Bubble Car, Zoro patted his pockets, confirming his pocket money was still there, then strode off without looking back.
Having finally come to such an interesting place, of course he had to go explore.
"Let's hope this guy actually asks for directions." Usopp sighed.
As for concerns about slave traders, that wasn't within Usopp's worries.
Who would dare capture a beast like Zoro?
Anyone who tried would just end up getting cut down.
"Don't worry, Zoro said he remembered the number." Meiser said. "As long as he's not stupid, he'll find his way back."
"Let's go get something to eat ourselves."
"Right!"
Meanwhile, on a street not far from where Meiser and the others were, the Celestial Dragon Saint Shalria was venting her anger.
"Honestly, what good are you people?!" Saint Shalria glared furiously at her guards. "You actually let that thing escape?"
"My apologies, Saint Shalria-sama, I—"
"Enough, I don't want to hear your excuses."
Saint Shalria raised her gun and pointed it at the guard. "If you can't even keep watch over one slave, what use are you?"
BANG
Without hesitation, Saint Shalria pulled the trigger, shooting the guard.
The guard spat out a mouthful of blood, his eyes rolling back as he collapsed to the ground, his breathing growing weaker as he neared death.
"Utterly useless." Saint Shalria cursed.
She'd gone through so much trouble getting that Pirate Ship captain slave from her father, and because of this idiot servant's negligence, the slave had escaped?
How could she not be furious!
Thinking this, Saint Shalria stepped forward and kicked the downed guard several more times.
The other guards witnessed everything but made no move to intervene—such incidents were all too common.
To serve as a Celestial Dragon's guard meant certain death if one failed in their duties.
This... was simply the norm.
At that moment, Saint Roswald spoke, "Let's go. We might still catch that bastard."
"Assuming... he's still alive."
"Hmph, he'd better be! I want to kill him with my own hands!" Saint Shalria snarled viciously.
How dare her slave try to escape?
Did he really think he could survive?
With a cold laugh, Saint Shalria followed her father down the distant street.
Meanwhile, the so-called Pirate Captain Slave they spoke of was desperately sprinting through the streets.
Only after turning another corner did he dare stop to catch his breath.
Huff... huff... The slave captain glanced back, relieved to see no Celestial Dragons in pursuit.
"Damn this collar..." He tugged furiously at the metal band around his neck, but it wouldn't budge.
"Dammit, I have to get it off—or I'm dead."
Turning to the bystanders, he pleaded, "Quick! Someone help me remove this cursed collar!!"
"Run! He's a slave—don't get involved!"
"I'm not trying to hurt you! I just need this thing off my neck!"
"If you won't help, at least give me pliers or a hammer!"
"My wife and child are waiting for me—I can't die here!"
Yet his words fell on deaf ears, only intensifying the crowd's fear.
"What's happening over there?"
Luffy, munching on food, stared curiously at the slave captain. "What's wrong with him?"
"He's a slave..."
"A slave?"
Meiser frowned, pointing at the man. "That collar means he's a slave?"
"Yes," Hachi confirmed. "That collar restrains slaves. If they try to escape... it explodes."
"Ex...explodes?!" Chopper and Merry paled in horror—did that mean the man would be blown apart?
"Exactly. It explodes."
Just then, the slave captain's collar emitted an ominous beeping noise, chilling everyone to the bone.
"That sound is..."
"He's done for."
BOOM!!
The moment Hachi finished speaking, the collar detonated, engulfing the man in a blast that left him bloodied and convulsing before collapsing.
"Damn it... I gave up on sailing to the New World... Why... why is this happening to me...?"
The slave captain reached out weakly, as if grasping for something—but his arm soon fell limp.
"I just... wanted to go home..."
With a final shudder, his head lolled to the side, consciousness fading.
"Just like that... a person's gone?"
"Yes." Hachi's expression darkened. "On Sabaody Archipelago, slaves aren't considered human. No one cares if they die."
"How despicable..."
"There's nothing we can do. That's just how things are here."
Hachi sighed. This was something none of them could change.
All they could do was try their best to avoid being captured and enslaved themselves. As for others... they couldn't afford to care.
Just then, Usopp spoke up. "That's weird. People in the distance are kneeling down one after another."
The moment he said this, Hachi's expression changed instantly.
"What?"
"Could it be... the Celestial Dragons are coming?"
"Celestial Dragons?"
"They're the World Nobles. That slave probably belongs to them," Pappag said.
"You mean... this slave is one of those Celestial Dragons'?" Meiser frowned.
"Yes, he might've escaped from them," Hachi said urgently. "Quick, let's get off the Bubble Car and kneel down. If we don't, the Celestial Dragons will attack us."
In the presence of Celestial Dragons, even looking at them was considered defiance—let alone standing.
If they angered the Celestial Dragons, the consequences could be catastrophic.
"Kneel to the Celestial Dragons?" Meiser's face twisted in disgust. "No."
"I'm begging you, alright?"
"Meiser, please listen to Hachi."
"I said no," Meiser replied firmly.
Glancing at the two panicking companions, he added, "I'll use an Illusion Technique to conceal us. Don't worry about those bastards."
As he spoke, Meiser raised his hand. "Mystical Art: This Place Is Not!"
In the next moment, the space around them distorted, and the group vanished from sight.
To others, the spot where they stood now appeared empty.
"Huh?"
"Am I seeing things?"
A man glanced in their direction, rubbing his eyes instinctively.
"I could've sworn there were people here just now..."
"Idiot, shut up! The Celestial Dragons are coming!"
The man jolted and immediately lowered his head, not daring to speak another word.
Hearing the man's words, Hachi gasped. "We... really disappeared?"
"How did you do that?"
"I used an Illusion Technique—This Place Is Not," Meiser explained. "This technique simulates a false environment, covering the target area to achieve concealment."
"Right now, to others, we don't exist." He pointed into the distance. "All they see is an empty road."
"So that's how it works?!"
Hachi stared at Meiser in shock. He never imagined someone in this world could do something like this.
Was this the power of a Ninja?
"They're here," Brook said.
At those words, Hachi immediately clamped his mouth shut, afraid his voice might carry to the approaching Celestial Dragons.
"Tch. What a fool," Saint Shalria sneered as she approached the runaway slave, glaring down at him coldly. "You could've lived if you'd just stayed as my slave. But no, you had to run and throw your life away."
As she spoke, she drew her Pistol again. "Disgusting lowlife."
"If you're so eager to die, I'll grant your wish."
Bang!
Bang!
Bang!
Saint Shalria fired several shots in succession, mercilessly striking down the man before her, ruthlessly ending the life of the already weak and feeble man.
Looking at the slave captain she had just killed, Saint Shalria grinned, as if this brought her joy.
"What a... despicable person..." Meiser remarked.
"Hey!"
Luffy glared and said, "He was already dying..."
As he spoke, Luffy was about to charge forward, but Hachi grabbed him firmly.
"I told you, don't interfere. Did you forget?" Hachi said nervously. "Do you want to attract a Marine Admiral?"
Hearing Hachi's words, Luffy immediately stopped struggling.
"An Admiral..."
"Anyway, we must never provoke them."
Glancing at the Celestial Dragon who seemed relieved after killing the slave, Hachi added, "Once they leave, we'll get out of here too."
Luffy fell silent for a moment before replying, "Alright, I understand."
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