On the evening of the third day after leaving Cape Twins, the Fairy Tail guild ship finally reached its first island since entering the Grand Line.
"What is that? A cactus? It's huge! It looks like a mountain!" Nami exclaimed, eyes wide in amazement as the massive silhouette loomed in the distance.
"It should be a mountain shaped like a cactus," Erza replied with a nod.
"Either way, it looks fun!" Mirajane said, smiling brightly.
"Juvia is satisfied as long as she can be with the President," Juvia murmured dreamily, clinging tightly to Sugisawa Yuuto with a lovestruck expression.
Yuuto's lips curved into a faint smile. "So it's finally here… Whiskey Peak. I wonder if I'll meet those two."
The enormous cactus-shaped island drew closer and closer. Yuuto, of course, knew it well. This was the very island the Straw Hat Pirates had once passed through—an island infamous under another name: the island of bounty hunters, Whiskey Peak.
Though it was said to welcome pirates, in truth, the town was a front—a trap set by the bounty hunters of the Baroque Works organization. Their method was simple: throw a grand feast to welcome unsuspecting newcomers, get them drunk, let their guard down, and then take them out without resistance.
Yuuto had chosen this route deliberately. Not to follow the Straw Hats' path, but because this island carried a main quest tied to his guild's growth. If he could trigger and complete it, Fairy Tail would surely be upgraded. And Yuuto intended to seize that opportunity.
As Fairy Tail's ship glided up the river into Whiskey Peak, shadows stirred along the misty shoreline.
"There are pirates coming again!" one figure whispered.
"No… wait, that's not a pirate ship. There's no skull flag!"
"Still, that crest on the sail… it looks familiar."
"Idiot, that's Fairy Tail!"
"Fairy Tail? What's that?"
"Have you been living under a rock? They're the ones who made a name for themselves in East Blue recently. Their president, Sugisawa Yuuto, has an eighty-million bounty on his head from the Marines!"
"What?! Eighty million?!"
"This is perfect! If we can bring him down, I'll get promoted to a higher-ranking agent for sure!"
"Don't be stupid. We move only under Mr. 8's orders."
The bounty hunters kept their voices low, eyes glinting from the shadows.
On deck, Erza narrowed her eyes. "There are quite a few people on the shore." Her hand instinctively fell to her sword.
"It's fine," Yuuto said calmly, raising a hand.
And in the next instant, the supposed ambushers revealed themselves. Crowds lined both banks of the river, erupting into thunderous cheers.
"Welcome!"
"Welcome to the Grand Line!"
"Welcome to Whiskey Peak, the town of music and brewing!"
The festive atmosphere made even Erza blink in surprise. She had sensed hostile intent earlier, yet the villagers' smiles were warm and open.
"…Could it be that they've heard of Fairy Tail and are looking to request our services?" Nami suggested.
"It's possible," Mirajane agreed.
Yuuto smiled faintly. "Whatever the case, let's take it step by step. If they want to welcome us, we'll accept it."
The ship docked at the port. A flamboyantly dressed man with absurd curly hair stepped forward.
"Well, well, well!" He cleared his throat with exaggerated flourish. "I am Icarem, mayor of Whiskey Peak—our proud town of song, drink, and hospitality. Entertaining guests is our greatest joy!"
Yuuto, recognizing him as Mr. 8 of Baroque Works, as well as the captain of Alabasta's royal guard, only smiled. "We'll take you at your word, then."
And so began a raucous feast in the town's largest tavern.
"Well, well, well!" Icarem cleared his throat again, his eyes flicking toward the dazzling women at Yuuto's side. "Though our town has many beautiful hostesses, it seems President Yuuto hardly needs them."
Indeed, with Erza, Mirajane, Juvia, and Nami, each a beauty in her own right, Whiskey Peak's tavern paled in comparison. Yet there was one girl present who could stand on equal ground with them—a striking young woman with blue hair.
"The seat next to the President belongs to Juvia!" Juvia cried, clinging to Yuuto like a swallow darting home.
But this time Yuuto shifted aside, eyes drawn elsewhere. "If possible, I'd like that girl over there to share a drink with me." He pointed directly at the blue-haired beauty.
"Tch… Already tired of the women at your side? And now you've fallen for Princess Vivi at first sight?" Icarem clenched his teeth, seething inside. As Alabasta's captain of the guard, how could he stand by and watch their princess treated so casually?
He was about to find an excuse to refuse when—
"Of course, President Yuuto," the blue-haired girl said sweetly, her smile radiant. She walked forward gracefully and sat at Yuuto's side.
It was Nefertari Vivi, princess of Alabasta.
A year ago, she had infiltrated Baroque Works under the alias Miss Wednesday, determined to uncover the cause of Alabasta's endless drought. Every step she took, every risk she accepted, was for her kingdom's sake. If she could claim the eighty-million bounty on Sugisawa Yuuto, her position in the organization would rise, and she would draw ever closer to the truth behind the crisis.
All for Alabasta…!
"Don't be so stiff, miss," Yuuto said casually, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
"Haha, President Yuuto, please drink," Vivi offered, holding out a glass of wine with a gentle smile.
Yuuto shook his head. "If you want me to drink, that's not enough."
"Then… what would satisfy President Yuuto?" Vivi asked cautiously.
"If it came with a beautiful woman's kiss," Yuuto said with a bold grin, "even a whole barrel of wine wouldn't be too much for me."
Vivi's body went rigid.
For a heartbeat, she hesitated. Then her resolve hardened. It's for Alabasta… I'll do whatever it takes.
Closing her eyes, she quickly pressed her lips against his cheek, leaving the faintest trace of color. It was the most she could bring herself to give.
Yuuto chuckled knowingly. He didn't push her further. "Good enough. Hahaha! Oi, barkeep! Bring more wine!"
The banquet roared on.