Landing

The day after surviving the Kuja Pirates, Connor was at a pub drinking with Caria.

"You ran into some pirates and almost died?"

"That's right. We got saved by Sea Kings."

He drank from his jug of beer.

"And you won't say which pirate crew was it?"

"Sorry, the mayor's orders. He put a gag order on all of us to not tell a soul what we saw."

"I see."

Caria drank from her jug as well.

"I thought you'd be upset."

"If the mayor put a gag order on it there must be a good reason. I won't push too much."

"You always try to follow the rules, huh?"

"Of course. Rules keep everything in order. It's essential we all follow them."

(The mayor broke the rules though.)

Connor thought. He recalled the day before.

"You want me to keep what happened a secret? Why?"

"Because I don't intend to tell the World Government."

Tate wore a grin on his wolf-like face.

"But a Warlord could possibly be dead. Even if she isn't she's aiding Strawhat Luffy. Shouldn't we—"

"Leave it, Connor."

Tate's sharp tone silenced Connor.

(I don't know why he was like that yesterday.)

Connor thought while taking another drink of his beer.

"However, for the guys responsible for guarding the island, you sure are weak if you need Sea Kings to save you."

Caria took another drink.

"The opponent was just too much. We aren't members of the Supreme Five like you. We can't defeat pirates on the level of the Supernovas."

"That's because you guys aren't dedicated enough. Look at me, I make it my mission to cut down every pirate swordsmen I come across. The amount of times I nearly died or lost a limb is impossible to count. Even so I still hunt them."

Connor remained silent. He knew she wouldn't understand his point.

"Anyway, what did the sheriff say about what happened? Or does he not know?"

"I'm sure the mayor will tell him. Those two are partners in crime after all."

Connor took another drink.

"By the way, what were those two guys dueling for anyway."

"Oh, them. They were talking about beautiful pirate women. One guy said Boa Hancock isn't the most beautiful woman in the world and that she's overrated."

"Cough! Cough!"

Connor started choking on his drink.

"Pretty stupid right?"

"Y-Yeah."

He wiped his mouth.

"So what, did the other guy get angry?"

"He did. He said the guy was an idiot and asked who is more beautiful than Hancock. The first guy answered Cat Burglar Nami from the Strawhat Pirates."

"Cough! Cough!"

Connor choked on his drink again.

"You good?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. My throat is a bit sore today."

He put down his jug.

"So they started fighting because of that?"

"No, they agreed to disagree. What started the fight was when someone asked who was better Nico Robin or Nami."

"Okay, I get how it led to a duel to death."

Connor said while nodding.

"I never understood why you guys get so caught up in these conversations that you'll risk your lives."

Caria pointed at Connor.

"I mean didn't you get in a duel for something similar?"

"Hey, that guy said Jewelry Bonney looked like Big Mom! He's lucky I only shot him in the shoulder after such blasphemy!"

"Yeah, yeah."

Caria took another drink.

"Hm?"

Connor dug into his pocket and took out a mini den-den moshi that was ringing.

"Hello?"

"Captain, we've spotted a few boats approaching the island!"

Connor stood up and whispered to the snail responder.

"Do you see the Kuja mark?"

"No, sir. From what we're seeing from our telescope, there's a mix of men and women with men being the large majority."

(So it isn't the Kuja?)

"What should we do, Captain? They look to be in trouble."

"Let them dock. The rules state we check the identities of those who find the island before we decide their fates."

Connor ended the call and turn to Caria.

"We have visitors."

"The same guys from yesterday?"

"We're not sure yet. It would be great if you help us check out the situation."

"Sure, let's do it. The others will probably be there anyway."

At the port, a crowd gathered to watch two boats approach the island. They looked like they could fall apart at any moment. As it came close enough to see those on it clearly, someone stood up.

"Help us! Help us, please! Our ship was attacked by pirates and we were forced to flee into the Calm Belt!"

Connor arrived at the port with Caria at that time.

"They have paddles....Did they paddle their way here?"

Caria mumbled.

"In the Calm Belt? That's insane. You'll need to be incredibly strong to do something like that."

Connor frowned.

"Before we allow you to land, which pirate crew attack you?!"

He shouted.

"We were attacked by a single pirate, Hawkeye Mihawk! Our ship happens to cross him and he cut it with one swing! We boarded the emergency boats and paddled like crazy to get away from him!"

The person shouted back.

"Mihawk..."

Caria started gritting her teeth.

(It does sound like something Hawkeye would do. He's known to be randomly violent after all.)

"Where was your ship going?"

"Sabody Archipelago!"

(That is close by.)

"What are you doing?"

"?!"

Connor spun around after a familiar voice came from behind him. There Tate was smiling at him.

"Let them dock here."

"But Mayor what if—"

"Caria, what's our rule regarding castaways?"

"We save them first then ask questions later."

Tate nodded and patted Connor's shoulder.

"You guys come ashore! However, you'd be under surveillance!"

Tate shouted.

"We're fine with that! Thank you very much!"

Tate nodded.

"Caria you deal with them. Connor, take your men and search our surroundings. See if anybody followed them."

"Yes, sir!"

Connor looked at Tate a bit before running off.

"Okay, Caria. You're up."

"Yes, Mayor!"

Caria saluted and went to the docks to await the boats. Tate watched as the boats approached.

"Let's hope you repay me for this favor."

He turned his back and walked away. Caria reached the docks and waited for the boats to reach her.

"Thank you! Thank you! You saved our lives!"

Someone came out of the boat and grabbed her hands and shook it. They shook her so hard Caria's feet were almost off the ground.

"C-Calm down!"

"Ah, sorry."

They let go of her hand. Caria looked up at the person. It was a slender man dressed in a suit with a cigarette in his mouth. His slick black hair was dripping with water, causing his face to be wet.

"My name is Rindo, captain of the now sunken Blue Maria."

The rest of the people exited the boats and also thanked Caria. She looked around and they were mostly men and a few women. They all started thanking her.

"...Welcome to our island. Allow me to show you around."

"Thank you again."

Caria started leading the group with crowds of people watching. One of the men wore a small smile on his handsome face.

(Letting Rindo take charge was the right call. She'll draw all the attention to herself while we blend in.)

This handsome man was the world's most beautiful woman, Boa Hancock. She looked to her side. A girl with curly blond hair was pulling on her dress as if uncomfortable. Hancock nudged the girl with her elbow and they stopped.

(Ah, Luffy. I never thought you'd look this beautiful as a woman. You're truly the most beautiful woman in the world!)

She screamed in her head.

"...."

Behind her was a short bald old man with a huge mole on his nose. He was glaring at the back of Hancock as if trying to pierce a hole in her head. The man's clothes were pretty much patched up clothing and looked old. His overall image was that of an elderly beggar.

"I will remember this humiliation, Boa Hancock."

The man, Elder Nyon cursed under her breath.