Chapter [250]
Going Merry
The Going Merry sailed smoothly across the tranquil waters, a stark contrast to the chaos that always seemed to follow the Straw Hat crew. The sky above was clear, a deep blue reflecting on the calm sea.
"Finally, land ahead!" exclaimed Luffy, pointing to the horizon with a huge grin on his face. He stood at the bow, waving his arms as if calling the island closer.
"Not so fast, Captain," said Nami, adjusting the Log Pose on her wrist as she carefully analyzed their course. "We still need to anchor the ship. We don't want to repeat what happened last time you jumped straight into the water."
"Shishishishi! But it was fun, wasn't it?" replied Luffy, showing no sign of regret.
Riser, leaning against the railing with his arms crossed, watched the approaching island calmly. He cast a quick glance at Miss Wednesday and Mr. 9, who stood in a corner of the deck.
"You two seem anxious," said Riser, his tone lightly sarcastic. "Is there something so fascinating about that island?"
Miss Wednesday, her gaze fixed on the island, replied without turning. "That's none of your business."
"Relax," interrupted Sanji, busy lighting a cigarette while carrying a tray of snacks. "You'll be off soon, so enjoy while you can. Oh, and miss, if you need anything before you leave, just ask."
"Enough of that," murmured Zoro, tightening the band around his head and adjusting his swords. "They're leaving soon. We don't need more small talk."
"Zoro, try to be more polite," said Alvida lazily, reclining on a barrel. "Though I agree with you, they're no longer our problem once they leave."
"You're naive to think that," replied Riser with a faint smile. "Trouble has a way of coming back."
---
Miss Wednesday and Mr. 9 exchanged a quick glance before approaching the ship's edge.
"Thanks for the... hospitality," said Miss Wednesday in a tone that sounded anything but sincere. She turned to Mr. 9, who was already preparing a rope to descend.
"Let's go. We don't have time to waste," said Mr. 9, tossing the rope and getting ready to climb down.
Riser watched from a distance, his eyes gleaming with a mix of curiosity and slight disdain.
'Goodbye, princess,' he thought with an enigmatic smile. 'The next time you board this ship, it will be different. And Mr. 9... arrogant human, you'd better enjoy it while you can.'
"Hey, are they running away?" asked Usopp, leaning over the railing to watch the two descend. "Is that normal?"
"Let them go," replied Nami, shaking her head. "They've caused enough trouble. Let's focus on what's next."
Luffy, still excited, pointed at the island. "Are you all ready? We're going to find something amazing there, I'm sure of it!"
"I hope it's food," said Sanji with a calm smile as he adjusted his jacket.
"Or at least something worth fighting for," commented Zoro, observing the island with a sharp gaze.
Riser remained silent, his eyes fixed on the two agents disappearing quickly into the island's shadows. He knew the Grand Line was full of surprises, and Whiskey Peak would be no exception.
"Let's go," said Nami, taking control of the helm. "Time to anchor. Everyone to your posts!"
The Going Merry began to slow down, approaching the shore. The rounded rooftops of houses and the welcoming atmosphere were an unexpected sight for a crew accustomed to chaos.
"Finally! We're here!" yelled Luffy, jumping onto the bow with his arms raised, his energy infectious. "I can already smell the food!"
"Calm down, Captain," said Nami, precisely adjusting the helm as she guided the ship toward the port. "This island is different. We need to stay alert. They seem too friendly."
"Too friendly? That sounds great!" said Usopp, his eyes gleaming as he imagined a banquet and a warm reception. "Finally, a place that knows how to treat real pirates!"
"Idiots," muttered Zoro, crossing his arms while observing the horizon. His gaze briefly landed on Riser. "You're too quiet for someone who always has something to say. What do you think of all this?"
Riser, leaning on the railing, gave the swordsman a cryptic smile. "I think we should enjoy everything they have to offer. After that, I'll show them the results of my training. After all, this is the Grand Line, not a school excursion."
---
As the ship docked, an enthusiastic group of locals appeared on the dock, waving at the crew with excitement. They carried colorful flags, crates of drinks, and plates of food, turning the port into an impromptu party.
"Welcome, pirates!" shouted a burly man with blonde hair and a wide grin, dressed in a flamboyant outfit. "Mamammmama! My name is Igarappoi! Please, join our welcoming feast!"
"See? I told you it would be amazing!" exclaimed Luffy, jumping off the ship in one leap. "Is there meat?!"
"Meat, fruits, whatever you want, Straw Hat!" replied Igarappoi, laughing with his characteristic chuckle. "Mamammmama! Come, celebrate with us!"
"This is strange," said Nami, descending cautiously while observing the locals with a suspicious look. "Why would an island on the Grand Line welcome pirates like this?"
"Because we're special, of course!" said Usopp, descending behind Luffy with a confident smile. "They know the power of the Great Captain Usopp!"
"Or they have ulterior motives," murmured Alvida, crossing her arms as she analyzed the crowd with a skeptical expression. "No one is that generous without reason."
"It doesn't matter," said Sanji, already heading toward the island's smiling women. His eyes gleamed as he admired the group of welcoming hosts. "Ladies, it's an honor to be in the presence of such beauty!"
"You never learn, do you?" said Zoro, shaking his head as he stepped off the ship. He cast another glance at Riser, who remained on the railing.
Riser calmly descended, his enigmatic smile still in place as he surveyed the environment.
"Let them have their fun."
---
Whiskey Peak
The Going Merry docked slowly as the group of villagers continued to wave enthusiastically. The air was filled with the scent of roasted meat and exotic spices.
WHOOSH!
The sound of the ship touching the dock was accompanied by Igarappoi's hearty laughter as he approached the group.
"Welcome again, pirates!" he said with open arms. "I hope you enjoy our hospitality. Mamammmama!"
"This is strange," said Nami, crossing her arms as she stepped off the Merry. She scrutinized the hosts with a skeptical expression. "Can you tell me why you're being so generous? What's your intention?"
"Nothing but warm welcomes!" replied Igarappoi with his characteristic laugh. "We know the Grand Line can be tough. You're our honored guests!"
"I see..." murmured Nami, adjusting the Log Pose on her wrist. "And if I ask how the Log Pose works here? How long does it take to stabilize?"
"Mamammmama!" Igarappoi laughed again. "Don't worry, young navigator! Our island is famous for its magnetic stability. Your Log Pose won't take long to adjust."
The Group Splits.
"Meat!" shouted Luffy, running toward the tables laden with food. "Let's eat everything!"
"This is a real party!" exclaimed Usopp, following Luffy with sparkling eyes. "Finally, a place that recognizes our greatness!"
"And I'll enjoy the best of Whiskey Peak," said Sanji, advancing toward a group of smiling women. "Ladies, I hope there's room for me at this party!"
"You're a bunch of fools!" yelled Alvida, stepping off the Merry with firm strides. "While you play around, you might as well put the ship at risk!"
"Calm down, Alvida," replied Luffy, already chewing on a large piece of meat. "This food is amazing! You should try it too!"
"I will, but don't think I'll forgive your laziness!" Alvida retorted, grabbing a large drumstick.
Zoro, still at the dock, watched the group disperse with a watchful gaze. He adjusted his swords on his belt, crossing his arms.
"Something's off," he murmured to himself before noticing the absence of a familiar figure. He looked around but said nothing, choosing to keep his suspicion to himself.
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