Chapter 110
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As the sun set, the vast sea shimmered with orange hues, resonating with the fiery red clouds on the horizon, creating a harmonious natural painting.
The Endless Dream was moored off the coast in front of the Twin Cape lighthouse, rocking gently with the soft waves.
Nearby, a massive head emerged from the sea surface like a small mountain.
It was Laboon, now calm.
"So, you're friends with Shanks, huh."
Crocus lounged under a sun umbrella, legs crossed, the hairs on his bare leg visible due to his beach shorts.
Having borrowed a favor from the distant Shanks in the New World, Zyhark successfully bridged the gap with Crocus.
"Speaking of which, that kid who used to bicker with Red-nosed Buggy seems to have made a bit of a name for himself in the New World now…"
Crocus shifted to a more comfortable position, looking out over the vast ocean with a reflective gaze. Although his time on Roger's ship wasn't long, he had a deep impression of Shanks and Buggy, the two youngsters.
"However, I didn't expect you to turn down that guy's invitation to join his crew."
Crocus turned his gaze back from the distance and looked at the young man sitting across from him.
"After all, I'm a legitimate businessman, not suited to the harsh life of a pirate," Zyhark said with a straight face.
Aqua couldn't help but laugh.
You, a scheming man who earns bounties by trapping pirates, have the nerve to say that?
After some interaction, the silly goddess finally realized her own foolishness but stubbornly refused Crocus's offer to treat her "mental confusion."
Hearing this, Crocus scanned the group with a grave look.
A blond brawny man with three claw marks on his face, a talking cat that walked on two legs, a beautiful girl with severe cognitive impairments.
And this young man with two famed swords at his waist...
"Whether or not you're legitimate businessmen, the newspapers I've read didn't paint you as ordinary," Crocus remarked.
Although this was the Grand Line, close to the convergence point of the four seas, Crocus spent most of his time caring for Laboon and reading the newspapers.
He had a general understanding of Zyhark from the floating restaurant Endless Dream, a rising "hero of the East Blue."
That was why he was so shocked and bewildered when Aqua mistook him for a whale baby.
It was hard to imagine that this mentally unstable girl was the mysterious "Water Goddess" from the newspapers!
"Our reputation has reached the Grand Line, huh?" Zyhark scratched his head, smiling.
He thought that news from the East Blue would rarely circulate to the Grand Line. Wouldn't his plan to lure pirates with the floating restaurant and collect bounties face more obstacles?
No, on second thought.
Given the pirates of the Grand Line's irrational sense of superiority, knowing about the restaurant might actually lure them out even more!
Not bad, not bad. Good news right upon arriving at the Grand Line!
Zyhark envisioned a scenario where countless bounties were waving at him!
Crocus saw all the changes in his expression: This guy, definitely not a regular businessman...
"So, you didn't seek me out just to chat, did you?" he changed the subject.
"If possible, I'd like to get a log pose from you," Zyhark said truthfully.
His navigation skills learned in Windmill Village were sufficient for the East Blue, but they fell short in the unpredictable Grand Line.
He hoped to get more detailed information from the experienced Crocus.
"You even know about the log pose; it seems you were well-prepared for venturing into the Grand Line."
Crocus looked up at the Endless Dream and slowly said, "What's the price?"
"If you don't mind, please join us on board for a meal."
"Is there liquor?"
"How about a special brew from Loguetown?"
"I've tried it once, not bad. Let's go."
And so, with a smile, both parties reached an agreement.
"Eh? Eh?!!" Aqua, who had been merely spectating, was dumbfounded.
Only in a world where the Water Goddess gets hurt could such a thing be realized!
With Shanks's backing, even if Zyhark hadn't offered anything, Crocus would have still looked after them.
The invitation for a meal and drink was part of a deeper strategy by Zyhark.
The pirate world wasn't just about fighting; much of it was about personal relationships.
Building a good relationship with Roger's former ship doctor would be beneficial, especially when meeting Rayleigh at Sabaody Archipelago later, giving him another "face" to use.
Although it might not be necessary, if the price was just a meal, it was definitely worth it.
A businessman always values "benefits" the most!
And excels at "drawing big pies!"
With a promise of "better liquor in the future," Zyhark managed to convince the reluctant Aqua to contribute her treasured special brew.
The group dined and drank on the first deck of the Endless Dream until the sky grew darker.
During this time, thanks to Crocus's explanations, Zyhark gained a deeper understanding of the Grand Line and obtained a log pose from him.
The next condition for the wishing well was not specifically defined.
Besides a hundred million berries, another requirement was an "invaluably expensive item" which was rather vague.
Zyhark didn't have any clues about this item yet, as it couldn't be identified through the original story's context.
At least on the routes Luffy chose, there was no item that could be suspected.
Starting from Twin Capes, there were seven possible routes to reach the second half of the Grand Line, the New World.
After contemplating Crocus's recommendations for the floating restaurant, a unique occupation, Zyhark chose a route different from that of the Straw Hat Pirates, hoping for a bit of luck.
Of course, this was just an initial plan.
If there were any special ideas later, like bringing rain to drought-stricken Alabasta, it could still be achieved with an eternal pose.
The choice of route, in reality, wasn't fixed.
Having resolved the navigation issue, the only thing left was the headstrong whale, Laboon.
Compared to Luffy's straightforward punches and battle agreements, Zyhark's approach was much more elegant and efficient.
That was...
"Though it's a pirate's song, as we celebrate our successful entry into the Grand Line and also welcome Meowth into our crew, let's sing it as an addition to the feast."
"Binks' Sake!"
(End of Chapter)