Chapter 32: You're banned from the competition.

Shirogai didn't just punish Luffy for eating all the fishing bait—he was actually training Luffy's resistance to seawater.

While Devil Fruit users typically lose their strength when submerged or restrained by Sea-Prism Stone, some can endure it better than others.

Those with strong bodies or refined technique can still move—still fight—even while weakened. Luffy, unfortunately, lacked that level of discipline.

Once submerged, he became completely helpless.

"I can't believe Luffy actually lured a fish," Shirogai muttered.

His expression shifted.

In one swift motion, he yanked the soggy, dazed Luffy out of the sea.

"Gurgle... gurgle..."

Luffy hit the deck like a sack of waterlogged meat.

POOF!

A massive dolphin—easily five times the size of the Going Merry—burst from the ocean behind him, chasing its "bait" with hungry glee.

"Chirp!"

The dolphin hovered mid-air for a moment, casting a dark shadow over the ship, before plunging downward—straight toward the Merry.

"We're doomed!" Usopp screamed from the helm, practically leaving his body in fear.

"Easy, little guy... don't be so excited."

Shirogai had already anticipated the moment.

He dissolved into black mist, reforming mid-air as a towering smoke giant. With ease, he caught the dolphin and flung it away from the ship with a single sweep of his arms.

"We can't let you eat our Captain. Go find something else for lunch!"

The dolphin spun mid-air before splashing into the sea with a mighty crash. It surfaced again for one last glance at Luffy, chirped sadly, then disappeared into the deep.

Luffy shivered, soaking wet, as he pulled himself up from the deck.

"C-Cold... I'm freezing! Shirogai, I'm starving!"

Shirogai sighed.

What was he supposed to do about the captain he chose?

No matter how foolish Luffy could be, he had to be taken care of.

"Hang tight, I'll grill you some fish."

Shirogai walked to the ship's edge. Closing his eyes, he activated his Observation Haki. In a moment, he flung two wind blades into the water with surgical precision.

Moments later, several giant swordfish—cleanly sliced in half—floated to the surface.

"Oh-ho! Shirogai, you're amazing!"

Stars sparkled in Luffy's eyes.

He knew exactly how to get more out of Shirogai: relentless praise.

Luffy had already figured out Shirogai's soft spot. Flattery worked wonders.

Shirogai reached out and lifted the swordfish onto the Merry. With a quick switch to his Bomb Fruit power, he launched tiny flame pellets, evenly grilling the fish as they spun mid-air.

(A/N: He isn't using his 'Boogers' to make the explosion, That'd be hella disgusting)

Within seconds, a savory aroma wafted through the ship.

The perfectly roasted swordfish landed in Luffy's arms.

"Hehe! Smells amazing! I'm digging in!"

Ignoring the heat, Luffy chomped down like a starved animal.

"Watch the bones," Shirogai reminded, already leaning back into the armrest, line cast again, eyes closed.

But he wasn't asleep. He was meditating—simulating combat scenarios in his head.

From the bow, Nami suddenly shouted with delight, "Land ahead! The Log Pose stopped shaking! We've reached Small Garden!"

Luffy leapt up, running to the bow and sitting on the Merry's figurehead, his eyes wide with excitement.

"Hehe, it's the second island we've reached on the Grand Line!"

Everyone gathered forward, gazing at the misty silhouette of Small Garden rising in the distance.

Sanji lit a cigarette, smiling. "Wonder what kind of prey lives here. Hope it's tasty."

Zoro rested one hand on Yubashiri's hilt, eager. "Hopefully something worth fighting."

Usopp struck a pose on the railing. "Heh, I, Usopp the Great Hero, proudly arrive on yet another Grand Line island!"

Shirogai chuckled softly. "Yeah... this island is going to be interesting."

He knew what was waiting—but watching it as a fan and living it firsthand were two different experiences entirely.

---

The Merry cruised into the shallow harbor of Small Garden.

"Gaa, gaa..."

Strange animal cries echoed from the dense jungle beyond.

Nami looked around, clearly uneasy. "This place doesn't match the name at all. There's nothing small or cute about it."

Vivi added cautiously, "It looks untouched. Like it's stuck in the ancient past."

Luffy remained ecstatic. "Woohoo! Zoro, find a place to dock! I'm going exploring!"

Overhead, a massive Archaeopteryx swooped down, talons aimed at Sanji's shoulders.

But Sanji sidestepped smoothly and glared. "Oi, damn bird! Next time I'm roasting you!"

Nami, Usopp, and Karoo jumped and huddled together in fear.

ROAR!

From the jungle, a colossal tiger emerged, snarling fiercely.

It stared them down... then abruptly collapsed, unconscious.

Usopp dove behind Shirogai.

"T-T-Tiger? No, no, I'm sick—I'll die if I go on that island! I'm not going!"

He trembled violently, already forgetting the bold words he'd spoken minutes ago.

Luffy grinned at the jungle. "Something strong is waiting out there! Shirogai, where's my adventure bento?"

"I made it earlier," Shirogai replied, walking out with a full meat bento packed in a backpack.

Vivi hesitated, then stepped forward. "Shirogai-san... may I have one too?"

"Of course, Princess," he replied with a small smile, placing her bento inside Karoo's saddle pouch.

He also handed Karoo a hydration bottle filled with a performance drink.

"Gak!"

Luffy, Vivi, and Karoo disembarked, heading off into the jungle.

Sanji leaned against the rail, smoking.

"Feels like Shirogai's taken over my job…"

"Well, I'm free now. Might as well go hunting too."

Zoro leapt off the ship, hands in his pockets.

"Don't forget we need meat!" Sanji called after him.

Zoro didn't look back. "Yeah yeah, I'll catch something you'd never be able to."

"Huh?" Sanji's cigarette flared.

"You trying to say your prey will be better than mine?!"

Zoro turned and grinned. "Obviously."

Sanji sneered. "Then it's on. A hunting contest. Whoever brings back the bigger, meatier prey wins!"

"I'm not losing this one," Zoro shot back.

Shirogai raised a brow. "Mind if I join?"

Both turned to him and said in perfect sync: "No! You're banned from this competition!"

Then, like dueling rivals, they stormed off in opposite directions.

Shirogai stretched and stepped forward.

Just as he was about to leave, he felt two weights latch onto his legs.

"Shirogai!"

Nami and Usopp clung to him desperately.

"You can't go! You're our only protection!"

Their eyes glistened with tears.

Shirogai sighed. "Fine. I'll stay."

They breathed in relief, while he scratched his head with a helpless smile.

Truthfully, he wanted to explore too.

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