The port of Loguetown.
After several months, it had once again returned to its bustling, crowded state. People jostled against each other as they moved, filling every inch of space.
The townsfolk wore festive attire, clothes they typically reserved for special occasions.
At the port, they formed organized rows under careful guidance and shouted wild cheers toward the crew of the Going Merry.
It had been a long time since the people had released their pent-up energy, this kind of event was exactly what they needed to vent their excitement.
=======
"Luffy-sama!"
Captain Nezumi wore a smile completely different from the one he had shown yesterday in his office.
He lowered himself to an abject, almost servile posture, showing no concern for exposing his lowly side in front of his subordinates or the people of Loguetown.
After all, he was about to leave this place soon.
Soon, none of this would have anything to do with him. At a time like this, who would even care about such trivial matters?
If he could curry favor with one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, it would give him a hidden backer at Marine Headquarters, what a useful advantage!
Always leave a way to reconnect; someday it could pay off.
Captain Nezumi, cunning as ever, was openly putting his plan into action, forcefully tying himself to Luffy and his crew. He wasn't leaving a single opportunity unexploited.
"Luffy-sama, I'm truly sorry. Our intelligence work wasn't sufficient! We didn't even know of your arrival, so all we can offer is this farewell celebration to make up for the welcome ceremony you deserve. I am truly sorry!"
Luffy watched Captain Nezumi's groveling expression with curiosity.
How on earth did this guy replace Smoker, that stone-faced smoke man, and get into this position?
It seemed almost too strange to believe.
=======
Yesterday, after Luffy and the others disembarked, it had been around this same time.
The crew of the Going Merry had first visited the plaza to admire the statue of Loguetown's guardian, the golden-winged roc, before heading toward the town's largest marketplace.
Luffy breathed a sigh of relief. The market wasn't as desolate as the commercial streets had been.
It was plenty big enough for them to acquire all the supplies they wanted.
After all, there were many other forces from the Three Seas present here as well.
Captain Nezumi didn't want to unnecessarily create enemies for himself. Everything he had done in the East Blue so far had been aimed at advancing his own position…
Since being appointed Loguetown's highest commander, Nezumi had spent most of his savings bribing personnel at Marine Headquarters. He had meticulously studied the traits and personalities of all high-ranking officers.
Finally, after thorough analysis, Nezumi decided to align himself with Admiral Sakazuki, aka Akainu.
The reason was simple: Sakazuki was the purest of all the Admirals. The others were either too clever, too cautious, or too unpredictable to manipulate effectively.
Kill pirates, be friends, pure and simple.
That conclusion came from extensive intelligence work.
He then spent his remaining savings on an all-out purge of pirates in the East Blue, ensuring that news of his deeds reached Marine Headquarters.
The plan executed smoothly, achieving exactly what he intended.
Now, Nezumi had built a modest network within the Marine. And if he could manage to curry favor with one of the Seven Warlords, the crew of the Going Merry, he would have influence in both black and white circles.
At that point, there would be no power in the seas that he would fear.
…
So, upon learning of Luffy's arrival, Nezumi immediately prepared his forces, selecting the most handsome and capable honor guard, and positioned them in the Loguetown market.
As planned, the crew of the Going Merry, carrying bundles of supplies, live fish, and livestock, bumped right into Nezumi's prepared display.
Ever the opportunist, Nezumi led his men forward, offering greetings and helping the crew with their supplies.
Under this inexplicable enthusiasm, Luffy and his crew were bewildered as they were ushered into Loguetown's most prestigious inn.
Though the food couldn't compare to Sanji's glowing cuisine, the chefs here were among the best in the East Blue.
At the table, Nezumi, skilled in social interaction, ensured everyone was comfortable. Combined with his small friendship with Nami, the crew was well taken care of. Luffy and the others happily finished the feast.
By Nezumi's invitation, they stayed in Loguetown overnight. Luffy ignored any further attempts at flattery and set their departure for the next day. Nezumi, wisely, did not protest.
Thus, an entirely silent farewell ceremony was held, arranged by Nezumi without the crew even knowing. Soon, the entire East Blue, and perhaps the world, would hear that the Seven Warlords' crew, the Starry Sky Pirateses, were entering the Grand Line.
…
The Going Merry sailed from Loguetown at a speed far beyond that of an ordinary sailing ship.
Below deck, Luffy and the others busied themselves organizing supplies, planting seeds, and tending livestock.
The aquarium was stocked with rare fish from all four seas.
We could practically create our own All Blue, Luffy thought.
On the calm sea, the Going Merry sailed happily, seemingly anticipating the adventures that awaited them in the Grand Line.
…
A few days later, at the foot of the Red Line mountains, the crew gathered on deck.
"It's amazing!"
Usopp's eyes widened as he gazed at the endless mountain peaks.
Koby, next to him, was equally awed, eyes sparkling like little stars. For him, this felt like a dream.
Not long ago, I was a lowly deckhand on Alvida's pirate ship… now look at me, still a deckhand, but on the Going Merry!
If this were a dream, he never wanted to wake up.
Luffy and the others lined up, striking heroic poses as the twin-peak mountains approached.
Though the Grand Line should have held little allure for Luffy by now, the sight of these bizarre peaks stirred a genuine sense of anticipation and joy.
Perhaps it's because of my friends… my crewmates!
"Luffy, our course seems slightly off. I'll head to the navigation room to make adjustments and guide the Going Merry through the rising currents."
As they neared the entrance, the sea became increasingly turbulent.
Nami, the navigator, stepped forward from the group and told Luffy,
"Let me handle the ship… we'll pass through the upwelling safely."
But as she turned to enter the cabin, Luffy, eyes still closed as if sensing something, suddenly spoke:
"Wait, Nami!"
How could such a moment be spent in the cabin?
"Hmm? But…"
Nami pointed toward the cabin, unsure how to respond. She had always obeyed Luffy's intuition, even if it made little sense.
Luffy only laughed.
"Hahaha! Don't worry, Nami. Everything will be fine!"
As the Going Merry began drifting slightly off course toward the Calm Belt, Luffy called toward the bow,
"Everything's up to you, Merry!!!"
"Yoo-hoo~!!"
A sweet, melodious voice suddenly echoed in everyone's mind. Though none could understand the words, they felt an unusual sense of comfort.
And so, without anyone at the helm, the Going Merry sailed toward the entrance of the Grand Line.
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