"There's a river at the front, looks like we can reach the island by ship."
Nami's eyes immediately sharpened.
The playful smile from earlier disappeared as she focused on the water ahead.
Her hands moved across the helm with practiced ease, adjusting their course while carefully observing the currents.
Shiki lazily waved a hand.
"Lead the way, Navigator."
Nami shot him an annoyed look.
"Would you stop calling me that already?"
She pointed at herself with her thumb.
"My name is Nami."
Despite her complaint, there wasn't the slightest bit of real anger in her voice.
She knew Shiki was teasing her on purpose and Shiki knew she wasn't actually upset.
At this point, it was simply part of their usual banter.
Nami shook her head and returned her attention to the river ahead.
"Anyway, don't forget that we'll probably have to stay on this island for a while."
Shiki raised an eyebrow.
"Why?"
Nami looked at him as though he had just asked why water was wet.
"Because unless we store this island's magnetic field in the Log Pose, we won't be able to find the next island."
She tapped the Log Pose on her wrist.
"Every island in the Grand Line is different. Some only take a few hours to record their magnetic field."
Then she shrugged.
"And some take days."
"Right..."
Shiki thought for a second.
He had actually forgotten about that.
It had been a long time since he last remembered the finer details of the story.
He still knew the major events and important figures.
But things like Log Poses, magnetic fields, and how long each island took to record them were the kind of details that had gradually slipped from his memory over the years.
Soon, the ship drifted into a narrow waterway.
Thick fog blanketed the area from all sides, reducing visibility to only a few dozen meters.
To an ordinary person, it would have been impossible to see what lay ahead but Shiki was hardly ordinary.
Not only could he see through the fog, he could clearly sense several presences nearby watching them.
Observing their every movement.
On a cliff overlooking the entrance, three figures had already noticed the approaching ship.
One of them lowered a pair of binoculars slightly.
"Hey, it's a pirate ship."
His voice carried a hint of excitement.
The other two immediately leaned closer.
"Pirates are here!"
The man with the binoculars adjusted them again and focused on the approaching vessel.
His gaze swept across the ship before finally stopping on the fluttering black flag bearing the symbol of the Golden Lion.
As the ship continued deeper into the channel, more and more figures began appearing throughout the surrounding cliffs and hills.
Some hid behind rocks.
Others peeked from behind trees.
And some made no effort to hide at all, openly watching the approaching pirate ship.
It was as if the entire island had suddenly become interested in their arrival.
"Hey... Shiki..."
Nami's voice trembled slightly.
"That... there... I just saw something move over there..."
She pointed toward a distant hillside with a shaking finger.
Her face had gone a little pale as she nervously swallowed.
Shiki followed the direction of her finger.
Then he let out a sigh.
"They're just humans."
"There's no need to be afraid."
Honestly, out of all the women he had met throughout his life, Nami was probably the most easily frightened.
Half the time, he felt like he spent more energy calming her down than dealing with actual enemies.
"Still, we should be careful. This is the Grand Line, after all."
Nami finally let out a small sigh of relief after hearing Shiki's explanation, but her expression remained serious.
She tightened her grip on the helm as her eyes continued scanning their surroundings.
Nami knew better than most that the Grand Line was not a place where people could afford to let their guard down.
Before arriving here, she had heard countless stories.
Stories of pirates vanishing without a trace.
Of entire crews being swallowed by the sea.
Of islands where common sense simply stopped applying.
Some of them were probably exaggerated.
But many were not.
No matter how strong Shiki was, carelessness was still carelessness.
And in the Grand Line, carelessness could get you killed.
But then, something completely unexpected happened.
The tense atmosphere vanished in an instant.
Cheers suddenly erupted from every direction.
Music filled the air.
Laughter followed.
The quiet foggy passage transformed into something resembling a festival.
Men and women poured out from all over the town, waving enthusiastically toward the arriving ship.
Some were dancing.
Others were playing instruments.
Several people even held up banners welcoming newcomers.
"Welcome to the Grand Line!"
"Welcome to our town!"
"Welcome to Whisky Peak!"
The crowd erupted into even louder cheers.
"What the heck is going on here?!"
Nami's eyes darted from side to side as she stared at the cheering crowd with a bewildered expression.
Just moments ago, she had been expecting danger.
Now they were being welcomed like celebrities.
It felt so strange that it actually made her more nervous.
Meanwhile, Shiki quietly observed everything from the deck.
His expression remained calm as always.
But if someone looked closely, they would notice a faint hint of cold amusement hidden in his eyes.
"Pirates, welcome to our town!"
"Hurray for the heroes of the sea!"
"Let's celebrate together!"
Even Shiki had to admit it.
The dedication of these people was impressive.
To tell such enormous lies with straight faces and cheerful smiles required a remarkable level of commitment.
It was both impressive... and slightly unsettling.
Nami remained wary.
She opened her mouth, clearly wanting to say something but before the words could leave her lips, Shiki casually raised a finger and placed it against his own lips.
A silent gesture.
Don't say anything.
Nami blinked.
"...?"
Although confused, she ultimately swallowed whatever she had been about to say.
If it had been anyone else, she would have continued arguing.
However after everything that had happened since they left Cocoyasi Village, she had learned one thing.
When Shiki looked this calm, it usually meant he already knew something she didn't.
So Nami simply folded her arms and remained silent.
Her gaze continued sweeping across the cheering crowd.
Deep down, she still felt that something was off.
But if Shiki wasn't concerned...
Then she wasn't particularly worried either.
Without even realizing it, her trust in him had been growing stronger and stronger.
Soon, their ship came to a stop at the dock.
Shiki stepped off the ship first, hands tucked into his kimono's sleeves, while Nami followed close behind.
The moment their feet touched the ground, another wave of enthusiastic greetings erupted from the crowd.
"Welco—"
The speaker suddenly choked.
"Cough! Cough!"
Then the man hurriedly straightened himself.
"Ma-Ma-Ma-Ma... Welcome!"
Standing before them was an older man with gray-blond hair and an absurd hairstyle that immediately drew attention.
Shiki stared at it for a moment longer than necessary.
He genuinely couldn't figure out how it was even possible.
The man's hair curled into multiple layered rolls that extended all the way down to his shoulders, looking as though someone had stacked several tires on top of his head.
The old man spread his arms dramatically.
"My name is Igarappa!"
He struck a grand pose as though standing on a stage.
"I am the mayor of Whisky Peak!"
"Shiki," Shiki said with an easy grin, giving only his name even though he'd already seen through the act this place called Whisky Peak was putting on.
Then he tilted his head, eyeing the mayor's towering locks.
"Gotta say, old man—your hairstyle's sailing way past the Grand Line of 'over the top,' don't you think?"
"Whisky Peak is a town that thrives on music and liquor!" Mayor Igarappoi announced, brushing off the jab with a professional grin that matched his towering hair. "Hospitality is our greatest pride, and—"
He froze mid-sentence as Shiki strolled straight past him, clearly uninterested in any more flowery introductions.
"Ahaha—pardon me!" Nami laughed, ruffling her hair before hurrying after Shiki, leaving the ever-smiling Igarappoi standing in their wake.
Catching up, she draped an arm around his shoulder and lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper.
"Hey, Shiki—what was that back there? Did you spot something fishy?"
"Something like that," Shiki replied with an unruffled nod. The quiet danger in his voice made Nami shiver. Great… this is bad, she thought, tightening her grip on the log pose.
Those idiots had better not try anything stupid.
But someone here had already pegged them as prey—there was no way the newcomers would be allowed to slip away that easily.
"Ahaha! Pay him no mind, folks—our guest's just got a serious streak," Mayor Igarappoi boomed, throwing up a flamboyant hand behind Shiki.
"Now, everyone, prepare for the festivities! Strike up the music and give these adventurers a taste of true Whisky Peak hospitality!"
It was like tossing a lit match into gunpowder.
The entire street erupted at once.
"PARTY TIME!"
...
Night settled over the little inn at Whisky Peak.
Doom-doom… drums thumped outside, music and laughter spilling through the walls.
Shiki sat at the low table, wordlessly picking at his dinner. Anyone bold enough to wander close met his cool gaze and retreated in a hurry.
A few revelers tried edging toward Nami, too, but she slid onto the cushion right beside Shiki, a bright smile that didn't quite reach her sharp eyes warning them off.
The onlookers traded uneasy glances and silent hand signals. Whatever scheme they'd been planning, it wasn't worth tangling with those two tonight.
After a while, Igarappoi returned, a lithe blue-haired girl in tow. With a salesman's flourish, he set an ornate clay jug on the table in front of Shiki and Nami.
"Please, don't hold back—drink up!" he declared, flashing the same unshakable smile.
Nami waved her hands in a gentle refusal, the corners of her mouth stiffening into a polite grin.
"No, thank you. I'd rather not drink alcohol." She shut her eyes for a moment, hoping the matter would end there.
"D-don't worr— cough, cough…"
"Ma-ma-ma-ma… don't worry!" Igarappoi wheezed, forcing his trademark grin back into place as the blue-haired girl beside him set a lacquered cup on the table.
"This is our pride and joy—pressed from Grand Line Prime Grapes. All the depth of first-rate wine, none of the hangover. Pure taste, that's the specialty!"
"Oh?" Nami accepted the cup, swirling the clear liquid once before taking a cautious sip. Her eyes widened.
"Wow—you're right! This is delicious."
"Hahaha—of course! It's all thanks to this year's harvest!"
Mayor Igarappoi thrust both arms sky-high, voice booming over the drums. "To celebrate, let's hold a toast competition!"
Cheers rippled through the tavern like a wave.
"Rules are simple!" he declared, wagging a finger for emphasis. "We keep clinking cups till only one challenger's still upright. Last one standing wins!"
He planted the jug between Shiki and Nami with theatrical flourish. "Please—join in our little contest!"
"E-eh, no thank you—I don't drink that much," Nami said, lifting her hands in polite refusal.
But Igarappoi's next words had her eyes practically morphed into little ฿ signs.
"The champion walks away with one-hundred-thousand berries!"
Nami's chair scraped back as she leapt to her feet, eyes gleaming. "Another cup, please—fill it to the brim!"
Igarappoi clapped gleefully. "That's the spirit, miss navigator!"
His eyes gleamed. One shark hooked—now for the big fish.
Across the table, Shiki ate with unhurried elegance, as though the raucous contest were miles away.
Igarappoi gave a subtle hand signal. The blue-haired girl—none other than Nefertari Vivi—caught it instantly. With practiced grace she slipped onto the cushion beside Shiki, lifting a fresh jug.
"Come now," she said, eyes sparkling as she tipped the spout toward his cup. "You're not going to let your woman outdrink you, are you?"
Before Shiki could answer, Nami all but exploded. "Ehhh?! W-woman? Who—don't just—" Her protest died mid-squawk as she peeked at Shiki.
Calm as ever, Shiki looped an arm around Vivi, lifted the jug from her hands, and took a deep, deliberate pull.
Nami and Vivi stiffened for entirely different reasons. A flustered heat crept up Nami's cheeks... Vivi's eyes went wide at the unexpected closeness.
With a low grumble, Nami grabbed another cup, tossed it back in one go, and muttered under her breath—determined to drown whatever prickly, inexplicable irritation had just bubbled up.
On the other hand Vivi's whole body went completely stiff—this was the first time any man, let alone a complete stranger, had pulled her so close. Still, she forced a calm smile and flicked a discreet signal toward Igarappoi, urging him not to lose his cool and let her handle this.
Behind his back, Igarappoi's fists clenched hard enough to whiten the knuckles. Shoulders trembling, he fought down the urge to explode and pasted on a brittle grin.
"Ahaha—would you look at that! I've just remembered… an urgent matter to attend to!" he exclaimed, voice pitching a shade too high.
"Please, continue at your leisure—the deal still stands!"
He hefted a bulging pouch onto the low table with a dull thud that made the wood creak, its mountain of banknotes announcing the prize loud and clear.
Then, with stiff, jerky steps, he excused himself before he might mess things up and disappeared down the corridor, leaving Shiki, Nami, and Vivi alone.
Vivi's fingers worked delicately at the arm cinched around her waist, but it may as well have been an iron bar. Shiki didn't squeeze—he simply wouldn't move.
She cleared her throat, keeping the fake smile. "I-I'm Miss Wednesday. So, what brings you to the Grand Line, Mister Shiki?"
Shiki finished his swallow, set the cup down. "The world's a big sea," he said without looking at her, voice low enough that only she and Nami could hear. "I figured it was time to sail a louder wake and the Grand Line's where reputations get noisy."
"The Grand Line's a graveyard for plenty of dreamers," Nefertari Vivi warned, voice soft yet earnest. "Steering a path loud enough to echo across these seas won't be easy."
She shifted, trying to slip from Shiki's grasp—surely he'd let go for the sake of the orange-haired navigator glaring daggers across the table. Instead, the shameless swordsman tightened his arm with leisurely confidence.
Vivi's eyes widened. He's strong. She forced a composed smile, though a faint pink crept up her cheeks. "M-mister Shiki, I really should get going now—"
"U-uh, could you at least—"
Clank.
Her request died as Shiki set his empty cup on the table with finality. Only then did he truly look at the blue-haired woman still half-held against him. Nefertari Vivi's delicate features and sea-coloured hair shone like polished lapis.
Shiki's golden eyes lingered for a heartbeat, silently admitting that she was, without question, one of the most striking women he'd encountered in his life.
Shiki's hand, which had been resting at Vivi's waist, glided up the line of her back, fingers brushing the silky fall of her blue hair.
Vivi's eyes flashed, with practiced stealth she reached for the dagger at her hip. Shiki's hand, however, never paused—settling gently yet unyieldingly at the base of her neck.
Swoosh!
Clang!
Her blade struck him squarely with a metallic ring—as though she had stabbed solid armor and shattered into glittering shards.
Only then did Vivi come back to her senses when she realized that Shiki had never meant to harass her. He was actually strangling her.
"G-gagh…!"
Shiki lifted her off the seat beside him and held her in the air, looking at her with glowing golden eyes that made Vivi's legs go weak from the vise-like pressure around her neck and overwhelming aura.
Only one thought surfaced in her mind.
They seemed to have messed with someone they shouldn't have.
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