After several hours of particularly peaceful sailing, the first outlines of Loguetown's buildings finally appeared on the horizon. The town stretched along the coast, with its bustling docks, numerous houses with colorful rooftops, and tall buildings overlooking the shopping streets. Several merchant ships were entering and leaving the harbor, while seagulls circled above the fishing boats.
What surprised me most, however, was the complete lack of intervention from the Marines. We had encountered several military vessels during our approach, and some had clearly identified our flag. Despite that, none had attempted to intercept us or even changed course to inspect our ship.
Well, well... That's interesting. Either Smoker has received some particularly strict orders, or someone has finally taught him that there are certain pirates it's better to leave alone.
I certainly wasn't going to complain about the peace and quiet. For once, we could approach a town without immediately triggering a naval battle, so we might as well enjoy it.
Besides, Merry had handled practically the entire crossing with Luffy at the helm. Our captain had positioned himself in front of the ship's wheel as soon as we departed and had barely left his post, regularly exchanging a few words with the ship's spirit.
"Merry, do you think we'll be able to see the execution platform from the harbor?" Luffy asked, leaning forward slightly.
"I don't think so, Captain. But if you want, I can try to find somewhere near the town center where we can dock!"
"Ahaha! That would be awesome, but Nami said we have to use the docks reserved for visitors!"
"Then we'll do what she said!"
I watched them from the upper deck with an amused smile. Merry seemed to take immense pleasure in sailing alongside Luffy, and he returned her enthusiasm wholeheartedly. They chatted like two children preparing for an outing, yet our captain still paid surprisingly close attention to steering the ship.
That was actually something I particularly appreciated about this version of Luffy. He still had his carefree personality, his monstrous appetite, and his tendency to rush toward anything that sparked his curiosity, but he was noticeably less childish than I remembered from the original story.
He now knew how to take responsibility when necessary, listen to his companions' advice, and even exercise a certain degree of caution when the situation called for it.
Frankly, that's reassuring for the future. I'd much rather have a captain who understands that steering a ship involves more than just shouting "Adventure awaits!" from the figurehead.
As though he had heard my thoughts, Luffy suddenly turned his head.
"JORDAN! DO YOU THINK WE'LL BE ABLE TO EAT MEAT IN LOGETOWN?"
I sighed.
"Loguetown, Luffy. And yes, I'm almost certain they've discovered the concept of meat."
"AWESOME!"
Merry burst out laughing while Nami, who was sitting beside me, shook her head with a resigned smile.
"Some things will never change."
"Thankfully. Otherwise, I'd start getting worried."
We finally reached the harbor without encountering the slightest difficulty. Merry gradually slowed down before slipping between two merchant ships, then performed a particularly elegant maneuver to position herself alongside the dock.
"And there we go!" the ship's spirit announced proudly. "We've arrived in Loguetown without a single scratch!"
"Nice work, Merry!" Luffy exclaimed, giving her a thumbs-up.
"Thank you, Captain!"
Once the mooring lines were securely fastened, we gathered on deck to organize our stopover. We had already discussed the general plan during the voyage, but I preferred to make sure everyone knew exactly what their role was before we scattered throughout such an important town.
"All right, everyone, listen up for a moment," I announced, drawing their attention. "We're here to explore the town, buy what we need, and let Luffy see Roger's execution platform. So let's try not to turn this stopover into complete chaos."
"Why are you looking at us when you say that?" Usopp asked, crossing his arms.
"Because I have an excellent memory."
"Hey! I'm not responsible for every problem we run into!"
"No, just a significant enough portion to deserve a special mention," I teased.
Koby stifled a laugh while Usopp put on an expression of mock offense.
I continued before he could spend half an hour defending his honor.
"Kratos, you'll accompany Charles to buy whatever supplies and materials we might need. Nothing particularly complicated, mostly useful items to improve our comfort on board."
Kratos nodded immediately.
"Understood. Tools, a few spare parts, and equipment for the communal facilities?"
"Exactly. And if you find anything interesting for the workshops on Heartless Island, don't hesitate to buy it."
Charles nodded as well.
"Sounds good. I still know a little about how business works in towns administered by the Marines. We should be able to find some reliable suppliers."
"Perfect. But try not to go around greeting all your former colleagues."
He gave me an amused smile.
"Why? Are you afraid they'll ask me to return to active duty?"
"No. I'm more worried they'll ask why you're now sailing under a pirate flag."
"Ah... Yes, that could make the reunion a little awkward."
I shrugged. After all, Charles was familiar enough with the risks associated with his former career to know how to behave.
Fortunately, we no longer needed to purchase large quantities of materials for ship repairs. Ever since Merry had become a genuine living being, healing spells could work directly on her body, which made maintaining the ship considerably easier.
The Green Requiem never left the ship, precisely for that reason. Its presence guaranteed us a particularly convenient source of healing magic in case of serious damage.
"Besides, I'd much rather be healed than have someone hammering planks into my back," Merry commented with a little laugh.
Kratos smiled at her.
"I can understand that. Although it does make my work as a shipwright a little less essential."
"Not at all!" Merry immediately protested. "I really like the improvements you make!"
"Well, that's reassuring."
I then turned my attention to our two swordsmen.
"Zoro, Kuina, you'll take the first watch aboard the ship. You can relax, but I'd rather the ship never be left completely unattended."
Zoro, who was already leaning against the mast with his arms crossed, opened one eye.
"Works for me. I was planning to take a nap anyway."
Kuina gave him an amused look.
"Are you planning to do anything else today?"
"Obviously. I'm also going to breathe."
"What a busy schedule."
"I know. It takes a lot of planning."
I shook my head with a smile.
"Usopp and Kaya will relieve you once they've finished their shopping. After that, you can explore the town yourselves. Well, assuming we haven't had to make a run for it by then," I added with a laugh.
Kuina nodded, while Zoro was already closing his eyes again, clearly satisfied with his assignment.
"Usopp, Kaya, your turn."
Usopp immediately straightened up.
"You don't have to tell me twice! I've already spotted several shops that might sell some interesting equipment."
He pulled a small list from his pocket, covered in notes, sketches, and references, some of which appeared to have been added at the last minute.
"I'm going to look for springs, miniature mechanisms, components for my projectiles, and maybe a few precision tools. I've got several new inventions in mind!"
"You always have several in mind," Kaya remarked with a smile.
"That's because genius never takes a vacation!"
"And yet you take plenty whenever I ask you to tidy up your workshop."
Koby burst out laughing, while Usopp stared at his girlfriend with a scandalized expression.
"Kaya! You can't reveal the secrets of a great inventor in front of everyone!"
I smiled as I watched them. Even though Usopp had now become a particularly formidable fighter, capable of physically matching opponents his original counterpart would never have dared approach, he hadn't abandoned his passion for inventing in the slightest.
On the contrary, his newfound strength allowed him to experiment with much more ambitious equipment. He no longer needed to rely solely on his gadgets to survive, but they remained an essential part of his fighting style and personality.
Kaya, for her part, had prepared a much more reasonable shopping list.
"I'm going to visit a few pharmacies and specialized shops," she explained. "We already have very effective potions and healing spells, but certain illnesses or medical complications require more specific treatments."
I immediately agreed.
"You're right. Magic can't replace all medical knowledge, and I'd rather we have as many options as possible if something goes wrong."
Our potions could heal impressive injuries, restore energy, and treat numerous ailments, but that didn't mean they could solve absolutely every health problem.
Some illnesses required appropriate medication, while others demanded anatomical knowledge or particular medical procedures. That was precisely why I still considered recruiting a proper doctor a priority.
And if my memories are correct, we should happen to meet a particularly interesting candidate in a snowy kingdom on the Grand Line.
I smiled to myself as I thought about the little reindeer waiting for us somewhere on that sea.
Well, "waiting for us" is one way of putting it. He obviously has no idea yet that we're about to enter his life, and I wonder whether his personality will be similar to what I remember.
Kaya carefully put away her list.
"We'll come back as soon as we're finished. That way, Zoro and Kuina can enjoy the town too."
"Perfect. And Usopp..."
"Yes?"
"Try not to buy a machine just because it makes a funny noise."
He looked indignant.
"I would never do that!"
Kaya stared at him silently.
"...Well, unless it has genuine scientific potential."
"Usopp."
"All right, all right!"
I then turned toward Luffy and Koby.
"As for you two, you're free to explore Loguetown. Luffy, I assume you want to start with the execution platform?"
Our captain immediately flashed an enormous grin.
"YEAH! I wanna see the place where Roger died!"
Koby nodded enthusiastically.
"I'm interested too. I've read several accounts of his execution, but I've never had the chance to visit the town."
"In that case, enjoy yourselves. You can also explore the shopping streets and learn a little about Loguetown's history."
Luffy thought for a few seconds.
"Are there any restaurants near the execution platform?"
"Probably."
"THEN THAT'S PERFECT!"
Koby sighed with a smile.
"I have a feeling we're going to spend just as much time looking for food as we do sightseeing."
"You're starting to know our captain pretty well," I commented.
Luffy burst out laughing before turning toward Merry.
"We'll be back later!"
"Have fun!" the ship's spirit replied cheerfully.
I checked one last time that everyone understood their responsibilities, then turned toward Nami, who was waiting quietly beside me.
I then turned toward Sanji and Kazuki, who were patiently waiting for their assignment. Our cook had already begun examining the market stalls visible from the harbor, clearly eager to discover the local products. Kazuki, meanwhile, stood beside him with an arm wrapped around his waist.
"Sanji, Kazuki, I'm putting you in charge of food supplies. We'll soon be entering the Grand Line, so we might as well stock up on fresh ingredients and a few specialties that could be difficult to find elsewhere."
Sanji immediately gave me an enthusiastic smile.
"Count on me, Jordan! I'll find us the best ingredients in the entire town! With a commercial port this important, there must be spices, meats, and fish from all four Blues!"
"And most importantly, don't forget that we have Luffy to feed," Nami added.
Silence fell for a few seconds.
Sanji slowly raised a hand to his chin, as though he had just realized the full extent of the mission he had been given.
"In that case, we'll need to plan for at least three times the usual quantities."
"Five times," I calmly corrected. "We're about to enter the Grand Line, and I'd rather avoid having our captain decide to hunt a Sea King just because he's feeling a little hungry."
"Hey!" Luffy protested. "If the Sea King is big enough, it could feed us for several meals!"
"That's exactly why we need to buy more provisions," Kazuki replied, bursting into laughter.
Sanji sighed before pulling a lollipop from his pocket and slipping it between his lips. Ever since he had considerably reduced his cigarette consumption out of consideration for Kazuki, he had gotten into the habit of replacing the gesture with a few sweets, much to his girlfriend's amusement.
"All right, in that case, we'll start with the wholesale markets," he declared. "After that, I'd like to visit a few fishmongers and find some interesting spices."
Kazuki gently took his hand.
"And I'll take care of carrying our purchases. With my wind manipulation, it'll be much easier than making twenty trips back and forth to the ship."
"You're wonderful, my darling Kazuki!" Sanji exclaimed before pulling her close and planting a kiss on her lips.
She returned his kiss with a smile, then affectionately patted his cheek.
"I know, my love. But try not to buy the entire market."
"I can't promise anything if I discover some exceptional ingredients!"
I handed them a purse containing more than enough money for their purchases.
"Buy whatever we need to remain self-sufficient for quite a while. We have effective preservation methods, so take advantage of them to build up some proper reserves. And Sanji, remember to buy a few treats for the others too."
"No problem! I'll prepare desserts worthy of a royal banquet!"
"And meat!" Luffy immediately interjected.
Sanji slowly turned his head toward him.
"Luffy... We've literally been talking about meat for the past five minutes."
"I know! But I wanted to make sure you wouldn't forget!"
Kazuki burst out laughing while Sanji shook his head with a resigned expression.
"Charles, Kratos, remember to buy a large refrigerator with a lock," I added, looking at Luffy, who gave me an almost betrayed look.
"At your command, Vice-Captain!" they replied simultaneously in dramatic tones, making the rest of the crew smile.
"Come on, my love," Kazuki said, gently leading Sanji toward the gangplank. "The sooner we get started, the sooner we can enjoy the rest of our day together."
At those words, Sanji instantly regained his enthusiasm.
"Then let's not waste another second!"
I watched them walk away hand in hand, Sanji already describing the dishes he intended to prepare with his future purchases, while Kazuki listened with a fond smile.
At least with those two, we won't have to worry about running out of food. Well... as long as Luffy doesn't discover where Sanji stores the supplies.
I then turned my attention back to Nami, who was patiently waiting beside me.
"And finally, that leaves our dear navigator and me."
A particularly satisfied smile appeared on my face.
"Since we've been extremely generous in letting everyone choose their activities, we're going to treat ourselves to a well-deserved day off."
Nami crossed her arms with an amused smile.
"A day off that will include shopping, a nice restaurant, and perhaps a few clothing stores."
"Naturally, sweetheart. Whatever makes you happy."
"Even if I find a dress that's a little expensive?"
"We have enough money to buy several stores, so I think one dress should be well within our budget."
Her eyes immediately lit up.
"Several stores, you say?"
I realized my mistake a fraction of a second too late.
"Nami... That was just a figure of speech."
"Of course, my love. I'll simply check how many stores fit that figure of speech."
Usopp burst out laughing.
"Ha! Jordan just made a major strategic mistake!"
"A mistake that could cost several million berries," Charles added with a smile.
I gave them a mock-threatening look.
"You're awfully talkative for people who might discover a new training method when we get back."
The silence was immediate.
Usopp hurriedly put away his list.
"Personally, I think you make a wonderful couple and deserve a fantastic day together!"
"Absolutely," Charles confirmed with remarkable seriousness. "I've never seen two people so perfectly suited to each other."
Kratos rolled his eyes.
"You two are hopeless."
Koby, meanwhile, was visibly trying to hold back his laughter.
Nami moved closer to me and affectionately wrapped an arm around my waist.
"See? Everyone agrees that we should enjoy our day."
"That's true. And I'd like to thank the entire crew for their spontaneous understanding."
I paused briefly before adding with the most innocent smile in the world:
"An understanding which, I should point out, has absolutely nothing to do with the possibility of me organizing three days of intensive training for anyone who objects."
My declaration was met with a particularly revealing silence.
Then Usopp slowly raised his hand.
"Just to be sure... Were you really planning to make us train if someone refused?"
"Me? Never."
"Then why are you smiling like that?"
"Because I'm happy to be spending the day with my girlfriend."
Nami burst out laughing before planting a kiss on my cheek.
"What a wonderful vice-captain we have. Always so considerate toward his companions."
"See? At least someone recognizes my qualities."
"Oh, I recognize them perfectly. Especially your ability to get exactly what you want while pretending you aren't asking for anything."
"It's a highly advanced diplomatic skill."
"Obviously."
She kissed me a second time, this time on the lips, before taking my hand.
"Come on, Mr. Diplomat. We have an entire town to explore."
"At your command, Madam Navigator."
Luffy looked at us with an enormous grin.
"HAVE FUN! AND BRING BACK SOME MEAT!"
"YOU HAVE YOUR OWN MONEY!" Nami immediately replied.
"BUT MEAT TASTES BETTER WHEN IT'S FREE!"
I couldn't help bursting into laughter.
"On that point, his logic is difficult to argue with."
"Don't start encouraging him, Jordan!"
I raised my hands in a gesture of innocence, which only made her smile even wider.
With the final preparations complete, we finally stepped onto the docks of Loguetown. Around us, merchants shouted out their prices, sailors carried crates, and townspeople moved between the numerous stalls set up near the harbor.
Despite our clearly visible pirate flag, nobody seemed particularly eager to come looking for trouble. A few passersby watched us curiously, but the Marines stationed on the docks simply continued their patrols.
Seriously, this lack of reaction is starting to seem downright suspicious.
I discreetly scanned the surroundings with my Observation Haki, without detecting any immediate hostile intentions.
(Author's Note: Don't worry, this is just the appetizer. The rest is coming tomorrow, and yes, the chapter title is a troll. ^^)