Whiskey Peak. Two hidden sentries stationed in the fog.
"Look, pirates!"
"Another pirate ship is coming!"
The sentries, Xifa and Yog, exchanged surprised glances.
"Business has been really good lately, all thanks to the strongest bounty hunter from the East Blue."
"If not for him driving so many pirates into the Grand Line, how could we be getting so much action here? Hahaha!"
As they spoke, they couldn't help but laugh out loud.
Over the past few months, their performance had skyrocketed. Their results in just half a year now matched what used to take two years.
Even their boss, who was usually indifferent, had praised them for the first time.
And all of this was thanks to the man who had crushed the pirates of the East Blue.
"With such a good ship, the haul this time will definitely be huge!"
Xifa licked the corner of his mouth, full of excitement.
They had worked at Whiskey Peak for so long, but this was the first time they had seen such an impressive ship as the Wind Rider.
They could hardly imagine how much profit they would make if they successfully captured it.
"But… could there be a problem?"
Yog hesitated. A ship like this might not be so simple.
"What are you afraid of? The people coming through here are always rookies who just set sail, probably deserters from the East Blue."
Xifa didn't care at all.
They had done this work for so long, and they had never met anyone they couldn't handle.
"Then I'll go report to Mr. 8. Looks like we're about to strike it rich!"
Yog also felt he was overthinking it and quickly went to report.
Such a fat sheep couldn't be taken lightly.
Soon, all of Whiskey Peak was buzzing with excitement.
When the Wind Rider sailed into the inner river of Cactus Island, cheers erupted from both banks.
"Welcome to the Grand Line!"
"Welcome to our town!"
"Long live the warriors of the sea!"
The people on both sides cheered enthusiastically, warmly welcoming the arrival of the Wind Rider.
…
"Are the people of the Grand Line always this friendly?"
Nami was surprised.
Hearing the cheers of the townspeople, she couldn't help but feel happy.
At the same time, Nami felt confused.
Twin Cape was the true entrance to the Grand Line, and Mr. 9 and Vivi had tried to rob them there.
But now, Whiskey Peak looked like a peaceful paradise.
"This is great. Looks like we can have a fun, relaxing day."
Tashigi smiled, her eyes narrowing into cheerful crescents.
Born in the Navy, her sense of vigilance was not as sharp as Nami's. She was completely unsuspecting.
However, Caelan had no intention of exposing the truth.
"Everyone, don't…"
"Huh!?"
Vivi was about to warn them, but Caelan gently covered her mouth.
She looked at him in confusion, unsure of his meaning.
"Shh. After such a rough journey, let's enjoy ourselves for a while."
Caelan whispered beside Vivi.
The entire Whiskey Peak was a Baroque Works branch.
The friendly villagers were all bounty hunters, specializing in targeting rookie pirates who had just entered the Grand Line.
Everything they were seeing now was just a sugar-coated trap.
But Caelan didn't mind. He was happy to enjoy the sugar coating before shooting back the cannonball.
Feeling his warm breath against her ear, Vivi blushed and nodded.
"Vivi, what were you trying to say?"
Nami and Tashigi noticed the exchange and turned to look at Vivi and Caelan.
"She meant that we shouldn't be so tense. We should all relax and enjoy ourselves today."
"Right, Vivi?"
Caelan winked at her.
"Y-Yes, that's right. Everyone should have fun today!"
Vivi was flustered but still managed to go along with Caelan's words.
At that moment, her mind was still spinning over Caelan's closeness.
Even though Caelan was strong and good-looking, they had only just met today.
"S-Sorry… it's too soon. I can't accept!"
Vivi closed her eyes and whispered with a red face.
But after waiting for a while, there was no response.
Vivi opened her eyes and realized that no one was on the ship anymore.
"Vivi, come on down and join us!"
On the shore, Nami and Tashigi waved at her, while Caelan stood nearby smiling.
"Huh?!"
"I'm coming, I'm coming!"
Vivi was so embarrassed she wished Crocodile would just kill her right then and there.
Ah! Ah! Ah!
Vivi, why are you so stupid, overthinking everything like this?
How embarrassing!
Cursing herself silently, Vivi took a few deep breaths to calm her emotions.
She quickly got off the ship and joined Caelan and the others, trying her best to act normal.
But she couldn't help sneaking glances at Caelan.
He doesn't know… does he?
Seeing Caelan happily chatting with the villagers, Vivi finally felt relieved.
Thank goodness. As long as no one noticed, she hadn't made a fool of herself.
Vivi forced herself to stop paying attention to Caelan and started talking with Nami and Tashigi.
As Vivi's gaze left him, Caelan's smile grew even brighter.
No helping it… she was too amusing. He couldn't help but laugh.
At that moment, a burly man with a suit and golden curly hair approached Caelan.
"Ahem… welcome. My name is Igarappoi."
"Ahem… everyone is surprised by how lively Whiskey Town is. Brewing and music here are very well-developed."
"Ahem… hospitality is our town's proudest tradition."
"Ahem."
"Tonight, let's celebrate with the finest wine of the town and the legendary tales of brave adventurers!"
Igarappoi appeared kind and friendly as he welcomed Caelan and the others on behalf of the whole town.
However, his constant coughing made people worry that he might cough up a lung.
Caelan smiled. He knew this man's true identity.
It was Igaram, Vivi's captain of the guard, who was undercover in Baroque Works under the codename Mr. 8.
"Dear warriors, you've been through so much. Please, join us at the banquet and relax."
Igaram invited warmly.
Nami and Tashigi were still a little hesitant, looking toward Caelan for guidance.
"Let's go. This is a rare chance to enjoy ourselves. Everyone, relax."
Caelan gladly accepted the invitation, pulling Nami and Tashigi into the festival crowd, bringing Vivi along as well.
"Ahem… that's wonderful."
"Tonight's banquet will surely satisfy you."
Igaram smiled as he watched the group join the festivities.
But deep down, he was filled with questions.
Why was Princess Vivi with them? And where was Mr. 9?
"Hey, wait a minute! I haven't asked how long it will take for the Log Pose to reset here!"
Nami tried to break free from Caelan's arm, still focused on the important details.
"I already asked. It'll be ready by tomorrow. Now, just enjoy yourself."
Caelan replied confidently, holding Nami with his left hand and Tashigi with his right, while nudging Vivi along with them.
When did he ask? Why didn't I hear it?
Igaram scratched the back of his head, sensing that something about today's situation was off.
But he quickly pushed those thoughts aside. Right now, the priority was figuring out what was going on with Princess Vivi.
The sun slowly set over Whiskey Peak, and the banquet to welcome the newcomers began in full swing.
(To be continued.)
***
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