Sherwin originally thought that sailing around the East Blue in the former ship of the Black Cat Pirates would more or less cause some misunderstandings—just like when they were at the 77th Branch.
But in the end...
Because Sherwin and his crew didn't raise a pirate flag, no one thought they were pirates at all.
People in the pirate world are honestly kind of straightforward!
But thinking about it carefully, this situation is actually quite understandable. After all, Luffy Going Merry wasn't originally designed as a pirate ship either,
but once they hoisted the Jolly Roger, it became one. Sherwin had previously analyzed that "pirate" is considered a profession in this world—its definition is often pretty vague.
And when compared to merchant ships, exploration vessels, or even Morgans' News Ship, the armed forces aboard them aren't necessarily any less than those on an average pirate ship.
So it perfectly reasonable that others wouldn't be particularly wary of a ship without a pirate flag.
The next part of the journey was fairly straightforward. They first returned to the islands they had missed earlier to complete the map, and along the way, sold off the Explorer No. 1.
However, Sherwin dismantled the "Spark Knight Propulsion Unit" attached to the back of the Explorer No. 1. Without the Flame-Flame Fruit, no one else could really make use of it anyway.
Better to keep it and use it in the future to replicate Ace rocket-powered boat—maybe even build a special "Spark Knight" ship just for Klee Meow, a small plushy-sized vessel.
"Our next destination is… Mirapar Island?"
After marking off all the previously missed islands, Sherwin opened his Hunter Handbook again and found the island closest to their current location. However, the name still didn't ring a bell.
Just then, Huamei Meow poked her head over and said thoughtfully, "I think I've heard someone mention that island before.
Supposedly it called the 'Trendsetting Capital of East Blue,' meow… Admiral, aren't you planning to write a travel guide? Then this island might be perfect for your research."
In addition to her excellent navigation skills and leadership, Huamei Meow was also top-notch when it came to gathering intelligence.
Before she joined, the team lineup consisted of: a two-legged beast who only knew how to eat Felyne food, a little yellow cat obsessed with big sisters, an adorable but scatterbrained explosion enthusiast, and a stuffy traditionalist addicted to sword training...
Although Sherwin did make an effort to collect information at first, his methods were inefficient and careless—he mostly focused only on what interested him.
And after confirming the timeline and getting acquainted with Morgans, he gradually became too lazy to bother with intel gathering at all.
But Huamei Meow was different. Every time they arrived somewhere, she would instinctively gather all sorts of information.
Even though none of it seemed particularly useful so far, Sherwin didn't think it was a waste of effort.
Sherwin picked up Huamei Meow and cradled her in his arms. With both hands, he gently massaged the sides of her little face, expressing his gratitude for her earlier reminder.
Huamei Meow leaned against Sherwin, eyes narrowing in contentment. After enjoying the massage in silence, she scampered off to guide the ship.
They weren't far from Mirapar Island. After sailing for just over an hour, the outline of the island came into view.
As they got closer, they could see its highest point: a massive disco ball perched at the top. And just like in Hollywood, a huge set of letters had been erected on the hillside, spelling out the word "FUNKY."
Very soon, Sherwin and his crew ship sailed into the harbor. Not only were there numerous merchant vessels docked here, but even a few Marine warships could be seen.
After stepping onto the island, they were greeted by decorations like neon lights and streamers everywhere.
The people on the island wore all sorts of trendy clothes—it was a completely different world compared to the rest of the East Blue.
In fact, judging by the island culture and level of technology, it was at least thirty to forty years ahead of the other islands.
Even if placed in the West Blue, it could still be called the fashion capital.
Sherwin actually felt a trace of the life he had before crossing over.
"So strange, meow…" It was the first time Hua Mei Meow had seen such an out-of-place island. Perched on Sherwin shoulder, she asked curiously,
"If this is the trendsetting place of the East Blue, then why meow does it feel so different from the rest of the East Blue, meow?"
Sherwin shrugged and didn't answer…
Even Oda himself probably wouldn't know how to explain this kind of question.
Although the existence of Mirapar Island felt very out of place, it was a rare location with a hint of modern flair. Sherwin was definitely interested in exploring it properly.
But before Sherwin and the Felynes had taken more than a few steps, a flamboyantly dressed old man appeared, leading a group of maids and attendants in matching uniforms to greet them.
"You must be the Cat Swordsman Sherwin, right?" The old man, whose hair was shaved into an arrow shape, enthusiastically grabbed Sherwin hands and introduced himself: "I'm Rand, the mayor of this town. Welcome to our Mirapar!"
Sherwin was completely baffled by the other party enthusiasm. After a few seconds of confusion, he asked uncertainly, "Mayor Rand, hello. What is this about...?"
"Well, it like this..." Rand laughed heartily and began to explain to Sherwin.
The reason they were welcoming Sherwin was actually quite simple: word had already spread that he had taken care of the Arlong Pirates and the Black Cat Pirates.
The Arlong Pirates, who usually stayed holed up in the Conomi Islands, weren't that big of a concern. But the Black Cat Pirates were notoriously infamous in this entire region.
And as for Mirapar Island—one of the most economically developed places in the entire East Blue—despite having a naval force stationed there long-term, those troops were only capable of handling average pirates.
When it came to the Black Cat Pirates, who currently held the highest bounty in the East Blue, all the navy could do was try to minimize the damage to the island.
Now that word had gotten out that the Black Cat Pirates were taken down by Sherwin, and even their pirate ship was claimed as his trophy, Mayor Rand had naturally rushed over at once to express his gratitude.
"I've already issued the orders—everything you and your Felynes spend on the island will be half price, even the clothes from 'Hey-Shu Panda'!" Rand said generously with a wave of his hand.
The "Hey-Shu Panda" he referred to was a well-known brand in the pirate world. Sherwin had already encountered it back in the West Blue.
He'd actually been thinking of having some custom clothes made for the cats from that store, but then...
That damned brand charged over ten thousand Berries for a single piece of clothing, and custom orders started at a base price of one hundred thousand Berries—that enough for Zoro to buy two swords!
Back then, Sherwin hadn't made much money yet, so he had decisively left with the cats.
But things were different now. Not only was his wallet full, but he also had the mayor promise of a 50% discount—of course he was going to buy that stuff, TMD!
Then, Rand pointed to the attendants and maids he had brought with him and continued, "If you need them, they can stay by your side and provide services like tour guiding, carrying your things, making reservations for meals and hotels, and so on."
"Uh… there no need for that," Sherwin politely declined the offer. "I'm not really used to shopping around with strangers following me."
Rand nodded, then pulled out a wristwatch-shaped Den Den Mushi and handed it over. "In that case, if you need anything, just use this Den Den Mushi to contact me. I'll provide assistance immediately."
Seeing that Sherwin had accepted the Den Den Mushi, Rand led the group of attendants away quickly.