Actually, between Little Garden and the Kingdom of Alabasta, there isn't only a single island. Among the islands scattered in this stretch of sea, some were formed from the droppings left by Sea Kings, some are coral reefs, and others are simply too small in size.
In short, these islands either do not produce a magnetic field, or the magnetic field they generate is too weak for a Log Pose to record.
According to Crocus explanation, there are many such islands across the Grand Line. Although they can't be recorded by a Log Pose, it doesn't mean no one lives there.
Aside from a few islands that have native inhabitants, there are also places where people accidentally drifted ashore and developed them into something like a highway rest stop or a desert oasis.
The island recorded by the Log Pose in this region is called "Vacation Island." From the name alone, it clear what its specialty is. This island has even appeared in the main story of the manga and in cover stories.
Vacation Island isn't particularly large—visually, it probably less than one-third the size of Little Garden, and it not even comparable to Alabasta.
However, within this stretch of ocean, it has the strongest magnetic field. Combined with its pleasant climate and abundant resources, the island population density is extremely high.
The island most striking feature is a colossal tree at its center, almost large enough to shade the entire island. Its shape resembles a giant parasol, and on the very top of this tree, several buildings have even been constructed…
"Looks like housing space on this island is really tight," Sherwin murmured as he stood at the bow of the ship, gazing into the distance at the gradually enlarging Vacation Island.
Still, it was understandable. For a vacation paradise with such a limited overall area, every inch of land had to be put to use.
As soon as the Dodo Advance steadied itself at the port—and before Sherwin and his crew could even disembark—a crowd of people was already squeezing their way over…
"Little brother, need a tour guide?"
"I know every corner of Vacation Island—I'm the best guide here!"
"Oh! It the Hunter himself! If you pick me as your guide, I can give you a 20% discount!"
Emmmm… yep, this definitely feels like a popular tourist spot.
Even though there were two Marine warships docked on the other side of the port, Sherwin still had Klee Meow summon a few small flame puppets to guard the Dodo Advance.
Only after that did he lead all the Felynes off the ship, completely ignoring the self-recommended guides as he headed straight into the island.
Compared to the pushy tour guides back before he crossed over, the ones here were much more perceptive.
Seeing that Sherwin had no intention of hiring a guide, they immediately dispersed to look for other customers.
After all…
This was a world where people could kill over a single wrong word. Even with Marine warships nearby, there was no guarantee of absolute safety.
None of these guides wanted to risk their lives just to snag a bit of business, so they all kept their behavior in check.
"So many people! Sherwin-nii, there are so many people here, meow!"
Perched on Sherwin shoulder, Klee Meow craned her neck, looking around excitedly as she shouted.
It really was starting to feel more and more like those bustling tourist attractions from before he crossed over—holiday crowds and all…
Sherwin gazed at the lively, crowded streets ahead and couldn't help but sigh in amazement.
This Vacation Island was, without a doubt, the most densely populated place Sherwin had seen so far in the world of One Piece.Even cities like the Spring Queen City, Mirapool Island, or Carnival City couldn't compare.
It wasn't that the facilities or environment here were better—the main reason was simply the island size.
It was so small that some areas even restricted tourist entry.Visitors could only enter once enough people inside had left.
Aside from the "enthusiastic" guides and the overflowing crowds,Vacation Island had another feature perfectly befitting its name—and one shared by every major tourist destination: the prices.
Even compared to places deeper into the Grand Line, like Water 7, the Spring Queen City, or Carnival City,the goods here were nearly twice as expensive.
And when compared to prices in the Four Seas, the difference was downright outrageous…
Sherwin curled his lip.He hadn't expected that even after crossing into this world,he still couldn't escape the fate of getting fleeced at tourist spots.
But…wasn't it strange that no pirates had caused trouble here over the prices?
Back on Earth, even ordinary tourist spots had plenty of incidents over such issues,let alone in a world full of bloodthirsty pirates.
Then again, thinking it through,most pirates who took this route were probably wiped out back in Little Garden.
Even those who made it here would have been humbled by the chaotic weather and the giants and monsters of Little Garden,gaining a healthy respect for the Grand Line.
Add to that the fact that Marines occasionally came here for vacations,and the chance of anyone daring to cause trouble really was much lower than on Earth.
Besides, the stakes were far higher here—on Earth, a brawl might end with a fine or a night in jail,but here, failing to cause trouble properly could mean getting killed outrightor spending a lifetime rotting in Impel Down.
While Sherwin was silently comparing the tourist traps of two worlds,Haibara Meow was already resting her chin in her paws, muttering softly,
"Once we're deeper into the Grand Line,we should raise our prices too, meow…But the prices on this island aren't much of a reference.We'll need to survey a few more islands before deciding, meow…"
Sherwin: "..."
Every time Sherwin saw the Felynes around him working so hard, he couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions.
Fortunately, besides these hardworking Felynes who made others feel ashamed, there were also a few "like-minded" little mischievous ones—
"Sherwin, Klee Meow wants to play with that~"
The little ragdoll, just like usual, was busy exploring all sorts of things that caught her interest.
At the same time, Sanji Meow was tugging at his pants, shouting, "Sherwin, give me some money, meow! There are several kinds of ingredients over there I've never seen before, meow!"
(=⊙﹏⊙=)
Meanwhile, Link Meow was standing in front of a souvenir stall, staring at the price tags with a conflicted expression, unsure whether he should buy something or not.
What made Sherwin the most helpless, however, was Haibara Meow, the little spendthrift. Her eyes were locked on all sorts of luxury items.
The only good news was that the price difference for these luxuries wasn't as outrageous as with other goods, though it was still a bit more expensive than in other places.
Thankfully, their investigation team had Huamei Meow, a true business prodigy. Lord Scarlet Tigrex wasn't just a master at doing business but also had formidable bargaining skills. After going around the market with her help, Sherwin ended up saving quite a bit of money.
Meanwhile, while Sherwin and his group were carefree, sightseeing and vacationing on the resort island, far away in the Kingdom of Alabasta, Crocodile had also received a report from his subordinates.
"They actually left Little Garden this quickly?!"
Crocodile took a harsh drag from his cigar, his brows furrowing deeply.
Because he trusted no one, his thoughts naturally turned to Nico Robin, who had only recently left.
Sherwin departure from Little Garden was far too coincidental, and Robin reputation was hardly reassuring—everyone she had once followed had ended up ruined in the end.
But after thinking it over carefully, the Sand Crocodile felt it was unlikely. Before seeing the Poneglyphs, Robin had no reason to betray him. That Hunter had no conflict with him either. Most importantly…
Crocodile glanced again at the report in his hand. It described nothing more than Sherwin and his Felynes eating, drinking, and having fun on a resort island…
This didn't look like someone preparing to cause him trouble at all.
Hmm… I must be overthinking it. With Sherwin strength, even without a Log Pose, the Grand Line weather would hardly pose much threat to him most of the time. It was probably just a coincidence.
Besides, the Baroque Works under his command was so secretive that even his own plan and identity were known only to Robin. Even if some of his men accidentally clashed with Sherwin, it wouldn't trace back to him, so…
Yes, the advantage is mine!
After mulling it over for a while, the Sand Crocodile finally reached this conclusion. He once again reminded his subordinates not to provoke Sherwin group, then stopped paying them any more attention.
Compared to that Hunter who had nothing to do with him, seizing the Kingdom of Alabasta and uncovering the location of the ancient weapon Pluton were far more important.