After more than twenty minutes, Vivi looked at the buckets of water filled to the brim at Nojiko's feet. Unable to accept it, she angrily tossed her fishing rod aside and said in frustration:
"Why?! Why haven't I caught even a single fish?!
Even though I've got the best rod and the best bait, that should be impossible."
Nojiko, who had a plentiful catch, smiled as she rested her rod on her shoulder and shook her head at the girl whose face was filled with disappointment.
"You're still too young. Fishing doesn't rely only on good equipment—it's also about patience and skill."
"Hmph." Vivi responded disdainfully, folding her arms and turning her small head away.
"The problem must be with this sea area. If we were in the Grand Line, you wouldn't be able to beat me."
Nojiko raised an eyebrow, and upon hearing Vivi's words, she asked:
"As a reward for the winner, tell me—what's the Grand Line like?"
Vivi sighed and said:
"Alright, what do you want to know?"
"The more detailed, the better. Tell me everything you know."
"Okay, then I'll start with the basics. The biggest difference between the Grand Line and the other four seas is the ever-changing weather there."
Vivi began talking about the strange weather in the Grand Line, the islands with seasonal climates, the chaos caused by Pirate King Roger, and the balance of power between the current Three Great Powers. Her excitement grew with every story, and Nojiko listened with deep attention.
Even Nami couldn't resist joining them.
Three days later, the ship arrived at the island where Syrup Village was located.
Peter was the first to jump off the ship, scanning the rocks and forests surrounding the island before saying to the women following him:
"Nami and I will handle finding the person we're looking for. You all can explore the village and check if there's anything you need to buy. We'll meet back here in the evening."
The women agreed and formed small groups to discuss their shopping plans.
Peter then asked Nami to lead him west toward Syrup Village.
The two walked side by side. As Nami looked at the familiar surroundings, she recalled how she, Luffy, and the rest of the crew had once fought off the Black Cat Pirates.
"I wonder how Luffy and the others are doing without me as their navigator. Do they even know which direction they're heading?" Nami said with a nostalgic look.
Peter replied in a slightly unreadable tone: "Do you miss your crewmates? Careful—on my ship, there's no place for turning back."
Nami chuckled softly, hugged Peter's arm, and gave him a warm smile.
"Jerk. I can't even talk?"
"Don't forget, I've sworn my loyalty to you. Even if you kick me out, I won't leave."
Hearing that, Peter gently patted her orange hair.
"That's what I like to hear. When we return to the Grand Line, buy whatever you want—I'll pay for it."
Nami's eyes sparkled with joy.
Before Peter could say more, she had already begun counting on her fingers, planning her purchases.
Peter didn't mind her greedy appearance—or rather, he didn't think she would spend extravagantly.
After all, she'd been frugal for years. If he gave her money, she'd probably just buy a few nice clothes and hide the rest away, like a diligent little mouse.
They continued walking and chatting until the outline of the village appeared on the horizon.
As they drew closer, they saw a peaceful scene—adults working and children playing.
"Wow, this really is a harmonious village. In times like these, there aren't many places left that haven't been attacked by pirates and can live self-sufficiently."
Nami nodded in agreement.
Self-sufficiency was no small feat. In today's seafaring world, many still struggled daily for food and clothing.
This was partly due to the taxes imposed by the World Government, and partly because of the Pirate Era and its growing corruption.
Syrup Village, however, was not under government control, did not pay the Heavenly Tribute, and its remote location made it less attractive to pirates—allowing it to enjoy a relatively peaceful life.
Nami asked, "By the way, who is it you're looking for? Do you have acquaintances in the East Blue?"
Peter replied, "Not exactly. But our ship is missing a doctor—and preferably a beautiful woman—so I came here."
"A beautiful doctor? I didn't know there was someone like that here."
Nami didn't know for sure either. Kaya had only begun studying medicine after leaving the Straw Hat Pirates, and she was still learning.
"But if we're talking about beautiful girls, I know one."
Nami thought for a moment, then pointed toward the hill on their right where a grand mansion stood.
Peter looked toward it and nodded.
"Right, the person I'm looking for is the owner of that mansion—Kaya."
"So you know her too."
Nami didn't talk much about her adventures with the Straw Hats, and Peter acted as if he didn't know their relationship.
"Yes, I know her," Nami said, her tone shifting now that she knew Peter's target was Kaya, the only daughter of a noble family in the village.
"But I haven't heard that she's a doctor. Her relationship with Usopp is… a bit complicated."
"Complicated? How so? Are they lovers?"
"Not exactly. Over a year ago, when Kaya was ill, Usopp visited her often to chat.
There might have been some mutual feelings."
"That's fine. Childhood friendship can't outweigh more… serious meetings—especially recent ones."
Peter wasn't concerned about their feelings. He believed time could build love.
As for how much time—he didn't say.
"Come on, let's go see the young lady. Since you know her, please help me arrange a meeting with her."
Peter then headed toward the mansion.
Nami called after him with annoyance as she lagged behind:
"How can you ask your woman to help you lure in another woman?
I'm starting to regret choosing you."
She grumbled a little, expecting Peter to comfort her.
But when she saw him walking away without looking back, she stomped her foot in frustration and reluctantly followed.
"Fine, wait for me!"
After some playful bickering tinged with jealousy, the two reached the mansion gate.
They were greeted by two guards in black suits, clearly security personnel.
The guards said firmly:
"Stop right there. This is Miss Kaya's private mansion.
Please state your purpose. If you're not guests, leave immediately."
Peter pointed to his face and said:
"Are there still people in the East Blue who don't know me?"
Nami chuckled lightly, worried Peter might get angry and blow up the mansion, so she quickly stepped in:
"Sir, I'm Usopp's companion—do you remember me?"
The guard stared at Nami for a moment, then recognized her and said:
"Oh, it's you, young lady. Of course I remember—you really did save Miss Kaya. Please, come in and have some tea."
The guard smiled, gesturing for Peter to follow, and Nami walked inside with her head held high.
Peter moved his lips, muttering something under his breath, before following them in.
The guards led Peter and Nami to the living room, where the mansion's servants served them tea.
Then, one of the guards went upstairs, where Kaya was in her study, focused on reviewing medical books.
Kaya, a young woman with short, light-blonde hair, sat quietly while beside her stood Merry—the new butler who had succeeded Klahadore—smiling as he awaited orders.
They heard a knock at the door.
"Miss Kaya, may I come in?"
Kaya lifted her gaze from her books and called out:
"Come in."
The guard quietly opened the door and stepped inside.
"Miss Kaya, Mr. Butler."
He greeted them both before saying:
"Sorry to disturb you. Usopp's friends have just arrived.
I've arranged for them to wait in the living room. Would you like to meet them?"
"Usopp's friends? Weren't they supposed to be on another adventure? Why are they back?"
Kaya was puzzled. The guard hadn't mentioned Usopp himself, which made her wonder if something had happened to him.
Her mind began imagining scenarios, but she decided to meet them first.
"Take me there. Merry, you're coming too."
The guard and Merry both answered respectfully and took the lead to guide her.
In the living room, Peter sipped the refreshing Eastern green tea.
"The tea tastes good," he said.
Nami set her cup down and said in surprise:
"I didn't know you could tell the quality of tea."
Peter shook his head confidently.
"No, I can't. But isn't that what people usually say?"
Nami rolled her eyes dramatically.
"Please, if you don't understand something, don't pretend. I really don't know where you learned these things."
Peter muttered in annoyance:
"Tsk, you have no sense of drama."
While they were bantering, a gentle female voice called from the entrance:
"Haha, you're as entertaining as ever. Nami, it's so nice to see you again."
Nami turned toward the door to see Kaya smiling and walking toward them.
Nami stood up with a smile and greeted her:
"It's been a long time, Miss Kaya. How's your health these days?"
Kaya replied:
"Thankfully, I've gotten much better. I even go out to exercise sometimes."
As they spoke, Peter quietly observed Kaya.
Her smooth, light-blonde hair fell to her shoulders.
Her bright brown eyes sparkled with joy at seeing her friends.
She wore a short black silk dress with lace trim and soft purple slippers.
Although her health had improved, her skin was still a little pale after a year of illness.
Thanks to her noble upbringing, every movement exuded elegance and grace.
All of this gave her a delicate air that stirred in Peter both the urge to protect her—and to tease her.
Merry, the butler, noticed Peter's scrutinizing gaze and found it rather impolite.
"Is he also one of Usopp's friends? I feel like I've seen him before…" Merry said, frowning slightly.
While Merry pondered, Kaya realized she had been talking too much and turned to Peter.
"Sorry, are you a friend of Usopp's? I haven't heard of you before."
Peter understood it was his turn to speak.
He set down his teacup, straightened his clothes, and said:
"Miss Kaya, it's an honor to meet you. I'm Peter, captain of Nami's ship. I consider myself just an ordinary pirate."
---------------------------------::-:--
This pathetic soul just wants a few stones before heading off to an 18-hour shift.