Island 58, similar to Island 59 where Zhang Da Ye resides, is home to many boatmen and coating workers.
If 59GR's buildings and industries feel more like a town, then 58GR leans more toward the countryside—not that it's poor, but there are actually farms here.
Zhang Da Ye didn't want to comment on planting other crops on tree roots. Overall, the open environment and relaxed atmosphere made it seem like a perfect retirement spot.
Old Bob's house was a simple-looking wooden cabin with a small yard fenced with wood. A flowerbed sat by the door, potted plants lined the fence, and a basin in the yard seemed for fish.
The cabin fit the island's style. Maybe he could suggest hanging a birdcage with a parrot at the entrance.
Knocking got no response, and the door was tightly closed. Zhang Da Ye's calls brought out a neighbor, who said Old Bob had gone fishing by the sea.
"A small bay to the northeast? Riding five or six kilometers early in the morning just to fish?" Zhang Da Ye couldn't understand retirees' fascination with fishing.
Perhaps only Tom could relate. He once used Jerry as bait and carefully dodged the pond's guard dogs, enduring countless hardships just to enjoy the thrill of catching a big fish.
Back in their bubble car, Artoria took the wheel this time. Unlike racing with Tom, she rode fast yet steady, appearing composed.
Zhang Da Ye sat cross-legged with Tom in his lap in the rear carriage. He could see over Artoria's hair ahoge, worried she might suddenly spot a shop and drift to a stop.
Fortunately, she stayed focused. But Tom's eyes widened at every fish shop, his head swiveling 180 degrees then back, searching for the next target.
Zhang Da Ye patted Tom's head. "We'll check these shops after we finish our business and buy some treats to take home."
Artoria's ahoge twitched in the wind, and the car sped up a few more notches.
...
Sunglasses, floral shirts, beach shorts, flip-flops, sun umbrellas, small stools, and fishing rods—Old Bob looked completely relaxed.
Five other old men dressed similarly were nearby, each with buckets, fishing gear, and bait. Six bubble cars were parked not far away, the same style with rear carriages as Zhang Da Ye's.
The six seemed deeply focused. Two even had extra rods fixed on stands—impressive to Zhang Da Ye, an outsider.
Not wanting to be rude, he approached and greeted, "Uncle Bob!"
Swish, swish, swish. All six turned simultaneously, creating a strange scene that startled Tom.
Bob broke the awkwardness, smiling, "Ah, Brother Da Ye! These must be the beautiful girl knight and the cat pianist?"
Zhang Da Ye found Bob easygoing. He'd asked him not to add "racing" as a descriptor, and Bob complied. But when did "beautiful girl knight" appear?
Another nearby old man said, "Ah, so you're the 'Racing Da Ye'!"
The others understood and said:
"You're Racing Da Ye! Buying from unlucky Old Bob's tavern."
"You must have been scammed by that old sly merchant!"
"Here to settle accounts?"
"Don't worry, we won't help or call anyone!"
Zhang Da Ye: ???
So Bob retired not to stop running the tavern but to hang out with these mischievous friends?
Bob laughed, "Relax, I may be stingy in business, but I never earn ill-gotten money! Go catch your fish!"
He got five middle fingers in response.
"Don't mind them, they're just cranky old geezers," Bob said, setting down his rod and joking about his friends. Then he asked, "Brother, are you here with questions, or is there trouble?"
"Oh, I'm here to repay money." Zhang Da Ye produced two stacks of cash.
"Eh? Already saved this fast?" Bob was surprised. Selling the tavern, he gestured that Zhang Da Ye could earn "this much" in a month, but didn't expect such quick repayment.
"Just lucky, I guess. Some extra income," Zhang Da Ye said, unsure if it was luck or misfortune.
"I'll accept it then. Lucky you!" Bob glanced at Tom teasing the fish in the bucket, misinterpreting it as earnings from the cat pianist.
Technically, the money could be considered Tom's, as his unusual battle style could disable people even if Artoria didn't intervene.
"Ha ha." Zhang Da Ye didn't clarify, moving to the main point. "I'm also here to ask about someone."
"Oh? Who?"
"A businessman named Biznis, an old acquaintance of the tavern, wants to talk business. I wanted to see what kind of person he is."
"Biznis?" Bob was puzzled. "Never heard of him."
"Really?" Zhang Da Ye was surprised.
Bob thought: "I don't recall anyone like that. If he has a great merchant ship, moves freely in the first half of the Grand Line, and is cultured and polite, how could he frequent my greasy little tavern?"
...So no need to investigate. Biznis lied from the start. It's suspicious if he has nothing to hide.
But the lead ends here—if Bob doesn't know him, where to find him?
"Go for it, little kitty!"
"Don't give up!"
Encouragement came from the side. Tom held Bob's rod, skillfully winding and releasing the line with his left hand. The rod bent dramatically.
Pulled by the fish, Tom's heels carved shallow grooves, yet he stubbornly moved back to his original spot. The five old men circled, cheering without touching.
Bob: Who am I? Where am I? Is my rod really this good?
Go, little fishing kitty!
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