"Wow!"
The moment Luffy set foot on the land of Loguetown, he couldn't help but exclaim in amazement.
"So this is Loguetown? It's huge!"
The Straw Hat crew securely docked the Going Merry at the harbor, and the crew members jumped off the deck one after another.
Before them was a bustling crowd and lively streets—the sheer liveliness and commotion of Loguetown left them momentarily overwhelmed.
"I want to see the execution platform where Pirate King Roger was executed!"
Luffy's eyes sparkled with excitement as he was practically bouncing on the spot.
To him, this place carried the weight of grand dreams and symbolism.
"Well, I'll go stock up on ingredients then. Our ship's supplies are running a bit low, especially after a certain bottomless pit ate through our reserves."
Sanji pulled out a small notebook, glancing at the inventory list before sighing lightly.
"I need to restock."
As he spoke, he deliberately shot a look at Luffy.
The glutton in question paid no attention to the cook's words, too busy peering around Loguetown with curiosity.
"I'll go look for some useful weapons and gear."
Usopp tightened his grip on his slingshot with a rare serious expression on his face.
"A ship's arsenal can't afford to be lacking."
Zoro gently ran his fingers over the hilt of Wado Ichimonji at his waist, his expression resolute.
"I need to find two new swords as well. Three-Sword Style can't be missing good blades."
"In that case, everyone should go their separate ways—but make it quick!"
Nami placed her hands on her hips, frowning slightly as she glanced at the dark clouds gathering in the sky.
"Look at this weather. A heavy storm is coming soon. If we delay too long, we won't be able to set sail."
Her tone carried a hint of helplessness.
She didn't want to linger here, especially not in a place like Loguetown, where the Marines patrolled heavily—this was the location of the strongest Marine base in the East Blue, home to a notoriously fearsome base commander.
'White Hunter' Smoker was stationed here.
She bit her lower lip lightly, her eyes flickering toward the massive Marine warship not far away, its flag fluttering ominously in the wind—an oppressive sight that sent chills down her spine.
"Remember, everyone, be quick. Once you're done resupplying, come back immediately. We need to set sail as soon as possible."
Nami repeated her warning, her voice laced with unease.
She knew what their presence here meant—and that every extra second they stayed, the greater the risk became.
"Got it, got it!" Luffy scratched his head and replied nonchalantly, completely oblivious to Nami's worries, then turned and walked into Loguetown with a bright, excited smile on his face.
Following Luffy's lead, the Straw Hat crew dispersed in different directions, gradually blending into the bustling streets of Loguetown.
In the shadows not far away, Dragon stood silently, watching the scene unfold at the docks.
A gentle breeze brushed against his face, his cloak swaying in the wind, while a faint trace of warmth flickered in his eyes.
"Luffy, you've found your own crew, haven't you?"
His voice was low yet carried a father's warmth and pride.
Dragon's gaze shifted to the massive Marine warship anchored at the dock, his eyes turning cold and sharp.
"Let your father clear the way for you, Luffy."
"When the time comes for you to set sail, I'll make sure this warship sinks, buying you time to escape the Marines' pursuit."
****
Meanwhile, inside the warship's gym, Kuro was fully immersed in his training.
Sweat dripped from his forehead, soaking his entire body.
Every punch and kick he threw was filled with raw power and fury.
"Three years... a whole three years!"
Kuro's eyes burned with resentment as he recalled the plan he had meticulously crafted for three years—only for it to crumble in an instant due to the interference of Luffy.
"How laughable... to be defeated by a mere boy."
"I am the man known as 'Kuro of a Hundred Plans'! I once toyed with the Marines of the East Blue at my whim. That fool Morgan actually believed he killed me? It was all part of my scheme!"
Panting heavily, Kuro clenched his fists, his anger threatening to consume him.
"My plan wasn't flawed—the only problem was that I was too weak."
His eyes brimmed with frustration.
"With my original potential, I could only reach so far. To break through, I had no choice but to enter the Grand Line and fight stronger opponents."
"But I grew tired of the pirate life. The constant pursuit exhausted me."
Suddenly, the image of Mike surfaced in Kuro's mind—the Marine captain who had unexpectedly appeared in his life.
"He revoked my bounty, offered me protection, and even granted me the power to surpass my limits."
Kuro could feel the surging strength within him, a power he had never known before.
He smirked self-deprecatingly. "I was a frog in a well, foolishly believing myself to be strong. Only now do I understand what true power is."
At the thought of Luffy, Kuro let out a cold laugh.
"Straw Hat Luffy, with a bounty of 30 million berries right off the bat?"
"Now that I'm on the Marines' side, arresting you would be perfectly justified."
He paused his movements, recalling Mike's warning.
No matter how much he desired revenge, his benefactor had reminded him—Luffy's background was far from simple.
"Even if I want nothing more than to capture you, I won't defy Captain Mike's will."
Kuro sighed. "Fine, Straw Hat... I'll let you go this time."
Wiping the sweat from his brow, he gazed out the window at the endless sea.
"What I must do now... is repay my debt." Kuro clenched his fists, silently resolving in his heart,
"Every month, I need the Senzu Beans provided by Captain Mike to restore my depleted vitality. This means I can't harbor even the slightest thought of betrayal, or the loss of vitality will leave me dead without a burial place."
As for the idea of betrayal and theft?
A pirate by origin might indeed be prone to such thoughts, but...
This thought had vanished the moment he saw the East Blue Daily.
Combining it with the discussions among his Marine colleagues on the warship, he was now 200% certain that the sword technique even Mihawk couldn't comprehend, as reported in the paper, originated from his benefactor—Mike.
"Mihawk, one of the Shichibukai, the world's greatest swordsman… Even he couldn't grasp that technique…"
Shichibukai.
Kuro trembled slightly—a mix of reverence for power and longing for the future.
"Captain Mike, since you've given me this opportunity, I will spare no effort to follow you to the end."
"The first step is to take good care of Captain Mike's current vessel."
"This is the most basic necessity for the Captain leisure travels."