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Crocodile… is one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea?!
Oh. Then it's fine.
If even Mihawk couldn't beat Logan, Crocodile can't be much stronger—at best, they're on the same level.
That was exactly what all the girls were thinking.
Crocodile, somewhere in the distance, probably wanted to say: Thanks for the confidence, I guess.
"Captain, can you really help me take down Crocodile?!" Vivi's voice trembled as if she were clinging to her last hope.
Logan's people had managed to infiltrate Baroque Works—one of the most tightly controlled organizations in the kingdom—and even planted someone close to Crocodile himself.
That could only mean Logan was far more dangerous than she thought.
Compared to crushing Crocodile's conspiracy and saving thousands of lives, joining Logan's crew didn't seem like such a big deal anymore.
"It's just a little crocodile," Logan said casually, lips curling in mild disdain.
Giving Crocodile the benefit of the doubt by calling him "evenly matched" with Mihawk was already generous.
If he didn't beat the crap out of him until he coughed up sand, Logan wouldn't be satisfied.
"If that's the case… then I'm willing to join your crew," Vivi said, wiping away the tears at the corner of her eyes. Her pretty face was streaked with mascara, but her expression was full of determination.
At fourteen, she had hidden her royal identity and infiltrated the dangerous Baroque Works to uncover the one behind her country's suffering.
But even after learning the truth, she had no power to fight back.
Now, the chance stood right before her.
If joining Logan's crew meant saving Alabasta, then so be it.
It was her duty as a princess.
"Alabasta is lucky to have a princess like you." Makino stepped forward and gently hugged Vivi, speaking softly, "Don't worry. The moment the Captain brought you to Twin Cape, he'd already decided to help you."
"Huh?!" Vivi blinked, startled.
Logan sighed, rubbing his forehead with a chuckle. "Don't make me sound like some savior. Either way, Vivi's joining the crew—that part's set."
"As for Crocodile… yeah, the guy's been getting a bit full of himself. Guess I'll just peel his scaly hide while I'm at it."
"Then from now on, we're family! I'm Nami, the navigator of the Logan Pirates!"
"I'm Kaya, the doctor!"
"I'm Tashigi, the swordswoman!"
"…"
One by one, the girls cheerfully introduced themselves.
Vivi just stood there, completely lost.
Why are they all acting like we've been best friends for years already?!
Especially Nami—she'd been glaring daggers at her earlier, and now she was suddenly acting all sweet and sisterly.
"I-I'm Vivi. Please take care of me, everyone."
Even though she was still confused, Vivi responded politely.
"Carmen, make something to eat. Vivi's probably starving by now."
Growl~
Right on cue, Vivi's stomach betrayed her, letting out a loud rumble. Her face turned bright red.
She was starving.
"Sweetheart, wait here a sec. I'll cook something up right away," Carmen said affectionately, patting Vivi's head before disappearing into the kitchen.
"Kaya, take Vivi to wash up and get her a change of clothes."
Vivi's heavy makeup and flashy outfit from Baroque Works really didn't suit her.
"Got it, Logan," Kaya nodded sweetly, taking Vivi's hand and leading her to the bathroom.
The whole time, Vivi was just… stunned.
This… is Logan's pirate crew?
Why did it feel so different from what she imagined pirates would be like?
But… it actually felt kind of nice.
Whisky Peak.
The island was crawling with bounty hunters—men and women who made their living hunting down passing pirates.
Over the years, countless unsuspecting crews had landed here… only to end up buried beneath its soil forever.
As the Going Merry descended, Logan guided the ship gently down toward the island. People were already gathering along both sides of the docks.
When they saw the ship floating down from the sky island, a strange look flashed through their eyes—but they quickly hid it and waved enthusiastically.
"Hahaha! Welcome, travelers! You must be tired—come rest for a while!"
"This is a pirate's paradise! We've got everything you could ever want—guaranteed fun!"
"You'll have an unforgettable time here!"
"Cures insomnia too!"
"…"
The air was full of cheers and laughter.
To someone who didn't know better, the place really did seem like a friendly little town welcoming pirates with open arms.
"Everyone, be careful," Vivi whispered, covering her mouth as if afraid someone might overhear. "They hunt pirates. We've already been marked."
Her cheeks flushed slightly as she said it—after all, she used to be one of them.
"These guys are good actors," Nami said with an amused smile as she looked around.
Then again, that was their job.
If they weren't convincing, they'd have starved to death long ago.
"Let's go see what they're up to."
The Merry docked smoothly, and Logan led his crew ashore.
Every single person they passed had a flicker of something strange in their eyes, but they masked it quickly, stepping forward with warm smiles.
"Welcome, brave warriors of the sea!" one of them called. "Every pirate who arrives here receives a grand welcome—applause, everyone!"
Clap clap clap!
The applause was thunderous.
It was no wonder other pirates fell for it.
Then, the crowd suddenly parted. A man with golden wavy hair strolled out from the center.
His eyes immediately found Vivi, and he gave her a subtle, approving look.
The next second, he dramatically exclaimed, "Miss Wednesday! Are these your friends?!"
"You've done great! They must experience our hospitality!"
"Pfft—" Nami couldn't hold back her laughter and nearly doubled over.
Kaya and the others were also grinning.
Vivi covered her face, mortified.
Mr. Igaram, please stop talking! You've completely blown my cover!
This was so embarrassing.
"....."
