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The Dove had remained anchored in the same stretch of sea overnight.
After a full evening of rest and recovery, the crew looked significantly better.
Technically, the ship had all the roles covered: a doctor, a shipwright, a helmsman… but they were all half-baked in skill.
Especially the ship doctor Aero knew this wouldn't cut it. He could tolerate makeshift repairs on the ship, but sloppy medical care was dangerous.
Their treatment was basically: slap on some bandages, sprinkle in some antiseptic, and leave the rest to fate.
Strong people might survive it, but wounds pile up. Without proper treatment, one day a minor injury would become a fatal one.
That's why Aero had already decided the crew needed a real doctor. He had someone in mind, though whether that person would agree to join a pirate crew was another story.
---
Aero stretched lazily as the first ray of dawn lit the sea. His injuries from the battle weren't severe just a cut along the arm. Dylan and Gin were covered in minor scrapes, while Eddie was wrapped like a mummy in bandages.
During the fight, Dylan and Gin had used [Paper Art] skillfully, avoiding Marine attacks. But the battle clearly left its mark even Eddie had started training seriously, despite the pain.
He wanted to improve his hand-to-hand combat. His technique was good… for a civilian. But against trained fighters, his fists were like tofu against a blade.
Even his [Gun Art] had hit a wall. Enemies with sharp instincts dodged his shots easily just another reminder that this world was full of monsters.
Until Eddie mastered [Observation Haki], his progress would remain stagnant.
---
As the Dove resumed sailing with the morning breeze, the ship looked like a patchwork mess. Yet in the East Blue, no one dared laugh at them.
That black skull flag still waved high on the mast and that alone was enough.
Whenever they docked, other ships gave way. The crew's iconic black cloaks had become a feared symbol across the East Blue.
Of course, imposters had started popping up.
Just like today.
They had landed on a new island after five or six days at sea. A crewmate returned from town to report: "Captain, there's a group here recruiting pirates under our name."
The crew's eyes lit up.
Everyone turned to Aero.
He cracked his knuckles.
Flanked by his three top officers Dylan, Eddie, and Gin Aero marched ashore.
---
They quickly found the group in question. A band of pirates dressed in black robes, just like theirs.
Eddie smirked at them.
Gin glared.
Dylan stared coldly, expression blank.
Aero… looked a little awkward.
The imposters didn't recognize them. Both sides wore hoods, so faces weren't visible. Maybe they were trying to avoid detection too.
But Aero was sure these guys weren't his.
Just this morning, Ray had sent him a message: he and his crew had arrived in Loguetown ahead of schedule to gather supplies.
He mentioned only finding two Log Poses both expensive.
Which meant: this wasn't Loguetown. So these clowns were definitely frauds.
Aero raised a flyer they'd posted.
Eddie chuckled under his breath.
Aero glanced at the fake and asked calmly, "So… you guys really part of the Hurricane Pirates?"
The lead imposter visibly flinched at the question. Clearly nervous.
But his buddies whispered something to him maybe they assumed Aero's crew were also fakes.
His confidence returned. He shouted, "You blind?! Look at our cloaks! We are the Hurricane Pirates. Now move!"
Seeing no reaction from Aero's group, he pressed harder.
"I don't remember any of you in our crew! Are you the fakes?!"
The townsfolk began to gather at a distance, watching the scene unfold like a public skit.
Meanwhile, the pirates who had already "joined" this fake Hurricane crew grew bold.
Eager to prove themselves, they surrounded Aero's group with weapons drawn, sneering.
The impostor leader grinned and approached Aero.
He reached out and grabbed the tip of Aero's hood.
"Let's see who you really are," he sneered.
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