Shakky chuckled as she clinked three bottles of rum together, the dull sound echoing through the bar. With a deft motion, she flipped one upside down and poured the amber liquor into waiting glasses.
Issho's long fingers wrapped around his glass. He tilted it back smoothly, Adam's apple bobbing as the scent of rum rose from his lips. Jinbe, on the other hand, seized the whole bottle and gulped straight from it, letting the liquor spill down his chin and onto his chest without a care—like he was already in his own home.
Rayleigh's brows arched as he watched. His gaze lingered on Jinbe, rifling through old memories.
"You… aren't you that chubby kid from Fishman Island? What was your name again…?"
"My name is Jinbe!"
The fishman slammed the bottle against the counter, splashing droplets of rum across the wood. His arms flexed, blue muscles rising like sculpted stone.
"Don't call me chubby! This body was forged through years of discipline—it's strength!"
"Haha, my mistake."
Rayleigh raised both hands in mock surrender, laughter booming through the bar. Wrinkles creased his face as his grin widened.
"Little Jinbe is strong indeed—tougher than the whales themselves!"
Though the words were teasing, his tone softened when his eyes shifted to Issho, who sipped quietly, hands resting near his cane-sword.
"And who might this swordsman be?"
"He's Issho," Shiro explained, deliberately emphasizing his next words.
"A master swordsman—and the wielder of the Gravity Fruit. He can command weight itself."
"Hooh?"
Rayleigh shot upright, his chair creaking as he leaned close, thumb raised almost against Shiro's nose.
"Little Shiro, you've outdone yourself! To recruit such a powerhouse already—you're impressive!"
He clapped Shiro's back with such force that Shiro stumbled forward, nearly losing his balance.
"As expected of my disciple!"
Shiro's mouth twitched. Inwardly, he groaned.
(You've got no idea how lousy your 'teaching' actually was, old man. And now you're patting yourself on the back? Unbelievable!)
Before Shiro could grumble aloud, the curtain to the kitchen swung open with a clatter.
Out popped an octopus fishman with a round head and a barrel-shaped mouth. Eight arms flailed wildly, two of them still wearing flour-dusted sleeves from his chef's uniform.
"Boss Shakky! We're almost out of batter and octopus meat for the takoyaki! I've gotta get to the fish market at the port!"
The timing was disastrous. Jinbe had just taken a swig of rum—only to spew it everywhere with a loud pffft. He hacked and coughed for nearly half a minute before clutching his chest, wide eyes locked on the newcomer.
"H-Hachi?! What are you doing here?!"
T/N: Hachi is a nickname, his full name is Hatchan and in the original series was part of Arlong's crew.
The octopus fishman blinked, jaw dropping wide enough to swallow a fist.
"Jinbe-bro?! But weren't you guarding Ryugu Palace back on Fishman Island? How'd you end up here in Sabaody?"
"Never mind me!" Jinbe barked, striding over and gripping Hachi's shoulders. His calloused palms pressed firmly, eyes blazing with worry.
"A year ago, you said you were going out adventuring, then vanished! Everyone back home's been worried sick. How did you end up working in this bar, dressed like… like this?!"
His eyes swept over Hachi's apron and the sauce staining his arms.
"It's like this, Jinbe-bro!" Hachi began, tentacles waving animatedly.
"I wanted to see the world, so I left Fishman Island and swam around for months. But outside of currents and bare reefs, I didn't find much fun at all. Then, about half a month ago, I drifted near Sabaody and stumbled across Uncle Rayleigh's ship under attack. He fell into the sea! I didn't even think—I just grabbed him with my arms and swam him out of there. Afterward, he said this bar needed someone to make takoyaki, so I stayed!"
"True enough," Rayleigh confirmed, his expression softening. Gratitude warmed his voice.
"If not for Hachi pulling me out, these old bones would've been fish food long ago."
"I see…" Jinbe's stern features eased, replaced by a proud grin. He clapped Hachi's shoulder hard enough to make the smaller fishman wobble.
"You did well, Hachi. A fine deed indeed!"
Then Rayleigh's eyes lit with mischief. He slapped his thigh, as if struck by inspiration.
"Say, Shiro! Does your crew have a cook yet? If not, take Hachi with you! His takoyaki's crispy outside, tender inside—the sauce alone is divine. Your crew will eat like kings every day at sea!"
Shiro rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"Now that you mention it, we are short a cook…"
"Then it's settled!"
Before Shiro could finish, Rayleigh grabbed Hachi's arm and shoved him in front of Shiro. The octopus fishman swayed unsteadily, blinking, but his eyes sparkled like twin stars. He had heard of Shiro's feats and dreamed of joining a crew like his.
Excitement coursed through him, all eight arms trembling.
"Captain! I—I can make more than just takoyaki! Sashimi, fish balls, seafood soups—I'll make sure everyone eats fresh from the sea every day! Please take me with you on adventures!"
He leaned forward, salty breath and his trembling beak practically brushing Shiro's face.
Shiro glanced sideways at Issho and Jinbe. Issho merely swirled his drink in silence, expression unreadable. Jinbe frowned, thinking for a moment, then sighed.
"Better bring him. Left alone, this kid always stirs up trouble. With us, at least he'll be safe."
"Then it's decided."
Shiro extended his hand, palm open.
"From this day, Hachi—you are a member of the Virtue Pirates."
"Yay! I get to set sail!"
Hachi bounced with joy, flailing his arms in every direction. Bottles clattered and crashed to the floor, ringing with sharp clinks. He was too wrapped up in celebration to notice Shiro's outstretched hand.
After holding the gesture awkwardly for a moment, Shiro sighed and pulled it back, though a smile tugged at his lips.
It seemed their crew had just gained a lively new fool.
T/N: If you would like to read up to 20 chapters ahead for all my works, check out my P@treon: patreon.com/GhidorahWriter
Thanks for reading! Be sure to collect and vote for more chapters! A Bonus Chapter will be released once we hit 25 Powerstones!