The Gale drifted slowly inland along the river, nearing the mist-wreathed slopes of Whisky Peak. Through the dense fog, faint silhouettes lined the embankments on both sides.
"Hey, Nami, is this really Whisky Peak? Why does it feel so creepy?"
With visibility this low, Olga instinctively inched closer to Nami in search of whatever safety she could get.
"Yep, this is the very first stop on our journey through the Grand Line. But… it is acting weird today."
As Nami spoke, her feet unconsciously shuffled closer to Leno—even though her expression remained perfectly composed.
"Lord Leno, shall I remove these filthy little rats skulking in the dark?"
Hancock swept a disdainful look toward the riverbanks, then naturally leaned against Leno's side.
Leno wrapped his arm around her slender waist, his Observation Haki sweeping outward before a playful glint crossed his eyes.
"No need. Maybe they're just preparing a warm welcome for us."
Thinking of the people who lived here, Leno actually felt a bit curious.
With his reputation as it was now, what would the local bounty hunters do? Surely they wouldn't come charging at him like clueless rookies… right?
As their ship moved toward the town, news that the Adventurer had arrived at Whisky Peak spread rapidly through all factions.
The entire town came alive, buzzing with excitement as everyone prepared to welcome their guests.
Meanwhile, inside a secret Baroque Works contact point on the west side of town—
A young man wearing a crown, with the number "9" written on both cheeks, was listening intently to the Den Den Mushi's report. Beside him sat a blue-haired girl with a high ponytail, sipping tea with a dazed expression.
After a moment, the man hung up the call and spoke anxiously:
"Miss Wednesday, the Adventurer's group is almost here! Nico Robin is on the ship! Shouldn't we report this to the boss?"
The girl's calm, deep-water expression briefly cracked into shock before vanishing. She looked at her increasingly frantic partner.
"Mr. 9, we should confirm it with our own eyes first, then report."
"R-Right… Miss Wednesday, you're right. I lost my composure."
He breathed a sigh of relief, then began gesturing wildly in panic.
"It's unbelievable! A figure that important is coming here! If headquarters orders us to capture Nico Robin, wouldn't that just be suicide?!"
Watching her partner spiral into hysteria, the blue-haired girl's eyes flickered. As though making up her mind, she rose and walked toward the door.
"It's still too early to panic. I'll confirm whether the intel is real."
Before the man could answer, she had already vanished outside, leaving him alone with his sighs.
Their purpose here was simple: hunt low-bounty pirates.
It earned money, collected intel, and helped maintain stability for Baroque Works' headquarters in the Alabasta Kingdom.
But now?
A giant shark had swum into their tiny pond. Small fry like them wouldn't even make a splash.
All they could do was wait for Miss Wednesday to return. And if headquarters really handed them an impossible mission…
While the bounty hunters and informants trembled with unease, Leno and his group finally broke through the mist and arrived at the town.
The explosive welcome that greeted them left those on the ship stunned.
"Welcome to the Grand Line!"
"Welcome to our town!"
"Welcome to our hospitable Whisky Peak!"
People lined the shore waving banners, tossing streamers, cheering wildly—adults and children alike.
Flags fluttered, crowds surged, the atmosphere bursting with festival-like excitement.
Countless fervent gazes swept over the crew, treating Leno as though he were some honored guest.
Chopper, Olga, and a few others were swept up in the enthusiasm, happily leaning over the railing to wave back.
But Kuina and Robin frowned slightly.
Nojiko slipped to Leno's side and whispered:
"Leno… something's wrong. The way they're looking at us is like…"
"Like they're looking at prey."
Robin finished the sentence. She had felt it immediately—their eyes were uncomfortable.
And now she understood why.
She had grown up on society's lowest streets. She knew that greedy, hungry stare intimately.
They hid it well, but the greed and desire in their eyes did not escape her.
"It's fine. They're just clowns. Act normally."
Seeing their serious expressions, Leno waved dismissively.
These were nobodies. Any single member of his crew could wipe this town clean.
He wasn't worried in the slightest. Power gave confidence.
And besides, his crew had seen far bigger crowds. This wasn't even a challenge.
He added:
"Relax. It's nothing. We'll need time for the Log Pose to store magnetic energy anyway—so just enjoy yourselves. But no wandering around alone."
Hearing that, the girls relaxed.
Leno never played around when it came to their safety.
That was why they told him immediately—because if Leno said it was fine, then it was fine.
Before long, after they disembarked, a tall man with curly flower-shaped hair approached them, surrounded by villagers.
"Welcome!"
He cleared his throat lightly.
"Ahem… ma ma ma~"
With a gentle smile, he introduced himself:
"My name is Igaram. I am the mayor of this town. Welcome, esteemed guests!"
"This place is famous for its music and brewing. Nothing makes us happier than hosting visitors from the sea!"
"I truly hope all of you enjoy your stay in our humble town!"
Leno eyed the curly-haired uncle suspiciously.
Wait… this guy appeared this early?
Which meant… Vivi—the immensely popular princess—was probably…
Scanning behind Igaram, Leno indeed saw a young girl with a high ponytail peeking at him suspiciously.
Leno was full of question marks.
He couldn't remember exactly when Vivi infiltrated Baroque Works, but it seemed she was already part of it now.
But why was she staring at him like that?
It's not like he was the one who plunged her country into chaos…
-
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