Chapter 61 — Welcome to Loguetown! The Town of Legends
Sunny's POV
The Going Merry sliced through the calm turquoise waters of the East Blue like a knife through silk, the sunlight glinting off the waves in a dazzling display that turned the sea into a vast, shimmering mosaic of shattered mirrors. The salty breeze whipped across the deck, carrying with it the faint, tantalizing whispers of distant adventures—echoes of laughter from far-off ports, the creak of ships' timbers, and the promise of untold stories waiting to unfold. Ahead of us, Loguetown rose from the horizon like a beacon of history and mystery, its towering spires piercing the sky with proud defiance, its docks a riotous explosion of sound and color. Vendors hawked their wares with booming voices, sailors hauled crates with grunts and curses, and the air thrummed with the chaotic energy of a town that had seen the birth and death of legends. This was Loguetown—the Town of the Beginning and the End, where Gol D. Roger had ignited the Great Pirate Era with his defiant smile and met his fate on the execution platform. It was a place steeped in myth, where every cobblestone seemed to whisper secrets of the sea.
I leaned against the railing, my cloak snapping sharply in the wind like a flag of rebellion, a spark of genuine excitement igniting in my chest. The sun warmed my face, and for a moment, I felt the weight of destiny pressing down—not oppressively, but invigoratingly. "So this is where the Pirate King's legend was born and ended," I said, my voice low with a reverence I couldn't quite hide. "Guess it's time we start writing our own chapter here."
{ego}: Oh, here comes the poetry. Someone fetch a lute before he starts serenading the horizon. Next, you'll be composing sonnets to the seagulls.
[system]: UmU~ Hush, ego! He's positively radiant when he's dramatic~♡ I'm saving this moment in 4K memory— for blackmail!
I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose in exasperation. "You two are the worst hype partner ever. Can't I have one introspective moment without the commentary?"
Lucy bounced up beside me like a human spring, her cloud-like hair dancing wildly in the breeze, her straw hat tilted at a jaunty angle that screamed adventure. She grabbed my arm with enthusiastic force, her touch sending a familiar warmth through me—possessive yet playful, the kind that made my heart skip a beat. "Hehe! Drama's your thing, Captain Sunshine! Let's make this place our legend—starting with snacks, chaos, and maybe a few explosions! I bet they've got the best meat skewers here!" Her eyes sparkled with that infectious energy, and she leaned in closer, her shoulder brushing mine.
Aqua sauntered over from the other side of the deck, her arms crossed over her chest, her blue hair cascading like ocean waves caught in the wind. Her smirk was sharp as a blade, but her eyes softened when they met mine—a subtle flirtation that she reserved just for me. "You mean *I'll* bring the chaos, and you'll just flail around copying me, cloud-head. After all, who's the goddess here?" She nudged my other arm, her fingers lingering a fraction too long, tracing a light pattern.
"WHAT!?" Lucy's cheeks puffed out like a tiny thundercloud, her eyes narrowing in mock outrage as she released my arm to point accusingly at Aqua. "You wanna fight, water brain!? I'm the captain—I call the explosions!"
"Bring it, balloon girl!" Aqua shot back, sticking out her tongue with exaggerated childishness, though her gaze flicked back to me with a wink, as if to say, *This is all for you*.
I groaned as they started mock-sparring with invisible swords, their laughter echoing across the deck like a symphony of madness. Lucy's rubbery arms flailed dramatically, while Aqua dodged with graceful, water-like fluidity, the two of them circling each other in a playful dance that threatened to knock over a barrel or two. "We haven't even docked, and it's already a circus. You two are going to get us arrested before we set foot on land."
{ego}: You love this madness. Admit it—your life would be boring without these two vying for your attention.
I felt a faint smile tugging at my lips, watching them banter. Lucy's energy was like a storm—wild and exhilarating—while Aqua's was a deep current, mysterious and alluring. And both were directed at me in ways that made my chest tighten with affection. "...Yeah. Can't argue with that."
From the upper deck, Nami called down, her orange hair whipping in the wind as she adjusted the sails with expert precision. Her voice carried a teasing lilt, her eyes locking onto mine with that familiar spark of mischief and something deeper—affection that she hid behind her sharp wit. "If you three don't stop flirting and focus, we'll crash into the docks! Loguetown's got Marines everywhere—try not to start a war before we shop." She blew me a kiss, subtle but deliberate, making my face heat up.
Nojiko, lounging nearby with a book in hand, chuckled softly, her blue hair tied back in a practical ponytail. She glanced up at me with a warm, knowing smile, her eyes holding a quiet intensity that always made me feel seen. "They're right, you know. But if chaos ensues, I'll be here to patch you up... or join in." Her tone was gentle, but the way she said it—laced with unspoken care—sent a flutter through me.
Surrounded by their affections, I couldn't help but feel like the luckiest (and most overwhelmed) pirate alive.
---
Flashback — The Night Before
Under a silver moon that hung low in the velvet sky like a polished pearl, the Going Merry rocked gently on the open sea, the waves lapping against the hull in a soothing rhythm. The crew was sprawled across the deck after a hearty dinner—Sanji's masterpiece of roasted meats, fresh salads from our onboard garden, and a dessert spread that had left everyone stuffed and content. The air was cool and crisp, carrying the faint scent of saltwater and lingering spices. Stars twinkled overhead like scattered diamonds, and the only sounds were the creak of the ship's timbers and the soft murmurs of conversation.
Nojiko sipped her herbal tea from a steaming mug, the steam curling up like lazy smoke signals. She leaned back against a crate, her legs crossed elegantly, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she glanced between Aqua and Lucy, who were lounging nearby. "So… who's claiming Sunny for the Loguetown adventure tomorrow? He's been talking about exploring the town all week."
Aqua's eyes gleamed with divine confidence, her blue hair splayed out like a halo as she propped herself up on one elbow. She flashed a radiant smile, her voice dripping with playful arrogance. "Obviously me. I'm a goddess—stunning, irresistible, and clearly the superior choice. Sunny needs someone who can match his drama with a touch of elegance." She winked at the group, but her gaze lingered on the cabin door where Sunny had retired early, a subtle longing in her expression.
Lucy gasped dramatically, clutching her chest as if she'd been mortally wounded, her straw hat tumbling off her head. "Excuse me!? I stayed up all night helping him with the map! Well, I *tried* to—I mostly doodled sea kings on it, but that counts! He's *my* adventure buddy!" Her cheeks flushed with a mix of indignation and affection, her eyes sparkling as she imagined wandering the streets hand-in-hand with Sunny.
Nami leaned in from her spot, her ledger forgotten as she grinned devilishly, her orange hair catching the moonlight. "Sounds like we've got a competition on our hands. You two are always fighting over him—why not make it official?" Her tone was teasing, but there was a hint of her own jealousy underneath; she'd been stealing glances at Sunny all evening, her heart tugging at the thought of him exploring without her.
Aqua cracked her knuckles theatrically, her smirk widening. "Bring it, rubber girl. I'll win Sunny's attention fair and square—with style."
Lucy puffed up, her eyes blazing with determination as she jumped to her feet. "You're going down, water goddess! He'll pick me—I'm the fun one!"
Nojiko chuckled, setting her teacup down with a soft clink. "Alright, alright. Rules are simple: whoever Sunny asks to explore Loguetown with first wins. Losers cover dessert for the whole crew for a week. Deal?"
"Deal!" Aqua and Lucy said in unison, their gazes locking in a fiery standoff that crackled with rivalry. But beneath it, there was a shared affection—for Sunny, and even for each other's spirit.
{ego}: Ten thousand berries says Sunny sleeps through this entire drama. The man's oblivious to the romance war brewing right above his head.
[system]: UmU~ Oh, he will. Our captain's clueless when it comes to matters of the heart~♡ But it's so endearing!
Below deck, in the cozy confines of his hammock, Sunny was indeed fast asleep, snoring softly with a peaceful expression on his face. The gentle sway of the ship lulled him deeper into dreams, blissfully unaware of the "Date War of the Merry" unfolding above. In his dreams, he wandered Loguetown's streets, but the figures beside him shifted—Lucy's laughter, Aqua's teasing whispers, Nami's sharp wit, Nojiko's quiet support—all blending into a warm, chaotic tapestry of love.
---
Docking at Loguetown
The Going Merry glided smoothly into Loguetown's bustling port, the wooden hull creaking as it bumped gently against the dock. Ropes were thrown, sails furled, and the gangplank lowered with a thud. The city assaulted our senses immediately—a symphony of chaos with vendors shouting about fresh fish and exotic spices, sailors hauling crates with rhythmic grunts, and gulls screeching overhead like uninvited critics. The docks were alive with color: red banners fluttering from market stalls, the gleam of brass instruments from street performers, and the vibrant attire of locals mingling with travelers from distant seas.
Lucy leaped onto the railing with her usual boundless energy, her arms flung wide as if embracing the entire town. "We're here! Adventure time—let's go find legends, food, and trouble!" She grabbed my hand before I could even step off the ship, her fingers intertwining with mine in a grip that was both excited and possessive."C'mon, love! You promised we'd explore together—markets, platforms, everything!"
Aqua appeared on my other side like a sudden wave, her presence as commanding as the sea itself. She linked her arm through mine, her smile dangerously sweet and her eyes locking onto Lucy's with a challenge. "Funny, I recall him saying he'd show *me* the shops first. Divine privilege, you know." Her body pressed close, her warmth seeping through my cloak, a flirtatious reminder of her affections.
I blinked, caught completely off guard as they both tugged me in opposite directions. "Wait, when did I—? Girls, I don't remember promising anything specific!" My voice came out a bit higher than intended, my face heating up under their dual attentions.
Both girls tightened their grips, their eyes narrowing in a silent duel that crackled with rivalry. Lucy's cheeks flushed with determination, while Aqua's smirk held a goddess's confidence. The air between them hummed with tension, but it was laced with affection—for me, and for the game they were playing.
{ego}: Oh, look. One poor soul, two disasters, and a wallet already begging for mercy. This is better than a soap opera.
[system]: UmU~ Recording for the drama archives. This is premium romance content~♡ Threat level: high on cuteness, low on escape routes!
"Alright, enough!" I groaned, raising my hands in surrender as the rest of the crew watched with amused grins. Nami leaned against the mast, her eyes on me with a flirty wink that said *Good luck*, while Nojiko shook her head fondly, her gaze lingering on me with quiet support. "We'll all go together. Can we not start a war before breakfast? Loguetown's supposed to be historic, not a battlefield."
Lucy and Aqua exchanged wary glances, their grips loosening slightly before they muttered in unison, "...Fine." But as we stepped onto the dock, Lucy's hand slipped back into mine, and Aqua's arm stayed linked with my other, their affections undimmed.
Nami called after us, her voice teasing. "Don't spend all our berries on trinkets! And Sunny... save some energy for me later." Her words carried a romantic undertone, making me glance back with a smile.
Nojiko waved, her expression soft. "Be safe. I'll be thinking of you." The warmth in her voice was like a gentle embrace, promising more when we returned.
---
⛵ Team Sunny, Aqua & Lucy — The Loguetown Adventure Begins
The central market was a vibrant storm of sights, sounds, and smells that assaulted us from all sides—stalls overflowing with exotic fruits that glistened like jewels under the sun, swordsmiths hammering away at gleaming blades that sang with each strike, and shady vendors hawking "ancient relics" that looked suspiciously like rusted scrap metal painted gold. The crowd was a colorful tapestry: merchants in flowing robes, sailors with tattoos telling stories of distant lands, and children darting through legs with wide-eyed wonder. The air was thick with the aroma of spiced meats grilling on open flames, fresh-baked bread, and the tangy scent of sea salt mingling with incense from fortune-tellers' tents.
Aqua made a beeline for a jewelry stand, her eyes sparkling brighter than the trinkets on display—necklaces of polished shells, bracelets woven with sea glass, and rings embedded with tiny gems that caught the light like stars. "Sunny, look at these necklaces! This one's perfect—it matches my hair! Buy me one, pretty please?" She held up a sapphire pendant, dangling it in front of me with a pout that was equal parts adorable and manipulative, her fingers brushing mine as she leaned in close.
Lucy yanked my other arm with equal enthusiasm, pointing excitedly at a shimmering bracelet adorned with cloud-like pearls. "No way! I saw this first—it's like it was made for me! Sunny, you have to get it!" Her eyes pleaded, her body pressing against my side in a way that made my heart race, her affection clear in every touch.
My coin pouch seemed to tremble in my pocket, as if sensing its impending doom. "Girls, my funds aren't infinite! We've got the whole town to explore—can't we pace ourselves?"
[system]: UmU~ No worries, darling! I've secured a 'Pirate King Credit Line' for you~♡ Twenty new orders placed—jewelry, snacks, and a few surprises!
I froze, my voice dropping to a strained whisper. "YOU DID WHAT!? System, that's not how credits work!"
Lucy smirked, twirling a lock of her hair around her finger. "System's got style. Thanks for the assist!"
Aqua winked, looping the necklace around her neck already. "You're lucky to have a sugar AI, Captain. Now, pay up~"
{ego}: Lucky? He's financially doomed. Next stop: begging on the streets with a sign that says 'Will Punch Sea Kings for Berries.'
I sighed, my resolve crumbling under their combined charms as I caved, handing over the berries to the grinning vendor. The girls twirled in unison, showing off their new treasures—Lucy's bracelet catching the light like a captured storm cloud, Aqua's necklace shimmering like ocean waves under the sun. "Happy now?" I asked, unable to hide my grin despite the lighter pouch.
"Very!" Lucy beamed, striking a dramatic pose with one hand on her hip. "Captain Wallet delivers again! You're the best, Sunny~" She threw her arms around my neck, pulling me into a quick, affectionate hug that pressed her close, her laughter vibrating against my chest.
Aqua giggled, nudging me from the other side. "He's cutest when he pretends to be mad. Admit it—you love spoiling us." She planted a light kiss on my cheek, her lips soft and teasing, leaving a warm tingle in their wake.
"I'm not pretending," I muttered, but my smile betrayed me, my arms wrapping around both of them in a group hug that felt right—chaotic, romantic, and utterly us.
The trio wandered deeper into the market, the crowds parting slightly as if sensing our energy. We sampled street food—Lucy devouring skewers with ravenous glee, Aqua daintily picking at fruits while stealing bites from my plate, their flirtations constant. Lucy fed me a piece of grilled meat with a wink, "Open wide, love!" while Aqua whispered, "Save some room for dessert—with me."
---
The trio reached a weapon shop next, the air inside thick with the metallic scent of polished steel, oiled leather, and aged wood. Rows of swords lined the walls, each one humming faintly with pride and history—blades from distant forges, some whispered to be cursed, others gleaming with untapped potential. The shopkeeper, a grizzled man with a scar across his eye, eyed us warily as we entered.
Lucy's eyes immediately locked onto a massive greatsword mounted on the wall, its blade as wide as her arm and etched with intricate runes that seemed to pulse with menace. "Whoa! Sunny, can I try this one? It looks perfect for smashing Marines!" She reached for it eagerly, her fingers itching to test its weight.
"No," I said firmly, grabbing her wrist gently but insistently. Her skin was warm under my touch, and she pouted up at me with those big eyes that always made it hard to say no.
"Pleaaase? Just a swing?"
"Still no. We're not turning this into a demolition derby."
Aqua hummed thoughtfully, her gaze drifting to a sleek, sapphire-hilted dagger that matched her necklace perfectly. She picked it up, twirling it with expert grace. "Well, if *you* won't treat her, maybe I'll ask for this little beauty instead~ It's got my name all over it." She held it up to the light, admiring the gleam, then flashed me a sultry smile. "What do you think, darling? Suits me, right?"
Lucy's hair sparked like a storm cloud, her eyes narrowing in jealousy. "You wouldn't dare. That's cheating!"
Aqua's grin was pure mischief, her body leaning against mine as she whispered, "Watch me. Unless Sunny buys it for me first~"
The air crackled with tension, their rivalry flaring up again. Before I could intervene, Lucy lunged for the dagger in a playful grab, Aqua dodged with a laugh, and—CRASH!—a display rack toppled over, sending blades clattering across the floor in a symphony of metallic chaos.
The shopkeeper wailed, clutching his head like his world was ending. "My rare imports! You brats are paying for this!"
Sunny grabbed both girls by their collars, hauling them back with a mix of exasperation and amusement. "No fighting in the sword shop! We're pirates, not wrecking balls!"
{ego}: Fifteen minutes into the date, and we've got property damage. New personal best for team chaos.
[system]: UmU~ Worth every berry~♡ I'm adding this to the chaos highlight reel—tagged under 'Romantic Rivalries Gone Wrong'!
A young woman with glasses and a crisp Marine uniform stepped through the door, her expression stern but curious as she surveyed the mess. Her hand rested on the hilt of her sword, her posture straight and professional. Her name tag read *Tashigi*. "What's going on here?" she demanded, her voice firm but laced with a hint of confusion. She adjusted her glasses, pushing them up her nose as she studied the scattered blades.
I froze, sensing the trouble brewing. "Uh, just a… misunderstanding. We'll clean it up."
Tashigi's stern demeanor faltered slightly as her gaze locked on to it another sword Lucy eyeing. "These are valuable weapons! You can't just—wait, is that a cursed sword? The Sandai Kitetsu?" Her eyes widened behind her glasses, shifting from authority to nerdy enthusiasm. "It's legendary! Rumored to have a will of its own—cursed to bring misfortune to its wielder! You can't just swing it around like a toy!"
Lucy grinned sheepishly, rubbing the back of her head. "It's cool, right? I was just gonna test it!"
Aqua leaned in, smirking as she whispered to me, "Oh, she's a sword nerd. Cute. Kinda like how you get about history, Sunny~" Her hand slipped into mine, squeezing gently—a romantic gesture amid the mess.
Tashigi flushed, stammering as she tried to regain her composure. "Cool? I-I'm not a nerd! I'm a Marine, and I'm here to—uh—restore order! But seriously, that blade chooses its owner. It's dangerous!"
I stepped forward, hands raised in a placating gesture. "We'll pay for the damages. No need to escalate. Let's keep this civil."
Tashigi hesitated, her gaze flicking between us and the swords, her passion for blades warring with her duty. "Fine. But be careful. These blades aren't toys—they have souls."
After a flurry of apologies, a hefty repair bill, and some awkward cleanup (Lucy stacking swords like Jenga blocks, Aqua "helping" with water magic that nearly flooded the place), the trio escaped the shop. Lucy still eyed the cursed sword longingly as we left. "That Marine girl was kinda cool," she admitted, linking her arm with mine again. "Sword nerds stick together, huh?"
Aqua snorted, taking my other arm. "She's got your number, cloud-head. But yeah... she had spunk." Her tone was begrudgingly respectful, but she pressed closer to me, her head resting on my shoulder—a subtle claim.
I chuckled, enjoying their closeness. "Let's just avoid breaking anything else today. Deal?"
"Deal," they chorused, but their winks said otherwise.
---
The trio reached the town square, where the ancient execution platform loomed like a silent sentinel—its weathered wood scarred by time and history, the spot where Gol D. Roger had faced death with a defiant smile, his final words sparking the Great Pirate Era. Tourists snapped photos with den-den mushi cameras, while locals whispered tales of the Pirate King's treasure, their voices a low hum of awe and speculation. The platform stood tall against the blue sky, a symbol of endings and beginnings.
Lucy gazed up at it, her usual boundless energy replaced by a quiet reverence that made her seem almost vulnerable. "This is where it all started… Roger's smile changed the world." She slipped her hand into mine, her fingers trembling slightly with emotion, her touch grounding me.
I felt the weight of the moment press down, a spark of destiny igniting in my chest like a flame. Aqua, for once, didn't break the silence with a quip; instead, she took my other hand, her grip firm and reassuring. "Kinda creepy for a tourist spot," she murmured, her voice soft and introspective. "But... inspiring. Makes you think about our own legacy."
Before I could respond, a voice like grinding gravel cut through the air like a blade. "Enjoying the history lesson, pirates?"
The crowd parted with murmurs and gasps, revealing a tall figure in a billowing white Marine coat, twin cigars clamped in his mouth, smoke curling around him like a living shroud. His sea-prism jitte gleamed with menacing promise. Captain Smoker. Behind him, Tashigi reappeared, her hand on her sword, eyes narrowing in recognition as she spotted us from the shop incident.
{ego}: Oh, fantastic. Cigar Boss *and* Sword Nerd. This just got spicy—popcorn time.
[system]: UmU~ Threat level: moderate. Drama level: exquisite~♡ I'm live-streaming this to the chaos archives!
I met Smoker's glare with a faint, confident grin, my Haki subtly flaring to assess the threat. "Captain Smoker, I presume? Heard you don't let pirates leave this town easily."
Smoker exhaled a thick plume of smoke, his eyes cold and unyielding as steel. "That's right. And you're not slipping through my grasp." His voice was a low rumble, carrying the weight of authority.
Tashigi stepped forward, her stance steady despite the earlier awkwardness. "I saw you in the sword shop. You're pirates, aren't you? The damage you caused— that's not acceptable!"
Lucy cracked her knuckles, her grin widening with excitement. "Yup! And we're just getting started! You wanna dance, Smokey?"
Aqua smirked, her fingers twitching as moisture gathered in the air around her. "Let's see how smoke and steel hold up against water. I've been itching for a real fight."
Smoker's eyes narrowed at Aqua's words. "Water? Interesting." He shifted his stance, his body dissolving into smoke on instinct as he tested the air—but Aqua flicked her fingers, and droplets condensed from the humidity, forming a spiraling wave that surged toward his legs. The water clung to his misty form, hissing and forcing the smoke back into solid shape with a sizzle.
"What the—!?" Smoker growled, his cigars nearly dropping as he staggered, the sea-prism in his jitte useless against the non-devil fruit power.
I smirked, stepping forward protectively in front of the girls. "Bad matchup, Captain. She's a goddess of water. Your logia tricks? Completely washed out."
{ego}: Solid pun. You've been practicing—gold star for dad jokes in battle.
Aqua winked at me, her hand brushing my back in a quick, affectionate touch. "Every drop in the air answers to me, Smokey. Better luck next time~" Her voice was flirty, directed at me as much as the enemy.
Tashigi drew her sword with a sharp ring, her stance precise and determined. "You're not getting away that easily! Pirates like you endanger everyone!"
Smoker recovered, his scowl deepening as he lunged forward, jitte flashing toward me like a comet. Lucy intercepted with a thunderous CRASH, her fist slamming into the weapon's shaft and sending shockwaves rippling through the cobblestone, cracking the ground beneath us. "You're not touching my crew—or my Sunny!" she roared, her eyes blazing with protective fire.
The plaza erupted into pandemonium—civilians scattering like leaves in a storm, screams echoing as Marines closed in from all sides. Tashigi barked orders, her voice cutting through the noise: "Surround them! Don't let them escape!"
Aqua summoned a ring of pressurized water from the air, the droplets coalescing into a swirling barrier that deflected incoming bullets and blades with explosive splashes. "Not today, mortals!" she laughed, her power surging as she glanced at me with a loving grin. "See, Sunny? I've got your back~"
Tashigi charged at Lucy, her sword flashing in a precise arc. "You're reckless with weapons! I won't let you endanger this town—or its history!"
Lucy dodged with rubbery grace, her grin never fading. "You're pretty good with that sword, glasses! But I'm better with my fists!" She countered with a punch cloaked in compressed air pressure, the impact sending Tashigi skidding back.
I weaved through Smoker's relentless attacks, his smoke twisting into massive, grasping hands that I dodged with Bang-style movements—a blur of speed and precision. I reappeared at his flank, my palm glowing with a faint pulse of energy. A precise strike to a nerve point froze his arm mid-swing, the jitte dropping with a clatter. "Jirō says hi,"
Tashigi faltered, her gaze flicking to me. Jirō? That technique sounds familiar!
Lucy seized the distraction, her fist exploding forward in a Gum-Gum Pistol cloaked in haki. BOOM! She sent Smoker crashing through a market stall, splinters and fruits flying in a colorful explosion.
Aqua cheered, high-fiving Lucy. "Nice one, Cloud Queen! We make a good team!"
Lucy grinned, surprised but pleased. "Thanks, Aqua-senpai! Your water tricks are awesome!"
Aqua blinked, flustered but touched. "Wait—*senpai*!? Okay, that's kinda cute..."
I laughed, wiping sweat from my brow as I pulled them both close in a quick embrace. "That's my crew. Unbeatable together."
Tashigi adjusted her glasses, her resolve hardening despite the chaos. "You're strong, but you're still pirates. I can't let you go—I have a duty!"
Smoker staggered to his feet, glaring through the debris. "Not a chance. This ends here."
Aqua raised her hand, ready to summon another tidal wave, but I signaled her to hold back. "No flooding the town. We've got enough repair bills as it is. Let's wrap this up."
Lucy fist-bumped Aqua, her eyes on me with adoring pride. "We got this, Sunny!"
As the Marines regrouped, I grabbed both girls' hands, our fingers intertwining in a tangle of affection and urgency. "Time to go—run!"
We sprinted through the market, laughter trailing behind us like a banner, the execution platform fading into the golden sunset. Loguetown had lived up to its name—a place of beginnings, endings, and the spark of our own chaotic legend.
{ego}: You're smiling like an idiot again. Romance, fights, and shopping—classic Sunny day.
I shrugged, squeezing their hands as we ran, the wind in our hair. "Good. That's how it should be."
[system]: UmU~ Legend begun. Chaos achieved. Romance… pending~♡ But with these girls, it's always blooming!
Meanwhile - Zoro and Nami
In a quieter alleyway off the main market, Zoro and Nami navigated their own brand of chaos, the sounds of the bustling town muffled by the narrow stone walls lined with hanging lanterns and overflowing flower boxes.
"Are you sure this is the right shop?" Nami asked, raising an eyebrow as she consulted her map, her orange hair tied back to keep it from her face.
Zoro nodded toward the entrance of Ipponmatsu's Sword Store, his three swords at his side clinking softly. "If I'm gonna find new blades to replace the ones that broke, this is the place. Loguetown's famous for its swords."
Inside, the air was thick with the scent of old wood, sharpened steel, and faint incense burning to ward off curses. Rows of swords lined the walls, each one displayed on velvet cushions or mounted racks, their blades reflecting the dim light like mirrors to another world.
Nami trailed behind, inspecting price tags with a critical eye. "These are expensive. Try not to destroy anything, okay? We're already low on funds from Sunny's shopping spree."
"Relax," Zoro grunted, his eyes scanning the selection with a swordsman's intensity.
Seconds later—CRASH! A rack toppled as Zoro tested a blade's balance, swinging it experimentally.
The shopkeeper screamed, his face paling. "Don't swing the cursed one! That's the Sandai Kitetsu—it brings death to its owners!"
Too late. Zoro had already tossed the sword upward, testing fate with his usual nonchalance. It spiraled down toward his outstretched arm—and stopped just above it, not a single scratch marring his skin.
He grinned, a rare spark of satisfaction in his eyes. "Guess it likes me. I'll take it."
Nami groaned, facepalming. "You're insane. If you die from cursed swords, don't haunt me—or Sunny. He'd never let me hear the end of it."
The old man sighed, handing him another blade—the Yubashiri, a sleek, elegant sword with a black sheath. "You've got guts, boy. Take this one too. Consider it a gift for surviving the curse."
Zoro bowed slightly, his respect evident. "Thanks, old man. These will do."
Nami shook her head but smiled. "You and your swords... just like Sunny with his history and torturing obsession doesn't change."