Tashigi looked at Sandy curiously when he asked how she knew he had no assets. To her, the answer was obvious.
She stepped forward and explained earnestly, "Judging by your behavior just now—you're clearly the type who idles around all day. And with clothes like that, you definitely don't have much money.
Let me guess… do you have an elderly parent bedridden at home? Or did your wife run away, leaving you to raise a few crying children on your own?"
She sighed, folding her arms. "Anyway, I won't pry into your private life. Come with me. I can introduce you to a stable job. As long as you're hardworking, you can still support your family."
Sandy froze. What the hell kind of imagination does this woman have?!
Did she just… categorize him like some unemployed, broke widower?
For a few seconds, his brain short-circuited. Then he burst out, "Oh my god, woman! I'm single! I don't need your job offers! Goodbye—and please, let's never meet again!"
He turned and bolted down the street.
Behind him, Tashigi actually chased after him, calling out, "You don't have to be so shy! Everyone makes mistakes when they're young. What's important is facing life bravely! It's never too late to start over—wait, where'd he go?"
Sandy ducked into an alley, panting heavily. Damn, that woman's way too sharp!
He quickly pulled out his notebook and scribbled everything down. "Others must experience this confusion," he muttered. "It's priceless material."
Just as he finished writing, a tall, muscular man with white hair appeared at the other end of the alley.
"Wait—that's Smoker!"
Smoker had just heard reports from his subordinates that the Straw Hat Pirates had arrived on the island.
The new bounty poster from Marine Headquarters was still unopened in his hand—so he had no idea Sandy was part of the crew.
When Smoker saw Sandy scribbling notes so seriously, he assumed the guy was some honest, hardworking writer.
"You're quite diligent," Smoker said, nodding approvingly. "Keep it up."
Sandy froze, then smiled politely. "Thanks! Uh… mind if I borrow a smoke?"
Before Smoker could respond, Sandy had already reached into his coat and grabbed three cigars—one tucked behind each ear, and one bitten between his lips.
Smoker twitched slightly. Those cigars were expensive. But… for some reason, he let it slide.
Sandy took a puff and exhaled. "Yo, your cigars are top-tier. But smoking's bad for your health, you know? Especially smoking two at once!"
Smoker blinked. Nobody had ever said that to him before.
This guy's weirdly polite… kinda nice, he thought, oddly moved.
He waved it off. "Enough talk. I've got work to do. See you."
"Take care!" Sandy said cheerfully, waving as Smoker left.
As he watched Smoker's back fade into the distance, Sandy smirked. I wonder what face he'll make when he finds out I'm a pirate…
Then he shuddered. Actually, he'll probably chase me across the Grand Line! Yeah, no thanks.
He decided a stiff drink was necessary to calm his nerves.
"Should I use my Observation Haki to avoid running into more weird people?" he muttered. Then he shook his head. "Nah, that'd ruin the adventure."
And just like that, he forgot all about it.
Later that afternoon, inside a dim old bar, several familiar faces gathered.
It was none other than the Buggy Pirates, who had come to Loguetown for revenge against Luffy and his crew.
Buggy sat at the table, laying out tarot cards with exaggerated flair.
"Chehahaha!" he laughed proudly. "According to my divine fortune-telling, the Straw Hat Crew has landed on this island! Our time for glorious revenge has come!"
Beside him stood Alvida, now a stunning beauty after eating the Slip-Slip Fruit. She leaned forward and asked sweetly, "So… can you actually kill him this time?"
Buggy smirked. "Heh heh heh, of course! The one destined to die is…"
He flipped the final card dramatically—only to reveal… himself.
Alvida blinked. "Um… isn't that you?"
"Buggy…!!!" Buggy screamed, slamming his face onto the table in despair.
Just then, a carefree voice rang out from the doorway.
"La la la~ Demacia~ La la la~ Lu ah Lu ah~"
Everyone turned. It was Sandy—strolling in like he owned the place.
Seeing Buggy, Sandy paused in surprise before grinning. "Yo! Buggy—ah, I mean Captain Buggy! Been a long time, huh? Nice to see a familiar face!"
Buggy blinked. "Oh? It's you. Yeah, it's been a while… Hello."
His crew, Moji and Alvida, exchanged puzzled looks. Buggy quickly realized his mistake and slammed the table.
"Hello, my ass! You bastard! Do you know how long we've been searching for you?!
Since the day you blasted me away, I've struggled through countless hardships to return to my crew. I went through joy, pain, separation, and friendship on my grand journey back!"
He paused dramatically, then suddenly realized he'd gone off-topic. "Wait—what the hell am I even saying?! You made me say that, damn it!!"
Sandy blinked innocently. "Weren't you the one talking? Anyway, nice cape. Isn't it hot wearing that?"
Buggy puffed up proudly. "It's a necessary disguise! There's a Marine Colonel on this island with terrifying power…"
Then he froze mid-sentence, glaring. "And who the hell are you calling fashionable, you jerk?!"
He jabbed a finger toward Sandy. "For revenge, I've joined forces with the beautiful Miss Alvida here! Now, stand there and magnificently accept our judgment! Ya ha ha ha!"
Sandy chuckled. "You're still holding grudges? Man, as pirates, shouldn't we let small stuff go? You're being kinda petty, don't you think?"
"WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?!" Buggy roared.
Sandy calmly took a sip of his drink. "Look, was it me who blew you away? Go take it up with Luffy. Relax, Buggy! It's rare to meet again on the same sea. We're all children of the ocean. Come on—cheers!"
Buggy grumbled. "Children of the Sea, huh? Even so, I can't just forgive you…"
Sandy threw his arm around Buggy's shoulder, laughing. "Don't sweat it! Let's have a few drinks first. I'll treat you to a meal later as an apology. Sound good?"
Buggy hesitated, then nodded. "Well… since you're being so sincere, I guess it'd be rude to stay mad. But that Straw Hat bastard—I still won't forgive him!"
Sandy raised his glass. "Cheers!"
Buggy clinked his glass with Sandy's, not realizing he was being set up for another ridiculous twist later…