"Finally here!"
Nami cheered excitedly, kicked the mop and broom aside, and was the first to step onto the dock.
She looked around curiously, "This is Log Town? It's quite bustling!"
As someone from the East Sea, most have heard of Log Town's reputation.
This is the hometown of Pirate King Roger, his birthplace, and also where he was executed. The chaotic Great Pirate Era began from here.
Being so famous, the town is naturally not small in scale. Looking around, the streets are lined with shops, dazzling and selling everything.
People come and go, making it lively.
"Is that the place where Roger was executed?"
Kuina gazed into the distance, at the central square where the streets intersect. The execution platform stood high, clearly visible even from the dock, several streets away.
It was originally meant as a deterrent against pirates by the World Government.
But after the Great Pirate Era began, Log Town became a popular spot for pirates to visit.
Especially for pirates heading to the Grand Line from the East Sea, it is almost a must-see to not be considered someone from the East Sea.
"Everyone, let's split up and explore. Many pirates come to this island to pay homage, but because of the Navy Branch, even if disputes arise, they generally don't dare to be reckless, so the security is decent."
Shano glanced at the clock at the bank entrance, "In two hours, it will be lunchtime. Let's meet at the central square then."
"Understood, Captain!!!"
Everyone responded in unison, eager to separate and delve into the streets and alleys.
Counting the days of detour, they've been drifting alone at sea for half a month. It's rare to come to such a commercially developed town; everyone was already itching for it.
Ah Yin, excitedly followed Zeff to buy strawberry milk, and Kuina decided to visit nearby book and weapon shops.
Nojiko, meanwhile, dragged Nami to the street filled with clothing and jewelry stores.
This girl sneaked out from home with few belongings and has been wearing Nojiko's clothes, so she needs to buy some new ones.
"Would you like a tattoo, beautiful ladies?" The owner of the tattoo shop smiled at them from the street corner.
"Not interested." Nami and Nojiko instinctively glanced at their smooth arms, then pouted.
— A proper girl doesn't get tattoos!
…
Elsewhere.
Shano wandered aimlessly through the streets, going with the flow.
He remembered that Log Town had several characters with names in the comics.
If lucky, he could profit from them; if not, it's no big deal since they're not worth much.
His true target, of course, was…
Shano looked up towards the direction of the execution platform.
Having witnessed the death of Pirate King Roger and the beginning of the Great Pirate Era, it surely has value, right?
But it's a bit too big, and with the massive crowd of tourists visiting and registering on the square, along with Navy soldiers guarding from the towers, making it disappear in plain sight would cause quite a stir.
It might be more suitable to act in the dead of night when there are fewer people around.
While pondering this, a tall youth with green hair, sporting earrings and a nose ring, walked straight towards him, his head lowered, and bumped right into Shano.
"Ouch! That hurt like hell!!"
The delinquent-looking youth winced in pain, his nose bleeding profusely, hurriedly wiping it with the back of his hand.
What the heck was on this guy's chest? It felt like running into a steel plate, making stars dance before his eyes, and almost knocking him out.
"Sorry about that." Shano handed over a tissue, smiling, "Wipe it off."
"Watch where you're going next time!"
The green-haired thug glared fiercely, shoved his hands into his pockets, and swaggered into a nearby alley.
Once in the alley.
He couldn't help but burst into laughter, flipping out a wallet with a flick of his wrist, looking nothing like the aggrieved person he was moments ago.
"I say, Barto, you're now a small gang leader controlling several streets. Even if protection fees aren't enough, why do you still stoop to petty theft like this?"
A joking voice came from behind.
"What do you know, Dezaya?"
Bartolomeo snickered, "This is called staying true to oneself. Stealing money isn't the point; it's about reliving the fun of being a low-level thug."
"Take a guess..."
He turned to his childhood friend, shaking the wallet, "How much Belly is in here? Fifty thousand, a hundred thousand?"
Wait a minute…
This feels wrong. Barto instinctively checked the wallet's compartment, and upon opening it, he found it empty.
"It's actually zero!"
Dezaya laughed heartily, "You made such a fuss that I thought you hit it big, yet there's not a single bill!"
"Damn it! How could this be?"
Barto flipped the wallet upside down and, seeing not even a coin, was utterly frustrated, "That guy didn't look like a pauper, so why is his pocket emptier than his face!"
Ah well, everyone makes mistakes sometimes.
"Forget it. You came just in time, Dezaya. I really liked the bracelet you gave me last time; I usually keep it tucked away, cherishing it so much. So, I made you a small gift myself..."
He reached into his pocket with a grin, but his expression suddenly froze, "Huh?"
Soon, the entire alley echoed with his anguished cry — "Where's my wallet!!!!"
......
[You sacrificed Bartolomeo's shell necklace and gained 60 points]
[You sacrificed Dezaya's plastic bracelet and gained 40 points]
"Five hundred thousand Belly, 100 points, not much, but acceptable since it delivered itself."
Shano chuckled softly, slipped the wallet into his pocket.
The local gangs are so impolite.
Stealing right after meeting, with what skill, with what technique, dare they even try to touch him?
He whistled, feeling light-hearted as he continued down the street.
…
In the bookstore.
"The latest chapter 24 of 'JUSTIFIED GERMA' is out!!"
"Wow, really? Grab a copy for me too!"
"Hey, brats! If you don't have money, stop reading for free. I'll give you at most five minutes. If you don't buy, scram!"
"Excuse me, let me through."
Kuina maneuvered past kids squatting and leeching off the comics, tiptoeing to reach for 'Sword and Saber Forging Discussion' on the top shelf.
But at almost the same time, another slender, fair hand reached out, their fingers touching the book spine, almost shoulder-to-shoulder.
"Ah, sorry!"
Kuina immediately turned with an apologetic smile, "If you need it, please go ahead. I can look at something else."
The black-haired girl across, looking identical to herself, also returned an apologetic look.
Hmm?
A mirror?
She adjusted her glasses, trying to see more clearly.
The girl opposite also adjusted her glasses, leaning closer, their cold noses touching...
The undeniable reality made them both widen their eyes, staring at each other. After a good four or five seconds, they finally screamed in unison:
"Eh---!!!"