Just in case.
Without a word, Luffy gave a silent command through his will.
High above the island—far beyond the reach of curious eyes—the thundercloud carrying the crew's treasure drifted higher into the sky, dissolving into the haze until it was indistinguishable from the storm clouds of the Grand Line itself. Safe. Untouchable. Forgotten.
Only then did Luffy allow his attention to return to the island ahead.
"Hey—there's someone over there!" Usopp suddenly shouted, pointing toward the port side.
Everyone turned.
Through the thinning fog, two dark silhouettes moved along the edge of the aqueduct. Their shapes were human—too human. No claws. No monstrous outlines. Just people… watching.
"We should stay on guard," Nojiko said quietly, pulling her three-section iron staff free and letting it rest loosely in her hands.
Luffy said nothing.
His eyes narrowed.
The ship glided forward.
More silhouettes appeared.
Then more.
Both sides of the waterway filled with figures, standing shoulder to shoulder along the stone banks. And then—
Cheers.
Loud, joyful cheers erupted, echoing through the canyon-like channel.
The fog parted fully.
Revealing a town alive with movement.
People waved. Smiled. Raised mugs of liquor. Some played instruments. Others clapped and shouted greetings as if this were a festival long prepared.
"Welcome to the Grand Line!" someone yelled.
"Good luck, adventurers!"
"We're glad you made it to Whiskey Peak!"
The Going Merry drifted forward through a corridor of celebration.
The crew stared.
Every single one of them shared the same thought.
What kind of place welcomes pirates?
Usopp was the first to exhale.
"…They're not monsters," he said weakly. "They're just people."
"People who welcome pirates," Yosaku added, disbelief thick in his voice.
Johnny scratched his head. "The Grand Line really is insane."
Laughter rippled through the crew. Some waved back. Some smiled awkwardly. Sanji's eyes locked onto a group of women cheering near the shore, hearts practically bursting from his pupils. Usopp struck a heroic pose, basking in attention like sunlight.
But not everyone relaxed.
Luffy's expression remained neutral.
Zoro's hand rested near his swords.
Nami's eyes scanned faces, movements, timing.
Luffy met Zoro's gaze and gave a subtle nod.
Stay sharp.
Then he leaned toward Nami, voice barely audible.
"When they're asleep," he whispered, "do what you usually do."
Nami smiled—a sharp, knowing smile—and nodded.
The ship docked.
The crew disembarked, Luffy at the front, posture loose but presence heavy. Behind them, Johnny and Yosaku stayed behind with their prisoners—Miss Wednesday and Mr. 9—still bound.
Everyone else stepped onto the shore.
Waiting for them was a tall man with a small red nose, blond hair styled unnaturally stiff—almost like a wig—and a saxophone slung casually over his shoulder.
"Welcome—cough—mamama," the man said theatrically. "I am Igaram…poi." He paused, then corrected himself smoothly. "Igarampoi, the mayor of Whiskey Peak."
Luffy offered a polite smile.
"My name is Luffy. Thanks for the welcome."
Igarampoi beamed. "This town thrives on liquor and music! Hospitality is our pride. Our smiles flow like the sea—just as freely as our drinks!"
Luffy's smile faded.
"We brought two passengers back to this city," he said calmly. "They promised us gold in return."
His eyes hardened.
"I hope that promise is kept. Otherwise… there will be blood in this city. And it will flow just as freely as the sea."
For a fraction of a second—
Igarampoi flinched.
Then the smile snapped back into place.
"Ah—of course. May I see these two fine citizens?"
Luffy turned slightly. "Johnny. Yosaku."
They brought the bound pair forward.
"I believe they go by Miss Wednesday and Mr. 9."
Igarampoi's face twitched.
Just once.
Then he laughed warmly. "Yes, yes! They're from here. Don't worry—your generosity will be rewarded."
He clasped his hands together. "Please! Allow us to host a celebration in your honor. We want to hear your stories!"
Luffy extended his hand.
"We'd be honored."
The handshake was firm.
Too firm.
As they walked into town, Nami raised her Log Pose.
"How long will it take for this island's magnetic field to record?"
Igarampoi waved dismissively and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Oh, boring details can wait. You must be exhausted. Let's drink! Sing! Celebrate!"
The townspeople roared in approval.
The party began.
Inside a bar filled with music and laughter, the crew drank and ate. Luffy quietly drank from his own flask, letting the townsfolk believe he shared their liquor.
Sanji flirted relentlessly.
Usopp spun heroic tales.
Nami and Nojiko matched locals drink for drink.
Zoro drank in a corner with Johnny and Yosaku, low voices and sharp eyes.
Hours passed.
Then—one by one—the crew began to fall.
Usopp slumped first.
Johnny followed.
Yosaku.
Sanji.
Nami.
Nojiko.
Finally—
Zoro.
Luffy's eyes narrowed.
Zoro doesn't pass out from this.
He leaned back… and collapsed.
Time passed.
An hour.
Then Luffy opened his eyes.
Silently, he slipped through the roof, lightning barely whispering as he landed atop a nearby building.
From the shadows, he watched.
Outside the bar—
Igarampoi stood with Miss Wednesday and Mr. 9.
And they were smiling.
The trap had finally closed.