Chapter 80: Sabaody Archipelago – Smoker and Tashigi (Part 1)
Due to the amount of information, Shakky couldn't organize it all at once, so the group decided to split up and do their own things.
"Captain, may I return to the ship?" Da Vinci asked. She was working on the system blueprint Eric gave her last time and had no interest in going out. A tech-obsessed person could be terrifying.
"Aren't you interested in studying the Yarukiman Mangrove? Or the bubbles?"
"I'd rather focus on one task for now. I should finish in a day or two."
"But I don't feel comfortable leaving you here alone. There are plenty of slave traders around."
Scáthach stepped forward. "I'll stay behind and keep Da Vinci company."
"All right. Thanks to both of you. Tomorrow I'll stay and watch the ship—then you two can go ashore and enjoy yourselves."
...
"Anyone want to go to Sabaody Park?" Eric asked.
Akame quickly raised her hand. In her previous life, she had lived in poverty with her sister and never had the chance to enjoy anything. She was drawn to amusement parks. "..." Maybe feeling a bit shy, the younger Perona and Polki slowly raised their hands too.
"I'd rather go find 'Dark King' Rayleigh and spar," Esdeath said bluntly, ignoring the mood.
"Ara, then why don't you go on your own?" Kurumi egged her on to leave.
Esdeath saw through Kurumi's intent and gave her a glance but said nothing more.
"Rayleigh's always on the island, he won't disappear. Take a proper break. You've fought Gecko Moria and sparred with Scáthach several times—you've built up a lot of fatigue. Resting properly is good for your body."
"And there's some really delicious ice cream in Sabaody Park. You like it, don't you?"
Esdeath's face flushed pink, her icy blue aesthetic suddenly turning rosy. "You even know what I like to eat..."
Kurumi cut off Esdeath's muttering coldly. "Wake up. Don't dream. No, actually—stay here and keep dreaming."
"There's a little meowing kitten here that's really annoying." Shing—the sound of a blade being drawn.
"There's a daydreaming tigress here that's just as irritating." Click—the sound of a gun being cocked.
"Enough, both of you. We're here to have fun. Esdeath, you might be fighting one of this world's top powers in a few days. Saving your energy is important, right? Kurumi, how about I take you to visit a pet store in a few days and buy you a kitten?"
"You got lucky, little kitten."
"Too bad I can't put a hole in you right now."
The two ceased fire.
Akame, who had been quiet the whole time, said, "Eric 's gotten really good at talking."
Perona mumbled behind them, "Tch, playboy."
...
Sabaody Park was bustling with tourists, filled with amusement rides, staff in costume, and snack stalls everywhere.
Everyone's faces lit up with joy, even Esdeath had an expression like a little girl's.
"Perona, Polki—don't wander off alone. Watch out for slave traders."
"Ara, you've mentioned slave traders several times. Isn't that overdoing it?"
"Important things must be said three times. Anyway, let's all go enjoy what we like."
...
Esdeath stood in front of a stall loaded with different types of ice cream. "Which flavor is the best~?"
"If you like it, just come back later and try another," Eric said. Apparently, Esdeath had decision paralysis too.
The vendor chimed in helpfully, "Have your boyfriend buy one too, then you can taste both flavors by sampling his."
Esdeath's eyes widened. "This... this is one of those romantic moments where couples feed each other ice cream?!"
"Romantic moment?" The vendor looked puzzled.
"I'll just pick these two," Eric said, choosing the two flavors with the least left—probably the most popular.
"Tastes great. Eric , let me try yours."
At this point, even an indirect kiss didn't matter. Eric passed his ice cream over. "Here."
Suddenly, a head popped out from the side and took a big bite out of Eric 's ice cream—then disappeared using a burst of movement.
"...Tokisaki Kurumi!" Esdeath growled through gritted teeth.
That they didn't start fighting right there was truly a miracle...
...
In a bar within the lawless zone, Smoker—freshly graduated from Marine HQ's recruit training—sat in disguise, wearing oversized sunglasses. He had come to the nearby Sabaody Archipelago to test himself by capturing pirates. But he was discovered by his training camp peer and friend, Tashigi.
Smoker had caused trouble during training due to his tendency to disobey orders. But Tashigi always helped him, not just because they were both Devil Fruit users, but because she knew Smoker was kind-hearted beneath his fierce exterior. They both believed in justice.
In Tashigi's heart, Smoker was a good man—harsh in appearance but noble at heart. He mostly disobeyed orders for the sake of protecting civilians. He deeply respected former admiral Zephyr, known for his "no killing" policy. What she disliked was Smoker's lone wolf attitude and his defiance of superiors.
She worried he'd get into major trouble here, especially if he encountered the Celestial Dragons. With his sense of justice, if he hit one, things could go very badly. So even though Smoker protested, she came along.
Smoker said, "Seriously, I told you I wouldn't touch a Celestial Dragon. Why don't you believe me?"
"Hoo—" Tashigi exhaled smoke, holding her cigarette with a single hand in a very alluring way. "Because following orders just isn't your thing, Smoker."
"Hmph." Smoker said no more. Somehow, even with that thick cigar between his lips, he never dropped it—truly a Smoke-Man.
"Since the Great Age of Piracy began, the number of pirates has exploded. But few make it to the midpoint at Sabaody Archipelago. If you want more action, I suggest posting up near the entrance to the Grand Line."
"Good idea," Smoker nodded. "When I get the chance, I'll apply for transfer to a branch near the entrance."
"Sigh," Tashigi sighed. "I just don't get you. Everyone wants promotion to HQ, and you want to be posted out."
"As long as I'm in the Navy, I'll need rank and status. If I stay in HQ, I'm too low in the chain to get things done. Too many restrictions. If I become a commanding officer in a branch, I can carry out my ideals more freely."
"You..." Tashigi knew his personality well, so she didn't try to persuade him further.
At that moment, a group of people entered, drawing both their attention.
After a long day at the amusement park, the group was starving. They arrived at a bar in area 24 recommended by locals for dinner.
Gurgle gurgle... Akame and the two youngest—Perona and Polki—had their stomachs rumbling.
Even the calm Chiron chuckled. "You really went all out today. We're almost there—hang in there."
The hungry trio nodded rapidly.
"This is the place. The locals said it's super tasty." Eric led the way, pushing open the door with a Kinggle—"ding-a-ling."
The bar was dimly lit, filled with the aroma of alcohol and delicious food.
"Waiter, bring us a few of your specialties. Also, we've got minors here—juice only."
"Right away, please have a seat over here."
Smoker's eyes widened as he looked at the new arrivals. "It's them...!"
(END CHAPTER)
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