Chapter 30
"Big Bro Arlong, according to the map, Whiskey Peak is up ahead."
Nami reported, holding a nautical chart.
The map was Fisher Tiger's work—from his younger days as an adventurer who explored many places.
The Sun Pirates had no use for it on Fish-Man Island, so Arlong brought it along.
"Yeah."
Arlong nodded. "The next island's cold. Remember to prepare warm clothes."
"Got it."
Nami pulled out a notebook from her cleavage and jotted down "coats."
Arlong seriously wondered if her chest was a treasure pouch—everything came out of there.
"At last, some fruits and vegetables. It's been nothing but meat and seafood every day."
Carmen complained.
The thought of exchanging ideas with Grand Line chefs lifted her spirits.
"Carmen-san, fruits and veggies are expensive—go easy."
Nami winced at the upcoming expense.
Carmen shared her skin-care theories involving them. Nami waved grandly—buy away.
"Clothes too. My old bras are tight again."
Nojiko added.
"You're banned from papaya milkshakes."
Nami glared.
New clothes every month or so—and Arlong was a uniform fetishist.
Dozens of outfits per shopping trip.
"Isn't yours growing too?"
Nojiko countered. "Want to save money? Just wear mine."
Nami huffed ?(? ? 3?)?: "I'm not wearing your hand-me-downs."
Back when they were poor, no choice. Now she had money!
Watching the sisters bicker, Arlong gazed at the approaching island, lost in thought.
Back then, he crossed the Calm Belt alone.
Now, ten times stronger, with invincible defender Bartolomeo and veteran Momoo.
The Calm Belt was no issue.
Still, the timid trio—Nami, Nojiko, Carmen—were terrified by the hundred-meter Sea Kings.
Momoo seemed to find clues about its origins and stayed behind in the Calm Belt.
Now, two days after crossing,
Facing the Grand Line's unpredictable weather,
Nami the navigator had adapted—no longer panicking like at first.
The chests from the past couple days yielded nice rewards.
Silver chest: Animal Communication ability, "Water Strike" technique, and Bubble Fruit.
Gold chest: 10-Year Lifespan Card, enlarged Rokuogan, and Poison-Proof Body.
…
"Those are huge cacti!"
Bartolomeo, hands in pockets, gawked w(°ｏ°)w.
Arlong snapped out of his thoughts and looked.
Whiskey Peak's mountains resembled massive spherical cacti.
As they neared, thick fog blanketed the sea, blurring vision.
"Any monsters on the island?"
Nojiko gripped Arlong's arm tightly, tense.
Nami grew nervous too. "Nojiko, don't jinx it."
She grabbed his other arm.
Carmen stayed silent, hiding behind him, peeking out.
"No monsters—just a bunch of clowns."
Arlong chuckled and explained roughly.
Whiskey Peak was a trap for pirates—full of bounty hunters.
They preyed on rookies from the East Blue.
Too easy otherwise.
A test for pirates—if they couldn't pass the first hurdle, how to survive the Grand Line?
It was also a Baroque Works branch.
Hundreds of bounty hunters—Nami grew even more anxious.
"Big Bro Arlong, maybe another island?"
"Big Sis Nami, the Log Pose needs to charge fully first." Hatchan reminded kindly.
BAM~
Nami punched him.
Hatchan looked innocent. "Big Sis Nami, did I say something wrong?"
"No."
Nami dusted her hands and lifted her chin proudly o(′^｀)o. "Just felt like hitting you."
Chew pulled Hatchan aside and whispered, "You crazy? Trying to reason with Big Sis Nami?"
"My bad—won't happen again…"
Hatchan trailed off, shivering.
Killing intent!
He stiffly turned—fist enlarging in his vision.
The punching-bag duo huddled in a corner for self-reflection.
Bartolomeo opened his mouth to praise—then saw Nami's glare.
He clamped it shut, signaling silence.
Survival instinct maxed ヾ(??﹏?)??.
Kuroobi watched, deeply grateful.
Confirmed: stay away from Hatchan and Nami—no punches.
Actually, just Nami.
The ship tyrant—obvious!
Following the river, the Shark Sparb sailed inland.
Townsfolk lined both banks.
Seeing Arlong's group, they cheered wildly.
"Welcome to Whiskey Peak, adventurers!"
"Hail the heroes of the sea!"
…
Such warm, innocent enthusiasm shocked the crew.
They had never seen a town openly welcome pirates.
Where were the bounty hunters?
Everyone looked to Arlong.
"Maybe a big pirate wiped them out!"
Arlong brushed it off with an excuse.
He thought: a little lesson builds caution.
Definitely not because they questioned their captain.
…
Docking.
As Arlong's group disembarked,
Townsfolk swarmed with smiles.
Leading them was a middle-aged man in a band uniform, hair curled into six loops.
He beamed warmly.
"Wel—cough cough… bang bang bang, welcome."
"I'm Igaram, mayor of Whiskey Peak."
"I'm Arlong, captain of the Arlong Pirates!"
Arlong announced his name, eyeing Igaram playfully.
Princess Vivi's most loyal butler.
The moment his name dropped, the townsfolk froze.
"Cough cough~"
This wasn't a fish—it was a whale.
Mr. 9, hidden in the crowd, panicked. They planned to hunt a whale for food—but a real monster showed up.
Igaram felt oddly exposed, as if naked before Arlong.
But his official composure held.
Panic flashed, then vanished—smile intact. "Captain Arlong's visit honors our town.
On behalf of all residents, welcome.
We're preparing a welcome banquet. Please rest in town first."
Arlong's group followed Igaram in.
They split up under excuses.
The timid trio—Nami, Nojiko, Carmen—went shopping for clothes.
Bartolomeo slipped into the old district to expand his network.
His dream: Bart Clubs worldwide.
Arlong fully supported.
Hatchan and the fishmen bought supplies.
Arlong wandered the town.
Best case: run into Princess Vivi.
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