88: Chapter 88 The Town Welcomes PiratesEveryone on the ship happily responded to the welcome from the people on the shore, except for Zoro, who frowned and came to Luffy's side and whispered, "Luffy, something's not right here.Why would someone not be afraid of pirates but welcome them?"
Luffy turned back and smiled."Of course I know something's wrong here, but we still have to go along with them and see what kind of people they really are."
Zoro nodded in agreement, and as they reached the shore, a man with six large waves on his head emerged and addressed them, "Welcome, brave warriors of the sea!My name is Icarus, the mayor of Whiskey Peak.We've prepared a feast for you; enjoy!" Luffy readily accepted, and the group followed Icarus into town.As evening fell, the group celebrated with a lively party inside a house.Usopp boasted about his heroic deeds, while Nami, initially reluctant to participate in the drinking contest, changed her mind when she heard the champion had a prize of 100,000 yen.When it came time to receive Beli's reward, everyone immediately raised their glasses and started drinking.Zoro, however, only drank a few cups before collapsing onto the table and falling asleep.Kuina sat quietly to the side, eating her food.As for Sanji, he was completely absorbed in the woman's charms.Luffy, after exhausting the three chefs, finally lay down on the floor and fell asleep, and the others followed suit.Seeing this, Icarus's usually kind face instantly darkened.He pushed open the door and went outside, where the crowd that had been waiting for a long time immediately surrounded him, including Vivi and Mr.9.
"Well, are they asleep?" The usually amiable townspeople now had murderous intent on their faces, each one rubbing their hands together in anticipation, after receiving Icarum's affirmative reply.
"Great!They're finally asleep.If we kill them and take their heads to the Navy to collect the bounty, it'll be a considerable income," one of them said excitedly, gripping his weapon tightly.Only Vivi looked worried.This time, they were facing a pirate crew with an initial bounty of over 300 million Berries.Could they succeed?But then Vivi thought, even if they did, so what?They were already asleep anyway, so they could be slaughtered at their mercy.
Just then, a voice suddenly came from above their heads, "So that's what you're after." Everyone looked up and saw Luffy and Zoro staring at them expressionlessly.
"Impossible!Weren't you all asleep?How could you still be awake?" Icarus shouted in disbelief.Luffy crossed his arms and said calmly, "Do you really think we're fools?We're pirates!Who welcomes pirates?You look like bounty hunters." Vivi looked at the two expressionless figures under the moonlight, but couldn't say anything.
Seeing that their plan had been exposed, the bounty hunters steeled themselves, drew their weapons, and charged towards Luffy and Zoro.Luffy glanced at the approaching enemies and raised an eyebrow at Zoro.
"Let's see who can take care of these guys first?"
Zoro drew his sword and said with a faint smile, "Let's have a match then.What if you lose?"
"Are you kidding me?How could I possibly lose?" Luffy shouted exaggeratedly, but seeing Zoro looking at him provocatively, he said unhappily, "Fine, if I lose, I'll cover your drinks for the next month.But if you lose, you have to stand at the bow of the Going Merry and shout 'I have no sense of direction' three times, how about that?"
"I'm not directionally challenged!" Zoro roared angrily, but Luffy jumped down while he was yelling.Zoro then cursed, "Damn it, Luffy!You have no sportsmanship!"