Under the glow of the setting sun, I steered the warship into the river cutting through Whiskey Peak and docked at the base of the mountain. As expected, we received an enthusiastic welcome.
Looking at the crowd on shore firing salute cannons, clapping, and cheering, I couldn't help but feel speechless. Their acting was way too good. They clearly planned to trap us and cash in our bounties, yet their warm welcome showed no cracks at all.
Since we were welcomed so warmly, it meant my identity had already been exposed. Looked like I made too big a scene back in Loguetown.
No way to keep pretending to be a merchant ship now. I helplessly rubbed my head.
Unlike my resignation, Nami, Nojiko, and Kaya—who didn't know the truth—were all visibly excited. Finally seeing land after so long, and being received like heroes.
"Welcome to Whiskey Peak! I'm Igaram, the current mayor of Whiskey Peak. You brave heroes must be exhausted from your journey. Please rest here—we'll prepare the finest wine and the most passionate music for you!"
The moment we stepped ashore, a curly-haired blond man—Igaram—greeted us warmly.
Thinking of his triple identity made me roll my eyes. I couldn't be bothered to play along anymore—so I went straight to the point.
"My name is Lin Xiu. I'm a pirate. I know you're all bounty hunters. This is a trap set for pirates."
The moment my words landed, the surrounding area fell deathly silent. The atmosphere instantly turned tense—I could even feel killing intent radiating from all directions.
"As long as you don't provoke me, I won't bother with you. I'm a Logia user—not someone you can handle. I advise you not to do anything stupid." With that, I activated the Rumble-Rumble Fruit—releasing a bucket-thick lightning pillar straight into the sky, piercing the clouds.
BOOM! The electrified clouds began flashing with lightning and roaring with deafening thunder.
Then with a wave of my hand, dozens of lightning pillars rained down—completely encircling the entire town, forming a thunder prison.
Everyone present was stunned into silence. I could clearly see sweat beads forming on Igaram's forehead.
With another wave, the thunder prison vanished—leaving only a ring of charred black ground around the town as proof of what just happened.
"Ah… Lord Lin Xiu… we are truly, truly sorry! We will absolutely not act rashly—please forgive our insolence!"
That's more like it. Arrange accommodations for us. No need to prepare food or wine—we have our own. Oh, and give us a Log Pose. Here's payment. I pulled a gold bar (looted from the pirate ship in Loguetown) from my spatial ring and tossed it to Igaram.
As expected—money makes the world go round. Igaram efficiently arranged a house for us and handed over a Log Pose.
Three bedrooms, one living room—decent enough environment. After the three women went inside, I blocked Igaram who was trying to follow.
Don't disturb us unless necessary. With that, I closed the door.
Then I started performing magic—conjuring plate after plate of steaming hot food out of thin air until the table was completely filled.
Alright, beautifuls—let's feast today and rest well. We'll continue our journey tomorrow.
After eating and drinking our fill, we had another intense session with the three women—leaving them all collapsed and unable to move on the bed. Only then did I fall into satisfied sleep.
Perhaps because it was on solid land after so long, I slept especially deeply. When I woke—it was already midday.
Nami and the others were already up, washed, and chatting happily in the living room.
"Ah, Master—you're awake!" The moment I appeared, Nojiko stood up obediently first.
"Master…"
"Master…"
Kaya and Nami also stood up. Looked like I still had some authority in front of them.
After some affectionate interaction with them, I pushed open the door and walked out.
But the scene outside left me stunned.
On the open ground in front of the door stood hundreds of densely packed people.
And the one who immediately caught my eye was the man standing in the very center.
Black fur coat, orange checkered shirt, slicked-back hair, cigar in mouth, a long scar running across his entire face. His left hand replaced by a very eye-catching golden hook.
Why was one of the Seven Warlords—Crocodile—here?
My whole body tensed instantly. I warily scanned the surroundings.
Besides Crocodile, I saw many familiar faces.
Blade Man, Candle Man, Bomb Man—and their female partners—were all here.
Almost the entire top fighting force of Baroque Works was present!
For a moment I panicked. If all these people attacked at once—I wasn't sure I could win. And with Nami and the others here—I didn't dare act recklessly.
Yo—you're awake~ Just as I was thinking of slipping away, Crocodile noticed me. Instantly, over a hundred pairs of eyes snapped toward me.
Then the crowd very naturally parted, forming a path. Crocodile walked up to me and sized me up.
So you're the kid with the Logia power. Doesn't look like much.
So he came for the Logia ability.
I had underestimated the situation. I knew they would report me to Crocodile—but I didn't expect him to care so much about a Logia user that he would personally come to a place like this, and so quickly.
Do you need something from me? In this situation—I could only play it by ear for now.
Kid—join my Baroque Works. I'm the president—Crocodile.
So he came to recruit me. I secretly breathed a sigh of relief—maybe I could agree for now and find a chance to slip away later.
Just as I was about to accept, gunfire suddenly erupted from the shore—drawing everyone's attention. I curiously extended divine sense to check.
It was Igaram—currently on a ship, shooting down over a dozen people while frantically raising the sails—clearly trying to steal the ship and escape.
Oh? Looks like some little rat couldn't hold back. Crocodile's lower body began turning to sand—his whole person floating up—flying toward Igaram's ship.
Then Crocodile extended his hand—massive amounts of yellow sand surged from his arm—wrapping Igaram tightly—then carried him back, flying straight to me.
Kid—wait a moment. I have a little business to handle. Dropping Igaram to the ground, Crocodile spoke to me—then turned his gaze to Igaram.
We've had intel for a while that some rats infiltrated the organization. So it was you. Crocodile spoke slowly—cigar still in mouth.
I infiltrated Baroque Works to investigate who was behind everything—I never expected it to be you! I must report this to His Majesty the King!
Do you think you still have that chance? Hehehe… With Crocodile's sinister chuckle, more and more yellow sand gathered around the captured pair—threatening to bury them alive.
Please wait. I knew I had to step in—otherwise things would go too far.
Something wrong, kid?
You can't kill them. Speaking slowly, I extended divine sense to cover the three women in the house—signaling them to stay quiet. Then I wrapped them in telekinesis—quietly sending them out through the back window—using buildings for cover to transport them unseen back to my warship.
Oh? And why is that? Crocodile asked in his same low, emotionless voice—impossible to read his thoughts.
Because I've taken a liking to this woman. As a condition for joining your organization—hand her over to me. As for the man—he seems very close to her. If he dies, she'll be heartbroken—and I don't want to see such a beauty sad. The moment I finished—I wanted to slap myself. What nonsense was that?
Just when I thought Crocodile would explode in anger—he actually laughed.
Hahaha—so you're a lustful kid. Good—I like people with weaknesses. As long as you use a person's weakness properly—you can ensure their loyalty. Don't worry—join me, and you can have as many beauties as you want. But these two—I cannot hand over to you. They must die for me to feel at ease.
Looked like I had no choice but to fight. I said no more—directly condensing telekinesis into solid form—creating an airtight cage around Crocodile—and began contracting it. The same move I used on Smoker.
At the same time, I flooded the inside of the cage with massive electric current. Against a Warlord—I didn't dare underestimate him.
The sudden pressure and electricity made Crocodile pause for a moment. He lost focus on controlling Igaram and Vivi. The two immediately collapsed to the ground—freed from restraint.
Full story (up to Chapter 65 right now) is already complete and
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