The Skylark slowly sailed into the harbor of Hein Cape.
Unlike the cloud-built docks of the Sky Islands, the wooden piers here, the noisy crowds, and the air thick with the smell of fish and cheap alcohol instantly pulled the crew back into the familiar world of the Blue Sea.
Buru buru…
Click.
"Mosimosi, Kahaylo—we've arrived at Hein Cape. Where are you?"
The Den Den Mushi mimicked Kahaylo's slightly apologetic expression.
"Boss, we estimate it'll take at least another day to reach Hein Cape."
"A day… got it. Maintain course and stay safe. Contact me when you arrive."
"Understood, Captain."
Click.
Riberra Sami stepped onto the deck.
The crew looked at him eagerly—especially Aldo, who was practically vibrating with excitement.
"Boss! Did they make it?"
"They're slower than us—about a day behind," Riberra Sami said, glancing around.
"Since we've got time, you can relax. But stay alert. No trouble, no wandering off alone. And don't drink yourselves stupid."
"OH—A DAY?! That means today we can—!"
"WOOHOO! Finally on solid ground!"
"My rum is calling me!"
Cheers erupted instantly.
Aldo stomped the dock enthusiastically.
"Now this feels right! Sky Islands were great, but this—this is solid!"
Hans adjusted his glasses and took a deep breath of the fishy air.
Meanwhile, Old Barry, supported by Gad, stepped onto the gangplank.
He paused and looked back at the Skylark one last time. His gaze lingered on the newly installed Jet Dial propulsion system.
Then he nodded to Riberra Sami and the others.
"Captain Riberra Sami… everyone… this is where we part."
"I'll manage the rest of the journey myself."
Riberra Sami turned to Gad and two careful crew members.
"Gad, you three escort the old man to a ship heading to Liyashida Island. Don't leave until he's safely aboard."
"Got it, Captain."
They watched as Old Barry disappeared into the bustling port.
Then Riberra Sami turned to the crew, who were barely holding themselves back.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"Alright—everyone except the necessary watch crew, you're free to go."
"Split into groups. Stay alert. No trouble."
"Priority: fresh water, food… rum—especially rum. I've been deprived up there."
"OOOH!!!"
"CAPTAIN'S THE BEST!"
"DRINK TIME!!!"
The crew flooded into town in groups.
Hein Cape was lively—filled with pirates, merchants, and locals. The air was thick with roasted meat, cheap tobacco, and the raucous noise of taverns.
Aldo's group stormed into a bar almost immediately.
Large mugs of rum were slammed onto tables.
The golden liquid shimmered under the lights as they drank deeply.
"HAHAHA! THIS is real alcohol!"
"Boss! Another ten barrels! We're not stopping tonight!"
Other patrons quickly cleared out of their area.
Elsewhere—
Marcus and Feiqi bargained in the market, stocking up on preserved meat, hardtack, and fruit.
Hans and Henry secured fresh water supplies.
Riberra Sami wandered casually through the streets, stopping at a newspaper stand.
He picked up the latest issue.
Most headlines were routine—
Kingdom unrest. Pirate skirmishes.
But two small articles caught his attention.
"Legend Continues? Roger Pirates Escape Pursuit Again!"
The report stated that Monkey D. Garp had engaged the Roger Pirates near Broken Spear Strait.
After a brief clash, Gol D. Roger escaped using complex sea currents.
"The Escape Prince — Kaido Breaks Free Again?"
Rumors claimed that a young pirate named Kaido, only 13 years old, had once again escaped Marine custody after destroying a warship.
"Garp's chasing Roger…"
Riberra Sami folded the newspaper thoughtfully.
So they're already clashing at this point…
And Kaido… already making waves at thirteen?
A future Emperor… maybe not impossible to recruit if caught early…
At that moment, Feiqi and Marcus returned.
"Boss, supplies are mostly done."
"Good. Get everything back to the ship. And tell Aldo not to get completely wasted—we might not stay long."
"Understood."
Just then, Feiqi paused at the bounty posters hanging beside the stand.
"Huh…?"
He pulled down two fresh posters.
"Boss… take a look at this."
Riberra Sami and Marcus stepped closer.
The ink was still fresh.
The faces were familiar—
Wild Shark Barnes.
Gale Lyon.
But their bounties had changed.
Barnes: 99,000,000 → 115,000,000 BeliLyon: 34,000,000 → 45,000,000 Beli
And beneath—
"Jellyfish Pirates Officer"
Feiqi raised a brow.
"These guys… got a raise?"
Marcus snorted.
"Heh. Doesn't matter. In the end, it benefits us."
Riberra Sami took the posters, his expression calm.
"Quite the increase."
"Seems the Marines are paying attention to us."
He handed them back.
"Keep them. Show Kahaylo when he arrives."
Feiqi grinned.
"Think they'll cry tears of joy when they see this promotion?"
"Maybe."
Riberra Sami smiled faintly, gazing toward the open sea.
"If the Marines value them this much… we should make full use of that value."
"HEY!"
A gruff voice interrupted.
"You three! Took my paper and posters—where's my money?!"
They turned.
The stall owner, cigar in mouth, glared impatiently.
Riberra Sami blinked.
Right—he forgot to pay.
"Ah, my mistake. How much?"
"70 Beli."
Riberra Sami flicked a 100 Beli coin into the tin.
Clink!
"Keep the change."
With a nod to Feiqi and Marcus, he turned and walked back toward the docks.
The vendor glanced at the extra coin and muttered:
"…At least they've got manners."
Then he went back to sorting his papers.
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