Windmill Village is a picturesque little village.
Behind the spacious, verdant hillside, several windmills were sporadically scattered, their sails creaking slowly in the gentle breeze. The houses in the village had clean and tidy exteriors, and the residents often wore smiles on their faces. The pace of life was leisurely and elegant, clearly indicating that it was an extremely peaceful little village.
As the renowned hometown of the "Marine Hero," in fact, there weren't many pirates daring enough to cause trouble here. Even for those small-time pirates who couldn't even be traced in the information, dealing with them was as simple as relying on the Dada family up in the mountains.
The colossal body of the Qilin was anchored on the sea surface outside the Windmill Village harbor, making the size contrast with the port quite evident.
As a small port that only provided convenience for family-sized fishing boats in the village, let alone the Qilin, even an ordinary-sized battleship couldn't dock here.
Village Chief Woop Slap could already see the battleship docking from a distance, but it wasn't the familiar Galleon battleship this time. It was an exotic beast-type battleship he hadn't seen before.
Uncertain of the purpose behind their visit, Slap instructed the townspeople to temporarily clear the area and led a group of elders to welcome the Marines.
"Welcome, esteemed Marine officers. I am Woop Slap, the village chief of Windmill Village."
"Hello, Village Chief. I am Vice Admiral Momonga from Marine Headquarters."
This time, they weren't here on official business, but rather a personal matter entrusted by their seniors. Therefore, none of the soldiers disembarked, so as not to disturb the town residents.
Vice Admiral Momonga exchanged greetings with Mayor Slap in a friendly manner after revealing his identity. Mayor Slap was taken aback and couldn't help but ask, "Could it be that you are the Inspector from Headquarters?"
News of the Marine Headquarters Inspector's high-profile campaign to clean up corruption in East Blue had already spread through newspapers to countless households. Mayor Slap had heard about Marines taking strong measures to deal with these corrupt elements plaguing their area.
Vice Admiral Momonga nodded. He was about to say something but was interrupted by Mayor Slap.
With ten battleships as witnesses, it was impossible for the other party to be an impostor. Mayor Slap enthusiastically took Vice Admiral Momonga's hand, saying, "Fantastic! You are the great hero in our hearts!"
After saying this, he turned and shouted to an old man standing nearby.
"Hey Lattes, let the villagers know to prepare a feast. The Headquarters Marine Inspector has arrived!"
"What?! Is it that Marine Inspector who cracks down on corruption and crime?"
"Exactly! Quickly gather everyone to welcome them. This is an honored guest!"
"Alright, I'll go right away!"
Vice Admiral Momonga stood aside, feeling somewhat awkward. He felt that if this continued, he would end up confirming his identity as the Inspector. He quickly pulled his hand away and cleared his throat.
"Chief Slap, the person serving as the Inspector is not me, but the Vice Admiral here, Vice Admiral Momonga."
"..."
"It's all the same, all the same!"
"Everyone in East Blue knows the title of Vice Admiral Momonga, and we've all been looking forward to your arrival! Come, this way."
Saying this, Chief Slap naturally left Vice Admiral Momonga behind and took a step forward to stand beside Rowen, extending his hand to guide Rowen.
Rowen: "..."
This old man is quite a character!!
After giving Vice Admiral Momonga a wry smile, Rowen waved his hand. "No need, Chief Slap. We're not here to freeload. In fact, we're here on a mission entrusted to us by Vice Admiral Garp. We just stopped by to see how his grandson is doing."
"With a mission on our shoulders, we can't stay long. I hope you understand."
"Oh! So you're here to see Luffy!"
Chief Slap suddenly realized, but he continued to persuade them. "Even so, you should have a meal first! That little rascal runs into the mountains at the crack of dawn and won't come out until night. If you want to see him, you'll have to wait until evening."
"Hmm? Is it because he has to go home at night?" Vice Admiral Momonga asked curiously.
"No, it's because he gets too hungry at night and can't stand it, so he comes down from the mountain to find something to eat."
Vice Admiral Momonga: "..."
(Considering Luffy's cooking skills, please refer to the part in the original story where the Straw Hats meet Reiju. In the past, Ace used to take care of him before he set out to sea. Now that Ace is out to sea and Luffy doesn't want to go to the Dadan family's house for food (for fear of being called spineless), one can imagine what kind of life Luffy leads.)
Although the forest is full of wild beasts, he can't possibly resort to extreme measures.
No wonder Garp wanted Vice Admiral Momonga to stop by for a visit.
Truly, no one knows their grandchild better than a grandfather!
The conversation had come to this point, and Vice Admiral Momonga didn't want to make things difficult for Chief Slap. He looked at Rowen, nodded, and said, "Alright, just a light meal then. We still have more than ten branches in East Blue that haven't been investigated. We can only stay for half a day at most."
"Half a day is more than enough! We may not have much else in Windmill Town, but we have plenty of food and wine!"
Mayor Slap was overjoyed.
...
The only place in the small town suitable for hosting guests was the sole tavern. Makino, who was like a mother and an elder sister to Luffy, greeted them with a warm smile, preparing food for the two of them with great joy.
Mayor Slap especially had a barrel of fine wine brought from the warehouse and filled up Rowen and Vice Admiral Momonga's cups.
"Come, Inspector, on behalf of the people of East Blue, I thank you with this toast!"
Having said that, Mayor Slap took the lead and downed his drink as a gesture of respect.
Vice Admiral Momonga wanted to explain that if it weren't for the Marine's inaction, there wouldn't be suffering people in the first place. However, he couldn't decline the hearty gesture, and the taste of the wine left a sour feeling in his mouth.
On the other hand, Rowen seemed contemplative and a slight smile curled at the corner of his lips as he also finished his drink.
As expected, after downing the wine, the tavern's boss, Makino, clenched her waist with both hands, veins popping, and with a forced smile, she reminded Mayor Slap.
"Village Chief-San, you have high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Don't drink too much, okay!"
Rowen: "Heh heh!"
This was something that had been mentioned in the original story. As the sole tavern in the small town, Makino had Mayor Slap wrapped around her finger.
"What... What nonsense, Makino!"
Mayor Slap's face turned red.
"I can't drink because I have a cold and fever. It's not a problem to have a little on regular days... probably."
"Oh? Probably?" Makino smiled with a mischievous glint in her eye.
After hesitating for a moment, Mayor Slap sighed in resignation. "Alright, I understand! I'll drink less and exercise more. I know it myself, there's no need for you, little girl, to worry!"
"As long as you know. I'll go prepare a vegetable salad for you."
"Enough with the chatter!"
Vice Admiral Momonga watched with twitching lips. So, you were inviting us so eagerly because you wanted to drink yourself!
Laughter echoed around, and the residents of Windmill Town knew Mayor Slap's character well.
At the same time, they were quite surprised.
A Marine Vice Admiral! A Marine Headquarters Inspector! And they didn't have a hint of arrogance?
You see, even if an insignificant Noble from the Goa Kingdom came to their village, that haughty attitude could be smelled from miles away.
Yet, true figures of authority, like the Headquarters Vice Admiral they were familiar with, just sat plain and simple in the humble tavern, drinking.
They changed clothes just like ordinary people. Although their presence was somewhat intimidating, for a soldier, having that kind of aura was perfectly normal. After all, hadn't Garp frightened children to tears in the past?
After three rounds of drinks, Mayor Slap suddenly remembered something and couldn't help but ask.
"By the way, Vice Admiral Momonga, I have a question for you. Naturally, it might be a bit forward, so feel free to refuse to answer."
"Chief Slap, no need to be polite. As long as it doesn't involve any secrets, and out of respect for Garp-San... I'll certainly speak the truth." A glint flashed in Rowen's eyes, as he had already figured out what Slap was going to ask.
What would you do?
I'm really looking forward to it!
(End of this chapter)