Author: Xiao Yifeng
Translator: PapaSmurf0700
As the Golden Merry docked at Ruluka Island's port, the Straw Hat crew disembarked, ready to explore. However, they were immediately confronted by a stern-looking soldier.
"Welcome newcomers," the soldier greeted them, though his tone was far from welcoming. "Just so you know, any ship docking at our Ruluka Island port, or even along our coast, is required to pay an entry tax."
Chopper, carrying his medicine box on his back, tilted his head in confusion. "Entry tax?" he echoed, not fully understanding.
Usopp quickly clarified for the young doctor, "It means they want us to pay them just for docking here."
Nami, always concerned about the crew's finances, was the first to protest. Despite the crew's recent wealth, thanks to Bai Ye's contributions, Nami's frugality hadn't waned.
"Hold on a second," she interjected, her tone laced with skepticism. "Why should we have to pay a tax just for stopping our ship here?" Her eyes narrowed as she awaited an explanation, clearly not pleased with this unexpected expense.
The soldier, musket in hand, demanded, "You must pay the entry tax as per Ruluka Island's rules. It's your duty!"
Sanji immediately stepped in front of Nami, shielding her from the soldier's gun. "Hey, hey, you bastard," he warned, "Don't be rude to ladies."
The soldier was unmoved, insisting on the tax. "Enough talk! Pay up or leave!"
Just as the atmosphere was getting heated, with Sanji and Zoro ready to leap into action, Bai Ye intervened with a calm suggestion. "So, if we don't dock our ship here, there's no tax to pay, right?"
Standing confidently with his hands behind his back, Bai Ye pointed to where the Merry had been. The soldier was taken aback, his eyes wide with shock. "What?! Where did the ship go? It was right here a moment ago!"
Robin couldn't help but smile at Bai Ye's clever maneuver. "As expected of our vice-captain," she said, appreciating his non-confrontational approach. Bai Ye had swiftly moved the Merry into his interior world, making it vanish from sight.
Usopp and Chopper struggled to contain their laughter as they observed the soldier's stunned reaction. Luffy, however, was genuinely confused. "Hey, where did the Merry go? What happened?"
Bai Ye: "..."
Everyone: "..."
The Straw Hats easily bypassed the bewildered soldier and started making their way towards the town, leaving the baffled soldier behind.
As the Straw Hat Pirates wandered through the town on Ruluka Island, they decided to split up into two groups. Luffy, Bai Ye, Robin, and Usopp formed the first group, their aim to indulge in the local cuisine at a restaurant. The second group, consisting of Nami, Chopper, Sanji, and Zoro, set off to explore the town's shopping street.
In the restaurant, Luffy drummed his hands on the table in anticipation of a hearty meal. Bai Ye, noticing Robin engrossed in a book, inquired, "That book, did you pick it up in Alabasta?"
Robin, with a smile, replied, "Yes, it's a fascinating read about mist."
Their conversation was soon joined by an old man with a droopy appearance, sporting droopy eyes, a large mustache, and wrinkled face. Dressed in a lavender shirt with pink patterns and a long white coat, he interjected, "A story about mist? I'm quite familiar with legends surrounding mist."
Usopp, surprised by the sudden intrusion, blurted out, "And who are you?!"
Introducing himself with a sense of pride, the old man declared, "I am a genius scientist, specializing in the study of rainbow mist."
Robin's interest piqued at the mention of rainbow mist, while Usopp, still baffled, retorted, "Why are you butting into our conversation? And who calls themselves a genius?"
Bai Ye, with a hint of amusement, teased Usopp, "You've claimed to be a genius yourself quite a few times."
Usopp, taken aback and filled with confusion, was momentarily speechless. Just then, the chef arrived, bringing in plates of food. Luffy, unable to contain his excitement, joyfully grabbed a plate and dove into his meal.
As the food was served, the old man, with a sly glance at Usopp, asked, "I hope you've brought money with you. It's only fair to treat your guest as well."
Usopp, feeling the old man was pushing his luck, responded indignantly, "That's going too far!"
Unfazed by the group's initial disinterest, the old man, persisted, "I'll share with you the secret of the rainbow mist. It's only fair that you treat me for this knowledge."
Usopp, visibly annoyed, retorted, "We never asked to hear about it!"
Undeterred, he continued, "My name is Henzo, and I've dedicated fifty years of my life to studying the rainbow mist. It's said to be a mystical garden where gods dwell..."
Usopp interjected again, "Hey, we didn't agree to listen to this!"
Despite Usopp's protests, Henzo unfolded the tale of the rainbow mist. This enigmatic mist, appearing intermittently near the island, had lured numerous adventurers, none of whom ever returned, including Henzo's friend.
Luffy, having satiated his hunger, chimed in with curiosity, "Really? Sounds like an incredible place. Seems fun!"
Usopp, alarmed by Luffy's enthusiasm, warned him, "Didn't you hear him? Once you enter, there's no return!"
Turning to Bai Ye and Robin for support, Usopp hoped they would dissuade Luffy. Instead, Bai Ye added fuel to Luffy's adventurous spirit, "It's not just fun. If so many adventurers entered and never returned, it must be filled with treasure."
Luffy's eyes sparkled at the mention of treasure, driven not by greed but by the thrill of discovery. "I've decided! Our next adventure is the rainbow mist!"
Usopp looked at Bai Ye in despair, realizing his support had backfired. Robin, observing the scene, commented with a mysterious smile, "The direction of the pirate crew is always decided by the captain."
At that moment, a rhythmic drumbeat echoed from outside the hotel, drawing everyone's attention.