Author: Xiao Yifeng
Translator: PapaSmurf0700
In response to the commotion outside, the restaurant patrons' faces paled instantly. They scrambled to hide their food and drink as the ominous drumbeats grew louder, signaling the arrival of the conscripting team. But their efforts were in vain.
With a forceful kick, the restaurant door swung open, and a group of uniformed soldiers marched in. Their presence cast a shadow of dread across the room. Leading them was a man in a striking purple uniform, his large purple hair slicked back, and behind a pair of stark black-rimmed glasses, his eyes scanned the room with a calculating gaze.
Without hesitation, he approached a diner, clapping him on the shoulder with a faux friendliness that did nothing to ease the palpable tension. "Your wine looks delightful, but remember," he began, his voice smooth yet carrying an unmistakable edge, "drinking tax must be paid."
As he spoke, two soldiers flanked the diner, effectively trapping him. The diner pleaded desperately, "Please, no! That money is for my family's living!"
Undeterred, the leader retrieved the diner's wallet with a casual flick of his wrist. "Paying taxes is a civic duty," he declared, his tone devoid of empathy. "Those who fail to comply have no right to reside here."
Amidst the escalating tension, Usopp whispered a question, his voice tinged with unease, "Who is this person?"
In the midst of the tense atmosphere, a chef nearby leaned in and explained in a hushed tone, "That's Flip, the son of the mayor Wetton, one of the island's tyrants. He's infamous for extorting taxes from us."
Flip's ears seemed to prick up at the murmurs, and his gaze quickly darted towards the source. Noticing Henzo amongst the crowd, his demeanor abruptly shifted from intimidating to almost cordial as he approached the old man. "Ah, Dr. Henzo, my father was just asking about you," he greeted with a deceptive smile. "How's the research on the rainbow mist going?"
Henzo's lips tightened, clearly disdainful of interacting with Flip, "The same as ever. It's unpredictable when and where the rainbow mist will appear."
Flip's smile faltered, his tone hardening, "Dr. Henzo, the islanders fund your research through their taxes. And that Rainbow Tower," he gestured towards a towering structure visible through the window, "was built for your research too. Without results, you're making life difficult for everyone."
The surrounding patrons glared resentfully at Henzo, who seemed to shrink under the accusatory gazes. As Flip turned to leave, content with his veiled threat, his eyes landed on Luffy, who was nonchalantly devouring a large plate of food. Irritation flickered across Flip's face. "You're consuming resources here, which means you owe taxes too."
Soldiers tensed, ready to enforce Flip's demand, but before they could advance, Robin's voice chimed in, calm and controlled [Seis Fleur - Twist]. Arms sprouted and twisted the soldiers into submission, leaving them crumpled on the floor.
As Robin's tranquil smile remained unshaken, Flip paled, realizing the power they were up against. "A devil fruit user?" he muttered, fear creeping into his voice.
It was then Bai Ye spoke, his question laced with curiosity and a touch of sarcasm. "Isn't it rather unusual for the ruler's own son to be so personally involved in tax collection? Short on manpower, are you?"
-----
In the bustling shopping district of Ruluka Island, Zoro and Nami were in the middle of a typical disagreement. "Why do I have to carry all this?" Zoro grumbled, eyeing the shopping bags with disdain. Chopper, in his reindeer form, was also laden with an assortment of purchases, clearly struggling under the weight. Nami, unfazed, flicked her hair back and retorted, "Because it's necessary, and besides, I'm a girl. I need these things!"
Sanji, ever the gentleman towards Nami, swooned over her, "Nami-san, allow me to carry everything for you!" Zoro scoffed at Sanji's lovestruck behavior, "Mr. Nosebleed's at it again." A scuffle was about to break out between them when a voice interrupted their bickering.
"Lord Lake! They're the ones!" alerted an underling, pointing at the Straw Hats. A man in a purple uniform, donned with an eccentric set of armor connected to a bike generator, stepped forward. "I am Lake, the mayor's grandson, and I'm in charge of tax collection from those who think they can dodge their dues. I don't care where you've hidden your ship, but you're going to pay up, now!" he declared, his armor crackling with electric energy.
Zoro and Sanji, undeterred by the threat, prepared for a fight, offloading their bags onto Chopper's already heavy load. "Looks like we're up for some action," Zoro said, tying his bandana around his head, while Sanji lit a cigarette, a determined look on his face.
Meanwhile, back at the port, islanders and soldiers alike turned their attention to a massive ship approaching the docks. The sight of the vessel caused a stir among the crowd.
Before long, word began to spread across the island about a massive ship making its way to the harbor. As the news circulated, it inevitably reached Luffy, who had just triumphed over Flip. Henzo, upon hearing the news, murmured "A big ship?" His curiosity piqued, he suddenly had an idea and dashed towards the harbor.
Luffy, eager to explore the rainbow mist with the aid of Henzo's knowledge, promptly followed suit, accompanied by the rest of the Straw Hat crew. As they made their way towards the imposing vessel, Nami and others, fresh from their victory over Lake, joined the group. They quickly stowed their recently acquired items into Bai Ye's mysterious inner world, and all of them hastened towards the harbor.
During their journey, Bai Ye took the opportunity to share some insights about the rainbow mist with the Straw Hats. Nami, upon hearing of the vast treasures hidden within, had her eyes turn into symbols of money, overtaking the group with newfound enthusiasm.
Eventually, the entire crew reached the harbor and laid eyes on the colossal ship. Usopp let out a whistle, astonished by the nearly five-story structure before them. "It's so big!!" he exclaimed. Robin, after a moment of observation, added, "It seems to be very old," noting the ship's ancient appearance.
Henzo, standing nearby, identified the ship with a single word, "Tarielishin." Luffy, always full of curiosity, quickly asked, "Is that the ship's name, Uncle?"
Henzo nodded and explained, "This is the pirate ship that vanished into the rainbow mist fifty years ago." As he spoke, Henzo's excitement grew palpable. "Since it's here, that means the rainbow mist must be close by too..." He trailed off as Bai Ye interjected, pointing into the distance, "It should be over there."
Following Bai Ye's direction, everyone's gaze landed on a dense mist shimmering with seven colors. Luffy's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Wow ah ah ah!!" he exclaimed. "It's really amazing! Let's go on an adventure!"
Luffy's enthusiasm was infectious. The Straw Hat crew showed a range of reactions. Nami shared his excitement, while Sanji and Zoro looked forward to the adventure with a bit of anticipation. Usopp and Chopper, on the other hand, appeared more timid. Bai Ye and Robin remained calm and collected.
In a surprising move, Henzo suddenly knelt down before the Straw Hats. "Can you take me with you?" he pleaded. "My friends were trapped in there fifty years ago. I need to rescue them. Please."
Witnessing Henzo's earnest plea, Luffy didn't hesitate. With a wide grin, he enthusiastically agreed, "OK!"