"Hehehe, this sea train is really nice."
Since Franky was busy repairing the ship, he didn't come, and Law volunteered to stay behind to watch the ship. The main reason was to avoid his cool, distant persona falling apart after spending too much time with the Straw Hat crew. The next time he met his subordinates, they might not even recognize him.
The others were riding the sea train, which could travel across the sea, to the nearby island. The journey was calm, with the sea and sky blending together, and this peaceful time didn't seem like it was in the Grand Line at all. In fact, "That's because we're heading to the center of the storm."
Roman couldn't help but complain, "If ordinary people had to deal with small battles every three days and big fights every five days, with hurricanes, big waves, and sea beasts, this world would have been finished by now!"
"Yeah, this feeling of waiting to reach our destination without needing guidance, it's different from adventure, but it's just as absorbing."
Nami, leaning against Roman, closed her eyes to enjoy the peace of clearing her mind. Chopper was leaning by the window, watching the glistening sea, and even Luffy, who usually couldn't sit still, and the battle-loving Zoro were sitting quietly for once.
Although Luffy cherished the straw hat Shanks gave him, it didn't make him so anxious that he dragged his companions around aimlessly.
"Wow, look over there!"
A series of rolling mountains appeared on the sea—an array of extinct volcanoes. Although they no longer erupted, the heat from underground created many mineral-rich hot springs, making it the perfect spot for relaxation and tourism.
The sky was clear, the sand soft and white, with a gentle sea breeze. The lush coconut trees swayed with the wind, and the crystal-clear sea was rippling under the breeze, creating delicate patterns on the surface.
There were small white sails drifting on the water, little triangle sailboats carrying a few people. As the sea train passed through the long breakwater and slowly stopped at the coastal station, everyone was amazed.
"That's amazing!"
As the Straw Hat crew stepped off the sea train, they looked up and saw layers of buildings, with all sorts of colored and styled pastry shops, hotels, and clothing stores stretching up to the mountainside. Then came the chimneys of hot spring resorts, soaking up the geothermal heat. The place was so different from other countries' culture and environment. Here,
"Everyone seems so relaxed!"
Luffy, who reached this conclusion, got an eye roll from Zoro, who was standing next to him.
"Look closely. Most people here aren't carrying weapons."
No, to be more precise, everyone was wearing all sorts of colorful shirts, beach pants, and swimsuits, carrying bags or strolling around with a relaxed attitude—except no one was wearing armor or carrying weapons! The peace here was so out of place for the New World.
"Hey, look over here, look over here!"
Luffy rushed to a statue about ten meters high in front of the station dock, pointing at it and shouting to the others.
"That's Roman and Nami's statue!"
!? "It really is Roman and Nami's statue."
"Heh, looks like you've been doing well in the Marines these past two years, Roman~~"
"Did you make this statue yourself, Roman?"
Hearing Usopp's suspicious words, Roman rolled his eyes as he lifted Nami onto his shoulder, his face covered by half a mask.
"How bored would I have to be to do something like that?"
Building a statue for yourself would either be for idiots or narcissists. However, the statue in front of the port, a few stories high, was indeed 'Roman' and 'Nami' wearing Marine coats! 'Roman' stood proudly with a long sword, while 'Nami' stood behind him holding a book, one exuding authority without anger, the other full of graceful strength. They complemented each other well, but for Roman himself:
"Go ahead and laugh if you want."
Showing off your own 'statue' to a group of friends... the more you think about it, the more speechless it becomes.
"Hey, are you guys new here?"
An old man sitting on a chair under the statue stood up. From his faded military uniform, it was clear he was an old Marine.
"Since you've entered the New World, you should at least recognize the statue behind me, right?"
The old Marine calmly stared at Luffy, showing no fear despite facing the 600 million bounty pirate.
"This is our Marine's candidate Admiral 'White Dove' and Rear Admiral 'Weather Queen' Nami. They saved this island from pirates and even led the construction of the sea train linking this region, which is why this town is so prosperous. So..."
"Watch your words! Young man, your friends don't deserve to be compared to these two great people!"
... "Heh heh heh, old man, I don't agree with you!"
Luffy pointed his thumb back at Roman, who had Nami sitting on his shoulder.
"My friends are just as great as the two people in this statue!"
... Please don't say that! Nami and Roman both covered their faces, feeling like Luffy was putting them on the spot. Was this some kind of embarrassing play?
"... I'm not asking you to be as great as those two, but at least be a decent person." The old Marine was stunned by Luffy's words for a few seconds before slowly sitting down, pointing a finger at them.
"I'm watching you, pirates!"
!? "Heh, old man."
Zoro stepped forward, his smile full of intent, his killing aura thick.
"Since you know we're pirates, aren't you afraid we'll—"
Cut you down?
"Hmph, if I can use this old life of mine to make you show your true colors, I'll die without regret!"
The old Marine calmly waved his hand.
"Since you don't want to cause trouble, just follow the law. It's better for everyone."
"Heh, then let's go eat first!"
As Luffy called out to the others, he waved goodbye to the old Marine.
"See you, old man!"
... "No wonder there are so many pigeons in this town. It's because of you, Roman."
Earlier, the port, the squares they passed by, and even the fountains were filled with white pigeons. All you could hear was the sound of 'cooing.'
There were no 'peace pigeons' in this sea before, but after Roman spent the past two years wiping out countless vicious pirates at an almost 'crazy' speed, his creation, the 'White Dove,' became a pet raised on many islands.
Whether it could intimidate pirates is unclear, but at least it gives off a peaceful vibe.
"When in distress, focus on yourself; when you succeed, help others."
Roman casually responded.
"I'm just helping an ordinary person within my abilities. It's nothing special. You guys don't think it's strange, do you?"
"Of course not!"
Chopper was the first to jump up in protest.
"Roman, why would doing the right thing be considered strange?"
"Yeah, they even made a statue of you."
Usopp rubbed his long nose. "I'm so jealous."
Luffy also looked up with admiration.
"I'm so jealous +1."
"...You two already have statues in Dressrosa, but..."
Luffy's statue was disguised as the helmet of the gladiator 'Lucy,' and Usopp's statue was his bare-faced look after being knocked out by Sugar... The craftsmen in Dressrosa really outdid themselves, recreating them so accurately.
"Becoming someone people admire as a 'hero' is not something to be ashamed of."
Sanji took a puff of his cigarette, and even Zoro, unusually, nodded in agreement.
"Although we're not exactly hero material, at least we respect heroes."
"Enough already," Roman said, looking annoyed. "It's like you guys are talking about me as if I'm already dead and up on a monument. If you keep praising me like this, I'll get goosebumps."
"Roman, come with me to buy clothes," Nami said. Although Roman was used to walking around in clothes he created with his powers, it was clear that Nami didn't have the same habit. Even though she knew her clothes wouldn't suddenly 'disappear,' she still had a strange sense of urgency.
"You all can go enjoy the famous Izumi hot springs while I handle the information gathering..."
"Leave it to me,"
Robin said, unusually volunteering. "Let me go with Usopp and Chopper. We're not exactly 'attention-grabbing.'"
Robin was skilled at disguise, Usopp was the smartest, and Chopper... his bounty was so low it was laughable. Since Roman was going to accompany Nami, it made sense that the three of them could handle 'gathering information.' But, "I'll also send out some pigeons for scouting, since... buying clothes is kind of..."
"Hm?!"
"...Interesting."
After Nami handed out the activity funds, Luffy and the others immediately dashed off, disappearing in an instant. Roman rolled his eyes in resignation.
Hopefully, after Nami shrinks, the clothes selection won't take as long...
Three hours later:
"How about this one?"
"Good."
"And this one?"
"Good."
"This one..."
"Good."
I'm so stupid, expecting a woman to pick clothes quickly—Even though she's now a little girl after 'reverting.'
As Roman stared at the sky in exasperation, most of his focus on the pigeons, the sounds of passionate piano music filled the air. Robin's fingers traced beautiful arcs as she spun and danced gracefully. Her hair and skirt fluttered in the tavern lights, as if the whole world was swept into her rhythm. The mesmerized patrons unknowingly raised their glasses, drinking sip after sip.
At this point, it didn't matter if their drinks were watered-down. They'd still enjoy it.
"So, how is it, boss?"
"Great, the customers are all stunned!"
In a new outfit with a flashy wide-brimmed hat, Usopp looked like a "suspicious human trafficker," and he quickly got the tavern owner to spill all the details about their ancestors.
When Robin finished her dance, the crowd of eager patrons offered their attention. The now 18-year-old Robin casually spoke a few words, making the drunken crowd spill even the color of their underwear.
As for Chopper, he was being fought over by a group of older women as if he were a pet, nearly in tears...
Well, everyone seemed to be having a good time.
Whether or not they gathered any information didn't matter; it looked like they were all relaxing just fine. —Time to check on Luffy's group. Nami would probably be choosing clothes for a while.
When Roman shifted his focus to the pigeons near Luffy, he saw:
Big bones stewing in soup, rubber boiled in water...
"Ugh~~ I just can't gather any strength."
"Oh~~ the bones are all soft."
"Seriously, Devil Fruit users all have weaknesses."
Sanji looked at the two collapsed figures in the water pool with disdain. "Forget it, rather than letting you two wander around, you might as well stay here and relax. Let the others handle the information gathering."
"Damn it, it's just hot springs!"
Luffy suddenly stood up, determination on his face.
"I still need to go and punch that guy Zephyr, take my hat back—"
"If you're looking for Zephyr-sensei..."
?! A familiar voice made the "Hot Spring Izumi" team jump. They suddenly turned around in unison, and a figure with large scars on his right shoulder, lying in the hot spring, slowly raised his head.
"Yo, long time no see."
"...Aokiji!!"
(End of chapter)
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