After several days at sea, Erwin and Xavier finally sighted the coastline of Foosha Village, Luffy's and Garp's home village, a quaint community nestled along the shore with a warm, inviting charm that set it apart from any places Erwin had seen. The rising sun cast a gentle glow over the cobbled streets, illuminating the modest houses that lined the main road. The village's peacefulness was immediately apparent, and the people moved with an unhurried calm that felt both foreign and comforting to Erwin. He took a deep breath, letting the salt air and the sounds of village life wash over him, and noticed Xavier doing the same, his young face lit with excitement and curiosity.
As they docked, a few villagers paused to watch, their expressions curious but friendly. Erwin noticed the openness in their faces. Here, people seemed less concerned with strangers and more inclined toward hospitality. It was as if Foosha Village existed in its own world, shielded from the chaos and dangers that lay beyond its shores.
"Stick close, Xavier," Erwin said as they stepped onto the dock. "We're just here to get supplies and do a little trading and some sightseeing."
Xavier nodded, his eyes already scanning their surroundings, and the two began to walk up the main path into the village. The streets were alive with activity, as villagers carried baskets of fresh produce, children chased each other, and the air was filled with the hum of laughter and conversation. The sight of families and friends going about their day touched something deep in Erwin, reminding him of a life he had once known but hadn't seen for a long time. He found himself relaxing, taking in the simplicity and charm of the village with a newfound appreciation.
They eventually reached the marketplace, a small but bustling center filled with vendors selling everything from fruits and vegetables to meats and freshly baked bread. The market square was vibrant, with stalls decorated with colorful fabrics, crates of fish still glistening from the morning catch, chopped meats displayed on the table, and tables laden with fragrant herbs and spices. The cheerful voices of vendors calling out their goods mixed with the laughter of villagers, creating an atmosphere that felt welcoming and alive.
Erwin spotted an open space near the edge of the market, ideal for setting up a small stall. "Let's start here," he said to Xavier, unpacking the trinkets they'd brought along. They laid out small, unusual items collected from past encounters with pirates and on Erwin's travels—simple necklaces, ornate buttons, worn jewelry, old coins, and a few decorative pieces that might appeal to the villagers.
As they settled in, Erwin noticed how Xavier looked around eagerly, absorbing every detail of the marketplace. The boy's fascination was palpable, and Erwin could sense that Xavier was drawn not just to the village's calm but to the way people interacted here—with kindness and a sense of community that was rare in other parts of the world.
"Watch how I handle the first few customers," Erwin instructed, nodding at a group of women who had approached the stall, curious about their wares. Erwin greeted them with a polite nod, his manner respectful but approachable. He described each item they looked at, explaining the materials or history behind them, embellishing just enough to spark interest but not so much that he came across as a salesman.
As the women examined the trinkets, Erwin smoothly negotiated prices, his tone friendly but firm. The experience he had from his days when he needed to negotiate for an electronic part in a flea market. Within a few minutes, he had sold a small bracelet and a necklace, and the women left with smiles, pleased with their purchases.
Xavier watched with admiration, taking mental notes as Erwin handled each interaction with ease. The boy marveled at how Erwin seemed to know exactly what to say and when to say it like his father did.
"See how it's done?" Erwin asked, glancing at Xavier with a slight grin. "People appreciate honesty and respect. Give them that, and you'll be surprised how much easier things go."
Nodding, Xavier tried his hand with the next few customers. Though he had some experience selling with his father, he was still nervous, but his sincerity shone through, and the villagers responded warmly to his efforts. With each interaction, he grew a little more confident, following Erwin's example and learning to negotiate with charm and politeness. Erwin stepped back, letting Xavier take charge, and watched as the boy's confidence grew with each transaction. It was clear that Xavier was soaking up the experience, and Erwin felt a sense of pride seeing the boy take his first steps into a world beyond the trauma he had endured.
As they continued trading, Erwin couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. His instincts told him to stay alert. While the villagers around them were friendly, he noticed a few rough-looking men lingering at the edges of the market, their eyes fixed on Erwin and Xavier's stall. The men's attire and demeanor set them apart from the villagers, their expressions hard and calculating, and Erwin quickly understood their intent.
He made a mental note of their faces, storing the information for future reference. He knew better than to react openly; doing so might signal his awareness, and he preferred to keep the advantage of surprise if things went awry. For now, he would continue as normal but stay vigilant, watching them out of the corner of his eye.
As the day wore on, Erwin and Xavier enjoyed steady success with their small stall, engaging with villagers and learning more about the community. Erwin took particular pleasure in talking with the locals, finding a sense of comfort in their simple stories and the laughter that filled their conversations. He sensed that the village's peace came from a strong, shared bond among its people—a bond that kept them safe and united, even in a world as chaotic as this one.
At one point, an elderly man approached their stall, studying their wares with a discerning eye. Erwin noticed the man wore a worn but well-maintained captain's coat, his gaze sharp and his posture hinting at a life spent on the sea.
"These trinkets…" the man said, his voice gravelly but kind. "They tell a story, don't they?"
Erwin smiled, recognizing the wisdom in the man's eyes. "Every piece here has seen a journey, old and new. Some are from distant places; others were claimed from pirates."
The old man chuckled softly. "Pirates, eh? Well, you two young boys don't look like pirates yourselves. More like travelers passing through." He glanced at Xavier, who was listening intently. "And it's good to see young ones are learning the trade," he added with a nod to them.
Erwin nodded. "We're just travelers, here to see what we can learn before moving on."
The man smiled approvingly. "Foosha Village has its peace, but we've seen our share of trouble. Stay cautious, strangers." With that, he offered a slight nod and moved along, leaving Erwin thoughtful.
Erwin noted the old man's words, his warning lingering in his mind. Despite the village's charm, it was clear that Foosha Village was not without its dangers. Glancing over at Xavier, who was busy selling a small trinket to a young woman, Erwin felt a renewed sense of purpose. He had brought Xavier here for safety and experience, but it was also a place where they both needed to stay alert.
By late afternoon, the marketplace began to wind down. Erwin and Xavier packed up their remaining items, counting the berries they had earned with satisfaction. They had made a decent amount, 500 hundred berries, enough to restock their provisions and prepare for the next leg of their journey. Xavier beamed with pride, clearly pleased with what they had achieved, and Erwin clapped him on the shoulder in congratulations.
"Not bad for your first day of trading," Erwin said, grinning. "You did well."
"Thanks, Erwin," Xavier replied, his excitement barely contained. "I feel like I learned so much."
As they began walking back toward the docks, Erwin stayed alert, his senses tuned for any sign of danger. The rough-looking men from earlier had vanished, but he had a feeling they hadn't gone far. He would remain vigilant, prepared to protect himself and Xavier if need be.
They returned to the ship as the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over the village.