The Going rry sailed east along the coast of Jaya Island.
Up in the crow's nest, Zoro was doing one-handed push-ups while scanning the sea.
"This is the map Robin found in Mock Town."
Nami sat by the tangerine grove on the second floor, holding up a weathered old map. She called out to Robin, who stood at the deck rail gazing thoughtfully at the distant horizon.
"So, we're heading for the X on this map, right, Robin?"
Robin turned back with a smile.
"Yes. There's said to be a strange old man living there. He isn't exactly welco among the pirates of Mock Town."
"A strange old man?"
Luffy perked up from where he was sitting on the Going rry's figurehead, head tilted curiously.
"What kind of strange old man? Can he shoot lasers from his eyes?"
"Huh!?"
Usopp, who was hamring planks, suddenly looked excited.
"Or maybe he can transform into a robot?"
Chopper, who was holding the plank steady, raised his head.
"Does he have a blue nose?"
"Haha…"
Shirogai, crouched nearby using his Wax-Wax Fruit powers to seal damaged holes, chuckled.
"So, the old man we're about to et shoots lasers from his eyes, transforms into a robot, and has a blue nose? Sounds terrifying."
Nami sighed, exasperated.
"What nonsense!"
Robin chuckled softly, amused by the lively guesses.
"His na is Montblanc Cricket. He was driven out of Mock Town for clinging to his dreams. I think you'll all get along well with him."
Luffy grinned.
"Really! He sounds like a fun guy!"
Shirogai raised an eyebrow with a faint smile.
"Funny thing, his na reminds of the 'Liar King' from that old tale."
"Liar King?"
Luffy suddenly turned toward Usopp, eyes wide.
"Hey, Usopp! You're famous!"
Bang!
"Ahh! That hurts!"
Startled, Usopp smashed his thumb with his hamr. He sucked on it while glaring at Luffy.
"Damn it, Luffy! Who's the Liar King supposed to be? I'm an honest warrior of the sea!"
"Pfft—hahaha!"
The crew burst out laughing.
Nami covered her mouth, giggling.
"Ah ge ge ge…"
Even Robin laughed quietly behind her hand. She hadn't sailed with them long, but she'd already learned to appreciate Usopp's outrageous boasting.
"That's a good one, Usopp!" Sanji nearly spilled the drinks he was carrying, his body shaking with laughter.
Shirogai had his back turned, still nding the rry's hull, but his trembling shoulders betrayed him.
"Is it really that funny!?" Usopp yelled, watching everyone laugh at his expense. "Stop laughing, I'm serious!"
"Hahahahaha!"
The laughter only grew louder.
"Ugh!" Usopp finally gave up and turned his frustration on Chopper, who was rolling on the ground, clutching his belly.
"Chopper! Stop laughing! You're not supposed to laugh!"
Chopper blinked innocently.
"Huh? Why not? Everyone else is laughing!"
Usopp straightened his back and smirked proudly.
"Because the great Usopp the Magician cast a 'Curse of Hysterical Laughter' on all of them… but not on you!"
"Wow!" Chopper's eyes sparkled with admiration.
"You're amazing, Usopp!"
"Hmph! Of course."
Watching one brag and the other believe, the crew laughed even harder.
Buzz…
Buzz…
A strange vibration carried over the water.
"Hm? What's that sound?"
The crew turned their heads. A massive pirate ship approached, its bow carved into the face of a giant monkey. The deck was decorated with lush rainforest trees, almost identical in style to the ship belonging to Shoujou's crew.
Nami grimaced.
"Ugh! That figurehead… it's so ugly."
Luffy waved excitedly.
"Hey, Shoujou! It's us!"
"Oi, Luffy," Zoro muttered, "that's not him."
On the other ship, a diver-suited pirate turned to the large man sitting on the stump-like captain's chair.
"Report, Big Boss! They seem to know Shoujou-sama!"
The towering figure with long thick hair smirked down at the rry.
"Oh? You scrawny pirates know my brother? Admirers, maybe?"
The Straw Hats exchanged blank stares.
Admire Shoujou? Hardly.
The man crossed his legs proudly.
"I am Masira, the 'King of Underwater Exploration,' captain of the Masira Pirates! My bounty is 36 million Berries! Go ahead, admire too!"
He threw his hands up, basking in his own imagined glory.
"…"
Silence.
"You're just shy, huh?" Masira said quickly, trying to cover his embarrassnt.
One of his crewmates shouted supportively,
"Big Boss, they probably don't know how amazing you are yet!"
Masira puffed up.
"Crocodile, one of the Shichibukai, was taken down recently. Strength-wise, I'm no weaker than him. If the World Governnt has any sense, I should be the next chosen warlord. The real question is…" He struck a dramatic pose.
"When they co begging, should I accept or refuse? What a tough choice!"
"Shichibukai?" Nami asked in a low voice. "Shirogai, does this idiot really have that kind of strength?"
Shirogai smirked faintly.
"Probably…"
Zoro shook his head with calm certainty.
"Crocodile could kill him with one finger."
______
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