One Piece: Fist of the World

"It's so peaceful!"

Leaning against the side of the boat, gazing at the seagulls soaring in the distant sky, Rhodes exhaled slowly.

Sailing on the sea was actually a rather tedious affair. All one could see was the endless expanse of the ocean. The occasional passing seagull could be considered a highlight, which was why pirates in this world were so fond of holding banquets.

"Because I didn't want to stir up any trouble, I kept away from other ships along the way."

Nelu glanced down at the sea chart and noted that they were very close to Mignon Island.

"However, I am quite looking forward to the Grand Line. It's said that all sorts of extreme weather conditions can occur there at any moment. Even if it was sunny just a second ago, massive waves or even stone-sized hail could appear in the next."

"Hahaha, you'll see it soon enough."

Rhodes clapped Nayru on the shoulder and said with a hearty laugh.

Not only Neru, but he too was filled with anticipation for that sea region. The weather that could change in an instant, all sorts of unique scenery he had never witnessed before, and a variety of delicious foods – each of these things made him eager for the journey ahead.

"Are you guys heading to the Grand Line?"

Nia, who was fishing on the other side with a fishing rod in hand, twitched her ears, then turned slightly and asked casually.

"Yes, anyone who ventures into this sea would yearn for that route! There, there's beautiful scenery, delicious food, castles made of gold, islands flying in the sky, and islands hidden in the deep sea!"

"Become a pirate?"

"Why, are you regretting inviting us two soon-to-be pirates now?"

"That sort of thing doesn't matter to me. I'm no longer at the age where I see things in black and white. Even among pirates, there are honorable individuals who adhere to a moral code; even within the navy, there are also scoundrels who bring disaster to regions.

So, as long as they don't get in my way, it doesn't matter whether they're pirates or marines."

"In other words, as long as they bother you, it doesn't matter if they're navy or pirates, right?"

Nia snorted and didn't reply, but she put away her fishing rod.

She had been fishing for ten minutes without a single catch. It was boring, so she decided to stop.

"Say, do you want to join my crew?"

Rhodes suddenly invited Nia.

"Idiot, you're on my ship right now!"

Nia didn't answer, simply waved her hand and headed towards the kitchen. Fishing was pointless, so she should check if there was anything tasty in the kitchen. There should still be some of the dried fish she bought earlier.

However, was this guy also planning to set sail?

Nia was slightly dazed as she mechanically chewed on the dried fish.

She was a very curious and adventurous person. Over the years, she had traveled all over the North Sea and witnessed all sorts of things, from the brutality of pirates to the greed of the navy and the ignorance of the common people. She was completely tired of the monotonous things and scenes in the North Sea.

She truly longed to see a different kind of scenery...

Two pointed black cat ears suddenly sprouted on Nia's head, trembling slightly. Her pair of yellow vertical pupils contracted unconsciously, and a slow smile bloomed on her face.

Grand Line, she also wanted to go and see it. There should be more varieties of fish there...

On the deck,

"Are you ready to become pirates? I really don't understand the point of being a pirate. It's too boring to drift on the sea all day, facing the endless ocean. And there's no stable environment, so I can't concentrate on my research."

Gray approached them for some reason, clutching a notebook filled with scribbles to his chest. "I'm already tired of sailing after just two days, but I did write down a lot of important data and many interesting ideas. I really want to get there quickly so I can start my research as soon as possible.

By the way, I had never been out to sea before, and I didn't realize that the ocean current and wind would have such a significant impact on the ship's sailing. But I've recorded all the crucial details, so my design must be foolproof.

I wonder how the research institute that the Felke family prepared for me is coming along. They..."

"But have you ever considered this? If you don't conduct actual testing, no matter how brilliant your idea is, there will be all sorts of problems in practice."

Rod interrupted Gray's incessant chatter.

"Like you said, you haven't been out to sea much before, and your warship design is only based on relevant literature. These are just theories on paper. If a warship like that is actually built according to your concept, it will probably be swallowed by the waves as soon as it sets sail."

"What you said seems to make some sense..."

Gray was slightly stunned, took out his notebook again, quickly flipped through a few pages, then frowned and silently walked back to his room.

There were clearly many discrepancies between the data he had recorded during the past two days on the ship and the data previously derived from literature.

"Do you think he'll join our crew?"

Rod watched Gray lock himself in his room. Through the window, he could see that Gray wasn't continuing his research but was leaning against the table, deep in thought.

"I hope these two will join us."

Naylu touched the gun at his waist.

After taking the boat out to sea, he had personally tested the gun Gray had given him and found it flawless in every aspect.

"We are heading to the Grand Line. It would be a great relief to have such excellent partners on board."

"Don't worry, they will both join."

"I'm convinced of it."

Nelu smiled slightly. He could sense the underlying intentions of both of them.

"My intuition tells me that the research project Gray is so eagerly anticipating won't go so smoothly."

Rhodes looked ahead of the ship and saw a small island slowly emerging into view. It was their destination, Mignon Island.

"We'll find out the truth soon enough. What exactly is this so-called Felke family up to?"

The boat gradually approached the shore. Nia rushed out of the kitchen and steered the boat slowly towards the land. Gray also emerged from his room, unusually silent.

"I presume you are Mr. Gray. I am Felke Jason."

A line of men in black suits was waiting on the shore. After several people disembarked, they bowed slightly. The leader smiled and introduced himself to everyone, then gestured towards the carriage not far behind him.

"Thank you for your escort. Please get in the car. We are preparing a grand dinner at the manor. Mr. Gray is welcome to join us. Of course, the promised reward will be given to you after the dinner."

Nia frowned slightly. Normally, this kind of escort mission would conclude after the person was delivered. Since the Felke family had already arranged for pick-up, it would only make sense to pay them the reward.

But looking at the demeanor of the Felke family, it seemed they didn't intend to let them leave just like that.

But...

Things seemed to be getting more interesting.

At the same time, on the other side of Mignon Island, on the sea not far from the island, a ship was slowly sailing towards Mignon Island.

(End of this Chapter)