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CHAPTER 26
Dawn broke over the horizon, its golden light spilling across the deck of the warship. The calm morning lasted only a few seconds before a shout shattered the peace.
"Wait—WHAT?!"
The voice came from the navigator's bridge.
Everyone immediately rushed over.
"What happened?" Umi asked, still rubbing sleep from his eyes.
"We've completely deviated from our path," Sophia said, staring at the maps with an expression of pure disbelief.
"Ohhh… why did we do that?" Brocky called from outside, confused.
Sophia turned sharply. "I guess I fell asleep yesterday. And wasn't the sniper guy supposed to be on night watch?"
Kris raised both hands defensively. "I was told to keep watch! I just didn't realize when we drifted off the route!"
"I should've known the tidal current would changed last night…" Sophia muttered, pinching the bridge of her nose.
The door to the living quarters creaked open.
Ren stepped out, towel slung over his shoulders, casually drying his hair.
"What's all the fuss about?" he asked.
"Apparently we drifted off course," Ross answered. "And Kris was unaware he was supposed to monitor anything."
Ren blinked. "Oh. That's it? Easy fix. Just head toward the nearest island . And tonight we rotate shifts with double crew." He walked toward the ship's gym. "Someone call me when we arrive."
Everyone turned toward each other at the same time, sharing a collective deadpan look.
"…He definitely behaves like a captain," Kris muttered.
"Hmmm."
Everyone nodded in complete agreement.
---
A few hours later—
"Captain, there's an island ahead," Kris reported, opening one eye from his resting spot.
"About time," Sophia said relieved.
"Rahahahaha! Finally—I can take a proper bath!" Brocky roared, stretching. His massive height meant he hadn't been able to comfortably bathe on the warship.
---
They docked shortly after.
"So, captain, who's staying behind?" Kris asked.
"Hmm… let's draw lots."
They did—and Ross pulled the odd stick.
"Well… guess that's me," Ross said, shrugging. "I don't mind. I only needed some clothes and maintaining my swords. If someone finishes early, come back so we can swap."
"Fine by me," Brocky replied.
"Kris, Umi—head into town and gather supplies. This should be enough." Ren pulled out a large amount of beli from his subspace.
Sophia raised a brow. "Captain… what about my share? I need clothes and other things too." Her tone was teasing, but her eyes sparkled.
"Oh right. You'll probably all need new outfits." Ren nodded thoughtfully… then pulled out an even larger bag of beli.
Kris stared wide-eyed. "Captain… did you rob somewhere?"
"What? No. I was the captain of the Information Broker Division in Whitebeard's crew. What exactly did you expect?" Ren replied casually.
Kriss muttered "Yes! Finally I can get rid of these shameless prison clothes…"
"You all can split the money equally," Ren said. "Sophia, handle the distribution."
"That is so cute of you, captain," she said, hugging the bag.
"Captain! What about us? We need money too!" the male crew members complained.
"That sounds like a you problem," Ren replied instantly.
Sophia stifled a laugh.
"Brocky, Sophia—take the navigation chart and the log pose. Ren, you keep watch. I'll be back before evening," Ren said as he hopped off the ship, humming and singing as he followed the forest path.
---
As Ren approached the outskirts of the town, he suddenly stopped.
"Come out," he said calmly, turning to a dense patch of bushes.
A startled yelp burst out. "W-WHAT?! How did you know?! I was using Night Steps! You must have been using Observation Haki—just like my brother!"
A lanky teenager with oversized black glasses stumbled out.
"Why were you following me?" Ren asked.
"I'm sorry! I just… since you're a pirate, I wanted to make sure you weren't here to cause trouble for our island," the boy said nervously.
Ren scratched the side of his nose. "Relax. I'm not here for that. I just want food and a little sightseeing."
"Oh! Then I can show you around," the boy said quickly.
"That would be nice."
The boy introduced himself—Digil—and soon he and Ren wandered through restaurants, bars, markets, and small shops. They bonded over food, jokes, and random stories. But Ren also noticed something subtle: the villagers' faces held secrets much deeper than their peaceful smiles suggested.
When sunset approached, Ren stretched and handed Digil a few bills.
"I had a great time. Thanks. I'm heading back."
But before Ren could take two steps—
BOOOOM!
A shockwave rippled across the streets, dust rising. As an old woman landed face flat on the ground, People rushed outside.
"Isn't that the second prince?!"
"Yes—him again… the bastard."
"I heard he sold out his own family…"
"Rumor says he's planning to trade his royal title for treasure."
"He's scum…"
"HEY! Don't let him hear you! Do you want to die?!"
Murmurs filled the street.
A teenage boy in a suit and thick black glasses strutted in, flanked by two thuggish bodyguards.
Digil grabbed Ren's arm. "Don't! Don't attack him!"
Ren tilted his head. "Why would I attack him? He hasn't done anything to."
He stepped past Digil calmly—and moved instead to help the old woman who had fallen.
Every single eye in the street locked onto him.