"Lower the pirate flag and prepare to dock!"
Hans's loud voice echoed across the deck.
The crew bustled with activity, but the atmosphere aboard the Swordfish was different from usual—an unusual mix of excitement and tension hung in the air.
Because ahead, through the thin mist, a hazy silhouette slowly emerged.
Echo-Lyre Island—the final station in the West Blue before entering the Grand Line.
Sami stood at the bow. The sea breeze carried both the distant noise of the island and a strange stirring in his heart.
Six years in the West Blue.
He had docked at countless islands.
But this time felt different.
"Hans."
Sami called out to the busy navigator.
"The Grand Line's climate is unpredictable… Are you ready?"
"Of course I am, Boss!"
Hans patted his chest confidently.
"I've practically memorized every navigation log and climate record I could find. And I already confirmed that there's a shop in Departure Town that sells Log Poses! When we go ashore, I'll buy several just in case. I'll also try to gather every chart and piece of information about the Grand Line I can find."
"Good."
Sami nodded, feeling slightly reassured.
Even though he had some understanding of the Grand Line's dangers from his previous life's knowledge of the anime, actually setting foot in that legendary sea still stirred complicated emotions within him.
Was it anxiety toward the unknown?
Or excitement for a new journey?
Perhaps both.
This was a completely different era of the world.
Not the adventurous age of dreamers like Luffy that followed Gol D. Roger's death.
The current sea was more primitive.
More brutal.
Most people sailing now were true desperados—not dream-chasing adventurers.
The ship glided smoothly into the bustling docks of Echo-Lyre Island.
Masts filled the harbor like a forest.
Merchant ships loaded with goods, simple fishing boats, and various pirate vessels were docked side by side.
Some pirate ships didn't even bother hiding it—their skull flags snapped proudly in the wind.
"Keep away from those idiots who won't lower their flags," Hans instructed the helmsman as the Swordfish maneuvered carefully around them.
"When the Marines or enemies show up, cannonballs won't care who they hit. Don't get caught in the crossfire."
The crew began disembarking in organized groups, following their assigned duties.
They headed into town to purchase supplies for the long voyage—food, fresh water, medicine, rope, sailcloth, ammunition…
Hans carried his own procurement list and prepared to visit the specialized navigation shop in town.
He needed Log Poses, updated sea charts, and every scrap of intelligence about the Grand Line.
After all, Echo-Lyre Island was the final gateway before Reverse Mountain.
The information here was far more complete than anywhere else.
To ensure safety, Sami assigned Feich and Marcus to accompany him.
"Feich, Marcus, go with Hans," Sami instructed seriously.
"Stay alert. The Marines sometimes set traps around those specialized shops. If our navigator gets captured here, it'll cause endless trouble later."
Sami hated unexpected chaos.
If Hans were captured, the entire voyage plan would collapse.
Rescue operations, retreat, reorganizing—
Everything would spiral into dangerous disorder.
Sami preferred careful planning, minimizing risk as much as possible.
Feich, carrying both a long gun and pistol on his back, silently nodded.
Marcus, with his curved blade at his waist, responded briskly.
"Yes, Boss!"
Large-scale supply runs usually took half a day.
After watching the supply team leave, Sami turned to the two officers who remained on the ship.
"Isaac, Aldo. Let's go ashore and take a look."
Then he raised his voice toward the crew staying behind.
"Keep your eyes open and guard the ship!"
"Yes, Captain!" ×N
Sami jumped down from the bow with Isaac and Aldo, stepping into the bustling streets of Echo-Lyre Island.
Aldo quickly caught up beside him and whispered,
"Boss, we lost over twenty men earlier. Should we recruit some new sailors here?"
Sami thought briefly before shaking his head.
"Not necessary for now. We have enough hands to operate the Swordfish."
"When we reach the Grand Line, we'll see."
Then he smiled slightly.
"To be honest, I'm curious to see how sailors from the Grand Line differ from the ones in the West Blue."
"That's true! Hahaha!"
Aldo scratched the back of his head and laughed.
The three walked casually through the lively streets.
Sami glanced at the rows of shops and stalls.
It was busy enough, but the goods were nothing unusual—fish, fruit, crude weapons, everyday items.
Just like any other port town.
He quickly lost interest.
Soon his eyes caught a weathered tavern sign in the distance.
"Perfect timing!"
Sami stopped and grinned at his officers.
"Alright, same rule—rock, paper, scissors. Loser buys!"
Moments later, Sami stared at his paper being crushed by two scissors.
He sighed dramatically.
"Ah… I thought I'd get another free meal today."
Laughing, the three approached the tavern entrance.
But before they could even push the door open—
Several men in black suits standing guard outside stepped forward immediately to block them.
"The tavern's closed today. Move along."
"Oh? Closed?"
Sami's smile froze slightly.
Then he shrugged helplessly and turned to his officers.
"Looks like we're out of luck. Don't blame me for not treating you."
However, seeing the three still standing outside chatting instead of leaving, the suited men grew impatient.
"Are you deaf? We said it's closed!"
"Get the hell out of here! Stop blocking the entrance!"
Sami's step halted instantly.
He slowly turned back.
His eyes swept across the men coldly.
"Oh?"
"I was actually in a pretty good mood today… and I was planning to be reasonable."
He paused, a faint smile forming at the corner of his lips.
"But it seems the boss behind you never taught you…"
"…how to speak properly."
Before the words even finished—
BAM! BAM! BAM!
Several dull thuds rang out almost simultaneously, followed by short screams.
The arrogant men in suits didn't even see Sami move.
They were sent flying backward, crashing into the tavern door and wall.
Their bodies twisted into awkward shapes as they collapsed unconscious.
Sami shook his wrist casually, as if brushing away dust.
Without even glancing at the men on the ground, he tilted his head toward Isaac and Aldo.
"It seems…"
"This tavern will have to make an exception and open for us today."
With that—
BOOM!
Sami kicked the door open in a single strike.
Isaac and Aldo exchanged excited glances before following him inside.
Not a hint of worry appeared on their faces.
Only anticipation.