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Chapter 86 - C85: Kill Them?

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"Igaram, an unfamiliar ship is approaching the harbor."

"Hmm? Are they pirates?"

"I'm not sure. There's no pirate flag on the vessel."

"Then… cough… how many are on board?"

"Only three are visible on deck. It's unclear if others are hiding in the cabin."

Hearing Miss Monday's report, Igaram furrowed his brow for a moment before relaxing his expression. "Regardless of whether they are pirates or not, we stick to the usual plan. Prepare the welcome."

On the Dream Chaser, Sun Wukong pointed toward the looming island, his eyes wide with curiosity. "Hey, Nami! Look! those mountains look exactly like giant cactuses!"

"They really do," Nami-san replied, her gaze shifting to a river channel that cut deep into the island's interior. "Sanji! Take us through that channel!"

Sanji, leaning against the cabin door with his hand on the rudder, gave a sharp nod. "Understood, Nami-san!"

"I wonder if there's any danger here," Nami murmured, standing at the bow. Her heart was a mix of anticipation and sharp vigilance. This was their first official stop in the Grand Line, and she knew better than to trust appearances.

As the ship sailed into the channel, a thick, swirling mist began to rise, swallowing the scenery. "Why is the fog so dense all of a sudden?" Nami frowned, trying to peer through the white veil.

"Oh, I see people, Nami!" Wukong chirped, his head tilting as he watched shadows moving behind the mist.

At his reminder, Nami's hand went to her weapon. "Sun Wukong, be careful. This smells like an ambush."

Wukong instantly became serious. He pulled out his Ruyi Jingu Bang, stepping in front of Nami to shield her. Sanji moved to her other side, his expression hardening. They waited, braced for an attack—but as the Dream Chaser broke through the fog, the world exploded into color and noise.

"WELCOME!!!"

"Welcome, guests from afar!!!"

Whistles, cheers, and the bang of confetti cannons filled the air. Men, women, and even children lined the banks, waving enthusiastically and showering the ship with streamers.

"Huh?" Wukong's vigilance vanished instantly. He beamed, waving back at the crowd. "Hey! Hello everyone! My name is Sun Wukong!"

Sanji's guard also dropped as his eyes transformed into red hearts. He scanned the crowd, spotting dozens of beautiful women. "Wow!!! This is paradise!!!"

Only Nami-san kept a lingering sense of doubt. Something is wrong here… I should tell them. She looked at Wukong, who was laughing with the villagers, and Sanji, who was practically drooling. She sighed. Forget it. It's useless to talk to these two idiots. I'll just have to keep my own eyes open.

The Feast of Whiskey Peak

Upon docking, the mayor, Igaram, greeted them with a polite clearing of his throat. "Ahem, mamma-ma! Welcome to Whiskey Peak! I am the mayor. We pride ourselves on hospitality. For every traveler, we offer our finest wine, music, and food!"

"Food?!" Wukong's stomach let out a thunderous rumble. "Is there really a feast?"

"Of course! We guarantee you'll enjoy yourselves!"

As night fell, the town was bathed in the warm glow of lanterns. Wukong was led to a hall filled with massive platters of meat, where he began a legendary feast. In another house, Sanji was in heaven, surrounded by beautiful women who kept his wine glass perpetually full.

"Handsome, have another drink," a long-haired beauty whispered, tilting a glass to his lips.

"Hahaha! I could never refuse a lady!" Sanji roared, drinking himself into a stuporous, happy unconsciousness within the hour.

Meanwhile, Nami-san found herself in a high-stakes drinking contest. "Down the hatch!" she laughed, slamming a one-liter beer mug onto the table. Her face was slightly flushed, but her eyes remained sharp as she stared down her opponents. After "knocking out" seven of the town's best drinkers, the muscular Miss Monday stepped up to challenge her.

After six intense rounds, Nami suddenly slumped onto the table. "I… I can't do it anymore," she mumbled before falling into a deep "sleep."

Miss Monday exhaled in relief. "This woman is a monster. She drank seven men under the table before finally passing out."

The Secret Agenda

High on a nearby rooftop, Igaram and Vivi (Miss Wednesday) watched the quieted houses from the shadows.

"Igaram, they don't seem like pirates," Vivi whispered. "You're going to lose money on this meal."

"Miss Wednesday," Igaram replied gravely, "we found over 30,000,000 Berries on their ship. A group of three with that kind of wealth is not 'ordinary.'"

"30,000,000 Berries?!" Vivi gasped. That sum could solve their funding crisis and provide a massive tribute to the organization. She looked at Igaram, her expression turning somber. "What are you going to do? You aren't thinking of… killing them, are you?"

Vivi's conscience recoiled at the thought. If they weren't pirates to be turned in for a bounty, then plundering them meant outright robbery—and perhaps murder. As a princess infiltrating a criminal empire, she struggled with the weight of the choice.

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