It was the fourth day since they had left Drum Island.
"Luffy! Why is the refrigerator empty?!"
Shirogai and Sanji each pinched one of Luffy's cheeks.
Shirogai flicked Luffy's stretched face and sighed, annoyed.
"Tch. Looks like just locking the fridge isn't enough. Even electricity wouldn't stop him... Rubber doesn't conduct, after all."
Sanji yanked Luffy's face even harder, yelling:
"Hey! That was all the food on board! What the hell are we supposed to eat now?!"
Luffy's eyes darted around nervously as his cheeks were stretched:
"I didn't sneak any food!"
Sanji didn't buy it and sent Luffy flying with a swift kick.
"Liar! Who else could it be if not you?!"
Nami and Vivi stood near the orange grove, watching with arms crossed.
Nami raised a brow and teased:
"With Luffy's intelligence, I doubt he opened the fridge lock on his own. He had help."
"Hehe…"
Vivi giggled beside her.
"!!!"
Usopp, Chopper, and Karoo froze mid-bite, still chewing the evidence. They trembled as they quickly swallowed the stolen food.
Just when they thought they were safe, a shadow loomed behind them.
A cheerful voice made their blood run cold.
"Nami's right. There had to be a lockpicker, someone to keep watch, and one to transport the goods..."
Shirogai draped his arms around their shoulders, grinning as he leaned in:
"So, who do you think Luffy's partners in crime were?"
Usopp, the unofficial lock expert, let out a dry chuckle:
"Th-there's someone else who can pick locks?"
Chopper, the lookout, began sweating bullets.
"I-I wasn't watching…"
Karoo, the transport bird, trembled violently.
"Quack?" (I'm innocent!)
"You're getting bolder by the day. Coordinating to steal food, huh? Chopper, you better not start picking up bad habits from these guys."
Shirogai delivered a light punch to each of their heads.
"Each of you, go catch something edible. If you don't... we're having rubber roast with long nose, reindeer stew, and duck offal for dinner!"
Pouting, the group fished half-heartedly by the side of the ship.
Chopper rubbed his head, grumbling softly:
"Waaah, Shirogai's so mean! He's nothing like how he used to be as Doctor Shirogai!"
"Totally agree!"
Vivi, unnoticed, puffed her cheeks and nodded firmly.
"Oi, look over there."
Zoro, who was on lookout, pointed toward the fog ahead.
"The sea looks thick with mist. Should we steer around it?"
Shirogai and Nami exchanged a knowing glance.
"No need," Nami replied with a calm smile. "That's natural steam fog. There's a volcano under the sea here, constantly releasing magma. The boiling water creates clouds of vapor."
Shirogai nodded.
"In a few thousand, or maybe tens of thousands of years, a new island might rise here. That's how most islands are born."
"Whoa! That's awesome!" Luffy shouted. "Shirogai, I'm hungry! Sanji, food!"
Shirogai raised his hand, and from his palm, several large mushrooms grew rapidly.
"For now, let's enjoy some mushroom dishes."
Sanji took the mushrooms from Shirogai, nodding in approval.
"These are high quality. I'll whip something up."
The two headed into the kitchen.
Shirogai casually grew a few more non-toxic, edible mushrooms.
Sanji prepared a savory mushroom soup using the last bits of meat left, while Shirogai roasted the mushrooms.
Soon, the Going Merry was filled with mouthwatering aroma.
Luffy, Chopper, and Usopp tried to sneak into the kitchen repeatedly, only to be kicked out every time by Sanji and Shirogai—without even glancing up.
...
"Eww! What is that thing?!"
"Is he even human?!"
"Wait... did he fall into the sea?"
Suddenly, the deck erupted with noise.
Sanji raised a brow from the kitchen.
"What now?"
Shirogai, already aware thanks to his [Observation Haki], muttered:
"Heh. We've got an interesting guest."
He calmly plated the roasted mushrooms, turned off the stove, and stepped outside.
...
"Hah... I really thought I was done for. Can't believe I survived!"
A soaking wet figure lay sprawled across the deck. He wore exaggerated makeup, fake eyelashes, and a ridiculous pink ballet swan costume, complete with two wing-like decorations on his shoulders.
Mr. 2 Bon Clay sat cross-legged, panting as he looked at the crew, eyes sparkling with gratitude.
"You've saved me! I owe you my life! Truly, I'll never forget this!"
Then his nose twitched.
"Oooh, I smell food! Might I trouble you for something warm?"
Zoro scowled.
"We're starving too. We don't have food for you."
Just then, the kitchen door opened, and Shirogai stepped out holding a plate.
[Host has observed: User of the Clone-Clone Fruit. Comprehended: The ability to Transform into anyone as long as you remember.]
[Host has observed: Master of Advanced Human-Demon Fist. Ability understood: Perfected Human-Demon Fist.]
[Host has observed: Master of Dance Techniques. Ability understood: Master-level Dance Techniques.]
[Devil Fruit Acquired: Clone-Clone Fruit.]
Shirogai crouched and set the plate beside Mr. 2.
"Warm yourself up with this."
"Wuwuwu! Handsome and kind?! You're an angel! Come, let me hug you!"
Bon Clay lunged with arms wide, but Shirogai stepped aside casually.
"No thanks. I've already received my reward."
Bon Clay's eyes twinkled as he winked flirtatiously.
"Oh my, what a charming young man. I like you even more!"
Shirogai looked disgusted, avoiding the wink.
"Sorry. I'm only interested in normal women."
From the side, Vivi pouted.
"I don't believe him. Pirate-san's never looked at me that way either..."
Bon Clay chomped down on the mushrooms.
"Delicious! I feel completely rejuvenated!"
Luffy crouched, staring at him curiously.
"Hehehe, you can't swim either?"
Bon Clay beamed.
"Indeed! I've eaten a Devil Fruit!"
Usopp leaned forward.
"Which one?"
"Let me show you!"
Without warning, Bon Clay pressed his hand against Luffy's face.
Zoro nearly drew his blade, but froze when he saw what happened next.
Before them stood another Luffy—only with mismatched eyes and an exaggerated grin.
"Hehehe! Just a performance! Don't panic!"
The crew stared, stunned.
Shirogai chuckled.
[With the Clone-Clone Fruit and system's ability, the host can now transform into anyone.]
In other words, if Shirogai desired… he could become anyone.
---
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