Right now, Shirakawa, Shanks, and Buggy had all been placed on this country's wanted list. After all, they had killed a national military commander, making them officially enemies of the state.
Shirakawa never imagined that his first bounty wouldn't come from the Marines, but from a minor nation on some island. As a trans migrant, he felt a bit embarrassed by that.
Still, the bounty was no small amount, 50 million Berries. It seemed this country was quite wealthy.
It had already been ten days since they killed Akda. To cross the border of this country, they still needed at least another half a month. Because they were wanted men, they didn't dare travel between cities to avoid causing a stir, and had to take long detours instead.
But taking detours not only wasted time, it was often dangerous. While passing through a forest, the four of them encountered a five-meter-tall black bear. Calling it a monster wouldn't be an exaggeration.
Other than Buggy and Katherin, who panicked in fear, Shirakawa and Shanks didn't even flinch. They let Shanks handle it as practice. After some back-and-forth, the outcome was still favorable: they won without a scratch.
That night, they ate black bear meat for dinner, though it was rather nasty-tasting.
Honestly, Shirakawa could never quite figure out Buggy's personality. After traveling with Roger for so long and facing all kinds of challenges, Buggy still freaked out over minor troubles.
Even though he'd already encountered Sea Kings multiple times, every time it happened again, Buggy still got scared.
"Buggy," Shirakawa said, "you're also a trainee crew member. How is it that you're so different from Shanks?"
After eating bear meat, it was already evening. The four decided to rest on the spot, lying around a campfire. Shirakawa felt he should have a heart-to-heart with Buggy, try to motivate him.
"Hmph. Maybe I was just never meant to be strong…"
Buggy turned away after Shirakawa's words. A moment later, he spoke with a muffled voice.
"Why hit me where it hurts?"
Buggy was frustrated. When Shirakawa had first joined the crew, he and Shanks were pretty evenly matched. But in just a few months, the gap had widened dramatically. And of all things, Shirakawa had to bring up strength.
"Buggy, you can't keep going like this. What will you do if you ever leave the crew? Without strength, you won't be able to protect yourself."
Shirakawa spoke with sincere concern.
As a member of the Roger Pirates, Shirakawa felt responsible for the crew's future. Of all the fighters in the crew, Buggy seemed the most pathetic. He'd only dared to hide in the East Blue to look for treasure. If not for Luffy, Buggy probably would've never returned to the Grand Line, Shirakawa. Sure, he later became a success thanks to luck, but that was only a temporary fix. If the system were ever abolished, Buggy would be in danger.
"Don't worry. I'll never leave the captain."
Buggy's words made Shirakawa sigh. Leaving or staying wasn't up to Buggy.
Shirakawa was about to say more, but then he heard Buggy snoring. He suspected Buggy was faking. How could anyone fall asleep so fast? He wasn't Garp, Luffy, or Ace.
"Useless as ever."
Shirakawa kicked Buggy hard.
"Wasted my feelings. Forget it, time to sleep."
He turned over and closed his eyes.
What Shirakawa didn't see was that just as he turned away, Buggy opened his eyes. Inside them flashed a brief, determined light, but it quickly disappeared again. Useless as ever, perhaps…
Still, Shirakawa's words had planted a seed in Buggy's heart. Maybe someday, under the right conditions, it would sprout. Or maybe it would wither forever.
While Shirakawa and Buggy talked, Shanks, lying nearby, hadn't fallen asleep either. He had heard every word loud and clear.
His gaze turned a little deeper, as if he were thinking hard. Maybe he was pondering how he'd train Buggy in the future.
As for Katherin, who wasn't even part of their crew, she was off sleeping without a care in the world.
Who knew where her sense of security came from in the wild? Still, she had a smile on her face and seemed to be sleeping soundly.
Early the next morning, Shirakawa woke up first. The other three were still asleep. Luckily, no one had passed by this area; otherwise, they'd be in real trouble.
"Hey, hey, get up already! Time to move!"
For some reason, Shirakawa always felt like he was sending convicts to their execution when he said this. But he'd gotten used to it.
Waking everyone up had become a daily task; Shirakawa was practically their nanny. Not only did he have to wake them, but he had to cook too.
Good thing he was a chill trans, migrator. If it had been someone else, tsk tsk, the results wouldn't be so pretty.
"Mm… what time is it now?"
As expected, Katherine was the first to wake. Her first words were the same as yesterday morning.
"It's early morning already."
Shirakawa replied. He wasn't exactly sure what time it was either; he couldn't read time from the sun.
And Shanks woke up soon after.
"Why does it always feel like I barely closed my eyes?"
Buggy rubbed his eyes and grumbled.
"If you died, your eyes would be closed for a long time. Wanna try it?"
"Nope."
Buggy shook his head vigorously and instantly snapped to attention.
He wondered why Shirakawa was in such a bad mood this early. I haven't done anything to him lately…
Not knowing what he'd done wrong, Buggy decided to be extra cautious for his safety.
"What's for breakfast?"
"Nothing but leftover bear meat."
Lately, Shirakawa noticed his appetite had decreased, probably because there hadn't been any battles recently, and he still had plenty of stamina.
"Ugh, that stuff again? It's disgusting…"
"Then hold it in."
Shirakawa said this to Shanks.
Hearing that, Shanks shut up. Didn't matter how nasty it was, as long as it filled the stomach.
"Hey, what's up with Shirakawa? Did he eat gunpowder or something? He's snapping at everyone."
Shanks pulled Buggy aside and whispered.
"No idea. Maybe that came."
"That?"
Shanks looked confused.
"Yeah… that."
"What's that?"
"That is that."
"Ohhh… so you think that guy is coming too?"
Shanks suddenly looked like he understood.
"Probably. Otherwise, why would Shirakawa be acting like this?"
"Ohhh, I see now.