Something strange happened in Loguetown today.
For the first time in half a year, the notorious "Devil Kid" didn't leave a pile of corpses in his wake, instead, he brought back an entire ship full of unconscious pirates. Alive.
One by one, the marines shackled the pirates and dragged them off the ship.
Meanwhile, Luffy followed a marine captain from the base to the Treasury Office to claim Jerlsen's bounty.
Submitting Jerlsen's corpse wasn't the end of the process, several formal steps still had to be approved before the payout could be released.
Taking the opportunity, the captain invited Luffy to sit and have tea in his office at the Loguetown Marine Base.
Inside the top commander's office, the captain handed Luffy a freshly brewed cup of tea with both hands, his expression filled with admiration.
"Congratulations once again, Brother Luffy. Another great pirate has fallen to your hands.
It really puts the people at ease, having someone like you around to protect Loguetown!"
Luffy casually took the tea and sipped it, replying nonchalantly, "You flatter me, Captain. It's just a mutually beneficial arrangement."
Then he glanced meaningfully at the captain and added, "After all, you have never once delayed my bounty payments, have you?"
"Ahaha... Of course! Of course not!" the captain chuckled awkwardly.
Half a year ago, Luffy had come here with the body of a minor pirate, only to have his bounty shorted on account of his age. Enraged, he punched the front gate of the marine base clean off its hinges.
The entire base had been thrown into panic.
It was this same captain who later learned the truth and, unwilling to provoke someone that powerful, severely punished the marine who had shortchanged Luffy.
Clearing his throat, the captain tried to steer the conversation away from that unpleasant memory. He turned serious and said, "Luffy, have you ever considered joining the Marines and becoming a true defender of justice? I can't promise the world, but if you're willing, I'll personally request a transfer back to HQ and put you in charge here as the base commander."
The offer was genuine. This captain was a rare breed: a good man who truly cared about the people.
He'd recently heard whispers that HQ wanted to recall him for retraining and would likely send a new officer to replace him.
But he knew all too well, most HQ officers were pampered elites. Real talents didn't get sent to small places like Loguetown.
During the past few months, he'd observed Luffy closely. Though ruthless to criminals, Luffy never harmed civilians. In fact, petty crime had nearly vanished from town since his arrival. Even pickpockets had gone quiet.
What Loguetown needed was exactly this kind of strong, fearless protector who could crush evil while still being kind to the innocent.
The captain had hoped he could leave the town in Luffy's hands and use his seniority to push for Luffy's official promotion.
Unfortunately, he'd chosen the wrong person.
"Sorry, Captain. I'm used to traveling alone. I'll have to decline your kind offer," Luffy said firmly.
The captain sighed. "I see. That's a shame…"
After another sip of tea, Luffy stood and said, "If there's nothing else, I'll be heading back to rest."
The captain stood as well and walked him to the door, still unwilling to give up.
"Well, if you ever change your mind, you know where to find me."
When Luffy reached the Treasury Office, the reward money was already prepared and waiting.
With a heavy bag of coins in hand, Luffy made his way toward the inn near the harbor.
Outside the inn, he happened to see the innkeeper just about to head out.
"Hey, boss," Luffy called. "Our room rental should be almost up, right? Perfect timing. I was just thinking of packing up and leaving."
The innkeeper panicked.
"W-Wait! Luffy, why are you leaving?! If you're not satisfied with your room, just say the word! Pick any room you want, it's yours, free of charge!"
He was genuinely frantic.
Ever since people found out the infamous Devil Kid lived here, his inn had been crowned the "finest in Loguetown."
Luffy only killed criminals.
To the townspeople, especially small business owners, Luffy was practically a guardian deity.
If their protector left because of poor hospitality, the innkeeper would never forgive himself.
"It's not about the inn. I just have things to take care of elsewhere.
I'll probably leave tonight," Luffy explained.
Hearing this, the innkeeper could only hang his head. "I understand…"
That evening.
Luffy finished packing, carrying a few new sets of oversized clothes he'd bought that afternoon and slinging the bag containing Zoro over his shoulder. He made his way to the harbor's shipyard.
For the past six months, he'd been selling off captured pirate ships to this same dock. By now, his savings had reached nearly 50 million berries.
The moment he stepped into the yard, he saw the old shipwright he'd dealt with many times.
When the old man heard that Luffy wanted a small sailboat, he didn't even hesitate, he gave one to him for free.
"If you try to pay me, I'll take it as an insult," the old man said with a grin.
And just like that, Luffy boarded a gifted boat and set sail for his hometown.
─────────🏴☠️─────────
Night fell.
Stars dotted the sky, and the harbor lights shimmered on the sea's surface.
A massive full moon hung high overhead, casting a silver glow over the tranquil, windless water.
Luffy adjusted the rudder and set his course, then stepped inside the cabin.
"System, how much gold do I have now?"
[Current balance: 6,300 gold coins.]
"Six thousand three, huh…"
He glanced at the dark-gray equipment tab.
Sigh… Looks like I won't be getting any decent gear anytime soon.
The cheapest item he'd seen in the random item shop had been a Doran's Ring, just last month. It cost a whopping 5,000 coins and only gave +100 Mental Power.
"Buy me three Rapid Growth Capsules."
[Purchase successful. Items have been placed in your inventory.]
Luffy took out the capsules, stripped off his clothes, and downed all three in one gulp.
This time, he felt it clearly, his body was growing.
"Hmm… I should be around 1.34 meters tall now," he muttered to himself, measuring against a mark inside the cabin.
He picked out a deep blue tank top and a pair of stylish light yellow shorts.
With his youthful grin and calm eyes…
A charming young heartthrob had just been born.
"Makino and the others are going to be so surprised… Hahahaha!"
Just thinking about seeing the village chief and Makino again made Luffy smile warmly.
It had been a whole year.
The night sky stretched out endlessly, mysterious and vast, just like the calm, moonlit sea.
And so, cradled in memories and anticipation…
Luffy drifted peacefully into sleep.
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