"Stop that thief!"
"Don't let him get away!!"
The loud shouts and chaotic footsteps jolted Dier awake from his sleep. He sprang up like a carp leaping from water, grabbed the Den Den Mushi by his bedside, and rushed toward the door.
"Robin, Rob—"
His outstretched arm froze midair before reaching the doorknob.
"Why am I running? They're chasing a thief," he muttered irritably, clicking his tongue. Being constantly pursued by World Government agents had conditioned him to react instinctively.
Some luxury suite this was—the soundproofing was terrible.
Creak~
He pushed open the window to see which fool had disturbed his sleep.
But the streets showed no trace of either the thief or his pursuers—only a few early-rising townsfolk remained.
A beam of morning light streamed in as Dier yawned and turned to wash up. Better head to the harbor early today to pick a decent freighter.
"Robin, Hina, time to get up."
...
After a simple breakfast, the trio made their way to the harbor.
At dawn, most freighters had already loaded their cargo the previous night, waiting only for daylight to set sail.
"What are you looking at?" Hina asked curiously, peering over Robin's shoulder.
The latter was engrossed in a white-bound book. "This is about medical history—it mentions many historically difficult-to-treat diseases."
"Did we buy this book yesterday?"
"I found it by the inn's entrance."
As they chatted, Dier had already chosen their ride—a brigantine freighter transporting food supplies.
He couldn't tell how many crew members there were, but he spotted the ship's captain—a short-haired Female Captain currently hauling three sacks of grain.
A male crewman nearby seemed to offer help, only to get an earful from her.
"Back off! I don't need your help! What, you think just because I'm a woman I can't handle this?!"
The crewman hastily waved his hands. "No, I just didn't want you to tire yourself—"
"Oh~ So I'm some useless woman who'd get exhausted carrying three measly sacks, and you big strong man needs to step in, is that it?"
"That's not—I didn't mean—"
"Then scram! Go raise the anchor and prepare to set sail!"
The dejected crewman slunk away to join another sailor. Dier could just make out their conversation:
"Why'd the captain react like that? I was just trying to help."
"You'll get used to it. Her life motto is 'Anything men can do, I can do better!'"
Dier stroked his chin, thoughtfully watching the Female Captain's retreating back.
She's like a determined version of Kuina.
Kuina believed girls could never surpass boys to become the world's strongest.
This captain believed she could match any man and outperform them.
Too bad the age gap was too wide—Kuina was probably only three now, still before Zoro helped change her perspective. Otherwise, they'd have plenty to talk about.
Shaking his head to clear his wandering thoughts, Dier stepped forward to intercept the Female Captain.
With his childlike appearance, some smooth talking, and a touch of Hypnosis, she agreed to let them hitch a ride.
When he led Robin and Hina onto the deck, the Female Captain immediately noticed the two little girls.
"My name is Narcissa. You two are quite adorable."
With a kind smile, Narcissa crouched down and ruffled their hair:
"If anyone bullies you on the ship, just tell me, and I'll beat them up!"
Seeing the girls nod, she stood up and raised her calloused right hand:
"Alright, crew, set sail!!"
At her command, the twenty sailors on board sprang into action.
Dier, who had nothing to do, was about to ask if there was a fishing rod when he suddenly heard a loud shout from the shore.
"Stop that thief!"
"Don't let him get away!!"
Found him—the culprit who ruined his morning sleep!
He quickly walked to the bow of the ship and squinted into the distance, making out a chase on the shore.
Two guards were sprinting after a man in a white medical uniform clutching a bundle.
"Stop! Book thief!!"
"This isn't stealing, it's borrowing! I'll return it!!"
The guard gritted his teeth and retorted, "Cut the crap! Ten people have already complained about you breaking into their homes and forcibly injecting healthy people!"
"We're throwing you in jail today, stop right there!!"
Just as Dier was engrossed in the scene, Narcissa suddenly called out,
"Hey, kid, get down here. The ship's about to leave."
Under the sailors' control, the ship gradually pulled away from the port.
The waves shimmered with phosphorescence, and the breeze filled the sails as the cargo ship steadily advanced toward its intended destination.
The sailors gathered in small groups on the deck—some smoking cigarettes and sitting cross-legged to play cards, others pulling out fishing rods to cast lines over the side, and a few leaning against the mast, bragging to their companions about last night's escapades.
Life at sea wasn't particularly stressful.
Abnormal weather was a specialty of the Grand Line, but in the four seas, as long as pirates weren't encountered, the sailors' daily routines were quite leisurely.
Amid the relaxed atmosphere, Narcissa seemed somewhat out of place.
Holding a book, she scrutinized it meticulously, occasionally jotting down notes.
Was she… studying?
Dier scratched his head in slight confusion. In a world where most people barely had a basic education, someone was actually making time to study?
But Narcissa's habits weren't really his concern. He quietly approached, intending to start with hypnosis.
"You—"
"You came at the right time."
Narcissa cut off Dier's opening line, slinging an arm over his shoulder and pointing at the book.
"Tell me, what does this word mean?"
Dier: "..."
"Gunwale. The side of the ship where you usually disembark using the ladder."
"I see. Then what about this one?"
"Mast. The pole that holds up the sail."
"Oh~ And this?"
"...Hina, come here for a second!"
...
"Grand Line Calendar, Year 1502, November 7th.
Today marks the seventh day as a sailor. Finally spoke to Captain Narcissa—though I got scolded, I really like her personality.
Three kids have boarded the ship as passengers. Captain Narcissa is especially gentle with the two girls.
Note: Narcissa likes girls."
"Grand Line Calendar, Year 1502, November 8th.
Today, the captain yawned a few times. Seems like she didn't sleep well last night."
"Grand Line Calendar, Year 1502, November 9th.
Our ship reached its destination, but Captain Narcissa didn't seem particularly excited. After restocking supplies, we set sail again that very afternoon.
The three children who were supposed to disembark also remained onboard.
By the way, the captain procured an unusually large amount of extra provisions this time."
"Sea Calendar 1502, November 10th.
Today the captain suddenly announced we're changing course to an uncharted sea.
Strangely, the boatswain didn't object - he usually argues with the captain over the smallest things.
I'll need to keep an eye on him to make sure he doesn't harm Captain Narcissa."
Thud! Thud!
Just as he finished writing the last line of his journal, the sailor heard knocking at his door.
Opening his cabin door, he saw the boy who'd boarded several days earlier, looking up at him with wide eyes while mumbling:
"Do... do you believe me?"