Town of Rogge, East Blue.
This was the birthplace of Gol D. Roger, the Pirate King who once conquered the Grand Line. It was also where he set sail for the first time—and where he was laid to rest. Twenty-two years ago, the legendary era of One Piece ended here.
Since then, the town gradually earned the title "Town of Beginnings and Ends", serving as the last supply stop before venturing into the Grand Line.
Sugisawa Yuuto and his party had a simple purpose for coming here: stocking up for the journey ahead.
With the reputation of the "Eighty Million Berry Great Pirate," Yuuto's supply run went without a hitch. The shopkeepers dared not cheat or shortchange him—some even hesitated to accept payment, fearful of offending a notorious pirate.
Of course, Yuuto did not take advantage of them. He paid generously and with ease.
Beyond gathering supplies, Yuuto also briefed Erza and Mirajan on the basic knowledge of the world. The Grand Line was exponentially more dangerous than East Blue, and ignorance could easily lead to disaster.
"One Piece? What's that? Do pirates really have kingdoms?" Erza asked, her expression adorably puzzled.
"No, Erza. The 'One Piece' is Gol D. Roger's treasure, and he is the only man to conquer the Grand Line. Haven't you heard of him?" Nami explained.
"I've never heard of that!" Both Erza and Mirajan shook their heads.
"It's fine if you don't know yet. You'll understand in time. Right now, what's more important is knowing about the special ability system of this world," Sugisawa Yuuto said.
"Devil Fruit powers? Interesting! I've seen a few on missions—some can transform into animals, some survive even if their bodies are torn apart!" Erza exclaimed.
"Survive after being torn apart? Are they still human? How can anyone defeat such opponents?" Mirajan's eyes widened in shock.
"It's not difficult. Even if they are immune to slashing attacks, blunt weapons still work. I took one down in just two or three hits!" Erza replied confidently.
"Speaking of which… President, a few days ago, I met a very interesting three-sword swordsman on a mission."
"Oh?" Yuuto raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
"From my observation, his character is admirable, and his strength is solid. I invited him to join Fairy Tail myself!" Erza said.
"And… did he accept?" Mirajan asked.
"He didn't refuse… but he also didn't accept. He seemed interested in Fairy Tail, but later I went to complete a commission and arranged to meet him at the port. I waited… but he never showed up." Erza shook her head regretfully.
"Probably changed his mind halfway. Happens all the time," Yuuto said.
"No! No!" Erza protested.
"Huh?"
Yuuto laughed. "The reason the green-haired swordsman didn't join you, Erza… is probably because he got lost."
"Lost?" Erza tilted her head in confusion.
"The island where we met was tiny. How could he get lost? And… President, how do you know the three-sword swordsman is Chlorella? Do you know him?"
"Let's just say I know," Yuuto replied nonchalantly.
"So… are you going to find him?" Mirajan asked.
"No need. I'll see him later," Yuuto waved off the question. The missed meeting with Zoro was a small regret, but disrupting their original plan to go hunting for him would be pointless.
First, they didn't even know which part of the island Zoro had wandered off to. Second, another Fairy Tail partner was waiting for them beyond the Red Line.
"Alright, everything we need is ready. Let's head into the Grand Line!" Yuuto said, gesturing toward the port.
However… an unexpected incident occurred.
"Head into the Grand Line? Dream on! In the name of the Marine in Rogge Town, you will not set sail! Sugisawa Yuuto, captain of the Fairy Tail Pirates, wake up!"
Chi chi chi!
A thick cloud of white smoke erupted, engulfing the street.
Colonel Marine… White Hunter Smoker… late, but finally here!