The mist slowly parted, and there it was.
Whiskey Peak.
The island rose like a half-moon of stone and color, a small coastal town nestled against the cliffs. The town's buildings gleamed in the late sun—arched windows, tidy rooftops, narrow streets climbing a curved hill like a spiral. It looked peaceful. Too peaceful.
Banners fluttered in the sea breeze. Flags with music notes, barrels, and smiling suns waved from wooden towers. From a distance, the entire island felt like a party frozen in time.
"There it is," Nami said, holding the Log Pose carefully. "Whiskey Peak."
"Looks friendly," Usopp said, peeking through binoculars. "Too friendly."
Zoro grunted. "Places like this usually hide something sharp behind the smile."
Luffy leaned over the railing. His eyes squinted into the mist.
His shadow pulsed faintly beneath him.
[SHADOW SYSTEM SCAN ACTIVE]
[Area Type: Populated Civilian Zone]
[Threat Signature: Suppressed – Pattern Inconclusive]
[Surface Readings: Too Quiet]
He said nothing. Just smiled.
"I smell meat," he said.
Sanji lit a cigarette, smirking. "You always smell meat."
As the Going Merry approached the harbor, bells rang from the watchtowers.
Music drifted from the town—horns, drums, clapping hands. A crowd had already gathered on the docks. People waved. Children ran alongside the shoreline, throwing flower petals into the water.
Nami narrowed her eyes. "That's… unusual."
Mr. 9 and Miss Wednesday stood behind the main mast, trying to look unimpressed.
"Don't get too comfortable," Mr. 9 muttered.
"We're almost home," Miss Wednesday whispered, her gaze fixed not on the town—but on Luffy.
He hadn't looked at them once.
But she knew.
He was watching everything.
As the Merry docked, a short, rotund man in a fancy suit and sunglasses stepped forward from the crowd.
He removed his hat with a flourish.
"WELCOME, GREAT STRAW HAT PIRATES!" he shouted. "I am Igarappoi—er—Igaram! And I, along with all of Whiskey Peak, welcome you to our humble home!"
He bowed deeply. Applause erupted behind him.
Sanji looked confused. "Do all islands greet pirates like this?"
"Nope," Zoro said flatly.
Luffy looked around. His system hummed faintly in his mind, like a warning too quiet to fully understand.
[Entity Class: Civilian – Behavior Rating: Over-Calibrated]
"Come, come!" Igaram gestured grandly. "A feast has been prepared! Whiskey! Music! Roast beef as big as a barrel!"
"Barrel?!" Luffy and Usopp cried together.
The gangplank dropped.
Luffy ran down it without hesitation.
Nami followed slower, her eyes still scanning the crowd.
Zoro stepped last, hand on his sword the entire time.
Whiskey Peak came alive as they entered.
Banners flew. Flower petals rained from windows. A parade of musicians led the way, playing upbeat tunes as children danced ahead of the Straw Hats. Men clapped them on the backs. Women offered food. Waiters served trays of freshly roasted meat and sizzling potatoes.
"TO OUR HEROES!" someone shouted.
"TO THE STRAW HATS!" another echoed.
They were ushered into the town square—stone-paved, ringed with lanterns and long tables already laden with food.
Roasted boar. Cured fish. Cakes and sweet rolls.
Luffy dove into a tray like a man starved.
Usopp was nearly tackled by a waiter offering ale.
Sanji blushed as women clung to his arm.
Nami didn't touch the food.
Zoro stood by a pillar, eyes slowly panning across the town.
He saw too many smiles.
Too many perfectly placed barrels.
Too many "welcoming" hands resting too close to weapons.
"Eat up," Igaram said cheerfully. "You'll need your strength!"
Luffy laughed, mouth full. "I LOVE THIS PLACE!"
[SYSTEM ALERT: ENERGY FLUX DETECTED]
[VILLAGER #14 – BEHAVIOR ANOMALY]
Luffy's hand froze over his plate.
Across the square, one man's smile twitched—just for a second.
And in that second—
Luffy's eyes narrowed.
[End of Chapter 103]
_________________________________________________________________________
🔥 Hey legends! Quick updates! 🔥
💥 Can't wait for the next chapter? Good news—ALL advance chapters are available on Patreon for just $5! No more waiting, just pure binge-reading goodness! 🚀
👉 patreon.com/cyci07
✨ Power Stone Challenge! ✨
If we hit 100 power stones, I'll drop 2 bonus chapters! Let's see if you guys can make me suffer! 😂
💬 Enjoying the story? Leave a review and let me know your favorite moment so far! It helps the novel grow and reach more readers!
Thanks for all your support—you guys are awesome! ❤️