Two days later
On an island somewhere in the New World.
A red-haired man was still drunk.
At that moment, a noodle-haired man slowly approached from afar.
"Shanks, Hawk Eyes is here."
As Yasopp's words fell, Shanks, one of the Four Emperors, slowly sat up.
"Yeah, I sensed him."
A dozen seconds later, Hawk Eyes slowly walked up to Shanks.
Then he tossed a Bounty Poster to Shanks.
Seeing Hawk Eyes' action, Shanks smiled faintly.
"What? You didn't come to fight today?"
Hawk Eyes Mihawk snorted coldly.
"I've lost interest in you now that you've lost an arm. But..."
"Oh? But what?"
"Look at the Bounty Poster first."
Shanks then turned the Bounty Poster over and recognized the person at a glance.
"Luffy, huh? Fifty million! Hahahaha, is he finally coming?"
Seeing Luffy, Shanks was exhilarated, as if even the alcohol had worn off.
The other officers were also extremely excited.
Just as Shanks was celebrating, Hawk Eyes brought up something else.
"Rather than you looking forward to Luffy, I'm more interested in two of his crew members."
Both Shanks and the other officers' eyes lit up.
Anyone who could make Hawk Eyes look forward to them was no ordinary person.
In the end, Shanks threw an arm around Hawk Eyes' shoulders.
"Since there's so much good news, let's talk while we hold a feast."
In the New World.
Other than Shanks, the Straw Hat Pirates had also left their first impression on one of the Four Emperors, Whitebeard.
East Blue, one day away from Loguetown.
The morning sun had just risen, but the deck of the Merry was unusually deserted.
Only Can Yue lay flat on the deck, using Chouchou as a pillow.
The others, including Luffy, did not really want to get up.
Why?
Because getting up meant getting beaten.
Over the past few days, they had nearly been beaten to death by Can Yue.
Other than eating and sleeping, they spent every day getting beaten.
The results were indeed good.
Under fear and pressure, everyone's training efficiency had visibly increased.
But it hurt far too much.
Even Nami went to bed every night with an aching back, trembling legs, and bruises all over her body.
Can Yue had not deliberately hit her, of course, but sparring training always led to injuries. And it was exhausting too—the kind without breaks.
Fortunately, those in human form could still sleep on their own.
Compared to them, Chouchou had it the worst. His entire body was sore, yet Can Yue was still using him as a pillow.
Feeling the weight on his body, Chouchou's emotions were incredibly complicated.
He wanted to stay close to Can Yue, but every part of his body, even his bones, resisted being touched.
His already small brain simply could not make a decision.
Chouchou could only let out a sigh, sounding surprisingly half as human as a person.
Can Yue noticed that something was off with Chouchou and frowned slightly, seemingly forming a guess.
By lunchtime, the Straw Hat Crew finally crawled out of bed one after another.
At that moment, everyone sat around the dining table, each of them looking forward to the leisurely time spent eating.
For the past few days, mealtimes had been the only moments they were awake without getting beaten.
So everyone had turned into Luffy, burying their heads in their food.
Zoro's mouth was stuffed full as he asked Can Yue with a puzzled expression.
"Why has the training been so intense these past few days?"
Out of trust in Can Yue, no one had seriously asked that question over the past few days.
They were also afraid of getting beaten.
So today, while Can Yue was washing his hands.
After drawing lots, everyone ultimately decided to let Zoro ask.
Can Yue pondered for a moment. It was time to tell them what he was thinking.
"Because my intuition tells me there's danger in Loguetown.
So you need to become stronger."
As soon as he said that, everyone except Luffy froze.
Even Can Yue, who was so confident, had said something like that.
Did that mean the danger was so great that even Can Yue was not confident he could handle it perfectly?
And if they did not become stronger, something might happen to them.
Sanji lit a cigarette and asked.
"What kind of danger?"
Can Yue shook his head without replying.
After all, he had only made a rough analysis.
But the Straw Hat Crew had been drawing too much attention recently. Their trip to Loguetown definitely would not be simple.
Nami put down her chopsticks and raised a question.
"According to the map, we can take a detour directly to the entrance of the Grand Line. We don't have to enter Loguetown."
Before Can Yue could respond, Luffy, his cheeks stuffed full, became unhappy.
"No. That's where Pirate King Roger was born and died. I have to go."
After saying that, Luffy revealed a determined expression.
Seeing Luffy like that.
Nami looked helpless, and the others could do nothing either.
Sanji exhaled a puff of smoke. "In that case, we can only go.
Besides, we're almost out of food."
As he spoke, Sanji shot Luffy a fierce glare.
The food the villagers of Cocoyasi Village had given the Straw Hat Crew could have lasted a month.
But Luffy had been eating like his life depended on it, and if they refused to feed him, he would steal food.
Their remaining provisions could last two more days at most.
Can Yue looked at everyone's reactions and nodded slightly.
That was the Straw Hat Crew. Every one of them had unique dreams and thought differently, yet they would always consider Luffy's wishes.
"Training is suspended from today onward.
Absorb what you've learned on your own. Ask if you don't understand.
Then rest and recover properly.
You should visit the town of beginnings and endings."
Hearing Can Yue's words, Luffy immediately nodded in agreement, then shouted excitedly.
"Then, brothers, set sail for Loguetown!"
"Alright!"
"Got it."
"Hey, you selfish brat."
One day later.
The Straw Hat Crew was still taking an afternoon nap.
Chouchou suddenly ran out of the forward gun deck cabin.
He began barking, "Woof! Woof! Woof!"
Amid the barking, everyone opened their eyes one after another.
Unlike yesterday.
Everyone was full of energy, their eyes shining.
They walked onto the deck and looked at the island growing clearer in the distance, all wearing smiles and confident expressions.
Seeing their expressions, Can Yue nodded slightly.
They should all have gained something.
Luffy grinned brilliantly. "We've finally reached the Pirate King's hometown."
Zoro leaned sideways against the railing, Wado Ichimonji held in his arms, anticipation in his eyes.
"I hope I can buy two good swords."
Sanji smoked as he loudly declared that he wanted to buy a refrigerator with a lock.
Nami planned to buy a wardrobe full of clothes, along with some skincare products and the like.
Usopp planned to get some adventure books and novels to pass the time before bed.
But other than Luffy, everyone still had a lingering concern.
It was the danger Can Yue had mentioned.
What exactly is it?
Loguetown, Marine branch.
Master Chief Petty Officer Tashigi hurried into the commanding officer's office.
"Captain Smoker, the Straw Hat Pirates have appeared!"
Smoker immediately stood up.
"Right on time. Exactly seven days. Tashigi, how are the preparations?"
Tashigi picked up the report in her hands, adjusted her glasses, and began her report.
"1. All Marines on duty and patrol will proceed as usual, so the Straw Hats and Buggy's crew will not find anything strange after landing.
2. Reduce pirate apprehension operations, especially around these two pirate crews, to prevent a conflict from breaking out too early unless they begin hurting people.
3. To prevent the two pirate crews from leaving too soon, based on their shared preference for liveliness.
Various activities have been arranged in the town center, with all goods discounted; multiple performances have also been scheduled.
4. The reconnaissance team will closely monitor the two pirate crews. If either leaves early, they will report it immediately."
Smoker nodded after hearing this and exhaled a cloud of smoke.
"The priority is ensuring the townspeople's safety. Once we begin the operation, all townspeople must be evacuated an hour in advance.
Let me stress this again: if they lay a hand on the townspeople, ignore the order to delay for one day and act immediately!"
"Yes!"
After accepting the order, Tashigi left the office and began making arrangements.
Smoker took a deep breath.
"Two pirate crews with bounties exceeding one hundred million have appeared in my East Blue.
What a disgrace!
Loguetown will be the end of your voyage."
Before you continue