Chapter 365: Brawl (22)
Chapter 364: Brawl
Just as Luffy was marveling, the entire town of Loguetown seemed to suddenly come alive, and everyone in town began making a racket.
"What, what? What happened?" Carina, utterly confused, leaned over the ship's rail and stretched out to watch the excitement, her two hot-water bags swaying precariously over the water, looking incredibly sexy.
"It's started, it's started! The Revolutionary Army and the Marines are fighting again!" The nearby merchant ships stopped moving as well, all halting in place to watch. The sailors aboard shouted loudly about something, but only indistinct noise carried over through the roar of their voices.
"Come on, place your bets! The fight's about to start! Betting closes once they begin!" Someone on the ship actually started taking wagers right away, loudly urging the sailors to bet.
There were no women at sea and no other entertainment, so naturally drinking and gambling were the only ways to vent their emotions. Otherwise, why did merchant ships so often moonlight as pirates in the old days? If a captain lacked authority and the crew's pent-up emotions reached their limit, then unless those energetic sailors were allowed to let off steam, they would be doomed.
As they happily began placing bets, the little wax boat slowly drifted into the harbor.
"This is everyday life in Loguetown." Mr. 1 could not help smiling as he explained to Luffy and the others. "This is one of the few cities jointly governed by the Revolutionary Army and the Marines. It is also the only departure point from the East Blue into the Grand Line, so it occupies a vital route. Neither side is willing to give it up.
"The Revolutionary Army's influence extends here through the Grand Line, while the Marines were already established here.