East Blue.
It was the Sunshine Adventure Group's third day at sea.
Luffy lay sprawled across the bow, looking utterly lifeless as his stomach growled for the umpteenth time.
"I'm starving to death..."
"I should've brought more meat."
When they set off, Makino had clearly packed plenty of food for him.
But Luffy had no concept of rationing.
He ate half of it on the first day and nearly finished the rest on the second.
By the morning of the third day, he had rummaged through the barrel that held the meat three times.
Now, only a few rock-hard pieces of bread remained. Luffy took a bite, chewed twice, then silently put it back.
"Doesn't taste good."
The sea breeze billowed the sails as the little boat slowly drifted toward the island ahead with the current.
Luffy had already made up his mind.
First, he would go ashore and find food. Then, he would look for companions.
Ideally, his first companion would be a cook—one who could make meat.
On the eastern side of the island.
A gaudily decorated ship was docked near the shore.
Its prow was shaped like a white swan, and large hearts were painted across its hull.
More than a dozen bandits were moving supplies across the deck.
Deep inside the cabin.
A pink-haired boy wearing glasses crouched beside a wooden barrel, clutching his stomach as he dry-heaved.
"Bleurgh—"
"Cough, cough..."
Coby's face was pale.
His clothes had long been stained beyond recognition, covered in dried filth. The sour stench coming from him could be smelled from far away.
Several bandits passing by pinched their noses.
"This guy threw up again."
"So disgusting."
"Hey, Coby!"
"After you're done puking, remember to scrub the deck clean!"
Coby's body trembled as he quickly lowered his head.
"Y-Yes!"