Shells Town, harbor.
The morning sun spilled across the calm sea, scattering flecks of golden light. A battered little wooden boat rocked its way to shore, and Luffy leaped from it, landing steadily on the dock.
He stretched lazily and looked over the bustling town before him, his heart swelling with ambition.
"Alright! This is the first stop on my adventure!"
After safely escorting the kidnapped villagers back to Foosha Village, Luffy had given everyone a proper farewell before setting sail alone. The reason was simple: Mount Colubo could no longer help him grow stronger. Staying in his hometown would only waste time.
"I'm starving..."
His lofty spirit lasted less than three minutes. Luffy soon drooped his head weakly as his stomach let out an earth-shaking growl.
His gaze swept across the town before his eyes. Suddenly, his eyes lit up, and he sprinted toward an open tavern.
More than ten minutes later, the tavern owner and her daughter Rika stood around Luffy's table, staring in shock. They had never seen anyone with such an enormous appetite.
Luffy's belly was round and swollen, while the table before him was piled high with a small mountain of empty plates.
He burped contentedly, stood up, and rummaged through his pockets until he pulled out a crumpled stack of Beli notes to pay the bill. This was the pirate startup fund he had saved over the past two years by living frugally.
Most pirates simply got up and left after eating, but Luffy was an exception.
With a loud bang, the tavern doors were kicked open. Helmeppo swaggered in, followed by two slovenly Marine Soldiers. The moment he spotted the money in Luffy's hand, his eyes gleamed greedily.
"Hey, brat! Hand over the money in your hand!"
Luffy had no intention of indulging