Chapter 80

Going Merry, on deck.

"Let's set sail!" Nami's voice echoed, and Tashigi quickly lowered the sails from the mast.

"Vivi, is your Log Pose pointing to Alabasta? if so, that would be great!" Nami checked her Log Pose and remarked.

"Yes, this Log Pose only points to Alabasta!" Vivi held up another Log Pose. "And this one records the magnetic fields of the next island. Whether we want to go there is up to us!"

"Ah... the captain has the last word! But we don't have to worry about him, he's the big boss after all!" Nami gestured to Ron, who was sitting in a deck chair, looking completely relaxed.

"I'm going to take a little break, wake me when we arrive!" Ron leaned back and pretended to fall asleep.

Shameful!

In the Grand Line, the Eternal Log Pose only points to one island; the recording Log Pose is the compass that records the various magnetic fields of the islands. Ron neglected this plot detail for far too long; it completely slipped his mind!

But it's no big deal; he's the captain. His oversight isn't their problem. 

The Going Merry departed from the island which was located between Whisky Peak and Little Garden, but was not widely known. Their course was set for the island of Alabasta.

Alabasta was one of the great powers in the first half of the Grand Line. Once a mighty kingdom, it stood as one of the key nations of the World Government. However, targeted by the Crocodile, the kingdom faced escalating turmoil, with widespread civil unrest and revolutionary movements attempting to overthrow the monarchy.

"This weather is pretty rough!" Nami sighed, looking at the hot and cloudless sky.

Vivi smiled and remarked, "This is the nature of the Grand Line; you have to get used to it. That's why the Recording Log Pose and the Eternal Log Pose are invaluable!"

"Fortunately, we have Vivi!" Nami grinned. "At least now we won't get lost."

" I really appreciate your help!" Vivi replied warmly.

"But let's not forget our reward," Nami winked.

"Oh dear," Vivi's expression changed from surprise to uncertainty. "This is quite a sum of money, I'm afraid it's beyond my means..."

"Don't worry!" Nami reassured with a smile. "Let's discuss the payment after we've helped you solve your problems!"

"Agreed!" Vivi nodded.

Her main concern was to return home and check on Igaram and Karoo. (T/N: What about your Dad?)

"I wonder how Igaram and Karoo are doing... Oh dear!" Vivi sighed.

The Merry followed the current and sailed off into the distance.

Meanwhile, in Alabasta, in Crocodile's casino.

"What?" Crocodile's face twisted in anger as he read the message from the unlucky duo before him. "Did Ron really say that?" (T/N: Mr. 13 and Miss Friday are referred to as the Unluckies)

The duo quickly transcribed the pictures and Ron's words onto paper.

"Outrageous!" Crocodile slammed his hand down on the table in anger. "Does this man really think he is invincible?"

Crocodile watched the distraught duo and waved them off, irritated.

"Ron, hmph!" Crocodile snorted coldly. "I had no intention of facing you, but if you seek your own demise, then I cannot be blamed!"

"Bring them in!" Crocodile ordered, and two people entered, a man with a three on his head and a young girl with a drawing board on her back.

"Mr. 3, Miss Goldenweek, can you eliminate the Sword and Rose Pirates for me?" Crocodile whispered.

"Mission accepted boss!" Mr. 3 declared.

The young girl, however, remained indifferent, pursing her lips.

Watching them leave, Crocodile relaxed slightly. "Although this man is powerful enough to defeat Miss Valentine and Mr. 5, with Mr. 3 and Miss Goldenweek, there shouldn't be any problem!"

Crocodile's eyes gleamed coldly. "If they fail against such an obstacle, then I won't have to get my hands dirty!"

The Merry finally arrived at an island, riding the waves.

"Have we reached our destination?" Nami asked, looking uncertainly at the island ahead and turning to Princess Vivi.

"Not here," Vivi shook her head. Familiar with Alabasta's location, she knew this island wasn't the one they were looking for.

"Should we disembark?" Nojiko inquired.

"I'll ask our captain, who seems blissfully unaware," Nami said, walking over to Ron, who was lounging under the umbrella. (T/N: Imagine her being sarcasic)

"What's going on?" Ron, always alert, couldn't really rest.

"We've reached an island, but it's not Alabasta," Nami explained. "What should we do next?"

"Do we have enough supplies on board?" Ron inquired.

"We are running low," Nami replied after a short pause.

"Then let's go to the island and restock!" Ron declared, getting up and stretching. Then he asked, "But which island is that?"

The corners of Nami's mouth twitched. "You're deciding so quickly without even knowing where we are?"

"We're going to the island!"

Ignoring the confused looks of Nami and the other girls, Ron bounded towards the island.

"Hey, hey, why are you leaving?" Nami shouted in frustration. "What are we going to do here? Who's going to watch the ship?"

Ron stood on the island and scanned his surroundings. When he heard Nami's protest, he turned around and said, "Come down, let's go together. How could I leave you behind? Am I that kind of person?"

"Yes!" Nami replied curtly.

Ron immediately touched his nose. How could he, someone who cared deeply for his crewmates, leave Nami alone?

On the other hand, Nami had been acting strangely lately, always singling him out. Was it jealousy?

Ron turned his head to look at Nami, who was chatting and laughing with Vivi, and shook his head. No, if she were really jealous, would she be so friendly with Vivi?

Could he be wrong?

No way!

There must be something he hadn't noticed!

"Brother Ron, let's go together!" Kaya ran over and hugged Ron's arm with a smile.

"Me too, me too!" Apis joined them, holding the baby dragon and tugging at Ron's arm.

"I'm not leaving you behind!" Ron chuckled. "And I could never forget you, Apis!"

"Brother Ron is the best!" Apis grinned happily.