Chapter 52: Red-Haired Pirates

Chapter 52: Red-Haired Pirates

For the Fish-Men, crossing the Calm Belt was much easier than for other races. By communicating with schools of fish, they could avoid many dangers. While it wasn't as simple and effective as the Marines embedding Seastone into the bottom of their ships, it was still sufficient to ensure safety.

The news of Chu Yang's impending departure caused quite a stir on the ship. After fighting side by side for several months, most of the Fish-Men on board had already come to regard Chu Yang as a comrade.

Even the extreme Fish-Men led by Arlong no longer opposed Chu Yang. Beyond their respect for his strength, they also felt some gratitude.

People's hearts are made of flesh.

Everyone knew that without Chu Yang, many on this ship would have died or been injured under the relentless pursuit of the Marines.

Some might not say it aloud, but in their hearts, they still appreciated Chu Yang's help.

A vague sadness began to spread across the ship.

Except for Arlong, every Fish-Man wore a heavy expression on their face.

"Everyone really likes you," Jinbe said, still unwilling to give up on convincing Chu Yang to stay.

"I'll come back to visit within three years!" Chu Yang vowed confidently, knowing that in three years, Tiger would meet with tragedy, and he intended to change that.

The Sun Pirates took three days to cross the Calm Belt.

During that time, there were some unexpected crises, but the overall risk remained manageable.

Upon reaching the East Blue, under the cover of moonlight, Tiger dropped Chu Yang off on a small island. He left a small boat behind and hurriedly departed with his crew.

Chu Yang spent the night on the shore, and the next morning, he asked the local residents for directions to the Goa Kingdom and purchased an expensive map.

The small boat was stocked with supplies left by Tiger and his crew, saving Chu Yang the time of gathering provisions. After getting the information he needed, he immediately set off for Foosha Village.

Sailing in the Four Seas was relatively easy. Apart from being cautious when passing some islands, the sea was the safest part. This was the exact opposite of the Grand Line.

With the steering techniques he learned from Jinbe, Chu Yang skillfully navigated the small boat, just a few meters long, swiftly toward his destination, carried by the wind.

After another day's journey, Chu Yang successfully reached the only port town of the Goa Kingdom.

Foosha Village!

This place was a hidden gem, not only being the hometown of the naval hero Garp but also the birthplace of the Revolutionary Army leader Dragon, as well as the future Pirate King.

It was the childhood home of the Pirate King Roger's son and the future second-in-command of the Revolutionary Army. Even the Yonko Shanks left an arm here.

Looking at the entire history of anime, is there any more famous "starter village"?

These figures had elevated the Goa Kingdom to a level far beyond what it deserved!

Before even approaching the port, Chu Yang spotted a massive pirate ship floating on the sea near the shore, its pirate flag bearing a skull with three red claw marks across the eye sockets and two crossed swords behind it.

"The Red Force!"

The moment he saw the pirate flag, Chu Yang's heart trembled. Before arriving, he had worried that he might miss Shanks' time in Foosha Village, but now all his concerns vanished.

No other ships dared to approach the Red Force.

Chu Yang didn't recklessly steer his boat towards it either. Instead, he quietly docked his boat on the shore.

Using his Observation Haki, Chu Yang scanned the Red Force and found that only a few crew members were on deck. He then headed straight to the village's only tavern.

Foosha Village wasn't large, and after asking a few villagers, Chu Yang easily located the tavern run by Makino.

"Where's this little kid from? So young, and already out here looking for a drink?"

"Hey kid, where are your parents? You shouldn't be going to a tavern by yourself."

"There are pirates in there! A kid like you should stay far away!"

Chu Yang ignored all the well-meaning advice and headed straight into the tavern, now occupied by the Red-Haired Pirates. Inside, the place was filled with laughter and merriment.

That was typical of the Red-Haired Pirates. They'd throw small parties every three days, big parties every five, and when they weren't partying, they were either fighting or on their way to a fight.

Fighting—Partying—Fighting—Partying...

An endless cycle.

This tradition was passed down from the Pirate King Roger's ship, and Luffy's Straw Hat Pirates later inherited it as well, though almost every fight Luffy faced was a life-or-death struggle.

The tavern was lively, with singing and dancing. The atmosphere was vibrant, and little Luffy was clowning around, making the Red-Haired Pirates laugh loudly.

Most people didn't notice when a teenager walked in, except for the tavern owner, Makino.

"Did you come to the wrong place, young man? This isn't a place for meals," Makino kindly reminded. While she felt the pirates in her tavern weren't bad people, she still hoped Chu Yang would leave quickly.

"One rum, please," Chu Yang said as he calmly sat at the bar, his demeanor exuding a maturity beyond his years.

Makino blinked in surprise, then firmly shook her head, her tone uncharacteristically stern. "Sorry, I can't serve rum to a child, not even the weakest kind."

At that moment, a crew member noticed Chu Yang, and someone immediately started egging him on. "Hey, barkeep, give the kid a drink, put it on my tab! A little man is still a man, and what kind of man doesn't drink?"

"How could you offer alcohol to a child?" Makino glared angrily at the pirate. "If you keep talking nonsense, none of you will get any drinks today!"

The pirate sheepishly sat down, drawing loud laughter from his crewmates.

If this were any other pirate crew, Makino's attitude would have gotten her killed, but among the Red-Haired Pirates, it became a source of amusement.

The laughter grew louder, and the playful stares made Chu Yang reluctantly lie, "I'm already an adult, I just had an illness before, so I didn't grow tall."

It was a flimsy lie, and most people wouldn't believe it, but the simple-hearted Makino did.

"Really?" Makino gasped, then quickly apologized, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have spoken so hastily."

Chu Yang smiled. "I'll forgive you if you quickly bring me my rum."

"Please wait a moment." Makino turned to the cabinet to fetch the drink.

"Hey... kid, lying to adults isn't a good habit," said a red-haired man with a prominent scar over his left eye, suddenly appearing beside Chu Yang. He draped an arm over Chu Yang's shoulders and said, "When I was your age, I was curious about alcohol too, so I get it, but next time, don't lie."

Chu Yang didn't respond, turning his face away in apparent distaste, perhaps for the man's scolding tone or for the strong scent of alcohol emanating from him.