Chapter 279: Baltigo - Splitting Up

That evening.

A cargo ship carrying about a dozen people, all cloaked in brownish-gray capes, docked on a small island.

Except for the two people staying on the ship, everyone else disembarked.

"We'll split up for now." One of the cloaked men, having just stepped ashore, addressed the other two with him. After thinking for a moment, he added cautiously, "Let's regroup on the ship in an hour. In the meantime, Sabo, you go with those two."

"Alright." Sabo responded casually.

"What do you mean by that?" Enel asked with a displeased expression. "Are you trying to monitor me and Long Nose?"

The Revolutionary member, who had been trying to arrange for Sabo to accompany Enel and Kaku, sighed. "It's not about monitoring... I'm just worried you two will start fighting again. This island is small, and its inhabitants are ordinary folk who can't even fight. If you two cause trouble, it could mean disaster for this entire place."

Enel scowled. "What, do you think I have no self-control?!"

Everyone present went silent, sharing a collective inner thought: *Yes, you do...*

"Alright, alright." Kaku smiled helplessly. "Sabo can tag along with us. I do have a lot of things to buy, so I could use the help carrying stuff."

"No problem." Sabo nodded cheerfully. Suddenly, an idea crossed his mind, and he reached out toward his Revolutionary comrade. "Bellu, lend me some money. I want to buy a few things too."

The man called Bellu grimaced, reluctantly saying, "We don't have much money to spare. You should really cut down on the snacks."

Sabo protested, "Don't be so stingy. I'm sixteen; I'm still growing. What if I stop growing altogether?!"

Bellu sighed heavily.

Kaku looked at Sabo, who was already almost six feet tall, and couldn't help but remark, "Our captain is also nearly sixteen, and I give him the best food and care. How is he still so short?"

"Alright, alright, I'll give you some money." Bellu reluctantly took out a bit of the money they had set aside for supplies and handed it over.

Sabo grinned and eagerly pocketed it. "Enel, Kaku, let's go! Time for some shopping!"

"We're not here to have fun." Kaku followed, his tone helpless.

Enel sneered, "Now I have to babysit a bratty sixteen-year-old? What am I, a nanny?"

Kaku rolled his eyes. "Do you think you're in a position to say that?"

"Damn you, Long Nose!"

"Enough!" Kaku made a stopping gesture toward Enel. "If you want to fight, save it for when we get back to Baltigo. Otherwise, I'm not bringing you out again."

Enel remained silent.

"Hahaha." Sabo laughed heartily. "You two are hilarious together."

"Damn brat, laugh again, I dare you!" Enel shot Sabo an angry glare.

Sabo didn't seem fazed at all, smoothly changing the topic. "Why didn't Takumi come with us? Night markets are so much fun, and the food is great too."

"The captain isn't one for crowds." Kaku sighed, waving his hand dismissively. "I've tried to get him to come along when we go to other islands for supplies, but he always refuses. He'd rather stay on the ship and sleep than move around."

"Pffft." Sabo couldn't help but laugh again. "No wonder, hahaha! I think I might understand why Takumi hasn't grown taller."

After Sabo's comment, Kaku quickly caught on. The more he thought about it, the more sense it made. "I see... Looks like I'll have to find ways to get the captain out more often, make him exercise a bit."

"If you're not afraid of getting beaten up, go for it." Enel seemed indifferent to the idea of height. "What's wrong with being short? It doesn't affect his strength."

"True." Kaku couldn't help but laugh. "Still, if you pay attention, even though the captain never says anything, you can tell by his actions that he cares about his height. Are you, someone almost three meters tall, really the right person to be saying this?"

Enel scoffed, "Why not? I just don't get why height matters so much to you all. Does being taller give you any privileges? I'm this tall and I still get beaten up all the time."

"That's because you bring it on yourself," Kaku said, his voice filled with disdain. "I've never met someone as stubborn as you who refuses to learn from their mistakes. In a way, you're more obstinate than I am."

"Hahaha, alright, you two stop bickering." Sabo pointed at a lively, well-lit town up ahead. "The town may be small, but it has a lot of great food. Since our time is limited, let me take you to some of my favorite spots!"

"We're not here for a midnight snack." Kaku glanced at Sabo's excited expression, sighing. "I have lots of things to buy. I don't have time for a late-night snack. Tell you what, why don't you go eat on your own, and meet us at the ship later. Don't worry about Enel—I'll keep an eye on him."

"I want to eat too!" Enel protested. "We hardly ever get to go out. I want some snacks too."

Kaku groaned.

"Hahaha," Sabo laughed, "Alright, how about this? Enel and I will go eat while you go shopping, Kaku. We'll find you after we're done."

"Are you sure you can handle Enel?" Kaku asked doubtfully.

Sabo patted his chest confidently. "Don't worry, I've got this."

"Hey, what's that supposed to mean? You think I need a babysitter?!" Enel asked angrily.

Kaku ignored him and handed some money to Sabo. "You two can go together, but I'll trust you just this once. That money you have won't buy much food anyway. Take this."

"Hey, why don't I get any?" Enel started complaining.

Kaku didn't pay him any attention.

Sabo happily accepted the money. "Alright then, we'll split up here. I'll find you after Enel and I are done."

"Sounds good." Kaku nodded and quickly sped off to begin his errands.

Enel and Sabo made their way into the bustling night market of the small town, both excited and ready to feast.

Meanwhile...

At Marine Headquarters, inside Sengoku's office.

Sengoku was leisurely sipping tea while reading the newspaper when the Den Den Mushi on his desk began ringing.

Sengoku casually picked up the receiver.

A frantic voice came through the line.

"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, someone has reported seeing Takumi's crew on an island called Barras!"

____________________________

Support me

on Ko-fi

at ko-fi. com/gered 

to read up to chapter 330!

___________________________