One Piece - Heaven Defying Comprehension!

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Logue Town…

"What a big town!" Kaya exclaimed, her wide eyes sparkling as she gazed at the bustling streets.

Having been confined to her home due to frailty for most of her life, the farthest she had ever traveled was her village. This lively town was a completely new experience for her.

"This is the last stop for pirates heading to the Grand Line. You can find almost anything you need for a voyage here," Nami explained with a smile.

"Amazing!" Kaya responded with excitement.

Nojiko, who stood beside them, also had a look of anticipation on her face. Unlike Nami, who had ventured far from home in her quest to save the village, Nojiko had spent most of her time in Bell-mère's orange grove. Now, she was eager to explore the town and perhaps find a new gun.

"Alright, let's split up. You guys can buy what you need. I'm heading to the execution platform where that man was executed," Ace announced with a casual smile.

Over the past few days, the girls had significantly improved their skills thanks to Ace's guidance, and in the relatively safe East Blue, they could now handle themselves well. Even if something unexpected happened, Ace could track them with his Observation Haki. But honestly, he mostly wanted to avoid the hassle of shopping with women.

"That man? Do you mean the Pirate King, Gol D Roger?" Nami asked, surprised.

Ace waved dismissively as he began walking away. "Yep. Go ahead and enjoy yourselves. Don't worry about the cost."

"Ace..." Kaya called out, wanting to follow him, but Nojiko gently held her back.

"Kaya, men need their own space sometimes," Nojiko said with a knowing smile.

Kaya blushed deeply in response.

"Okay! Let's go have some fun shopping!" Nami exclaimed, full of energy.

——

At the Logue Town Marine Branch…

"Huff, huff…"

The office of the commanding officer was thick with smoke, creating an almost suffocating atmosphere.

Bang!

Suddenly, the door burst open, and a marine sailor stumbled in, coughing violently.

"Colonel Smoker! Cough, cough!"

Smoker didn't even flinch. "Didn't I tell you not to disturb me when I'm smoking? Failed again…" he said calmly, taking another drag of his cigar.

Despite his words, Smoker got up and opened the window, allowing the room to air out. "So, what's the issue?"

"Sir! We've received word from headquarters. Flame Man, Portgas D. Ace, is headed for Logue Town. In fact, he may already be here!" The marine's voice was urgent and filled with concern.

"That's the pirate who wiped out Arlong's crew and killed Colonel Nezumi. His bounty is 35 million Berries!"

"35 million, huh?" Smoker's eyes narrowed slightly at the mention of the figure. In East Blue, where bounties were usually in the millions, a 35 million bounty was almost unheard of. Even in the Grand Line, it was considered substantial.

"Colonel Smoker, the troops are assembled and ready to mobilize!" The marine snapped to attention.

"No need. I'll handle this myself," Smoker said, picking up his jitte, a weapon embedded with Seastone.

"But, sir! That's a pirate with a 35 million Berry bounty!" The marine stammered, clearly nervous.

Smoker shot him a calm but piercing look. "Since I took command here, how many pirates have managed to pass through Logue Town and enter the Grand Line?"

The marine fell silent, unable to respond.

"Where's Tashigi?" Smoker asked as he headed for the door.

"Uh, yes, sir! Chief Petty Officer Tashigi went out to celebrate her promotion. She said she was going for a walk around town," the marine answered quickly.

"That girl…" Smoker sighed, rubbing his forehead in exasperation. "She's probably at some sword shop again."

With that, Smoker stepped out of the office, muttering to himself, "Let's see if this pirate with a 35 million Berry bounty is as interesting as they say."

——

Meanwhile, on the streets of Logue Town…

"Hm hm hm~"

Tashigi hummed happily to herself as she strolled through the bustling streets. Today was a special day for her—she had just been promoted to Chief Petty Officer!

Though she wasn't the type to care much about rank, the promotion came with a significant salary bump, and that was something to celebrate. After saving for a few more years, maybe she could finally afford one of the famous swords she'd been eyeing.

Just the thought filled her with joy.

Crash!

"Oof!"

Suddenly, Tashigi collided with something—or someone—and fell to the ground with a yelp.

"My glasses! My glasses!" She frantically patted the ground, trying to find her fallen spectacles. Her vision was too blurry to make out anything clearly.

"Are you looking for these?"

A voice chuckled softly, and a blurry figure appeared in front of her, holding out her glasses.

Even though she couldn't see the person clearly, Tashigi could feel a gentle warmth in his smile.

"Thank you! Thank you so much!" she quickly put on her glasses and stood up, bowing deeply in gratitude.

"No need to thank me. I should be the one apologizing for bumping into you," Ace said, smiling as he looked at her.

Tashigi, now able to see clearly, glanced up at Ace with wide eyes.

Ace studied her for a moment, a slight grin on his face. Well, well… a fitting swordman for my crew…