The small port island where the Grand Fortuna had docked felt lively that morning. The salty air mingled with the aroma of seafood dishes drifting from the street stalls, accompanied by the sounds of haggling, vendors shouting, and the soft chime of bells hanging in every corner of the shops. Fishermen's boats had just returned, bringing in the morning catch: pufferfish, octopus, and even a small shark tied up like a trophy.
Amid the bustle, two girls walked side by side—Nara with a laid-back air, one hand in her pocket and a pack of dried fish snacks in the other, while Juno looked more enthusiastic than usual, her eyes scanning every storefront they passed.
"Juno, since when do you like shopping?" Nara asked, chewing, one eyebrow raised in half-teasing curiosity.
Juno turned quickly, her cheeks reddening like a boiled crab. "Since I saw a 70% discount," she replied instantly, making Nara burst out laughing and nearly choke.
"Ah, so this is all because of capitalism," Nara said dramatically. "I thought you were becoming feminine because of character development."
"Hey!" Juno pinched Nara's arm lightly. "I can be feminine and punch people. Multitalented."
They stopped in front of a small jewelry store, its walls decorated with seashell curtains and pastel-colored oil lamps. Juno tried on a pair of blue shell-shaped earrings, then stood in front of a mirror, tilting her head side to side while biting her lip.
"How do I look? Too flashy?" she asked hesitantly.
Nara squinted and nodded with exaggerated consideration. "They suit you… if you're trying to cosplay as a bootleg mermaid."
"Ha-ha. Very funny, Nara. When's your next stand-up show?"
"Tonight in the kitchen, during the 'Cook or Die' pineapple curry edition."
Juno laughed freely. "Don't tell me you're still bitter about me throwing away your pineapple curry yesterday."
"I'm not bitter," Nara replied with a fake sweet smile. "I just added it to the list… the long list."
They moved on to a weapon stall, where Nara was immediately captivated by a small black sword displayed in the case.
"This would be perfect for kitchen decor!" she exclaimed, pointing at it.
The shopkeeper—a burly man with a scar on his face—looked at her as if she had just confessed to being Kaido's descendant. "That... that's a Yoru replica! The legendary sword of Warlord Dracule Mihawk, miss!"
"Wow, perfect for cutting watermelon," Nara replied innocently.
The man looked up to the sky and muttered, "Why did God create pirates…"
They eventually sat down at a deep-sea takoyaki stand, its walls covered with wanted posters of pirates. Among them was one that looked very much like Bastien, though his hair was longer and the name underneath read: "Baston the Mad Gunner – 15,000,000 Beli."
Nara pointed at the poster and laughed. "Look, this is Bastien when he hasn't shaved for two weeks!"
Juno squinted. "Imagine if Arthur had a wanted poster that said: 'Wanted: For excessive yelling and breaking everything in sight.'"
"And below it, an extra note: 'Short, but loud.'"
Juno nearly spit out her takoyaki from laughing.
They enjoyed their food while soaking in the peaceful atmosphere of the small town. A little boy sold pirate ship-shaped balloons, a stray dog slept beneath their table, and the soft sound of violin music drifted from a nearby street.
Juno sighed. "You know, sometimes I forget we're pirates."
Nara nodded slightly, staring out the window toward the sea. "Yeah… But this is what it feels like to have a family. Even if it's made up of lunatics, explosives maniacs, and disaster curry specialists."
"And we love them, right?" Juno looked over.
"We love them... but I'll still throw that pineapple curry into the sea."
They both laughed, and for a moment, the world felt quiet. No ambushes. No dangerous missions. No explosions from Bastien's workshop.
Just two girls, walking lightly through a port town, with unhurried steps and genuine laughter.
And in the distance, the waves rolled gently, as if laughing along with them.