Thrown into the Blue

So far, it had been smooth sailing since the group left the Baratie. The waves were calm, the sun warm, and the breeze just right. Luffy sat perched at the bow of Sanji's small ship like a king on a throne, hair tousled by the wind. Yosaku and Sanji were taking a much-needed rest, sprawled out and snoring lightly.

Mel, on the other hand, leaned against the side of the boat, her eyes quietly tracking the school of flying fish that had been swimming alongside them for a while now. With a flick of her fingers, she playfully sent little ripples their way—tiny, teasing waves that made the fish leap and dance in return. She grinned softly at the sight, feeling oddly at peace.

A loud yawn suddenly snapped her out of her trance.

"The weather's perfect!" Luffy stretched his limbs like a lazy cat and then jumped off the bow, dashing toward the stern. "So the Grand Line's over in that direction?" He spun around dramatically, pointing toward the horizon. "Or is it over that way? Or maybe that way?! Mel, is it this way?!"

Mel blinked at him, genuinely puzzled, then tilted her head. "How should I know?" she shrugged, hands raised in mock innocence. "Do I look like a navigator to you?"

Luffy paused mid-spin, squinting at her thoughtfully. "Hmm... No, not really."

"Exactly," she smirked, sticking out her tongue before adding with a snort, "I can barely read a map without turning it upside down."

"Well, we're gonna need Nami back soon, then," Luffy laughed, clearly not at all concerned.

Mel nodded with a dramatic sigh. "Yup. Before you accidentally sail us into a whirlpool or a sea king's breakfast plate."

—

So far, things had been going smoothly since leaving the Baratie. The sea was calm, the sky was clear, and the gentle waves made for a peaceful journey. Luffy sat atop the bow, stretching with a loud yawn.

"The weather's perfect!" he declared before hopping down and rushing to the stern. "Now that we've got a chef on our crew, we just need to find Nami so we can finally head for the Grand Line!"

"Nami-san..." Sanji sighed dreamily, exhaling a heart-shaped puff of smoke. "Just thinking about her and Mel-koi's inexplicable beauty fills my heart with joy! I can't wait to see her again~"

Mel gave him a flat look. "You're ridiculously dramatic."

Sanji only grinned in response, clearly unbothered.

Meanwhile, Luffy plopped himself onto the railing. "Hey, Yosaku! We're almost there, right? The island where Nami is?" he asked, bouncing with excitement.

Yosaku, however, had clearly had enough of Luffy's carefree attitude. Slamming his hand onto his knee, he pointed at the rubber boy with an exasperated glare.

"You're way too naïve! Don't you get it?! We're heading straight for Arlong's base! When Nami-aneki saw his bounty, she studied his picture like a hawk. Things aren't as simple as they seem—she might've already snuck into Arlong's base by now!"

Luffy blinked, unfazed. "It's about time for lunch, don't you think?"

Sanji nodded instantly. "Yeah."

Mel chuckled, stretching her arms. "Food actually sounds pretty good."

Yosaku let out a frustrated cry. "DON'T TELL ME YOU'VE NEVER HEARD OF ARLONG?!"

"Arlong?" Sanji echoed.

Luffy tilted his head. "Never heard of him."

Yosaku groaned, looking absolutely defeated. Then, out of nowhere, he pulled out a whistle and blew it loudly to grab everyone's attention. "Alright, listen up! Arlong is a fishman who's already been to the Grand Line."