One Piece: Conquering Wanokuni at Start

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The next destination was Al Island, where Hogback resided. Alex entrusted Laffitte, who was more familiar with West Blue, to handle navigation.

"A rising star in the medical world—said to be a master of surgery," Laffitte commented, twirling his cane. He seemed to know a bit about the doctor Alex was interested in.

Surgery was a rare practice in Wanokuni, where medical advancements lagged behind. Hogback's skill could be invaluable to Alex, particularly given Wanokuni's limited access to modern surgical techniques.

From what Alex knew, Hogback was a brilliant but morally questionable doctor—more concerned with wealth than his patients' lives. Controlling someone like that would be straightforward; he might not even need to rely on manipulation if money could persuade him. Given that Hogback was still a relatively new talent in West Blue, a generous offer might be all it took to secure his services.

This left only one other potential recruit in West Blue: Perona. However, at six years old, she was still a child and unlikely to be lured out the way Robin had been. Tracking her down now would be difficult, and considering her close bond with Moriah, it might be simpler to approach her in the future. Alex knew that Perona revered Moriah, much like Maria did him.

"It seems you know West Blue better than most," Alex remarked, turning to Laffitte with a calculating gaze.

Laffitte merely shrugged. "I enjoy keeping up with the news. I read newspapers and follow overseas reports. What I know of West Blue mostly comes from that."

Alex nodded thoughtfully, then decided to ask a question on a whim. "Have you come across any rumors… about ghosts?"

"Ghosts?" Laffitte raised an eyebrow, not entirely sure why Alex would bring up such a topic but giving it some thought anyway.

Unexpectedly, Robin, who'd been quietly listening, spoke up. "There's a place—Bakkera Village. I've heard ghost sightings are reported there."

Alex turned to her, intrigued. "Robin, do you know something about this?"

"Yes," she replied, looking up from her book. "I once considered hiding there, but I heard rumors about ghosts haunting the area, so I decided against it."

Yamato burst out laughing. "Robin, were you scared?"

Robin shook her head calmly. "No. I was just concerned that the strange occurrences might draw unwanted attention. It didn't seem like a safe choice."

"I don't believe you," Yamato teased, grinning playfully before turning to Alex, eyes gleaming with excitement. She clung to his arm, tugging insistently. "Alex, let's go see this ghost!" 

Amused, Alex looked at Yamato's eager expression, sensing that a visit to Bakkera Village might offer more than just a detour.

Yamato, thrilled by the idea of exploring the rumored haunted village, eagerly watched as Laffitte pulled out the map and located Bakkera Village. Seeing Alex approve her request, she started bouncing excitedly, unable to contain her anticipation.

In contrast, Maria frowned, watching Yamato with mild concern. "That's hardly how a proper lady should act," she sighed.

Though she was a fearsome spider in battle, Maria was still young and, unlike Yamato, found ghosts and spooky tales unsettling. The idea of venturing into a haunted village didn't sit well with her.

Alex placed a reassuring hand on Maria's golden hair. "There's no need to worry. Most so-called ghosts are usually just the work of a Devil Fruit. If you're nervous, stay by my side."

Maria's face softened, and she smiled, nestling closer to Alex. "Thank you, Master Alex!"

Alex, amused by her reaction, glanced over and noticed Robin observing the exchange quietly. "Robin," he said, "you're welcome to stay close as well if you'd like."

Robin blushed, quickly looking away. "No… no need," she replied, her tone a bit flustered.

She had only recently joined them and felt a mix of restraint and vigilance, still trying to understand the dynamics of this new group. Yet, she couldn't help but think of her late friend Saul; Alex's gentle manner toward his crew reminded her of him in a surprising way.

After examining the map, Laffitte announced, "Captain Alex, Bakkera Village isn't far from here."

Alex checked the map. It seemed Robin's childhood hiding places had been close by. With a nod, he adjusted their course, guiding the ship with speed, and they arrived in just a day.

Bakkera Village wasn't a thriving kingdom or populated settlement. The ship hovered in the sky as they approached, drifting over the empty streets. The ghost rumors had clearly driven the locals away; the village and surrounding area were silent, void of any signs of life.

"This place feels eerie," Maria murmured, clinging to Alex's arm. The sun was obscured by a thick layer of clouds and mist, making the area dark despite it being midday. The gloomy atmosphere, coupled with the ghostly rumors, cast a chilling mood over the landscape.

The chefs and geishas from Wanokuni huddled closer to one another, uneasy, but Yamato and Robin leaned against the railing, scanning the scene with curious expressions. They didn't seem scared in the slightest, their eyes bright with interest.

They passed through the empty village, moving toward a small, overgrown cemetery. It was here that Alex finally noticed a figure—a small girl with pink hair, nibbling on what seemed to be offerings left behind.

"So this is the ghost everyone's been talking about," Alex muttered, amused.

He gently nudged Maria aside and jumped down from the ship, landing silently behind the little girl. Perona, oblivious to his presence, continued munching on the sacrificial food, looking content.

"Is that stuff any good?" Alex asked from behind her, his tone casual.

Perona whipped around, her eyes widening in shock. She took one look at the towering figure before her, food still in her mouth, and promptly fainted.

Alex sighed, surprised but amused by her reaction. Glancing at the dusty offerings in her hand, he wrinkled his nose, feeling a mix of disgust and pity. Even as a small, scrappy child, Perona looked unmistakably like the figure he remembered, though she was rough around the edges from her circumstances, much like Maria had been when they'd first met.

"Well," he muttered, bending down, "since she's already out cold, might as well bring her back to the ship and let the crew clean her up."

He lifted Perona gently, carrying her back to the ship.