One Piece: The Saiyan Pirate

Chapter 38: The Log Pose Search

Goku and Nami strolled through the crowded streets of Logue Town, their eyes scanning the numerous shops and stalls lining the busy marketplace. Merchants shouted out their wares, each promising the best deals on everything from exotic fruits to weapons. The air was filled with the scent of fresh food, mingling with the salty breeze from the nearby harbor. Despite the task at hand, Nami's attention kept drifting to the various stalls showcasing colorful dresses, shoes, and accessories.

"Oh! Look at this one!" Nami exclaimed, her eyes sparkling as she darted toward a stand displaying a variety of vibrant scarves and summer dresses. She held up a light blue scarf, admiring its delicate embroidery. "Isn't it beautiful, Goku? I could wear this when we reach a warmer island."

Goku, watching her with amusement, scratched the back of his head. "Nami, we're supposed to be looking for that Log Pose, remember? We can't exactly navigate the Grand Line with a bunch of scarves."

Nami pouted playfully, putting the scarf back with a sigh. "I know, I know. But come on, it's not every day we get to visit a town like this. I can at least look, right?"

Goku chuckled softly but nudged her back toward the rows of shops more fitting for their mission. "You'll have time for shopping later. We need to find that Log Pose. You know the compass doesn't work on the Grand Line—without the Log Pose, we won't know which islands to sail to."

Nami gave a half-hearted nod as she reluctantly pulled herself away from another display of shoes. "You're right," she muttered, her gaze lingering on a particularly flashy pair of heels. "But this town has too many distractions."

As they continued their search, their conversation caught the attention of an elderly stall owner, who had been quietly observing them from his small, unassuming stand at the end of the market. He had a wrinkled face framed by a long, wispy beard, and his deep-set eyes gleamed with a mixture of curiosity and wisdom. With a crooked finger, he beckoned them over.

"You two are looking for a Log Pose, aren't you?" the old man asked, his voice low but clear, with a hint of mystery in it.

Goku and Nami exchanged a glance before walking over to the stall. The old man leaned forward slightly, his weathered hands resting on the counter in front of him.

"You're not going to find one at any of these shops," he said in a hushed tone. "But I might be able to help you."

Nami's eyes narrowed with interest. "You know where we can find a Log Pose?"

The old man nodded slowly, his gaze shifting from Nami to Goku, as if weighing whether he should trust them. "There's only one place in Logue Town where you'll find a Log Pose, and that's at the marine base. It's not something they just hand out to pirates, you know."

Goku frowned. "The marine base?"

The elderly man nodded again, his voice lowering even further as he glanced around to make sure no one was eavesdropping. "This entire island is heavily guarded by a powerful marine captain. His name is Smoker, and he's not someone you want to cross. The moment he catches wind of a pirate with a bounty as high as yours, he'll come after you without hesitation."

Nami's face paled slightly, her eyes darting to Goku's. "Captain Smoker?" she echoed, the name triggering memories of stories she had heard during her time in Arlong Park. He was a marine known for his tenacity and strength, a man whose very presence made pirates tremble.

The old man continued, his gaze fixed on Goku now. "If you're planning on stealing a Log Pose from the marine base, you'd better be ready for a fight. Smoker doesn't let anyone get away easily."

Goku clenched his fists for a moment, considering the challenge. He had never backed down from a fight before, and the thought of testing himself against someone powerful intrigued him. But before he could say anything, Nami placed a hand on his arm, her expression thoughtful.

"Thank you for the information," Nami said to the old man, before turning to Goku. "We'll figure something out."

As they walked away from the stall, Nami glanced back over her shoulder to make sure no one was following them. "Goku," she began quietly, "I think I should be the one to handle this."

Goku blinked, his surprise evident. "You? But the marines are after me, not you. If anyone should go, it's me."

Nami shook her head, her determination clear. "That's exactly why I should do it. You've got a huge bounty now. If you walk anywhere near that marine base, you'll be recognized immediately. Besides, I'm a lot better at sneaking around than you are."

Goku crossed his arms, clearly not liking the idea of her going in alone. "But it could be dangerous. Smoker sounds like a real problem."

"I'm not just your woman, Goku," Nami said firmly, stepping in front of him. "I'm the navigator of this crew. And if we're going to make it to the Grand Line, we need that Log Pose. I can do this." Her tone was confident, and her amber eyes sparkled with resolve.

Goku hesitated for a moment, then sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "You're right. I can't argue with you when you're like this."

A small smile tugged at the corner of Nami's lips. "You'd better not."

He placed a hand on her shoulder, his usual carefree demeanor softening for a moment. "Just… be careful, alright? We can't afford to lose you."

Nami smiled, leaning up to kiss him on the cheek. "I'll be fine. Trust me."

Goku nodded, reluctantly agreeing. "Good luck. I'll be around if things get hairy." As Nami turned to walk away, Goku called after her, "And don't get distracted by shopping this time!"

She shot him a playful glare before disappearing into the bustling crowd.

---

Goku watched Nami's form disappear into the crowd, his mind already racing with thoughts of what to do next. The old man at the stall had seemed like the kind of person who knew more than just the location of the Log Pose. Something about the way he spoke, the way his eyes flickered with knowledge and secrets, had piqued Goku's curiosity.

Turning on his heel, Goku made his way back to the old man's stall. When he arrived, the elderly merchant was still sitting there, seemingly lost in thought.

"Hey, old man," Goku said as he approached. The stall owner looked up, a knowing smile forming on his weathered face. "You said Smoker's dangerous, but you also seem like someone who knows more than what you let on. I've got a few questions if you don't mind."

The old man chuckled softly, leaning back in his chair. "Ah, so the young pirate has come back for more. What is it you want to know?"

Goku crossed his arms, his expression serious. "You've been around for a long time, haven't you? You must've seen a lot in this town. I was wondering if you know anything about Gol D. Roger. This was where he was executed, right?"

The old man's eyes darkened slightly, his smile fading. "Gol D. Roger, the Pirate King… yes, this is where he met his end. I was here the day they brought him out to the execution platform. The whole town came to watch, thinking they'd see the fall of a legend."

Goku listened intently, his curiosity deepening. "What was he like?"

The old man's voice grew softer, almost reverent. "Even in chains, he held his head high. There was a fire in his eyes, a strength that not even the marines could break. He smiled, even as they prepared to take his life. And before they did… he said something that would change the world."

"What did he say?" Goku leaned in, his curiosity piqued.

The old man smiled faintly. "He told the crowd that his treasure, the One Piece, was out there for anyone brave enough to find it. That was the spark that lit the flame. From that moment, countless pirates set sail in search of his treasure, and the Great Pirate Era began."

Goku stood in silence for a moment, absorbing the old man's words. "Do you think I could find it?" he asked, almost absentmindedly.

The old man's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Who knows, boy. Many have tried, and none have succeeded. But if you've got the will and the strength, maybe you'll be the one to claim Roger's treasure. Or maybe you'll find something even greater."

Goku smiled. "Thanks, old man. I'll keep that in mind."

As he walked away from the stall, his mind buzzed with thoughts of Gol D. Roger, the Grand Line, and the challenges that lay ahead. He had a feeling that Logue Town would be more than just a pit stop for supplies. Something big was waiting for them here. Something that would change their journey forever.

[A/N: Read 20 chapters ahead available on patreon.com/saiyanprincenovels]