Chapter 58: The Swift Sword, Yubashiri!
Meanwhile, after brusquely dismissing the surrounding Marines, Daz Bonez took Law to the weapon shop in Loguetown.
The shopkeeper, with his grog-blossomed nose and forked hair, though looking a bit younger than he would a few years later, said loudly after seeing Daz Bonez and Law walk in, "Welcome."
However, just as he was about to introduce his shop, Daz Bonez spoke up: "I hear you have a famous sword in your shop called Yubashiri. Is it for sale?"
Faced with Daz Bonez's directness, the shopkeeper was slightly taken aback, then said, "Customer, you don't look like a swordsman who uses a blade."
"I'm the one who needs a sword!" Law stepped forward and said.
"This customer, there's never been a merchant who doesn't do business, but my family heirloom, the price is not low." Rubbing his hands together, the owner held up his palm and spread his fingers.
"Deal. Bring the sword, I'll pay!" Seeing the owner's gesture, Bonez knew his asking price. Having handled hundreds of millions of Berries, would Bonez care about a mere five million?
He readily paid the money, and Law received the "Skillful Grade Sword" Yubashiri, which, a few years later, was supposed to be given by the shopkeeper to Roronoa Zoro.
Having Bonez take Law to buy this sword was a spur-of-the-moment idea from Buggy. It wasn't that he felt sorry for the sword's fate, but simply that Buggy needed to find a suitable weapon for his crewmate.
If he hadn't already given both of Golden Lion Shiki's famous swords to Sandersonia and Marigold, Buggy wouldn't have had Bonez take Law to buy a sword.
In any case, if they didn't buy Yubashiri, one of the 50 Skillful Grade Swords, it would just be taken by Roronoa Zoro and wasted. It was better to let Law use it.
As for the cursed sword in this shop, the Sandai Kitetsu, Buggy had never had any designs on it. Hadn't everyone seen Law almost get killed in the great battle at Dressrosa while using an unknown cursed sword? Not to mention the Sandai Kitetsu. Cursed swords slay their masters. If your fate isn't hard enough, don't touch them. Buggy understood this point.
Three hours later, the "Thor" set sail again under circumstances the Loguetown Marines had never expected, quickly disappearing over the coastline.
At this moment, Smoker, who had just been promoted to Major, was listening to a report from his subordinate.
"Major, news just came in. A red-nosed guy climbed onto the execution platform, paid respects to the Pirate King while claiming to be a member of his crew, and declared that he will soon form the Red Nose Pirates. According to what the crowd on the scene heard, this person seems to have a very close relationship with the great pirate Red-Haired Shanks."
"I have a bad feeling. It seems like big trouble is coming." Holding a cigar, Smoker said this while thinking of the man he had seen at the port.
I hope he has nothing to do with this matter, otherwise, what might happen is anyone's guess.
Leaving Loguetown, Hancock asked, "Brother Buggy, are we going directly to Kuja City next?"
"Before we go to Kuja City to pick up Paula and the others, we should make a stop at Momoiro Island in the Grand Line. The deal with Ivankov, haven't we been unable to find the time for it? Now is the time to make good on it. A set of recipes that can improve one's constitution is a rare secret. We'll go get those recipes and then head to Kuja City."
In mid-October 1514, the atmosphere on Momoiro Island was far from the usual festive mood of welcoming the new year. As for the reason, the okamas on the island had read about it in the newspapers a few months ago: their queen had been captured by the Marines and thrown into the great underwater prison, Impel Down.
Although Her Majesty had appointed an acting queen before the incident, the okamas on the island still seemed quite dejected.
And on this day, October 17th, a strange warship sailed into the waters of Momoiro Island.
Looking at the special island with its pink theme, Buggy, standing on the beach, couldn't help but shiver. Hancock, on the other hand, was deeply captivated by the pink scenery.
With heavy steps, Buggy led Hancock quickly towards the center of the island.
After a short while, Buggy saw two okamas discussing life under a tree.
Walking over, Buggy spoke first, "You two... ladies, may I ask if your acting queen is in?"
"Lady Caroline doesn't just meet with any nobody. Go away," one okama replied.
"You're looking for Lady Caroline? Oh, that red nose... I remember now! A few years ago, Her Majesty Ivankov told Lady Caroline that a red-nosed man would come here," the other okama suddenly said.
"Yes, I made a deal with Her Majesty Ivankov a few years ago, and now I'm here to collect the goods. Could you take me to see your acting queen, Lady Caroline?" Buggy said, looking at the two okamas with a constipated expression.
"With great pleasure!" that okama said, looking at the very polite Buggy.
"Thank you for your trouble. Here are some small gifts, a humble token of my appreciation." As he spoke, he signaled for Hancock to take out two sets of cosmetics they had prepared in advance.
"Oh my, handsome red-nosed man, you are so thoughtful! Please follow me, I'll take you to see Lady Caroline right away." The moment they saw that it was the latest cosmetics reported in the newspapers, both okamas' eyes lit up.
Following the two okamas to the castle where Caroline resided, Buggy soon met the lavishly dressed Caroline.
"Hello, Lady Caroline." Seeing Caroline's attire, Buggy's expression had returned to calm, and he used the address "Lady."
"Ohohoho, you must be the pirate Buggy that Her Majesty spoke of. I thought you wouldn't be here for a while longer. It's a pleasure to meet you." Caroline opened a small folding fan, covering her mouth as she tried her best to laugh softly.
"Hehe, I'm also very happy to meet you. To save time, shall we get straight to the point? I've come for the item from our deal. I believe Her Majesty Ivankov has already briefed you," Buggy asked quite directly.
"You mean the 99 Vitality Recipes, right? Although I don't understand why Her Majesty would have me give you a copy, Her Majesty's orders will be carried out." With Ivankov having given a heads-up, Caroline didn't make things difficult at all.
She directly put away her fan and clapped her hands. Immediately, a man in women's clothing walked in with a scroll.
"This is the secret recipe of the Kamabakka Kingdom, the 99 Vitality Recipes!" Holding the scroll in her hand, Caroline introduced it to Buggy.
"Thank you very much!" Buggy said, extending his hand.
"The scroll can be given to you shortly, but Her Majesty instructed me to ask you for a specific time before giving you the scroll. So, what is the time?" Without handing over the scroll, Caroline asked Buggy.
(End of Chapter)