Across the Ocean (Zoro x OC)

11 - Delightful Arrival

"A Log Port, of course," Akiko picked up the compass that Luffy had given Nami. A real discovery on board after they had let the two scoundrels disembark. Crocus then explained to the navigator that a normal compass would not cooperate with the Grand Line. "Yes, I know that one," the redhead nodded at Usopp's question because she seemed so knowing. "Each island has its own magnetic fields and that's why a normal compass reacts completely crazy, even just being close to the Grand Line. The log port, on the other hand, is structured differently. Because it collects the magnetic field currents from two islands, it can lead safely to the destination. But to do so, it has to recharge itself everytime you arrive at an island, and that can take a time. It's never consistent."

"Apparently at least one of you hasn't planned to throw her life away," Crocus crossed his arms over his chest in approval.

However, Akiko just shrugged, "I lived on an island close to the Grand Line. Even for short routes, we had to navigate with Log Ports or Eternal Ports."

"Then it's really no surprise," the old man nodded, and returned to the topic at hand - the journey of the Straw Hats. "When you travel from here, there are seven magnetic fields on the Grand Line. You have to choose which one to go. Each of them lead from one island to the next one, but you can no longer switch between the magnetic currents. Still, no matter which path you take, they all come together at some point, and you'll reach the last island, Laugh Tale. The king of the pirates and his crew ensured its existence. It's a legendary island."

"So this means the One Piece is there?" Usopp exclaimed euphorically. Good news!

"Who knows," Crocus quickly stopped his optimism. "It's the most popular theory, that's true. However, after Gol D. Roger, no one has ever got there."

"Enough! We'll see for ourselves!" Luffy said, chewing on a bite of meat, because who would he be if he did not fortify himself properly before going off somewhere? Of course, Sanji had prepared a quick feast for everyone in no time.

"Okay, then I'll take good care of that one," the navigator tied the log port with the wide bracelet, the compass was attached to, to her wrist.

"I've got the feeling that our happiness won't last long," Akiko cast a suspicious look at Luffy, who was scolded by Sanji for not sparing the other's meals. Whether it was intuition or something like Luffy's law, which the redhead had just invented in her head, did not matter, then: Sanji's punishing kick hit the captain right in the face. He fell backwards and clumsily hit the glass ball on Nami's wrist... Bye-bye, log port.

"You two can both cool off in the sea," the navigator kicked the two idiots in the ass and into the water.

"As I thought," Akiko sighed. But the regret did not have to last too long: Fortunately, Crocus also had a log port, and he gave it to the crew as a thank you, so nothing should be in the way of their onward journey... until Luffy and Sanji reappeared again...with luggage.

"You two!?" Usopp did not believe his eyes. They had just thrown these two guys overboard earlier? Would they need to tie them up once more? It would be better, right? Not that they pulled out any weapons again to go on a quest for revenge?

However, Nami decided to talk to them first, and so they are told by the fake prince and the pretty blue-haired girl that the two of them not only came from Whisky Peak, a small island nearby, but also that they were not even allowed to reveal their identity. Especially not their names, since they belong to a mysterious organization. But because they knew how strange it sounded and that they certainly did not gain the trust of the Straw Hats with their statements, the two suddenly knelt in reverence and begged the group to be allowed to sail with them. They would also show their gratitude! ... somehow. Of course, Crocus advised not to do this, but he knew the rubber boy badly: "Okay, you can come with us if you want."