Chapter 347: First Steps Toward Adventure

“That’s not necessarily true. Not all pirates are the same, you know.”

“Honestly, we’re more like an adventure crew than a traditional pirate crew.”

Ye Fan knew full well—their pirate crew was more about exploring than pillaging or chaos.

They didn’t burn, loot, or commit senseless crimes. The only reason they’d get a bounty was for defeating other pirates or foiling a few of the World Government’s plans.

“Are you looking for new crewmates, Luffy?”

“I heard there’s a bounty hunter named Zoro in the nearby town of Monka.”

“He’s a swordsman who fights with three blades. I figure every pirate ship could use a proper swordsman, right?”

Ye Fan’s goal now was simple—help Luffy gather the main crew as soon as possible.

Speed up their journey, so they wouldn’t spend two and a half years just to reach the New World like in the original story.

“Whoa, three swords? I want him on my crew!”

Sure enough, Luffy’s mind worked differently from the rest. He instantly zeroed in on ‘three swords’ instead of just ‘swordsman.’

“Alright! Let’s head for Monka Town!”

“Aye aye, Captain!”

With Nami and Koby both shouting in surprise, Ye Fan rowed even faster, making the unsteady pair tumble over in the boat.

Nami: “Ah! Too fast!”

Koby: “Help!”

Luffy: “Ahahaha! Faster!”

“…”

Under Ye Fan’s expert rowing, they caught sight of a small island after only an hour.

A gentle sea breeze blew as sunlight set the sparkling waves aglow. Everything looked peaceful and beautiful.

Nami: “I’m never getting on your boat again.” Her voice had a hint of complaint—clearly, she wasn’t joking.

“Urgh!” Koby, pale as a ghost, could barely keep himself together. Seasickness had hit him hard.

“Ahahaha! Guys, I’m starving. Time to eat!” Luffy tugged at his blue shorts under his little red vest and marched eagerly toward the island interior.

He was still beaming, bursting with energy. For him, that wild ride was nothing but a minor thrill.

Watching Luffy wander off without a care, Ye Fan shook his head with a laugh. “Maybe I’ve just been here too long,” he murmured, as if wrapped up in his own memories.

“I’ve even forgotten what true happiness looks like.” His words carried a note of wistfulness.

“Well then, guess it’s time to let loose for once.” Ye Fan decided to drop his worries and just enjoy the moment.

Right then, before Nami’s stunned eyes, the two sacks of Berries in Ye Fan’s hands vanished. He moved so quickly she could barely process what happened—like magic.

Nami: “Hey, Ye Fan, are you doing tricks? Where’s my money?” Her tone was playful but Nami’s eyes were clearly a little on edge.

Ye Fan: “Don’t worry, I put the money somewhere safe. What, are you planning to run off with it or something?” He teased, his gaze sparkling with mischief.

Ye Fan knew exactly what was going on in Nami’s mind.

All those years she’d spent fighting to buy back Orange Town—Nami had been struggling on her own since she was eight. No wonder her life felt cursed.

Arlong… That name hung in the air.

Nami forced a laugh. “Haha, of course not! You’re imagining things.” She definitely wasn’t about to confess she’d been eyeing a chance to snatch the loot and make a run for it once everyone was ashore.

“Knew you wouldn’t. Come on, let’s catch up to Luffy.”

Ye Fan’s voice held a hint of mockery. Watching Nami drag her feet, he couldn’t help but be amused.

Under Ye Fan’s expectant look, Nami had no choice but to follow, moving stiffly along.

They caught up with Luffy in front of a small restaurant, just in time to see him cradling a wooden tub and devouring food at breakneck speed.

His eating was so dramatic it looked like he’d been starving for days. Even as you watched, the pile of food shrank right before your eyes.

“Mmmph mmph mmph!” Luffy’s mouth was crammed full and his speech had become a jumble, but pure happiness lit up his face.

Rather than interrupt, Ye Fan walked over to the proprietress, giving a polite bow.

“Sorry—hope my captain didn’t cause you trouble.” Ye Fan smiled, graceful and confident.

With a quick flick of his wrist, a neat stack of Berries appeared in his hand.

“It’s fine, really.”

Just by how much Luffy ate, the proprietress knew at once he was no ordinary customer.

She’d been worried the crew might cause trouble, but seeing Ye Fan’s generosity, relief blossomed into a grateful smile.

To avoid risking Luffy’s temper, she hadn’t brought up payment, but now with Berries in front of her, she took them at once. “Thank you so much, you’re all very kind.” She meant it.

Nami and Koby dug in too, joining the feast.

Both were famished—especially Nami. She had honestly thought about slipping away, but right now all she wanted was to fill her stomach.

It was all thanks to Luffy—he’d cleaned out the entire supply of food on their tiny boat during the ride.

That left Nami and Koby with empty bellies until now, hunger gnawing at them for hours.

Seeing everyone eating like they hadn’t had a meal in days, Ye Fan couldn’t help but smile to himself.

“Madam, have you heard of someone named Zoro?” Ye Fan’s voice rang out across the dining room, his eyes falling on the proprietress as she headed toward the kitchen.

She froze the moment she heard that name, then replied flatly, “No, never heard of him. Sorry.”

Even if her tone was calm, Ye Fan could feel her tension.

As she disappeared into the kitchen, Ye Fan scratched his chin thoughtfully.

He understood. She definitely knew about Zoro, but was too scared of trouble to say anything.

“Big brother, are you asking about Zoro? I know where he is.”

A young girl appeared from under the table, basket on her back, looking up at Ye Fan.

That soft, childish voice made Ye Fan pause—he immediately remembered this scene from the original story.

If he recalled right, this was the girl who had tried to give Zoro rice balls, only for a spoiled punk to stomp them in the dirt. Yet Zoro had still eaten the sandy, mud-caked rice ball without complaint.

Ye Fan: “Oh, little one, do you know where Zoro is? Could you take us to him?”

“Of course! I’m bringing him food today, too.” Her voice was small, but her kindness and determination shone through.

She remembered Zoro’s kindness—he’d been tied up and starved all to keep her family safe from Monka’s men, agreeing to endure thirty days without food if they would be spared.

“Luffy, you done eating? Looks like we should…” Ye Fan turned to let Luffy know what was next.

Luffy: “Ah!” The excitement and satisfaction in his voice was impossible to miss.

“I’m full! Let’s go!” His eyes burned with adventurous light—he could hardly wait to meet Zoro and invite him into his crew.

Even Luffy—who could eat for ten—was finally satisfied, so Nami and Koby had finished too.

Ye Fan nodded and signaled to the little girl to lead the way.

Following her, the group wove through the bustling streets, heading for the place where Zoro was imprisoned.