Chapter 41: Entering the Grand Line
Morning.
"Is that... Upside Down Mountain?" Erica stood at the bow, staring at the towering, reverse-flowing mountain not far ahead. Her eyes widened in awe, clearly amazed by the incredible sight.
Warwick was seated nearby. He gave it a glance and then looked away, his interest in natural wonders clearly nonexistent.
Robin, as always, held a book in her hand, speaking like a scholar. "Yes, that's Upside Down Mountain. It's one of the few routes that connect the four seas to the Grand Line. Every pirate from the Blues who wants to enter the Grand Line must pass through here. However, most of them fail. The powerful ocean currents often destroy their ships, leading to death or shipwreck."
"Will our ship be destroyed too?" Erica asked nervously. The two tentacles on her forehead suddenly perked up as she looked at Mio, her small face filled with worry.
Robin, who had long become familiar with Erica and Warwick's appearances, still found herself staring at Erica's tentacles. Her expression was filled with curiosity and a slight blush. She clearly wanted to touch them but was too embarrassed to ask.
"Don't worry." Mio took a swig of rum and grinned. "My sailing skills may not be top-tier, but getting past Upside Down Mountain is within my ability."
Still, as he spoke, Mio scratched his head and sighed internally. I really need to find a navigator soon.
His self-taught navigation was fine for the Blues, but it would never hold up in the Grand Line—let alone the New World. While it wasn't life-threatening, it would definitely be a headache down the road.
But finding a reliable navigator wasn't easy. It all depended on luck.
Or should I just train one myself? he pondered.