Chapter 42: Rum, Maps, and the Pirate Flag
"Hey, uncle!"
As the ship approached the lighthouse on the small island, Mio leaned on the railing, his elbows resting comfortably, and called out to the man fishing on the shore.
Crocus looked up at the voice, his gaze settling on the odd trio on the ship's deck—Mio, the calm man grinning at him; Erica, the small girl with tentacles sprouting from her forehead; and Warwick, the hulking werewolf-like beast sitting quietly nearby.
"A strange crew," Crocus muttered, eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "What is it, boy?"
Mio grinned. "I just have a question. I want to know—where's the nearest Calm Belt?"
"The Calm Belt?" Crocus raised an eyebrow, surprised. Pirates usually had no interest in those areas. After all, no one sane willingly entered a sea crawling with Sea Kings. "Why the hell would you want to go there?"
Still, he crossed his arms and considered. "There are two main Calm Belts. One's across the Red Line, near Mariejois and the World Government territory. The other is closer, near the sea around Little Garden."
"You got a map?" Mio scratched the back of his head. "I mean for the one near Little Garden."
Crocus gave him a sharp glance. "You think I thought you were dumb enough to go to Mariejois? Tch. Wait here. I'll get it."
Without another word, Crocus turned and walked into the lighthouse.
"Are you really planning to go to the Calm Belt?" Robin asked as she stepped beside Mio on the deck, curiosity glimmering in her eyes.