One Piece: Bai Ye Deputy Captain of the Straw Hats

Translator: PapaSmurf0700

On the deck of the Sunshine Merry, Luffy lounged on a recliner under the bright sun, a content sigh escaping him. "Ah, nothing beats the feel of the sea and the open sky for a true sailing experience!"

Beside him, Chopper, donning beach pants and without his usual hat, mimicked Luffy's relaxed pose. "Yeah, the sea breeze feels so much nicer than the lifeless moon," he agreed.

The rest of the Straw Hat Pirates were scattered around, enjoying a peaceful moment that painted a picturesque scene of relaxation.

Suddenly, curiosity struck Luffy. "Nami, where are we headed next?" he called out, turning to where Nami lay soaking in the sun after applying sunscreen. "Didn't Granny Kokoro mention something back at Water 7?"

Nami, half-dozing, answered without much thought, "Oh, the Florian Triangle, I think."

"The Florian Triangle?" Luffy looked puzzled, scratching his head.

Chopper perked up and gestured dramatically. Imitating Granny Kokoro, he adopted a gruff voice, "It's a mysterious sea shrouded in black fog all year round. Hundreds of ships vanish there annually, and there are endless tales of ghost ships."

Chopper's own ghost story spooked him, and he glanced around wide-eyed, "G-g-ghosts? That's kind of scary!"

Usopp, who was never one to hide his fears, chimed in apprehensively, "Are we really going to a place with ghosts?"

Luffy, on the other hand, burst out with excitement, "Cool! Do you think we'll meet living skeletons there?"

From across the deck, Zoro couldn't resist a jab, "Seriously, Luffy? Your imagination runs wild."

Luffy's unusual ideas never failed to add a touch of adventure—or absurdity—to their journey.

Nami, concerned about their next venture, started cautiously, "Given that the Florian Triangle is known to be quite dangerous, maybe for the safety of our ship we should—"

Before Nami could finish, Franky, who had been lounging nearby, sprang to his feet with enthusiasm, striking his signature pose. "Awooo! Don't worry, Nami!" he declared, confidence radiating from him. "The Sunshine Merry I built is more than capable of handling any dangerous sea!"

As Franky stood there, striking his audacious pose, Nami's face turned a deep shade of red—not from embarrassment, but from rising irritation. Without warning, she launched a punch right at Franky's head.

Boom!

"Idiot! Even if you're sunbathing, put on some clothes! What are you, some kind of exhibitionist?!!!" Nami scolded, her voice seething with anger.

In the next moment, a crackling 100,000,000 Volt thunderbolt zapped through the air, striking Franky, who was now sprawled on the deck, twitching slightly from the shock. Through his spasms, he managed a weak grin. "Awoo, thanks for the compliment."

"Who's complimenting you, you perverted fool!!!" Nami snapped back.

It seemed that once a pervert embraces and proudly declares their nature, they become untouchable—truly invincible.

Nami took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts before making a suggestion. "Since Merry can fly now, why don't we just soar over that perilous sea area?"

Luffy, however, was quick to dismiss the idea. "No way!" he exclaimed, his decision firm. "I'm still hoping to find a living skeleton to join our crew." He looked at Nami with feigned disappointment, patting her on the shoulder. "Abandoning an adventure just because it's risky isn't our style as pirates!"

Nami frowned slightly at Luffy's response, then retorted, "And why exactly are you expecting to find skeletons there?"

Before she could argue further about skipping the dangerous part, Robin, looking relaxed under her sun hat and behind her sunglasses, chimed in. "Such mysterious places often have legends about treasure-laden merchant ships or ghostly vessels."

That caught Nami's interest. "So... we should really prepare thoroughly before diving into such an adventure... for treasure... for exploration!!!" she corrected herself with a renewed spark of enthusiasm.

Usopp, clearly torn, blurted out, "Nami, up till now, I was totally on board with what you said, but..."

Sanji started making his own plans. "If we're going into a place like that, I'll make sure to prepare plenty of food for everyone."

Zoro, intrigued, pondered his own reasons for venturing there. "Wonder if there will be legendary treasures? Maybe even better swords?"

Merry, not wanting to be left out, declared cheerfully, "Ding-ding~ Then I, Merry, will carry you all forward with all my might!"

The crew's spirits were high as they prepared for their next great adventure, embracing the uncertainty and excitement that lay ahead.

Bai Ye watched as the crew busied themselves with preparations for their next adventure towards the Florian Triangle. Taking a leisurely sip of tea, he mused quietly, "Thriller Bark? Quite an intriguing destination."

Indeed, the Florian Triangle arc acts as a pivotal bridge between the intense chapters of Enies Lobby and Sabaody Archipelago, introducing memorable characters and unfolding mysterious events. From enigmatic zombies and invisible fruit users to the Ghost Princess and the monstrous Oz, not to mention the imposing, ghostly three-masted ship—Thriller Bark promised a thrilling journey.

Despite knowing what the future held, Bai Ye found himself looking forward to the unfolding events. With the Straw Hat Pirates' strength enhanced, he felt a reassuring confidence in their capabilities. Even if they were to encounter Kuma, Bai Ye was certain that the outcome this time could be different and there wouldn't be a repeat of Zoro's grievous injuries. That past event, while a defining moment for Zoro, remained a big regret in Bai Ye's heart—one he hoped to fix.

"I, Bai Ye, will protect the Zoro of this world," he vowed silently.

The transformation of Kuma into a cyborg was another detail that sat uncomfortably with Bai Ye. He had been devising strategies to address this, aiming to preserve both Kuma's body and spirit. Yet, a perfect solution remained out of reach, leaving him with a tinge of regret.

Lost in his thoughts, Bai Ye suddenly felt a presence or a premonition. He excused himself with a few words to the crew and retreated to his room.

Bai Ye positioned himself on the bed, palms up, and slowly closed his eyes, transitioning smoothly into his inner world.

In this tranquil inner realm, he found himself standing in a Daoist temple, facing a figure who was deep in meditation. The figure resembled Bai Ye closely but for the stark contrast in their hair colors—his was black, a shadowy reflection of Bai Ye's usual white. This was Hei Ye, Bai Ye's inner demon, representing the darker aspects of his consciousness.

(Bai Ye translates to "White Night," while Hei Ye means "Black Night.")

Hei Ye, noticing Bai Ye's arrival, paused his cultivation and looked up. "What brings you to seek me out so suddenly?" he inquired, his tone casual yet curious.

Bai Ye took a moment before responding, observing Hei Ye who now stood facing him, a slight smirk of accomplishment playing on his lips.

"I've completed the task you set before me," Hei Ye announced with a hint of pride, evidently pleased with his own progress.

P.S This chapter returned to usual length.