Many in Kuri, especially the vendors in the night market, were well aware of Yamato's true identity. After every grueling training session with Jack, Yamato would collapse on the bed, waiting for the sun to set.
As soon as dusk fell, Yamato sprang off the bed, full of energy. She quickly grabbed Ulti and Page One, and the three headed to the lively night market. By the time they arrived, most of the shops were already open. The tantalizing aromas of food filled the air, and the three closed their eyes to savor the scents, their expressions blissful.
"Grilled chicken! The best in the land! Three for a silver coin!"
"You love me, I love you! Oni Island Milk Tea, sweet and true!"
"Lamb skewers! One copper per stick! One bite, and you'll want another! Two bites, and you'll crave ten! Satisfaction guaranteed or ten times your money back!"
"Stinky tofu from Oni Island! Smells bad, tastes divine! Life isn't complete without trying it once!"
"Nine-Spiced Intestines! Fragrant to the nose, bold to the taste! A flavor adventure for the brave!"
"Ring toss! Ring toss! Hit the goose three times, and it's yours to take home!"
"Archery! Archery! Win a prize — an exotic sheep from overseas!"
Dozens of shops were hawking their wares with catchy slogans, and the bustling crowd added to the vibrant atmosphere. Yamato exchanged an excited glance with Ulti and Page One before the trio dove into the lively throng.
Among the many stalls, one new shop caught their attention. It was run by a Fish-Man, an unusual sight in the market, and its brightly lit signboard drew them in.
"Lamb skewers! Beef skewers! Meat skewers of all kinds! Ten times your money back if not satisfied!"
The rich aroma was irresistible, and the three patiently waited in the long line. After what felt like forever, it was finally their turn. Yamato quickly spoke up.
"Thirty lamb skewers, please!"
"Here! Keep the change!" Yamato handed over a gold coin.
The Fish-Man owner glanced at the remaining skewers on his grill, then thoughtfully piled a huge batch onto the rack.
"See? I told you, the owner's generous!" Yamato grinned.
"Not bad! He knows how to do business," Ulti added.
"Extra spice for me! I like it hot!" Yamato said enthusiastically.
"And more cumin! Trust me, I'm an expert on this stuff!"
The Fish-Man remained silent, focused on grilling the meat to perfection. Finally, he handed Yamato a tray piled high with skewers.
"Only duck meat left. Ten times your money back, remember? I've added over 300 skewers to make up for it. Enjoy!"
"...Huh?!"
"You jerk!" Yamato growled, ready to transform on the spot.
"Stop, Yamato! He's right, though!" Page One pleaded. "It's 300 skewers! Ten times the value!"
The Fish-Man, sensing danger, bolted before Yamato could react, leaving Page One struggling to hold her back.
From a distance, Jack observed the scene with his Observation Haki. He sighed as he watched Yamato begrudgingly sit down and start eating the duck skewers. The corners of his mouth twitched.
The Fish-Man vendor was one of the newer recruits from Fish-Man Island. Unlike the more combative Fish-Men, this batch consisted of ordinary residents seeking a peaceful life. Drawn by their kin's stories, they had moved their families to join the Beasts Pirates. Kaido had welcomed them with open arms.
However, they couldn't just be freeloaders. Jack had assigned them various jobs, and some had started small businesses. This particular vendor seemed to be testing the waters to see how humans would react to Fish-Men merchants. So far, there was no hostility, but… who taught him to sell like this?
Jack shook his head as the Fish-Man dashed past him.
"Hey, you lot! I told you new recruits can do business, but don't disrupt the market!" Jack called out.
"Selling duck skewers as lamb? Really?"
The Fish-Man froze, then turned back with a sheepish grin.
"But Jack-sama, she gave too much money! All I had left was duck! And I did say 'ten times your money back' — I gave her all the skewers I had left!"
"Fair prices! Honest trade!"
Jack stared at him, speechless, before waving him off in exasperation.
After finishing the skewers, Yamato's trio moved on, eyes lighting up at the sight of a stinky tofu stall. This delicacy was a favorite among women, and Yamato and Ulti were regular customers. Page One, however, detested the smell but had no say in the matter.
Before the tofu was ready, a commotion broke out nearby.
"Ptui! What the hell is this?!"
"You dare trick me into eating crap?!"
A man wearing a military cap and a cloak, with a sword strapped to his waist, was angrily grabbing a vendor by the collar. His sharp, jagged teeth glinted as he shouted. Several subordinate pirates were desperately trying to calm him down.
"Sasaki-sama! Please stop! This is Jack-sama's territory!"
"Sir! This is Nine-Spiced Intestines! It's meant to retain the original flavor! It's supposed to taste like this! It's written clearly on the sign!" The vendor pleaded, trembling. "Spare me, Sasaki-sama! I didn't mean to deceive you!"
"You bastard!" Sasaki roared, drawing his sword.
Ulti and Page One, both half-Fish-Men, had been sensitive about their heritage. In the past, even their father's companions had looked down on them. But since joining the Beasts Pirates, Jack's dominance ensured no one dared show any prejudice. Over time, they had cast aside their insecurities.
Seeing Sasaki's behavior ignited their fury. The night market had become their turf, and this disruption was personal.
"Hey! You jerk! Stop it!" Ulti yelled.
"Do you even know what you're doing?" Page One added. "No one in Kuri can hurt anyone without Jack-sama's permission!"
Sasaki turned, smirking at the two.
"Well, well. A couple of little brats who don't know their place."
"Sasaki-sama, wait!" one of the pirates whispered urgently. "Those two are Yamato-sama's companions and trainee officers!"
"Trainee officers? These two?" Sasaki sneered. "They're just kids. Don't make me laugh."
Ulti bristled with rage.
"Say that again, you bastard!"
"Ulti, calm down!" Page One held her back, but she was already ready to charge. Sasaki drew his sword and pointed it at them.
"Get lost, kids. Trainee officers or not, you're just small fry. Disobeying a Tobiroppo member? Are you looking to die?"
The nearby pirates paled, their unease growing. Jack, observing from the shadows, frowned in confusion.
Tobiroppo? When did we get a new one? And why wasn't I told?
-----------
The fanfic is Finished on p@treon/tambeerg