One Piece: I will become stronger by checking in

When the shopkeeper heard the shouting, he turned around to see Kai and his crew walking toward him, a friendly smile spreading across his face.

"Welcome, dear guests! Are you here to rent a Yagara Bull?"

"We've got swordfish, shark, and kingfish Yagaras. Which one would you like?"

"What's the difference between them? And what exactly is a Yagara?" Nami asked.

"Huh? You don't know about Yagaras?" The shopkeeper looked surprised.

After a brief explanation~

"Oh, so you came here guided by your Log Pose! No wonder you don't know about them," he said with a nod. "Yagaras are water bulls, and if you look at the waterways, you'll see them swimming around everywhere!"

"In Water 7, the waterways are much more common than walking paths, so Yagaras are essential for getting around!"

"Sugoi!" Luffy exclaimed with sudden understanding, clapping his hands together. Then he asked with genuine curiosity:

"How do they taste when grilled?"

The crew: "..."

The shopkeeper: "Uh… I've never tried that before!"

Luffy: "Want to give it a shot?"

The shopkeeper: "...I'll pass!"

A little later, the crew was happily riding on rented Yagara Bulls.

"Yoho! Giddy up, Yagara!" Luffy cheered as he sat on his Yagara, waving excitedly.

"It's Yagara, not 'giddy up,'" Usopp grumbled from behind him.

Before long, they reached a three-way intersection. Nami pointed toward the left waterway and said, "We're heading this way to exchange the gold and then on to the shipyard. What about you guys? Same direction?"

"I'm going down the middle path. It looks like the market has fresh ingredients," Sanji replied, already imagining the dishes he could prepare.

"We'll take the right," Kai added.

"Sounds good!" Nami said as the group split up, heading toward their destinations.

Kai, Robin, and Chopper didn't have any specific plans; they were just wandering around and taking in the sights. Along the way, Chopper marveled at the unfamiliar surroundings, pointing out interesting things.

"Robin, what do you think of this city?" Kai asked, glancing back at her with a smile.

"It's fascinating. I'm really enjoying myself," Robin replied, her usual composed demeanor replaced by a rare, warm smile.

Kai nodded. "That's good to hear."

At that moment, they heard a vendor calling out loudly, "Fresh water! Fresh meat! Come and get it!"

Kai looked over and saw a woman running a food stall on the shore. His interest was piqued, and even the Yagara he was riding seemed curious, its eyes bulging comically.

Kai chuckled at the sight and steered his Yagara toward the stall.

Before long, the group was enjoying freshly grilled meat and vegetables, the aroma filling the air.

"This meat is so tender and delicious!" Chopper exclaimed with delight.

"It has a wonderful sweetness to it," Robin agreed.

Kai smiled. "Then let's buy everything she has!" He handed over the payment, leaving the vendor stunned at the sudden windfall.

After purchasing their snacks, they continued exploring until—

"Kai, Robin, let's dock over there! I see a bookstore!" Chopper shouted, practically bouncing with excitement.

"Alright!" Kai replied, steering their Yagara to the shore.

As soon as they landed, Chopper bolted toward the bookstore, leaving Robin and Kai walking leisurely, observing the city around them.

Robin's smile had lingered since they began their tour. Kai noticed it and couldn't help but feel content.

Ever since Robin had fled O'Hara, she'd spent her life in fear, constantly on the run. Seeing her genuinely enjoy herself now—free from worry—was something Kai silently vowed to protect.

Suddenly, Kai's demeanor shifted. He glanced sharply toward an alleyway, his instincts on high alert.

Standing in the shadows was a figure in a black mask and a strange suit, watching them intently.

Kai's expression hardened. These clowns really have the nerve to show up here?

He didn't act immediately, deciding to observe first.

"What's wrong, Kai?" Robin asked, noticing his change in mood.

"Nothing. Let's go check out another part of the city," Kai said with a calm smile, hiding his concern.

As they walked, the masked figure moved toward them. At the moment they crossed paths, the figure whispered something to Robin:

"We are CP9."

Robin froze, her body trembling slightly, though she quickly composed herself. She looked around, but Kai and the masked man were gone.

She heard faint noises from a nearby alley and ran toward the sound.

What she saw left her momentarily stunned.

Kai stood over the masked CP9 agent, his boot pressing firmly against the man's throat. The agent whimpered weakly, his mask cracked and his face twisted in pain.

Kai's eyes were icy, radiating a deadly aura. He crouched slightly, pulling the mask off, revealing the agent's face—a resolute, bull-like expression that faltered under Kai's murderous gaze.

"D-Demon King Kai... What are you planning to do?" the agent stammered.

Kai sneered. "You knew it was me, and you still came here, Blueno? Bold move."

"You wouldn't dare kill me. If you do, the World Government will hunt you down!" Blueno spat, trying to sound confident.

Kai's laugh was cold. "Like they'd leave us alone otherwise. Don't act like your presence here wasn't already a declaration of war."

His voice dropped, deadly serious. "I didn't plan to bother with you lot, but since you've gone out of your way to cross me... there's no walking away from this."

Without another word, Kai stepped down harder, crushing Blueno's throat.

As the CP9 agent gasped his last breath, another figure lunged at Kai from behind. Kai didn't even flinch. He raised his hand and casually blocked the attack, sending the newcomer flying with a slight shake of his arm.

Kai turned to face the fallen attacker and smirked. "Oh, look. The gang's all here."