I the King of bandits of the East Sea

Seeing someone step up to replace Stussy, Sig secretly breathed a sigh of relief and didn't press further for Stussy to perform.

However, the burly mountain bandit who had stepped forward looked somewhat familiar to Sig.

After asking a couple of his subordinates, Sig finally remembered.

This mountain bandit was named Gilman, the same man who had once challenged him, declaring that he would become the Mountain Bandit King of the East Blue.

With Gilman's interruption, the atmosphere at the banquet returned to harmony.

Sig and Crocus occasionally clinked glasses and chatted.

The banquet continued, and as more people got into the spirit of the celebration, many began to imitate the chopstick dance without needing Sig's orders.

However, Sig wasn't particularly interested in this.

Baldie, Gilman, and the other subordinates weren't part of the main storyline. Even if they performed the chopstick dance, it wouldn't help with the mission.

While chatting with Crocus, a voice suddenly rang out from the crowd.

"Boss Sig, why don't you give it a try too?"

Sig: "..."

He looked around but only saw the noisy crowd. He couldn't tell who had drunkenly made such a suggestion.

The atmosphere became awkward for a moment, and the smiles on the mountain bandits' faces stiffened.

"Ahem."

Baldie coughed lightly, trying to smooth things over:

"Well, today is our first day entering the Grand Line, and the weather is great. Let's toast!"

"Cheers..."

The others quickly caught on, pretending nothing had happened and moving on.

The banquet continued.

However, a lingering question remained in Sig's mind.

Does Sig count as a storyline character?

Sig didn't dwell on it further.

This wasn't about whether he was a storyline character or not.

"Damn it, there's no way I'm sticking chopsticks up my nose... Not even in private!"

........

The next day.

Inside Crocus's hut next to the Twin Capes lighthouse.

Sig looked at Crocus, who stood before him with a smile, in surprise.

"After just one night, you've changed your mind, Crocus?"

Sig was puzzled.

Just moments ago, the old man had suddenly changed his plans, saying he would set sail with Sig.

Had the True Fragrance Card passed its check and taken effect?

"That's right."

Crocus nodded.

Sig's mountain bandit group was different from what he had imagined, often reminding him of his days on Roger's pirate ship.

However, he added:

"But Sig, this doesn't mean I'm joining your mountain bandit group. I'm just temporarily serving as your ship's doctor."

"Once we rescue Brook, I'll leave."

"At my age, I have no interest in becoming a pirate or a mountain bandit."

Crocus added this last part.

"No problem! As I said before, you're free to come and go as you please. I won't force you to stay."

Sig agreed readily.

Crocus was one of the world's top doctors, arguably the best. It was thanks to him that Roger had been able to hold on and embark on his second great voyage.

In a way, without Crocus, Roger would never have made it to Laugh Tale and become the Pirate King.

Convincing Crocus to join temporarily was already an unexpected boon.

Just as they reached an agreement, Crocus's expression suddenly turned troubled.

"Wait, if I leave Twin Capes, what will happen to Laboon?"

"Going to the Florian Triangle could take who knows how long."

"With Laboon's injuries, if it keeps crashing into the Red Line and I'm not here, it might not last long..."

The old man hesitated, unable to let go of Laboon.

"Isn't that even better?"

Sig blurted out.

Seeing the old man's surprised look, Sig quickly coughed and explained:

"What I mean is, wouldn't it be better if you and Laboon came together?"

"Laboon's swimming speed is definitely faster than my ship. It could help us reach the Florian Triangle sooner."

Sig's heart stirred with excitement.

He wanted both Crocus and Laboon.

While Laboon wasn't a ferocious Sea King, its sheer size meant that smaller Sea Kings would likely be swallowed whole.

If they encountered any enemies, Laboon's sheer mass could easily overwhelm them with moves like Million-Ton Nuzzle, Million-Ton Splash, Million-Ton Breath, or even Million-Ton Whimper. Who could withstand that?

"Bring Laboon with us? Isn't that too dangerous? This is the Grand Line we're talking about."

Crocus frowned, acting like a protective father figure.

"It's fine. We'll be there to watch over it... Besides, leaving Laboon alone at Twin Capes is even more dangerous."

"Twin Capes is the entrance to the Grand Line, where pirates from all four seas gather. It's not uncommon for reckless pirates to attack Laboon..."

Sig patiently persuaded Crocus, and after a long discussion, he finally convinced him.

"Alright, I'll talk to Laboon."

After saying this, Crocus rushed out excitedly to try and communicate with Laboon.

Sig stayed put.

He sat in the hut, a smile spreading across his face.

A series of system notifications appeared on the semi-transparent panel.

"Achievement Mission: The Return of the Old Era (1) Completed."

"Third Card Type Unlocked: Item Cards."

"You have received one random draw opportunity for the new card type."

Third Card Type: Item Cards.

Even an actor's performance requires props to create a better effect.

Item Cards are similar to a magician's tools, serving as tangible, assistive props.

These cards can transform between physical objects and virtual cards.

According to the system's settings, using and manifesting Item Cards isn't without cost—it consumes a certain amount of mental energy.

In simpler terms, using them too much will tire you out.

"Is it you, Time Machine? I want to go back in time and beat up the fifty-six Emperors!"

After reading the system's description, Sig's mind sank into a sea of stars.

Countless starlights gathered, and a bronze-colored card appeared before Sig.

Item Card: Self-Harming Sword

Quality: C-tier

Ability: Inflicts minor damage on the user while disguising it as severe or fatal injuries.

Item Cards are the third type of assistive cards.

At this moment, Sig sat in the hut, blinking as he looked at the Item Card on the panel.

With a thought.

In his hand appeared a plain double-edged short sword. The blade wasn't particularly sharp, and overall, it looked very ordinary.

"A new type of card... I want to try it out..."

Sig was curious. He glanced toward the door.

When Crocus had left, he had only partially closed the door.

Now, a gentle breeze blew, and the wooden door swung shut.

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