Everyone immediately turned to look at Nami.
Nami shrank back under their gazes, muttering, "Why are you all staring at me like that? I really don't get it..."
"Dummy!"
Nojiko rapped her knuckles against Nami's head in exasperation. "What have you been listening to? The original 'old place' obviously refers to that restaurant where their fate began!"
Is that so?
Nami was full of question marks, looking doubtfully at Old Link.
"Indeed."
Old Link nodded with a smile, a trace of nostalgia flashing in his eyes. "When I went to Thunder God Island, I dug up a treasure map beneath the ruins of that restaurant. Following its guidance, I found this pitcher plant—or rather, this Dream Mirage Grass—at the base of the island's highest rocky peak."
"Dream Mirage Grass?"
"Yes, it's a user of the Paramecia-type Dream Mirage Fruit."
Old Link gazed at the pitcher plant and sighed softly. "It can create illusions so lifelike they feel real, forcing people to confront their deepest fears."
"This ability can be used to scare off powerful enemies or to temper one's own willpower and Haki, nurturing the next generation. This is, in a way, the final gift Rocks left for my family."
Xiano listened attentively.
No wonder those warriors earlier all had decent Armament Haki—they must have honed their skills through long-term training under the Dream Mirage Grass's abilities.
Dragging people into illusions...
That sounded somewhat similar to the Kirin Fruit user among the God Knights, though he couldn't remember the guy's name.
He felt a sense of realization, but there was still one thing he didn't quite understand.
"Old man, if it's about facing one's deepest fears, why did I see Rocks himself?"
Xiano couldn't help asking. "And a young Rocks at that... I've never even met him. The guy died before I was born."
"That wasn't your nightmare—it was mine."
Old Link's face reddened slightly. "As for that Doflamingo, though I don't know what nightmare scared him off so badly he didn't even try to take the Sacred Fruit before retreating, that man is a monster with the potential for Conqueror's Haki. Illusions can only deter him temporarily—he'll definitely come back for revenge."
"So I had to try challenging my own nightmare, to see if I could overcome my fear and regain my younger self's state..."
"As you saw, I overestimated myself. Forget tempering my will—I couldn't even withstand the impact of Conqueror's Haki and passed out. If you hadn't broken that nightmare, I might have..."
It can pull others into someone else's nightmare too?
Xiano glanced at the pitcher plant, his interest growing even stronger.
"Though the Agatha Archipelago is remote, being in the New World means we're inevitably harassed by Pirates almost every month. We've repelled most of them."
The young chieftain Noah clenched his fists. "But against someone of Doflamingo's caliber... we really don't stand a chance yet."
"I'm just too old to protect you all anymore," Old Link said sorrowfully. "If I were twenty or thirty years younger, that bastard wouldn't have dared act so arrogantly..."
"Grandpa! Don't say that!" Noah quickly interjected. "You've already given so much for us. If anyone's to blame, it's me as the young chieftain—I'm too weak, not as strong as you were in your youth, unable to protect our people."
"Silly boy..."
Old Link chuckled bitterly as he patted Noah's head.
He'd had a son late in life, only for the boy to die unexpectedly from illness. Now his grandson Noah had shouldered the responsibilities of young chieftain far too early, yet bore it willingly without complaint.
Through relentless training since childhood, by age twenty Noah had already developed the strongest physique in their tribe, mastering Two-Color Haki with ease. He'd personally defeated numerous powerful enemies with bounties exceeding a hundred million—achievements any grandfather would be proud of.
In the New World of years past, Noah's strength would have been more than enough to safeguard the Agatha Archipelago.
But then...
Over a decade ago, the Great Pirate Era began.
Pirates flocking to the so-called second half of the Grand Line grew ever more numerous, their average strength escalating dangerously.
A single Warlord of the Sea had already proven too much for his aged bones to handle. After he passed, if new powerful enemies came, what would become of their tribe?
Unless...
Old Link raised his head, his gaze settling on Xiano.
Hmm?
Xiano's eyebrow twitched slightly.
Listening from the sidelines, he'd long sensed something amiss—the old man seemed acutely aware of his limited time, adopting the demeanor of someone preparing to entrust their legacy.
Now it appeared...
His suspicions might have been correct after all.
Finally resolving himself, Old Link rose solemnly and bowed deeply to Xiano:
"Lord Xiano, by all rights we still owe you for your kindness, and it's presumptuous of me to make further requests. But I must ask one last favor..."
Here it comes...
Xiano sighed inwardly as he helped Old Link up. "Please, speak freely."
The elder spoke gravely: "I'm 104 years old now. Barring miracles, I have perhaps a year or two left... Though our tribe survived this crisis thanks to you and Mr. Bear's assistance, these waters grow ever more perilous. We lack the strength to defend ourselves."
"Therefore..." He met Xiano's eyes. "I wish to formally request that our Agatha tribe become your vassals, under your protection!"
The declaration sent shockwaves through the room.
"Grandfather?!" Noah's eyes widened. "You can't just—"
"Noah, trust the judgment of a man who's lived over a century." Old Link raised a hand to silence him, his burning gaze fixed on Xiano.
His body had aged, his strength waned, even his Haki had nearly faded entirely.
But a hundred years of life experience remained. The memories of sailing these seas alongside Rocks in younger days endured...
He couldn't be mistaken.
This dark-haired youth before him carried the same essence and aura as Rocks—specifically, the younger version before ambition had twisted him.
—That regal bearing of a natural ruler, yet tempered by genuine kindness.
Would this young man follow the same dark path eventually?
Who could say!
But... Old Link grinned. His old bones were nearly at death's door—surely the heavens wouldn't be so cruel as to make him misjudge twice in a row!
"Of course, my lord, we won't accept your kindness without repayment. Though the Agatha clan isn't large, we've lived by hunting for generations. Our tribe has over a thousand adult warriors, each proficient in Armament Haki and formidable in battle. They can all become your most loyal followers at any time, ready to march at your command."
"Moreover, I'm willing to offer our sacred Dream Mirage Grass to you. While its effects may be limited for a top-tier powerhouse like yourself—whose Haki rivals even Rocks—it can help train your subordinates, strengthening their willpower and Haki."
It was an incredibly tempting offer.
The crew couldn't help but look surprised, eyeing Old Link with newfound respect. None had expected this old man to place such trust in their Captain.
As for Nami...
She didn't care about the details. Her eyes immediately lit up.
Wait wait wait!!! The entire Agatha clan wanted to pledge allegiance? Didn't this mean her dream, mentioned back when they were heading to Fish-Man Island, was finally coming true?
After her brother officially began his conquest of the New World, were they finally going to acquire their first territory?
Xiano pondered for a moment.
Then he raised his head and met Old Link's gaze.
Under that earnest stare, the black-haired young man finally cracked a smile: "You've gone this far—if I refuse now, I'd just be hypocritical."
"From this day forward, the Agatha Archipelago shall fly under the banner of the Curtain Closer!"
He would accept this trust!
What was so hard about offering his flag and name to protect a few thousand villagers on this island? If he lacked even this much confidence, how could he ever achieve his ultimate dream?
Besides, unlike the many times he'd helped others without expecting anything in return, this time, the rewards were tangible.
Setting aside the Dream Mirage Grass that could nurture officers, just gaining over a thousand loyal warriors proficient in Armament Haki was enough to make anyone's heart race.
Of course.
He had no immediate plans to take all these people with him.
The Agatha Archipelago would be his first territory, but the island itself was too small, too isolated and primitive, unable to support a large population. It wasn't suitable as a headquarters.
Once he established a proper base, he could transfer any willing warriors there to help defend it. Those who preferred to stay could continue living as they always had.
Xiano's acceptance lifted a weight from Old Link's shoulders. The old man's wrinkled face finally broke into a smile.
"Everyone, listen well!"
He turned to address the room, his voice frail yet commanding:
"From this day forth, the Agatha clan shall recognize Lord Xiano as our master, pledging our lives to follow his banner!"
Grandfather, I hope you haven't misjudged him this time...
Noah took a deep breath, his gaze firm. As the young clan leader, he was the first to drop to one knee, right fist pressed to his chest: "We pledge our lives to Lord Xiano!"
As for Chia, the kid was already beaming. Having followed them all the way from Thunder God Island, he trusted Xiano and his crew far more than his elder brother did. He'd been hoping for this union all along.
Immediately, he knelt down as well, mimicking his elder brother by thumping his chest. The other warriors in the room followed suit, their movements synchronized and their voices resounding:
"Pledge our lives to Lord Xiano!"
...
That night.
Under Old Link's personal supervision, a grand bonfire feast was held in the open space of the main island to entertain the crew of the Curtain Closer.
For a time, cups clinked, and both guests and hosts reveled in joy.
The young warriors of the tribe, while filled with awe for Xiano's officers, were also curious. Initially, their interactions were somewhat reserved, but under the combined influence of alcohol and dance, they gradually warmed up to one another.
Jack went off to compete in arm-wrestling matches, defeating one brawny warrior after another.
Nami and Nojiko danced alongside the native girls in grass skirts.
Smoker, having drunk a bit too much, casually entertained by blowing smoke rings, shaping the smoke into various forms from his nose and mouth, eliciting gasps of amazement from the surrounding young warriors...
As for Gatomon, she was assigned to the children's table and instantly became the center of attention, surrounded by kids who bombarded her with endless questions.
"Wow! Kitty, you can really talk!"
"Hehe, it's not that hard. Only big dumb dogs can't do it!"
"Are you a cat or a mouse? Why are your ears so pointy?"
"Can't you tell? I'm a cat, obviously!"
"Can you show us that move again? The one you just did!"
"Well..."
Gatomon flicked her tail smugly, feigning mystery. "That's my secret technique. Normally, I wouldn't use it so casually, but—"
She blinked. "Since you've welcomed me so warmly, I'll demonstrate it one more time!"
With a nimble leap, she casually swiped her claws, instantly slicing two nearby boulders into several pieces.
The children erupted in cheers, clapping enthusiastically.
So embarrassing, tarnishing our master's reputation. How childish... Agin, who was also assigned to the children's table, shot Gatomon a disdainful glance before lowering his head and happily lapping up his strawberry milk.
...
By the bonfire, Old Link sat side by side with Xiano.
Taking a sip of wine, Old Link sighed nostalgically:
"Since the dawn of the Great Pirate Era, nine out of ten visitors to this island have been Pirates with ill intentions. It's been ages since we've held such a lively welcoming feast. Truly, we owe this joy to you, my lord."
It had also been a long time since he could set aside all his worries and anxieties for the tribe and simply enjoy a drink in peace.
Xiano exchanged a few polite words before sharing his plans to establish a headquarters and his vision for the future of these warriors with Old Link.
Old Link had no objections. Clutching his wine cup, his smile grew even brighter.
Noah, who had been itching to challenge Jack to an arm-wrestling match, paused and turned to cast a deep glance at Xiano.
He had initially worried that this renowned young powerhouse of the seas might immediately conscript all these warriors as cannon fodder.
But now, it seemed he had overthought it. This Lord Xiano was clearly nothing like the Pirates who had previously harassed and attacked their village.
...
The bonfire burned brighter, and laughter echoed into the night sky.
But all things must come to an end.
Morning arrived in the blink of an eye.
Old Link, suffering from a hangover and unable to handle the alcohol, went to sleep and rest. Noah and Chia, as representatives, led their tribesmen to the harbor to bid farewell to Xiano and his crew.
"Big Brother Xiano!" Chia stood at the forefront, waving his arm vigorously. "You must come back! Next time, I'll take you hunting near the volcano!"
Noah remained silent, offering a solemn warrior's salute instead.
Xiano smiled and waved back at them. Under the watchful eyes of the two brothers, the Sunset sailed out of the river mouth and headed toward the endless horizon.
At this very moment.
If one were to gaze out from the sea, they would see.
The most prominent mountaintop of the entire Agatha Archipelago, as well as the river port, now adorned with newly sewn flags raised overnight.
—The banner of the Curtain Closer.
...
Onboard the ship.
Xiano withdrew his gaze from the now tiny black speck that was Agatha Island and turned his attention to the system panel before him.
The parchment map unfurled, revealing areas once shrouded in the black fog of war now illuminated. Alongside the winding path they had traveled, seven interconnected islands formed an archipelago.
[Territory: Agatha Archipelago]
[Land Area: 350 square kilometers]
[Population: 6,720]
[Regional Leader: Link]
[Happiness Level: Medium → High]
Zooming in further, detailed resource distribution points were marked. The Agatha Archipelago's resources were straightforward—primarily fishing and hunting.
Could such a primitive lifestyle, after temporarily resolving the existential crisis weighing on their hearts, really elevate happiness from medium to high?
Xiano fell silent.
Perhaps this was the reality for most islands in the world of Pirates?
As long as there was no oppression from the Celestial Tribute and no harassment from pirates, the people could easily find happiness in their lives.
With abundant natural resources alone, they could achieve self-sufficiency—well-fed and warmly clothed.
On his path toward his dream, what he wanted—what he needed—to do was to help more and more islands reach this state.
Squinting, he gazed at the distant horizon. The wind tousled his black hair, and his dark, fitted outfit fluttered loudly.
(End of Chapter)