"Still need to put in more effort." Hyaku sighed after reading through the weapon introduction.
The Blade Forging function was now unlocked — he needed to keep working hard! He would continue swinging his sword daily to grow stronger!
Knock Knock Knock—
Someone knocked on his door.
At the sound, Hyaku waved away the system panel and opened the door. The Master Chief Petty Officer who had been traveling with them stood in the doorway.
"Am I disturbing your rest, Commander?" He asked respectfully.
"Not at all. In private, just call me Hyaku." Hyaku gestured dismissively.
Being called Commander all the time made him feel awkward.
"Yes! Commander Hya—" The Master Chief Petty Officer caught himself mid-response.
A look from Hyaku cut his form of address short.
"By the way, do you have any news about what I asked you to look into?" Hyaku asked.
"Yes, I have news!" The Master Chief Petty Officer nodded quickly, "I've found out about the 'Straw Hat Pirates' that you asked about."
"Oh? That's quite efficient. Let's hear it." Hyaku perked up.
After quelling the civil war in Arabasta, he had sent people to gather information about the Straw Hat Pirates.
According to the current timeline, the Straw Hat Pirates should have been in Arabasta too, yet for some unknown reason, they hadn't gotten involved.
The Master Chief Petty Officer soon provided the answer.
"The Straw Hat Pirates rescued Princess Vivi from Crocodile's pursuit just a day ago. Later, they encountered Vice Admiral Garp's ship. Strangely, instead of fleeing, they lingered in nearby waters as if waiting for something. They only departed hurriedly after we had quelled the unrest."
Hearing this explanation, Hyaku suddenly understood.
The Straw Hat crew was probably waiting for news about Vivi. Once they learned the unrest had been settled, they decided not to risk showing themselves — especially since Luffy's grandfather, Garp, was pursuing them.
"Wait! You mean old man Garp was in Arabasta too?" Hyaku suddenly realized, looking at his subordinate in surprise.
"Yes! Vice Admiral Garp didn't tell you? His other mission target was on a small island near Arabasta." The Master Chief Petty Officer replied.
Well, well!
Upon hearing this confirmation, Hyaku could barely contain his anger — he nearly smashed the table with his palm.
That old man Garp hadn't mentioned any of this!
It seemed he'd deliberately kept quiet, probably worried that Hyaku would arrive in Arabasta and wait for backup. The purpose was clear — he wanted his "disciple" to struggle a bit!
'Hmph! Trying to set me up. Good thing I have my cheat system!' Hyaku thought to himself.
"There's one more thing..."
While Hyaku was internally cursing Garp, the Master Chief Petty Officer spoke again.
"Princess Vivi and King Cobra have arranged a banquet at the palace to thank us. Should we... go or not?" He lowered his head shyly.
Come to think of it, they hadn't contributed much during this affair. Hyaku had accomplished everything alone, so being invited to a banquet made them feel somewhat embarrassed.
"Of course we'll go. We're not sneaky pirates. Since they want to thank us, we shouldn't disappoint their goodwill." Hyaku replied after a moment's thought.
The Marine soldiers had been on edge throughout the journey. He thought it was time for them to properly relax.
Besides... He might get to develop a closer relationship with Vivi!
After all, they were Marines, not pirates — there was no need to hide.
"Then I'll go inform everyone right away!" The Master Chief Petty Officer responded eagerly.
After sharing the banquet's location with Hyaku, he left to notify the other Marines.
✣✣✣✣✣✣✣✣✣✣
A short while later, in the palace's central courtyard...
The once-empty space now brimmed with dining tables, where maids bustled about serving an array of wines and delicacies.
Hyaku and his Marine soldiers took their seats.
At Hyaku's table sat Arabasta's highest officials — the king, princess, royal guard captains, and other dignitaries.
Once everyone was seated, King Cobra rose with his wine glass.
"Arabasta's salvation from danger was thanks to the Marines' help — especially you, Hyaku! Vivi told me everything you did." He addressed the gathering with a commanding voice, "Great kindness needs no words of thanks. Here's to you all! And to you, Hyaku!"
With that, he drained his glass of strong liquor in one swift motion.
"You're too kind. Capturing pirates is simply our duty as Marines." Hyaku replied straightforwardly, standing to empty his own glass.
"Hahaha..."
"Brother Hyaku is truly extraordinary."
"Come, let's have another drink."
"..."
Everyone drank and chatted merrily.
After several rounds, the elderly Cobra could no longer handle the alcohol and excused himself. Seeing this, Hyaku also stopped drinking and found refuge in a nearby empty pavilion.
"Today... thank you, really."
Vivi's voice drifted from behind him.
She walked over and sat beside Hyaku.
"I just said—"
"No need for thanks, I know." Vivi finished his sentence.
Their eyes met, and they shared a moment of laughter, smiling at each other.
Together they sat in comfortable silence, gazing at Arabasta's unique night sky.
After a long while, Vivi broke the silence.
"I heard you're leaving tomorrow." She said softly.
"Yes. We need to escort Crocodile to prison and report everything that happened." Hyaku replied with a nod.
Silence fell between them once more.
"You—"
"We—"
They spoke simultaneously.
"You go first." Vivi said with a gentle smile.
"What are your plans for the future?" Hyaku asked.
"Help my father rebuild Arabasta." She answered.
Hyaku nodded, understanding without need for further words.
Vivi cared deeply for all of Arabasta's people, so helping Cobra handle state affairs was only natural — though it meant her days would no longer be as carefree as before.
Words rose to Hyaku's lips, but he held them back.
"Will we... meet again?" Vivi asked, her head lowered slightly as a faint blush colored her cheeks.
"We will! We'll definitely meet again." Hyaku declared with conviction.
Under the night sky, the bond between the two deepened through their conversation.
✣✣✣
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