Chapter 12: Farewell to the East, Into the Unknown
The morning sun climbed higher over the glittering expanse of the East Blue, casting a warm, golden glow upon the retreating silhouette of Cocoyasi Village.
"Thank you for everything! I'll come back! I promise!"
Nami stood at the very tip of the bow of the Vermilion Wing. Her signature orange hair whipped violently in the sea breeze, stinging her cheeks, but she didn't care. She waved her arms vigorously toward the shrinking shoreline, her voice straining to carry over the widening chasm of water.
On the docks, the figures of the villagers were becoming small specks, yet their cheers and enthusiastic waves were still visible. They were celebrating not just her departure, but her freedom.
Beside her, standing a few steps back to give her space, Suzaku and Rem watched the heartfelt farewell in silence.
As the massive galleon—formerly the flagship of the Arlong Pirates—caught the strong offshore wind and began to pick up speed, a loud, desperate shout broke through the rhythmic crashing of the waves.
It was a voice thick with emotion, raw and powerful enough to drown out the seagulls.
Genzo was running. The village sheriff, usually so composed with his scars and uniform, was sprinting along the wooden pier, his pinwheel spinning furiously atop his hat. He stopped at the very edge, teetering over the water, took a deep breath that seemed to expand his entire chest, and roared with all his might.
"HEY—SUZAKU!!"
Suzaku, who had been leaning casually against the railing, looked back, raising an eyebrow in mild surprise.
Genzo pointed a trembling finger directly at the young pirate captain. Even from this distance, the fierce, protective fire in the old man's eyes was unmistakable. Tears glistened on his cheeks, catching the sunlight.
"LISTEN TO ME, YOU BRAT!"
Genzo's voice cracked, but he pushed through.
"IF YOU EVER MAKE NAMI LOSE HER SMILE... IF YOU EVER LET HER CRY AGAIN... I DON'T CARE IF YOU'RE A KING, A DEMON, OR A GOD! I WILL ABSOLUTELY COME AND KILL YOU! DO YOU HEAR ME?!"
The threat echoed across the waves, hanging in the air for a long moment.
Suzaku and Nami froze simultaneously.
Nami's eyes widened. Her hand, mid-wave, stopped in the air.
Suzaku blinked, then a genuine, warm laugh bubbled up from his chest. It wasn't a mocking laugh, but one of respect for the sheer audacity of a normal human threatening a monster like him for the sake of love.
He didn't shout back. He didn't need words. He simply raised his right hand high above his head and gave a firm, unwavering thumbs-up.
Received, old man.
Nami, recovering from her shock, felt a sudden rush of heat flood her face. She pouted, her cheeks turning a shade of red that rivaled the tangerines in the hold. She turned away from the shore, mumbling under her breath, though she couldn't hide the trembling of her lips.
"What the... Genzo is really something... shouting embarrassing things like that in front of the whole village..."
She wiped her eyes furiously, trying to maintain her dignity. "I'm not a child anymore. I can take care of myself."
At this moment, Rem, who was standing beside her like a silent shadow, tilted her head slightly. Her expression was serene, her single visible blue eye observing the situation with the cold, analytical precision of a scientist.
"Rem feels that an observation is necessary," the maid said, her voice calm and melodic.
"Huh?" Nami looked at her.
"Mr. Genzo's demeanor just now," Rem continued, her tone perfectly flat, "was strikingly similar to a father giving a stern, life-threatening warning to a son-in-law as he reluctantly marries off his precious daughter."
Rem paused for effect.
"It is a classic trope in romantic literature."
The air on the deck suddenly went deathly quiet. The only sounds were the creaking of the rigging and the splash of the bow cutting through the water.
Then—
POOF.
It was as if a steam engine had exploded. Nami's entire face flushed a violent crimson instantly, the color spreading down her neck and even turning the tips of her ears red.
"Rem! REM!!"
Nami shrieked, her voice jumping an octave. She waved her arms frantically in front of her face, as if trying to dispel the words physically.
"What nonsense are you spouting?! Are your circuits crossed?!"
She pointed at the receding island, then at Suzaku, stammering incoherently.
"Who... who's getting married?! No! Absolutely not! What daughter or son-in-law... Genzo, he's just... he's just being weird! He's old! He's senile!"
She glared at Suzaku, who was grinning mischievously.
"And him?! Suzaku is just a brute! A loan shark! An arsonist! Who would marry a guy who burns down swimming pools?!"
The more she spoke, the more muddled she became, digging herself deeper into a hole of embarrassment.
Finally, unable to handle Rem's innocent gaze and Suzaku's amused smirk any longer, she let out a loud, self-deprecating groan.
"Ugh!! You two are the worst!"
She covered her burning face with her hands and turned away, stomping toward the helm with heavy, exaggerated steps.
"I'm going to check the course! Don't talk to me!"
Suzaku watched her retreat, a chuckle escaping his lips. He looked at Rem.
"You did that on purpose, didn't you?"
Rem curtsied slightly, pinching the hem of her skirt.
"Rem merely stated an observation, Lord Suzaku. If Lady Nami interprets it as 'purposeful,' that is her prerogative."
"You're a demon," Suzaku said admiringly.
"I am an Oni, yes."
Two Days Later.
The vast expanse of the East Blue stretched out in every direction, a seamless canvas of azure meeting the lighter blue of the sky.
The Vermilion Wing cut through the calm waters with majestic ease. It was a massive ship, far larger than the standard caravel used by most East Blue pirates. It had three masts, a reinforced hull designed by Fishmen to withstand deep-sea pressure, and enough deck space to play a game of soccer.
Currently, however, the deck was a scene of extreme contrast.
On the main deck, beneath the shade of the foresail, Suzaku was the picture of indolence.
He was lying on a wooden deck chair—one of the few pieces of furniture he had decided to keep from Arlong's collection after thoroughly cleaning it. Beside him sat a small wooden table holding a glass of iced tea and a plate of peeled tangerines.
He reached out, plucking a segment of the golden fruit. The burst of citrus scent filled the salty air.
"Ah..."
He squinted his eyes against the warm sunlight filtering through the sails and sighed contentedly, sinking deeper into the chair.
"Now this is what an adventurous life is supposed to look like. The weather is nice. The sea is calm. The food is free."
He popped the tangerine into his mouth, chewing slowly.
"No paperwork. No boss breathing down my neck. No morning commute in traffic. Just me, the ocean, and vitamin C."
"HEY—SUZAKU! YOU LAZY JERK!"
A furious, high-pitched shout suddenly erupted from the upper quarterdeck, shattering his zen moment.
Nami stood at the helm, gripping the ship's wheel with white-knuckled rage. She leaned over the railing, glaring down at the main deck with eyes that burned with fire.
"Such a big ship, and you leave me to steer it alone?! Do you think this wheel turns itself?!"
She pointed an accusing finger at him, her voice trembling with indignation.
"We are a crew of three people! Three! And this is a galleon meant for a crew of fifty! I have to check the compass, monitor the wind, adjust the rigging, and steer the rudder all by myself!"
Nami took a deep breath and screamed.
"At least come over and help adjust the sails! Or check the log pose! Or do something other than eating my tangerines! Those are for scurvy prevention, not snacks!"
The more she spoke, the angrier she got. The sheer unfairness of the labor division was driving her up the wall.
Seeing Suzaku merely wave his hand dismissively without even opening his eyes, Nami's patience snapped.
"That's it!"
She let go of the helm.
The massive wheel spun freely for a moment, and the ship began to drift slightly to the port side. Nami didn't care. She stomped down the stairs, her sandals clapping loudly against the wood.
She marched across the deck and stood directly in front of Suzaku, blocking his sunlight with her shadow. She placed her hands on her hips, leaning down until her face was inches from his.
"Are you even listening to me?!"
Suzaku unhurriedly finished chewing. He swallowed, licked a bit of juice from his thumb, and then slowly, lazily lifted one eyelid.
"Hmm? Oh, it's Nami..."
He yawned, stretching his arms over his head.
"You're blocking my tanning light, Navigator-san. You shouldn't leave the helm unmanned. What if we hit a Sea King?"
Nami's eye twitched violently. A vein popped on her forehead.
"We won't hit a Sea King because I'm the best Navigator in the world! But we might hit a rock because my Captain is a sloth!"
"Details, details," Suzaku waved his hand. "By the way, how much longer until we reach Loguetown? I'm getting hungry for real food."
Nami's brain short-circuited for a second at the change of topic. She subconsciously glanced at the log pose strapped to her wrist, her navigator instincts taking over.
"Soon," she answered automatically. "Based on the wind speed and current... about another hour and we'll be there."
Only after answering did she realize she had been distracted.
"Wait! NO!"
She stomped her foot hard on the deck.
"Stop changing the subject! I came down here to ask you why you're not helping! How can you let a 'weak, fragile woman' like me sail a massive galleon all alone? Aren't you ashamed?! Where is your chivalry?!"
"Lord Nami, you must be tired. Sailing is indeed exhausting work, consuming a great deal of calories."
A soft, polite voice interrupted the tirade.
Rem appeared at the right moment, walking out of the galley as if she had teleported. She was holding a silver tray with perfect balance. On it sat three club sandwiches, freshly made, and a pot of steaming tea.
She smiled angelically, her blue hair swaying in the wind.
"Rem has already prepared lunch. Please come and dine with Lord Suzaku. Refueling is essential for efficiency."
Nami looked at the sandwiches. They looked delicious—stacked high with ham, cheese, and fresh lettuce. Her stomach let out a traitorous growl.
Her anger deflated like a popped balloon.
"Rem!" Nami whined, grabbing a sandwich and taking a vicious bite. "You're too biased towards him! You spoil him too much!"
She chewed angrily, pointing a crumb-covered finger at Suzaku.
"Look at him! He hasn't lifted a finger all day! If you keep doing everything for him, he's going to become a useless Captain who can't even tie his own shoelaces!"
"Lord Suzaku is the Captain," Rem said simply, pouring tea into fine porcelain cups. "His primary job is to be the Captain. That involves decision-making, combat, and maintaining morale."
Rem placed a cup in front of Suzaku.
"Your job, Lady Nami, is to sail. Rem's job is to ensure everyone is fed and the ship is clean. It is a perfect division of labor."
"That doesn't make sense!" Nami protested, her mouth full. "Division of labor implies he does some labor!"
"I do labor," Suzaku interjected, reaching for his sandwich. "I am currently engaging in the labor of 'Strategic Energy Conservation.' If a strong enemy appears, I need to be at 100% power to protect you. Therefore, resting is part of my job."
He took a bite and hummed in delight. "Delicious as always, Rem."
"Thank you, Lord Suzaku." Rem beamed.
Nami looked back and forth between the shameless Captain and the doting maid. She slumped into a chair, defeated by their combined logic (or lack thereof).
"I can't believe this," she muttered, taking a sip of tea. "I've been swindled. I traded Arlong for a lazybones and a battle-maid."
She looked out at the sea, the wind ruffling her hair. Despite her complaints, a small smile tugged at the corner of her lips. The tea was warm. The sandwich was good. And for the first time in her life, she was sailing a ship not because she was forced to, but because she wanted to.
"Fine," Nami sighed, finishing her lunch. "I'll sail the ship. But when we get to Loguetown, you're carrying all the shopping bags, Suzaku. And I'm buying a lot of clothes."
"Deal," Suzaku grinned.
He looked at the horizon. In the distance, a dark shape was beginning to form against the skyline.
The island of the Beginning and the End. Loguetown.
"Get ready," Suzaku said, his expression sharpening slightly. "We're almost there. The place where the Pirate King was born and executed."
Nami stood up, dusting the crumbs off her shorts. She walked back toward the helm, her steps lighter than before.
"Aye, aye, Captain," she called back, her tone sarcastic but affectionate.
As she took the wheel, Suzaku leaned back, closing his eyes.
No bounties yet, he thought. It's been two days. The Marines are slow. But once we hit Loguetown... things are going to get noisy.
He opened his eyes, checking his internal system clock.
I have over 3000 Legend Points saved up. Once we dock, I need to find a quiet place. It's time to test my luck with the Gacha.
"Rem," he whispered.
"Yes, Master?"
"When we dock... guard the door. I have a feeling our crew is about to grow."
[Akarin Note:
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