Chapter 18 – The Truth of Windmill Village & Return to Mya Mya
After Ding Li left, night fell over Loguetown. Lanterns lit the streets, and the tavern in the alley was already buzzing with life. Roger sauntered in as usual—his favorite place to unwind with old friends.
He plopped down at the bar. The barman with the big mole walked over and casually dropped a heavy pouch in front of him.
Roger raised an eyebrow. "What's this?"
"Thirty thousand Berries," the barman said with a grin. "From that guy you brought in last time. He said to give it to you."
Roger opened the pouch. Gold coins glinted under the lamplight. He laughed heartily. "Hah! That Ding Li… what an interesting kid!"
He tossed the pouch back to the barman. "Settle my tab first. Keep the rest here. Same as always tonight."
He stood, humming, and disappeared into the crowd of drinkers. The tavern rang with music, clinking glasses, and raucous laughter.
Half a month later — early morning
The sun rose like a golden pearl over the peaceful harbor of Windmill Village (Foosha Village). Waves sparkled in the dawn light. Ding Li and Koya stepped off the ship, leaving the crew behind. The village looked quiet, humble—nothing like Loguetown's bustle, but warm and alive in its own way.
Villagers on the stone paths glanced curiously at the newcomers. Some paused, others whispered. To this sleepy place, strangers were always news.
Ding! "+32 emotion points."
Ding Li smiled faintly. He felt Koya's hand tremble in his. Excitement, fear, hope—all tangled together.
He squeezed her fingers gently. They walked up to a busy auntie near the docks.
She stopped her work and eyed them. Suspicion melted into a kind smile. "What can I do for you, dears?"
Ding Li spoke politely. "Sorry to bother you. Do you know anything about a big fishing fleet that left about half a year ago?"
The auntie frowned, thinking. "Half a year? We get fleets every month… fishing, trading…"
Ding Li pressed gently. "This one was special. They recruited a lot of people from the island. No one came back."
Her face darkened. "Oh… that one. Yeah, I remember now. About seven months ago, a new crew came to the village—said they heard about a rare fish school. They recruited heavily—over a hundred locals joined. Not a single one returned. The whole village mourned for weeks. Such a tragedy…"
Koya froze. The world tilted. Her knees buckled.
Ding Li caught her instantly, holding her tight against his chest. Her face was bloodless.
"No one… came back?" Ding Li's voice cracked. "Any other news? Anything at all?"
The auntie shook her head sadly. "That's all I know. But if you want more details… try the tavern. Makino at the bar talks to all the crews. She might know something."
Ding Li thanked her and carried Koya toward the tavern.
It was quiet inside—only a few early drinkers. Behind the bar stood a young woman with gentle brown hair and a warm smile—exactly like the Makino from the anime.
She greeted them brightly. "Welcome! What can I get you?"
Ding Li placed a heavy pouch on the counter—easily over 100,000 Berries. "Rum. And information."
Makino poured a glass, then looked at him seriously. "What do you need to know?"
Ding Li's voice was low. "The fleet that left half a year ago… the one that never came back. Is it true? No survivors?"
Makino's smile faded. "It's true. No one returned. But… a week after they left, one man staggered back. He kept muttering, 'They're all dead… all dead…' He was the recruiter's right-hand man. A month later, he hanged himself. After that… silence."
She paused, eyes misty. "My husband was on that ship. I understand your pain. You've lost someone too, haven't you? I'm so sorry. Sometimes… the sea just takes people."
Ding Li's grip on Koya tightened. "Was there anything unusual? Anything at all?"
Makino hesitated. "After he died… his body disappeared. One minute it was there, the next—gone. Very strange. But I don't think it's connected."
Ding Li downed the rum in one gulp. He bowed slightly. "Thank you."
He turned and left.
Makino called after him. "Wait! Your money—!"
But he was already gone.
Back on the ship, Ding Li sat on deck, holding Koya like a fragile doll. She stared blankly at the sea—empty, broken.
He spoke softly, voice thick. "Koya… I know losing your brother hurts more than anything. But wherever he is now… he'd want you to live. To be happy. Not lost like this."
Silence.
He continued, almost whispering. "Better to live clear-headed than die in chaos. Better to grow through hope than fall into despair."
The words seemed to pierce her fog. A spark returned to her eyes.
Then she broke.
"Brother…! Waaaahhh!!!"
She sobbed—loud, raw, wrenching cries. Ding Li held her through it all, stroking her back, letting her grief pour out.
She cried until her voice gave out, hoarse and spent.
Late at night, exhausted, she whispered: "Ding Li… I want to go home."
"Okay," he answered firmly. "We're going home."
She fell asleep in his arms.
Ding Li carried her to the cabin, then went to the helm.
The navigator looked up. "Boss? Something wrong?"
"Set course for Mya Mya Island. You know it?"
The man grinned. "Asked around this morning. Got the route. Heh."
"Good. We agreed on two months' pay—fifty hundred thousand Berries total. Even though it's been less, I'll pay the full amount. Take us home, then you're free."
The navigator nodded. "Deal."
Ding Li returned to the cabin, lay beside Koya, and held her close. The ship turned toward the tiny island that had become their home.
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