"Long live the Marine-sama!"
Wave after wave of cheers erupted. By this time, the distant sun had dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in a fiery crimson. The villagers of Cocoyasi had gathered on the main road for a grand banquet.
The strong men of the village formed a circle, their dozen pairs of hands hoisting Rowan high. With a synchronized shout, they tossed him into the air. Nearby, women with superb culinary skills gathered around a massive bonfire, preparing the feast: grilled fish, jerky, cakes, ham—there was no end to the delicacies. Even the village head had brought out his finest, dust-covered private reserve of wine.
Looking at the dizzying array of food, Luffy's eyes were practically sparkling. After several days of erratic meals at sea with his Great-Grandpa, he hadn't seen a spread like this in ages.
"Long live banquets!"
If Nami hadn't been standing guard nearby, Luffy probably would have inhaled half the food by himself in minutes.
These villagers... they're really enthusiastic,Rowan thought.
Whew...
After being tossed in the air for a solid hour, Rowan was finally set down. He offered a silent, helpless complaint to himself. He found a quiet corner with a crooked tree to lean against, unhooked his tobacco pipe, and took a satisfied drag. He exhaled a thick cloud of smoke, a relaxed smile forming as he watched the genuine happiness on the faces of every resident.
After six years of Arlong's brutal rule, the village shouldn't have had the resources for such a feast. Most of these supplies had been brought over by residents of neighboring island villages who had rushed over the moment they heard the news, wanting to thank the man who had ended their nightmare.
The news that "two Marines arrived at Cocoyasi and eradicated the Arlong Pirates" had spread like a hurricane through the surrounding twenty islands. Consequently, Rowan hadn't just gained the favor of Cocoyasi, but that of every soul in the region.
This time, the system chimed in with a staggering reward: over 900 Faith Points!
Almost a full thousand. This surge surprised even Rowan, but it spoke volumes about the sheer depth of the hatred these people held for Arlong.
Thinking on this, Rowan felt a twinge of guilt. Since his retirement decades ago, he had rarely interfered with world affairs, content to be an "old fossil." The incident with the Giant Crocodile Pirates earlier was just a way to stretch his legs. It wasn't until his system activated and his strength returned that he began to remember these specific plights, but by then, much time had passed.
Still, better late than never. Justice delayed is still Justice.
"Grandpa Rowan, have a tangerine."
A gentle voice came from his side. Rowan turned to see a perfectly peeled tangerine held out to him. Following the slender, sun-kissed arm, he saw Nojiko, her blue hair ruffled by the breeze, smiling warmly at him.
"Ah, it's you, girl."
Rowan didn't stand on ceremony. He took the fruit, popped a half into his mouth, and began to chew. The sweet and tart juice exploded on his palate, filling his mouth instantly. He closed his eyes in bliss.
"Mm, truly excellent. This is no joke—your skill at growing these is top-tier."
He wasn't just being polite; the flavor was comparable to the tribute tangerines sent to the World Government by member nations.
"Bell-mère taught us the method," Nojiko said. She brushed a strand of hair from her forehead and sat down on the grass beside him. Looking at the lively bonfire, she said softly, "I really can't thank you enough for today. If it weren't for you..."
"Girl, how many times do I have to say it?"
Rowan interrupted her with a wave of his hand, stuffing the rest of the tangerine into his mouth. He spoke with his mouth slightly full: "I may be retired, but I'm still a Marine who has carried the weight of Justice for decades. Arlong was a plague; eradicating him was my duty. If anything, I'm the one who should apologize for taking so long to get here."
"The fact that you don't blame me and even threw such a grand party makes me feel a bit embarrassed."
"Luffy! Stop right there, you brat!"
Suddenly, a scream rang out from the crowd. Both of them looked over to see Luffy sprinting across the clearing, clutching a half-roasted chicken that was still steaming. Behind him, a furious Nami was in hot pursuit, trying to reclaim the bird.
"Don't run! That chicken isn't even finished cooking yet! If you steal all the meat, what is Grandpa Rowan going to eat?!"
But this was Luffy. Aside from his Great-Grandpa, no one in the world could snatch food from his jaws. Even though the meat wasn't fully cooked, it was close enough for him. He ignored Nami's shouts, tore off a massive chunk, and wore a look of pure ecstasy as he chewed—all while keeping his lead in the chase.
Watching the two youngsters bicker and run, the surrounding villagers broke into peals of laughter. A few minutes later, Nami, unable to catch the rubber boy, stomped her foot in frustration.
Panting, she spotted Rowan and Nojiko by the crooked tree. Her angry expression softened into a smile, and she trotted over, sitting down on Rowan's other side with a huff. With the two sisters flanking him, they looked for all the world like his own granddaughters.
"Grandpa Rowan, are you really leaving tomorrow?"
After her breathing settled, Nami leaned her head slightly toward his shoulder, looking up at the starlit sky. Hearing the question, Nojiko's expression faltered, a hint of sadness creeping into her eyes.
"That's right. Setting sail at dawn," Rowan said casually, unhooking his wine gourd.
After a moment of silence, Nami sat up straight and looked at him with great earnestness. "Mr. Rowan, can't you stay a little longer? Cocoyasi actually has a lot of fun places you haven't seen."
Nojiko didn't speak, but she looked at him with the same pleading, puppy-dog eyes as her sister.
"You two beauties aren't really going to miss a crusty old man like me, are you?" Rowan chuckled. He reached out and patted both their heads. "I'd love to stay for a few more days, but I have reasons I must leave."
"Cocoyasi is wonderful, but it doesn't belong to me."
"My mission now is to reach Marine Headquarters and bring Justice to many more people. After all, there are still many other 'Cocoyasi Villages' out there waiting to be saved."
Hearing his solemn words, Nami hesitated for a moment before a thought seemed to strike her. "Grandpa Rowan, can I go to Marine Headquarters with you?"
"I... I can draw sea charts! I know navigation! I can become a Marine too and contribute to Justice!"
Beside her, Nojiko looked at Nami's hopeful face with envy. She also wanted to go, to follow in Bell-mère's footsteps, but she had to stay and tend the orchard their mother had left behind.
"You silly girl..."
Rowan ruffled Nami's hair and laughed. "You're too young. The Navy doesn't need navigators that tiny yet. Wait until you grow up a bit more."
"Navigator?! What navigator?! Nami, are you a navigator?"
Suddenly, Luffy's head popped up from behind the three of them. He looked at Nami with intense seriousness. "Nami, if Great-Grandpa doesn't want you, I do! How about you come be a pirate with me?! Be my navigator, and let's become the freest people on the sea together!"
"You're an idiot! Only a ghost would want to be a pirate with you!"
Nami delivered a swift punch that sent Luffy flying. She huffed, looking genuinely annoyed. Just seeing his face made her blood boil.
"Gahahaha!"
Watching Luffy's pathetic, defeated expression after being punched, Rowan roared with laughter. Ah, the vitality of youth.
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