After searching through Kuro's pirate ship and finding nothing of value, Nami and Cry decided to return to Kaya's villa. The sun was already lowering, and the thought of a proper dinner—one Kaya herself would prepare—felt like the right way to end the day.
"Okay, let's go back, Cry," Nami said.
Cry nodded obediently, her long sea-colored hair swaying as she followed.
Back at the villa, the guest room was already lively in its own chaotic way. Luffy was eating like a wild beast, stuffing his mouth without pause, while Zoro sat nearby, drinking sake as if there were no tomorrow. Empty cups surrounded him like fallen soldiers.
Nami watched the scene for a moment and sighed, shaking her head.
These idiots…
For once, though, she decided not to scold them. She simply turned away.
Usopp was resting in another room, being treated carefully, while Kaya stayed close by his side, watching over him with quiet concern.
Nami gently took Cry's hand and guided her toward an empty seat at the table. The goddess-like woman followed without resistance, trusting her completely.
They sat down together, the warmth of the villa and the promise of dinner settling around them, bringing a rare moment of calm after the storm..
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The next morning.
Cry woke up alone in one of the guest rooms.
She sat quietly on the edge of the bed, her long legs drawn close, her gaze fixed on the window. Warm sunlight poured through the glass, bathing the room in a soft golden glow. The light felt gentle against her skin—comforting.
"Warm…" she said softly.
The word came out slow and uncertain. Cry was still learning. Nami had been teaching her little by little, but forming words was difficult. Still, she tried.
A knock sounded at the door.
Cry turned her head toward it and simply stared. She didn't move. She didn't understand what the sound meant.
Then—
creak.
The door slowly opened.
It was Nami.
"Cry, what are you doing here?" Nami said quickly. "We're leaving already. The Navy's on their way, and we don't want to get tangled up in that mess."
Cry blinked and tilted her head, confusion clear on her face. The words didn't make sense to her yet.
Nami sighed softly. "Anyway—just follow me," she said, turning around.
Cry stood up without hesitation. She followed Nami out of the room, her steps quiet, trusting her completely.
They gathered outside the villa, the morning air still cool, the sea breeze carrying the distant cry of gulls. The mood was calm—but beneath it, there was a quiet urgency. Time was moving.
Luffy stood near the edge of the path, hands behind his head, staring out toward the harbor like he expected a ship to magically appear.
"Hmmm…" he hummed.
Then he turned suddenly toward Usopp.
"Hey," Luffy said casually, "Usopp. You know where we can find a ship?"
Usopp blinked. "A ship?"
"Yeah," Luffy nodded. "Ours. We can't just keep borrowing boats forever."
Usopp scratched the back of his head, eyes drifting away. "Well… Syrup Village isn't really a port town. Most ships here are merchant ships, and they don't just lend those out, y'know? And pirates asking for a ship isn't exactly a good look…"
Luffy frowned slightly, thinking hard—then brightened again. "Oh. Okay."
Zoro, leaning against a post with his arms crossed, sighed. "That was fast. You gave up already?"
Before Luffy could answer, a soft voice spoke from behind them.
"I have one."
They all turned.
Kaya stood there, wrapped in her light coat, her pale hair catching the sunlight. Merry was beside her, clearly nervous, but supportive.
Luffy stared. "You do?"
Kaya nodded gently. "It's a small ship… but it's sturdy. It was built to travel far."
Usopp's eyes widened. "Miss Kaya—are you sure?"
She smiled, warm and sincere. "Yes. I don't need it anymore."
Nami's eyes sharpened immediately, studying Kaya with interest—not greed, but calculation. "A seaworthy ship… for free?"
Kaya met her gaze without hesitation. "I want to give it to you."
Luffy stepped forward, grinning wide, eyes shining with excitement. "Really?! That's awesome!"
He leaned closer, then asked plainly, "Why?"
Kaya looked past him, toward the sea. Then, quietly, she said, "Because you protected this village. Because you protected me."
Her eyes flicked briefly toward the villa—toward where Cry had been earlier—then back to them.
"And because," she added softly, "I think your journey matters."
For a moment, no one spoke.
Then Luffy broke into his familiar laugh.
"Shishishishi! Alright then!"
He stretched his arms toward the sky. "We've got a ship!"
Usopp stared at Kaya, overwhelmed, his chest tight with emotion.
"…Thank you, Miss Kaya."
Kaya smiled again. This time, brighter.
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To be continued