Want to read ahead? Join my Patreon for only $7 to get early access to upcoming chapters!
> > Patreon.com/NegativeTranslations <<
----------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 52: Setting Sail
Nighttime in Cocoyasi Village.
As night fell, a grand banquet, large enough to feed the entire village, began.
After learning of the Arlong Pirates' defeat, not only the residents of Cocoyasi Village, but also residents from the devastated Gosa Town and other towns and villages on the island that had been under Arlong's shadow, flocked to the banquet.
The scene was lively, with people singing, dancing, and sharing precious wine and food, eating and drinking to their hearts' content, creating a festive atmosphere.
The bitterness and sorrow that had been suppressed for eight years were all released through this banquet tonight.
Of course, most of the conversation revolved around the six young men and women who had saved the entire island.
As the center of attention, the Straw Hat Pirates enjoyed the highest level of hospitality. Enthusiastic villagers took turns serving them delicious food, and the best chefs on the island volunteered to cook for them.
Nojiko, Genzo, and the village doctor in charge of bandaging also sat at the main table, enjoying the dinner with them.
Luffy buried his head in his food. The empty plates around him were already piled high like a mountain, and they were still growing at a visible rate.
Zoro was in a drinking contest with several local residents. He had already drunk several strong men under the table, but he himself showed no signs of intoxication.
Sanji seemed to be in paradise, enjoying delicious food under the attentive care of several young girls, looking incredibly happy the entire time.
Usopp was surrounded by a group of children, gesturing wildly and spitting as he recounted how he had used his wisdom and courage to defeat the Fish-Man officer, Chew.
His "unparalleled courage" deeply impressed the children, and they almost joined the "Usopp Pirates" he mentioned on the spot.
Nami, Nojiko, Genzo, and the others chatted about the past, and the topic naturally turned to Belle-mère, who had raised them. The conversation was heartfelt and moving, and the atmosphere was exceptionally warm.
However, after the chat, several people suddenly found their wallets missing.
Well, it was obvious who the thief was.
Ganyu sat alone in a quiet corner, sipping the local wine. Her cheeks were faintly flushed, but her eyes were clear and calm, her gaze sweeping over everything.
What a peaceful and beautiful night.
...
The next day, at the port.
The morning light scattered across the sea, creating sparkling ripples, and the sky began to show the pale white of dawn.
The Going Merry was mostly ready to set sail.
Luffy sat alone in his favorite special seat at the bow, the sea breeze blowing his straw hat off.
Fortunately, Ganyu was standing not far behind him. With quick eyes and fast hands, she caught the straw hat in mid-air and helped him put it back on.
Luffy quickly held down the just-retrieved straw hat and smiled, "Thanks, Ganyu."
Ganyu blinked. "Mm, Luffy, maybe you should consider attaching a string to your straw hat?"
"Hmm... That sounds like a good idea." Luffy scratched his chin, thought about it seriously for a moment, then shook his head. "But... it seems like a lot of trouble..."
"Leave it to me!" Usopp, hearing their conversation, immediately puffed out his chest and volunteered. "I promise I'll have it fixed for you within a day!"
"Okay!"
Luffy thought for a moment, then carefully took off the straw hat and handed it to Usopp. "I'll leave it to you then, Usopp. Just don't break it. It's very important to me."
"Don't worry."
Usopp solemnly accepted the straw hat, then turned and ran towards the armory on the lower deck.
That place had now become almost his private workshop, filled with various tools and strange materials.
It was said that he had recently been inspired by Ganyu and was researching how to enhance the power of his "Gunpowder Star."
"Mademoiselle Ganyu! Nami-san!"
"I have prepared special drinks for you, filled with my heart and soul!"
Sanji, holding a tray, skillfully exited the cabin and arrived in front of Ganyu in just a few steps.
On the tray were two very tempting-looking specialty drinks, garnished with fruit slices.
"Thank you."
Ganyu picked up a glass without hesitation, took a sip, and savored the cool, sweet-and-sour taste that exploded on her tongue. She couldn't help but praise:
"It's delicious!"
In all fairness, although the noise on the ship had indeed increased since Sanji joined, her quality of life, especially regarding food, had improved by more than just one level.
"Hey, Sanji! Nami's not out yet, give me the other glass!"
Luffy stared intently at the drink, almost drooling.
As he spoke, unable to contain his excitement, he stretched out his rubber arm to grab the tray in Sanji's hand.
Sanji spun deftly, easily dodging Luffy's "sneak attack," then pointed with his free hand toward the cabin entrance and said impatiently:
"If you want one, go get it from the kitchen yourself! These two on the tray were specially prepared for Mademoiselle Ganyu and Nami-san!"
He naturally wouldn't show favoritism; whether it was drinks or snacks, he would prepare a portion for everyone on the ship.
Of course, some people just didn't care.
For example, in the corner of the deck, a certain green-haired swordsman was fully engrossed in high-intensity training.
Zoro swung a giant barbell machine labeled "1t" with one hand, his movements steady and powerful, sweat dripping from his body and covering the deck.
He had been training for an entire hour.
"That guy..."
Sanji narrowed his eyes slightly, finally realizing the source of the unease he had felt since yesterday.
Zoro had been wounded by Hawk-Eye Mihawk just the day before, and had gone through a tough battle at Arlong Park. How were his injuries already healed today?
He suddenly recalled some details and was about to ask Ganyu beside him a question when his gaze involuntarily turned to her.
"Quick, set sail!!"
Just then, Nami's urgent shout came from the shore.
All I could see was...
She was carrying large and small bags, having clearly packed all her luggage, and was dashing towards the port with a look of urgency on her face.
Hearing the call, everyone on the ship immediately sprang into action.
Luffy temporarily put aside his curiosity, Zoro put down his equipment, and Sanji also suppressed his questions for the time being.
Everyone went to their posts, quickly raising the anchor, adjusting the rudder, and hoisting the sails.
The Going Merry began to slowly move away from the port.
Thud.
Just as the ship started to move, Nami leaped onto the deck.
"Haha, now I can finally set sail with peace of mind!" She let out a long sigh of relief, a brilliant smile blooming on her face.
The crew gathered around curiously, their eyes all focused on her.
Nami gave a cunning smile and reached down to pull at the hem of her T-shirt.
With a clatter, a dozen wallets of different styles fell out from her clothes as if by magic, piling up in a small heap on the deck.
"This is..." The crew looked at the scene, somewhat bewildered.
At this time.
Almost simultaneously, a commotion erupted from the direction of the port, followed by angry shouts:
"My wallet is gone!"
"What? Yours is gone too? I couldn't find mine last night either!"
"It's that cat burglar!"
"You brat! Give us back our wallets!"
Faced with such a "warm" send-off, Nami waved to them. "Hehe, take care, everyone!"
And then.
Under a barrage of insults, the Straw Hat Pirates set sail once again, heading for the open sea!