Under Hera's authority, the matters regarding the Marines were resolved. The implicated Marines were locked up, awaiting further investigation. Coincidentally, there was someone from the recruit training camp who had dropped out before learning the Six Powers because his body couldn't endure it; the place was temporarily entrusted to him. Afterwards, Hera and her group departed, preparing to return to Cocoyasi Village.
On the way, Kuina asked Nami, "Nami, the matter with the Arlong Pirate Crew has been resolved. What do you want to do next?"
Nami thought for a moment and said, "I haven't decided yet, but I still want to go to sea. My dream is to become the best Navigator and draw a sea chart of the entire world."
Hera saw an opportunity to recruit her and quickly said, "Then come join us! If you sail with us, you'll definitely be able to travel across the whole world. Plus, we really lack a Navigator. You can navigate a small boat alone at sea, so coming to us definitely won't be a problem."
Nami hesitated slightly. "But I used to be a pirate. Can I really do it?"
Hera affirmed Nami's talent. "Of course you can. You were forced before, so it's not an issue."
Hera continued, "Besides, we have a super large bathhouse. If you join now, you'll have a chance to get a super cool Devil Fruit, the Rumble-Rumble Fruit. This is a top-tier Logia Devil Fruit, the same type as those of the Three Admirals."
Nami was amused by Hera's soft, sweet voice and her pyramid-scheme-like pitch. "Alright then, please take good care of me from now on, my Captain." She reached out and patted Hera's head.
Hera felt a bit depressed. Why did everyone love to pat her head? Where did her authority as a Captain go? However, this depression was quickly replaced by the joy of adding a new member.
Suddenly, Hera thought of Luffy and asked Nami, "By the way, does your sister Nojiko know how to observe the weather, or is it just you?"
Nami said, "She also longs for the sea. When I was studying, she would watch a bit too. Sometimes when we deliver tangerines, the two of us each take a boat. Why? Why the sudden question?"
Hera breathed a sigh of relief and thought to herself, "Luffy, although I've taken Nami away, Nojiko is still here. It just depends on whether you have a connection with her." Out loud, she said, "It's nothing, I just wanted to learn more about your family."
Soon, the ship returned to Cocoyasi Village. The villagers had demolished the former Arlong Park and transformed it into a large gathering place. A banquet was being prepared there.
Hera also said to Nami, "Take this opportunity to say a proper goodbye to your family. You'll be away for a long time."
Then, as if realizing something was wrong, she added, "Wait, no, we have vacations every year. We're not some 'black company' that never lets people rest. It's just that it might get very busy sometimes; there's a lot to do in the next two years."
Nami was amused by Hera's childlike behavior. "Don't worry, since I've promised you, I won't run away. Besides, I have realistic expectations."
Hera also breathed a sigh of relief. She was actually quite afraid that the beautiful young Navigator she recruited would refuse to go to sea because she didn't want to be away from home for too long.
Kuina also laughed when she heard Hera's words. "Captain, you need to have confidence in your own charm. I told you Nami would definitely agree to your invitation."
Hera curled her lip, pretending not to care, but in her heart, she was beaming with joy.
Soon, the people by the shore spotted Hera's fleet and swarmed toward them. Looking at the enthusiastic crowd, Hera felt a bit flustered. Kuina gave her a nudge. "Go on, great hero who saved everyone. Go and receive the cheers that belong to you."
Hera pulled the other three along. "These cheers belong to you guys too."
The four of them arrived at the banquet site amidst the cheers of the villagers. Seeing them, the Village Chief said, "Our heroes have returned, so let the wild banquet begin!"
Everyone cheered, and the celebratory banquet began.
During the banquet, Nami informed her sister and mother of her decision to go to sea as a Marine. Belle-Mere and Nojiko were happy that Nami could pursue her dream. Amidst the festivities, Belle-Mere found Hera, wanting to speak with her privately.
Belle-Mere took a drag of her cigarette and said to Hera, "I'm glad Nami found good companions. Having you all with her on her journey to chase her dream will make things much safer."
With that, Belle-Mere exhaled a smoke ring. "I spent some time in the Marines, so I know how formidable some pirates on the sea can be. I'm just a little uneasy."
"I hope you can protect her as much as possible. If she ever ends up holding you back, just send her home safely. That is my only wish as a mother."
Hera understood Belle-Mere's concern and promised her, "Rest assured. Please believe in me, and believe in Nami too. She will surely become the world's best Navigator, and I will definitely be able to keep my crew safe."
Belle-Mere nodded, said no more, turned, and left.
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