"In short, that's how it is."
"We're sorry, Captain Hiroto."
Two apologetic but firm voices rang out.
Inside Nami's house, Yosaku and Johnny stood in the living room with complex expressions.
In front of them were Hiroto and a similarly complex-looking Zoro.
"In other words, you plan to stop here?" Hiroto organized his thoughts and summarized.
"Yes."
Johnny nodded, looking determined, his eyes turning red. "Yosaku and I plan to stay in Cocoyasi Village. We won't be able to accompany you, Captain Hiroto, or Zoro in the future."
"That's right."
Reluctance appeared on Yosaku's face, and his eyes grew moist, but he gritted his teeth and stood firm.
Two grown men actually gave off the feeling that they were about to burst into tears.
But similarly, their determination was just as clear.
"Since that's the case, we'll go with your wishes."
Hiroto seemed to understand something. He stood up to leave, patting the two on their shoulders as he passed.
"You've done well on this journey. I'm very grateful to you."
"Captain!"
"Thank you for your recognition!"
Johnny and Yosaku were instantly moved to tears.
After Hiroto left, Zoro looked at the two weeping men and couldn't help but say, "If you want to change your minds, come see me anytime."
He also left the house, leaving the space to the two of them.
"Is this really okay?" Johnny wiped away his tears and asked his partner.
"We can no longer keep up with Captain Hiroto and Zoro. Are we supposed to just be freeloaders on the ship? Or do you think you can be of any use?" Yosaku asked in return.
Johnny hesitated for a moment, then shook his head.
"We both know that Zoro and Captain Hiroto are bound to become legendary figures in the future. As former companions, it's already been great to walk a part of the path together."
"What's the point of continuing to persist? Even if Captain Hiroto didn't say anything, I feel useless myself."
Yosaku poured out all his thoughts at once.
Johnny didn't refute him, because he was thinking the same thing.
The two of them simply couldn't keep up with the growth of Hiroto and Zoro, nor with the enemies they faced.
For small figures like them, following such great figures, even if only for a short time, and even if they only did odd jobs, was an experience worth remembering and cherishing. They shouldn't ask for more or to go further.
Outside, Zoro, who had heard the truth, leaned silently against the wall, not intervening or saying anything.
This journey was never just child's play. Since Johnny and Yosaku had made their decision, he would respect their choice.
"How does it feel?" Hiroto approached at this moment.
"It's their own choice." Zoro said.
"I mean you."
"..."
Zoro was stunned for a moment, then said irritably, "How could I possibly give up? I won't stop until I defeat you."
"That's good."
Hiroto leaned against the wall and said, "The enemy we're facing this time is very strong, on a completely different level than before."
"But it's also the opportunity for you to rightfully take back Wado Ichimonji. I can trust you, right, Zoro?"
"Who do you think I am?" Zoro gave a wild grin.
Although this was the first time he had heard Hiroto speak like this, he could foresee that the enemy was truly powerful and not to be underestimated. But he was confident he would never fail in his duty and could fulfill his role as Vice Captain.
"I'm looking forward to it."
As Hiroto spoke, he unbuckled the sheathed long sword at his waist and handed it to Zoro. Only then did Zoro realize it was Wado Ichimonji.
He opened his mouth to speak, but it ended in a nod as he took the sword.
Encountering such a Captain, Zoro had no temper at all. All he could do was ensure he didn't fail Hiroto's expectations.
"I wonder when he'll arrive."
Hiroto looked up at the sky, then led everyone onto the Going Merry to wait.
Nami and the others had already packed up and were ready to set sail from Cocoyasi Village at any time.
However, this time, Johnny and Yosaku stayed on the shore. It seemed they intended to see Hiroto and the others off.
Nojiko, Genzo, Kalei, and the others also came to see them off after hearing the news.
"Sister."
Nami and Nojiko hugged each other, both with tears in their eyes, reluctant to face the upcoming separation.
Genzo was right beside them. He didn't seem out of place, but rather gave off the feeling of a father and daughters.
It's worth mentioning that because the tangerine grove was destroyed, Hiroto gave Nojiko a lot of money for reconstruction, and Genzo took the opportunity to invest and become a shareholder in the orchard.
In a way, the three of them were indeed 'family.'
On the Going Merry, Hiroto was concentrating, using Observation Haki to probe the surroundings.
These past few days, he had focused on familiarizing himself with and mastering Observation Haki. He had now moved past the introductory stage and reached a level of proficiency where he could use it as easily as his own limbs.
Soon, he looked up at the sky, and Issho's figure appeared.
Their eyes met, and Issho placed his hand on the hilt of Yakuza Kasen as majestic gravity captured the Going Merry in the bay.
"It's time to set off." Hiroto gave the order.
Nami returned to the ship, and the group on the shore watched as the Going Merry slowly rose into the sky.
"Safe travels!"
"Be careful in the future!"
"Captain, we will always remember your teachings!"
The voices—blessings, gratitude, or warnings—sounded noisy yet incredibly pure, hoping that Hiroto and his crew could better face the future.
In the midst of it, Yosaku and Johnny could no longer hold back, waving at the receding Going Merry in the sky with tears and snot streaming down their faces.
They understood that after this parting, they would likely never meet again.
When they see Hiroto and Zoro again, it will likely be in the newspapers of the World Economy News Paper.
They would witness Hiroto becoming a new legend, just like the Four Emperors in the papers.
They would also witness Zoro ascending to the throne of the world's greatest swordsman.
The two were convinced of this and looked forward to it, even though they wouldn't be following along.
But there was nothing to regret.
Having had interactions with a future legend like Hiroto was enough for the two of them to boast about and cherish for a lifetime.
The Going Merry vanished, heading toward Moria's location.
(End of Chapter)
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