Kano Country Harbor—
News of Lao Cai's triumphant return had already spread ahead of time. Almost the entire Happo Navy turned out in force, gathering at the port to welcome their hero.
Not just the Happo Navy—
Even ordinary citizens flocked to the harbor, eager to witness the young force led by Lao Cai.
As the future pillar of the Happo Navy, Lao Cai's growth naturally drew attention.
Not only did the current leader, Chinjao, place great expectations on him—
Even the king of Kano Country held him in high regard.
But precisely because Lao Cai was so favored, the younger generations of the other naval divisions weren't too fond of him.
Among them, the most dissatisfied were Ron, the son of the First Division leader, and Lei Zhen, the son of the Third Division leader.
Of course—
Lao Cai simply ignored all of that.
After all, he was the future pillar of the Happo Navy and the grandson of Chinjao, Kano Country's national pillar.
With just those two identities alone—
He could crush any dissent.
As the warships docked, Lao Cai stepped onto the deck, surrounded by his men, basking in the cheers and admiration of the crowd.
"Happo!!"
"Happo!!"
"Lao Cai!!"
"Lao Cai!!"
Thunderous cheers echoed across the harbor, the people's fervor bordering on worship.
"Quite popular, huh."
On the deck of the Traveler, Arashi watched the scene with mild surprise.
Though, in Kano Country, this level of popularity made sense.
As Chinjao's grandson, Lao Cai naturally attracted admiration.
After all—
Chinjao, the "Drill," was a legendary figure, once renowned across the seas and the Grand Line decades ago.
And half the reason Kano Country could stand firm in the chaotic West Blue—
Was because of him and the Happo Navy.
"So noisy…"
Perona floated over at some point, looking at the massive crowd with a tilted head.
She blinked mischievously at Arashi.
"Arashi, can I make them all depressed for a bit? It's way too loud!"
"Perona, don't mess around."
Before Arashi could respond, Robin stepped forward and spoke gently:
"Your Devil Fruit ability is quite dangerous. And this country has many strong people. Especially Lao Cai's grandfather—he's a legendary pirate with a bounty exceeding 500 million."
"Haha, that's not the point."
Arashi patted Perona's head and said with a grin:
"We came to Kano Country to travel, not cause trouble. Of course… if someone makes you unhappy during the trip, feel free to make them question their life choices."
Before he even finished speaking—
A system notification suddenly rang out in his mind.
"Notification: Congratulations, host, for arriving at a new travel destination—Kano Country. Reward granted: 2 days' worth of travel points!"
"Notification: 3000 travel points have been credited to your account!"
"Notification: New task activated."
"Task: Facilitate the marriage between Lao Cai, the future pillar of the Happo Navy, and Huo Lisha, the future pillar of the Second Division. Participate in their engagement ceremony."
"Reward: 5000 travel points!"
"…What the hell is this task?!"
Arashi's eyes widened in disbelief.
Matchmaking?
Attending an engagement ceremony?
Was he supposed to become a matchmaker now?!
Wait—
Huo Lisha… the future pillar of the Second Division?
Wasn't that the one—
More "flower" than a flower, more "man" than a man—
So shockingly ugly that the word ugly didn't even begin to describe her?!
She had appeared briefly in the original story—
Just once or twice.
But that was enough to leave a lasting impression.
Arashi's mouth twitched.
Then he slowly looked toward Lao Cai.
For 5000 travel points…
Sorry, broccoli-head. Your happiness is on the line.
In the original cover story, Huo Lisha had personally welcomed Lao Cai back to Kano Country—
Calling him "darling" and even talking about marriage.
And at that time—
She already had twenty-five husbands.
Where those husbands went?
No need to ask.
Their fates were undoubtedly… tragic.
A woman more masculine than a man.
A face that could haunt nightmares.
Who could handle that?!
No one could!
But—
Arashi believed Lao Cai could.
He had to.
Because this was directly tied to his 5000 travel points.
Just as Arashi looked at Lao Cai—
Lao Cai happened to glance back.
Seeing Arashi left alone, he quickly jumped onto the dock and strode over.
"Brother Traveler, this must be your first time in Kano Country, right?"
"Don't worry about being unfamiliar with the place. As a member of the Happo Navy, I'll naturally play host."
"If you don't mind, why not come visit the Happo Navy with me?"
How could Arashi refuse?
He had just been wondering how to complete the task—
And now the opportunity had walked right up to him.
"It is indeed my first time here."
Arashi smiled and nodded.
"If I can visit the famed Happo Navy, that would be wonderful."
"Haha, straightforward!"
Delighted, Lao Cai grabbed Abu and said:
"Abu, go back and inform my grandfather—we'll be there shortly!"
Lao Cai wasn't as simple-minded as he seemed.
From the moment he first saw Arashi, he hadn't fully trusted him.
Inviting him along was partly a test.
If Arashi had refused, Lao Cai would've grown suspicious.
But now—
Seeing Arashi agree without hesitation—
He was finally convinced.
This guy really was just a traveler.
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