Three days later, everyone in Cocoyasi Village finally woke from their hangovers. By then, Ryuen and his group of seven had already said their goodbyes to Bellemere and Genzo. It was time for them to leave Cocoyasi Village.
"Bellemere, don't worry. I'll handle that matter," Ryuen assured Bellemere seriously, knowing what she'd been concerned about.
He had already decided when Garp made his offer. The seven of them weren't looking to claim territory, so he planned to play both sides!
"As long as you've thought it through, whatever you all decide, Genzo and I will support you," Bellemere said warmly as she looked at the seven about to set sail. Genzo nodded slowly beside her.
"Genzo, the Green Bull Fruit is specially prepared for you, so make sure you remember to eat it!" Ryuen told Genzo seriously.
This Green Bull Fruit was given by Lindgas at Ryuen's request.
The coming years would bring a war that would sweep across the world. But now, with both Bellemere and Genzo having eaten Devil Fruits, they'd have enough strength to protect themselves here in East Blue. By then, they might have even returned.
"Haha, got it! I'll eat it!" Genzo rubbed his head, feeling a bit shy.
The rest of the group said their farewells to Bellemere, Genzo, and the villagers of Cocoyasi. Then, the seven of them boarded the exploration ship.
Once they were on board, Hog immediately pulled up the anchor, and the others quickly set the sails.
"Take care, everyone!" Nojiko shouted.
"Ryuen, make sure to look after the girls!"
The villagers shouted their farewells.
"I've received everyone's farewell gifts. Thank you all!"
Nami opened a portal, and countless wallets suddenly fell out from it.
"Those are our wallets!"
"You sneaky little cat thief!!!"
"Take care of yourselves!"
Seeing the wallets Nami released, the villagers were both embarrassed and indulgent.
"Set sail!" Feeling it was about time, Ryuen immediately gave the order.
Amid heartfelt farewells, the exploration ship slowly left the harbor and headed out to sea.
"Finally, we're off~~~"
"Yeah, we're finally gone. If those seven stayed, they'd definitely be Mahjong Kings again this year~~~"
"So, can we start now?"
"Hahaha, let's start, let's start!" ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ NovᴇlFɪre.nᴇt
"Bellemere, are you joining us? We're one short for a four-player game!"
"Coming! Wait for me a moment!"
Ryuen and his crew stood proudly at the ship's bow, full of high spirits.
"By the way, Ryuen, what's the name of this ship?" Hog suddenly asked, realizing they hadn't named it yet.
Everyone fell silent at Hog's question.
"How about 'Dream'? Since our team is called the Dream Exploration Team, there's no need to overthink it," Ryuen said firmly.
"It... doesn't sound bad~~~"
"I agree, let's call it 'Dream'!" The others immediately approved.
"Ryuen, we have two options to cross the Red Line now:
One is using the special passage of the Marines and the World Government, and the other is crossing Reverse Mountain. Which should we choose?" Nojiko asked Ryuen.
"What does everyone think?" Ryuen didn't answer directly but instead sought everyone's opinion.
"I think we should go through Reverse Mountain. It feels more thrilling!" Kuina said excitedly.
"I agree. We're here for an adventure, after all!" Leah echoed Kuina's thoughts.
"We'll cross Reverse Mountain!"
After some discussion, everyone unanimously decided to head to the Grand Line via Reverse Mountain!
"In that case, Nami, it's up to you this time!" Ryuen nodded and then looked at Nami.
"Don't worry, everyone! I won't let you down!" Nami said confidently.
"First stop: Loguetown! Let's stock up on enough supplies there before crossing Reverse Mountain!" Ryuen announced, feeling a surge of excitement.
"Hehe, I wonder if Anya is ready," Nami said teasingly to the group.
"Don't count on it. I doubt her father would let her go to sea. After all, they still run a restaurant," Ryuen said, rolling his eyes at Nami with a chuckle.
"Hmph! That's not certain. It's been two years. She might have convinced her father by now!" Nami shot him a sharp look and retorted.
"Hopefully, Anya can join us. It's been so long since I've had her cooking. I really miss it," Daisy said, slumping against the railing with a wistful look.
"Who do you think cooks better, Anya or Sanji?" Leah asked, blinking her big eyes as she looked at the others, clearly torn.
"Anya, I'd say~~~" Nojiko thought for a moment before adding, "But Sanji's cooking is pretty good too."
And so, amidst the chatter of Ryuen and the others, the "Dream" slowly docked. Their lively debate had one focus—whose cooking was better...
With the excitement of Ryuen and the others, the Dream Ship soon arrived at Loguetown.
"It's been two years, and Loguetown seems to have become a lot livelier!" Nami ran to the side of the ship, blinking her charming big eyes as she looked at the bustling port of Loguetown.
"And look, there are so many more pirate ships now!" Daisy pointed to the dozen or so pirate ships at the port.
"Strange, is Captain Hobart not catching pirates anymore?" Nojiko asked, puzzled.
Seeing this, everyone felt a little confused. When did the Marines in Loguetown become so lenient?
There were so many pirate ships at the port, yet the Marines were only patrolling.
"Never mind that for now. Let's go ashore and see Anya. Weren't you all looking forward to the food she makes?" Ryuen interrupted everyone's thoughts.
"Right, right, right!"
"Let's hurry up, or Anya will get impatient!" Daisy said excitedly.
"I think you're the one who can't wait!" Kuina said casually.
"Alright, Kuina, don't you want to eat Anya's cooking already?" Daisy replied, pouting.
"Hmph! Of course I do," Kuina said, and without another word, she jumped off the Dream Ship.
The others stopped joking and quickly followed her off the ship.
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