"Ah… why did that Marine sir run off again?"
Bellemere heard voices behind her and immediately understood.
The villagers were carrying bags and baskets of food.
No need to ask—they were trying to force gifts onto him again.
"It's because you're too enthusiastic—you scared him off," Bellemere said helplessly.
The villagers left disappointed.
Genzo walked over and stood beside Bellemere, watching the ship fade away.
"You really let Nami go with him? You're that confident?"
Bellemere smiled through reddened eyes.
"With anyone else, I wouldn't be. With him—I am."
"He truly treats Nami like a little sister. No hidden intentions. I can tell."
"And… the way he likes her is completely different from how he treats adults."
Genzo swallowed what he wanted to say.
"Come on," Bellemere said, lifting Nojiko. "We'll see her again."
"Really, Bellemere?" Nojiko sniffled.
"Yes. If you ever want to go, I'll take you to find them."
Nojiko nodded hard.
"Then I'll stay with you forever, Bellemere."
"Good girl."
On the ship, Nami sprinted around the deck, excitement washing away her sadness.
Everyone liked the clever, energetic little girl.
"Waaah—you're from the Mink Tribe?!" Nami stared at the squirrel mink and Wanda.
The squirrel mink smiled and rubbed her head.
"We're from Zou's Mokomo Dukedom. But now we have a new identity."
Nami kept running around.
She screamed when she saw Brook and needed Stella to comfort her.
White Ghost let her play and went to check on Franky and Ashie, who hadn't left their room in a month.
Knock knock knock.
"Who is it?! We're busy!" Ashie shouted.
"It's me." White Ghost pushed the door open.
His mouth twitched.
"…What are you two doing?"
Franky lay dismantled on an operating table, wide awake, watching Ashie install parts.
"Captain!" Franky said excitedly. "When this is done, you'll be shocked!"
"I already am."
White Ghost left them alone.
"Captain!" Naqin and the squirrel mink rushed over with a small box.
"Slow down!" White Ghost said quickly.
"The experiment succeeded!" Naqin gasped.
"The youth-restoration potion?"
White Ghost froze.
Naqin nodded excitedly.
White Ghost opened the box and saw five red test tubes.
They tested it on captive pirates.
The effects were immediate.
About fifteen years of restoration—plus internal healing.
White Ghost handed Naqin a ring.
"I keep my word."
Naqin knelt.
"This is my Vivre Card."
White Ghost accepted it with a smile.
"I hope I never have to use this."
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