Chapter 20
After arriving at the village center, people immediately pulled Jepack into drinking games and dance-offs. His earlier performance had gained him quite a few fans!
"What are you doing? Ouch~~"
A sudden voice caught Jepack's attention mid-drink. He looked up to see Genzo and an unknown villager arguing heatedly, faces flushed red.
Already a bit tipsy, Jepack wobbled over in a haze.
Jepack: "What are you two arguing about?"
"It's Jepack! We're debating the difference between fish-men and mermaids. This guy insists there's no difference—they're all bad! I disagree—there are beautiful mermaids among them, so they can't all be evil. Some must be good!!"
"Since you're here and obviously experienced, judge for us!"
Genzo explained when he saw it was Jepack asking.
Jepack: "You're right—you can't lump mermaids and fish-men together."
"But even among fish-men, there are good and bad ones. Don't let Arlong's crew make you think they're all evil. If you ever get the chance, visit Fish-Man Island—you'll see for yourself!"
"There are plenty of good fish-men too! Though mermaids do tend to have more positive stories."
Jepack leaned against a nearby pillar, sharing what he knew about the fish-man race from his mind.
The two stopped arguing, listening intently as they imagined the better side of the fish-man world.
"That's all I know. The good and bad in the fish-man race are just like in humans—no big difference. If you want more, you'll have to see it with your own eyes!"
Jepack finished, took another swig from the bottle, and glanced at the clearing that had quietly filled with people again. Originally, everyone harbored resentment toward all fish-men because of Arlong's crew.
After his words, they seemed to relax a bit—at least knowing not all fish-men were bad.
Seeing everyone deep in thought, Jepack didn't interrupt further. He flash-stepped out of the crowd!
After he left, the party returned to singing and dancing!
Jepack had planned to head back to Nami's house for rest, but something drew him back to the earlier spot. Looking at the traces on the ground, he shook his head with a smile.
"Tsk tsk—looks like villains really do return to the scene to admire their work!"
He quickly cleaned up the area!
"Right—Nami was here earlier, wasn't she? Where did she go now? I wonder if she noticed anything!"
"Nojiko said she'd show up at Bellemere's grave in the middle of the night!"
Jepack remembered why he'd left in a hurry—it was because of Nami. She must be there now!
"She's probably got a lot to say after lifting that burden. Perfect chance to bond with her!"
Thinking that, Jepack headed toward Bellemere's grave.
As he neared the site, he heard Nami's voice, as if talking to someone.
He crept closer and listened.
"Bellemere, did you know? I met partners I want to adventure with. He helped us defeat Arlong! I dreamed of beating Arlong every night, but once he showed up, my dreams turned to him!"
"I didn't want to drag them in before—I was scared they'd get hurt, and I thought I could handle it myself! So I left them behind and came back to the village… but they found me anyway!"
"They appeared when I was at my lowest, solved all my problems, and invited me to join them again!"
"At that moment, I knew—I have to get stronger and guide them through the seas. I want to be Jepack's hero too!"
"I can't stay in the village to keep you company anymore… I'm going to sail with my crewmates!"
...
Jepack listened silently from the side, not interrupting her.
After a while, Nami seemed talked out. She lay back, gazing at the starry sky reflected in her eyes!
Seeing her quiet down, Jepack approached from his hiding spot. Nami heard footsteps and looked up.
Only Genzo and Nojiko knew she'd be here—she assumed it was one of them.
But it was Jepack!
"Jepack! How did you get here?"
Nami asked in surprise—this place was usually only visited by Nojiko and Genzo.
"I hadn't seen you since the party started, so I asked Nojiko where you might be. She said you could be here, so I came to check!"
Jepack sat beside her as she lay there and gently stroked her hair.
"So… talking heart-to-heart with Bellemere?"
"Yeah… since I'm sailing with you guys, I have to say a proper goodbye!"
Nami winked playfully at Jepack, trying to act casual.
If Jepack hadn't arrived early and overheard most of it, he might have been fooled by her clear eyes.
She's really good at putting on a brave face.
Jepack thought quietly.
"We're crewmates—we've got each other's backs. You can trust us with everything, even the parts you hide deep inside. Let it all out around us without worry."
Nami glanced at Jepack—she seemed to catch his double meaning. But after years of scraping by to save money, she couldn't change overnight.
After a moment of thought, she sat up, hugged him, and whispered in his ear:
"I get it, Jepack. I'll adjust slowly… just give me a little time, okay?"
Jepack hugged her back and whispered softly:
"No rush. We've got all the time in the world together! Take it slow."
Under the moonlight, they held each other tightly—no extra movements needed.
As the quiet atmosphere grew more intimate, they locked eyes deeply.
Nami's cheeks flushed from pale to rosy. Jepack saw it and smiled, patting her gently: "It's getting late—we should head back to rest!"
The tender mood returned to normal with his casual action.
Nami smiled too: "Guina was right—you're such a big pervert!"
"Let me stay with Bellemere a bit longer!"
She said, clinging to Jepack, unwilling to let go. The two fell silent in their embrace!
As dawn approached, Jepack stood, scooping up the nearly asleep Nami, and carried her back toward her house!
Nami leaned against his secure chest and drifted off, murmuring in her sleep: "Thank you, Jepack… you're my hero~!!!"
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