"Who said we were taking you back to become a Marine?"
Hina couldn't help laughing. "You little brat, you're still so young. Even if you wanted to join, no Marine branch would take you yet."
"Don't lie to me! I said I'm not going back, and I'm not going back!"
"Really not going back?"
Nao looked at Luffy with a faintly amused smile.
"Not going back!"
"All right then."
Nao nodded, waved his hand casually, and said, "Fine, let's go."
"Goodbye, Luffy."
"See you next time~"
Hina and the others followed along without hesitation, smiling and waving goodbye as they turned to leave.
"Eh… huh?"
They were really leaving?
Luffy stood there dumbfounded as the group of Marines turned and walked off without another word.
He watched their figures get farther and farther away. Then his gaze dropped to the chicken bone in his hand. After hesitating for a while, he finally made up his mind and raised it to his mouth—only to suddenly smell that same delicious aroma of fried chicken again…
Looking up, he saw it: in the spot where that handsome Marine uncle had just walked, there was now another freshly fried, steaming piece of chicken on the ground.
None of the Marines seemed to notice it, and no one picked it up.
Luffy's eyes went wide with delight. At that moment, nothing else in the world existed besides that chicken. He crept forward quietly, glanced left and right to make sure no one was watching, and then snatched it up and stuffed it straight into his mouth.
Once again—just like a magic trick—the bone came out clean in an instant.
"Whoa! This one's even tastier!"
As the last bit slid down his throat, Luffy's eyes sparkled.
This one was from the breast—crispy outside, tender inside, juicy and flavorful, and way meatier than a drumstick. The satisfaction was unmatched.
—Amazing!
He licked all ten fingers clean, but still looked unsatisfied. "Ugh, it's too good… not even neighbor lady's beef stew comes close!"
Too bad there were only two pieces…
He rubbed his stomach with a sigh. "Still not full at all… and after eating something this good, how am I supposed to go back and steal those dumb monkeys' bananas later?"
Just as he was about to turn and leave—
Plop! Another piece of fried chicken appeared on the ground several tens of meters away…
..
Half an hour later.
Inside Windmill Village's only tavern, laughter was echoing from wall to wall.
"Bwahahaha! He's just now realizing it!"
"His eyes were glued to the food the whole time! Walking, eating, walking, eating—he didn't even notice he'd walked all the way back into the village! Hahaha!"
"Someone count how many he ate! Must've been seventy or eighty pieces, right?"
"Eighty? More like a hundred!"
…
"You're all mean! Liars, every one of you!"
Now standing on a chair at the bar, red-faced with anger, Luffy shouted, "You said we'd meet again next time, but you tricked me into coming back here! I'll never believe you again!"
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!"
The madder he got, the louder the Marines laughed, pounding the tables in amusement.
"Well then, are you still hungry?" Nao asked with a grin. "I bet you're not full yet, are you?"
"I'm not eating! You liar! Even if I starve to death today, I, Monkey D. Luffy, will never eat another bite of your—"
Before he could finish, Nao suddenly held up another piece of fried chicken and waved it in front of him.
The aroma filled the air.
"..."
Luffy's face twisted in silent agony. After a few seconds, he gave in completely, launching himself at Nao and snatching the drumstick from his hand.
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!"
The tavern erupted again in roaring laughter, tables shaking as the Marines clutched their sides.
Kids really were powerless against fried food.
Even Nao couldn't help laughing, reaching out to ruffle Luffy's messy black hair before turning toward the bar counter.
"Miss Makino."
He smiled warmly and said,
"Please bring drinks for all my people — it's been a long time since we've gathered, so we're not leaving until we're drunk! Also… I'll cover the tab for everyone else in the tavern too."
As he spoke, he took out 100,000 Berries from his sleeve.
"Huh? Drinking? But we still have to travel tonight. Is it really okay to get drunk now…?"
"Idiot! This is Mr. White Dragon treating us! You really want to miss that?"
"You're right… then let's drink our fill! Long live Mr. White Dragon!!"
The cheers of the Marines filled the entire tavern.
The other patrons at the surrounding tables also laughed and raised their glasses toward Nao in gratitude for the generous Marine officer who was buying everyone's drinks.
"There's no need for that much, Mr. Nao."
Behind the bar, a young woman with soft, light-green hair smiled gently as she polished a glass. She pushed half the money back toward him.
"Since you're treating everyone, I'll just charge you at cost."
"Oh? You know who I am?"
Nao raised an eyebrow in mild surprise.
"Don't underestimate me. I keep up with the news, you know."
Miss Makino winked playfully and smiled.
"After seeing your photo in the paper once, there's no way anyone could forget that face of yours."
"Hm?"
…Standing to the side, Hina narrowed her eyes slightly.
"You flatter me — you're going to make me embarrassed," Nao said with an easy laugh, not noticing Hina's expression. He took back the money she'd returned without fuss.
Meanwhile, Luffy had just finished gnawing on his chicken leg. Hearing their conversation, he licked his fingers clean and looked up at Makino curiously.
"Newspaper? Makino, this uncle was in the newspaper? Is he really that amazing?"
During all the years Luffy had grown up in Windmill Village, he'd been raised on the kindness of everyone there — carefree, happy, and well-fed.
The name "Garp" was the best pass anyone could ask for, and Luffy himself was such a cute, likable kid that even a quick trip to the market would earn him pinches on the cheeks from a dozen aunties.
Among everyone, Makino took the greatest care of him — always bringing him food and vegetables, buying him clothes, even washing them for him. In Luffy's heart, she was the most trustworthy person in the world — no different from an older sister.
"Of course," Makino said with a soft laugh while pouring drinks.
"Mr. Nao is one of the greatest Marines in the world."
Then she added with a teasing smile,
"In fact, in my opinion, you could even remove the words 'one of'. So, Luffy — didn't your grandpa ever mention him to you?"
"I think he might've… or maybe not…" Luffy said, scratching his head.
Luffy scratched his head, trying hard to remember, but his thoughts were a blur — no matter how he tried, he couldn't piece together a clear image.
There was no helping it.
Every time his grandpa came home, he would go on long speeches to motivate Luffy to train — listing countless examples of excellent Marines. But Luffy always got drowsy halfway through… no, more than once he had literally fallen asleep standing up, bubbles coming out of his nose. In short, everything went in one ear and out the other; he never remembered a thing.
"Don't think so hard — it's not important."
Nao patted him on the head. "All you need to know is that your grandpa and I are very close — practically family. This time I came because he asked me to check in on you, and also to apologize. He said he shouldn't have hit you last time."
"I'm used to it!"
Luffy pouted, unconcerned. "He's been beating me up since I was a kid. And last time was my fault anyway — I shouldn't have told him I wanted to be a pirate…"
"So sensible?"
Nao's eyes showed surprise. That answer was completely unexpected. Sure enough, this Luffy — before meeting Shanks — thought in a totally different way.
Just then, Makino handed him a glass of wine. Nao thanked her, took a sip, and asked with a smile, "Do you hate pirates?"
"I don't know. I wouldn't say I hate them, but I definitely don't like them."
Luffy thought for a moment and said casually, "Everyone in the village hates them. Aunt Mary next door, Grandpa the village chief, Makino… they all say pirates are bad people. So I figure they can't be any good. Anyway, I'll never be one!"
"So the last time you told your grandpa that, you were just saying it out of anger?"
Hina couldn't help but laugh as she joined the conversation. "It's a good thing not to be a pirate. Since that's the case, you should train properly with your grandpa — and when you grow up, become an excellent Marine like him!"
"No way!"
Luffy shook his head wildly like a rattle drum. "I don't wanna be a Marine! Marines are boring — all they do is train and train! Grandpa says even if you wanna go pee, you have to raise your hand and report it… that kind of life isn't free at all, and I don't want it!"
As he spoke, he suddenly realized something. Luffy jumped back a few steps, staring warily at Nao.
"Wait! No, no! You're trying to trick me again, old man! Grandpa sent you here to convince me to become a Marine, didn't he?!"
"I told you, it's just a favor, Luffy!"
Makino reached out and flicked him on the forehead, scolding playfully. "Be polite! Mr. Nao is on the same level as your grandpa — not his subordinate. Vice Admiral Garp can't order him around."
"Eh?"
Same level as Grandpa?
Luffy froze, looking Nao up and down again.
No way… this uncle looks so young. He's already as strong as Grandpa?
"You're focusing on the wrong thing, Miss Makino."
Nao gave her a helpless look, then turned back, sipping his drink as he said calmly, "Your grandpa did want me to persuade you to join the Marines, but now that I've seen you, I don't think that's necessary anymore."
"Why not?"
Luffy tilted his head, full of confusion.
"Because, as I see it, your path in life should be your own choice — not something forced on you by your elders. Since you long for freedom, then go chase that freedom. As long as you don't become a pirate, you could sail the seas, explore the world, become an adventurer — travel everywhere. That sounds pretty great to me. And besides…"
Travel the world? Go on adventures?
That sounded amazing! Free and unrestrained — exactly the kind of life Luffy dreamed of.
His eyes lit up. Nao's words hit him right in the heart. His guard melted away, and his fondness for the handsome Marine in front of him shot up like a rocket.
But then, in the very next moment—
That rising feeling abruptly stopped.
"And besides," Nao continued evenly, "you really aren't suited to be a Marine. Or rather, in my opinion, you're missing something essential. You don't have what it takes to be one."
The lively, cheerful atmosphere in the tavern suddenly quieted down.
Hina, Smoker, and the others exchanged puzzled looks. None of them understood why Nao would suddenly say something like that.
Was he trying to provoke him?
But… it didn't quite sound like that.
"Not good enough?"
Whether it was a challenge or not, Luffy took the bait immediately. He slammed his hands on the table and jumped to his feet, angry.
"Hey, old man! What do you mean by that?! I don't even want to be a Marine!"
"'Don't even want to be,' huh…"
Nao shrugged. "Do you really think the Marines would want someone like you to join?"
"You say Marines aren't free, that all they do is train and follow orders, that it's suffocating…"
He looked straight into Luffy's eyes, smiling faintly. "That's true — and you're not the only one who feels that way. Humans are naturally drawn to comfort, to freedom and pleasure. But have you ever wondered — if that's true, why are there still so many people who choose to become Marines? Why willingly endure that kind of harsh life? Wouldn't it be better to explore the world, or stay home with family and children? Are they all masochists, or are their brains just not as clever as yours?"
Yeah… why?
Luffy scratched his head, looking puzzled.
Before he could answer, Nao casually pointed toward a young Marine sitting at a nearby table.
"What's your name?"
"Re–Report, Sir White Dragon!"
The young Marine jumped to his feet nervously at being called on so suddenly, but quickly straightened up and saluted.
"My name is Angel Blanc, sir!"
"How old are you, and where are you from?"
"Nineteen years old, sir! From the West Blue — the Kingdom of Babrul!"
"Nineteen, good. I was the same age when I first joined Headquarters . Why did you join the Marines?"
"To uphold justice and order, Sir White Dragon!"
"That's too broad, too hollow. I'll ask again — why did you really join the Marines?"
"Report, Sir White Dragon! When I was fifteen, pirates slaughtered everyone in my hometown! My father, mother, and little sister… all dead. Only I survived because I hid in the river! So I swore to become strong — to wipe out pirates and avenge my home!"
"Good. Sit down, keep drinking. Next one — you, what's your name?"
"Report, Sir White Dragon! My name is Yajia Anna…"
…
Nao randomly called on a few young Marines from that table.
Their answers varied widely — they came from all over the world: the Grand Line, the North Blue, the South, East, and West.
As for why they joined the Marines, some sought vengeance against pirates who had killed their families; others, from peaceful homes, had witnessed innocent civilians being robbed and slaughtered, and wanted to become heroes who could protect them.
But there was one thing they all shared.
They had all joined the Marines with passion burning in their hearts.
They all hated this chaotic age of great pirates.
And each of them carried a personal sense of justice they were determined to uphold.
"Do you see it now?"
Nao finally turned to Luffy and said softly,
"The one thing you're missing — the most important thing — is a sense of responsibility."
"You've lived too comfortably, Luffy."
His eyes were calm and deep, his voice gentle and steady.
"Your life here in Windmill Village has been happy and easy, and honestly, I'm glad for that. Every child deserves a carefree childhood."
Luffy raised a hand in protest. "It's not carefree at all! Grandpa's training—"
"—Is harsh," Nao interrupted quietly. "It's painful, something you hate and want to escape from. You probably wish your grandpa would just stay at Headquarters forever, never come back to Windmill Village… right?"
Luffy froze, caught off guard.
"But have you ever thought about this?" Nao continued softly.
"In this chaotic world, countless people are suffering in ways you can't even imagine. And yet you get to laugh and play here, enjoying your childhood — never worrying about food or safety. Everyone in this village treats you like their own family and takes care of you."