Along the way, the large Sea King Species still sensed that terrifying aura and immediately fled in terror to both sides, much like waves parted by a motorboat.
Without obstacles and on a straight course, within at most ten days, Shano and Belle-Mere would enter the New World.
Meanwhile.
Within these ten days, on the part of the Grand Line parallel to the Windless Zone, in the expanse known as "Paradise," some events were silently unfolding.
...
In front of the ancient castle gates on Klaykan Island.
Tashigi looked towards the distance. It seemed like good weather for a voyage. She took a deep breath and instinctively tightened her grip on the two swords at her waist.
One was called "Shigure";
Just an ordinary sharp blade.
Yet it had accompanied her through countless days and nights, soaked in tears and sweat over the years. Even if it could no longer keep up with her skills today, she still couldn't bear to replace it.
The other was a wooden sword named "Lake Toya."
This sword was even more treasured; she cleaned it daily, cherished it on the wall, and couldn't bear to unsheathe it even during training.
It was a gift she received at East Sea Log Town, a token from that black-haired boy she had admired since childhood.
In her heart, its weight was heavier than any famous sword, even more than her life.
She turned around and looked complexly at Hawkeye, who was calmly seated on the throne in the hall.
He was leisurely wiping Black Blade Yoru, not even raising his head.
"Mr. Kekomi."
Tashigi finally made up her mind, knelt on one knee, and spoke solemnly to the man above:
"I am grateful for your guidance this past year. The agreed time has come, and it's about time for me to set off."
Oh?
Has it already been a year?
Hawkeye's motion of wiping the blade paused slightly.
Outside the window, mist enveloped everything, and faintly, the sound of baboons wailing in the distance could be heard.
"The King of Baboons..." he said calmly, not lifting his head, "seems to have been badly beaten by you these past days."
"Yes."
Tashigi nodded, a proud smile appearing on her face.
A month ago, she had fought bitterly all day before finally defeating the King of Baboons for the first time.
And just yesterday.
It took her only three strikes to defeat the King of Baboons.
Thinking back to when she first arrived outside this castle, struggling helplessly against ordinary baboons...
Everything felt like a dream.
"Go."
The Black Blade was sheathed, emitting a clear ringing sound, and Hawkeye finally lifted his hawk-like eyes, "In that case, with your current abilities, you're just about qualified to stand behind him."
"I will never forget your guidance for the rest of my life."
Tashigi bowed deeply, her forehead touching the ground, her voice carrying a hint of a sob:
"If I have the opportunity in the future, I will surely repay you."
No response.
She only heard the sound of Hawkeye getting up, walking slowly towards the dining hall as if to enjoy breakfast, not even willing to say a proper goodbye.
"..."
Though she had gotten used to his indifferent attitude, Tashigi couldn't help but feel a little lost as she faced the impending separation.
However...
When she finally straightened up, she was dumbfounded to discover that at some point, a cup of steaming hot tea had appeared in front of her.
"Drink it before you go."
Hawkeye, expression indifferent, returned to his seat, crossing his arms and closing his eyes to rest.
"The wind is strong on the Grand Line. You could catch a cold if you're not careful."
Tashigi widened her eyes, looking at Hawkeye, then down at the cup of tea.
This...
Did these words really come from Mr. Kekomi's mouth?
She carefully picked up the teacup with both hands, and as her nose approached it, for some reason, the steaming mist quietly blurred her vision...
——————
Drum Island.
On this land now renamed "Sakura Kingdom" and gradually restoring its former reputation as a Medical Power.
Snow was still falling heavily.
But today's snow was a bit different.
With the things left by the quack doctor from the past, countless "cherry blossoms" danced in the cold wind, the pink-white petals mixing with the pure white snow...
A breathtaking sight.
Chopper stood in the snow, his small backpack bulging, stuffed with herbs, notes from Kureha, and a few bags of his favorite cotton candy.
He lowered his head, anxiously pawing at the snow, his eyes red.
"Hey, stupid Chopper."
Kureha, with a cigarette in her mouth, leaned happily against the doorframe, watching him, "What are you dawdling for? That blond brat has been waiting for you a long time, go on!"
Chopper turned his head, glanced at Sanji, who was silently gazing at the sky under the tree, smoking a cigarette with a melancholic expression.
It's me leaving, why is that guy acting cool!
He turned back, teary-eyed: "Nurse Duolier... I..."
"Why are you crying!"
Kureha slapped him on the head, "Be a man, set sail as you must. Don't act like it's a life and death parting!"
Chopper sniffed, trying hard to hold back his tears: "But, if I leave, you'll be all alone..."
"Huh?"
Kureha chuckled, "Who do you think I am? In the long span of over a hundred years, how much do you little brat account for? Even if you're not here, I can live just fine!"
She paused, her eyes softening, and reached out to ruffle Chopper's furry head: "But you, following that pirate, better not embarrass me."
"What pirate, I'm the captain of the Chef Adventurer Group, and my dream is to find the ALL BLUE, not the ONE PIECE, you old hag!" Sanji shouted discontentedly.
"Can just one person be called a captain, you rude brat!" Kureha snapped, kicking him with a flying kick.