The afternoon sun cast its rays on Cocoyasi Village, which had just settled down, and the villagers' faces finally showed long-lost smiles.
The news of Arlong's defeat spread throughout the village, and the eight years of oppression, the fear that had hung over the villagers' hearts like dark clouds, finally dissipated with the wind.
In the square, colorful flags fluttered, and music filled the air.
People gathered in the square, ready to celebrate Arlong's demise.
On this day, colorful flags fluttered in the wind, and the villagers busily prepared for the feast.
The men set up long tables, the women brought out their carefully prepared dishes, and the children ran around excitedly.
The aroma of food filled the air, and laughter echoed throughout the village.
Even Genzo, who was usually so serious, was dragged into the crowd by the village youths, a rare look of relief on his face.
Nojiko stood on the edge of the crowd, quietly watching the lively scene.
Her gaze was gentle, and a faint smile hung on her lips, as if her whole being had been freed from oppression.
A young boy ran up to her, tugging at her sleeve:
"Sister Nojiko, I just went to Arlong Park! It's gone, turned into a huge pit of seawater!"
Nojiko was stunned for a moment, then chuckled softly, gently patting the boy's head:
"Is that so? That's wonderful, it never should have existed in the first place."
At the banquet, Kai, Luffy, and Zoro sat in the center, devouring the table full of meat and fruit.
Luffy took a big bite of roasted meat, his mouth full of aroma: "This is delicious! Two more plates!"
Zoro chewed on his meat while chugging down a large mug of beer.
Kai leaned back in his chair, leisurely watching the lively scene before him, a smile in his eyes.
He picked up a slice of fresh orange pie, savored it, and praised:
"This tastes good. Indeed, the sweetness of oranges can only be tasted here."
On the other side, Sanji tidied his golden hair and walked gracefully towards the young women of the village, bowing slightly and offering a bouquet of flowers:
"Beautiful ladies, these flowers are for you." His voice was deep and gentle, eliciting giggles from the girls.
Usopp ran to the stage set up in the village, holding a long wooden stick, singing and dancing, and loudly bragging to the villagers:
"I am the great hero who defeated the Arlong Pirates! It was I who led everyone to defeat the evil fish-men!"
Although everyone knew he was exaggerating, they still smiled and applauded him.
Genzo sat on the edge of the square, a glass of wine in his hand, his expression complex.
He looked at the joyful villagers, then turned back to Bellemere's grave, as if conversing with the deceased:
"Bellemere, we are finally free..."
A villager walked over and patted his shoulder:
"Genzo, today is a day to celebrate. Don't keep thinking about the past. Come, have a drink!"
Genzo nodded, raised his glass, and drank it all.
He looked at Kai and the others laughing in the distance, a hint of gratitude and respect in his eyes:
"Yes, the past is over, and the future belongs to them."
In the evening, Nami and Genzo came to Bellemere's grave.
A branch full of orange blossoms was stuck in front of the grave, and as the wind blew, the white flowers on the branch swayed gently.
Nami knelt before the grave, sharing the joy of the end of suffering with Bellemere.
"Genzo, if Bellemere were still alive, would she allow me to be a pirate?"
Genzo was silent for a moment, then whispered: "A pirate? Don't talk nonsense. How could she let her beloved daughter be a pirate?"
Nojiko slowly walked over and gently held Nami's shoulder: "She would. Even if she didn't agree at first, would you listen to her?"
Nami was stunned for a moment, then stuck out her tongue, showing a playful smile: "Absolutely not!"
Nojiko smiled, her eyes full of tenderness: "Then there you have it, right? As long as it's your dream, Bellemere would definitely support you."
Nami looked down at the flowers on the ground, tears streaming down her cheeks, but a determined smile rose on her lips.
After nightfall, the banquet became even more boisterous and lively.
The blazing bonfires, like twinkling stars in the night sky, illuminated the entire village as bright as day.
At this moment, the village had become a sea of joy, people laughing and dancing freely, the atmosphere extraordinarily festive.
Kai and Luffy each held several skewers of fragrant grilled meat, strolling through the crowd and savoring the delicious food.
On the other side, Zoro, unrestrained, cradled a huge barrel of sake, tilting his head back and taking a big gulp of beer.
His bold and unrestrained posture made people turn their heads, exuding an unparalleled spirit of heroic grandeur.
Nami went to the village doctor, who, elderly, gazed at the Arlong tattoo on Nami's body, his eyes showing a complex expression:
"Although I really want to say leave it to me, it's impossible to remove it completely!"
The doctor, wearing a white coat, wiped Nami's shoulder with alcohol:
"There will be some scars, that's how tattoos are."
Nami nodded and said crisply to the doctor: "I hope to get a new tattoo, a mark that is exclusively mine."
When the new tattoo was finished, a clear pattern of a windmill and oranges was etched onto her skin.
Her lips curved slightly, revealing a relieved smile.
The next day, the morning sun shone on the coast of Cocoyasi Village.
The Going Merry was quietly docked by the shore, its white sails swaying gently, as if welcoming the new journey about to begin.
Kai, Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, and Usopp were busy carrying supplies onto the ship.
Several boxes full of food, fresh water, and daily necessities were carefully placed in the cabin.
Sanji carried a lush orange tree and carefully moved it onto the deck to plant it.
The scent of oranges immediately filled the air, adding a touch of vitality to the Going Merry.
"Yo, this tree is pretty interesting!" Luffy circled the orange tree several times, excitedly reaching out to pick an orange and immediately popping it into his mouth. "So sweet!"
"Don't eat it, it's for Miss Nami." Sanji kicked Luffy, but a gentle smile hung on his face.
He clapped his hands and stood by the orange tree, nodding with satisfaction.
"Finally done. This is Miss Nami's favorite thing."
After the supplies were loaded, everyone sat on the deck, looking towards the village.
The sea breeze ruffled their clothes, and the air was filled with the tranquility and anticipation before departure.
"Why isn't Nami here yet?" Luffy pushed his straw hat back, sat cross-legged on the ground, and grumbled impatiently.
"Is she not coming?" Zoro leaned against the mast, eyes closed, his tone as calm as ever.
"Huh? How could that be? Did you say something stupid to Nami?" Sanji angrily questioned Zoro.
"Why would I do that!" Zoro was a bit speechless, too lazy to bother with Sanji.
"Her goal has been achieved, so there's probably no point in being a pirate anymore!" Usopp also muttered softly:
"She'd probably be happier staying here!"
Kai sat at the bow of the ship, arms crossed, his gaze directed towards the distant village.
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