Wanna read ahead? Join my Patreon for just $7 to get early access to all upcoming chapters!
› Patreon.com/NegativeTranslations
──────────────────────────
Chapter 293: Red Hair: Makino Must Be Missing Me! Luffy: Sis, Are You Going to Be Blake's Wife?
On the streets of Foosha Village, the sea breeze was slightly cool. A chaotic battle of Emperor-level proportions had just subsided, leaving a faint, lingering smell of burnt ozone in the air. But this did not dampen the "returning to the wife's family" vibe radiating from the Red Hair Pirates in the slightest.
Shanks walked at the very front. This Pirate Emperor, whose name shook the New World, currently looked a little flustered and clumsy. As he walked, he frantically adjusted his messy red hair using the reflections in the roadside shop windows. He didn't forget to vigorously smooth out his cape, which had been wrinkled by the sea wind.
"Hey, Beckman."
Shanks turned around, pointing at his own face nervously.
"There's no dust on my face, is there?"
"When I slashed Kaido just now, no blood splattered on my teeth, right?"
"And this stubble, is it too long? Does it make me look too old and weathered?"
Behind him, Benn Beckman rolled his eyes dramatically. He blew out a smoke ring, wearing an expression that said 'I don't know this idiot.'
"Boss, you're already one of the Four Emperors."
"Can you have a little bit of dignity?"
"You look exactly like a brat going on his first blind date."
Beside him, Yasopp laughed mercilessly.
"Hahahaha! I think the Boss is just timid about returning home!"
"After all, he's going to see Miss Makino!"
"We've been drifting at sea for years."
"Who doesn't know about that little crush the Boss has in his heart?"
Lucky Roux, gnawing on a giant chicken leg, added his own jab while chewing.
"That's right, that's right!"
"Back when the Boss was in Foosha Village, he hung around the tavern every single day and refused to leave."
"Making eyes at Miss Makino constantly."
"Everyone said you two were a couple!"
Hearing his crew's teasing, Shanks' old face turned a rare shade of red. But he quickly straightened his back, flashing that signature, hearty grin.
"Shut up!"
"Makino and I... we have a pure friendship!"
"Although..."
Shanks scratched his head, a trace of imperceptible tenderness flashing in his eyes.
"Although, after not seeing her for so many years, I really do miss the wine she brews."
"I wonder how she's been."
"I wonder if she... if she missed me."
By the last few words, Shanks' voice had dropped significantly. Carrying a shyness and anticipation akin to a big boy.
In his memory... That gentle, water-like green-haired girl would always be standing behind the bar counter, smiling. No matter how much trouble he caused outside, no matter how many injuries he sustained at sea. As long as he returned to that small tavern. As long as he saw that warm smile. All his fatigue would vanish like smoke.
This was why, even after becoming an Emperor, even after ruling the New World... This weakest East Blue remained the softest forbidden ground in his heart.
"Don't worry, Boss!"
Yasopp patted Shanks on the shoulder with a mischievous grin.
"Miss Makino was so good to you back then."
"She's definitely still waiting for you!"
"This time when we go back, just seal the deal!"
"Find us a sister-in-law!"
"Oh oh oh! Sister-in-law! Sister-in-law!"
The officers of the Red Hair Pirates instantly started jeering, their whistles echoing through the street. Even the usually serious Beckman had a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
After all. This unreliable captain of theirs really ought to start a family.
Under the encouragement of these bad friends. The sliver of nervousness in Shanks' heart finally dissipated. Replacing it was a chest full of confidence and expectation.
That's right! That was the tacit understanding between him and Makino! It was a bond that belonged only to the two of them! So many years had passed. How could that feeling change?
"Alright!"
"Lads!"
"Let's go!"
"Let's give Makino a surprise!"
Shanks waved his big hand and, with a swaggering stride that recognized no kin, headed straight for that familiar signboard.
—————
Foosha Village, Makino's Tavern.
Unlike the earth-shattering Emperor-level chaos outside. Inside the tavern at this moment, it was a warm scene of quiet, peaceful years. Under the warm orange lights, the air was filled with the aroma of stewed meat and ale. No killing intent, no gunpowder smoke, only that reassuring scent of home.
Before the bar counter. Three figures sat side by side.
Luffy gripped a piece of meat on the bone with both hands, eating until his mouth was slick with oil, his cheeks puffed out like a hamster. Ace sat with his legs crossed, twirling an empty glass in his hand, looking utterly bored. And beside the two of them. A boy wearing a top hat with slightly curly blond hair was elegantly wiping sauce from the corner of his mouth. It was Sabo, who had just joined the Revolutionary Army.
"Hey, Makino-sis!"
Luffy struggled to swallow the meat in his mouth, mumbling incoherently.
"When is that guy Blake coming back?"
"I'm gonna starve flat!"
"Even though this meat is tasty too, last time he promised me that... there's a world full of gourmet food!"
Makino, who was busy behind the counter, paused her hands upon hearing this. She looked up, and on her gentle, beautiful face, a helpless yet doting smile appeared.
"Luffy, you've already eaten five plates of meat."
"The Boss went to handle some very important matters."
When she said the word "Boss." Makino's eyes unconsciously softened, and the corners of her mouth hooked into a lovely arc. It was like mentioning her own husband who was out working hard. Her tone carried an unconcealable pride, and a few hints of faint worry.
"Che..."
Ace curled his lip, playing with the cup in his hand, looking completely displeased.
"What's there to worry about with that white-haired guy."
"That guy's strength right now is practically monster-level."
"Even the Old Man gets spun around in circles by him."
Although Ace said this with his mouth. There wasn't much hostility in his eyes; instead, they revealed an awkward sort of approval. After all. Blake was the only person in this sea who could make that insufferably arrogant old man Garp eat humble pie.
"Exactly!"
Sabo smiled gently, putting down his napkin.
"Mr. Blake is unfathomable; even Mr. Dragon admires him greatly."
"Miss Makino, you don't need to worry too much."
"I think he'll be back very soon."
Makino nodded lightly, two faint blushes flying onto her cheeks. That smile. It was too sweet. Sickeningly sweet.
"Whoa—"
Although Luffy was an idiot when it came to romance, he instinctively sensed the sour stench of love. He widened his eyes, looking at Makino's face full of happiness. Suddenly, he asked a question out of nowhere:
"Makino-sis, are you going to be Blake's wife?"
Pfft!
Ace, who was drinking water, sprayed it directly out of his mouth. Beside him, Sabo's hand shook, nearly dropping his hat.
"Lu... Luffy!"
Makino's face instantly turned red to the roots of her ears, like a fully ripe tomato. She flusteredly put down the ladle, her two hands twisting the hem of her apron. Her eyes dodged, yet she didn't deny it immediately.
"You... you little kid, what nonsense are you talking about!"
"I just... just see that it's too hard for him to run the shop alone..."
"And... and he renovated the tavern so nicely..."
"That's... that's repaying kindness! Yes! Repaying kindness!"
Makino's voice grew smaller and smaller. By the end, it was practically like a mosquito buzzing.
Anyone with eyes could see it. This girl had long since given her heart away; one could even say she was deeply in love.
"Repaying kindness?"
Ace wiped the water from the corner of his mouth, looking at Makino with a teasing expression.
"Come on, Makino-sis."
"Last time, I saw it."
"Ace!!!"
Makino was so shy she wished she could find a crack in the ground to crawl into. She grabbed a rag and threw it at Ace, scolding coquettishly:
"You're not allowed to say anymore!"
"Oh my, anyway... anyway it's just..."
──────────────────────────
Support this fanfic by leaving reviews, comments, and Power Stones!
For advance chapters, visit:
› Patreon.com/NegativeTranslations